Commission discusses Rotary Park native-planting plan and revives rain-barrel program

Commissioners on June 18 advanced planning steps for two environmental initiatives: a native-planting effort at Rotary Park and a revived rain-barrel distribution program in partnership with the Conservation Foundation.

Commissioner Chris Dedric said soil tests and prior coordination with park staff indicate a half-acre seed package would cost about $800; the recommended timetable is to seed in the fall (October) so plants establish over two growing seasons. "In a perfect world that is this fall," Chris said, and he added that residents would likely see visible growth next year but full native-planting results in about two years.

On the rain-barrel initiative, commissioners said Jane Wyoff had advanced the project before stepping away from the commission and that staff will obtain her notes to continue her work. Chris summarized research showing standard retail rain barrels near $400, a discounted vendor price around $250, and a village rebate program that can reduce a resident’s final cost to roughly $100.

Chair Pete Sultz said he will contact the Conservation Foundation to learn how their distribution and municipal partnership processes work and bring that information back to the commission. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the foundation and with the DuPage County "Monarch" project to align efforts and to provide a recommendation and schedule at the next meeting.

The discussion closed with an agreement that commissioners or staff who are taking the lead should prepare formal paperwork so recommendations can move quickly to the village board for approval.