Mikala Larson News Today

The Elgin City Council heard a proposal Wednesday from the citys sustainability commission proposing a 10 cent single-use shopping bag fee. After hearing negative reaction from retailers and raising questions about specifics of the plan, the council tabled the issue for now.

Elgin City Council members were as divided as those in the audience Wednesday when discussing a proposed city ordinance under which residents would have to pay 10 cents for paper or plastic bags if they don’t bring their own sacks for store purchases.

The Elgin Fire Department will be adding a red Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV to its fleet this year, a purchase that that will launch the city’s electric vehicle pilot program a year earlier than planned.

For the first time, local governments in the Chicago suburbs are putting sustainability on the payroll. As awareness and political support for environmental issues such as climate change gain momentum, new positions dedicated solely to sustainability have been cropping up in municipalities throughout the region -- and their ranks continue to grow.

Eighteen members of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy completed their classes with a final graduation ceremony held at Elgin Community College on Saturday, May 7.

A pair of new bike repair stations have been installed on the bike path along the Fox River in Elgin. The Dero Fixit stations allow riders to hang their bikes and do basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs.

Participants in the Elgin Area Leadership Academy will be hosting a pair of upcoming programs on environmental stewardship. Theyll hold a program about the importance of keeping storm drains and stormwater clean on Saturday and April 2 will host a recycling event. Both programs are free.

Elgin residents and small businesses can now subscribe to a community solar program to receive credits on their ComEd accounts that could save them about $100 a year. The program allows participants to support solar power without installing rooftop panels.

Elgin will host a pair of Pumpkin Smash composting events Saturday, Nov. 6. The events will take place from 9 a.m. to noon.

Elgin will host a pair of Pumpkin Smash composting events Saturday, Nov. 6. The events will take place from 9 a.m. to noon.