Lake County Gazette

Village of Deerfield Sustainability Commission met July 24

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A meeting of the Sustainability Commission was held on July 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 206 at Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

In attendance were:

Present:

Don Anderson

Amy Call

Dick Heller

David Hornthal

Michael Shalen

Matt White

Absent:

Karrah Krakovyak

Also present:

Andrew Lichterman, Deputy Village Manager / Director of Community Development

Consideration of Minutes

Commissioner Hornthal moved, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the minutes from the May 22, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment

Robert Seery noted that he is a Deerfield resident and was present to learn more about the commission.

Business:

1. Resignation

Commissioner Shalen noted that he will be resigning from the Commission due to his relocation to Florida. Tonight, will be his last meeting. Chairman Anderson thanked Commissioner Shalen for his nearly 10 years of service to the Commission.

2. Updates from the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Mr. Lichterman reported on follow-up items from last month’s presentation by Toni Garza of the ComEd Energy Efficiency team. He noted that staff received electronic versions of the various flyers that were shared at the meeting. ComEd advised that they do not have any testimonials specific to Deerfield at this time and four in-home assessments and 11 self-assessments were completed last year.

The Commission suggested creating a sweepstakes competition to promote the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. The concept is to incentive residents to sign-up for an energy assessment. Residents that complete the assessment would be entered into a drawing to win a prize. The Commission suggested providing winners with $100 gift card to a local restaurant, a prize bag and a police ride along, for example. Mr. Lichterman noted that staff would use this direction to create a sweepstakes competition with the intention of running the competition for a period of approximately 90 days. Winners could then be invited to attend a Village Board meeting and recognized in the newsletter. The Commission noted the importance of this initiative due to rising ComEd utility bills.

3. Deerfield Farmers Market

Chairman Anderson noted that the Commission will be hosting an educational booth at the August 16 Farmers Market from 9AM – 12:30PM. The Commission decided they would focus on promoting the Heft Renew Program, ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, native plants, and recycling and composting education. Mr. Anderson encouraged all Commissioners to attend.

Mr. Anderson requested that staff reach out to Commissioner Call regarding materials related to native plants and composting.

4. Other Items for Discussion

Mr. Lichterman reported that the Village newsletter now includes a new section entitled, “Green Line”, which will feature sustainability programs each month. Additionally, the Village has launched “Sustainable Sundays” on social media platforms.

Mr. Lichterman advised the Commission of a new Green Energy Partnership Program that is intended to help businesses procure renewable energy at a cost-neutral contract.

Commissioner Hornthal requested that the Commission review electric vehicle data at the next meeting.

Next Meeting Date – The Sustainability Commission will hold their next meeting on Thursday, August 21 at 7 p.m.

Adjournment

There being no further business or discussion, Commissioner Shalen moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Heller seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

https://www.deerfield.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08212025-1247