McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Environmental Commission Met Jan. 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The Meeting of the City of Woodstock Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Erica Poremba at 5:32 PM through a Zoom meeting.

A roll call was taken.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ATTENDING VIRTUALLY: Laurie Kacmar, Ed Ellinghausen, Margaret Schneemann, Steve Wenzel, and Chairperson Erica Poremba.

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: none.

STAFF ATTENDING VIRTUALLY: Public Works Department Director Christina Betz and City Manager Office Assistant Betsy Cosgray

OTHERS PRESENT: None

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motioned by L. Kacmar, S. Wenzel seconded to accept the Minutes from the November 5, 2020 Regular Meeting. Ayes: L. Kacmar, E. Ellinghausen, M. Schneemann, S. Wenzel and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: None. Absentees: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. Minutes accepted.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

COMMISSION COMMENT:

1. None

TRANSMITTALS

1. None

OLD BUSINESS

1. None

NEW BUSINESS

1. Community Gardens Issues and Discussion – L. Kacmar stated the cost of each bed is $185. S. Wenzel stated his search with T. Willcockson for 2020 grants found nothing, but will work with her for 2021. Chairperson E. Poremba stated the Menards grant looked promising, so once they decide the needs, she will follow up with the grant. Chairperson E. Poremba requested C. Betz to update the Commission in regards to updates related to garden bed requests. C. Betz stated to her knowledge the beds are full. Chairperson E. Poremba recognized the discussion for the November meeting looking to expand to 20 beds, depending on approval to clear trees. S. Wenzel stated The Land Conservancy did a plant study and the area can be cleared. C. Betz stated she hadn’t been out to the site, but would try and get out there soon, which Chairperson E. Poremba stated she would join her. L. Kacmar stated with additional beds, the fence will need to be expanded. Chairperson E. Poremba responded to a question from M. Schneemann regarding if there was a water issue by noting the addition of hoses and a possible new spigot, but will need to expand before extending the water. Chairperson E. Poremba stated they would like to create a garden in the north section of town as well as expanding Castle Drive.

2. Brine Study Updates – C. Betz stated she has read the results of the past study. E. Ellinghausen spoke on the Brine study and the efficacy of the study. Discussion ensued regarding cost benefits and the logistics of the program. It was decided another test study should be done, which C. Betz stated should be possible. E. Ellinghausen and C. Betz planned on visiting McHenry County to see their process. L. Kacmar asked if there was a shelf life for the brine, which E. Ellinghausen stated no.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

1. Preliminary Discussion about 5-year Update to Environmental Master Plan – begin review 1/7/2020; begin discussion next regularly-scheduled meeting. The Environmental Plan Priority Rankings spreadsheet was forwarded to the membership to assist with their review.

2. Plastic Straws – Invite speaker in March 2021 – develop ordinance sometime thereafter. 

3. Future Oak plantings in Emricson, Bates and Banford Parks.

4. Dark Sky Initiative.

ADJOURN: To a Regular Meeting Thursday, February 4, 2021 @ 5:30 PM Motion by E. Ellinghausen, second L. Kacmar, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Environmental Commission to the next regular meeting on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Ayes: L. Kacmar, E. Ellinghausen, M. Schneemann, S. Wenzel and Chair E. Poremba. Nays: None. Absentees: None. Abstentions: None. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/environmental_commission/meeting/43572/f_-_environmental_comm_1-7-21_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf