Minutes of Core Committee Meetings

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Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project Meeting Minutes

August 12, 2010; 1130 W. Thorndale, 8:00 a.m.- 9:05 a.m.

Attendance: John Aquilina, Tom Murphy, Kristen Radde Gallwitz, Allen Stryczek and Kirsten Tellium (intern at the Northwestern Medill School of Journalism)

8:05 Tom Murphy called the meeting to order

Updates and Reports:

  • The “Cleaning” and "Parks" committees had a successful cleanup/weedsup event in various locations (ENN streets & alleys and the NET Elmdale Play Lot) with over 50 Senn students in late July. "Cleaning" is actively considering a Loyola “Saturday of Service” opportunity for Saturday, August 28 being coordinated by Sangita Gosalia of Loyola. Rae Ann Cecrle is encouraging the painting of the Granville el station and Ernie Constantino is encouraging the planting Boston Ivy on this event. Allen Stryczek and Kristen Radde Gallwitz are working on various cleaning surveys.
  • The “Recycling” committee cancelled their independent event, and instead will be working with the 48th Ward on an electronics picks-up in October. They may also be working on other pickup sites for batteries and other items to be recycled.
  • The “Planning and Development” committee (Thom Greene, Carmen, and John) met recently to discuss options for a new Edgewater Library – covering both the existing space and the building immediately to the north. It’s estimated that the library would occupy 17,000 sq ft of space. The group should touch base with the 48th Ward to see what the current city plans and timing are. In addition, Allen suggested that the EESP “Planning and Development merge with the ECC “Planning and Development” committee – for improved synergy benefits.
  • A proposed “Edgewater Circulator” was discussed on Tuesday, with Jay Delaney (Edgewater Chamber), Ellen Shepherd (Andersonville Chamber), Trinette Johnson (Edgewater Development), Marshall Eames (Loyola), and Tom Murphy and John Aquilina (both EESP) all participating in the conversation. Loyola has 6000 students that could shop and eat out in Edgewater/Andersonville. There are west Edgewater residents who could benefit from an easy way to get to the beaches. The major issues are 1) the route, 2) the frequency, and 3) the finances. The group will continue to meet to help resolve issues/concerns.
  • Anne Comeau had submitted a “Parks” committee 2010 status report. Progress continues on the Edgewater Medical Center (EMC) and expanded planting of the NEW garden. The Green & Clean volunteer network has been set up and the first project meeting will take place in late August. More nominees from block clubs and neighborhood associations are being solicited and responding so that local volunteers/experts will be the "go to" persons on neighborhood focused projects. Also, there is more info in the full report regarding the Parks/Green Spaces progress in adding more green space within Edgewater.
  • The “Green Schools” committee continues to meet on a monthly basis under the leadership of Peter Locke. It is not clear yet whether they have chosen a pilot school on which to focus their attention.
  • Tom Murphy and Anne Comeau had met with Bridget Gainer, our Cook County commissioner. While Cook County does not have specific school responsibilities, Bridget expressed an interest in helping with Green Schools – especially having less food waste in the lunchroom.
  • The “Energy Efficiency” committee reported continued steady progress with energy efficiency audits and with radon detection kit distribution.

Some ideas for EESP to consider as we approach the fall are:

  • Have a general community-wide meeting on the state of the proposed library
  • Work with the 30 students in the Loyola / Chad White “Urban Sustainability” class to work on a community project – with a circulator survey being one of the leading possible topics.
  • Participate in the Edgewater GRalley on Saturday, September 25.
  • Finish the cleaning surveys (Kristen on parking lots and Allen on Fast Food) – and publicize the results.
  • Have a “BIG EVENT” with a professional speaker. Possible topics include both the benefits of eating locally and something to do with the CTA plans – after talk about Transit-Oriented Development.


The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 8 a.m. The tentative location for the meeting is 1130 West Thorndale. (if EESP still is given free access to the site.)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project Meeting Minutes

15 July 2010; 1130 W Thorndale; 8:00 a.m.

Attendance: John Aquilina, Carmen Vidal-Hallett, Helen Cameron, Anne Comeau, Peter Locke, Tom Murphy, Kristen Radde Gallwitz, Chris Swan and Jen Walling.

8:05 Tom Murphy called the meeting to order.

The agenda for the July meeting was approved.

Updates & Reports:'

  • The arrangement with the owner and Rep. Osterman, and the other users for the 1130 Thorndale building were discussed. EESP will have a presence in the mornings and Wednesday evening, and encourages its committees to schedule evening meetings at that location.
  • Upcoming events and any EESP participation were discussed and table volunteers requested:
    • The upcoming Arts weekend in Edgewater – on the Third Saturday in July, was discussed. We will have a table with our literature, etc, on Broadway & Granville.
    • We have the eco table at the Andersonville Farmer’s market on the 28th. That should give us some useful exposure.
  • Jen talked about holding a recycling event for electronic in the neighborhood, as well as organizing drop-off location(s) for used batteries, CFLs, printer cartridges, etc. It turns out that the 48th ward will be doing a pick-up for discarded electronics on Oct. 2nd.
  • We talked about the so far unproductive search for homes for the ComEd attic insulation and weatherization grant. A number of suggestions were made, but the income limit and the number of suitable houses seem to be the trouble.
  • The anti-idling campaign of the Clean Air Coalition was discussed related to after school pick-ups. Signage is available, but we need to look into it.
  • Carmen talked about the problems with the empty firehouse on Ridge and the plans for developing it as an Art’s Center. Her dance group was looking at the space, and of course, from a sustainability viewpoint, keeping that historic building as an example of adaptive re-use is important to the community. (Carmen reported that the basement has now experienced flooding damage since there is no one there to monitor. CPD is to have the ownership transferred to it by the City/County)
  • The EESP P&D team discussed the possibility of having a meeting and discussion on the Edgewater Library redesign - the co-chairs are researching the current buildings original plans since it Thom Greene feels it had been designed with the potential to have another story added. (Less cost, less disruption, re-use of structure). P&D will work out how to go about this process and when to call a meeting, etc. Peter mentioned that an old Woolworth store at Chicago and Ashland was redeveloped as a Chicago Public Library.

New Business

  • Chris Swan proposed that subsequent meeting involve more reporting and less discussing, and kept within an hour time frame. We agreed to try it next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20

The next meeting will be held on 12 August, 8:00, 1130 W Thorndale. _______________________________________________________________________________________________


Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project Meeting Minutes 13 May 2010; 6044 N. Broadway; 8:00 a.m.

Attendance: Anne Comeau, Jared Desecki, Carmen Vidal-Hallett, Trinette Britt-Johnson, Tom Murphy, Allen Stryczek, Chris Swan, Jen Walling and Barb Willard.

8:08 Tom Murphy called the meeting to order.

The revised minutes of the April meeting were briefly discussed and approved. The agenda for the May meeting was approved. Updates & Reports:

  • Discussions with our steering committee convinced EESP not to seek 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, but to remain with ECC. At its last meeting, the ECC board approved the status of EESP as a committee of ECC. EESP has a separate ECC checking account with signatures required from ECC as well as EESP for disbursements. Edgewater Beautiful is now part of EESP’s Parks & Greening committee.
  • The ClaroVista windows on the corner of Granville and Broadway continue with EESP presentations. We are on our second display, Broadway streetscapes–John Aquilina principal illustrator. We foresee updating it in a week or so.
  • Jared indicated that discussions continue between owner and the State Reps. Office for the use of 1130 W. Thorndale as an office for the summer.
  • How to use the summer Farmer’s markets and others to promote the EESP were discussed. We decided to make the first market of the month at Uncommon Ground and be present once or twice at Andersonville, when they have an environmental bent. Anne will do one week at the Glenwood Sunday Market in the 49th Ward.
  • Tom and Anne will make a presentation and hold a discussion on sustainability issues and Edgewater at the Community Action Pavilion (northwest area of the exhibition hall) at Green Festivals on Sunday, May 23rd at 3:00.
  • Barb Willard, a faculty member at DePaul University, indicated that her Environmental Communication class will make a presentation of their: “Environmental Communication Campaign for Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project” on Monday May 24th in room 203 in the Levan Center (2322 N Kenmore) at 9:45 am. These seniors will be presenting a theme and communication products to promote the EESP.
  • Tom distributed a summary of the results of the paper and on-line survey (thanks Jen!) we conducted in conjunction with the March meeting. In addition to information on sustainability issues and practices, respondents volunteered participation. There were 125 volunteers (some volunteered more than once) for different EESP activities on the online survey. A list of these was distributed to the topic chairs. Quick summary: everyone walks to shop; 90% recycle; 85% shop in the neighborhood; but only 34% compost; 28% have their walls insulated; and 2% drive a hybrid.
  • We then discussed the procedure for how the EESP makes recommendations. Part of the issue was who has standing to participate in the decision. We wanted to avoid a situation where many proponents of a particular position would attend the meeting where a decision is made, and overwhelm the views of the regular meeting participants. A motion was made, seconded and passed that a position paper would be circulated to the steering committee (project coordinators and committee chairs) that would vote on the final version. Two issues on the table were,

1) a letter of support for Loyola Univ. 2010 Master Plan – recommendation to ECC; and

2) a letter of support to the Friends of West Edgewater EMC parks committee supporting park and green development of the EMC site at Ashland and Edgewater.

We agreed to support the Loyola Master Plan as now written. We liked the support in it for commercial development along Granville. Reggie Griffin will sign-on to our letter.

There was a lively discussion of the value of, and possible plans for the EMC buildings and site. The EESP strongly supports park development on some or the entire site and understands that any decision will probably come quickly. We agreed to write a letter of support for Friends of West Edgewater Park in their endeavor to get more parkland in their area.

  • Tom and the Air and Water resources committee will be proposing that the ECC join the Northeastern Illinois Clean Air Counts Campaign and an adjunct governmental entity (the City is a member). The campaign work very hard to control emissions of air particulates, and the ozone producers VOCs and NOx. We would promote Edgewater’s participation in these campaigns as well as their anti-idling campaign with its links to Green Schools and transportation.
  • Barb Willard invited us all to the presentation that a group in her class will make on their ‘Cutting Edge’ marketing campaign for the EESP.

9:25 Tom Murphy and Anne Comeau adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held on 10 June, ECC, 6044 N Broadway.


Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project, Meeting Minutes, 8 April 2010; 6044 N. Broadway; 8:00 a.m.

Attendance: John Aquilina, Anne Comeau, Jared Desecki, Thom Greene, Reggie Griffin, Carmen Vidal-Hallett, Mike Johnson, Trinette Britt-Johnson, Jason Liechty, Peter Locke, Tom Murphy, Eloise Reimer, Don Stark, Allen Stryczek, Chris Swan, Jen Walling and Barb Willard. Visitors: Eleanor Roemer, Judy Soohoo

8:05 Tom Murphy called the meeting to order. Members introduced themselves, approved the agenda and minutes of the prior meeting.

Updates & Reports:

  • March 8 Community Event: The community meeting at Temple Emanuel was a success with over 100 residents in attendance. A tape of the meeting is being broadcast on CAN-TV and we are hoping that will help get the word out on EESP. Killian Walsh checked her contacts and gave us the name of an individual with access to the schedule and how to order DVDs of the event.
  • EESP has secured window space in the ClaroVista building on the corner of Granville and Broadway from Rae Ann Cecrle. Photographs, maps, and posters that depict various aspects of EESP will be displayed. Tom Murphy showed photos of the current display and requested that people make suggestions regarding other ways we can use this display space, perhaps through the summer.
  • An owner of a storefront at 1130 W. Thorndale, just west of Broadway, is making his space available for little to no rent to community groups through State Rep. Harry Osterman’s office while he is trying to sell it. EESP would like to use the space over the summer months for displaying EESP information and as a site that perhaps Edgewater residents can go to for more information regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as other sustainability initiatives. Jared Desecki will follow through.
  • Jen Walling sent a copy of the EESP report to Governor Quinn’s Sustainability office and received a response from that office stating that Governor Quinn would like to meet with the EESP team after the legislative session is out, perhaps in June. Committee members suggested that the Chicago Commissioner of the Environment be made aware of the governor’s interest.
  • The North Lake Shore Earth Day, 2010 will be held at Loyola, on April 17, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm EESP will have an information table at the event. Anne Comeau asked for volunteers to help staff the table. There will also be an afternoon panel of which EESP will be involved.
  • Tom Murphy reported that the USEPA has a Smart Growth Advisors grant program for which communities can apply. He stated that the application is quite demanding, requiring that applicants show significant involvement with and support from their municipality. If the application is approved, the EPA will send advisors to the community to make suggestions regarding smart growth plans.
  • Tom also informed the group that this November the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) convention will be held in Chicago. Typically USGBC members will visit the area in which an off-site community session is held. EESP in collaboration with Loyola University will submit a proposal to host such a session reporting on Edgewater/Loyola’s work on sustainability in the community. This could be an opportunity for the EESP to get important exposure regarding green development in Edgewater. Marshal Eames of Loyola will be heading the task force and has circulated a tentative proposal.
  • Barb Willard, a faculty member at DePaul University, discussed her course Environmental Communication Workshop, where a group of students in the course will develop an environmental communication campaign for EESP. More specifically, a group of ten students will be developing a campaign with accompanying deliverables such as posters, flyers, press releases, and other message points that focus on energy, water, and waste in the Edgewater community. Students will plan the campaign based on the goals of the EESP identified in the 2010 report.

Topic Areas:

  • Parks – Chris Swan from the WEAR Block Club discussed the campaign to some or all of the land on which the Edgewater Medical Center was located – 5700 N. Ashland – into a neighborhood park when the site is redeveloped. A discussion ensued regarding how Swan and the WEAR Block Club should approach the campaign, especially regarding the need to negotiate and perhaps offer a mixed-use development (e.g. park, some commercial buildings, urban agriculture, etc.). Carmen Vidal-Hallett, John Aquilina and Thom Greene of the Planning & Development committee of EESP will meet with Chris to further discuss the WEAR project. Trinette Britt-Johnson (EDC) & Anne Comeau (Parks) asked to participate in that meeting.
  • Parks – NEW Block is looking for a site on upper Clark Street that could be used for the relocation of the Senior Gardens prior to the METRA stop being built. They are also proposing park space and a tot lot. The space being considered has a long vacant former Antiques building. The Alderman is already aware of this interest and has indicated support. A meeting is being set up with Erma Tranter of Friends of the Park on April 22 to discuss strategy. Sharon Metzger is the lead.
  • Cleaning the neighborhood – Allen Stryczek discussed an upcoming anti-litter campaign focusing on cleaning-up broken glass. It would involve dog walkers and is called the “canines and clean-up campaign”. The team discussed a need for a plastic bag survey of retail areas to identify those retail sites that give a discount for bringing re-usable bags.
  • Tom Murphy asked the Committee Chairs to set up meetings with their teams and work out ways to continue educating & involving residents and block clubs in specific steps for Edgewater’s environmental sustainability.
  • Nick Custer, the new Chair of the Renewable Energy Committee has been having regular meetings of that team and along with John & Carmen of Planning & Development was involved with the Smart Growth grant proposal. Monica Hammer of Alderman Smith’s office has been our liaison with the USEPA.
  • Jen Walling indicated that she would soon have a Resource/Recycling Committee meeting to discuss their 2010 projects.
  • The team also discussed the need to develop a plan by which EESP could support projects if it is deemed that these projects fit the goals of EESP.
  • Thom Greene told the group that there is going to be a Green Week in Andersonville July 12 – 18. He stated that EESP should think about how they might like to participate.

9:25 Tom Murphy and Anne Comeau adjourned the meeting.

The next meeting will be held on 13 May, ECC, 6044 N Broadway.

EESP Community Meeting - Held March 8, 2010 at Emanuel Congregation, 5959 N. Sheridan at 7:00 p.m

Purpose: Provide residents and businesses with reasons to support the Environmental Sustainability project and volunteer in the efforts to turn Edgewater into a sustainable community. The Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project is a committee sponsored by the Edgewater Community Council. CAN TV recorded the event and will publish dates and times of showings. (Desecki will follow up) 

                                               INSPIRING PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION
  • Meeting Opened by Hosts (Rep. Harry Osterman and Senator Heather Steans) Moderated by Rep. Osterman
  • Introduction of Environmental Speakers regarding Edgewater projects (Osterman)
    • 1. EESP Report (Murphy) – Highlights, Timeline of Key Goals, Energy Efficiency
    • 2. Planning & Development (Vidal-Hallett, Aquilina) – Overview of project design vision for Edgewater. What are the steps needed to create a sustainable community.
    • 3. Green Schools (Locke) – Update on efforts of Edgewater public and private schools
    • 4. Green Business/Initiatives in Edgewater/Andersonville (Dinges, Delaney)
    • 5. Questions
  • Introduction of Local Public Officials on Current Public Initiatives in Edgewater
    • Chicago Climate Action Plan (Suzanne Malec McKenna) Commissioner of Chicago DOE - update on citywide accomplishments in 2009-10 in moving the plan forward.
    • Tim Czarnecki (40th Ward Ald. O’Connor’s Staff) comments on 40th Ward projects.
    • Alderman MaryAnn Smith (48th Ward) will comment on EESP and those parts of project already in early planning or in process in ward. Alderman Smith will review Community URL Survey results and introduce Peter Locke for live audience input.
  • Live Survey Intake - Peter Locke will lead audience in live Survey on environmental & sustainability issues. Responses are viewed immediately. Demographic questions, then a series relating to interests on sustainable and environmental issues.
  • Hospitality Tables Open. Beverages, etc. 5 minutes then to breakout sessions
    • Breakout Sessions (were cancelled due to time restraints)

(Facilitators from EESP will have set up nine tables with a specific issue to be considered. Audience will assemble at each numbered table they were assigned. A specific environmental/sustainability question will be posed and discussion will hopefully lead to ideas on how to implement actions or changes. We would expect that each table will come to a consensus and outline notes for email distribution of table highlights and recommendations on follow up actions needed - to all attendees)

  • Moderator – Last comments and thank you. Returned survey polling devices.

Special Announcement: EESP has been awarded a grant by Commonwealth Edison that will allow us to pilot attic insulation and weatherization for a limited number Edgewater single family homes. Eligibility Information and application details were picked up at registration table and can also be received by contactin Tom Murphy, Chair EESP or Harry Osterman's office

Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project - Minutes of Meeting: January 14, 2010

Attendees: John Aquilina, Helen Cameron, Anne Comeau, Peter Locke, Tom Murphy, Francoise Pierre, Allen Stryczek, Carmen Vidal-Hallett, Jen Walling

Updates

  • The Green Schools meeting organized in conjunction with Harry Osterman for the principals of Edgewater School and other public officials on Thursday the 21st at 7:30 at Uncommon Ground was discussed. At least half of the principals have confirmed so far, and Jared and Allen are working on the rest. There will be three tables, each with principals, a discussion leader and a public official. Eric Heineman from the State Board of Education will also be present. The EESP agenda for the schools will be presented and discussed, and then the different tables will hold breakout sessions.
  • The recent meeting of the Renewable Energy topic was discussed. Nick Custer agreed to serve as the group chair.

The program for the Green Room session at Uncommon Ground on Feb. 11th was discussed. It will lead-off with a presentation by the P&D group with a draft of their presentation for the March 8th meeting. Progress in other groups will be updated also. We also plan to invite prospective inner circle participants to discuss the EESP with them and to see if and how they might participate.

  • The group was brought up to date about the status of our funding requests: Exelon interested but at a lower level; looking at Woods Fund; Chicago Community Trust; and others.
  • March 8th General Meeting
    • The format and program for the meeting at Emmanuel Congregation was discussed. In addition to handing out a multi-purpose survey, we decided to look into the use of hand-held remote voting devices. Their advantage is quickly obtaining real-time opinions on topics. A drawback is structuring the presentations to present different options, and spending at least some time discussing them. Carmen and Peter were going to look into their availability and all were given the task of developing topics that could be queried. The tentative schedule for the meeting was discussed. The current outline is shown below. A number of possibilities for the open presentations are being pursued.
    • 6:50 Individual sign-up and distribution of survey, and other literature.
    • 7:05 Intro by Osterman & Steans, including recognition of other public officials present.
    • 7:15 Highlights of the EESP report with presentation of the timelines. Tom Murphy
    • 7:22 Planning and Development presentation. Carmen, John . . .
    • 7:36 Presentation by a homeowner of the energy audit she obtained at the silent auction at our July fundraiser.
    • 7:43 Summary of the Green Schools meeting held in January by Peter Locke.
    • 7:50 Other related presentation, TBD
    • 7:57 Community related presentation, TBD
    • 8:05 Moderator review and organization of break-out session.
    • 8:10 Breakout session for each topic at a table; specific topics and goals assigned; each table agreeing on their summary.
    • 8:30 End of formal meeting

Other topics A revised .pdf version of the EESP Report is on our website: www.edgewater 2020.org. There was considerable discussion on how to get community participation on the plan and for the March meeting. There were a variety of suggestions, a good one being to get those who attended the meeting last March to come back and to bring a friend–or two. In addition, Tom & Anne met with Gretchen Muller to discuss marketing the report, the March meeting, and the EESP in general.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.

The next meeting will occur on Thurs., Feb. 11th, 8:00 – 9:30 am at the ECC offices – 6044 N. Broadway. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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