McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Environmental Commission met Aug. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

A Special Meeting of the Environmental Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chair Erica Poremba at 5:30 PM on Monday, August 19, 2019 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Laurie Kacmar, Ed Ellinghausen, Steve Wenzel and Chair Erica Poremba.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: B. Donato.

STAFF PRESENT: Department of Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt, Human Resources Director Deb Schober and Executive Assistant/Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

OTHERS PRESENT: None.

FLOOR DISCUSSION: Anyone wishing to address the Commission on an item not already on

the agenda may do so at this time.

1. Public Comments: None.

2. Commission Comments:

Chair Poremba explained to the Commissioners that she and Commissioner Kacmar attended the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission meeting that was held last Thursday, August 15. At that meeting the Cultural and Social Awareness Commissioners agreed with the proposed Ordinance. Ms. Poremba continued on to say that the bag fee would help to replenish the City’s general environmental fund, which is where the funds were drawn for the purchase of the City’s reusable bags. In response to a question from E. Ellinghausen, Chair Poremba responded that it is their hope that this would allow the City to be exempt from the state fees and keep the monies collected for disposable bags in Woodstock. Chair Poremba stated the City has talked to local businesses and explained the disposable bag fee along with the reusable bag initiative, and retailers are supportive.

Chair Poremba stated that if the City Council approves the Ordinance imposing a fee for disposable bags, the Commission will need to prepare a report at the end of the first year. She suggested that the Joint Commissions meet before that time to determine the best way to prepare for this report and to collect appropriate information. It was noted that this Ordinance is aimed at retailers that are 5,000 square feet and larger, which will exclude some of the smaller businesses on the Square and in town. It was also noted that this Ordinance was modeled after the Ordinance that was passed in Oak Park. E. Ellinghausen opined the City will get complaints about this Ordinance and the fees involved.

S. Wenzel asked if City Council can make changes to this Ordinance. Chair Poremba said that could occur. Chair Poremba stated that this initiative will save stores a lot of money, and the disposable bag fee will encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bag. Chair Poremba reminded J. Van Landuyt that she’d like him to add the topic of plastic straws to a future Environmental Commission agenda.

TRANSMITTALS: No discussion or action requested: None.

OLD BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion and vote to recommend approval of proposed ordinance to implement a retail single-use bag program.

Chair Poremba opined that local newspapers and perhaps radio stations are going to share information about this Ordinance and initiative. Therefore, she doesn’t believe monies need to be spent on window clings and further advertising.

A motion was made by S. Wenzel, second by L. Kacmar, to accept the Ordinance as written. Ayes: L. Kacmar, E. Ellinghausen, S. Wenzel, and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: None. Absentees: B. Donato. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.

2. Discussion with regards to how much advertising the City should do to bring awareness to this initiative once an ordinance is approved.

The thought was that after the Ordinance is approved by the City Council, the Commissions will then determine if further education or advertising is needed. There was a consensus that the Commission does not want to spend additional monies at this time.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Ellinghausen Brine Study status 

2.Tree City USA

3.Update of Environmental Master Plan 

4.Plastic Straws

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by L. Kacmar, second by S. Wenzel, to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission. Ayes: L. Kacmar, E. Ellinghausen, S. Wenzel, and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: None. Absentees: B. Donato. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM. The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for September 5, 2019 at 5:30 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/environmental_commission/meeting/32311/f_-_environmental_comm_8-19-19_-_minutes_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf