Chambana Sun

City of Woodstock Environmental Commission met May 18

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

I. Call to Order & Roll Call

A roll call was taken.

Commission Members Present: Ed Ellinghausen, Steve Wenzel, and Chair Erica Poremba.

Commission Members Absent: Laurie Kacmar and Jaci Krandel.

Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Tom Migatz and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie

Others Present: none.

II. Acceptance of Minutes: Correction to Minutes, comment by S. Wenzel pertaining to chipping the branches from the trees in Ryders Woods, not just removing branches from the site. Motion by S. Wenzel, second by E. Ellinghausen, to approve Minutes from the May 4, 2017 Commission Meeting, with the correction as stated above. Ayes: E. Ellinghausen, S. Wenzel, and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: none. Absentees: L. Kacmar and J. Krandel. Abstentions: none. Minutes were accepted.

III. Public Comment: none.

IV. Discussion Items

A. Staff Liaison Updates: T. Migatz spoke with Director J. Napolitano from the City’s Building & Zoning Department. Director Napolitano is not aware of any Woodstock property that could be used for a community garden.

T. Migatz also spoke to Library Director Nick Weber regarding the possibility of having a kiosk at the library. E. Poremba will contact Director Weber to follow-up.

City staff asked if the Environmental Commission would be interested in putting together some educational materials with regard to the use of cigarette receptacles on the Square. E. Poremba agreed that this Commission could help with that.

Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson plans to attend this Commission’s next meeting to discuss, and get input for, the development of a Downtown Plan.

B. Citizens Climate Lobby: Two separate letters that can be signed and presented to the City Council. This Commission’s consensus would be to sign both letters. E. Ellinghausen said he is familiar with the concept and is in agreement with both. S. Wenzel agreed that he’s in favor of both letters and would like the information presented / recommended to City Council for their consideration. This Commission agreed that they’d like City Council to review and endorse the projects.

Further discussion regarding possible sites for community gardens continued. Chair Poremba asked T. Migatz if there are any sites that could be used for community gardens. Rain Tree Park was mentioned; however, this area is used as a retention pond, so garden flooding could occur. E. Ellinghausen discussed his research on the community gardens in Crystal Lake. He noted that the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County have a site on S. Dean Street; however, he’s unsure if this area would be ideal due to its uneven land. S. Wenzel asked about the Donato Conservation Area, or the Westwood Conservation Area. Parking would be an issue at these sites. E. Poremba asked about the McHenry County Fairgrounds and the Bull Valley Dog Park. Oak trees were recently planted at the dog park. Several other areas were mentioned; however, the soil composition would have to be determined before any other decisions could be made. T. Migatz suggested the area near the McConnell Road Water Tower. He’s unsure of the footprint, but this could be a possibility. Further discussion ensued, in which several properties were mentioned.

T. Migatz will discuss some of these sites with the Department of Public Works’ Parks Division and get some information to share with Commissioners. E. Ellinghausen said raised beds are very nice; however, they’re difficult to maintain, i.e. rototilling, proper drainage.

It was mentioned that there is a recycling event at McHenry County Government Center this Saturday, May 20th.

C. Discussion of Environmental Plan priorities – this item will be on a future Agenda.

V. Adjournment:

Motion by S. Wenzel, second by E. Ellinghausen, to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission. Ayes: E. Ellinghausen, S. Wenzel, and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: none. Absentees: L. Kacmar and J. Krandel. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:09 PM until the next Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 5:30 pm. The Commission also agreed to a meeting at 5:30 pm on June 15, 2017, which would include Woodstock resident Donovan Day to discuss community gardens.

http://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/environmental_commission/meeting/11931/env_minutes_5-18-17.pdf