Elgin Math & Science Academy

Master Planning and Environmental Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday June 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM CDT

Location

EMSA Admin Bldg

Our Mission:
 

The Elgin Math and Science Academy is an EL Education public charter school.

 

We strive to support the whole child and develop socially responsible leaders who aspire to create a better world.

Agenda

Section Number Topic Number Details Purpose Presenter Time
I. Opening Items 12:00 PM
  A. Record Attendance   1 m
  B. Call the Meeting to Order   Kerry Kelly 1 m
  C. Approve Minutes of prior Meeting of the Master Planning Committee Approve Minutes Kerry Kelly 3 m
II. Master Plan & Facilities Committee 12:05 PM
  A. Campus Facilities Update Discuss Kathryn Martinez 5 m
  B. Lexington Inn Discuss 5 m
   

Update

 
  C. Campus Grounds, Gardens & Grant Opportunities Discuss Christopher Flaherty, Kerry Kelly, Kathryn Martinez 15 m
   

K Martinez:  

  • campus trail update ;
  • IDOT grant possibilities (see below)

C Flaherty: 

  • report on campus grounds upkeep; 
  • outdoor classroom; 
  • funding & other ideas

K Kelly:  

  • State of Illinois  Grant; 
  • ComEd Grant Application;  
  • other grant opportunities (Elgin Sustainability, e.g);
  • upkeep of pollinator & tree understory gardens

 

 
  D. Noise Pollution on Campus Gary Swick & Chris Flaherty 5 m
   

With oversight, and donation of trees, by C Flaherty, Mr. Kareem's Field Studies classes planted white pines and other native saplings near fence to absorb noise & exhaust pollution.

Next steps/ideas.

 
  E. Protecting Oak Tree Roots from Parking Cars--Update Discuss Christopher Flaherty 3 m
   

The temporary snow markers plus the education campaign were effective at minimizing parking on tree roots.  Can we consider a more permanent protection?

 
  F. Chimney Swifts Discuss 2 m
   

Protocol for making chimneys accessible to swifts.

 
  G. EMSA policy on insecticide, herbicide, & rodent-cide uses Discuss 5 m
   

Our Integrated Pest Management program is posted on our website.  Next steps, if any, for this committee.

 
  H. Bird Strike Prevention--Update Discuss Kerry Kelly 2 m
     
  I. Review & Discuss Opportunities for Crew Involvement in Campus Projects Discuss 5 m
  J. Sustainability Discuss Kerry Kelly & Gary Swick 2 m
   

Green Schools possibilities

 
  K. Facilities Reserve Fund Discuss Kathryn Martinez 5 m
   

Our original goal:  What is the system for tracking and predicting facility needs that could use this fund?  

Next:  What are our steps for implementing the recommendations of our consultant.

 

 

 
III. Campus Safety 12:59 PM
  A. Rte 25 Improvements Discuss Kathryn Martinez 5 m
   

Info on IDOT's Safe Routes to Schools Program

Eligible Infrastructure Projects 1. Sidewalk Improvements – New Sidewalk, Sidewalk Repair, Sidewalk Gap Closure, Sidewalk Widening, Sidewalk Curb, Sidewalk Curb Ramp 2. Traffic Calming/Speed Reduction – Speed Bump/Hump/Table, Raised Crossing, Median Refuge/Center Crossing, Narrowed Traffic Lane 3. Traffic Control Devices – New/Upgraded Traffic Signal, New Pavement Markings, New Traffic Striping, In-Roadway Crossing Light, Flashing Beacons, Bike Sensitive Signal Actuation Devices, Pedestrian Activated Signal Upgrades, Pedestrian Countdown Signal, Permanently Mounted Solar Powered Speed Feedback Signs 4. Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Improvements – Crossing, Median Refuge, Raised Crossing, Sight Distance Improvements 5. On-Street Bicycle Facilities – New/Upgraded Bike Lane, Widened Outside Lanes/Shoulders, Geometric Improvements, Turning Lanes, Channelization, Roadway Realignment, Traffic Signs, Pavement Markings 6. Off-Street Bicycle Facilities – Exclusive Multi-Use Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail separated from the roadway 7. Secure Bicycle Parking Facilities – Bike Racks, Safety Lighting, Covered Bike Shelter ! Permanently Mounted Solar Powered Speed Feedback Signs will be funded as Infrastructure Projects. 

 https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/local-transportation-partners/county-engineers-and-local-public-agencies/funding-programs/safe-routes-to-school.html

 
IV. Future Master Planning & Environmental Committee 1:04 PM
  A. EMSA's Strategic Plan Discuss K Martinez 5 m
   

How can we support and implement related parts of this.

 
  B. Reconsidering Purpose & Name of this Committee Discuss k kelly 10 m
   

Campus grounds and facilities seem to be our focus.  Let's identify priorities and choose a few projects on which to focus.

 
  C. Campus Environment & Historical Character Advisory Group 2 m
   

This could be just a part of the Committee's duties/mission

 
V. New Business 1:21 PM
  A. Future meetings Discuss Kerry Kelly 5 m
VI. Closing Items 1:26 PM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote