North Cook News

Village of Arlington Heights Environmental Commission met Nov. 19 

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order

Chair Jordan called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

II. Roll Call

Present Not Present

Chair Jordan Commissioner Sawyer

Commissioner Eisenhardt Youth Commissioner Gil-Lara

Commissioner Skrudland Also Present

Commissioner Flores Jeff Bohner, Staff Liaison

Commissioner Jaeschke

Commissioner Porwit

II. Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Flores moved to approve the minutes of the September 10, 2024, Environmental Commission meeting as amended. Commissioner Skrudland seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously.

III. Reports

Old Business

A. Landfill Diversion & Educational Materials

Commissioner Flores had shared a list of categories and ideas for public engagement on recycling which the other members viewed. Commissioner Skrudland also had sent ideas on options for reaching residents for recycling education. There was a discussion on social media and video options for educating the public and partnering with Groot or the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County.

Commissioner Porwit asked if Groot tracked recycling totals, so the Village would know if any educational program was working. The Liaison responded yes.

B. Recap of Boards & Commissions Meeting

Chair Jordan reminded the Commission that she had attended a meeting between the Village Manager and Boards and Commissions. Much of the meeting was with legal staff and centered on the Open Meetings Act. It was confirmed that collaborative work between Commissioners is prohibited as is any discussion of business by more than 2 Commissioners. All such work must be conducted in public meetings.

Commissions are not to work on projects that haven’t been approved by the Village Board. Commissions that have a topic they want to work on must ask the Village Manager to poll the Village Board to see if there is interest in the topic. Educational materials can be developed and researched, but work shouldn’t be conducted in areas the Board will not support.

The Mayor has indicated that the Code requirement for 5 Commission members attend to have a quorum is going to be changed to 4 members needed, in line with the requirements for other Commissions.

The Village Manager also stated that Commissions should have a list of goals every year that can be forwarded to the Board. Commissioner Porwit said at his meeting with the Village Board, they encouraged topics of interest being forwarded to them.

Commissioner Jaeschke asked if there had been updates on the Sustainability Plan?

The Chair shared an updated version of the Village Business Plan, that showed a timetable for staff to have the Sustainability Plan completed. The Business Plan was to be updated and shared with Commissions.

C. Commission Goals

The Commission agreed to discuss these items again at their next meeting.

VI. New Business

Commissioner Porwit introduced himself to the Commission and spoke about his background. The other Commissioners spoke briefly and welcomed him.

VII. Other Business

The Commissioners agreed to meet again on December 12. Chair Jordan asked all Commissioners to bring a list of goals for 2025 and a topic or two for the Village Board to consider.

The Liaison detailed a new household hazardous waste collection program that is starting for residents.

VIII. Adjournment

With no further business to discuss a motion was made by Commissioner Skrudland to adjourn. Commissioner Eisenhardt seconded the Motion. The Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

https://arlingtonheightsil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/5068/files/attachment/826