15February2010
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
EARTH DAY
A BIG thank you to those who were able to attend Tuesday’s meeting - in spite of the snow! The Earth Day discussions resulted in the following decisions and follow-ups:
- Objective(s) - The objective of the event is not completely defined, but preliminary direction is to have an educational, environmentally-focused, well-attended event on/near Earth Day which will include both the public and private sector.
- Date - Dates which are currently being considered are Thursday, April 22, Friday April 23, and Saturday, April 24.
- Time - Time frames being considered are in the evening on a weekday or during the day on the weekend.
- Place - The Sustainability Coordinator at North Central College will begin looking into availability of the new LEED Rec Center Arena (for fair layout) and the 3rd Floor Conference Room (for speaker/workshop layout) for the suggested dates. Plan B would be to use space at the Naperville Electric Service Center. Determining space was identified as the #1 priority this week.
- Target Audience - This will be a “B to C” event and will target a residential audience
- Participants - Ideally, participants in this event will be for profit and not-for-profit organizations who offer information, products or services which save people money and positively impact the environment. If we are able to secure a space which would accommodate workshops/speakers the speaker topics suggested were: Energy Star, Smart Meters, Home Energy Audits, Rebates and Tax Incentives, Green Jobs, and Lighting.
- Budget - Stephanie will start putting together a budget for the event in order to help determine the amount of sponsorship funding necessary for adequate promotion and to cover all miscellaneous costs. It was determined all the monies would be handled by NCEC. Certain attendees agreed to begin conversations with local corporation contacts to find an “umbrella” sponsor to help cover the costs of promoting the event.
- NEXT MEETING will be a conference call on Wednesday, Feb 17th at 7:30 pm. If you were not able to attend Tuesday but would like to participate in the next meeting, please send Stephanie Hastings an email before the end of this week in order to be sent the call-in number and passcode at ncec.email@yahoo.com.
Below are some additional updates and upcoming event reminders:
U.S. ENERGY OUTLOOK
WASHINGTON, DC - The Annual Energy Outlook 2010 (AEO2010) reference case released in December by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) presents updated projections for U.S. energy consumption and production through 2035.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/press/press334.html
UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS
FEB 12 (FRI)
- Just Views - will view documentary, “Food, Inc.” and discussions will be lead by Green Earth Institute’s (organic farm in Naperville) Steve Tiwald. This event is sponsored by the DuPage Peace through Justice Coalition and are held at the Unitarian Church in Naperville IL at 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road (630/505-9408).
FEB 15 (MON)
- Sierra Club, “Chill the Drills” event in Glen Ellyn - see attached flyer
FEB 20 (SAT):
- The USGBC is hosting a FREE event for home owners to learn about “greening” their homes. This is the first in a series of residential green education programs slated for this year in the Chicago area. The event is entitled, “Green Homes 101.” See attached flyer to RSVP for this event.
- Fox Valley Environment Conference in Batavia - see attached flyer
FEB 22 (MON):
- Green Drinks at Pizza Fusion 7:00 pm (NCEC presenting, “Are You Effectively Green”)
FEB 23 (TUES):
- Radha Rajagopalan, North Central College’s fifth Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, will give a free talk titled “It’s Not Just Hot Air: Facing Climate Change in North American Cities” at 7:30 p.m. in North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St.
UPCOMING MARCH EVENTS
MARCH 9 (TUES):
- 7:30 pm NCEC General Meeting at Municipal Center lunchroom. Special Topic is Smart Grid/Meters
MARCH 12 (FRI)
- Just Views - Coal Country Video followed by discussions led by NCEC. This event is sponsored by the DuPage Peace through Justice Coalition and are held at the Unitarian Church in Naperville IL at 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road (630/505-9408).
MARCH 14 (SUN)
- NCEC presenting “Are you Effectively Green?” during the Sunday Morning Forum at the Naperville Unitarian Church 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road at 9:30 am, about an hour for presentation and discussion.
MARCH 27
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
7:30 PM - Municipal Center Meeting Room A
I. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
- Envirolink Meeting 11/2 Updates – ESP Matrix
- $11 Million Grant for Smart Meters and Peak Demand Pricing
- City Council will need to approve $11 Million Matching
- OPOWER Update
- Flex Fuel Kits – Stephanie Hastings met with Fleet Manager Jim Inglese
- Fuel Reduction Program, MPG Meters, Nitrogen, & IEPA Clean Diesel or IllinoisGreenFleets.org Grant Program
- 5 Hybrids Added to Fleet (one for Mayor, Home Energy Raters)
- Facility Tour (recycle bins serial number – emailed Beth Lang idea to help increase curbside recycling http://corporate.recyclebank.com/home
- Green Fuels Depot – Senate passed bill. On President’s desk for signature.
- Reminder: LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201.
II. NCEC RESIDENT EDUCATION
III. BUSINESS COMMITTEE
- Next meeting: call scheduled for 11/5 at 7 pm (email jw2050@aol.com for details)
IV. EVENTS
- UofI Extension Oct 14– Mark Skowron update (Next meeting is on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.)
- Green Town, Columbia College (Chicago) Oct 15 – Mark Skowron, Jodi Trendler and Jim Weihrouch updates
- Chamber Green Committee Oct 19 – Jim Weihrouch update
- DuPage County Green Building Expo Oct 23rd 8:00 am-12:00 pm – Bill Dawe, Chris Martersteck and Jim Weihrouch updates
- The City of Aurora will be having a ELECTRONIC RECYLING DAY as well a a SHRED EVENT, on Saturday, November 14th over at Fischer Middle School from 8am to 11am
- Nov 18 - Clean Air Counts Energy Forum at Elmhurst College 10 am - 12 pm Blume Board Rm/Frick Center. RSVP to Eve Pytel epytel@mayorscaucus.org or 312-201-4506 by November 10.
V. FUNDING
- Grant opportunities
- DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09 (selections made mid-Nov).
- SECA City of Naperville applications due November 2nd.
- Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines.
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
PLEASE NOTE OUR 12/7 MEETING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY 12/10/09 MEETING ROOM A
- 1/12 – Meeting Rooms B&C
- 2/9 – Meeting Room A
- 3/9 – Lunchroom
- 4/13– Meeting Room A
- 5/11– Meeting Room A
- 6/15– Meeting Room A
- 7/13– Meeting Room A
- 8/10– Meeting Room A
- 9/14– Meeting Room A
- 10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C
- 11/9– Meeting Room A
- 12/14– Meeting Room A
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
October 12, 2009, 7:30 PM - Municipal Center Lunchroom
Attendees: Jim Weihrouch, Stephanie Hastings, John McCollum, Jean McCollum, Rick Kosek, Jeff Davis, Mark Skowron, Bill Dawe, Christine Martersteck, Joe McElroy, Bob Fieseler, Paul Hinterlong, Sue Walker
I. EVENTS
þ Cool Ride-Clean Choice was Oct 10 and NCEC collected two enrollments during the event. There was very little attendance, it was very cold. þ UofI Extension Oct 14 (1100 E. Warrenville Rd. Ste 170) – Mark Skowron will attendþ Green Town, Columbia College (Chicago) Oct 15 – Mark Skowron, Jodi Trendler and Jim Weihrouch plan to attend.þ Chamber Green Committee Oct 19 – Jim Weihrouch, Bill Dawe and Jodi Trendler to attend. Committee Chair is Dr. Everton Walters.þ DuPage County Green Building Expo Oct 23rd 8:00 am-12:00 pm – Bill Dawe, Chris Martersteck and Jim Weihrouch plan to attend.
II. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
þ Flex Fuel Kits – 30 cars could be converted to flex fuels. Bob Fieseler informed group name of Fleet Manager is Jim Inglese, City has 3 filling stations/locations, and warned kits would void manufacturer warranty. Mentioned DuPage Forrest Preserve contact Karl Schultz as a good resource. Stephanie Hastings to set up meeting with Jim to discuss possibility.þ LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201.þ Green Fuels Depot – Bob Fieseler gave an update. Bill containing $1.5 million funding will go to vote in Senate within October. Line items such as these seldom get pulled out prior to vote. Have a meeting with Packer 10/13 to begin discussions on which components of project would be funded with $1.5 million.þ Hydrogen Fueling Station – Bob Fieseler said the City will be acquiring a used hydrogen fueling station from BP for no charge (other than the costs associated with collecting/retrieving equipment from CA). BP has exited hydrogen business but has invested millions in switch grass/cellulose facility in FL.þ Solar Vehicle Challenge – Naperville most likely will be the finish line in a college-built solar powered vehicle race in late June 2010. NCC offered dorm room space to competitors.
III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSAL
þ Stephanie Hastings gave update about meeting with Nadja Lalvani, Katie Wernberg and Jennifer Runestad in which proposal was reviewed. Following meeting Dan DiSanto send out a clarifying email stating the city in the short term will be focusing on marketing new programs, no more than $10K will be allocated to NCTV17 to create a video, and remaining funds will be spend on mass education (determination of remaining funds will be made near the beginning of 2010). þ Speakers Series NCC Update from Mark Skowron – Ken Hanna of NCC inquired about technical and reception details/needs. Rate of Meiley Swallow Hall is $175 and City of Naperville partnership would be beneficial due to certificate of insurance being on record. Mark to continue to work with Ken on concept and pricing.þ NCEC agreed to refine existing resident education presentation and begin reaching out to organizations such as Rotary, Homeowners Confederation and Jaycees. Need to consider seasonal messages such as holiday lighting, too. Stephanie Hastings to contact Chris Martersteck about updating presentation
IV. BUSINESS COMMITTEE RELAUNCH –
Stephanie Hastings announced Jim Weihrouch is the new Business Committee Chair. Jim handed out latest draft of survey and asked members to provide feedback directly to him. Stephanie and Jim plan to speak with Dr. Walters prior to the initial Chamber Green Committee meeting to get a better understanding of initiative and how NCEC can be involved/help/support the effort.
V. FUNDING
þ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09. City of Naperville applications due November 2nd. Joe McElroy will follow up with Bob Fieseler to see if NCEC is a good fit for SECA. Bill Dawe and Jim Weihrouch indicated they would help with SECA application.þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines.
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A12/10 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A2010 Meeting Schedule is here – Stephanie Hastings will email new schedule to distribution list.
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
September 11, 2009 7:30 PMMunicipal Center, Room AAttendees: Rick Kosek, Mark Skowron, Lorna Paisley, Jodi Trendler, Bill Dawe, Bob Fieseler, Jim Weihrouch, Joe McElroy, Stephanie Hastings
I. EVENTS
þ Stephanie Hastings and Mark Skowron to make Joliet Presentation Saturday Sept 19 to new group forming in Joliet.þ Patterson Elementary School Idling and Child Safety Audit volunteer opportunity – Sept 22. Jodi and Jim volunteered to help with this audit.þ Cool Ride-Clean Choice Oct 10 (funded by Community Energy) – need to begin planning for this, scheduling volunteers. Volunteer Sign-up sheet was passed around. Stephanie will send out an email with more information.þ Green Town, Columbia College (Chicago) Oct 15 – Michelle Hickey-Fouts is looking for volunteers for this event. Anyone interested in volunteering please contact michellehf@comcast.net . Please note, volunteers will not have to pay the participant fee.þ DuPage County Green Building Expo Oct 23rd 8:00 am-12:00 pm.
II. CITY OF NAPERVILLE
þ ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PREFERENCE SURVEY – Due Sept 15 www.naperville.il.us/envirosustain.aspx . NCEC reviewed the survey and discussed which of the items were our top priorities. The survey forces ranking which may dilute the importance of some items.þ LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201.þ Green Fuels Depot – Bob Fieseler reviewed this project. Patent information is available at uspto.gov for anyone interested. Also, Central Grocers in Joliet uses hydrogen fuel cell powered machines (forklifts) in their indoor facility.
III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSAL – Stephanie Hastings will schedule another conference call for RE Committee.
þ Video – review estimateþ Robocall – sample 1 minute callþ Speakers Series - defineþ Publications – Jim will send a clean file to Stephanie to include in proposal.þ Case studies – Bob Fieseler agreed to approach VIPs for home energy audit commitment. Stephanie to contact city staff member to confirm if training will require audits with instructor and if city is willing to create ‘educational’ case study during training. þ Babylon article
IV. FUNDING
þ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09. City of Naperville applications due November 2nd.þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
10/12 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall LUNCHROOM11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A12/7 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A
30October2009
Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.
August 17, 20097:30 PM Municipal Center, Room AAttendees: Dr. Everton Walters, John McCollum, Mark Skowron, Bill Eagan, Bill Dawe, Michelle Hickey-Fouts, Jodi Trendler, Beth Schwartz, John Melquist, Bob Fieseler, Jim Weihrouch, Stephanie Hastings, Moe Shahpar I. HOUSEKEEPINGþ Renewable Energy Program (Review & Tips) – Michelle Hickey-Fouts reviewed the program, its benefits, good selling techniques and communicated the enrollment goal of 10% which equates to 537 new enrollments, 15 directly from NCEC. Community Energy is looking for individuals (paid) to table for the program which could earn either commissions or individuals who could volunteer their time and fundraise for NCEC. Those interested should contact Michelle michellehf@comcast.net þ 2010 NCEC meeting schedule will be determined this October (Jodi Trendler). þ IRS and IL 990 returns – Stephanie Hastings to meet with Bill Eagan to prepare formsþ Members suggested “Constant Contact” and “Grassroots.org” as possible alternatives to yahoo for NCEC member communications II. CITY OF NAPERVILLEþ EECBG – Naperville’s Strategy Document – No new information has been made available from the DOE about the timing of fund distribution.þ Green Fuels Depot – Mark Skowron formed a sub-committee to generate questions for a Q&A (Public Hearings) for Packer Engineering about the input and output of the biomass process and any impact on the immediate residential neighborhoods/traffic. One question about biomass is how to guarantee the consistency of the input materials and Michelle Hickey-Fouts offered the resource of BioCycle http://www.jgpress.com/products.html . The final list of questions will be sent to Packer by Friday, August 21. þ LED Streetlight Test – Naperville will be testing PolyBright brand LED streetlights along the south side of Diehl Rd. between Country Club Blvd and Fairway Drive from now until January 2010. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback to Kathy Rendek rendekk@naperville.il.us or 305-6201. III. NCEC PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROPOSALþ Bob Fieseler agreed to approach mayor and invite him to have energy audit prepared for his home and prepare a case study. The resident education committee will continue to meet to make progress on this proposal. IV. EVENTSþ Cool Ride-Clean Choice Oct 10 (funded by Community Energy) – need to begin planning for this, scheduling volunteers – watch for future emails. V. FUNDINGþ Grant opportunities – DuPage Community Foundation grant application submitted 8/7/09. þ Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines. A member reminded the group that most employers will match donations made to 501c3 organizations. VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
9/11 – 7:30 – 9:30 City Hall mtg room A10/12 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall LUNCHROOM11/2 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A12/7 - 7:30-9:30 City Hall mtg room A