Elgin Math & Science Academy
Minutes
Enviro Group Meeting
Date and Time
Friday June 3, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Location
Gymnasium Building
EMSA Campus
1600 Dundee Ave
Elgin
Committee Members Present
C. Flaherty, D. Alexander, G. Swick, K. Kelly, R. Wilson, S. Bennett
Committee Members Absent
None
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes from May 6, 2022
II. Campus Map
A.
Proposed Campus Map
B.
Map of Forest Preserve
The Committee discussed creating a map of the forest preserve property (similar to new campus map) to help staff learn more about the ecosystems and how to use them.
III. Environmental Work Group--Subcommittee to Master Plan and Facilities
A.
Ecosystem Education
Summer school will be integrating local ecosystem education. Friday Field Studies subject to the budgeting process.
B.
Playgrounds & Natural Play Areas Update
Removal of the bouncy item from the gym playground scheduled for this summer. Committee will look to student ideas (Passion Projects) and look for student and staff participation to develop future use of the space.
C.
IDOT - Traffic on I-25
D Alexander updated the committee on his ongoing discussions with IDOT.
D.
Arbor Day Campus
EMSA has applied to be an Arbor Day Campus.
E.
Tree signs
D Alexander brought info regarding potential signage for class trees.
F.
Tick Talk
The Committee discussed various and best practices related to tick education and protection. The Committee favors keeping mowed areas and pathways, which can be mulched, along with education and awareness (how to dress, whether to use repellant, etc).
G.
Sound Wall (Illinois Tollway)
D Alexander updated the committee re ongoing conversations with the Tollway. There are several options of sound walls with various responsibilities for cost responsibility.
H.
Chimney Swifts and Other Bird Protections Updates
Keep Ms Tannhauser in the loop on bird protections. Swifts are back.
I.
Trails and Walkways
J.
EMSA Mission-Vision-Goal Setting Enviro Recommendations
K.
Goal setting/vision of work group
L.
Water Runoff--Updates
M.
Ongoing Tree Care & Planned Landscaping
IV. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
B.
Discussion of additional capital spending items - landscaping
- MAX-metal_SpecSheet.pdf
Committee discussed ways to share the campus map and communicate its contents to staff and families. S Bennet volunteered to create large-size posters to post in the buildings. D Alexander will arrange with J Willer the process of sharing the map and setting up short orientations (15 mins) with staff --with additional orientations/trainings being available. This would be ideal before classes resume.