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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.07.25 MinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD Minutes July 7th, 2025 SAB PRESENT: Margy Davey, Vic Oliver, Alyssa Reinke, Brad Spanbauer, Jaden Zurn, Paul Treder EXCUSED: Lisa Moore, Jacob Klaameyer 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 used this time as an opportunity to introduce Ms. Schuler. Ms. Schuler shared that she recently obtained her master’s degree in Sustainable Management and she is looking forward to being part of the Sustainability Advisory Board and expanding her learnings. III. Approval of Minutes, June 2nd, 2025 Mr. Spanbauer motioned to approve the minutes. Ms. Reinke seconded the motion. The board approved the June 2nd minutes 7-0 (Spanbauer/Reinke). IV. Sustainable Activities and Events No updates on activities and events occurred. V. Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Winnebago Presentation – UWO Harmful Algal Blooms Project Team Ms. Davey introduced the UWO Harmful Algal Blooms Project Team (HABs) and they began their presentation. The group gave a brief background of their project, the goals, and everything that has been completed thus far. They further explained the project’s timeline, project partners, the importance of harmful algal blooms and why to be aware of the problem, their methods of data collection and community outreach, as well as a reporting application they are working to create. Mr. Spanbauer asked if the app will be specifically for reporting blooms. One of the HABs representatives said that the app will allow you to upload a photo and add a short description of what you see. She also shared that they are looking into ways to link this back to the Wisconsin DNR so reporting streams go all to one collective space. Another HABs representative shared that the end goal would be to have a website that would be updated in real time. Mr. Treder suggested that the group look into how the blooms impact/infect humans and animals, especially their pets. He also proposed looking into how to minimize exposure. He concluded with suggesting they partner with Public Health Departments to make the public aware of how serious these blooms can be. One of the HABs representatives clarified that they are currently working with Public Health Departments from Winnebago, Outagamie, and Brown Counties. Mr. Zurn questioned what the group is hoping to get from this conversation today. A HABs representative responded that they are looking to open the conversation and create a partnership with the city on what has been working and what resources may be needed. There was collective conversation regarding the need for more education, signage, and/or monitoring system. In addition, it was discussed that the root cause of harmful algal blooms and informing individuals on how they are part of that system needed to be addressed as well. A HABs representative said that they are currently sharing information and resources regarding the importance of native plants, how to dispose of grass clippings, and not utilizing fertilizers on lawns, et. cetera. There was discussion as to how the board can help identify the challenges, barriers, and opportunities that are posed in Oshkosh. There was also discussion as to what resources and websites can be sent to people that do not have access to finding those funds and resources on their own. Mr. Treder added that working with individuals that have implemented changes and best practices would be beneficial as people respond and can better relate to real world stories and concepts. Ms. Davey recommended reaching out to the local Rotary and Kiwanis clubs to get information out. She then asked if the group has worked with Discover Oshkosh at all. Ms. Schuler asked if they could further discuss the app. She wanted clarification as to if they see it being all data collection or just a warning system. The HABs representative clarified that this app is coming from ArcGIS Field Maps. The idea is that they will be able to see where the bloom is located and know not to go there. The final outcome will be a dashboard that is visible to anyone else who is accessing the app. There was some discussion about the remaining timeline of the project and what the project will look like after that timeline. There was discussion of other groups and partners that would be involved or could take this over once UWOs portion is done and completed. Ms. Reinke asked if the traveling exhibit could be discussed a little further. One of the HABs representatives responded that they are hoping to roll out the traveling exhibit in fall of 2026. The plan for the exhibit is to incorporate a lot of different aspects of the project by communicating effectively to reach all groups of people impacted by the watershed. Ms. Oliver shared that she sees a great opportunity for the project team to be at a booth at the Farmers Market. She shared that the Sustainability Advisory Board does attend the Farmers Market and she could see a collaboration opportunity in the future. Ms. Reinke shared that she has found a hand on activity or engagement piece to be very effective. Ms. Davey said when creating materials to keep in mind the audience and make sure people of all backgrounds understand the overarching message. Ms. Schuler mentioned partnering with fishing tournaments. Ms. Oliver stated that she would create a Facebook post to help get the word out on the project. VI. Composting and Bulk Waste Ms. Dziengeleski shared that she did not receive anything from the board since the last meeting. She said if anyone had any material to please send it to her and she would get it on a future agenda to discuss. VII. Summer Farmers Market Ms. Dziengeleski said the next Farmers Market date is August 9th, and she had Paul, Jake, Lisa, and maybe Alyssa marked down as available to attend. Ms. Davey thanked Paul, Jaden, and Jake for the previous Farmers Market. She also added the need for a tally sheet to track how many engagements are occurring. Ms. Dziengeleski said she would throw something in the materials for the group to use. Mr. Treder and Ms. Reinke said they are no longer available for August 9th. Mr. Spanbauer and Mr. Zurn said they could probably make it work. There was some discussion on what to utilize as weights for the tent moving forward. Ms. Dziengeleski shared that the final date is October 11th and she had Vic and Jake and maybe Alyssa for that date. VIII. Sustainability Related Plans Ms. Dziengeleski shared that staff received all draft chapters of the Sustainability Plan and are currently reviewing them internally. She told the board to expect to receive the chapters soon as they are looking for any edits and comments the board may have. She then shared an update on the Comprehensive Energy Plan. She said that the consultant recently came and presented to department heads. The consultant now has all the data he needs and is working on drafting the plan. She specified that that needs to be wrapped up soon as this plan is being done with awarded grant money. Ms. Davey shared that she is looking forward to seeing the Sustainability Plan and wanted to emphasize the importance of seeing what is in the plan as well as what is lacking. IX. Agenda Items for Future Meeting Ms. Davey said that they will discuss Summer Farmers Market again, stormwater updates are on the agenda for a future meeting. She also shared that she would like to discuss resiliency through a workshop in the future as well. Ms. Reinke asked if rain barrel credits can be discussed at a future meeting as well. X. Next Meeting is Monday, August 4th, 2025 XI. Adjourn The board voted 7-0 to adjourn (Spanbauer/Reinke) Recorded by: Emma Dziengeleski, Associate Planner