HomeMy WebLinkAboutWater Working Group mtg minutesMinutes of the Water Working Group /Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, Room 310, City Hall
Meeting came to order at 2:05 p.m. Members present Justin Mitchell, Andy Sabai, Jan Scalpone.
Others present, Steve Brand, Utilities Superintendent; Peggy Steeno, Finance Director; David
Patek, Public Works Director.
1. Water Conservation Brochure
Steve Brand distributed a packet of water conservation brochures from various sources with
information relevant to the discussion. We then reviewed the draft water conservation brochure
prepared by the Water Group. City staff pointed out items where there could be more information
or misunderstandings, referring at times to the distributed brochures. They also suggested less
general and more specific information; e.g. how to detect leaks and calculate household water
usage. Water Group members responded with their rationale for what was included in the
brochure. We concluded we all had the same goal: to produce a brochure residents would read
and act upon. Peggy and Steve offered to revise the brochure and send it to the Water Group for
review by June 1. The size would remain 81/2x11 and the city media department would format
it. The intent is to send it out with the third quarter water bill between July and September.
2. Water Quality Brochure
We briefly discussed preparation of a water quality brochure to be sent with the water bill at a
future time. Discussion centered on defining what it would address. We agreed it did not entail
the quality of drinking water —that is the purview of the Water Utility which is required by DNR
to distribute information about drinking water quality. Rather, the Water Group would be
addressing what residents can do to reduce pollutants going into our waterways through storm
water run off or other means. Justin pointed out a section of the Sustainability Web site which
could provide the basis for the brochure: 10 Tips to Protect Water Quality. He also said NEWS
has similar information. David said James Rabe had been working with NEWSC on the same
type of information to comply with DNR's requirement for education and outreach, but has had to
refocus on the community's need to address flooding issues. He suggested we compile our
information and feed it to James and the Stormwater Committee for review. Again, the media
people would format it. Time frame is long range; the plan is to send out one brochure a year with
the water bill. After this discussion, Steve and Peggy left.
3. Water Conservation Actions
This item was tabled until the next meeting
4. Community Gardens
Justin reported he has been communicating with Bill Sturm, Darryn Burich and Nick Schneider
from UW- Extension about locating a plot in the city for community gardens to replace those in
Winnebago. The county's contract with the DNR for the use of that land has expired. Bill Sturm
suggested a five acre plot in the cemetery if an alternative site could be found for snow
placement. He would also have to check with DNR about withdrawing water from the river. If
this would occur, Nick would help with preliminary set -up. The site would be temporary, perhaps
for 1 -3 years, while the city ( Darryn) seeks another plot, perhaps on a former farm or in one of
the industrial parks. David confirmed this area of the cemetery is currently used as a work site.
We agreed Justin should prepare a resolution for the next SAB meeting.
5. Adjournment at 3:45 p.m. Submitted by Jan Scalpone