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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.07.2024 MinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD Minutes October 7th, 2024 SAB PRESENT: Margy Davey, Lisa Marone, Jacob Klaameyer, Vic Oliver, Brad Spanbauer, Jaden Zurn EXCUSED: Alyssa Reinke, Joe Stephenson ABSENT: STAFF AND OTHERS: Emma Dziengeleski (Planning Staff), Sara Rutkowski (Assistant Community Development Director), Staff (Oshkosh Media) I. Call to Order Chair Margy Davey called the meeting to order at 6:00pm and a quorum was declared present. II. Public Comment Ms. Davey asked if there were public comments. No public comments occurred. III. Approval of Minutes, September 5th, 2024 Mr. Spanbauer motioned to approve the minutes. Ms. Marone seconded the motion. The board approved the September 5th minutes 6-0 (Spanbauer/Marone). IV. Presentation from Wild Ones Ms. Davey introduced Ron Jones from the Wild Ones organization and then he gave his presentation. Mr. Jones touched on his professional background, and also gave an overview of the Wild Ones organization. His presentation focused primarily on the biodiversity of the planet, species impacts, and benefits to planting natives within urban areas. He explained that the City of Appleton has recently planted native plant/alternative ground cover test plots within one of their parks. He also shared a number of book recommendations, a sample Native Planting Ordinance, and other online resources for the group. Ms. Marone asked if the test plots were city approved, or if a private group is handling it. Mr. Jones responded with sharing that the Sustainability Advisory Panel for Appleton has just recently gotten this started and they hope to expand into the future. He went on to further explain other projects they are actively working on. Mr. Klaameyer brought up the city’s current Native Landscaping Area ordinance. He asked Mr. Jones what he felt was a reasonable time to convert a traditional lawn into an established native planting area. Mr. Jones said that at least a three-year period is needed to establish prairie grasses, so he sees three years being fit for the ordinance. Mr. Klaameyer then asked what the board can do to enable more residents to plant native plants in their yards. Mr. Jones shared that if the city can look into doing more native plantings of their own, it will bring awareness to residents, and that would maybe motivate them to plant in their own yards. He suggested promoting this education on the city’s sustainability webpage, offer grants, et cetera. He then asked how long the city’s ordinance has been in existence. Ms. Davey responded with about two years, but it hasn’t really been used by residents. Ms. Oliver shared that the board has decided to open those conversations back up as the ordinance needs some clarifications and edits. Mr. Spanbauer asked where the test plots are located within the City of Appleton. Mr. Jones said that the test plots are started at one of the city’s parks and the City of Appleton Parks Director helped to accomplish that. Mr. Spanbauer shared that liked the idea of having a demonstration area with a low mow turf alternative, or also an area within the city where there could be a garden with native plants, so residents could see and get ideas for their own lawns. Mr. Jones shared that the Wild Ones local chapter offers a grant of $500 for nonprofits, which can cover the cost of some plants. He shared that any nonprofits in Oshkosh are eligible for this grant, and he would send the board more information. Mr. Jones also shared that Wild Ones will be doing their annual event on February 8th, and that will be held at the Bridgewood in Neenah. Mr. Klaameyer ended by asking for potential staff training resources, or if Mr. Jones had any recommendations for future staff training. Mr. Jones shared that the Wild Ones local chapter has started a Plant Certification Class. They offer around ten to twelve paid classes that are taught throughout the year. Ms. Rutkowski shared that it could be beneficial to reach out to some of the Plant Certification Class instructors to see if we could get them to come here and do some education at the city, rather than hundreds of city staff go to them. The board thanked Mr. Jones for his presentation and time. V. Tree Protection Zones Ms. Dziengeleski shared that staff does not have a huge update since last month’s meeting as they have been going through staffing changes. She continued with the next steps are to involve all the necessary departments internally and discuss the board’s feedback they have given staff in prior meetings. Internally staff will discuss the board’s recommendations, and staff will provide updates to the board once that meeting is held. Ms. Davey reiterated the staffing changes and introduced Ms. Rutkowski to the board. Ms. Rutkowski shared a little background information about herself and her interests in the sustainability realm. VI. Energy Innovation Grant (EIGP) Update Ms. Dziengeleski explained that the contract is still in the process of being signed and finalized. She shared that the contract had been sent to the consultant to review and address anything that they need to fill out. Staff is hoping to have the contract finalized by the end of the week and there will be more information to come. VII. Sustainability Plan Update Ms. Dziengeleski shared that we have been awarded $60,000 in ARPA funds to conduct the Sustainability Plan update. She said that staff has started working on the RFQ as it needs to be posted as soon as possible, since ARPA funds need to be allocated by the end of 2024. She shared that staff had gone through the goals and objectives in the most recent Sustainability Plan, and edited them to reflect more current times and sustainability issues. The board discussed staff’s suggestions and provided comments and recommendations of what target goals and objectives they feel should be included within the RFQ, and ultimately the Sustainability Plan Update. Ms. Dziengeleski added the board’s proposed changes to the list. VIII. Sustainability Staff Training Update Ms. Dziengeleski shared that the city’s HR department had conducted interviews with a handful of potential consultants. She said that she believes they have chosen one or two that they are interested in moving forward with. The HR department has put this training in as a budget enhancement for this upcoming year, and we will not know what will happen until the budget goes to Common Council, and they either approve or deny that request. Mr. Klaameyer shared that if there is any way that they board can help to let them know and keep them updated. XI. Agenda Items for Future Meetings Native Landscaping Areas, Tree Protection Zones, Low Mow Spring/Sumer, Environmental Leadership Award There was brief discussion amongst the board members about future agenda items and what processes will look like moving forward. XII. Next Meeting is Monday, November 4th, 2024 XIII. Adjourn The board voted 6-0 to adjourn (Klaameyer/Spanbauer) Recorded by: Emma Dziengeleski, Assistant Planner