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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE_E_Minutes_7-7-08MINUTES Energy & Environment Advisory Board Monday, July 7, 2008- 4:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 406 The Monday, July 7, 2008, Energy & Environment Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Dani Stolley. Call to Order: Chair Stolley called the meeting to order and asked for roll call. Members present included: Jan Scalpone, Steve Barney, Ronald Hardy, Robert Poeschl, Jessica King and Margy Davey. Also present were Purchasing Agent Don LaFontaine, Media Services Director Jon Urben and City Attorney Lynn Lorenson. There was no public comment. OLD BUSINESS Approve June 2, 2008 meeting minutes: It was motioned by Scalpone, seconded by Davey that the minutes be approved as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Intern Template: Chair Stolley noted they are still working to set a meeting with Dr. Steve Dunn at UW-Oshkosh to discuss the internships. Website Development: No report. Subcommittee Reports: Ms. King noted the Natural Step Study Group had their last meeting and she and Chair Stolley hope to have some recommendations for the board at the August meeting. After some discussion it was motioned by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Hardy that the NS moderator, Catherine Neiswender, Community Development Director UW-Extension is asked to present a full summary of the NS process and next steps at the August meeting. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Appoint Robert Breest: Chair Stolley noted she had appointed Mr. Breest to the Municipal subcommittee. Subcommittee Reports- Educational & Outreach: Mrs. Davey summarized the June 16, 2008 Education and Outreach subcommittee meeting and referred to the minutes provided. It was noted all the subcommittee minutes would be available on the website. Subcommittee Reports- Municipal: Mr. Hardy summarized the June 17, 2008 municipal subcommittee meeting and referred to the minutes provided. City Attorney- Role of the E & E Advisory Board: City Attorney then reviewed the role of the E & E Board. She noted the board is an advisory board and is not as defined as other statutory boards. The language defining the five charges of the board can be found on 2-42 of the municipal code. Of the five charges, three are specifically set to review and recommend. All are done at the request of the council/city manager for specific projects or issues. Two of the five charges are more independent and suggest sending recommendations to the council for their consideration. Ms. Lorenson noted the E & E Advisory Board cannot take on additional charges or issues without a specific request from the city manager/council with direction and guidance. Some discussion then followed on how would the advisory board gain additional direction/guidance from the city manager/council on specific issues. Ms. Lorenson noted that such action would require two council members to support an ordinance change followed by council support. On the question of would the E & E Advisory Board be working in conjunction with other boards on similar issues or projects, Ms. Lorenson reiterated the E & E would only need to be involved if they were specifically asked to look into a project or issue by the city manager or council. As for the discussion on municipal staff involvement with E & E Advisory Board projects, Ms. Lorenson stressed that department heads are responsive to many duties, projects and priorities. She noted the E & E can request information but has no authority to set priorities for departments or staff. She stressed that city staff are very responsive and cooperative and that the E & E must be patient for information. Riverside Floating Dock Discussion: Ms. Lorenson reiterated that it was not within the E & E role to review the Riverside Floating Docks project. She noted it was hoped the DNR would continue to review this project and have an update for the group at the August meeting. On the floating dock issue Ms. Lorenson noted under the City/WPS purchasing agreement of that area WPS retains responsibility of environmental issues. WPS is also the sole contact with agencies. As such, Ms. Lorenson notes the city does not want to be in breech of contract by getting involved with any outside agencies and states that this issue not be discussed at this time until the project moves through the current process. She stressed again that any environmental remediation to this area is a WPS/EPA coordinated issue, not a city issue. The floating docks are a separate issue. She stressed that if a citizen has a concern on a city project, they should contact the city manager/council on the issue and then if either the council or city manager determined they would like the E & E Advisory Board to explore an issue they would make that request. She noted the E & E Advisory Board must request permission to proceed on exploring an issue to then review/advise the city manager/council on the issue. New Business: It was noted Catherine would be asked to provide a summary of the NS process at the August meeting. It was also noted that a draft agenda should be emailed out to members at least one week prior for any changes or suggestions. Mr. LaFontaine noted all minutes and agendas would be placed on the city website. Chair Stolley then confirmed the next regular meeting date would be August 4, 2008. It was then motioned by Ms. King, seconded by Chair Stolley that the board adjourns at 5 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ~'avi. C~. ur~iev~ Secretary, Oshkosh Energy & Environmental Advisory Board cc Don LaFontaine, Purchasing Agent John Fitzpatrick, Acting City Manager