Village of Flossmoor Green Commission met March 15.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Turnquest called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
II. Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Turnquest, O’Keefe, Shaw, Barker, Ratowitz, Owen-Thomas, Klages, Lippert, absent: Commissioner DeSantis and Student Liaison Hernandez.
III. Welcome Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Commission
While there was no one present to address the commission, we did have a resident who was on zoom in attendance of the meeting.
IV. Approval of February 15, 2022 minutes
Minutes approved by voice vote.
V. Budget Review
There was a discussion surrounding the final 200.00 that the commission has available to spend. The discussion surrounded the idea of allocating the funds toward the new resident event. Stephanie Wright asked the commission if there was interest in purchasing additional bottles of glass cleaner to be given out at the new resident event. After a hearty discussion it was determined that the commission would spend $200.00 on seeds for use at Village events.
Commission Shaw put forth a motion to spend $200.00 on seeds. Second: Commissioner Lippert.
VI. Old Business
a. Commissioner Owen-Thomas expanded on her findings surrounding bringing curb side composting to Flossmoor. Commissioner Owen Thomas shared that she learned the University of Illinois extension program could come and present on backyard composting. Additionally, the idea was brought forth that the commission could allow for people to sign up for a presentation on curb side composting at 60422. Commissioner Owen-Thomas also shared that Carrie Malfeo sent information regarding a second company that offers curbside composting. Commissioner Owen-Thomas shared that she created a survey in the interest of gauging residential interest and she feels the results were positive. She realizes this wasn’t a scientific survey and more of an interest finding mission. Lastly, Commissioner Owen-Thomas suggested we have both groups come and present to the commission. Commissioner Lippert liked the fact that we are offering green resources to our community.
b. The Southland Green Committee Clean -Up event will take place in Flossmoor. We will meet at Village hall at 8:45am to begin the clean-up of Flossmoor road from 9am-Noon. A resident who was present on the call suggested we reach out to HF sports teams and have them assist in the clean-up.
c. New Resident Event on April 9th from 4-6pm at the Flossmoor Library. Stephanie to report back on how many commissioners can attend the event.
d. We will be planting trees on April 16 alongside Village of Flossmoor Public Works. Sign-ups are available on Flossmoor.org. Commissioner Shaw shared the with commission the grant t opportunities that the Village has been awarded for trees. This addresses the very real issue of our dying tree canopy. Resident Angie Coderre who was present on the call inquired about the number of missing trees in the Village. Commissioner Shaw noted that he counted 300 spots that are missing trees along the Hidden Gem Route alone. Commissioner Shaw shared that it costs approx. $100.00 a tree.
e. 60422. Stephanie shared that there is no longer interest at this time in the three commissions working on a shared project. Rather we need to take this unique opportunity to highlight what each commission is known for. A conversation ensued around how to use best practices when recycling at events. Stephanie has spoken to the event director and they are encouraging all vendors to use aluminum cans only in regards to beer and soft drinks. Stephanie suggested a conversation needs to happen with Homewood disposal about the waste removal at the fest. Commission Lippert shared with the commission a reminder of things that Homewood Disposal will and will not recycle. For example, paper cups are not accepted. Additionally, he shared a print out from Homewood disposal outlining the items they will take for removal. Stephanie Also shared that there seems to be an infrastructure issue with being able to properly dispose of compostable materials. It’s not feasible that we continue with the model of having used compostable cups in the homes of commissioners or stored at Village Hall. The larger issue needs to be addressed in regards to infrastructure. It was discovered during this discussion that Urban Canopy does composting at events. Would this be an opportunity to partner with them to pilot composting at an event. The commission liked the idea of exploring this option further.
f. Recyclepalooza: Commissioner Lippert wondered if Recyclepalooza should be a project that is given to the Jones Memorial Center to run and manage since they are one of the groups that profits from the event to benefit their summer camps or programs for kids. Commissioner Shaw feared that giving up ownership of this event would cause us to lose our freedom of where recyclable materials are sent. Additionally, Stephanie shared that the Green Commission and Recyclepalooza were both things that began under former Mayor Braun’s time in office and wondered how he would feel about the event being handed over. It was determined after the sharing of thoughts and opinions that the event would remain a Village of Flossmoor Green Commission event. We would work to be more transparent with where items were going.
VII. New Business
The commission discussed several opportunities for social media posts during Earth Month. Could we encourage residents to BYOM? Bring Your Own Mug to work during the month of April? Pop Up-Pick-Up encouraging residents to take a bag with them while they are out for a walk and pick up trash.
VIII. Student Update: None
IX. Caring and Sharing
Stephanie shared with the commission that Phil DeSantis and his wife have welcomed a new baby to their family. Francis Ezra was born on 2/24/22. Congratulations to the DeSantis family! Lastly, Commissioner Lippert shared that he participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Stephanie wishes to thank Commissioner Lippert for his support of Flossmoor events!
XIII. Adjournment
Commissioners Lippert made a motion to adjourn. Chairperson Turnquest Second. Meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm
http://www.flossmoor.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03152022-553
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