West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Conservation Commission met Sept. 24

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I./II. Call to Order at 6:30 P.M. and Roll Call.

Conservation Commissioners Present: Bridget Jakubiak (Chair), Wyatt Widmer Mary Cote, Jennifer Nelson, and Megha Patel

Conservation Commissioner(s) Absent: Kevin Leodinh, Logan St. John

Conservation Trustee / Staff Liaison: Katie Kaluzny

Staff Liaison: Absent

Guest: Marie Duffek, Rebecca Fiola

III. Approval of Minutes: Approved August 2024 meeting minutes

IV. Reports

1. Staff: None

2. Trustee

Liaison:

Meet-The-Creek went well, many children were excited about learning dip netting. The Village has purchased the Theatre Building on Grand Ave. many ideas to come, The Board is interested in RFP feedback, a few Conservation Commissioners might be needed for sustainability. This weekend has many events throughout Brookfield, such as Duck Race, Art Festival, Rain Barrel auction, Music on Grand and Hitzeman 120 Year Celebration

V. Old Business (Megha) The Osland grant for South Kiwanis has recently been submitted with the assistance of the National Park Services (NPS). More updates to come

VI. New Business

1. Kiwanis Signage (Bridget): The ordering of the Signage project is on a temporary pause with the vendor. A possible partnership with Association of Nature Therapy at North Kiwanis is being researched with Iris to learn more about the process as there is a possible $2,000 investment

2. Budgeting for 2025 is to be finalized by the next meeting. Due to large events being under budget, funding can be shifted to other areas for better impact. The Meet-TheCreek follow-ups will be emailed to highlight roles and impact for improvements for the event in 2026.

3. Sustainability (Megha): Mobility work plans are in the planning stages with Cycle Brookfield to increase the number of bike racks around the Village. Working with the Village Planner with respect to style guide requirements. IDOT has grants available for additional funding. More information to come in future meetings.

Workdays & Events (Wyatt): E-waste Recycling Event date to be modified as there are a few similar events going on in the Village. Land and water top priorities working with consultants regarding hydrological V3 at North Kiwanis to relieve standing water.

4. Volunteer Engagement and Coordination (Jen & Kevin) Onboarding PPT presentation provided to take action within residents home and highlighting of Conservation Commission events. Need help with projects and volunteers with a welcoming committee and breaking down tasks into smaller bites.

VI. Public Comment Food Scrap collection program available to incorporate throughout the Village. Pales are available for $12/ea. with a quantity of two hundred, Jen.

Concerns if plant and flower plaques can be provided throughout the Village by any of the commissions to better understand the varieties available around town, Marie. On behalf of the Salt Creek Water Reclamation November 4th event regarding electric backpacks(Rebecca)

VIII. Adjournment @ 7:24 PM

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/168516/