Lake County Gazette

The village of Antioch Environmental Commission met June 27 to discuss the community garden.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the village:

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Village of Antioch – Environmental Commission

Meeting Minutes

June 27, 2016

1. Call to Order: The Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairman Melonnie Hartl at 6:35 pm in the

Board Room at Antioch Village Hall: 874 Main Street, Antioch, IL.

Present: Chairman Melonnie Hartl, Scott Frillman, Mike Babicz , Amanda LeBrun, Alternate Melissa Marra, Trustee Ed Macek and Guest Speaker Merleanne Rampale Absent: Peter Grant

2. A motion was made to accept the meeting minutes from the April 25, 2016 meeting by Mike, 2nd by Scott

Voice vote – all AYE.

3. Project Reports

a. Community Garden – Mel reported that there are many more plots available than in previous years.

Could be because of the condition the garden was in. Boy scouts came and volunteered to help clean things up. They received a double plot in return for continuing to help out. Weed control is a big issue. May need to spray vinegar in order to keep garden organic. Some gardeners offered to take another plot and donate food to Open Arms. For next year may consider discount for buying a 2nd plot. Mel also mentioned awards for best kept plot. Mel requested more wood chips from Public Works but none available. Amanda mentioned that the Township may have some available. Grass clippings or garden fabric may be other options for weed control. Mel would still like to have a pergola or bricks at the entrance as well. Mel will be sending reminders to keep watering and upkeep individual plots. Prairie Crossing and Chicago Botanic Garden have donated free plants. Peter donated garden tiller to use to turn over plots.

b. Earth Day EcoFair – Discussed a tentative date of Saturday, April 22, 2017. March or November might be other possibilities. November 15th is America Recycles Day. Could also tie in to composting with Community Garden.

c. Village Nursery – Ed mentioned that village is offering a 50/50 share plan to replace trees. May not be

able to plant enough trees to keep up with demand. Many trees lost due to emerald ash borer. Idea seems to have come to a standstill for the time being. Will try to revisit it later.

4. Old Business –

Merleanne came to talk about SWALCO programs that the village might be interested in. She has worked with several other towns.

Reuse-A-Shoe program – 40 year round sites in the county. Shoe program has been around for 10 years or so. Scouts can get badges for participating. All types of shoes are accepted now, started out with just athletic shoes sent to Nike. Ice skates and roller blades not accepted. Shoes must be paired with rubber bands or shoe laces tied together. Nike no longer accepts shoes to grind up. Merleanne now works with a

Clothing and Textile company (vendor is called Wipeco). Shoes are sent around the world where there is a need (as low cost shoes). Revenue is shared with village that has program. In Lindenhurst money goes to the Environmental Commission. They have used some of this for rebates for purchasing rain barrels/compost bins or for scholarships. Can also be used to cover costs of events. Ideal to keep a count of how many shoes have been collected. Can decide who will help with pairing up shoes. SWALCO can provide collection bins but some towns get their own that are sturdier. Collection bins should be indoors in a lobby area. Can ask waste hauler (Groot) to provide a container as well. Signs will be provided. SWALCO provides larger bins (gaylords) to dump shoes into at public works. Some villages have made up to a $1000 through this program. Is a good way for residents to feel involved and promote advertisement for Environmental Commission and Village overall. May be able to combine with Electronics Recycling program??

Textiles/Clothing program – In the US today 80% of all clothing and textiles end up in landfills. Merleanne did some research and met with several different groups. Put together a proposal and found a local vendor (Wipeco again). Right now there are bins at 60% of village halls (22-23). Program has been around for about 3 years. Revenue could increase over time. Last year collected 200-300,000 pounds. Helping to keep items out of landfills and also get money in return. Can do drives for events in addition to having collection bins. Some villages have changed ordinances to support the program (to prevent other random bins from being dropped off). New or gently used clothing is sold and stained/holed clothing is turned into rags, rugs, etc. Get a key to the bin so that if someone accidentally drops something inside, it can be retrieved. Need a staff person or commission member to keep an eye on it but otherwise pretty low maintenance. SWALCO sends out truck for pick-ups. Bins are outside and all weather proof. Towels, sheets, blankets, backpacks, table linens, etc. are also accepted. List will be given of what’s acceptable and what’s not. Can be published in a newsletter or village website. Can send out reminders seasonally. Rugs, carpets, cushions, pillows, etc. not accepted. SWALCO has complete list.

Motion by Mike to create a proposal to present the Reuse-A-Shoe, Textile/Clothing, and Electronics recycling programs to the village board committee of the whole meeting in August (2nd Wednesday at 7 pm, August 10th). This would be a comprehensive landfill diversion program. 1st two programs could offset cost of 3rd. Scott 2nd the motion. All in favor – AYE. Motion carries.

5. New Business –

None

Motion to Adjourn by Amanda 2nd by Melissa. Voice vote – all aye. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Next Meeting – Monday, July 25, 2016 at 6:30 pm.

Submitted by secretary Amanda LeBrun