HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes
February 3, 2020
PRESENT: Margy Davey, Pat Dwyer Hallquist, Vic Oliver, Adam Maslowski, Jake Krause,
Robert Turner
EXCUSED: Michelle Bogden Muetzel, Lurton Blassingame, Eric DeGroot, Bradley Spanbauer
ABSENT: None
STAFF AND OTHERS: Brandon Nielsen, Steven Wiley, Scott Williams (Oshkosh Media),
Kevin Kane (Citizen Action WI)
I. Call to Order
Chair Margy Davey called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and a quorum was declared present.
II. Public Comment
No public comment occurred.
III. Approval of Minutes, January 6th, 2020
No board members had any revisions for the minutes so the board approved the January 6th
minutes 6-0 (Oliver/Krause).
IV. Guest Speaker: Kevin Kane - Citizen Action Wisconsin
Mr. Kane started his presentation explaining how he started in this nonprofit, stating that he
was involved with health care policy because of a vision condition he was dealing with.
Through that experience he became aware of communities' desires to address multiple issues
including economic development, environmental issues, tax policy, health care, etc. Mr. Kane's
work with Citizen Action WI involved finding ways to upgrade buildings through working
with governments and lenders on ordinance upgrades and financing, respectively. Citizen
Action WI functions through organizing co-ops throughout the state. They look for individuals
who are interested in "green homes' and are of the skilled trades. Recently, Associated Bank
allocated 2.4 billion to a "Community Commitment Plan", which includes items like an energy
mortgage. Energy mortgages enable homeowners to obtain financing on top of the home's
value for home energy upgrades. Eligible work could include solar panels, windows, heat
pump water heaters, insulation, etc. Mr. Kane used the program to upgrade his own home and
though his loan amount went up, his utility bills went down more. Mr. Kane went through a
number of slides explaining what Citizen Action WI is and how they could help everyone
become more aware of the programs available for qualified individuals/families. He expanded
on how tax credits could be claimed when building with energy efficient materials and about
the green/union home fellowship program, which he is the director for. He emphasized that the
economic component of the program was very important in selling the program. He provided a
link (www.CitizenActionwi.org) with information on the program. Mr. Kane asked the board
to connect local banks and credit unions with him to involve them in the program. He stated
that the Fannie Mae Homestyle Energy program and the Freddie Mac Green Choice program
were the two programs included for homeowner participation. Mr. Kane then opened up to
questions from the board.
Ms. Dwyer Hallquist asked if the City would have a role.
Mr. Kane answered that the City could encourage institutions to take notice and participate.
Mr. Kane emphasized that the payback period for some home energy upgrades could be longer -
term and that people should understand that. He concluded by stating that the program was
very new and that they had just reached an agreement in September of 2019 to pursue the
program with lenders. The board thanked Mr. Kane for visiting and presenting.
V. Environmental Leadership Award — Update
Chair Davey explained there is one nominee and they are to receive the award at the State of the
City event. The next step was to draft a statement for the presentation of the award to the
nominee.
VI. UW Oshkosh Senior Seminar Projects — Update
Mr. Wiley stated that he had IT staff put the projects on the city's website and that they could be
accessed under the following: Sustainable Oshkosh > Resources > Student Projects. Mr. Wiley
also planned on emailing these in PDF form to all board members, per their request.
VII. Electric Vehicle Project— Update
Ms. Dwyer Hallquist explained a website called "Plugshare" which shows electric vehicle
charging locations. Chair Davey asked about the total number of public locations, which was
unknown at the time. SAB plans on encouraging the City of Oshkosh to install these vehicle
chargers at certain locations throughout the city. Ms. Dwyer Hallquist asked what the goal was
after compiling the charging station and fleet inventories. Chair Davey replied that ultimately
the goal was to have the City phase out older vehicles for electric vehicles. Mr. Krause left the
meeting at 6:45 pm.
VIII. Menominee Shoreland Restoration - Update
Chair Davey stated there was not an update for the month and that this topic would be added
to the March agenda.
IX. Social Media - Discussion/Action
Ms. Oliver announced that "Being Sustainable at Work" would be an upcoming topic. She also
stated that for the future she would like to have board members fill out a biography sheet she
would provide. She would have the information posted to the Facebook page to allow residents
to get to know their SAB members.
X. Agenda Items for Future Meeting
Items for the March meeting would include an Electric Vehicle/Plug in update, Menominee
Shoreland Restoration and the Senior Seminar Projects. Ms. Dwyer Hallquist also asked about
potentially including information on a Solar Group -buy program. Chair Davey asked Ms.
Dwyer Hallquist to remind her in a couple weeks about including this on the March agenda.
The Social Media item would remain on the agenda.
XI. Next Meeting, Monday March 2nd - City Hall Room 404
Chair Davey reminded the board of the next meeting.
The board voted 5-0 to adjourn at 6:52 pin (Oliver/Maslowski).
Recorded by:
Brandon Nielsen, Assistant Planner