On the agenda: Rolling Meadows meeting — Data Center (Feb 5)

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING
City Council Chambers
3600 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

AGENDA
1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call/Declaration of a Quorum:
Chair Michael Koehler, Maggie Trevor, Ray Mau, Karen Gill, Bonnie Haferkamp, Joannie
Thomas, Vacant.
3. Approval of Minutes : January 8, 2026
4. Pending Business :

None

5. New Business :
a. Approval of Purchase of “Illinois Native Monarch Habitat Seed Mix”
6. Old Business :
a. 2026 Event Planning and Communications Tasks
b. Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study Update
7. Other Discussion:
a. Comprehensive Plan Updates: Upcoming modifications to the Future Land Use Map and Subarea
Plans for the Algonquin Road and Golf Road corridors.
b. SolSmart Designation

8. Public Comment.
9. Motion to Adjourn.

During this time, members of the public may address the PZC regarding any topic
within the PZC’s purview that is not elsewhere on the agenda.

Rolling Meadows Environmental Committee
Meeting Minutes
1/8/2026 at 6:00 at City Hall Council Chambers
1. Call to Order by Planner and Management Analyst Robert Savage

at 6:05 p.m.

2. Roll Call
Present : Maggie Trevor, Karen Gill, Joan Thomas, Raymond Mau, Bonnie Haferkamp
Absent: Chair Michael Koehler
Also Present: Robert Savage (Planner and Management Analyst), Alysse Dahlgren, Fred Vogt, Roxane
Summer.
P/MA Savage requested a motion to nominate Member Trevor as the interim chair for the meeting.
Member Gill made the motion, Member Mau seconded. All voted yes by voice vote.
3. Minutes Approval
Interim Chair (IC) Trevor requested a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the January 9, 2025
RMEC Meeting. Member Gill noted to change the title date to January 9th, rather than 8th. Member Mau
made the motion, Member Haferkamp seconded the motion. All voted yes by voice vote.
IC Trevor requested a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the October 2, 2025 RMEC Meeting.
Member Gill noted to change the title date to January 9th, rather than 8th. Member Mau made the motion,
Member Haferkamp seconded the motion. All voted yes by voice vote.
4. Public Comment
There was no public comment.
5. New Business
a. 2026 Environmental Committee Work Plan and Scheduling
P/MA Savage presented a draft schedule of events for 2026, including the standing annual events and
several additional events that the Committee could discuss volunteering or contributing towards.
i.

ii.

iii.

iv.
v.

Prairie Burn Event: March (undetermined date). P/MA Savage asked if there were any dates
locked in. Member Gill said that we should check in with Pete Jackson to confirm, as the date
often shifts due to weather.
Human Services Recourse Fair: April 3. P/MA Savage said that there could be an opportunity to
collaborate with human resources and give out seeds and native planting advice, or contribute to
the Human Services Energy Saving Device Giveaway. IC Trevor noted that the County would
potentially be able to lend support, and directed for Director Nieves to contact her to discuss the
Property After Death services. Member Gill suggested that the Garden Club could also be
involved, or potentially members of the community garden who could advertise any open garden
plots.
Earth Day: April 22 (Wednesday). P/MA Savage noted that the theme for 2026 was “Planet VS
Plastic”, and suggested that the City could amplify the SWALCO “Feed the Loop” marketing
campaign, as a standalone event might not be practical mid-week. The Committee unanimously
agreed.
Arbor Day (Willow Bend): April 24. Member Thomas said that she would update, as nothing is
planned yet.
Arbor Day: April 25. P/MA Savage said that there had been some internal discussions about the
Park District, Public Works, and the City collaborating on an effort to plant native Bur Oaks to
restore some native oak habitat near Kimball Hill or South Salk Parks. Member Gill said that it

vi.

vii.

viii.

ix.
x.
xi.

could also be a good opportunity to work on the Earth Day theme and do some plastic waste
removal from the parks and creek, and said that staff should coordinate with Nick Troy and
confirm the scope of the event.
Human Services Family Services Day: May 9. P/MA Savage asked the Committee if there was
any interest in attending this event. IC Trevor said that the County may be able to support this
event also, and that the Committee could host a plant and seed giveaway.
Sustainability Saturdays: Dates TBA. P/MA Savage said that there had been some internal
discussion of approaching one of the international restaurants in town to host a cooking
demonstration or class and hosting a lunch, which could be a ticketed event that would support
multiple Sustainability Plan goals. Another idea was to approach a Chicagoland Native American
Indian organization to host a class or lecture on the Native history of Rolling Meadows, local
ecology, or other event. IC Trevor noted that the Committee could also approach the Forest
Preserve District who might be able to host an event on urban forestry and restoration.
Other ideas also included a community garage sale and plant sale.
Bike Party: September 19. P/MA Savage said that the use of the Fire Station is not guaranteed
due to the upcoming sale of the property, and the Committee should discuss alternative locations.
Mr. Vogt said that perhaps the Library parking lot would be possible, or alternatively a section of
the Jewel Parking Lot if we could coordinate with the owner.
Block Party: June 5. Mr. Vogt said that he and Member Gill would distribute Duck Race tickets
there, and it would also be a good opportunity for more seed giveaways. Member Gill agreed.
National Night Out: August 4. Mr. Vogt said that he and Member Gill would distribute Duck Race
tickets there, and it would also be a good opportunity for more seed giveaways.
Duck Race: Mr. Vogt said that there had been some discussion about shifting the date to not
coincide with Fridays Rock, but it might be best to host in on that day to ensure that there would
be a good crowd. We’re deciding on the time, but likely to be around 4:00 to 5:00PM.

b. Communications Tasks.
P/MA Savage recapped the communications tasks from 2025, noting that there were three newsletter
items that were not completed. The Committee should discuss whether these items should be revisited for
2026, or if new topics could be addressed instead.
 Member Thomas said that she would write a short article about Bur Oak restoration for the April
Newsletter, which would tie in nicely with the Arbor Day event.
 P/MA Savage said that we should revisit the item on Climate and Extreme Weather, that Chair
Koehler had intended to write. This could be for the July Issue.
 IC Trevor said that she could write a piece on urban forestry and Busse woods for the October
issue.
 Alysse Dahlgren said that she would be happy to contribute short social media releases on
buckthorn removal and native gardening techniques throughout the year.
6. Old Business
There was no old business
7. Other Discussion
Fred Vogt said that the monument seal from City Hall had been successfully removed and installed at the
History Museum, on the bike lane side of the building. The museum was looking at different options to
install landscaping around the sign, and would welcome help from the Committee to design and install
landscaping.
Adjournment
IC Trevor motioned to adjourn. All voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25pm.

Staff Memorandum
From:
To:

Robert Savage, Planner and Management Analyst
Rolling Meadows Environmental Committee (RMEC)

RE:

Meeting Agenda for February, 2026

Meeting Date:

February 3, 2026

5.a
Purchase Approval for Seed Mix
Staff have obtained a quote from Millburn Seeds (FKA “Renovo Seeds”) for Illinois Native Monarch
Habitat Seed Mix for $880 (same price as 2025, despite retail price increases). This, as well as the
quantity left over from 2025, should produce upwards of 700 sample bags to distribute for 2026.
Requested action: The Committee should vote on the approval of funds to purchase Monarch Habitat
Seeds, not to exceed $1,000.
Item 6.a
Event Schedule
The Environmental Committee 2026 event schedule is attached below with updates of prospective event
details. The Committee should discuss any modifications to the proposed calendar, and in particular
provide direction for staff to pursue engagement with any third-party organizations for upcoming
Sustainability Saturdays events.

2026 Event Schedule
Event

Date

Notes

Prairie Burn

March __, 2026

Event Ideas/Notes

Human Services
Resource Fair,
aging in place

April 3 25, 2026

This event has been
rescheduled to April 25,
which will coincide with
Arbor Day events. If
member Trevor wishes, HS
Director Nieves would still
encourage Cook County

Updates
P/MA Savage contacted Pete Jackson to
provide details and updates.
Item will be deleted for future calendar
updates

Earth Day
(Wednesday)
“Planet vs. Plastic ”
Arbor Day
Celebration, Willow
Bend
Arbor Day Cleanup
and Planting,
RMPD
Human Services
Family Services
Day
Sustainability
Saturdays

April 22, 2026

resources to be present at
this event.
W-4, C-5 :
Ideas: SWANCC, SWALCO –
Feed the Cart?

April 24, 2026

L-7, W-4:
TBA

April 25, 2026

L-7, W-4:
Bur Oak Planting, pending G.
Strebler.

Meeting with Park District leadership and
Graham Strebler to coordinate Bur Oak
Planting, ~Feb

Saturday May 9

Promotion, participation,
stall/booth, seeds – Ask HS
for direction

Dr. Nieves requests an RMEC stand, seed
giveaway, native planting guides and
recommendations.

TBA

Paz (Lagman House) has shown interest
in hosting an event, meeting TBA.

Block Party

Friday, June 5

Sustainability
Saturdays

June __, 2026

ED-4, SC-4 Ideas: Exploring
central Asian culture and
cuisine – Lagman House;
Native history/crafts (AIAI?)
Booth: Plant/seed sale,
fundraiser?
Ideas: Community garage
sale w/ RMEC plant and seed
sale (WR-4)

Sustainability
Saturdays: Bike
Party

September 26,
2026

Duck Race Sales
National Night Out

June _, 2026
Tuesday, August
4 2026
September 26,
2026

Duck Race Event

Location ideas: Firehouse
uncertain.

P/MA Savage is requesting marketing
material from SWALCO to coordinate a
Feed the Cart media release

The City Manager’s office has expressed
interest in hosting a vintage, handmade,
and farmers market event in late June,
pending the RMEC’s interest.
Other Options discussed: CC Forest
Preserve lecture; Native American History
event – to be discussed.
The new owner of the Firehouse has
extended an invitation to use the Facility,
but there may be ongoing construction.
The alternative location is likely City Hall
Parking lot.
Fred Vogt, Karen Gill to sell Duck Race
Tickets; seed giveaway table.
Fred Vogt: Saturday 4-5PM time, confirm
with Lori

The Plan goals that are most relevant to the event participation are listed below. The Committee should
discuss event concepts that include activities related to the following:

ED-4

Rolling Meadows will promote local
goods and services.

C-5

Rolling Meadows will educate the public about
climate change.

L-7

Rolling Meadows will raise community
awareness of native and sustainable
landscaping.

E-4

Rolling Meadows will raise community awareness
of energy efficiency programs and clean energy
options.

M-6

Rolling Meadows will educate the public
on alternative transportation and fuels.

SC-2

Rolling Meadows will plan its programs and
policies to be a community welcoming of persons
of all ages.

W-4

Rolling Meadows will educate and
provide supports to residents regarding
water conservation and sustainable
stormwater management.

SC-4

Rolling Meadows will raise awareness of diverse
cultural traditions*.

WR4

Rolling Meadows will educate the public
about waste and recycling.

*SC-4 has a “No Action” status at this time, and
should be discussed as a priority for event
planning through 2026.

Communications Tasks
The proposed schedule of educational releases is below:
The City’s Newsletter has undergone some format changes for 2026, and will now a quarterly longerformat publication. Final publication dates are expected to be relayed to staff in early January, 2026, and
articles will need to be submitted to staff approximately 4-6 weeks before release to allow time for copy
editing and formatting.
2026
Quarter

Author

Topic

Q2: April

Joannie Mitchell

Burr Oak Habitat, Arbor Day, Natives

Q3: July

Michael Koehler

Climate and extreme weather

Q4: Oct

Maggie Trevor

Forest management/Restoration, Busse Woods,

Other Social
Media
Releases

Alysse

Buckthorn removal, native planting techniques

6.b. Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study Update
The City recently had a kick-off meeting with staff from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning staff
who are providing the technical assistance for preparing the Rolling Meadows City-wide Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan. Staff have been informed that the existing conditions report phase is already underway,
with preliminary data collection, mapping, and analysis taking place by CMAP.




Staff are expecting community engagement opportunities to coincide with many of the events
listed in 6.a, and will update the Committee accordingly when more details are known. If members
have suggestions as to how best to incorporate engagement at any of these events, please
discuss.
A preliminary steering committee list has been selected, which will include a diverse selection of
residents, students, business owners, and Park and Library leadership.

7. Other Discussion and Updates
a. Comprehensive Plan Updates : Informational Only.
Staff are preparing two separate amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan related to the
Algonquin Road and Golf Road subareas to enable the future land use maps and plans best reflect the
market changes in commercial, office, and residential real estate trends within these subareas.


The City is preparing to adopt two TIF Districts along the Algonquin Road Corridor with the
expectation that there it might improve redevelopment conditions for key sites that have
undergone disinvestment and neglect in recent years. The proposed sites include Keystone
Court, Crossroads of Commerce (Algonquin and IL53), Holidome/Holiday Inn, and Southland
Shopping Center.



The Golf Road Corridor has undergone several important land use transitions in recent years,
including several corporate consolidations (AJ Gallagher); potential Data Center Development
(Former Atrium Site); the Pacifica redevelopment, and; a long term diminishment of office
occupancy which may promote either residential, commercial, or mixed-use development in
certain office locations.

b. SolSmart Designation : Informational Only
The City has recently completed the SolSmart program – a technical assistance program operated by the
Department of Energy that assists municipalities in adopting standardized best practices for residential
and small-scale commercial solar development. The program lends assistance in developing appropriate
zoning policies; developing permitting and inspections frameworks; and improving market development
and community engagement to incentivize and prioritize solar installation within the City.
The City is proud to announce that it completed the program with a Gold designation, representing the
adoption of best practices across these implementation areas.