On Saturday, September 14, 2002, the Illinois Environmental Council held its 25th Annual Meeting at the Illinois State Capitol in the House of Representatives Chamber. IEC President Eleanor K. Roemer welcomed everyone and called attention to a few of the highlights of IEC activities since the last annual meeting.

Executive Director Jonathan Goldman provided an overview of IEC activities in a year that saw a very busy and protracted legislative session with severe budget problems. Legislative actions such as wetland legislation and a ban of mercury fever thermometers made progress but failed, and will be addressed again in the next session. Certain negative actions need to be reversed, such as the permanent redirection of real estate tax support away from natural areas acquisition funding. Executive Director Goldman also summarized organizational progress since he became Executive Director in January 2002, including the move of IEC offices to new, more suitable space in the Vinegar Hill Mall.

Nominating Committee Chair Gordon Goodman explained that terms were expiring at this annual meeting for seven of the fifteen elected IEC directors. He reported that the committee was nominating for reelection Gordon Goodman, Laura Huth, Jo Patton, Eleanor Roemer and Susan Zingle along with two new nominees, Owen Dratler and Ann McCabe. There were no additional nominations, and the seven director nominees were elected by unanimous secret ballots.

Treasurer Rand Sparling gave the financial report. IEC had an independently audited financial report for the year 2001 that is available on request and that no material issues were identified by our outside auditors, Pehlman & Dold of Springfield. Treasurer Sparling reviewed the proposed IEC Budget for 2003. All operating costs that are logically part of the two organizations, IEC and IECEF, have been allocated in the coming year on a 35/65 split. During the coming year these budgets provide for our staff to increase by adding an Outreach Coordinator. We also plan to open a satellite office in Chicago next summer. The motion to adopt the IEC 2003 budget was duly seconded and passed by unanimous vote except for one vote of present.

Co-chair Brian Urbaszewski of the Legislative and Policy Committee explained the significance of the proposed IEC Legislative and Policy Agenda for the 93rd General Assembly as an umbrella document. There was fruitful discussion about the following issues: Coal burning power plants; Storm water management; Toll roads; Uses of All Terrain Vehicles; Uniform public notice for local and state government actions; and Economic development in support of environmental quality.

Ultimately, the Legislative and Policy Agenda was adopted unanimously with the understanding that the points related to the questions raised in the discussion are to be considered by the Legislative and Policy Committee and Task Forces in perfecting this document.

Executive Director Goldman led a discussion on the "Future of Illinois' Environment" with the members of the discussion panel: Bob Casteel, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Energy Efficiency and Recycling Program; Mike McCurdy, The Trust for Public Lands; Marc Miller, Prairie Rivers Network; and Brian Urbaszewski, American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Following a short period for questions, comments and discussion, Executive Director Goldman thanked the speakers again and President Roemer thanked everyone for coming and for his or her participation in the 2002 IEC Annual Meeting.