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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.04.2024 MinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD Minutes November 4th, 2024 SAB PRESENT: Margy Davey, Lisa Marone, Jacob Klaameyer, Alyssa Reinke, Vic Oliver, Brad Spanbauer, Joe Stephenson, Jaden Zurn EXCUSED: ABSENT: STAFF AND OTHERS: Emma Dziengeleski (Planning Staff), Brandon Nielsen (Planning Staff) 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, October 7th, 2024 Mr. Klaameyer motioned to approve the minutes. Mr. Spanbauer seconded the motion. The board approved the October 7th minutes 8-0 (Klaameyer/Spanbauer). IV. Tree Protection Zones Update Ms. Dziengeleski shared that staff had met internally to discuss Chapter 26 Trees and Vegetation as well as the board’s proposed Tree Protection Zones Ordinance. It was brought up that Forestry and Public Works have already been working towards bettering their processes internally on road reconstruction projects. Ultimately, the conclusion was made that a lot of what the board brought forward is already addressed in Chapter 26, but staff did agree that edits are needed. Mr. Nielsen shared that rather than reinventing a new ordinance, the group agreed that a lot of what the board brough forward can be incorporated into Chapter 26. He also shared that the incident that occurred on the reconstruction of Waugoo Avenue was a miscommunication between two city employees, and not the contractor. Mr. Stephenson asked that if the plan is to have the board share edits or thoughts during this rewrite process, or if the board will get the opportunity to see the new updated ordinance. Ms. Dziengeleski responded with yes, and that she made aware that those edits are hoping to start in late December of this year still. She also shared that Travis, City of Oshkosh Forester, offered to come back to SAB sometime within the first quarter of 2025 to talk about Chapter 26 and the changes that are being proposed. Mr. Nielsen shared that the process moving forward will most likely be Forestry and Public Works walking roads together before reconstruction and documenting all the trees that are to be kept. Then, during the construction phase, they are going to do their best to keep those trees. He did include that Travis is also looking to address terrace soil quality in this process as well. Mr. Klaameyer asked if it would be helpful at all for him to try to incorporate some of the board’s findings into the city’s current Chapter 26. He asked the board if they would be in agreement of him doing that. Mr. Nielsen said yes, that would be helpful. The board agreed that they wanted Mr. Klaameyer to work on those edits. V. Native Landscaping Areas Ordinance Ms. Dziengeleski shared a copy of the current ordinance and added comments that the board has recommended and discussed in passed meetings. Mr. Nielsen shared that when this ordinance originally went through this process, there were two SAB members that primarily worked on it. He explained that they took the ordinance and crossed things out, and added/changed language. He said that it is up to the board on how they want to tackle this. Ms. Davey said that they could work through it during the meeting tonight, plan a workshop for a future meeting, or have a subcommittee. Mr. Nielsen said that last time it was done through a subcommittee, and all the revisions kept coming to the board. Mr. Spanbauer shared that he feels overall the ordinance is fine, there just needs to be clarifying language in the definition differentiating between turf replacement, ground cover alternatives, and landscaping beds/areas. Mr. Klaameyer said that he believes that adding native species language to the exemption section of Chapter 17-44 Weed Cutting and Lawn Care will simplify this process. He continued with saying that people would still need to somehow identify native species, but that could be easy for people to prove for enforcement purposes. Mr. Nieslen did reiterate that staff has not had anyone apply for a Native Landscaping Area, but agrees that there are still changes and edits that could be looked at to simplify this process. Mr. Stephenson shared that he likes the separation as you never want to overcomplicate ordinances and enforcement. Mr. Nielsen shared that some language could be added such as gardens, landscape beds along perimeter of house, et cetera are not native landscaping areas. Mr. Spanbauer agreed, and also said that there needs to be language somewhere that specifies that this is a replacement for turf and not to exceed 50% impervious. The consensus was to first include language about full turf replacement, and then what native landscaping areas are not (gardens, foundation plantings, etc.), and finally turf replacement that does not exceed 8 inches (clover and other shorter ground cover species). There was further discussion amongst the board on current enforcement protocols. Mr. Stephenson asked if there is a way to make these clarifying edits without having them going to Common Council. Mr. Nielsen said staff could check on that. Mr. Klaameyer added that he has concerns as to why no one is using the permit. He said it is rather complex, and he sees benefits in removing this entire section completely, and to add native to Weed Cutting and Lawn Care. Ms. Reinke said that she believes it is also tied to accessibility to the general public. If you overcomplicate the process, it is just limiting resident’s capability to apply for the permit. There was further discussion on keeping the native landscaping areas section, and overall, it was decided that it was necessary. Mr. Klaameyer was fine with that outcome, but shared that he would be in favor of striking more of the restrictions governing the native landscaping areas. He shared that he would like to see the setback requirements eliminated. The board agreed that they would like to have the setbacks eliminated. Ms. Oliver asked if the transition period could also be removed. There was discussion on this and overall, the board decided that that section was fine, and they were okay with leaving it be. Mr. Nielsen said that if the board wants it worded differently, to let staff know and they can take a look at it. Ms. Davey asked if there was a decision made on the title, and if they wanted that changed. Mr. Spanbauer suggested “Native Plant Area” or “Native Planting Area”. Mr. Nielsen shared that the next step would be for staff to redline these changes and bring them to other city departments for internal review. If they are good with all the changes, we will bring them back to the board for recommendation and approval. He also shared that staff can redline the changes that were recommended today and bring those back to the board for review again prior to staff meeting internally for review, and then bring it back to the board for review. The board agreed that they would like staff to redline and proceed with bring those changes to other city departments first rather than bringing it back to the board again. VI. Environmental Leadership Award Ms. Davey asked if the board had any opinions on continuing the award or not. She then gave a brief background to what the award is and the partnership with Oshkosh Southwest Rotary. Mr. Nielsen said that there were different parameters of this award as to who could be nominated. Then SAB would go through the nominations and pick who would be awarded. Ms. Davey went on to explain that all the original Rotarians that were involved are no longer involved, and their Environmental Board is no longer in existence. Mr. Zurn shared that he had connections with the Rotary groups in Oshkosh and would inquire on if either would be interested in pursuing this award. Ms. Oliver asked if they could make this award ad hoc, or if this also needs to be an annual thing. Mr. Spanbauer agreed, and asked if they could just press pause on the award. He shared that he could see that potentially in the future a different entity within the city may want to give out a similar award to a recognized citizen or community group. Ms. Marone mentioned that this could possibly be something that could be included in the City’s new Sustainability Plan as an implementation piece. Ms. Reinke agreed, and said that she feels it is important to celebrate these success stories and the sustainable work individuals are doing within the city. Mr. Spanbauer shared that he feels if and when they bring this back, there should be some sort of award associated with it. Such as money compensation or a new tree planting. There was discussion amongst the board on the award. The overall consensus was to bring this award back when the timing is right. VII. Energy Innovation Grant (EIGP) Update Mr. Nielsen updated the board that the agreement with the state has been signed by both parties, and they should be awarded money sometime soon. Staff is now currently working on the agreement with the consultant that will be creating the Comprehensive Energy Plan. He did also share that the consultant, Elevate, who did the preliminary energy findings and helped bolster the grant agreement, was also going to conduct a Level 2 ASHRAE audit at Fire Station 19. He said that for some reason that particular station is the least energy efficient of the fire stations within the city. He is hoping that there will be a learning opportunity there for some improvements to happen. Mr. Stephenson asked if that is one of the older stations. Mr. Nielsen said that no, it is actually one of the newer constructed stations. He did find out that there is an outbuilding and they have vehicles that are on electrical trickle chargers 24/7, so he is under the assumption that may have something to do with it. VIII. Sustainability Plan Update Ms. Dziengeleski shared that the RFQ has been posted, and is due next week. She said that later this week staff will go through questions that they received and provide answers. Once they receive all submissions, they hold interviews if need be. Ms. Davey asked if we know how many firms will submit. Ms. Dziengeleski shared that we do not know yet, but five firms have already submitted questions. Mr. Klaameyer asked if there is an opportunity for SAB to engage with the firms prior to selection. He asked if they could see presentations from the firms of prior work they have done, qualifications, et cetera. Mr. Nielsen said that staff would have to look into it as that is not built into the timeline. Mr. Stephenson asked if there is an interview team for each of them, and if a member from SAB could attend those. Ms. Dziengeleski said staff can ask about that and send out an email with the response. XI. Agenda Items for Future Meetings Low Mow Spring/Summer, 2025 SAB Goals, Native Planting Education, Utility and Water Bill Filler Opportunities XII. Next Meeting is Monday, December 2nd, 2024 XIII. Adjourn The board voted 8-0 to adjourn (Spanbauer/Reinke) Recorded by: Emma Dziengeleski, Assistant Planner