McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Environmental Commission met December 7. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:

A Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chair Erica Poremba at 5:31 PM on Thursday, December 7, 2017 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

I. Call o Order & Roll Call

A roll callt was taken.

Commission Members Present: Laurie Kacmar, Steve Wenzel, and Chair Erica Poremba.

Commission Members Absent: Ed Ellinghausen and Jaci Krandel.

Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Tom Migatz and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie

Others Present: President Nancy Schietzelt, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

II. Acceptance of Minutes:

Unable to accept the September 7, 2017 meeting Minutes due to lack of Commissioners from that meeting present.

Jaci Krandel arrived at 5:32 PM.

Motion by S. Wenzel, 2nd by L. Kacmar, to accept the Minutes from the September 20, 2017 meeting Ayes: L. Kacmar, S. Wenzel, and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: none. Absentees: E. Ellinghausen. Abstentions: J. Krandel. Motion carried; Minutes accepted as presented.

III. Public Comment: none.

IV. Discussion Items

A. Solar Power Presentation – Joe Napolitano

Mr. Napolitano thanked the Commission for having him here to present information pertaining to the possibility of having a solar farm in the City of Woodstock, perhaps on the Davis Road Soccer Complex. Mr. Napolitano explained that solar panels are on many landfills throughout the United States. He’s looking for the Commissioners thoughts on moving forward with this type of project. He believes ComEd has a program in selling energy credits to their customers; the plan was approved in October 2017. Several companies have approached the City about this program. J. Napolitano went on to say that there are approximately fifteen (15) acres available at the Davis Road site, and it is estimated that close to 2.5 mega-watts of electricity could be produced per year. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approval is required prior to constructing this project on a landfill. Municipalities are looking into ways of making these sites productive, and they are finding that solar farms are a win / win situation. Mr. Napolitano explained the process of getting proposals from interested parties. He added that this would be an income generator for the City; however, provisions for security would be necessary. Another positive to this project could include an educational piece for students.

E. Poremba asked if there are any disadvantages to the City. J. Napolitano said they are not aware of any problems at this time. S. Wenzel asked why the David Road site is of interest. J. Napolitano shared some information about the site including its proximity to a substation. He added that one of the companies planted wildflowers on the solar farm, as well. He opined that the City can negotiate improvements of the site.

S. Wenzel said years ago someone had proposed planting native plants in that area. A bit of discussion ensured regarding the 2.5 mega-watts of electricity. Both Chair. Poremba and Commissioner Wenzel said they liked this idea. In response to S. Wenzel’s question about zoning requirements. J. Napolitano said the Plan Commission would discuss this in January and present to City Council in February.

S. Wenzel asked if there would be a rate reduction to Woodstock residents. This is something that Mr. Napolitano will look into. There was a comment that years ago peaker plants provided closer to 10 mega-watts.

J. Napolitano added that, according to ComEd, only so many sites will be available for this program. There would be a five year lease with 3 renewals allowed. J. Krandel asked if it’s better to do this on the ground vs. on buildings. In response J. Napolitano said it may partly be due to the angle of the ground vs. the angle of a bulding.

In closing, J. Napolitano asked if the Commission would like the City to pursue this program. S. Wenzel said this is consistent with the Environmental Plan in both the City and the county. He said there’s a consulting firm working with municipalities in the area. Mr. Napolitano said one of the City’s engineering consultants is reviewing the information, as well.

S. Wenzel made a Motion to recommend this program to the Woodstock City Council, a 2nd was made by E. Poremba. All Commissioners present were in favor; no one opposed. Mr. Napolitano said he will keep this Commission involved throughout the entire process. J. Krandel opined that it would be great if they could do this on some of the buildings, as well.

B. 2018 Meeting Calendar: E. Poremba said the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm works well for this Commission’s meetings.

C. Transparent Government – video use in Council Chambers: T. Migatz explained that the Council Chambers are receiving a make-over which will include three (3) monitors, two (2) of which that will contain meeting Agendas, and a screen for the audience to view. All meetings will be live-streamed on the web in the new year.

D. Community Garden Presentation: T. Migatz had a few questions. E. Poremba asked the Commissions to review the documents. Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 costs. T. Migatz explained some of the specifics with regard to materials that could be used for the parking lot. He said if this is partnered with the City’s road resurfacing or shouldering projects, some of the costs could be reduced. They briefly discussed the size of beds, 4’ x 12’, and total number of beds; 82 garden plots. T. Migatz asked for a suggestion of the rental cost per bed. Perhaps $40 for one bed and $60 for two beds. J. Krandel mentioned a couple of areas for correction to the document.

E. Poremba said she will continue to work closely with T. Migatz to tweak the document further. She asked Commissioners if any other changes are needed. T. Migatz said they’ll include the information discussed above. J. Krandel said it would be important to mention that this is a park site that is not currently being utilized. S. Wenzel added that invasive species will be removed, from the site as well, which improves that space and that the location is great being near the Kishwaukee Valley River. L. Kacmar opined this is a great space to market. E. Poremba said the educational impact for our area is awesome. The Commission is hoping to present the Community Garden presentation to the City Council at their meeting on January 16, 2018. J. Krandel added that this would save the City money because they wouldn’t have to mow the site any longer. E. Poremba is hoping that some time and materials are donated by local businesses. She added that this project could be a revenue generator in the future.

V. Next meeting – Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:30 PM.

VI. Adjournment:

Motion by J. Krandel, second by L. Kacmar, to adjourn this Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission. Ayes: L. Kacmar, S. Wenzel, J. Krandel, and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: none. Absentees: E. Ellinghausen. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:11 pm.

http://woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/environmental_commission/meeting/8401/env_minutes_12-7-17.pdf