Lake County Gazette

Lake County Energy & Environment Committee Met May 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Wilke called the meeting to order at 10:43 a.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Chair Wilke led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Roll Call of Members

Present 5 - Member Altenberg, Member Hewitt, Vice Chair Parekh, Member Wasik and Chair Wilke

Absent 2 - Member Barr and Member Martini

Others present:

Eric Waggoner, Planning Building and Development

Krista Braun, Planning Building and Development

RuthAnne Hall, Finance and Administrative Services

Kelly Shelton, Shelton Solutions

Matt Meyers, County Administrator's Office

Gary Gibson, County Administrator's Office

Jim Hawkins, County Administrator's Office

Cassandra Torstenson, County Administrator's Office

Blanca Vela-Schneider, County Administrator's Office

Jessica Vealitzek, County Board

Paul Frank, County Board

Mary Ross Cunningham, County Board

Linda Pedersen, County Board

Jeff Carlstone, Communications

Kristen LaManna, resident

Rob Bryson, resident

Abby Scalf, County Board Office

4. Addenda to the Agenda

There were no additions or addenda to the agenda.

75. Public Comment (Items not on the agenda)

Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, read a public comment submitted by Rob Bryson, Grant Township resident, regarding utilizing public opinion when determining the open burning ordinances in unincorporated Lake County.

6. Chair's Remarks

Chair Wilke said he would like to bring the topic of a wind ordinance forward to the Committee some time this year for further discussion. He also would like to receive an update at a future meeting regarding the status of the County creating a sustainability coordinator position.

7. Unfinished Business

8. New Business

CONSENT AGENDA (Item 8.1)

8.1 21-0683

Minutes for April 7, 2021.

A motion was made by Member Parekh, seconded by Member Altenberg, that Consent Agenda item 8.1 be approved. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye:5 - Member Altenberg, Member Hewitt, Vice Chair Parekh, Member Wasik and Chair Wilke

Absent: 2 - Member Barr and Member Martini

REGULAR AGENDA

8.2 21-0684

Presentation and discussion on status of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions Planning for Lake County.

Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, said in September 2020 the Board passed a resolution committing the County operations to net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The next step is development of energy and waste reduction plans. Kelly Shelton, Shelton Solutions, previously presented to the Committee the County's energy plan and its progression.

Ms. Shelton provided an update on the waste reduction plan, explaining the County's waste diversion rate at the County facilities and the County's goals and current recycling as well as food scrap composting efforts. She then addressed opportunities to move forward, such as increasing hauler accountability and communication, broadening food scrap composting at County facilities, and engaging employees to support initiatives and increase awareness.

Significant discussion ensued.

This matter was discussed

8.3 21-0685

Update on current committee workplan initiatives.

Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, said the Committee will continue its work toward the County's net zero greenhouse gas emissions policy and developing a commercial PACE program later this year, adding there is much interest in the commercial PACE market in Lake County. Discussion ensued.

He provided an update on solar energy, explaining the County will enter waiting list for an adjustable block grant program operated by the State. Once a block is granted and County receives funding, they will proceed with the permitting process and construction at the County sites planned. Discussion ensued, including questions on the County's energy needs and a request to receive an update as to the electric vehicle fleet.

Staff is researching and collaborating with David Dato, College of Lake County, on re-crafting its sustainability statements in regards to the procurement process and will provide an update at the next Committee meeting.

Eric Waggoner, Planning Building and Development (PBD) Director, provided an update on clean air policy, including public feedback received on open burning and yard waste alternatives through the new webpage. The County has begun the Request for Proposals (RFP) to research waste disposal options, and staff will update the web page to provide further information to the public on the options available.

Significant discussion ensued.

This matter was presented

9. County Administrator's Report

Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, had nothing to report.

10. Executive Session

11. Members' Remarks

There were no remarks by the members.

12. Adjournment

Chair Wilke called the meeting to be adjourned at 12:23 p.m.

Next Meeting: To Be Determined

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