HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-25 Recycling and Waste Committee Meeting MinutesRECYCLING AND WASTE COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Trustee Conference Room
11/18/2025
3:30 PM
Present: Trustee Jeff Franke, Chairman
Trustee Joe Bush
Trustee Kathy Jarosch
Staff: Maggie Jablonski, Deputy Village Manager
Paola Garcia, Senior Management Analyst
Chairman Franke called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.
Review of Sustainability Action Plan Draft
The Committee discussed the draft Sustainability Action Plan, which was distributed prior to the
Meeting.
The Committee discussed solar energy systems and concerns about residents using reputable
companies. Village staff noted that while the Village cannot recommend companies, information
can be shared about identifying potential scams using Village communications channels.
The Committee discussed that adding electric vehicles to the fleet would be a longer-term item
for the Village, as we currently do not have capacity for charging stations and need to evaluate
cost savings. The Village does currently have hybrid vehicles in the fleet.
The Committee discussed the proposed Recycling Cart Tagging Program, which Village staff
would plan to pilot in the summer of 2026. This program involves visually checking recycling
carts in a small area and providing feedback via tags on the carts to address any improper items.
Residents in the pilot program area would be notified of the program in advance and have the
option to opt out. Additionally, the tagging would not affect the collection of their recycling bins
by Groot, even if improper items were found within. Data from the pilot program would be used
to identify areas of recycling education for the community. The Committee requested that
Village staff speak directly to the staff of other communities who have done similar programs
before implementation, and that notice of the pilot program be placed in the newsletter so that all
residents are aware of it, even if they don’t reside in the small pilot program area.
The Committee discussed the importance of recycling education and inquired about setting up a
tour of a recycling facility for Trustees who have not yet had the opportunity to see the
operations firsthand. M. Jablonski noted that staff would work to set up a tour for the early
summer.
Trustee Jarosch noted that the Village’s ditch-clearing program in the industrial park is important
for drainage and flood prevention and should be included as an existing sustainable action in the
draft action plan. M. Jablonski noted that this change would be made before a final draft is
distributed to the Village Board.
If the Village Board has no comments on the final draft, Village staff will move forward with
publishing the Action Plan. M. Jablonski noted that while implementation of some action plan
items is ongoing or planned for the upcoming year, other items will be considered as
opportunities arise.
The meeting adjourned at 3:44 p.m.
C: Mayor and Board of Trustees
Village Manager
Assistant Village Manager
Village Attorney
Village Clerk
Department Heads