HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater working group minutesMinutes of the Water Working Group.
Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board
June 16, 2009, 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Fire Station 18 811 E Murdock
Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. Members present: Justin Mitchell,
Andrew Sabai and Jan Scalpone.
1. Discussion of 2009 objectives:
a. Monitor results of beach testing program. Justin will check Web postings to make sure the results
are posted on city, county and state sites. He will prepare a monthly report summarizing results for
the Sustainability Advisory Board. Next steps depend on testing results.
b. Collaborate on Miller's Bay chemical reduction and habitat restoration project. At the June
Parks Advisory Board meeting, staff said nothing will be done this year about the weed harvester
recommended by the Onterra study. The city is obtaining permits to do chemical treatment of the Bay
if needed. Moorings are down this year. Andrew will prepare a report summarizing Onterra's
recommendation, adding other pertinent information, and outlining steps the city needs to take to
proceed with purchase. He will also include ideas for minimizing chemical treatment. After
discussion, it was agreed the habitat restoration project in this goal is covered by goal "c
c. Develop a proposal for a natural area in the northern section of Menominee Park. Bill Sturm,
city forester, responded in an email he fully supports our 2009 goals and welcomes our input. He will
be working with the county LWCD to develop a shoreland restoration project for Miller's Bay, as
recommended by Onterra. Justin distributed information from LWCD and UWEX about shoreland
restoration benefits and guidelines. There was general agreement for a demonstration project and
need to educate the community, especially neighbors, about the good qualities of a project. Justin will
photograph potential project areas. Jan will review information, contact appropriate sources and
prepare a report. She will also compile information about a DNR small scale lake planning grant
($3000) to help with landscaping plans. Applications are due Aug. 1 and Feb. 1.
d. Develop a water conservation brochure to mail with water bill. Information sent by Catherine
Neiswender pertaining to water campaigns was discussed. Most effective campaigns are those where
water is scarce; i.e. Texas and California. As a first step to raise awareness, Justin is working on a
draft brochure to be mailed with the water bill.
e. Identify water resource issues with city staff and area agencies. Several items were raised:
Non phosphorus fertilizers. Justin said he would like to include information on the Web site
about recently passed state legislation banning the sale of phosphorus in residential fertilizers. Jan
will prepare information about this and other new laws with environmental impacts.
Rain barrels and rain gardens. Jan said James Rabe, Stormwater Utility staff, is interested
in developing programs where city residents can get information and cost reductions on these items.
This will be pursued as time permits. Justin offered a Housing Authority property as a demonstration
site.
Water Tower and proposed Observation Tower. Is either a sustainability issue? We would
like to see the Water Tower preserved and question the compatibility of the Observation Tower in an
urban park. Justin will discuss both items with Tony P.
2. Next meeting. Deadline for draft reports is July 14. We will decide then if another meeting is
needed before the full Board meets. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Jan scalpone, recorder