McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake Sustainability Committee met Sept. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at City Hall in Crystal Lake.

2. Roll Call/Attendance

Present were the following committee members: Emilie Hoffman, Terry Dieckhoff, Jen Oliver, Lisa Janezic, Cordell Crane, and Lara Smith via Zoom. Members of the public in attendance were Dean Farr, Scott Brix with the Food Shed Co-op, and Assistant to the City Manager Nick Hammonds.

3. Public Comment

There were no public comments.

4. Approval of the Minutes from August 19, 2020

Cordell Crane moved to approve the minutes from the August 19, 2020 meeting as amended. Lisa Janezic seconded the motion. Upon voice vote, motion passed.

5. Guest: Scott Brix, Food Shed Co-op

Scott Brix, Treasurer for the Food Shed Co-op, joined the Committee meeting via Zoom to present information regarding the organization. Scott Brix stated that the Co-op began in 2013 as a sustainable community owned grocery store. He stated that the Co-op accumulated over 500 owner by 2016 and continues to grow. The Food Shed Co-op has a regional network and has been working to establish a location within McHenry County. The preferred location is the stretch of Route 14 between Crystal Lake and Woodstock, and Scott stated that the Co-op is optimistic that a location will be established in 2020 in this area.

Scott Brix discussed the sustainable mission of the Co-op, addressing climate change and reducing the supply chain to bring locally produced foods to communities. The Co-op promotes jobs in local communities, reducing emissions from long supply chains, and promoting farming as a career for younger generations. Scott Brix stated that the Co-op will not be hosting or participating in any upcoming events due to Covid-19, however, he stated that the Co-op and Committee can communicate to attend and promote events in the future.

Cordell Crane inquired how the Committee can help with the Co-op’s mission. Scott Brix stated that the Committee can help promoting events and spreading awareness of the Co-op. The Co-op is always looking for additional owners to help establish a local store in Crystal Lake. Cordell Crane also inquired about the responsibilities of owners. Scott Brix stated that owners initially buy in to receive shares in the Co-op, and owners have a vote in the direction and operation of the Co-op.

Cordell Crane inquired about the cost of goods versus the costs for goods at local stores. Scott Brix stated that the Co-op is similar to a Farmer’s Market, however, the costs will not be competitive with larger chains such as Walmart. Scott also discussed how the Co-op could work with local restaurants, similar to the way in which Duke’s uses locally grown foods for the restaurant. Local restaurants would have the option to source products through the Co-op.

Scott Brix stated that the goal of the Co-op is to build stronger local food networks, inspiring younger generations to enjoy careers in agriculture, and shortening supply chains to help the environment. Emilie Hoffman inquired if any events would be coming up where the Committee could participate. Scott Brix stated that an owner meeting would be held in October, but the Co-op may attend the Woodstock Farmer’s Market in early 2020.

6. Greenest Region Compact (GRC): Review Priority Objectives, Plastic Bag Objective Discussion, and Complete Streets Discussion

Below are the current priority objectives:

-Communication of Sustainability Committee initiatives, actions and goals: Lara Smith

-Promote and support local businesses that practice sustainability: Emilie Hoffman 

-Single Use Bag Ordinance: Nicky Strahl

Nick Hammonds began the discussion of the Green Business Designation initiative and the program that is currently in place with McHenry County. Emilie Hoffman located the Batavia Green Business program, and Nick Hammond swill share the details of the program with the Committee. Jen Oliver stated that she reviewed the County’s website and found recent businesses and organizations that have applied for the County’s program. Lisa Janezic inquired about the benefits for businesses and organizations for joining the County’s program. Emilie Hoffman stated that name recognition and free marketing appear to be the main benefits. She stated she will contact the County to gather more information regarding the program and benefits for applicants.

Cordell Crane inquired about the organization that runs the McHenry County Green Business program, which is the McHenry County Solid Waste Advisory Board. The Committee discussed how the County’s program focuses on sustainable waste programs, and not environmentally sustainable practices generally. Emilie Hoffman stated that she is curious if local businesses in Crystal Lake are aware of the County’s existing program. Cordell Crane stated that the Committee could research more information and help promote the program before pursuing a program specifically overseen by the Committee and City. Jen Oliver stated that the Committee had a broad concept in mind, but the County’s program provides a starting point. Cordell Crane and Emilie Hoffman stated that they will contact the County for more information regarding the program. The Committee agreed that promoting businesses, especially with the difficulties surrounding the pandemic, would be beneficial for businesses and the community.

7. Sustainability Committee Web Page

Lara Smith stated that she reviewed the website and is pleased with the improvements to the Committee’s page. She stated that the Committee could proceed with including links throughout the page instead of all together at the bottom. This would provide site visitors with links to resources in the appropriate location. She also stated that the page would benefit from additional pictures showing the Committee’s involvement in the community, as well as expanding on the section where the Committee promotes residents and businesses that are practicing sustainability. Cordell Crane stated that he located a resource link where residents can access emergency preparedness preparations to include on the website.

8. Anti-Idling for South Elementary

The Committee agreed to revisit this item when schools have resumed session.

9. Open Discussion

Nick Hammonds briefly updated the Committee regarding the decision by the City Council regarding backyard chickens. The Council ultimately decided against allowing backyard chickens at this time.

Emilie Hoffman discussed the Sustainability Committee web page and the City’s resources regarding green initiatives. She stated that she located a 2030 Comprehensive Plan that focuses on water conservation and other sustainable objectives. Jen Oliver stated that this could be promoted on the Committee page. Emilie Hoffman stated that she located the document by searching the City website generally, but that the page where the document was linked was unclear. Nick Hammonds stated that he would gather information regarding the plan and how the City uses it as a guide.

10. Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

11. Adjourn

There being no further business, Terry Dieckhoff moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Cordell Crane seconded the motion. On voice vote, all voted aye. Motion passed.

https://www.crystallake.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=19188