Elgin Watchman

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The September 2022 Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting was the opposite of the August meeting. However, it certainly was almost as long. In a nutshell, the following topics were discussed:

• Bike paths
• Sustey Awards (giving responsibility to Elgin Image Awards committee)
• Native Plant Giveaway
• Eastside Community Garden Event 
• Sustainability Marketing Materials
• Reusable Shopping Bag Giveaway (hemp bags vs. other bags)
• Workgroup Volunteer Recruitment Efforts (or lack thereof)

Of course, the big issue for "Democracy Geeks" like Erik & Tia was whether commissioners violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act. This question was explored and remains an open question that Erik plans on asking more knowledgeable people about (including possibly the Illinois Attorney General's office).

Also discussed on the podcast was the recently published Advocacy eGuide focused on the proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance. The eGuide helps Elgin residents see how we got to this point on the plastic bag policy debate and understand what they need to do to help get this ordinance passed before the end of 2022. 

To read, download, and/or share the Advocacy eGuide:

• Go to our Waste webpage at www.elginwatchman.com/waste
• Scroll a little bit down the page and you will see it
• Expand it to full screen, read, and click the buttons/links to learn more
• Consider downloading or sharing the eGuide with likeminded friends
• Start calling and emailing Mayor David Kaptain and all city council members using the information on the last page of the eGuide. Ask them to please adopt the Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance

You can make a difference. Get involved . . . get engaged . . . and always keep watch!

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Tia & Erik have been following the story of elevated levels of lead in Elgin's water supply based on a recent notice and brochure sent to Elgin residents earlier in 2022.

• click here for Spanish language version of notice
• click here for Spanish language version of brochure

"Lead in Elgin's Drinking Water" coverage is a once a special podcast that start in May 2022. Over the last few months, a variety of different professionals -- former city staff, current city staff, and a pediatric nurse -- have come on the podcast to talk about this very serious issue.

Today's episode is PART TWO of a very long (and really informational) interview with Eric Weiss, who is the current City of Elgin Water Director. As you can imagine, there was a lot of ground covered:

• Clarifying some of the wonky, concerning language in the Annual Water Quality Report
• Clarifying how Elgin residents may qualify for the city's Lead Service Line Replacement program (hint: there isn't an application)
• And much, much more . . . 
• Including more silly talk about Speedo swimsuits

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.

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Hooray . . . Hooza . . . Take a victory lap! The Elgin Sustainability Commission unanimously passed the Single Use Bag Fee draft ordinance at its August 2022 meeting.
 
Right? So, where is the ticker-tape parade? Shouldn't there be a balloon drop? Or am I not seeing all that celebratory stuff because it's not environmentally sustainable?
 
Commissioner Jeff Biss comes on a special edition of The Elgin Watchman podcast to explain that it's premature to do any celebrating. The commission vote was only advisory. It was a recommendation to city staff and city council to take up the issue of a plastic (and paper) single use bag fee draft ordinance that the commission's Waste Workgroup has been working on for the last four years.
 
In this special edition podcast episode, Jeff addresses the following issues:

• Where the fight for implementing a single use bag fee is actually at in the legislative process
• What's in the ordinance and what's not in the ordinance
• Refuting arguments being made by some city council members like Tish Powell about why now is not the right time to act on a proposal like this one
• What everyday Elgin residents, consumers, and voters can do to help get this proposed idea across the finish line at city hall

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.
 
On a completely different subject, please KEEP WATCH right here on The Elgin Watchman's podcast platform. Because in the next few days, our regularly scheduled second podcast drop for the month of August  will occur. It will feature the second half of the telephone interview with Eric Weiss, who is the City of Elgin's Water Director. He will help educate all of us about the city's Lead Service line Replacement program.

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The August 2022 Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting was the longest one of the year -- and perhaps the longest ever in the commission's 10-year history -- clocking in at three-and-one-half to four hours in length. Needless to say, commission chairperson Tom Armstrong is back in Tia's doghouse.

Members of the Elgin Area Climate Change Now, Elgin City of Peace, and Elgin Green Groups 350 were present. Passionate citizens pushed the commission to stop talking about taking action and instead start taking action. Our friend, Robin Migalla (aka the Dutchess of Dumpsters), yelled at commissioners. 

Bottom line?

• The Elgin Sustainability Commission voted to recommend the Elgin City Council examine the proposed Single-Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance it has been working on for four years and consider implementation
• The Elgin Sustainability Commission got a black eye from residents in the audience for their lack of acting urgently in the wake of the city council passing its Climate Emergency Declaration in 2020
• The Elgin Sustainability Commission is talking about a lot of issues and workgroups appear to be awakening from their very long slumber. There is massive opportunity for Elgin residents who want to get involved, and those who are interested should call city of Elgin Sustainability Analyst Mikala Larson at 847-931-5615

We hope you enjoyed this month's Elgin Sustainability Commission coverage. It was the culmination of many previous podcasts (including four special edition podcasts released in the four days leading up to the August commission meeting).

Please stay tuned because the next podcast drop at the end of this month will feature a second half of the telephone interview with Eric Weiss, who is the City of Elgin's Water Director. He will help educate all of us about the city's Lead Service line Replacement program.

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.

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* * * SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST * * *
The proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance appears to be picking up steam in Elgin , Illinois. 

• Two members of the city council contacted Tia & Erik after The Elgin Watchman launched its anonymous straw poll of those elected officials. Both agreed to interviews!
• The executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (aka the person who wrote the Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance for Woodstock, IL) agreed to an interview.
• A city staff person from a different municipality -- who wanted to remain anonymous -- agreed to speak with The Elgin Watchman podcast about his experience with implementation of a reusable shopping bag program that he helped implement.

We have published one podcast per day for the last four days leading up to tomorrow's (August 9th) 6:00 pm Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting at the Centre of Elgin in downtown Elgin inside the ballroom (or possibly one of the conference rooms next to the ballroom). Why? Because rumor has it that the commission will be taking a vote on whether to recommend the city council consider this proposed ordinance, which the commission has been working on for the last four years.

Today's podcast features an interview with the executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County -- Cynthia Kanner.  She and the defenders were instrumental in pushing for adoption of Woodstock's Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance and helped with the implementation of the village's reusable shopping bag program.  She shares her experiences and lessons learned. We also attempt to apply some of those things to what Elgin is trying to do in this area.

(Note: On Friday, The Elgin Watchman published an interview with councilwoman Tish Powell. Saturday's special edition podcast featured an interview with city councilman Corey Dixon. Sunday's special edition podcast featured an interview with a former government employee, who wished to remain anonymous, talking about implementation of a municipal reusable bag program. CLICK HEREfor Tish Powell, and CLICK HERE for Corey Dixon. CLICK HERE for Mr. Anonymous.)

A special THANK YOU to Cynthia for agreeing to come on the podcast to discuss what went into a different municipality's efforts to do what the Sustainability Commission is proposing for Elgin, IL.   We hope you enjoy this level of transparency and share this podcast with friends and family who you think will enjoy it, too.

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.

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* * * SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST * * *
The proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance appears to be picking up steam in Elgin , Illinois. 

• Two members of the city council contacted Tia & Erik after The Elgin Watchman launched its anonymous straw poll of those elected officials. Both agreed to interviews!
• The executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (aka the person who wrote the Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance for Woodstock, IL) agreed to an interview.
• A city staff person from a different municipality -- who wanted to remain anonymous -- agreed to speak with The Elgin Watchman podcast about his experience with implementation of a reusable shopping bag program that he helped implement.

We will publish one podcast per day leading up to the Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 9th at 6pm at the Centre of Elgin in downtown Elgin inside the ballroom (or possibly one of the conference rooms next to the ballroom). Why? Because rumor has it that the commission will be taking a vote on whether to recommend the city council consider this proposed ordinance, which the commission has been working on for the last four years.

Today's podcast features a former employee from a different municipality who wanted to remain anonymous.  A few years ago, he worked for a municipality who implemented a reusable shopping bag giveaway program in advance of implementing their community's Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance. He shares his experiences.

(Note: On Friday, The Elgin Watchman published an interview with councilwoman Tish Powell. Saturday's special edition podcast featured an interview with city councilman Corey Dixon. CLICK HEREfor Tish Powell, and CLICK HERE for Corey Dixon.)

A special THANK YOU to "Tom"for agreeing to come on the podcast to discuss what went into a different municipality's efforts to do what the Sustainability Commission is proposing for Elgin, IL.   We hope you enjoy this level of transparency and share this podcast with friends and family who you think will enjoy it, too.

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.

Send us Fan Mail

* * * SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST * * *
The proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance appears to be picking up steam in Elgin , Illinois. 

• Two members of the city council contacted Tia & Erik after The Elgin Watchman launched its anonymous straw poll of those elected officials. Both agreed to interviews!
• The executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (aka the person who wrote the Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance for Woodstock, IL) agreed to an interview.
• A city staff person from a different municipality -- who wanted to remain anonymous -- agreed to speak with The Elgin Watchman podcast about his experience with implementation of a reusable shopping bag program that he helped implement.

We will publish one podcast per day leading up to the Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 9th at 6pm at the Centre of Elgin in downtown Elgin inside the ballroom (or possibly one of the conference rooms next to the ballroom). Why? Because rumor has it that the commission will be taking a vote on whether to recommend the city council consider this proposed ordinance, which the commission has been working on for the last four years.

Today's podcast features an interview with councilman Corey Dixon.  He considers himself a likely YES vote on the proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance if it end up in front of the council. However, he also appears open to an outright single use plastic bag ban if the ordinance can be crafted correctly and enforced.

(Note: yesterday The Watchman published an interview with councilwoman Tish Powell. Click here to listen to that podcast, which was markedly different from the one with Corey Dixon.)

A special THANK YOU to Corey for agreeing to come on the podcast to discuss what's on his mind. Interviews like this give voters an opportunity to get inside of elected officials heads and see "how the sausage is made" from a policy perspective. It makes our democracy stronger. We hope you enjoy this level of transparency and share this podcast with friends and family who you think will enjoy it, too.

If you are interested in speaking with Corey or any other council member, you can find their contact information online on the city website . . . https://www.cityofelgin.org/77/Mayor-and-Council

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.

Send us Fan Mail

* * * SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST * * *
The proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance appears to be picking up steam in Elgin , Illinois. 

• Two members of the city council contacted Tia & Erik after The Elgin Watchman launched its anonymous straw poll of those elected officials. Both agreed to interviews!
• The executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (aka the person who wrote the Single Use Plastic Bag Ordinance for Woodstock, IL) agreed to an interview.
• A city staff person from a different municipality -- who wanted to remain anonymous -- agreed to speak with The Elgin Watchman podcast about his experience with implementation of a reusable shopping bag program that he helped implement.

We will publish one podcast per day leading up to the Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 9th at 6pm at the Centre of Elgin in downtown Elgin inside the ballroom (or possibly one of the conference rooms next to the ballroom). Why? Because rumor has it that the commission will be taking a vote on whether to recommend the city council consider this proposed ordinance, which the commission has been working on for the last four years.

Today's podcast features an interview with councilwoman Tish Powell. She is still undecided on how she plans on voting on the proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance if it end up in front of the council.

A special THANK YOU to Tish for agreeing to come on the podcast to discuss what's on her mind. Interviews like this give voters an opportunity to get inside of elected officials heads and see "how the sausage is made" from a policy perspective. It makes our democracy stronger. We hope you enjoy this level of transparency and share this podcast with friends and family who you think will enjoy it, too.

If you are interested in speaking with Tish or any other council member, you can find their contact information online on the city website . . . https://www.cityofelgin.org/77/Mayor-and-Council

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.

Send us Fan Mail

Erik and Tia continue exploring the issue of lead in Elgin's drinking water and the city's Lead Service Line Replacement program.  In this episode, Tia and Erik interview the City of Elgin's current Water Director, Eric Weiss.

This interview went so long that Erik & Tia decided to break it into two parts. The second part of the interview will drop towards the end of August.

After Part One of the Eric Weiss' interview, Tia & Erik deviate from the issue of Lead Elgin's Drinking Water and spend a few minutes talking about the Elgin Sustainability Commission's proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee. So, after an amazing interview with the Water Director, you will want to stick around to hear about some interesting city hall rumors and news about a fun upcoming interview.

Remember . . . Keep Watch!

PS -- The complete unedited telephone interview with Eric Weiss will be available on The Elgin Watchman website shortly, but you will still want to turn into to Part Two of this podcast at the end of August for more social commentary on Speedo swimsuits and Elgin's city staff.

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The July 2022 Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting was longer than the super efficient June meeting that Tia covered, but commission chairperson Tom Armstrong still managed to adjourn the public meeting after 90-minutes. 

Unfortunately, Erik wasn't feeling well the day of this podcast recording. His second COVID booster was kicking his butt. So,  in an attempt to shorten and spice things up, Tia decided to throw Erik a curveball by paying tribute to the old PBS television show -- The McLaughlin Group.

The three commission discussion topics Tia chose to focus on were:

• Fox River Development around the downtown branch of the Gail Borden Public Library
• Sustainability Commission workgroups
• Single Use Plastic Bag Fee draft ordinance

We hope you enjoy this month's shortened and hilarious episode. And please stay tuned because the next two podcast drops will feature a telephone interview with Eric Weiss, who is the City of Elgin's Water Director. He will help education all of us about the city's Lead Service line Replacement program.

For more information, please visit our website, LIKE our Facebook page, and subscribe to our podcast using one of the many RSS Readers on our Buzzsprout podcast platform.