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PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with the Statutes of the State of Illinois and the Ordinances of the City of Highland Park, a Regular Meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Group of the City of Highland Park is scheduled to be held at the hour of 6:30 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the City of Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois, during which it is anticipated there will be a discussion of the following:

City of Highland Park SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP

REGULAR MEETING

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 6:30 PM

Highland Park City Hall Pre-Session Conference Room

1707 St. Johns Avenue Highland Park, Illinois

MEETING AGENDA

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. Approval of Minutes

June 5, 2019 Special Meeting June 5, 2019 Regular Meeting July 10, 2019 Regular Meeting

IV. Business from the Public

V. New Business

(a) 2020-2022 Sustainability Plan Update Discussion

(b) 2020 Northwest Municipal Conference Legislative Call for Issues

VI. Old Business (a) Plan for Community Sustainability Open House for Input into Sustainability Plan Update to be Held on

October 3, 2019 at 7PM at Highland Park Public Library

VII. Other Business

(a) Advisor Comments

(b) Administrative Items / Staff Report i. Town Hall Regarding the Clean Energy Jobs Act (“CEJA”)

VIII. Adjournment

Posted in City Hall on September 6, 2019 at 12:00 PM

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City Manager’s Office

1707 St. Johns Avenue

Highland Park, Illinois 60035

847.926.1000

cityhpil.com

Memorandum

Date: September 6, 2019 To: Sustainability Advisory Group From: Rob Sabo, Assistant City Manager City Manager’s Office Subject: Sustainability Advisory Group Regular Meeting – September 11, 2019 Agenda Summary and Informational Document

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Enclosed in the agenda packet are the June 5, 2019 Special and Regular SAG Meetings minutes for the Advisory Group’s approval. Due to a lack of quorum at the July 10, no action could be taken by the SAG to approve the minutes. Also included in the packet are the minutes of the July 10 meeting which reflect that there was no quorum present and no final action was taken on any agenda items. NEW BUSINESS a) 2020-2022 Sustainability Plan Update Discussion

The SAG was provided a draft copy of the 2020-2022 Sustainability Plan to facilitate

discussion of the document at the September 6 meeting. Sustainability Consultant Grace Rink is leading the update of the Sustainability Plan document for the City and has met with City Staff to identify accomplishments from the 2017-2019 Plan and to discuss projects and initiatives to pursue or to defer in the 2020-2022 Plan. Sustainability Consultant Grace Rink

will be present at the meeting to facilitate a discussion of the Sustainability Plan update and to obtain feedback from the SAG. Following discussion with the SAG, feedback will be solicited from the public during the October 3 Open House which will then be followed by a

meeting with the Green Alliance for feedback from sister governments and City partners. Once all feedback has been obtained and the Plan updated, the document will be presented to the City Council for formal consideration and approval. The Plan update is on schedule to be completed before the end of 2019.

b) 2020 Northwest Municipal Conference Legislative Call for Issues

The City of Highland Park is a member community of the Northwest Municipal Conference (“NWMC”). NWMC is a Council of Government that provides a variety of services for municipalities including joint-purchasing initiatives and lobbyist services for state and federal legislative matters. Each year, the NWMC issues a call for issued to be considered. If there is any proposed state or federal legislation that the SAG feels should be considered for the 2020 Spring Session, the enclosed Call for Issues form will be completed by staff based on SAG feedback and provided to the City Manager. All submittals from the City Council, staff, and Commissions/Advisory Groups are combined into one submittal on behalf of the City to the Northwest Municipal Conference. The City will be including a request for the NWMC to advocate in Springfield for a statewide ban on plastic bags at the request of Councilman Alyssa Knobel. At the September SAG meeting, Advisors are asked to discuss any desired legislative issues for the NWMC’s consideration. Staff will complete the call for issues form based on SAG feedback.

OLD BUSINESS

a) Plan for Community Sustainability Open House for Input into Sustainability

Plan Update to be Held on October 3, 2019 at 7PM at Highland Park Public

Library This is a continued item from the July 10, 2019 Regular SAG Meeting. The public is invited to an open house on October 3, 2019 at 7PM at the Highland Park Public Library as part of the City’s 2020-2022 Sustainability Plan update. Elizzabeth Kaufman will be the keynote speaker and will present on the Pollinator Partnership. The draft event plan has been included in the agenda packet to the SAG’s review and discussion to finalize event details. Staff is preparing communications materials to market the Open House. The ultimate goal of the open house is to solicit public input and feedback about what sustainability initiatives the community would like to see occur in the City.

The next Regular SAG Meeting will be on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 6:30 PM.

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ADIVSORY GROUP OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS

MEETING DATE: June 5, 2019

MEETING LOCATION: 175 Ravine Drive

Highland Park, Illinois

CALL TO ORDER

At 5:30 PM, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Wagenius and the Staff Liaison

called the roll.

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Advisors LaCosse, Falzone, Kramer, Ross, Nichols (VC), and

Wagenius (C); Papakos (arrived at 5:39 PM)

Members Absent: Advisors Cardick, Meyer, and Futterman

The Staff Liaison declared that there was a quorum of the Group present.

Staff Present: Planner II Karl Burhop

Also Present: Councilwoman Kim Stone

Rob Ronzani

James Sayegh

Dan Creaney

Warren Gary

NEW BUSINESS

(a) Site Visit for Consideration of a Steep Slope Zone Variation Request – 175 Ravine Drive

Advisors viewed the site of the proposed garage and Steep Slope Zone encroachment and

discussed the application. Planner II Karl Burhop provided an overview of the project.

James Sayegh, property owner and applicant, and his team consisting of Rob Ronzani, Dan

Creaney, and Warren Gary provided information about the proposed project.

The Group and Applicant discussed the project, with questions and answers back and forth.

ADJOURNMENT

Advisor Ross moved to adjourn the meeting. Advisor LaCosse seconded the motion. Upon a

voice vote, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 5:48 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rob Sabo, Assistant City Manager

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MINUTES APPROVED BY THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP ON XXX

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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ADIVSORY GROUP OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS

MEETING DATE: June 5, 2019 MEETING LOCATION: Lower Level Conference Room – Highland Park City Hall 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois

CALL TO ORDER At 6:31 PM, Chair Wagenius called the meeting to order and Planner II Burhop called the roll. Advisors Present: Advisors Futterman, Papakos, Ross, Kramer, Falzone, LaCosse, Nichols (VC), and

Wagenius (C) Advisors Absent: Advisors Cardick and Meyer Chair Wagenius declared that there was a quorum of the Advisory Group present. Staff Present: Katie Friedman, Sustainability Fellow Karl Burhop, Planner II Also Present: Kim Stone, City Council Liaison Hart Passman, Deputy Corporation Council Mike Bleck, Bleck Engineering Mike Waisaki, Natural Foundations Jon Shabica, Shabica Associates Debbie Frank, Homeowner (25 Lakeview Terrace) Chuck Frank, Homeowner (25 Lakeview Terrace) Joel Cahn, Interested Party (26 Lakeview Terrace) Carl Kupfer, Representing 49 Lakeview Terrace Dino Dimitrio, Representing owners of 53 Sycamore Place Sue Pillar, Court Reporter Jim Sayegh, Homeowner (175 Ravine Drive) Warren Gary, Architect Daniel Creaney, Civil Engineer Calvin Bernstein; Attorney Karen Berkowitz MINUTES (a) Approval of the May 8, 2019 Regular Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Stone requested an edit to her comment on page 4 to more accurately reflect what she expressed at the last meeting. The sentence “She announced that some of the solar incentives in Illinois changed significantly and that there are incentives which allow you to include the cost of roof replacements in addition to the cost of solar panels whereby the incentives pay for the entire system including the roof replacement,” was adjusted to end after “addition to the cost of solar panels” and strike the rest of the sentence. Vice Chair Nichols moved to approve the minutes of the May 8, 2019 Regular Sustainability Advisory Group meeting as amended to correct Councilwoman Stone’s comments. Advisor LaCosse seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, Chairman Wagenius declared the motion passed unanimously.

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BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC There was no business from the public. NEW BUSINESS

a) Application for regulated activity at 53 Sycamore Place

Planner II Burhop summarized the property and the proposed H-piles, which are intended to support an aluminum ramp for boat access, and revetment towards the south portion of the property. He presented the proposed plans and an aerial map of the area, showing steep slope protection zones and the area of the proposed improvements. He explained that the SAG had previously reviewed this application on April 10th, 2019, and that the NRC had previously reviewed this in November 2018. For the current meeting, notice was provided to adjacent water properties by Planner II Burhop, 10 up- and 10 down-water. The plans for the current application are the same as previously provided, with the addition of a highlighted portion that indicates a sanitary sewer pipe. Planner II Burhop summarized City Department comments, which are included in the agenda packet. He explained that the role of the SAG is to make a recommendation to the City Council based on Section 150.703.1 Standards within 30 days of this meeting. If no recommendation is made within the time frame, the recommendation will be considered against the approval, unless the applicant agrees in writing for further time. Chairman Wagenius reminded everyone that the SAG provided advice to the applicant at the pre application meeting and invited the advisors to bring up any issues that were brought up in the pre-application meeting that were not addressed in the current application plans. There were no issues brought up. Consultant Jon Shabica noted that Planner II Burhop presented everything, but that he had some more photos if anyone was interested in seeing them. Mr. Shabica welcomed the advisors to ask any questions. Chairman Wagenius noted that the advisors have had opportunities to see pictures in previous presentations as well as the site visit, and invited any advisors to speak if they would like to see more photos. Advisors agreed that it was not necessary to see more photos.

Planner II Burhop recommended that Chairman Wagenius ask if anyone in the public, the applicant, or anyone else wanted to speak about this. He then recommended that the SAG go through each standard one by one so that staff can summarize the findings and transmit those in writing to the City Council. There were no comments from the public. Chairman Wagenius reminded the SAG that they can adopt the findings as they are or offer comments in their recommendation to the City Council. Councilwoman Stone inquired whether there should be agreement expressed that each standard is met. Chairman Wagenius and Vice-Chair Nichols commented that it would make sense to vote on the standards as a whole. Vice-Chair Nichols noted that it is the second or third time that most Advisors have spoken about this application, and suggested that the advisors read through all of the standards and offer up commentary to any questionable portions, and then decide whether to pass a motion on it. Advisors agreed to this approach. Chairman Wagenius read through standards a) through d). Advisors decided to read the remaining standards e) through j) on their own. Advisor Ross expressed a concern with standard g) depending on whether the project is considered in its

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entirety or considered by its constituent parts. He pointed out that parts of the project do not have to do with erosion control, water gathering, or public access. He commented that his interpretation of the Code is that the SAG is considering this project in its entirety, and it is for erosion control. It has some features that are not for the purpose of erosion control, but a lot of projects have other elements by nature such as aesthetic concerns. If the SAG considers this project as a whole, its purpose would be for erosion control, and therefore it would be in compliance with all of the standards. Advisor Falzone inquired whether there is a precedent for this kind of removable ramp on other properties on the waterfront. Advisor Ross mentioned that he is not aware of any that were constructed after this standard was put in place. Councilwoman Stone inquired whether advisors were in agreement that the proposed regulated activity meets all standards, or meets all standards but g). Chairman Wagenius said that if the standard is read as “The proposed regulated activity shall be for the purpose of erosion control OR water gathering OR public access only,” the proposed activity would fit. Advisor Ross said that he is looking at the project in its entirety, which is a regulated activity whose primary purpose is erosion control. He said that he doesn’t think that the SAG should dissect the project unless anyone has concerns about the H-piles specifically. Advisor Futterman asked what water gathering is. Advisor Papakos suggested that it means water collection for drinking purposes. Councilwoman Stone noted that this might refer to the water treatment plant. Vice Chair Nichols pointed out that in terms of the H-piles, it seems like there is a lot of consideration of the sewer, so it seems like that is being addressed appropriately. She explained that she looked into whether it would be problematic to have something on top of the sewer pipe, and apparently the way that the H-piles are designed would not cause any problems. She asked whether the advisory group was ready to make a motion on this. Advisor Papakos asked if there was any long term maintenance plan as described in standard d). Advisor Ross explained that there was a biannual visual inspection planned to ensure that the project is still serving its purpose. Vice Chair Nichols asked if the applicant had mentioned anything about sand-fill in as maintenance for this structure. The applicant said there is no sand fill-in.

Advisor Ross moved to direct City Staff to draft findings of fact in support of this project and its alignment to standards to City Council. Vice-Chair Nichols seconded motion. Upon a voice vote, Chairman Wagenius declared the motion passed unanimously.

b) Application for regulated activity at 49 Lakeview Terrace Planner II Burhop summarized the proposed regulated activity and presented aerial images of the property. He explained that this property has steep slope zone protection and that the project is for a 200-foot new revetment located approximately at the bottom of the bluff and Lake Michigan Protection Zone, which will be constructed by watercraft. He showed approximate diagrams of where the revetment will be located in relation to neighboring properties. Planner II Burhop noted he sent notices to the 10

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up- and 10-down water property owners and to the HOAs that had registered as desiring notice. He noted that there is another pending application for the same property. He additionally showed the location for the proposed groin repair project at the north of the property that is awaiting approval from the City Council. He summarized City Department comments which are included in the agenda packet. He explained that the role of the SAG is to make a recommendation to the City Council based on Section 150.703.1 Standards within 30 days of this meeting. If no recommendation is made within the time frame, the recommendation will be considered against the approval, unless the applicant agrees in writing for further time.

Chairman Wagenius asked if anyone had any questions for Planner II Burhop. Mr. Joel Cahn, owner of the property adjacent to 49 Lakeview Terrace, asked for a point of order. Mr. Cahn noted that he did not receive adequate notice of this project, and requested a continuance so that he would have enough time to engage a coastal engineer to cross-examine the project. Mr. Carl Kupfer, Consulting Engineer speaking on behalf of the property owners, explained plans for erosion protection along the roughly 200 feet of shoreline. He implored the SAG to approve this as soon as possible. He explained that the permits from the regulatory agencies are still pending. The IEPA issued its authorizations and the IDNR and Army Corps of Engineers are expected to issue theirs within several weeks. The building permit application was submitted to the Building Division and is also still pending. He noted that they are close to engaging a contractor for the project, and repeated that the project should be started soon because of the massive erosion on this slope. He described the proposed project as a conventional armor stone revetment similar to what is seen on the adjacent Frank property, to connect to the remaining stub of shore. Today due to high water there is almost no beach. He explained that a vegetative solution cannot be done due to wave strength, so the project will instead have an armored shore. He explained that live plantings will be introduced at the top of the splash zone to provide a vegetative base above the revetment. He explained that the portion of the bluff that is bare will be hydro-seeded with local wildflowers. He noted that the goal is to start this process by the end of July, and repeated that it is critical to start soon. He said that the state and federal agencies are accommodating his requests. Advisor LaCosse asked Mr. Kupfer when the project will be completely finished. Mr. Kupfur responded that the whole process should take about two or three months. Advisor Papakos asked whether the live plantings were considered to stabilize the rest of the slope. Mr. Kupfer explained that whatever is bare above the revetment will be planted. Currently about one third of the entire slope is bare because of the active slide. He mentioned that he spoke with the City Forester about removing the undesirable, noxious plants from the vegetative area, and it was decided that the plants are currently serving a useful purpose of stabilizing the slope. If in time it makes sense to remove these plants, they will do so, but not until the bluff is stable. Chairman Wagenius asked whether any other advisors had questions. There were no further questions. Chairman Wagenius then invited the public to speak. He asked who from the public wanted to make a comment. Three people were interested in speaking. Chairman Wagenius stated that each person could have 6 minutes to speak. Mr. Cahn objected to this suggestion and said that his due process requires that he be allowed to make his full presentation. Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman stated that the Chairman set a reasonable limit of 6 minutes. Chairman Wagenius invited Mr. Cahn to start his presentation and noted that he would start the timer when Mr. Cahn was ready. Mr. Cahn began his full objection and Chairman Wagenius began the timer. Mr. Cahn explained that he lives at 26 Lakeview Terrace, three houses away from the proposed revetment project that will affect his property rights. He said that he is an interested party because the proposed project will diminish the value

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of his property by causing the destruction of his beach. He noted that a proceeding that would affect one’s property rights is governed by the fundamental principles and requirements of due process of law. He recited his rights to due process of law and requested again to make his full objection. Vice Chair Nichols clarified that the present meeting is not a hearing and that the SAG is just providing a recommendation for City Council. Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman confirmed that the City’s zoning code does not provide for the present meeting to be a hearing, meaning that this advisory body does not render any final decisions. A recommendation from this advisory body will be passed to City Council, which will consider the recommendation of the SAG, but need not follow its advice one way or the other. Mr. Cahn objected that this explanation was incorrect because the SAG is a public body which would be considered tribunal, and therefore his due process rights require that he can make his full presentation before the committee. Chairman Wagenius reminded Mr. Cahn that he had 3.5 minutes left to present his objection, and asked him to please make his presentation. Mr. Cahn requested that the SAG deny the Gidwitz 49 Lakeview Terrace revetment proposal because it is not in compliance with the Highland Park building code Section 150.703.1, specifically sections 150.703.1(E),(3) (a), (f), and (i) standards. He noted that it is not in compliance with standard a) because it impedes coastal access to or pedestrian movement along the beach of Lake Michigan; standard f) because the coastal structure will amplify existing erosion problems on the subject property and on adjacent properties; and standard i) because the revetment is not the least environmentally and ecologically intrusive means of achieving the stated purpose of the structure. In support of these claims, he explained that coastal science research supports the finding that a revetment parallel to the shore, hard engineered structure, will destroy beaches and cause lakebed down-cutting if the structure is located too close or in a body of water. He explained that he provided further evidence in support of this to the SAG and staff prior to this meeting, and that more support of this in a statement that Mr. Cahn made to the City Council in May 2018. He continued to explain that when a revetment is placed too close or in a body of water, the structure changes the natural coastal dynamics. The timer indicated that Mr. Cahn’s time was over. Mr. Cahn objected that his Fifth Amendment rights allow him to finish his presentation. Chairman Wagenius told Mr. Cahn that his time was up. Mr. Cahn requested that his objection be noted and explained that he provided a handout to be included in the agenda packet. Consultant Kupfer requested a copy of Mr. Cahn’s presentation. Chairman Wagenius asked if there were any questions for Mr. Cahn. Advisor Ross asked if Mr. Cahn had a recommendation for a solution that would have less of an impact on neighboring properties that is practical for slope stabilization. Mr. Cahn reported that his coastal engineer, David Wetland P.E., and the coastal engineer from Baird at the July 2nd 2018 NRC meeting, had similar recommendations that the least intrusive means would be beach nourishment, as done at Rosewood. He summarized a recommendation from David Wetland P.E. from April 5th 2018. He reported that these recommendations suggest that the proposed regulated activity is not in compliance with Section 150.703.1(E)(3)(i) because it is not the least environmentally intrusive approach.

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Advisor Papakos asked Mr. Cahn whether his property is south or north of 49 Lakeview Terrace. Mr. Cahn said that his property is south. Advisor Papakos asked whether the property was south of the Frank property as well. Mr. Cahn confirmed that his property is south of the Frank property. Advisor Papakos asked if the revetment on the Frank property was put in recently. Mr. Cahn said that the revetment was put in in 2013, and that he has photos and statements from his coastal engineer David Wetland that prove with reasonable certainty that the closeness of the Frank revetment to the coast has caused damage to the Ritholz and Gidwitz properties. He summarized by stating that hard structures placed too close to the shore or in the water will cause destruction of the beach and bluff recession. There were no further questions for Mr. Cahn. Chairman Wagenius invited Mr. Charles Frank to speak of 25 Lakeview Terrace. Mr. Frank reminded everyone that they had the approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, the IEPA, the IDNR, and the City for their revetment, and they did have beach in front of their revetment for a couple of years after it was built. Mr. Frank said that he and his wife are in strong favor of doing a revetment at the bottom of the bluff on 49 Lakeview Terrace. He said there is unquestionably a crisis, and that the bluff has been eroding dramatically in the last two years. The erosion on the Gidwitz property has caused about a million dollars of damage on their property as well. Mr. Frank said that doing this as fast as possible would be beneficial to their property and the value of their property. Mr. Frank said one concern is that the angle of the revetment is correctly engineered so that it is sustainable and does not continue to erode. He noted that if the wall is too close to the bluff, the angle could be too steep. Mr. Frank’s other concern was that the top of the bluff needs to be adequately stabilized. He explained that on Halloween 2014 an enormous storm blew out their retaining wall, and they have been communicating and negotiating with the Gidwitz property and Mr. Kupfer about doing appropriate work on the bluff to prevent further damage. Mr. Cahn requested a continuance in order to prepare a cross-examination. His request was noted. Chairman Wagenius asked whether anyone had any questions for Mr. Frank. Councilwoman Stone requested that the Consultant Kupfer respond to Mr. Frank’s questions about the angle of the slope. Mr. Kupfer noted that the slope of the bluff is a moving target. When they last measured it in a topographical survey in December, they had a 1.5-2 to 1 slope on the lower portion of the bluff which went up to a 2 to 1 slope at the top of the bluff. He explained that as bluffs erode, they maintain pretty much the same configuration and observed that the slope does not seem to have changed much from recent drone images. He explained that the proposed revetment will stabilize the toe of the slope and the plantings and the covering with the erosion mat will stabilize the top. He noted that it is possible that erosion may continue, but for now the most important task is to stabilize the shore. Councilwoman Stone asked Mr. Kupfer if he plans to stabilize the bluff where it is and not change the slope. Mr. Kupfer confirmed that they will not be changing the slope. Mr. Cahn requested a short cross-examination of the witness. Chairman Wagenius explained that there are no cross-examinations at this kind of forum. Mr. Shabica began his presentation on behalf of the Franks. He summarized their property lines and the

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erosion they have experienced. He explained that they are in full support of a revetment, and that their only concern is with the amount of erosion. He showed images of the current condition of the Gidwitz bluff in relation to the Frank house. He explained that the biggest challenge, aside from the exposed toe erosion, is that there is liquefied clay almost to the top of the slope. He noted that a good stable able of repose is a 2 on 1 slope. Mr. Kupfer responds that they have submitted plans to the Building Division for a retaining wall and an earth retention system similar to the one being implemented at the Frank property. Mr. Shabica asked when the permits for this project were submitted to the federal regulators. Mr. Kupfer responded that they were submitted in early May. Mr. Cahn requested the right to cross examine the witness. Councilwoman Stone asked if Mr. Shabica is concerned about the angle of the slope. Mr. Shabica said that they have only seen the plan for the toe, and they are in support of the plan for the toe. From there they will be considering options going up based on when the erosion stops. Mr. Cahn requested the right to cross examine the witness. Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman explained that this is not a hearing. Councilwoman Stone asked if he could explain what this meeting is. Counsel Passman explained that when the City Council established this process, they did not establish it as a public hearing and it’s not required to be a hearing under Illinois law. He explained that this is a unique procedure that Highland Park in its home-rule authority has established. This meeting is a public meeting. Applicants have the right to present their case to the advisory group, and beyond that everyone else not on the Group is permitted to speak at the discretion of the Chair and the discretion of this Group. He explained that the Chairman established a limit of 6 minutes for each person to speak and time for questions, and that the rights that are inherent in public hearings, such cross-examinations, witnesses, and subpoenas, etc. do not apply to this proceeding.

Chairman Wagenius asked if anyone else had any questions. Vice Chair Nichols asked how the hydro-seeding is kept from shifting down the bluff and where the erosion blanket will be placed. Mr. Kupfer explained that the erosion blanket will go over the hydro-seeding, and that if it slides, they will have to go back and reapply it. He said that this will go on the lower portion of the bluff and to the south. Anything that is bare will be seeded. Mr. Cahn requested a continuance to prepare for a cross-examination. Chairman Wagenius said that his request is duly noted. Mr. Cahn asked if Chairman Wagenius would permit or deny his request. Chairman Wagenius asked if the Group wanted to respond to the request to continue. With no motion made, the Chair stated that the SAG does not have interest to continue. Chairman Wagenius asked if the advisors had any comments on the standards.

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Mr. Kupfer noted that he responded to each standard on page 78 of the agenda packet. Councilwoman Stone mentioned that the SAG has had conversations in the past about pedestrian access, which is always an issue with revetments, but also an issue with the current condition where there is no beach. Advisor Ross mentioned that there is already pedestrian access in the project that they have seen to the north, and that in this case, when the beach is there, people will be able to use the beach, and when it is not there, it is what it is. Vice Chair Nichols asked if this is the property that is adjacent to the sink hole that was seen at a previous NRC site tour. Advisor Ross said that they plan to craft a 130 foot groin wall to get around the sink hole. Chairman Wagenius asked if everyone was in agreement that the proposed activity meets the standards. Advisors were in agreement that the proposed activity meets the standards. Advisor Ross moved to direct City Staff to draft findings of fact recommending approval of the project application as submitted with the condition of satisfying standard (j). Vice-Chair Nichols seconded motion. Upon a voice vote, Chairman Wagenius declared the motion passed unanimously.

c) Consideration of a Steep Slope Zone Variation Request for 175 Ravine Drive

Planner II Burhop summarized the property and proposal to demo an existing patio and wood deck and construct a new two-car attached garage, a two story addition, a new driveway, and a new deck. He explained that this project is within the R4 Zoning District and the Lakefront Overlay Zone. He showed images that demonstrated that there is a steep slope zone on a significant portion of the property. He noted that this property is locally landmarked with historical significance. He explained that the SAG’s role is to consider variations in the steep slope zone requirements. He reminded everyone that the steep slope zone includes the steep slope area and a 10 foot setback. He explained that this property is subject to a number of different City regulations and that the applicant has to attend multiple commission and council meetings. He compared an existing site plan to a proposed site plan. He explained that the main issue is the proposed attached garage which will fall within the steep slope zone. He also explained that the proposed deck and stairs will also be in the steep slope zone, but that the applicant is allowed to have up to 300 sq. feet in the steep slope zone provided that stairs are less than 5 feet in width. Planner II Burhop noted that the applicant should verbally state that they will meet this requirement.

Advisor Papakos asked whether the applicant is allowed to build 300 sq. ft. within the steep slope area or the 10 foot setback. Planner II Burhop explained that the Code allows for up to 300 square feet of deck or patio to be located within the 10 foot setback. Planner II Burhop showed additional photos of the property and summarized City Department comments, which are included in the agenda packet. Councilwoman Stone asked if there is a planting plan for this project. Planner II Burhop noted that there are two planting plans in the agenda packet. Planner II Burhop explained that the role of the SAG is to make a recommendation to the City Council based on the technical standards. He also explained that there is no time limit to make this decision. He recommended that the SAG ask for comments from the public, allow the applicant to make a presentation, and then review each of the standards.

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Chairman Wagenius asked if there were any questions. Councilwoman Stone asked if the intention of the extra 10 foot setback was to protect the ravine from too much weight placed on a steep slope section. Planner II Burhop confirmed that the setback is to protect the ravine from too much weight. Deputy Corporation Counsel Passman noted that the zoning board needs to have a hearing within 90 days, and encouraged the SAG to act with efficiency. Councilwoman Stone asked if this had been scheduled for the zoning board yet. Planner II Burhop said that it is not yet scheduled for the zoning board because it first needs a height relief referral from the City Council which is on track for June 24th Council meeting. Chairman Wagenius asked if anyone had the page number in the agenda packet for the vegetation plan. Advisor Ross said it can be found on page 194. Chairman Wagenius invited the applicant to speak. Applicant Sayegh introduced himself and the history of his ownership of the property. He explained that they have been dealing with undisclosed water infiltration issues since buying the property. He said that a two-car garage is a basic amenity to justify the investment in the house. He explained that they have considered a number of different iterations for a garage since 2014 and summarized the challenges of zoning and table land with this particular property. He also explained the importance of preserving the architectural character of the house. He noted that one of the benefits of the current proposal is to remove the existing deck which exists in the steep slope zone, and argues that the current proposal is more in compliance with the steep slope zone than the current situation. He explained that he intends to do this project right, and that they will do the stairs the way that they need to and do what they can to keep the heritage tree in front.

Councilwoman Stone asked the applicant to confirm that the stairs will be 5 feet or less. Mr. Sayegh affirmed that the stairs will comply with the code. Councilwoman Stone asked Mr. Sayegh to explain a previous plan to have the driveway further forward. Mr. Sayegh explained that the idea was to have a small separation that pushes the garage off the house and then have it on a diagonal. The problem is it would have still been in the steep slope zone and the corner would have been on Highland Park property. He said that he does not have enough land to do the garage in that location. Councilwoman Stone asked if the garage would have been in the setback or the steep slope area. Mr. Sayegh explained that it would have not only been in the steep slope area, but also on City property. Advisor Ross asked Mr. Sayegh to explain why they didn’t consider doing the garage on the other side of the property. Mr. Sayegh said that there isn’t any more space on the other side of the property. He also explained that with the layout of the house, there are more practical reasons to keep the garage on the west side of the property. Advisor Papakos asked if Mr. Sayegh had considered a one car garage.

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Mr. Sayegh said that it wouldn’t be worth it to have a one car garage considering the costs involved. He said that a two car garage is a basic amenity. Architect Gary explained that part of the thought of doing a two-car garage was to replace the existing retaining wall that’s allowing some of the erosion to occur. They decided that it made more sense structurally to make this a part of the building foundation. Chairman Wagenius asked if there were any further questions. There were no further questions for the applicant. Planner II Burhop displayed the standards for consideration. Chairman Wagenius noted that the first standard concerned hydrology and natural topography. He observed that this project would cause changes in the hydrology and natural topography. He referenced plans to have a drain leading to the bottom of the ravine which would prevent erosion, but would cause a change in the amount of pervious surface. He asked what for other advisor thoughts. Vice Chair Nichols asked if oil leaks could be an issue with garages. Advisor Ross noted that the City Code does not allow drains in garages to be tied to anything. Advisor Papakos observed that the proposed development will be changing the natural topography. Advisor Ross noted that there are problematic existing conditions on the site. There was a flooding garage that the City was trying to address and an eroding corner by a retaining wall that exists today. He said that it will be changing the topography but he said that the standard isn’t designed to prevent any changes to natural topography but rather to limit the impact. He also mentioned that a one car garage is out of step with amenities for houses that have been built in the last four decades. Councilwoman Stone explained that she has observed from her experience on the zoning board that two car garages seem to be the standard today. Advisor Papakos asked if there is currently a one car garage on the property. Advisor Ross said that there is currently a one car garage, but there are issues with it. It is below grade by four feet or five feet, so the water comes down Ravine Drive and floods the property. Chairman Wagenius pointed out the large increase in the impervious surface. Architect Gary explained that the area that they are replacing is already paved and impermeable surface, so they would not be increasing this area by much. He said that the driveway would be adding to it. Advisor Ross pointed out that the driveway would have a drain and energy dissipation. Chairman Wagenius asked whether the energy dissipation will be commensurate with the increased flooding. Engineer Creaney explained what an energy dissipater is and how it dissipates energy. They provide an energy dissipating structure to account for increased energy. Advisor Papakos said that the concern is with the increase in the amount of water and the flow going through the structure. Mr. Sayegh pointed out that they are arguing that they are not increasing the impervious surface and that they are introducing an energy dissipating structure that will reduce the erosion. He explained that there would be benefits to this versus what exists currently. Vice Chair Nichols asked if Advisor Papakos was referring to the extra driveway or to the garage.

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Advisor Papakos said that she was talking about the extra driveway. Engineer Creaney acknowledged that there will be more water as a result of increased impervious surface on the driveway, but that they will be managing the water. Currently, there is not management of water runoff, and the water that hits the slope is causing erosion. In increasing the impermeable surface and directing water to run off through a drain, they are able to better manage the water runoff. He explained that in his experience, it has been better to manage water runoff than allow it to run along a foundation. Chairman Wagenius asked what the trade-off is between natural hydrology and managed hydrology. Engineer Creaney said that in his mind, it is always better to control as much water as possible and bring it down in a conduit to the bottom. He explained the natural erosion protection at the bottom of ravines. Mr. Sayegh explained that they kept the driveway as small as possible.

Chairman Wagenius asked about introducing a permeable surface. Councilwoman Stone explained the Judson property that agreed to do a permeable driveway. Chairman Wagenius asked if there would be any benefits to doing a permeable surface for this property. Engineer Creaney said that he would have to look into that but he would be concerned with a ravine having a saturated slope. He said he would be concerned about having water below the driveway that would have to leach out, which could be problematic. He explained that if they had a permeable surface, they would have to put in a drain tile. He said that when engineers look at ravine repair, they look at sand seams, and they pick those up with the drain tile. He said that if they put in a porous paver, they would essentially be creating a sand seam, and collecting the water over a broad area. He noted that the water can be much better managed on a surface.

Councilwoman said that green roof could be an option. Chairman Wagenius explained that across Highland Park, they are advocating storm-water management. He asked how this project might contribute to storm water concerns. Advisor Papakos said that the advisors should look into how much surface is going to be impervious. Vice Chair Nichols asked whether the SAG is supposed to be considering the driveway. Planner II Burhop explained the existing driveway and proposed driveway. He said that the applicant does not need zoning relief for the driveway. He said it is up to the SAG to decide how they want to consider the driveway. Councilwoman Stone said that the concern with the driveway is standing water which has to do with topography and drainage. Advisor Ross said that the garage by design will tie into the pipe that will lead to the energy dissipating structure. He asked if the concern is with whether the calculations have been done correctly. Advisor Papakos said that the issue is whether the impact can be compensated by some kind of storm water volume reduction. Advisor Ross said that a pipe seems like a better way to handle the water than putting it into the clay. Chairman Wagenius asked whether it has been engineered sufficiently.

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Councilwoman Stone asked whether that is something that the SAG considers or if that is something that staff considers as part of the building permit. Planner II Burhop said that staff will require that plans are signed and sealed by a licensed and professional engineer to verify that the engineering has been done correctly. Advisor Ross asked Engineer Creaney to speak on the topic of the amount of water that will go through the structure. Engineer Creaney explained that that will be part of the engineering that they do. They will figure out how much water will be going into the pipe and that the structure at the bottom is big enough to resist the force of the water. He noted that they usually overdesign these structures. He explained how the structures are designed and installed. Advisor LaCosse asked Planner II Burhop if the plans will be reviewed by the Building Department and by Public Works before a building permit is issued. Planner II Burhop confirmed that the City will review the plans. Councilwoman Stone observed that permeable pavers do not seem like they will help in this case. She also noted that a green roof would add weight. Advisor Papakos said that a full garage adds a lot more weight and said that may be a negative impact. Vice Chair Nichols summarized some of the conversations had at the site visit. She said that improvements to the current situation would support the slope staying intact more than leaving it the way that it is. She explained that they had discussed how deeply to go to support the structure without putting any more pressure on the ravine.

Architect Gary explained that the proposed foundation for the garage is a steel pipe that is drilled into the ground. It is screwed into the ground to a certain resistance. It is typically engineered in ten foot sections, but can go down 20 feet.

Engineer Creaney explained how this process works and ultimately causes less disturbance to the ravine.

Advisor Ross explained that this technology was used in Openlands as the least invasive way to have a stable structure.

Chairman Wagenius asked how the advisors felt about the first standard. Advisor Ross said he thinks it is appropriate given the situation. Advisor Papakos said that she is undecided. Chairman Wagenius asked if the advisors felt there was sufficient detail to make a decision. Advisor Ross said that this proposal is not any worse for vegetation and it is better for hydrology. Advisor Ross said that the SAG can ask City engineers to pay attention to the water dissipation device in the ravine and find that it is adequate. Advisor Papakos added that the City engineers should pay attention to see that there is no more additional flow of water to the ravine. Vice Chair Nichols said that a case could be made that an increase in water volume could be the result of increased storm events rather than the driveway.

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Advisor LaCosse asked how much water from the street goes down the driveway.

Mr. Sayegh explained that the property across the street is on higher ground, so a lot of water goes down their driveway.

Engineer Creaney noted that if they were to engineer the driveway so that the water went into the City storm sewers that water goes straight into the ravine.

Advisor Papakos asked whether there is a way to retain water to minimize the amount of storm water that ends up in the ravine.

Engineer Creaney said that he has thought about this, but with the limited flat area, there is hardly any opportunity to store water or let it run into the ground because they are on the edge of the ravine.

Advisor Papakos asked if there is anything that can be done on the other side of the property.

Engineer Creaney said that it is possible that they could do some kind of infiltration trench, but his concern is that at another project in Highland Park, the trench ended up sliding down the ravine. He said that he is concerned about doing something to the top that they are not comfortable with.

Mr. Sayegh pointed out that they have shown a lot of restraint in the overall Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for the project and property, and that the additions are minimal. He said the driveway is as small as it can be.

Advisor Falzone noted that she appreciates the work that has been put into this plan.

Chairman Wagenius asked how advisors feel about standard 2. Advisors agreed that the plan was in compliance with standard 2. Chairman Wagenius asked advisors about standard 3.

Advisor Falzone said that with the exception of the loss of the oak tree, the plan shows that they are making up for the loss.

Councilwoman Stone mentioned that the forester provided some conditions that should be met. Vice Chair Nichols agreed.

Chairman Wagenius asked about the identification of a noxious weed. He noted that the forester did not mention that. He said that the forester’s recommendations should be followed and the invasive species must be removed. He said that this vegetation plan is not as good or detailed as other steep slope vegetation plans that they have seen with information about timing.

Councilwoman Stone mentioned that Japanese knotweed can come through foundations, so the placement of the knotweed on the property could be an issue. It needs to be completely eradicated by injecting an herbicide into the stem. The process can take years.

Advisor Falzone explained that Japanese knotweed needs to be removed by a specialist.

Chairman Wagenius explained that where concrete is being removed, the vegetation is essential.

Advisor Ross clarified the area that the SAG is considering behind the existing retaining wall.

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Architect Gary explained that the foundation for the garage will not be drilled into the ravine.

Mr. Sayegh noted that they are planning on addressing landscaping.

Councilwoman Stone asked if they are talking about the portion of the existing deck that is part of the steep slope zone.

Chairman Wagenius asked Planner II Burhop to show some of the images from his presentation.

Advisor Papakos asked how much of the area under the current deck is paved.

Mr. Sayegh and his team explained that it is paved up until the retaining wall.

Councilwoman Stone noted that the SAG should include a condition that there be a landscape plan approved by the Forester with approved species and something about the knotweed.

Chairman Wagenius asked about standards 4 and 5.

Councilwoman Stone asked about the time frame for the construction of the garage. Mr. Sayegh and Architect Gary said that they would rebuild the retaining wall first, then they would need a day to do the piles, and a week to pour the concrete.

Councilwoman Stone asked about the timing for the planting.

Mr. Sayegh said that once the wall is built, they will be able to plant. He explained that they can probably commit to a 2 or 3 month window.

Advisors agreed that the approval from the forester should include appropriate timing for planting.

Chairman Wagenius asked about standard 6. Advisor Papakos said that they should include a condition that they should not be adding additional flood to impervious areas. Advisor Ross and Councilwoman Stone noted that the standard is about minimizing impervious surface. Vice Chair Nichols mentioned the drainage plan Chairman Wagenius said that he found their case for hydrology compelling considering all of the challenges that this property has. Advisor Papakos acknowledged the challenges of this property, but explained that in her opinion, the two car garage does not fit all of the standards. Planner II Burhop summarized the conditions discussed by the SAG. He noted that the Forester shall provide instructions to the applicant pertaining to the removal of Japanese knotweed as well as provide final approval of a landscaping plan which will have a temporal component that minimizes the time in which bare and exposed areas are exposed. Advisor Ross moved to recommend approval to the Zoning Board of the submitted plans subject to the conditions specified by Planner II Burhop. Advisor Falzone seconded the motion. Upon a voice vote, the Chair declared the motion passed 7-1. Advisor Papakos voted nay.

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d) Discussion of Community Sustainability Open House and Million Pollinator Presentation as a Kick Off to Sustainability Plan Update to be Held at July 10 Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Chairman Wagenius explained that a representative from the Pollinator Project cannot attend the July 10th meeting at that time. Councilwoman Stone asked whether it would be possible to invite the Million Pollinator Project to present at another time. Chairman Wagenius asked if the SAG would like to go ahead with the Sustainability Open House on July 10th. Advisor Ross suggested that there may be a better way to encourage people to come than at 7:30pm on a Wednesday. Chairman Wagenius suggested that the week after 4th of July is not the best time to hold a Sustainability Open House, Vice Chair Nichols suggested September would be a good time to engage the community. Councilwoman Stone suggested that this topic be discussed at the next meeting. Advisor Ross suggested holding the Open House at the high school and engaging high school students. Advisor Ross also suggested holding a special meeting for this rather than a regular meeting. Chairman Wagenius asked about engaging adults. He suggested that the advisors do some individual brainstorming and then reconvene in July to develop a tentative plan for an Open House in September. Sustainability Fellow Friedman asked if the SAG still wanted to call Sustainability Consultant Grace Rink. Advisors asked Sustainability Friedman to contact Consultant Rink and ask her to speak at the July 10th meeting. Councilwoman Stone asked if staff can invite the AP Environmental Science teachers and the Green Schools Initiative representative to attend the July 10th meeting to participate in the discussion.

OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to discuss. OTHER BUSINESS

(a) Advisor Comments Advisor Futterman mentioned that Target in Highland Park is implementing solar power. Advisor Papakos mentioned that the watershed plan meeting got a lot of attendance. She said that people from the Park District were at the meeting and that they are still looking to get feedback from stakeholders. Advisor Kramer asked if it would have made a difference if the garage was in better condition when the Sayegh family bought the house. Councilwoman Stone mentioned that from a historic preservation perspective, people will need to update parts

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of the house. Councilwoman Stone reminded advisors that gas leaf blowers are prohibited in the City between May and October. She said that residents can call the police non-emergency number to report gas leaf blowers, and if they know the name of the landscaping company that is helpful. She explained that the City will be contacting the licensed landscaping companies to remind them about the ban. The City is also looking into ticketing the company rather than the individual employee. She also said that someone reached out to her about the diesel engines at Food Truck Thursdays and that the City is working on reaching out to the vendor. She also mentioned a resident that is working with Red Oak School on zero waste lunches and composting. This resident has come up with a challenge that some of the schools bring in foods from local restaurants that have a lot of packaging. Councilwoman Stone said that she discussed partnering with BrightBeat to reduce packaging for school lunches and invited advisors to get involved if they are interested. Vice Chair Nichols explained that individuals who can speak to the SAG about ethylene oxide and the Waukegan Coal-Fired Power Plant are not available on Wednesday nights, so she is looking into finding a way that they can come and speak about this topic. She explained that there are concerns about these emissions causing cancer and that there are people organizing in Lake County about the Coal-Fired Power Plant. She also introduced a project that she is working with Moraine Township to develop a partnership between the township food pantry and parents in the community. She explained that this is part of an effort to increase the sense of community at the dual-language school. Chairman Wagenius thanked everyone for attending.

(b) Administrative Items / Staff Report Sustainability Fellow Friedman updated the SAG about the LEED for Cities Certification. She said that Community Development has a few LEED certified professionals that she hopes to engage in the process. She also mentioned that LEED released a new guide for the Cities certification that she is currently working through. Planner II Burhop gave an update to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the SAG is supportive of keeping the duty of reviewing and providing recommendations on the Steep Slope Zone and Beach Structure. After the ZBA provides feedback, the City Council will review this. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Vice-Chair LaCosse, seconded by Advisor Ross. Upon a voice vote, the meeting the Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Katie Friedman, Sustainability Fellow ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MINUTES APPROVED BY THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP ON:

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MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ADIVSORY GROUP OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS

MEETING DATE: July 10, 2019 MEETING LOCATION: Lower Level Conference Room – Highland Park City Hall 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois CALL TO ORDER At 6:40 PM, Vice-Chair Nichols called the meeting to order and Assistant City Manager Sabo called the roll. Advisors Present: Advisors Falzone, Futterman, Papakos, Ross and Nichols (VC) Advisors Absent: Advisors Cardick, LaCosse, Meyer, Kramer, and Wagenius (C) Vice-Chair Nichols declared that there was not a quorum of the Advisory Group present and that no final action may be taken on any items on the agenda. Staff Present: Rob Sabo, Assistant City Manager Also Present: Councilwoman Kim Stone MINUTES (a) Approval of the June 5, 2019 Special Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Due to there being no quorum present, there was no action taken on approval of the Minutes. (b) Approval of the June 5, 2019 Regular Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Due to there being no quorum present, there was no action taken on approval of the Minutes. Councilwoman Stone and Vice-Chairman Nichols provided edits to the minutes for the SAG’s consideration at the next Regular Meeting. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC There was no business from the public. Vice-Chair Nichols took Old Business ahead of New Business on the meeting agenda. OLD BUSINESS a) Discussion of Community Sustainability Open House for Input into Sustainability Plan

Update to be Held at Future Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting City of Highland Park Sustainability Consultant Grace Rink joined the meeting via telephone at 6:40 PM. Assistant City Manager Sabo provided background on the SAG’s desire to hold an Open House for the community to attend and provide feedback on sustainability initiatives that the community would desire. Vice-Chair Nichols explained that such events are either very well attended or sparsely attended for the first meeting. Councilwoman Stone explained that the open house and presentations are two different components.

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Advisor Ross explained that the Pollinator Partnership could be the keynote and it could be good facilitator of open discussion. Advisor Futterman suggested having other supplementary presentation material to highlight what the SAG does. The Advisors discussed the date to hold the event and considered either a weekend or weekday event. Following discussion, the majority present were in consensus that a weekday event, on a Thursday, October 3 at 7PM at the Highland Park Public Library or The Art Center – Highland Park depending on availability. Councilwoman Stone suggested having the Sustainability Plan draft discussion at the September meeting and then discuss the Sustainability Plan at the Open House. The Advisors and Sustainability Consultant Rink discussed the topics for the open house and whether to narrow down the scope of the presentations or to have a wide variety. The Advisors discussed the format of the open house and by consensus were in agreement to have a key note presentation by Elizzabeth Kaufman of the Pollinator Partnership, followed by an SAG presentation and overview of what the City is doing with Sustainability, and then hold an open house session where individuals can visit different stations with poster boards to write on and provide feedback on sustainability plan categories and things they’d like the City to pursue as part of the next Sustainability Plan for 2020-2022. NEW BUSINESS a) LEED for Cities Designation Discussion

Assistant City Manager Sabo presented information pertaining to the LEED for Cities program, formerly known as the Star Communities rating system. He provided background information on LEED for Cities, summarized the necessary steps for the City to pursue designation, reviewed the requirements and the already completed items in order to receive designation, and sought the SAG’s feedback on pursuing LEED for Cities designation. Councilwoman Stone explained that there would be a lot of work and expense for this program. The Advisors discussed the costs versus benefits of the LEED for Cities program. The Advisors requested that staff identify the tangible benefits of participation, obtain experience information from Park Forest, Evanston, and Chicago, and identify what the undisclosed fee amount is to review at a future SAG meeting.

b) 2020 Sustainability Advisory Group Work Plan Review Assistant City Manager Sabo presented the proposed 2020 Sustainability Advisory Group Work Plan. He explained that the Work Plan would be presented to the City Council as part of the 2020 budget preparation process. He asked if any Advisors had any feedback on the proposed Work Plan. The Advisors reviewed and discussed the Work Plan.

OTHER BUSINESS (a) Advisor Comments Advisor Futterman spoke about the Illinois Home Weatherization Program through FEJA. He commented on the composting at Food Truck Thursday and asked for volunteers to help patrons with placing waste in appropriate containers. He suggested getting Target onto the City’s Sustainability Map. He commented on a conversation he had with a wind energy developer placing windmills in Lake Erie and the possibility of windmills being placed in Lake Michigan.

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Councilwoman Stone explained that the City Council reviewed voting on the IECC Code update and supported staff participating in this year’s IECC Code update vote. She reported that District 113 has decided to purchase new buses for their fleet and found that diesel would be the most cost effective. She explained an interaction she had with District 113 related to electric buses instead of diesel. (b) Administrative Items / Staff Report Assistant City Manager Sabo announced that the City is officially designated a Global Covenant of Mayors community and that the City is finalizing our submittal to the Carbon Disclosure Project (“CDP”). He announced that Katie Friedman’s service with the City will be coming to an end in early September but that the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus was awarded a second round of the Greenest Region Corps to provide for another AmeriCorps volunteer. He announced that the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment Committee Meeting will be held at Fire Station 33 on July 18 at 10AM and will feature a presentation on Highland Park’s Sustainability Plan. He explained that staff has been working with Bright Beat to identify multi-family properties to conduct outreach to implement recycling and composting within their buildings and also working with Bright Beat on an outreach project to food businesses to encourage their use of recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging materials. He also informed the group that Lake County is in contract negotiations for the solar panel RFP project that the City is a part of and that a solar array could tentatively be in place at the Water Treatment Plant before the end of 2019. ADJOURNMENT Upon a quorum call and there being no quorum present, the meeting ended at 8:21 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Rob Sabo, Assistant City Manager ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MINUTES APPROVED BY THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP ON:

NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE Call for 2020 Legislative Issues

The NWMC Legislative Committee will be beginning the process of preparing for the Illinois General Assembly’s 2020 Spring Session. In order to inform the 2020 NWMC Legislative Program, we are asking members to highlight issues that require a legislative approach and describe any actions taken to address them to date. Federal issues should also be submitted at this time. In addition to informing the Legislative Program, member responses will provide the Legislative Committee and staff with the local government context necessary to review legislation and engage legislators as highlighted issues emerge. With this in mind, please respond to the questions below. 1. Issues Requiring a Legislative Approach: Thinking about the major issues affecting your community,

which will require or benefit from a legislative approach to a solution? Example: To address rising pension costs and weak investment returns, consolidation of local police and fire pension funds into a statewide system like IMRF.

2. Actions Toward a Legislative Approach: For each of these issues, please describe any actions, such as

previously introduced legislation, identified legislative statutes to amend, proposed legislation, discussions with legislators, etc., you have taken to pursue a legislative approach to these issues. If no actions have been taken, please offer suggested language changes to statute. Feel free to attach any background materials. Example: Our community has participated in the Pension Fairness for Illinois Communities Coalition and discussed the issue with our local legislators.

Name/Title:

Municipality/Township:

Please return to Chris Staron via email ([email protected]) or fax (847-296-9207) by Friday, September 13. Thank you.

mailto:[email protected]

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN UPDATE DRAFT The Strategy for 2020-2022

City of Highland Park Publish date TBD

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The City of Highland Park issued its first Sustainability Plan in 2010 and, since then, it has not only implemented many projects and created new policies, but also has embedded sustainable practices and procedures within its departments. Sustainability is truly a routine feature of Highland Park’s municipal operations. In 2016, rather than writing a new sustainability plan, the City reviewed its unmet needs in the subjects touched by sustainability and developed an update, a “short term strategic plan” to establish specific actions and targets for the years of 2017, 2018, and 2019. This update was developed by combining outstanding goals from the 2010 plan and introducing new objectives from two independent resources:

The Greenest Region Compact 2i (GRC2) – This is a valuable resource for municipal sustainability planning developed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. It provides a comprehensive list of possible action items culled from over 150 sustainability plans.

SolSmartii is a non-profit program that provides recognition and no-cost technical assistance to help local governments reduce barriers to solar energy growth. Similar to the GRC2, SolSmart provides a comprehensive list of possible action items focused on enabling and encouraging adoption of solar power.

These sources were used to develop a long list of possible actions to advance sustainability in Highland Park. This new version, published in 2019, provides an updated assessment of the City’s accomplishments and explores objectives for the next short term cycle: 2020, 2021, and 2022. The update reflects feedback from the City Council, City staff, the Sustainability Advisory Group, the Green Alliance, and residents. Funding sources for Sustainability Plan initiatives include the City’s Sustainability Fund, partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations and grant funding. The City’s Sustainability Fund is an enterprise which dedicates the City’s refuse and recycling franchise and Recycling Center revenues toward sustainability initiatives. Unspent money at the end of a fiscal year remains within the Sustainability Fund for future use on sustainability initiatives or projects.

BACKGROUND

The City’s original sustainability plan, published in 2010.

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The City Council has indicated a preference for informing residents and businesses about opportunities to advance sustainability rather than imposing new regulations to require such actions. This elevates the act of communicating and public education about sustainability into a prominent role in this strategic plan. Much of the work will be coordinated by the City Manager’s Office, with other departments and committees providing subject matter expertise. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments

Sustainability information was distributed at public events, including the introduction of food scrap composting in 2018 at the Taste of Highland Park and the Port Clinton Art Fest.

As suggested by the Natural Resources Commission, a GIS-enabled “crowd source” populated map of sustainability actions was developed and launched in 2018.

Translated the City’s ravine maintenance brochures to Spanish and produced brochures for public distribution.

A guide addressing bird safe architecture was published by the Community Development department in 2017.

An informational piece providing green infrastructure guidelines for residents about protecting natural areas/fresh water from contaminated runoff, and potable water conservation strategies, was published by Public Works in 2017.

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions baseline was updated with 2017 and 2018 data. 2021 – 2022 Actions City Manager’s Office

Continue to facilitate the Green Alliance.

Promote food businesses that have implemented food scrap composting.

Utilize festivals, lectures, workshops and other events to share information about sustainability with residents, and expand food scrap composting participation to sister government special events.

Add more citywide sustainability actions to the searchable online map.

Utilize municipal communication channels to promote the free home energy audits offered by ComEd and other partners, and energy efficiency incentive programs.

Continue to promote citywide sustainability achievements through social media, the Highlander, and other public resources.

Increase communication about solid waste management, specifically to increase the rate of participation in both recycling and composting among all account types.

Update municipal and city-wide emissions data annually including utilities, fuel consumption, and solid waste to quantify changes in greenhouse gas emissions. The data will be compared to goals set in the original 2010 Sustainability Plan, specifically to:

COMMUNICATION

New projects are continually added to the Sustainable HP map.

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o Improve the energy efficiency of municipal buildings by 50% by 2030iii. o Increase the tons of recycling by 50%, and reduce non-recyclable waste to 50%

of the 2008 tons by 2020iv. o Reduce potable water consumption by 30% below 2008 levels by 2030. o Decrease vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to 50% below 2008 levels by 2030v.

Compile year-end achievements on all 2019 tasks and draft the 2020 unified citywide work plan in cooperation with the City’s departments.

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The City of Highland Park has a robust commercial sector and an active Chamber of Commerce, and the City Manager’s Office Business Development Division conducts regular outreach with the City’s business community. The City and Chamber’s important roles in engaging the local business community merits a meaningful approach toward promoting sustainability initiatives that can be undertaken by businesses, and also to assist with attaining the sustainability goals identified as desirable by the business community. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments

The City restructured its Environmental Award in 2019 to apply to individuals and businesses, and recognized new composting businesses through its communications platforms.

In 2019, the City partnered with SWALCO, Lakeshore Recycling Systems and local consultant, Bright Beat, to launch the Highland Park Composts! program to encourage businesses to improve single-stream recycling and begin composting food scraps. The program conducted outreach and provided consulting services to six businesses resulting in a 50% increase in participation.

2020 – 2022 Actions City Manager’s Office

Engage the Chamber in a discussion about its priorities and concerns of its member businesses. Specific to sustainability, the discussion will explore:

o How the subject of sustainability can be used to promote local businesses. o How the City can recognize and support businesses that practice and promote

sustainability, as well as local goods & services.

Promote the environmental awards through its multiple communication platforms.

Evaluate an Environmental Business Recognition Program acknowledging businesses who have implemented environmentally friendly processes into their operations.

Evaluate establishing a sustainability grant program for local businesses and multifamily residential properties to implement sustainability improvements to their properties.

Continue Highland Park Composts! program and outreach to continue growing food business participation in composting. Continue promoting those businesses that implement or continue composting.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

“Food Truck Thursdays” brings the Highland Park community together, showcases local and regional vendors, and promotes sustainable practices.

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Energy management is a crucial component of any sustainability plan. The ultimate energy goals of the City are to increase the efficiency of its buildings and vehicle fleet, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by enabling and increasing access to renewable sources of energy. Multiple departments have a role to play in reducing Highland Park’s energy consumption. Energy management extends beyond the borders of the City and is a regional matter. As such, the City will focus its efforts towards achieving its energy goals locally as well as regionally through intergovernmental councils of government, with sister governments, and through partnerships with neighboring communities. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments City Manager’s Office

The City participated in the development of Lake County’s joint purchasing opportunity for solar power. Through that effort, the City anticipates entering into a contract to install a solar photovoltaic system on the water plant by the end of 2019.

The City achieved SolSmart Bronze designation in 2018.

The Ravinia Park-n-Ride Pace busses no longer idle as of April 2018, the result of a collaborative agreement between City and PACE representatives.

Purchased a community solar subscription for City facilities resulting in annual energy cost savings to the City while supporting solar infrastructure.

Community Development

Completed the Lighting Code Amendments requiring dark sky compliant lighting on private property in specific zones.

Facilitated the adoption of the updated International Energy Conservation Code. Public Works

Participated in a demand response pilot program to reduce energy consumption at the Water Plant. Results showed that this method of energy reduction is challenging because the plant cannot cycle off due to customer load.

Implemented an environmentally friendly vehicle policy, approved by City Council, which requires any future inspector or administrative vehicles to be electric or hybrid, and requires a triennial review.

Department policy is to make all facility retrofits as energy efficient as possible. Examples include reflective roofing materials, high-efficiency mechanical equipment,

ENERGY

Highland Park’s SolSmart designation

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streetlights are replaced with LED fixtures, and almost all of the City’s holiday light displays are also LED.

Replaced six high-emitting gas-powered blowers with zero emission electric models. Public Safety

The Fire Department replaced a conventional sedan with a hybrid vehicle for its staff car.

The Police Department also replaced a conventional sedan with a hybrid, and acquired its first pursuit-rated hybrid vehicle, the Ford Interceptor.


Participate in efforts by the Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus to negotiate the ComEd franchise agreement, as needed.

Promote anti-idling through public education and in partnership with Green Alliance.

Explore opportunities to purchase community solar subscriptions for City operations, and to promote subscriptions available to residents and businesses.

Promote energy efficiency programs offered by the utilities for residents and businesses.

Monitor the progress of Lake County enabling Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for energy efficiency projects on commercial facilities, promote the program when enabled.

Explore opportunities to install behind the meter solar panels at various City properties. Community Development

Examine the feasibility of allowing ground-mounted solar as an accessory use by-right and providing solar-specific training for permit and inspection staff. These are required to achieve Silver in the SolSmart program.

Track solar installations in a format that complies with CDP reporting requirements.

Monitor progress toward Net Zero in the International Energy Code. The plan, as of 2019, is for future versions of the code to be 20-50% more efficient than the 2006 version, which is expected to result in buildings that are up to 80% more efficient than currentvi.

Public Works

Continue to maximize energy efficiency incentive programs offered by the utilities to the public sector, including custom programs.

The City’s sustainability fund will be used to fill the balance between the cost of conventional gas vehicles and the hybrid or electric options.

Monitor the IEPA's VW Settlement Plan for fleet funding opportunities.

Complete interior lighting and streetlight retrofits with LED fixtures.

Review the green vehicle policy and adjust as needed to embrace technological advances.

Consider requiring low- or zero-emission equipment in some construction and maintenance contracts.

Identify locations for more publicly available electric vehicle charging stations. Public Safety

The Police Department will monitor advances on low-emitting public safety vehicles and acquire more Ford Interceptors when appropriate.

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The City has received numerous awards and accolades for its sustainability achievements over the years, but there are always more to discover. Recognition highlights the City’s accomplishments and enhances the City’s reputation for leadership in sustainability, and better positions it for grants. Highland Park also has a strong history of collaborating with neighboring communities, such as on the creation of the GIS Consortium and the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium. Specific to sustainability, the City’s leadership on the electric vehicle charging station purchasing agreement was a great success. New opportunities are available every year and can result in cost savings while also achieving policy objectives. Leadership and recognition efforts will be led by the City Manager’s Office. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments City Manager’s Office

Secured an AmeriCorps position through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Greenest Region Corps program. This individual dedicated approximately 40 hours per week towards accomplishing many of the City’s sustainability-related initiatives and goals, including the interactive online map, the restaurant composting program, the implementation of improved waste diversion practices at city facilities, policy research and recommendations, and continuous community outreach and education.

Joined the Global Covenant of Mayors, an “international alliance of cities and local governments with a shared long-term vision of promoting and supporting voluntary action to combat climate change and move to a low emission, resilient society.”vii Joining the organization included a commitment by the Mayor, reporting its greenhouse gas emissions inventory to the Carbon Disclosure Project, and developing a Climate Hazard Assessment.

Issued a Request for Proposal to secure sustainability consulting services in collaboration with Lake Forest.

Restructured the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) into the new Sustainability Advisory Group (SAG), which enables participation by more residents.


Facilitated the approval of a code amendment allowing backyard chicken coops. Public Safety

The Police Department began transitioning to a citation software program that cuts the use of paper by half, and a license plate reader software program. These new systems have the additional benefits of (a) increased productivity and (b) reduced engine idling.

LEADERSHIP

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Research opportunities to apply for recognition programs such as Cities 100 and Walk Friendly Community. Staff will facilitate discussions with City commissions and the Green Alliance to determine whether or not to pursue applications and develop work plans accordingly.

Explore opportunities for greater efficiency or impact by working in partnership with neighbors including, but not limited to, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Wilmette, and Glencoe, and collaboration opportunities offered at the county level.

Establish a Sustainability Speaker Series with the Sustainability Advisory Group.

Complete the Global Covenant of Mayors requirements by developing full climate action and adaptation plans by the end of 2022.

The Police Department should be able to eliminate paper citations by 2022 if the Lake County court system’s online communication portal is completed as planned.

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Emissions due to the City’s vehicle fleet are captured under the Energy category, but the citywide bike and pedestrian network, privately-owned vehicles, and mass transit options, enable mobility for all residents and visitors. Highland Park has a very strong Bike/Walk Plan published in 2012 which aims to make the city more accessible to travelling on foot and by bike. Progress is monitored by the Transportation Advisory Group and Public Works is the lead department responsible for implementing its recommendations every year. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments

In 2017, grant funding enabled drainage improvements for the Robert McClory Path, and completing a bicycle “sharrow” and signage plan.

The City was designated a Bike Friendly Community at the Bronze level in 2018. As stated by the League of American Bicyclists, a Bike Friendly Community “welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation.”viii

Developed 5-year update to the City’s Bike / Walk Plan that captures achievements to-date and sets forth next steps for continued future investment in this important area.

2020 – 2022 Actions Public Works

Public Works has proposed over $3.5M in bike/walk improvement projects between 2020 and 2022, as recommended by the Bike/Walk plan. Examples from the 21 proposed projects are:

o Clavey Road Side Path (Green Bay to Skokie Valley Rd)

o Arbor Ave Sidewalk (Berkeley Rd to Midland Av) o Brook Road Sidewalk (Western Av to Hill St) o Green Bay Road (Central to Clavey) Bike and Shared Lane o Sheridan Road Sidewalk (Roger Williams Av to Cedar/Dean)

Collaborate with PACE to expand use of hybrid busses on additional routes through Highland Park.

MOBILITY

Area cyclists appreciate Highland Park’s many miles of safe bike lanes and trails.

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Highland Park is known for the proactive stewardship of its natural environment. The City has worked diligently to care for its trees, ravines, and other habitats through code protections and widespread public education efforts. Multiple departments and commissions have a role to play. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments Public Works

The Public Works Department received a grant from ComEd grant to create a pollinator garden along the Robert McClory Bike Path, a combination of edibles and pollinators. The project was implemented in partnership with the Park District of Highland Park and the Ravinia Garden Club.


Add municipal and private pollinator gardens to the City’s searchable map, to the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge’s database.

Public Works

Continue to develop new habitats to support plant pollinators through the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge in partnership with the Park District.

NATURAL AREAS

The Robert McClory Bike Path features a lush pollinator garden.

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The challenges in the waste management field have increased since the last update of this plan. Online shopping has increased packaging waste and changes in the international market for recyclable materials has reduced opportunities for landfill diversion. Although Highland Park consistently achieves a citywide recycling rate near 30% (40% for residential) there is room to expand participation in recycling and composting services. The City Manager’s office will lead the effort to reduce the City’s volume of solid waste and to increase participation in recycling programs and composting. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments City Manager’s Office

Collaborated with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), the City’s waste hauler, and public event managers to offer food scrap composting in addition to recycling.

Partnered with SWALCO to directly engage with local businesses to increase participation in the food scrap composting service. Educating and supporting food scrap composting resulted in implementation at three businesses, totaling a monthly diversion of more than eight cubic yards of food scraps being composted rather than landfilled.

Implemented a pilot program to increase recycling at City Hall and in the Public Works building.

Conducted an outreach campaign to multi-unit residential properties to increase their recycling rate and gauge interest in food scrap composting.

Included food scrap composting at special events including the Port Clinton Art Festival and Food Truck Thursdays


Expand the City facility recycling program and introduce food scrap composting as well.

Expand composting program to sister government’s special events.

Manage the renewal of the City’s waste management contract, including the goal to enhance services that encourage more commercial and residential customers to enroll in the organics diversion program.

Focus on opportunities to promote reuse through Savers Events and in conjunction with SWALCO.

Collaborate with LRS and SWALCO to increase the City’s recycling and composting rate by weight (percent of total waste) and by participation (percent of total accounts recycling/composting). The 2018 baseline figures are as follows:

o Recycling and composting rate by weight (percent of total tons of waste) Commercial Accounts: 16% recycled and 0% composted

WASTE MANAGEMENT

The food scrap bin of one of the restaurants participating in the Highland Park Composts! program.

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Residential Accounts: 41% recycled and 6.5% composted o Recycling and composting rate by participation (percent of total accounts)

Commercial Accounts: 76% have recycling service and 1.7% have organics service

Residential Accounts: 100% of residential customers have recycling service, but it is challenging to track the participation rate in the organics service due to the opt-in process. This will be explored in 2020.


The department will explore the feasibility of deconstruction rather than conventional demolition of two properties purchased by the City.

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Highland Park sits on the shore of Lake Michigan and has its own water plant, it is well-aware of the value of water. The City works to protect its surface and groundwater sources with both the City Manager’s Office and Public Works taking a leadership role. 2017 – 2019 Accomplishments City Manager’s Office

As recommended by the NRC, the City passed an ordinance in 2017 banning the use of driveway sealing products containing coal tar. Coal tar sealcoat “degrades over time into small particles with high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), [a known carcinogen], that can be tracked into homes or carried into streams as runoff.”ix

Created green infrastructure guidelines to help residents with implementing green stormwater management projects.

Public Works

Completed multiple green infrastructure projects on City property including the City Hall/Hazel Ave. parking lot and various alley reconstructions.

Consistently engages with Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and FEMA to assess and mitigate impact of higher intensity storm events. Departmental staff represent the City in the Lake Michigan Watershed Group and the Upper Des Plaines Watershed Group.

Joined the North Branch Watershed Group which conducts wet sampling of stormwater outflows on the City’s behalf. These assessments measure the level of regulated contaminants in the river within the City’s boundary.


The NRC suggested that, to comply with new Federal stormwater regulations, the City should expand enforcement of its phosphate ban and to address the use of pesticides and salt. The City will comply with recommendations from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission which is leading the effort to identify best practices on these issues.

Public Works

Lead effort with Community Development, the City Manager’s Office, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, to identify effective and appropriate measures to meet stormwater quality regulations.

WATER

This vegetated roof on a residential garage is one example of green infrastructure in Highland Park.

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Collaborate with Lake County Stormwater Management Commission to develop and enhance educational materials and programs for property owners in the area of Highland Park’s ravines, bluffs, and shorelines.

Continue to explore opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure treatments on City-owned property, including the Right of Way, into its storm sewer replacement projects, and to educate private landowners about the benefits of such projects on their own properties.

Identify opportunities to encourage green infrastructure through the sewer permit requirements.


Complete a code amendment that will speed the review process for beach structure permits, required to protect the City’s shoreline.

Collaborate with Public Works to explore options to clarify the green stormwater management infrastructure and techniques allowed in the municipal code.

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END NOTES i Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus Greenest Region Compact 2 http://mayorscaucus.org/initiatives/environment/regional-environmental-collaboration/

ii SolSmart, http://www.gosparc.org/

iii Between 2013 and 2015, the City’s electricity consumption increased 9% and natural gas consumption decreased by 21%.

iv Between 2013 and 2015, the City’s landfill tons decreased by nearly 5%, and recycling tons decreased by 55%. Refuse as percent of total waste tons was relatively flat, 2009 vs 2015.

v Highland Park’s 2008 VMT was estimated to be 19,527. This goal would reduce Highland Park’s VMT to approximately 9,700 miles per year. The national average is 11,244. The City fleet’s fuel consumption in 2018 was 8% lower than the GHG baseline which was the average of 2014, 2015, and 2016.

vi Britt, Michelle. “Zero Energy Buildings in Context with Today’s Codes.” Building Safety Journal, 04/15/2019 vii Global Covenant of Mayors, https://www.globalcovenantofmayors.org/about/

viii League of American Bicyclists, https://www.bikeleague.org/community

ix Berkowitz, Karen. “Highland Park Bans Coal Tar Sealant” Chicago Tribune, 01/13/2017

http://mayorscaucus.org/initiatives/environment/regional-environmental-collaboration/

http://www.gosparc.org/

https://www.globalcovenantofmayors.org/about/

https://www.bikeleague.org/community

PLEASE RECYCLE - Granicus

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