Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.06.25 MinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD Minutes January 6th, 2025 SAB PRESENT: Margy Davey, Lisa Moore, Jacob Klaameyer, Alyssa Reinke, Brad Spanbauer, Jaden Zurn EXCUSED: Vic Oliver, Joe Stephenson ABSENT: STAFF AND OTHERS: Emma Dziengeleski (Planning Staff), 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. James Ponzer; 402 Baldwin Ave, stated that he came to speak on the chemicals and pesticides that are being sprayed by the retention pond behind his property. He shared that he would like to see the chemical spraying ended as well as the annual burnings. He would like to see the pond be used as a green space and for it to be left alone. III. Approval of Minutes, December 2nd, 2024 Mr. Spanbauer motioned to approve the minutes. Ms. Reinke seconded the motion. The board approved the December 2nd minutes 6-0 (Spanbauer/Reinke). IV. Native Landscaping Ordinance Discussion /Action Ms. Dziengeleski shared the final draft ordinance in front of the board and explained that the draft has been reviewed by all the necessary departments. She proceeded to go through the document sharing that staff has no issues with the board’s suggested updates. Mr. Klaameyer asked if the five-foot buffer requirement has been addressed in these edits. Ms. Dziengeleski explained that that the board had wanted that section removed now that there is an application process residents will need to go through to have a designated native plant area, and staff was on board with that change. Mr. Klaameyer motioned to accept the ordinance. Ms. Reinke seconded the motion. The board approved the Weed Cutting and Lawn Care and Native Landscaping Areas ordinances 6-0 (Klaameyer/Reinke). V. Chapter 30 Landscaping Requirements Ms. Dziengeleski explained that since the board last discussed the landscaping requirements, staff had a discussion and made aware that this ordinance had already been through an update in summer of 2022. She shared those updates as well as the native species list provided by Mr. Klaameyer. Mr. Klaameyer shared that the list is from UW Extension – Winnebago County, and that they would be willing to do a presentation for the board in the near future. There were some questions regarding why this got missed, if it has been approved, and what differed from the previous document they reviewed. Mr. Klaameyer said that he feels the harder decision to make will not be what species are included in this list, but rather the point values associated to them. Ms. Davey specified that points are allocated to different areas of the property as well as the number of points that are needed of different plants (tall trees, perennial plantings, et. cetera). Ms. Dziengeleski explained that point requirements can be different depending on the development. New pavement for a development may require more points than a development that is not adding pavement. Mr. Spanbauer asked if associating higher point values to perennials would incentivize developers in planting more of them. Mr. Klaameyer shared that he believes it would be beneficial to hear from a number of resources including, representatives from the city, developers, business owners, and also individuals who could speak to the need of native plantings. Ms. Reinke said that Katie Reed from Winnebago County does shoreline native plantings and would be a great resource from a water absorption and storm water management aspect. She also included potentially having a secondary list of species that would be better for shoreline developments or low areas that see water frequently. There was discussion amongst the board on shoreline plantings, biodiversity requirements, and resources that would be helpful for future meetings. VI. Energy Innovation (EIGP) Update Ms. Dziengeleski shared that the agreement between the consultant and the city has been signed, and that staff is hoping to have a kick off meeting with the consultant in the next couple of weeks. Mr. Spanbauer asked which consultant will be doing this plan. Ms. Dziengeleski responded with paleBLUEdot, and that they have a lot of past work on their website if the board is interested. VII. Sustainability Plan Update Ms. Dziengeleski shared that the agreement had been signed before the end of 2024 because ARPA dollars are being used to complete this plan. She explained that the city will be working with GRAEF, and that they had an introduction / kick off meeting last week. VIII. 2024 Chicken, Duck, and Beekeeping Report Ms. Dziengeleski shared data of all chicken, duck, and beekeeping permits that were issued within the last six years. She shared that of the 2024 permits, only one was for beekeeping. Mr. Spanbauer asked if the city can put out a notice or any information regarding the recent bird flu issues as it is being linked to backyard flocks. Ms. Davey offered to reach out to the Winnebago County Health Department to see if they can provide information staff can send to residents. Mr. Klaameyer said that he has concerns as to why there is only one resident who is beekeeping, and is looking for feedback on that. Ms. Reinke shared that a lot of bee’s hives do not make it through the winter because of the consistent freeze and thaws, and starting over from year to year has potentially led to residents not continuing their hives. IX. Low Mow Spring / Summer Ms. Davey said that the board needs to get on this as spring is quickly approaching. Ms. Dziengeleski shared that she has all the resources and information that staff created last year that can be edited. Ms. Moore asked if they would need to bring forward a resolution again to Common Council. Mr. Spanbauer asked if the city will be requiring registration again. Ms. Moore shared that for tracking purposes she sees registration being beneficial. There was discussion about rebranding this initiative, the pros and cons to low mow and no mow, promotion and education, et cetera. Mr. Zurn shared offering signs to households that do not exceed the 8-inch-long grass requirement, so it would encourage residents to mow less, but also make them aware of where that 8-inch mark would be. Ms. Davey asked if anyone would be interested in working on this and would be open to bringing those ideas to the meeting next month. X. Agenda Items for Future Meeting Tree Protection / Chapter 26 Trees and Vegetation, Low Mow Spring / Summer, Utility Bill Fillers Ms. Moore included having a discussion with the new City Manager, as well as having a workshop prior discussing the board’s goals and how to go about presenting that to her. Ms. Reinke asked to include a discussion regarding retention and detention pond treatments. Mr. Zurn and Mr. Klaameyer added that they would like to revisit Chapter 30 Landscaping Points, and possibly have a presentation at the February meeting. XI. Next Meeting is Monday, February 3rd, 2025 XII. Adjourn The board voted 6-0 to adjourn (Moore/Reinke) Recorded by: Emma Dziengeleski, Assistant Planner