HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.06.2023 MinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes
November 6th 2023
SAB PRESENT: Lisa Marone, Megan LaFond, Vic Oliver, Brad Spanbauer, Ken Osmond,
LaKeisha Haase
EXCUSED: Margy Davey
ABSENT:
STAFF AND OTHERS: Jessica Nemecek (Citizen), Brandon Nielsen (Staff Liaison), Emma
Dziengeleski (Planning Staff), Staff (Oshkosh Media)
I. Call to Order
Vice Chair Lisa Marone called the meeting to order at 6:00pm and a quorum was declared
present.
II. Public Comment
Ms. Marone asked if there were public comments.
Jessica Nemecek, 903 W Elsie Street, Appleton, discussed the importance of approving the
Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition resolution. She stated that there are many
benefits and resources available to this group. She shared how surrounding communities have
made clean energy commitments, and how she sees this being beneficial for the City of
Oshkosh. She explained that it makes the city more competitive when applying for grants, tax
credits, and more. She discussed how this could bring new jobs to the area. She also shared that
communities that have staff that are dedicated to sustainability efforts have a better chance of
reaching their climate goals.
III. Approval of Minutes, October 2nd, 2023
Mr. Osmond motioned to approve the minutes. Ms. LaFond seconded the motion.
The board approved the October 2nd minutes 6-0 (Osmond/LaFond).
IV. 2024 SAB Calendar/Meeting Dates
Ms. Marone introduced the topic of 2024 SAB Calendar/Meeting Dates. She explained that
Thursdays have worked best for the group if the normal Monday meeting times conflicted with
the city-recognized holidays.
The group looked at the 2024 calendar and agreed first Thursdays would work for the two
Monday conflicts in January and September.
V. Environmental Leadership Award
Ms. Marone said that the board discussed the Environmental Leadership Award at the last
meeting in October, and asked staff if there here have been any submissions since.
Mr. Nielsen said that nothing has come in yet.
Mr. Spanbauer asked if staff could send a list of all previous winners, so the board knows who
has been awarded in the past. He also shared that he thinks it would be beneficial to have this
list posted on the city website with some information about the award just for the public to see
and utilize.
VI. Monthly Sustainability Facebook Topics
Ms. Marone asked there were any updates on the Sustainability Facebook Page.
Mr. Osmond explained that he has not had the time to work with the Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) on this. He said if someone wanted to take over this task it would
be greatly appreciated.
Ms. Oliver shared that she would help and asked to be included on those emails and
conversations.
Mr. Nielsen announced that he received the City’s 2023 High Flyer Award and that he shared
that via Facebook. He explained a little background on how this works and how the city gets
recognized for the award.
Mr. Spanbauer asked if this was something that was shared on the website.
The board found some outdated Bird City resources on the website. There was discussion on
what new resources and information could be shared.
Mr. Spanbauer shared ideas as to what should be included on the website. He felt this could be
a good way to highlight what the city is accomplishing and could correlate with the board’s
social media topics and efforts.
VII. Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition Resolution
Ms. Marone announced that it was time to take a look at the updated resolution for joining
Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition (WLGCC).
Mr. Nielsen explained that Ms. Oliver made the updates to this resolution. He shared that he
was able to pass this around internally and that there were no huge issues with it. He explained
that there was information taken out, but overall, the resolution explains what SAB has already
accomplished, how that aligns with the state’s goals, and therefore is recommending that
council joins this WLGCC.
Mr. Spanbauer motioned to approve the recommendation as written. Mr. Osmond seconded the
motion.
Motion Carried 6-0
IX. Agenda Items for Future Meeting
Winter Farmers Market, UWO Environmental Studies Student Seminar Projects, 2024 SAB
Goals
X. Next Meeting is Monday, December 4th, 2023
XI. Adjournment
The board voted 6-0 to adjourn (Osmond/Oliver)
Recorded by:
Emma Dziengeleski, Assistant Planner