West Cook News

Village of River Forest Sustainability Commission met Nov. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A regular meeting of the Village of River Forest Sustainability Commission was held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue - River Forest, IL.

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Upon roll call, the following persons were:

Present: Chairperson Simon, Commissioners Hayley, Lennon, Mezzatesta, Charrette (arriving at 7:03), Drury (arriving at 7:15) and Student Commissioner Stierwalt.

Absent: Commissioner Veazie

Also Present: Management Analyst Seth Jansen

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

3. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner Mezzatesta made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lennon to approve the meeting minutes as amended from October 10, 2023.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Chairperson Simon, Commissioners Hayley, Lenon, Mezzatesta

Absent: Commissioner Veazie, Charrette, Drury

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

4. COMMISSIONER UPDATES

Chairperson Simon welcomed new Commissioners and provided an overview of how the meetings typically go. Commissioner Mezzatesta said she had looked into courses offered at Triton College for HVAC training. All 6 courses they offer are online, self-paced industry certification courses and noted that air source and geothermal heat pumps are included in the curriculum of two of the courses. Chairperson Simon and Commissioner Mezzatesta discussed the need for local contractors who are familiar with working with heat pumps. Commissioner Mezzatesta provided information to the Commission on the benefits of switching to induction stoves.

Chairperson Simon recognized former Commissioner Beth Cheng, who provided brief remarks thanking the Commissioners she had worked with over the years.

Commissioner Charrette provided an update from the most recent Planlt Green Meeting: Trinity High School looking for bids for rooftop solar and noted that Oak Park is looking into whole community compost and potentially reviewing the cost of leaf pick up as a potential savings to adopt universal composting. Mr. Jansen provided a brief overview of the leaf collection and composting process for the Village. Commissioner Charrette stated that she attended the recent Park District meeting regarding potential construction of new pickleball courts and that it appears unlikely at this time; Mr. Jansen stated that any construction would need to go through the Village's plan development process.

5. WORKING GROUP REPORTS

Commissioner Charrette provided an overview of the working group structure for Commissioner Hayley and how it allows the smaller groups to take deeper dives into their respective topics of electrification, renewable energy, and waste. Chairperson Simon described the history of the Commissions goals and mission. Commissioner Lennon indicated that the renewable energy working group does not have a lot to report but will be meeting with Mr. Jansen soon. The Commission discussed the Village's green energy contracts for the electricity for the pumping station and streetlights. Commissioner Charette discussed lower price point options for electrification for residents who aren't ready or can't afford an induction stove, including use of slower cookers and InstaPots. Commissioner Mezzatesta commented on the importance of providing residents with simple steps they can take when they feel overwhelmed with information and the need to make a full electric conversion. Commission Drury suggested incorporating sustainability tips from residents to be shared through the Village newsletters and social media. The Commission further discussed ways to share residents' sustainability tips and stories. The Commission inquired as to whether the heads of the various local taxing bodies ever met, as that may be the best way to help coordinate and introduce the Commission's sustainability goals to different local stakeholders.

6. ELECTRIC VEHICLE READINESS COHORT UPDATE

Mr. Jansen provided background on the EV Readiness Cohort that the Village a part of through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. Mr. Jansen discussed the memo he put together on the topic of zoning changes to encourage the installation of EV Charging Stations. Chairperson Simon discussed the process for the Commission reviewing potential zoning changes and what the next steps would be for the Village and the Commission. Mr. Jansen stated that next month's memo would cover the topics of permitting and new construction, which have been covered at more recent meetings. The Commission discussed the permitting process for EV Charging Stations for residential properties.

7. COMMUNICATIONS

Mr. Jansen outlined the Village weekly and monthly newsletters and their dedicated sustainability sections for the new Commissioners. He noted the work the Commission had done to have posts that could be used and reused for annual events before highlighting recent and upcoming newsletter topics and soliciting input for upcoming newsletters. Commissioner Charrette noted one change for a planned newsletter article. The Commission discussed the planned newsletter articles. Commissioner Mezzatesta discussed linking to outside resources in newsletter articles and social media posts.

8. OTHER BUSINESS

Commissioner Charrette inquired about the average stay at the Village's Charging Station exceeding the average charge time. Mr. Jansen stated that he had spoken with ChargePoint and it is very easy to establish an overstay fee for the charging station, but that he wants to see if an ordinance is needed to establish such a fee as a non-home rule community. The Commission discussed the fees that are charged by other communities for their EV Charging Stations.

Mr. Jansen indicated that a representative from LRS would be attending the Commission meeting in January, and Chairperson Simon discussed having preparation for that be part of the December meeting in order to provide those topics and questions in advance. The Commission discussed the Village's option for unlimited garbage collection and inquired as to how many households subscribe to that plan.

Mr. Jansen presented information he received while attending a recent meeting on behalf of the Village, including the number of residents who have had energy assessments performed and a new Nicor program that includes methane capture.

Commissioner Mezzatesta inquired about the Village's authority to implement a plastic bag tax; Mr. Jansen explained the difference in taxing authority granted to home rule and non- home rule communities in Illinois.

9. SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING - DECEMBER 12, 2023

The Commission reached a consensus to hold its next meeting Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

10. ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Lennon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Mezzatesta to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 PM.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Chairperson Simon, Commissioners Charrette, Drury, Hayley, Lennon, and Mezzatesta

Absent: Commissioner Veazie

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/2023-11-14_SC_Minutes.pdf