Lake County Gazette

Lake County Energy & Environment Committee met April 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chair Wilke called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Member Hewitt led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Roll Call of Members

Present 6 - Member Altenberg, Member Hewitt, Member Hunter, Vice Chair Parekh, Member Wasik and Chair Wilke

Absent 1 - Member Barr

Others Present:

Al Giertych, Division of Transportation

Austin Knight, Public

Carl Kirar, Facilities and Construction

Catherine Sbarra, Board Member

Eric Waggoner, Planning, Building and Development

Gary Gibson, County Administrator's Office

Gina Roberts, Board Member

Janna Philipp, County Administrator's Office

Jessica Vealitzek, Board Member

Joe Arcus, Planning, Building and Development

Justine Gilbert, Communications

Kelly Shelton, Shelton Solutions

Kevin Quinn, Communications

Krista Braun, Planning, Building and Development

Kristy Cechini, County Board Office

Matt Meyers, County Administrator's Office

Mick Zawislak, Daily Herald

Patrice Sutton, Finance

Paul Frank, Board Member

Robert Springer, Planning, Building and Development

RuthAnne Hall, Purchasing

Sandy Hart, County Board Chair

Susan August, Purchasing

Susan Pribyl, Public

Theresa Glatzhofer, County Board Office

4. Addenda to the Agenda

There were no additions or amendments to the agenda.

5. Public Comment (Items not on the agenda) There were no public comments.

6. Chair's remarks

There were no Chair's Remarks.

7. Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business to discuss.

8. New Business

CONSENT AGENDA (Item 8.1)

*APPROVAL OF MINUTES*

8.1 22-0531

Minutes from February 2, 2022.

A motion was made by Member Hewitt, seconded by Vice Chair Parekh, that the minutes from February 2, 2022 be approved. Motion carried by the following voice vote:

Aye: 6 - Member Altenberg, Member Hewitt, Member Hunter, Vice Chair Parekh, Member Wasik and Chair Wilke

Absent: 1 - Member Barr

REGULAR AGENDA

8.2 22-0532

Update regarding the Committee’s current workplan.

Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, gave a brief update regarding net zero emissions for the County and introduced Kelly Shelton, a Consultant from Shelton Solutions. Ms. Shelton noted that the County is currently working with North Shore Gas to complete a complimentary energy assessment and that the County may also work with ComEd for another assessment.

Discussion ensued.

Assistant County Administrator Meyers gave an update on the County's solar initiative, specifically noting that three site installations with Standard Solar are in the design/permitting phase. Assistant County Administrator Meyers noted that the County is waiting on estimates of probable cost and should have more specifics available for the next Committee meeting.

Discussion ensued.

8.3 22-0533

Presentation and discussion regarding Lake County Native Tree and Plant Program. Attachments: EE - 4.6.22 - PBD - Native Tree Restoration - Final

Matt Meyers, Assistant County Administrator, introduced Eric Waggoner, Director of Planning, Building and Development (PBD), and Joe Arcus, Senior Planner for Sustainability, who gave a presentation regarding the Lake County Native Tree and Plant Restoration Program. Mr. Arcus gave background on Program research and noted that any Program option would require program administration, removal and planting, and stakeholder engagement. Director Waggoner gave the anticipated timeline of the Program and facilitated Committee discussion on how to advise staff to proceed.

Discussion ensued.

The consensus of the Committee was for the Program to be large in scale and to encompass all types of land (commercial, government, and etc.) not just residential.

Director Waggoner noted that staff will further examine Program funding and will come back to the Committee with options.

9. County Administrator's Report

Assistant County Administrator, Matt Meyers, noted that the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program launch has been completed and that the Program administrator gave a training that was well attended. Assistant County Administrator Meyers will compile C-PACE metrics to report on at the next Committee meeting.

Assistant County Administrator Meyers noted that the County's Sustainability Coordinator position was posted in late January/February and that the search for the most qualified candidate continues. Assistant County Administrator Meyers also noted that the position has been reposted with additional information.

Assistant County Administrator Meyers noted, based on a question presented, that water conservation-related projects are eligible for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) direct dollars; while the County is unable to provide incentives for electric vehicle purchases through these same dollars.

Discussion ensued.

The consensus of the Committee was to discuss programs/incentives for energy conservation in the future.

10. Executive Session

The Committee did not enter into Executive Session.

11. Members' Remarks

There were no Members' Remarks.

12. Adjournment

Chair Wilke declared the meeting adjourned at 11:53 a.m.

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