HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Plan PoliciesO City of Oshkosh
Department of Community Development
Planning Services Division
215 Church Ave., PO Box 1130
O.fHKOlH Oshkosh, WI 54903 -1130
ON ME-ER (920) 236 -5055 (920) 236 -5053 FAX
http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
TO: Sustainability Plan Steering Committee
FROM: Robin Leslie, Principle Planner
DATE: November 12, 2010
RE: November 17, 2010 SPSC Meeting
Allen Davis, Director
Department of Community Development
Darryn Burich, Director
Planning Services Division
Attached are the 10 chapters of the draft Sustainability Plan. I separated the policies in each chapter
for easier reading and coordination for prioritization.
The purpose of this meeting is to: 1) review and finalize the Sustainable Government section; and 2)
to start thinking about the prioritization of policies, action steps to meet those policies and finally, how
to implement those policies.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 920 - 236 -5058 or
rleslie ci.oshkosh.wi.us to discuss. Thank you.
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O.lHKOlH
ON THE W.
215 Ch—h Ave. -PO Box 1130 -0sB 0WI 549031130
TO:
Sustainability Plan Steering Committee
FROM:
Robin Leslie, Principal Planner
DATE:
November 10, 2010
RE:
November 17, 2010 Meeting
PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Sustainability Plan Steering Committee will meet Wednesday,
November 17, 2010 at 4 PM, in Room 204 of Oshkosh City Hall, 215 Church Avenue, Oshkosh,
Wisconsin.
AGENDA
Call to Order
2. Discuss Draft Plan Sections (Sustainable Governance, Prioritization of Policies, Action
Steps, Implementation Plan)
3. Adjourn
If you are unable to attend this meeting or if you have any questions, please contact Robin Leslie at
rleslie _ci.oshkosh.wi.us or the Planning Services office at 236 -5059.
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Sustainable Atmosphere
The atmosphere includes the air we breathe, the sounds we hear, odors we smell, the greenhouse gases that keep
the planet habitable, weather systems that deliver water, and the high stratospheric ozone layer that protects us
from harmful ultraviolet sunlight. People and cities can overload this atmosphere with pollutants (toxins, smog,
allergens, noise, additional greenhouse gases, and ozone - depleting chemicals) that diminish our health, damage
agriculture and structures, lower property values, and present new risks from changing climate.
Atmospheric pollution creates local and distant problems. Local effects in and near Oshkosh include: indoor air
pollution (people spend most of their time indoors); noise pollution from vehicles, trains, construction
equipment and power tools; air pollution from factories, buildings and motorized vehicles and small engines;
and air pollution carried in from other cities (such as acid and mercury pollution of local waters and fish from
coal -fired plants). Climate change may also be impacting Oshkosh in subtle ways, as Wisconsin has seen
warmer winters, more precipitation, longer growing seasons, and shorter lake ice seasons. Air pollution from
Oshkosh also contributes to global changes stressing other parts of the world, particularly for societies less
affluent and able to adjust, and ecosystems that are less resilient than ours. The City of Oshkosh has recognized
these issues with a 2007 resolution to approve the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and a 2008
resolution to adopt milestones to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution.
Air quality has been improving in Oshkosh. Wisconsin DNR publishes data online for an "Air Quality Index"
based on ground -level ozone for Appleton and Fond du Lac (the closest sites to Oshkosh). For 2007 -2009,
about 90% of our days were ranked "Good" (the top category), with the other 10% reduced to "Moderate" level
of health concern. Since 2003 we have not recorded any days that were "Unhealthy for Sensitive Individuals ",
and 1988 was the last year we experienced "Unhealthy" days. There have also been major reductions in toxic
air releases over the past 20 years of monitoring. The EPA Toxic Release Inventory (last updated in 2008)
shows that industry releases about 50 tons of toxic materials to the atmosphere from their sites in the city. This
is a major improvement over 128 tons in 1998 and 390 tons in 1988. Three companies accounted for 98% of
the toxic air emissions, which were 65% ozone, 30% solvents, and less than 1% heavy metals.
Indoor air pollution has seen steady improvement as well. Public areas have been cleaner with tightening of
rules on tobacco smoke in state buildings, followed by a citywide smoking ordinance, and the recent
implementation of a state law. Workplace air quality has been improved by federal regulations and monitoring.
Based on its geology, Winnebago County is listed by the EPA as "Moderate Potential" for harmful levels of
radon (a naturally occurring, underground, radioactive toxin), with recommended testing of indoor spaces to
determine if ventilation needs improvement.
Objective: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, nature and planet.
Policies:
Improve Air Quality:
Encourage local companies emitting air pollutants to continue to improve their pollution reduction practices and
technology.
Improve mass transit and non - motorized vehicle transportation options to reduce automobile - related pollution.
Reduce vehicle idling by constructing more roundabout intersections in place of stop lights and signs; also
consider traffic signals at bridge and rail crossings.
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When making infrastructure expansion and annexation decisions, the city should consider air pollution impacts
of increased vehicle miles traveled in lower density suburban development.
Review and maintain high standards and ordinances against odor - producing sites and activities.
Review and maintain consideration of allergens from pollen in weed ordinances.
Improve Indoor Air Quality:
Review and enforce health ordinances and state and federal laws regarding indoor tobacco smoke, combustion
products, molds, and radon.
Reduce Noise Pollution:
Develop guidelines for citizens to petition for quiet zones, seasons, or times (e.g. Sunday mornings in warmer
seasons).
Review noise ordinances and their application with respect to sources (autos, motorcycles and boats), zoning or
events.
Educate people about regulations for private use of fireworks and explosives.
Review whether parts of the city could benefit from noise - reducing barriers (e.g. along the recently expanded
Route 41 highway).
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Production:
Provide a city -wide audit of community greenhouse gas emissions.
Set benchmarks and reduction goals, and develop a Climate Action Plan that will fulfill the U.S. Conference of
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement that Oshkosh signed in 2007.
Given that fossil fuel burning is the largest source of greenhouse gases, the city and its occupants should seek
energy conservation improvements, build and purchase with energy efficiency in mind, and develop renewable
energy options (see Energy Chapter elsewhere in this document). Transportation is a large sector of the fossil
fuel use, so recommendations listed above for air quality improvement (above, and in Transportation Chapter)
and for local food that requires less transportation (see Food Chapter) will also reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Landfills are also a major urban source of greenhouse gases, so waste reduction actions are also
important (see Waste Management chapter). Cement production (burning limestone) is also a major
contributor, so builders should be encouraged to re -use existing buildings, recycle building materials, or use
other materials (see "sinks" below).
Increase Greenhouse Gas "Sinks ":
Tree planting should be encouraged to maximize the urban forest cover. The dominant greenhouse gas
produced by humans is carbon dioxide, which can be removed from the atmosphere by plants and stored as
wood and in soils.
Encourage the use of local plant materials (wood, straw, composites, bioplastics) in construction, e.g. by
removing outdated restrictions in building codes.
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Topsoil erosion should be minimized during construction, landscaping and gardening.
Raise Public Awareness:
Inform the community about local and indoor air pollution issues, noise pollution, and how air pollution is
contributing to global climate change. Include advice about how individuals can reduce their pollution
contributions.
Partner with other organizations or corporations committed to reducing their own pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions (e.g., the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has a Climate Action Plan to replace or offset all their
greenhouse gas emissions by 2025).
Educate the public about air quality data available online from Federal and State regulatory agencies, as well as
any greenhouse gas inventories conducted by the city.
NOTE: Committee questioned whether "Indoor Air Pollution belongs in this section or a Community
Health section.
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Sustainable Development
The physical layout or land use of our communities is fundamental to sustainability. Over the past several
decades two main land use practices have converged to generate unsustainable trends in urban sprawl: (1)
zoning that separates each type of land use discouraging mixed -use neighborhoods and isolating employment
locations, shopping, services and housing from each other and (2) low density growth planning aimed at
creating automobile access to increasing expanses of land. Community sustainability requires a transition from
poorly- managed sprawl to Smart Growth planning. This entails land use practices that create and maintain
efficient infrastructure, ensure close -knit neighborhoods, and preserve natural and agricultural systems. In
Wisconsin, the Smart Growth law has begun to move communities in this direction. Smart Growth's vision is to
promote denser settlement while providing mixed uses, open space and transportation choices -- the antithesis to
sprawl. The 2005 City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan complies with the Smart Growth law and reflects this
vision.
Sustainable development not only addresses the broad view of community land use, but also the detailed view
of sustainable sites and buildings. Emphasis is on building with nature in mind, exemplified by the U.S. Green
Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED Green Building Rating SystemTM
and the EPA's ENERGY STAR ratings for homes, appliances, and fixtures. LEED promotes a whole - building
and neighborhood approach to sustainability. It recognizes performance in five key areas of human and
environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and
indoor environmental quality. Oshkosh is constructing its share of LEED certified buildings. Several are on the
UW Oshkosh campus and at least one is a commercial building, a recently built Kwik Trip. Green rating
programs are showing up more frequently in communities across the country and have proven to be a reliable
tool to standardize the language of "green" buildings. Housing, too, is being influenced by new sustainable
ideas as developers begin to employ such concepts as "life- cycle" design.
Goal: Guide and promote sustainable citywide development patterns and incorporate sustainable
features into buildings
Policies:
Promote Sustainable Development Patterns
Sustainable Planning and Zoning.
Continue to employ and expand policies to provide more sustainable development patterns: denser settlement
on average (i.e. 6 dwelling units per acre for single family development), while providing mixed -uses, open
space and transportation choices.
Continue to focus on revitalizing the downtown and central city area with mixed uses and adaptive reuse of
structures.
Continue to negotiate boundary agreements with neighboring towns.
Discourage the conversion of agricultural lands to urban development.
Improve the parking requirements by providing incentives to reduce parking.
Broaden the range of impact, facility, and permit fees for new development. These and other policies discourage
sprawl. Many are already incorporated in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan.
Sustainable Neighborhoods:
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Continue neighborhood improvement strategies, striving for development patterns identified in the city's
Traditional Neighborhood Development District—defined as a compact neighborhood with mixed uses and
housing types.
Explore LEED's Neighborhood Design Rating System to help plan for more compact and complete
neighborhoods. By bridging together adjoining districts, neighborhoods can have a mix of amenities close by
with walkable streets, affordable housing with multi -unit and single - family homes, public spaces and well -
connected streets serving pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers.
Encourage new neighborhood business districts near residential areas scaled to be pedestrian friendly. Other
considerations include location of schools, public safety infrastructure, and green space.
Mixed -Use Corridors:
Consider more defined mixed use plans and ordinances for high traffic corridors.
Review standards for development in the Highway 41 Corridor Overlay District to address sustainability issues
and to potentially allow for mixed -use development in the corridor.
Consider similar overlay districts for the Highway 21 and Jackson Street corridors.
Identify other high traffic corridors and offer incentives to help redevelop underutilized commercial buildings,
strip centers, and parking lots.
Assign first priority to commercial redevelopment areas already identified in the Comprehensive Plan.
Continue to promote attractive transit - oriented, mixed - income housing near new or alongside existing retail and
office developments to reduce travel time to work and shopping areas.
Encourage Green Building
Life -Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA).
Promote life -cycle cost analysis as a necessary component of designing a sustainable development.
Provide educational materials to help developers and builders know how to assess the full range of social and
environmental impacts of their projects so better choices can be made. Life -cycle costs take into account the full
life of a building product or development —from its raw material production, manufacture, transport and actual
use to its disposal. Life Cycle Cost Analysis can be performed on large and small buildings or on isolated
building systems. Proven methods to account for Life Cycle Cost Analysis include approaches like the LEED
Green Building Rating SystemTM or the International Organization for Standardization 14000 Environmental
Management. Another useful tool is Return on Investment estimates, or cost - benefit analysis, before expanding
infrastructure networks streets, sewer, water, electricity, and cable.
Green Buildings.
Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program,
Energy Star, or a similar system.
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Consider requiring green building for all new city buildings and remodeling projects. The city can lead by
example by establishing green building policies and goals and creating a framework to implement them.
Consider offering incentives for green buildings or requiring green buildings in Tax Increment Financing
Districts.
Buildings and Energy.
Partner with utility companies, ENERGY STAR, and others to offer energy efficiency education programs or
incentives to improve energy use in buildings. Buildings account for 40% of energy consumed in the U.S.
Strategies to reduce energy consumption are widely available on numerous Web sites, including the city's
Sustainable Oshkosh website.
Cool Roofs.
Consider a green or white roof pilot project on a city building. Green roofs or living roofs typically have native
grasses, flowers, shrubs and vegetation planted into a layer of soil over a waterproof membrane. Other common
features include gravel paths, patios, irrigation systems and photovoltaic arrays. Green roofs absorb and clean
rainwater, provide insulation, create habitat for wildlife, and help to lower urban air temperatures. White roofs
are another option. White roof are painted white or use a white membrane or tiles to reflect solar radiation off
the roof, reducing the building's thermal load.
Material Recovery.
Provide incentives to promote the recovery of all recyclable building materials Include not only construction
waste from new building projects but also what exists on site.
Promote adaptive reuse and renovation of older buildings. Many of these were made of stone and brick which
are long - lasting, have a good fire rating, and thermal retention properties.
Local Materials.
Promote the use of building materials and products found in the immediate area and surrounding region. Buying
and using quality area building materials strengthens the area economy, creates local identity, and decreases out
of the region transportation costs.
Affordable, Life -Cycle and Fair Housing.
Work with public and private housing providers to offer a mix of housing types affordable to low and moderate
income owners and renters.
Continue to employ programs subsidizing owner and rental rehabilitation and first time homebuyers, such as the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs, Home Ownership Made Easy (HOME) Housing
Programs, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) and local housing authorities.
Encourage life -cycle or adaptable design to help people live independently throughout their lives. This type of
design includes fixed accessible features, such as wider doors and halls, open floor spaces and clear traffic
patterns; and adaptable features, such as wall reinforcement for grabbers and removable base cabinets for future
knee space.
Continue to promote fair housing for all segments of the population.
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Sustainable Economy
The numerous factors motivating individuals, companies, and governments to act and invest more sustainably
are also creating demand for new "green" products, services and jobs. Oshkosh is increasingly showing signs of
this "green economy." Not only are we seeing more corporate responsibility to society and the environment, but
we are attracting green industries. These are industries working with the environment or involving
environmentally friendly products or services. They make headlines because they differ from our traditional
manufacturing and education, health and social service economic base. Oshkosh is now home to a manufacturer
of small wind turbines, a promoter of small scale bio fuel production, and a designer of high tech batteries using
nanomaterials. We have builders constructing green buildings, and food vendors supporting sustainable
agricultural practices. The city is developing a strong social network to support less - fortunate residents,
including innovative institutions providing an economic safety net through community funds, food banks,
housing, re -use of donated materials, and services for women, children, and the homeless. We also have
corporations proud to proclaim their sustainability. Aurora and Affinity medical facilities are two of the most
vocal. International companies in our city, such as Wal -Mart and McDonalds, also are leaders in sustainability
worldwide. Increasingly too, we see state supported programs like Focus on Energy helping businesses reduce
their energy use. On the federal level the 2007 Green Jobs Act authorized $125 million to train workers for
green - collar fields, with additional funding anticipated. In the face of such activities, equipping Oshkosh as a
green business center makes good financial sense.
Objective: Bolster the local economy by attracting green - collar jobs and encouraging businesses to
become more sustainable.
Policies:
Plan for a Greener Economy.
Add clean technology to Oshkosh's targeted growth sectors.
Identify products and sectors for a sustainability- related manufacturing and production niche in Oshkosh.
Conduct a needs assessment of green job demand.
Inventory existing job training programs and link it to information provided in the green jobs needs assessment.
Work with the Oshkosh Area School District, UW Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College, and UW- Extension
to bring together partners to discuss developing ways to grow the green collar industry.
Develop a strategy to secure available government and private funding to grow the industry.
Analyze the potential for a "green" business incubator in the city.
Support Green - Collar Jobs.
Promote, expand, and offer business incentives to attract green - collar companies.
Support local green industries in their efforts to use special bonding or seek government funding if available.
Establish creative financing strategies for local green business.
Encourage adoption of green building practices for new construction and renovation.
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Attract Green Businesses.
Work with the Chamber of Commerce, Chamco, and NEW North to develop a marketing piece aimed at
attracting industry within the sustainability sector.
Highlight and market the city's natural and infrastructure amenities attractive to green technology businesses.
Encourage synergistic businesses to locate in Oshkosh.
Encourage businesses that reduce dependence on fossil fuel, do not use toxic chemicals, and exceed clean air
and clean water standards.
Seek out businesses to use by- products of other processes or whose wastes can be used as raw materials for
other industries.
Encourage businesses that maintain natural terrain, drainage and vegetation, minimizing disruption of natural
systems.
Encourage businesses that reuse processed water or make use of solid waste for materials or energy production.
Review zoning regulations to encourage home based businesses in order to reduce travel needs.
Promote Green Job Education.
Work with Oshkosh Area School District, Fox Valley Technical College and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
to ramp up education, training and counseling for careers in sustainability.
Provide opportunities for student interns to advance green practices in city departments.
Buy Local.
Promote the buying of local and regional products to help strengthen our economy.
Educate residents about the importance and benefits of supporting local businesses.
Increase local government purchasing of local products.
Develop tools to connect local suppliers with businesses, consumers, and government.
Promote the sale of local food and drinks at events. Encourage development of unique local shops to foster a
distinct Oshkosh identity.
Work with the Chamber of Commerce to research and publish a Green Business Directory to include green -
collar companies and companies with improved sustainability.
Encourage local artists to work with businesses to display their products.
Support businesses and non - profits offering products and services from people with disabilities, in local
institutions or with other social needs.
Travel Green Wisconsin:
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Help the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau attract and expand business - related eco- tourism, such as
those related to waterways, biking and other outdoor activities.
Encourage businesses and facilitate the process to increase participation and certification in the state's Travel
Green program, a voluntary program providing opportunities to be recognized as a green business.
Create a sustainable best practices document to hand out to event planners.
Work to attract sustainability- related conventions and events to Oshkosh.
Promote Triple Bottom Line.
Promote and educate institutions and businesses to measure their success not only by financial profit, but by
environmental and social performance as well. Called "Triple Bottom Line" (the Planet or Natural Capital,
People or Social Capital, and Profit or Economic Capital ) this accounting approach has been endorsed by the
United Nations and International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives- Local Governments for
Sustainability (ICLEI), as a bona fide technique to measure corporate and governmental sustainability.
Compile a list of companies in the region to show other companies the value of employing triple bottom line.
Encourage local businesses to adopt sustainable accounting practices by leading by example and sharing the
city's successes.
Work with educational institutions from elementary school on up to develop a green business curriculum.
Support the Public Library's efforts to build resources regarding green business practice.
Collaborate with the Chamber and local colleges to hold an annual conference to promote sustainability.
Promote the DNR's Green Tier program which supports environmentally innovative companies who go beyond
compliance with minimum regulatory standards while improving their bottom line. Affinity Health Systems is a
Green Tier 1 corporation.
Support Low - Income Needs.
Continue to support programs for housing, transportation, education, work and social networks to improve the
economic status of people in need.
Continue to provide Community Development Block Grant funds to support social services.
Work with service agencies to find the best possible locations and buildings.
Help groups coordinate events for collecting donations, fundraising, enlisting volunteers, and educating the
public about opportunities and services.
Consider a consortium to apply for federal assistance for new opportunities, emergencies, disaster relief, faith -
based initiatives, etc.
Assist with efforts to provide a local warming shelter and ensure adequate facilities for the homeless.
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Promote the availability of food pantries, resale shops, transportation and human services at various outlets and
on the city's Sustainability web site.
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Sustainable Energy
Energy comes in various forms. Some sources are widely available and renewable such as the sun or wind.
Other sources are less accessible, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) or radioactive minerals that need to
be extracted from the parts of the earth where they occur. Modern industrial societies use very large amounts of
energy to heat and cool buildings, provide lighting, produce food, transport people and goods, run machines,
and provide communications. The top energy sources for Wisconsin are oil (33 %), coal (28 %), natural gas
(24 %) and nuclear (7 %), with several renewable sources providing the remaining 8 %.
Cities need to import energy for their concentrated human populations. Transporting energy via roads, rail,
ships, pipelines or wires takes energy, land and money and carries environmental risks. A more sustainable city
would get more of its energy locally. The term "Energy Independence" has been coined to cover both import
reduction and development of domestic energy sources. For a state like Wisconsin, which has no fossil fuel or
uranium resources, Energy Independence is a call to develop state energy resources that build local economies.
Wisconsin -based renewable energy resources include sun, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. All are
renewable. There are environmental costs to developing these local sources, but shifting away from fossil fuels
has the significant benefits of avoiding pollution that affects health and increases greenhouse gases.
Energy Conservation is a beneficial, achievable, and necessary step towards a sustainable energy system. On
average, Americans and Canadians use about twice as much energy per person, and energy per dollar of
economic activity, as competing industrialized countries. Our inefficient use of energy makes our way of life
more expensive and more polluting. The technical means to improve energy efficiency is available and ranges
from simple insulation to complex electronics. Ways to finance conservation improvements are also well
known, and can be combined with government or private incentives and assistance. Considering economic,
environmental, and social impacts, energy conservation investments are often more effective than expanding the
energy infrastructure. Energy conservation should take top priority because the lowering of energy demand
makes energy independence easier to achieve because local renewable sources do not have to be as large, while
energy cost savings can provide funds for further conservation improvements or new sources.
Objective: Foster energy conservation and local energy production from renewable resources.
Policies:
Energy Conservation in Buildings:
Encourage the wider use of Energy Star labeled building materials, appliances and electronics. Examples
include products such as programmable thermostats, lighting fixtures, low - emittance glazed windows,
insulation, heating and cooling equipment, washers and dryers, water heaters, office equipment and
refrigeration equipment.
Set city purchasing policies for energy efficient devices and showcase results on city building performance.
Promote government assistance programs to winterize houses for eligible homeowners (usually based on low -
income eligibility) so that they are de- stigmatized and used to the maximum extent possible.
Promote Focus on Energy and WPS incentives and assistance for energy conservation projects.
Promote one or a few common methods for measuring performance (e.g. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager,
or green building rating systems such as LEED; see Sustainable Development section for policies such as
building standards and codes that would make new buildings more energy efficient).
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Energy Conservation through Pooled Resources:
Explore collaborations that provide opportunities to use energy more efficiently, or to make use of waste
energy.
Apply "Industrial Ecology" approaches to help co- locate businesses, public facilities, or residential
neighborhoods to make better use of waste heat or district heating and cooling plants (as found on the UW
Oshkosh campus).
Share seasonal facilities, such as schools, parks, and tourist facilities, to maximize the time they can be in a low -
or no- energy mode.
Energy Conservation in Transportation:
Transportation is a large portion of energy use in most US Cities, surpassed only by buildings. Transportation
recommendations are compiled elsewhere in this document (see Transportation section), with many that will
directly contribute to energy conservation. In general, the policies aim for a city less dependent on automobiles
and more successful in providing energy efficient alternatives for public transit, walking, and biking.
Energy Conservation in Outdoor Lighting:
Continue to upgrade outdoor lights to high efficiency lamps (the City of Oshkosh was an early adopter of high
efficiency LED lamps in traffic lights). Examples include street lighting, parks, athletic fields, and Leach
Amphitheatre.
Consider efficiency standards for outdoor lighting ordinances for all new construction and existing building
lighting retrofits.
Renewable Energy:
Encourage development of renewable energy sources, and increase the portion of imported energy that is from
renewable sources.
Ensure that building codes allow for development of solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy sources, with
guidelines that protect public safety and maintain community standards for aesthetics.
Consider zoning modifications to coordinate and encourage siting for larger facilities such as factory -scale
digesters or "farms" of small wind turbines or solar panels.
Encourage businesses and homeowners to work with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), who sells green power
imported from wind, hydroelectric and biomass - fueled generators, to increase the purchasing of renewable
electricity. Fuels are also imported to the city, with renewable sources including biofuels and wood.
Increase the use of biofuels by encouraging the use of flex -fuel vehicles in fleets (city, police, schools, taxis).
Raise awareness regarding burning wood for heat, especially that fireplaces and firepits provide negligible heat
with far larger pollution impacts and safety risks than safe and efficient stoves and furnaces that meet EPA
certification standards.
Government Commitments:
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Maintain City membership in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives ( ICLEI) -Local
Governments for Sustainability. Use ICLEI support to help the city assess greenhouse gas emissions from
energy use, especially the 85% of our energy derived from fossil fuel.
Fulfill the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (USCMMPA) approved in 2007
(Resolution 07 -262) by developing a Climate Action Plan with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
matched with strategies for reducing the use of fossil fuels.
Consider becoming a Wisconsin Energy Independent Community, which would mean adopting the State's goal
of 25% renewable energy by the year 2025.
Public and Business Awareness - raising:
Partner for educational purposes with national and statewide groups such as Focus on Energy, RENEW
Wisconsin, ENERGY STAR, Energy Center of Wisconsin, WDNR, WPS, and organizations in the community
that can provide leadership and resources such as Winnebago County, ADVOCAP, Chamber of Commerce,
UW Oshkosh, FVTC, Oshkosh Area School District.
Use the City's Sustainability Board Website to provide materials that inform residents and businesses about
energy conservation and renewable sources, payback times, site assessment, installation, regulations, and
listings of energy tax credits or other forms of assistance available from the Federal, State, and local
governments, power companies and non - profits.
Coordinate sales promotions for energy - related products. Use fairs and home shows to promote public
understanding of their current energy use and affordable first steps, such as light bulb changes and winterizing.
Promote seasonal load control programs for residences and businesses that allow the utility to control large
appliances and air conditioning systems.
Develop demonstrations and tours of projects that help residents and businesses learn about successful
strategies.
Encourage, coordinate, and collaborate with the business community about energy savings via guaranteed
performance contracts, life -cycle payback options, and other programs which lead to greater efficient use of
energy.
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Sustainable Environment
The city's natural resources provide a variety of necessary functions. The watershed drains almost 12 percent of
the state. Lake Winnebago gives us our drinking water. The Fox River carries effluent from the city's
wastewater treatment plant. The river and lakes receive our stormwater. Lakes Winnebago and Butte des Morts
provide habitat for fish and other wildlife. Woodlands, marshes, open spaces and parks provide places for
ground water recharge and purify water of pollutants. Trees of the urban forest remove, by absorption, other
pollutants such as carbon and sulfur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulates from burning fossil
fuels in buildings and vehicles. Urban wildlife habitat supports year -round resident and large populations of
migratory birds. Urban birds, bats and insects control nuisance and disease - carrying pests.
We attempt to sustain these ecological functions in two ways, by federal or state regulation and by local choice.
For example, the Winnebago lakes are classified as impaired waters. To protect and improve them, the city is
under federal regulation to manage stormwater and sewage treatment for pollution control. The city is also
choosing to address flooding issues. By choice, too, the city aims to improve its natural appearance and plant
more trees, an outcome of the visioning process. Both the regulatory and choice options reflect what the nation,
state and local community consider important. In Oshkosh, with 22 miles of shoreline on a lake system totaling
166,000 acres, sustaining this system is critical. Not only does it provide ecological functions, it also has
economic, recreational and scenic benefits. Similarly, a more natural environment with more trees has benefits
other than sustainability. An attractive green city is an appealing place to call home and a place tourists will
want to visit.
Objective: Protect and enhance the city's natural resources
Policies:
Waterway Protection
Stormwater management and flood control.
Continue to implement the Stormwater Management Plan to meet goals to reduce suspended solids, phosphorus,
total maximum daily loads (TMDL) of pollutants and other substances of concern in our waterways.
Continue to address flood control needs. Prepare a plan to protect and enhance natural drainage ways, such as
Sawyer Creek.
Develop guidelines for structural solutions to ensure minimal disruption to neighborhoods. Include such actions
as early resident involvement, projects in scale and aesthetically pleasing, attractive explanatory signage on site,
and continued maintenance.
Develop programs and incentives for citizens and businesses to install their own stormwater reduction
measures, such as rain gardens and rain barrels.
Continue to work with the Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium (NEWSC) and other area groups to
develop educational material to help citizens understand how their activities pollute our water and how they can
prevent it.
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Impervious surfaces.
Consider developing maximum impervious thresholds for all zoning districts based on total building and hard
surface lot coverage.
Promote use of subsurface drainage chambers, permeable pavers and pervious pavement on appropriate soils.
Consider a program offering city stormwater utility rebate /credits for landowners exceeding requirements for
on -site stormwater management.
Consider a more precise assessment of stormwater utility fees and construction permit fees based on impervious
area and clarity and release rate.
Pollution control and habitat protection.
Consider adopting a municipal ordinance to restrict use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, cleaners,
deicers, and other chemicals which pollute the soil and water.
Demonstrate ecological and pollution -free methods on land and water sites under city management: parks, the
golf course, harbors, waterways, and municipal building landscapes.
Control nuisance aquatic plant growth through an integrated management strategy utilizing mechanical
harvesting and herbicides, if necessary.
Where possible, restore native vegetative buffers on city shoreland to protect against polluted run -off,
discourage geese and decrease algae growth.
Work with the county for cost - sharing and to distribute educational material about buffering private shoreland.
Participate in programs aimed at prevention and control of invasive species.
Continue to clean up brownfield sites and pursue cleanup of contaminated sediments in the Fox River to protect
water resources.
Conserve and protect natural areas, such as Picnic Point.
Periodically update local plans to remain eligible for DNR grants to help fund protective actions.
With much of the phosphorus and sediment pollution coming from farmland upstream, consider supporting
efforts to form a regional waterways management unit, such as a Commission, to cooperatively address total
maximum daily loads (TMDL) and other issues facing the watershed.
Waterfront development.
Update the riverfront and downtown plans with the environment in mind.
Make public access a high priority.
Revise the shoreline overlay district for consistency between the county and city.
Protect sensitive areas and wetlands during development.
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Continue to enforce erosion and sediment control requirements at construction sites.
Explore creating a Lakes Education Center in the downtown to attract visitors and promote the value of the
resource.
Citizen safety.
Continue to test beach water at Menominee Park and post results for public viewing.
Promote responsible recreational boat use on the water, regulating noise, speed, wake generation, and potential
user conflicts.
Water Conservation
Water efficiencies.
Continue programs to help the city quickly identify and eliminate leaks in the public water supply system.
Install low flow faucet aerators and toilets at municipal sites.
Review city building codes to update standards for water conserving plumbing fixtures.
Review ordinances to ensure the city is able to address drought situations by curtailing and banning non-
essential water uses.
Citizen education.
Offer education about how residents can reduce water usage by installing low flow shower heads, toilets,
faucets and appliances.
Provide other useful tips for cutting back on water usage and collecting water, such as in rain barrels, in homes,
businesses and yards. Include educational brochures with quarterly billings
Natural Environment
A more natural look.
Strengthen existing development codes and promote policies that place a greater value on developing an
aesthetically pleasing natural environment throughout the city.
Review ordinances and zoning to restrict or require redesign of activities that detract from green space and
neighborhoods, such as billboards, large signage, overhead utilities, oversized parking areas, and big box stores.
Develop plans for particular areas of the city, such as gateways, that emphasize a more natural look.
Consider adding green spaces to infill in developed areas.
Design guidelines for land use next to existing and new parks.
Promote conservancy areas.
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Prepare an inventory of natural features and create educational materials to help developers plan with nature in
mind.
Ensure inclusion of such features as sensitive areas, soils, and areas for possible reclamation, like Vulcan
Quarry and along the waterfront.
Tree planting and retention.
Continue an aggressive urban forestry program on terraces and in city parks.
Maintain the city's street tree inventory, municipal nursery and status as a Tree City USA.
Develop a five -year plan to continue the Taking Root program with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.
Continue to promote the ReLeaf and Memorial Tree programs.
Review tree ordinances to encourage a diversity of trees emphasizing native species.
Modify codes to include tree retention and replacement during development.
Consider developing landscaping requirements for two - family and single family housing.
Consider an ordinance to plant terrace trees in all street reconstruction projects.
Continue to enforce subdivision regulations requiring trees on terraces.
Protect existing woodlands from encroachment.
Prepare for threats, such as the emerald ash borer.
Develop guidelines appropriate to urban areas to manage wildlife inhabiting wooded areas.
Native landscaping.
Review city weed and tree ordinances to ensure that they do not discourage native landscaping.
Develop an ordinance to guide native landscaping practices.
Encourage more native plantings on sites to reduce irrigation, protect shorelines and provide natural
beautification.
Use native, perennial plantings instead of annual plants in city flower beds to reduce soil disturbance and
decrease stormwater runoff
Restore natural areas where appropriate, including a demonstration site in Menominee Park.
Add native species that require less maintenance to roadside seed mixes on arterials at the edge of the city and
advise WDOT to do the same in the new Highway 41 corridor.
Control non - native invasive species in right -of -ways, parks and other public areas, especially where they are
particularly aggressive, such as along frontage roads.
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Mowing.
Decrease mowing on city -owned passive lands, such as park edges or in medians where possible.
Consider no- maintenance low- growing native grasses to replace turf or when planting new turf.
Citizen assistance and education.
Consider programs to help residents pay for "natural improvements" such as burying utility lines or removing
and replacing dead or unsafe trees on their property.
Explore new incentives to encourage residents to plant more trees.
Provide educational material to assist residents seeking more sustainable landscaping.
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Sustainable Strong, Safe and Healthy Community
Food, water, shelter: the basic physiological components necessary for life. Security, health and well being: the
basic safety needs of humans. Friendship, family and community: the basic social needs. Environmental, social
and economic: the basics of sustainability. The City of Oshkosh: a community that strives both collectively and
individually to meet basic needs in a sustainable fashion.
The City of Oshkosh has strong police, fire and ambulance, and health departments to provide public safety and
support for its citizens. Winnebago County, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the
US Coast Guard provide boater safety on Lake Winnebago and the Fox River. Oshkosh provides excellent snow
removal on city streets, and along with the county has a strong emergency management and first responder
network. The city has many medical, rehabilitation, and assisted living /retirement centers, including Aurora
Health Center and Mercy Medical Center, providing access to health care. From Little Oshkosh and Pollock
Pool to the Oshkosh Seniors Center, there are many opportunities for recreation and socialization for all ages.
Oshkosh is home to many parks located throughout the city, with Menominee Park on Lake Winnebago being
the largest. Over 60 religious facilities are located in Oshkosh. Cultural and social venues are myriad, including
Leach Amphitheater, the Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Public Museum, the Grand Opera House, the
Paine Art Center, and the EAA Museum. Oshkosh, Wisconsin's Event City, is home to a monthly downtown
Gallery Walk, Waterfest, Irish Fest, Oshkosh Oktoberfest, Winnebagoland Art Fair, Sawdust Days, and the
Celebration of Lights. Home to not only the Oshkosh Area School District but also Fox Valley Technical
College and the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh plus several parochial schools, Oshkosh provides
educational support at many levels. The Chamber of Commerce, Chamco, and the Oshkosh Convention and
Visitors Bureau support both the social and economic bases of the city. All of these entities and many more
make Oshkosh a strong community in which to live.
Objective: To promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic diversity; provide safety and
to protect citizens from disease.
Policies:
Existing Programs.
Maintain well- staffed, trained, and equipped police and fire departments to provide public safety.
Maintain health department, either through the city or in conjunction with the county, to ensure safe food,
water, and swimming.
Maintain sufficient potable water, sewage treatment and stormwater capacity to support the population.
Continue human services programs supported by the United Way and other agencies.
Continue to support literacy and the arts, such as through the Public Library, the Public Museum, and Gallery
Walk.
Explore options for more partnerships between, and with, different community entities.
Health and Urban Land Use.
Consider the direct and indirect impacts on overall quality of life of existing and new developments.
Encourage infill of existing areas before creating additional residential/commercial zones.
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Encourage the location, size, layout, and density of new housing to promote sustainable lifestyles by mixing
residential and retail areas with safe walking /biking paths, providing access to bus routes, and requiring
adequate landscaping.
Provide housing development that reduces isolation, fosters community spirit, and shares resources and includes
socially cohesive components, such as tot lots and front porches.
Provide housing near employment centers, including a diversity of occupants in terms of age, social, and
cultural groups, while remaining affordable to a variety of income groups.
Eliminate disproportionate environmental burdens and pollution in disadvantaged areas.
Ensure all public facilities are compliant with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA), with special
attention to crosswalks and pedestrian signalization in high traffic areas.
Ensure all sidewalks are properly cleared of snow.
Healthy Living.
Continue to support the health and welfare of our citizens through programs such as the Committee on Aging,
the Seniors Center, the Boys and Girls Club, Safe Routes to School (SRTS), healthcare screenings, mental
health support, and free clinics.
Promote community health within Oshkosh.
Encourage the implementation of employer wellness programs and wellness partnerships between employers
and community.
Encourage local employers to meet criteria for "Well City USA' designation.
Active Lifestyles.
Continue to support the many opportunities Oshkosh and the surrounding area provide for an active lifestyle.
Continue to maintain athletic fields, courts, and playgrounds in our parks.
Continue to support the Pollock Community Water Park.
Encourage and support the efforts of the Seniors Center, YMCA, Oshkosh Area School District, UW- Oshkosh
and various organizations in events such as the Tour de Titan and other walk/bike /run events.
Expand Riverwalk and bike trails.
Implement recommendations of the City of Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan to provide citizens
with safer conditions for biking and walking.
Encourage outdoor alternatives such as walking and biking for family togetherness.
Encourage use of our available natural resources for water sports and events such as dragonboat races and
sailing regattas.
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Acquire additional acreage to create parkland in areas currently deficient in green space.
Social Justice.
Continue to support the many agencies and programs that provide benefits to our citizens, such as Wisconsin
Interfaith Needs Response (WINR), Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity - Oshkosh, and the Oshkosh Area
Community Food Pantry.
Encourage use of local thrift stores as a way to support sustainable living, both economically and through the
principle of reduce, reuse, recycle.
Encourage support of the Oshkosh Humane Society.
Educate citizens on the personal benefits of giving one's time through the many volunteer opportunities in our
community.
Involve local residents in setting visions and developing plans for our community.
Establish avenues for meaningful participation in decision - making for all citizens.
Provide equal and affordable educational opportunities for all members of society.
Promote retraining of those displaced in the short-term by a shift to a more sustainable economy.
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Sustainable Food
In the City of Oshkosh relatively few acres are dedicated to agricultural uses. Typically these uses are
temporary prior to land being developed. Nevertheless opportunities exist for locally grown food in the city's
growth area, defined as the three mile extraterritorial plat review area, and within the city limits on a smaller
scale. Locally grown food reduces the need for processing, storing, shipping and retailing. This translates to
reduced water and pesticide use, less packaging and shipping waste, and decreased fuel usage and emissions.
Locally grown food supports the regional economy and provides a healthy alternative to processed food.
Objective: Promote local food production, sales and consumption.
Policies:
Farmland Preservation.
Support the preservation of agricultural lands in the city's extraterritorial growth area from premature
conversion of prime farmland to non - agricultural uses.
Work with private land owners and developers to provide conservation easements for long -term local food
production.
Explore the use of other agricultural and green space preservation programs such as Purchase of Development
Rights (PDR) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) as well as the use of conservation subdivisions.
Additional policies in the Comprehensive Plan also foster farmland preservation.
These range from promoting urban infill and compact growth to restricting large -lot non - sewered subdivisions.
Community Gardens.
Continue cooperative efforts with UW- Extension and other agencies to provide land, education and various
services for community gardens within the city.
Continue offering temporary garden space at Riverside Cemetery.
Seek areas in each of the quadrants of the city to establish more permanent locations.
Neighborhood Gardens.
Work with residents to identify and convert vacant or non - developable city -owned lots for neighborhood food
plots and gardens.
Neighborhood gardens not only beautify and utilize unused or blighted property, but also encourage interaction
and a sense of ownership in neighborhoods.
Areas most likely to have available sites are located in the central city, especially in redevelopment districts.
Explore the use of acquired lands the Redevelopment Authority is land banking for future redevelopment, such
as Jefferson Street in the Near East Neighborhood, for interim neighborhood gardens.
Utilizing land- banked sites reduces the city's costs to maintain these properties.
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Private and Institutional Gardens.
Encourage more private food plots and gardens on residential, business, industrial and institutional properties.
Partner with UW- Extension, Fox Valley Tech, and other local organizations to prepare a brochure related to
setting up an urban food plot within applicable city /county regulations.
Sustainable Gardening.
Suggest that community, neighborhood, institutional and company gardens establish rules against artificial
fertilizers and pesticides to protect people, water and wildlife.
Partner with UW- Extension and other groups to provide information to promote these rules.
Work with the University to establish a demonstration community garden to illustrate sustainable practices and
provide tours and educational opportunities for the community.
Greenhouses.
Encourage local greenhouses to go organic.
Consider working with greenhouses to donate starter plants for community food plots in mixed to low income
neighborhoods.
Greenhouses offer a boost to gardeners in Wisconsin's uncertain spring weather.
Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code Revisions.
Revise the zoning ordinance to address community gardens as permitted or conditional land uses in all zoning
districts.
Ensure the zoning ordinance facilitates establishment of greenhouses in residential as well as other districts.
Review small animal ordinances and consider allowing chickens, rabbits and ducks in residential and other
districts.
Examine stormwater regulations to ensure best practices for sediment retention and setbacks are applicable to
community gardens.
Consider regulations determining size and placement of compost heaps.
Farmer's Markets.
Continue to support the Oshkosh Farmer's Markets in downtown locations.
Work with management to expand areas for stalls.
Support establishment of neighborhood markets.
Temporary Food Stands.
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Continue to support food sales from stands and trucks within current city, county and state regulations.
Local Food at Public Events.
Promote locally grown/produced goods at public events held in Oshkosh.
Offer incentives to local producers such as discounted vendor licenses and permits.
Give preferential placement to vendors selling local products.
Promote use of biodegradable food service products at all public events.
Grocery Stores.
Encourage access to local and healthy food.
Support efforts and provide incentives to attract a downtown or University area grocery store.
Work with groups who might be interested in establishing a food co -op. Co -ops build community in addition to
creating jobs.
Food Education.
Employ the city's sustainability website and media services to provide opportunities for citizens to learn about
the importance of growing, preserving and buying local and organic food. Issues might range from local food
safety, such as advisories on mercury in Lake Winnebago fish, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eating
lower on the food chain (vegetarian).
Work to expand educational opportunities through the library, schools, UW- Extension, greenhouses, the local
media and other available educational outlets.
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Sustainable Government
If our expectation is to have a Sustainable Oshkosh, it is important for the city to lead by example. This section
offers sustainable policies and actions for city staff and departments to incorporate into daily operations and
municipal projects. It also suggests administrative procedures to facilitate community actions. Some internal
sustainability measures are already underway. A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for municipal buildings has
been completed and reduction targets will be set as soon as the community portion of the GHG inventory is
finished. City staff continues to attend seminars and workshops to increase their knowledge of sustainable
practices. Through the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB), the city has created a website providing
information on sustainable actions as well as a full range of available resources. A SAB subcommittee worked
with city staff to prepare a flyer on water conservation included in water bills for all city residents. City
departments have also implemented numerous other sustainable measures, such as use of biodegradable paint,
increased use of LEDs and motion/occupancy sensors, improved traffic signal timing, and solar - powered
pedestrian crossing flashers.
Most recently the city commissioned the McKinstry study to audit municipal buildings and create a plan for
energy savings. Through an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), several Facility
Improvement Measures (FIMs) have been identified and most will be implemented by December 2010, with
remaining measures undertaken as funding becomes available. FIMs currently in progress include lighting and
building envelope improvements at 14 municipal locations, water conservation at 10 locations, vending
machine controls at 12 locations, direct digital controls at 4 locations, and high- efficiency motor
implementation at the Oshkosh Public Museum and the Safety Building. The Oshkosh Public Library will be
receiving a steam trap upgrade to reduce energy consumption by eliminating wasted steam.
Objective: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost - effective and environmentally
sound governmental services to meet community needs.
Policies:
Administering Sustainability.
Add the title of Sustainability Director to the duties of the Assistant City Manager.
Form a green team of representatives from each department under direction of the Sustainability Director to
evaluate and implement internal sustainable actions.
When the Sustainability Plan is completed, urge adoption by the Common Council. Suggest responsibility lies
with the Sustainability Advisory Board to move the plan forward, provide information for the public and review
pertinent resolutions going before the Common Council.
Continue to involve the public in sustainability activity through the Sustainable Oshkosh website, online
surveys, social networks, governmental meetings, and workshops.
Review the Sustainability Plan annually. Present an update of how well the city is meeting sustainability targets
at the State of the City event.
Energy Management.
Continue to implement the McKinstry energy improvements based on payback.
Require energy modeling as part of architectural design in all new public building construction to help
determine the greatest efficiencies for energy conservation.
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Demonstrate a wind turbine or solar energy in a high traffic location to serve as a model for the community.
Update greenhouse gas inventories annually and monitor reductions.
Develop an energy conservation policy for all city facilities. Implement it through promotion, education,
employee training, and action.
Continue to develop policies to preserve and plant trees around city buildings and within and adjacent to city
parking lots.
Analyze the energy savings impact of a four day work week for buildings where public contact is not a major
consideration.
Green Building.
Adopt the LEED Green Building Rating System for new municipal buildings, additions and renovations.
Renovate and certify an existing city building to LEED standards as a model for the community.
Consider adaptive reuse of existing buildings as first priority for expanded municipal space.
Use recycled building materials when possible.
Buy local building materials.
Consider consolidation of departments with other units of government, such as a city /county health department,
or public safety, to promote more efficient use of space and resources.
Replace existing annual gardens at municipal facilities with perennial native species.
Purchasing.
Assess the current purchasing process and incorporate preferences for "green" purchasing.
Adopt Full Cost Accounting (FCA) to analyze all costs, advantages, and alternatives. Define `cost' not just as
the monetary cost, but also include social, environmental and life cycle costs. Use this process rather than
relying solely on the low bid process.
Modify requests for proposals, specification and contract language to ensure sustainable energy procedures are
an integral part of each project.
Adopt purchasing policies for ENERGY STAR equipment, computers and appliances for city use. Include a
policy with standards for worker safety, handling of chemicals, and alternative products and equipment.
Use a refill purchasing policy, replacing consumables instead of stocking excess.
Use recycled paper wherever applicable.
Encourage use of electronic documents and email rather than generating paper copies.
Work with vendors to reduce packaging.
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Buy local when possible.
Eventually reduce or eliminate non -green products and cleaners.
Seek ways to partner with area groups in shared purchasing ventures.
Environmental Considerations.
Adopt recycling practices at all municipal facilities.
Install low flow faucet aerators and high efficiency toilets in all municipal bathrooms to conserve water.
Discourage use of plastic water bottles by installing water fountains with filtered water.
Implement a fleet replacement program incorporating the use of hybrid and bio -fuel vehicles.
Demonstrate environmentally safe landscaping practices by using natural fertilizers and no chemicals in areas
surrounding city buildings..
Reduce mowing wherever possible.
Install rain barrels and rain gardens at city facilities to reduce runoff
Communication/Education.
Continue to raise awareness of city staff about sustainability practices.
Explore ways to share facilities and services with other governmental entities —the school district, county,
technical college and university.
Develop mechanisms to communicate with surrounding cities and towns about sustainability efforts.
Partner with the university and other local groups to maximize sharing of knowledge.
Use local media on a regular basis to communicate sustainable activities the city is undertaking.
Human Resources.
Hire and promote people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Adopt human resource management practices that support sustainability objectives, such as allowing flex time
or telecommuting, or offering incentives for use of public transit, biking, and ride - sharing.
Empower employees to think creatively, generate ideas, and share suggestions on municipal sustainability.
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Sustainable Transportation
Sustainable transportation generally refers to enhancing alternatives to the automobile -- transit, bicycling,
walking and rail -- to reduce pollution, conserve energy and decrease traffic congestion. It also implies attention
to environmentally friendly infrastructure, alternative fuels and new transportation technologies. More and more
communities around the country are incorporating these concepts into their transportation networks with
increased support from state and federal funding. We see evidence of this in Oshkosh. The transit system is
receiving four new hybrid buses. Buses are now fitted with bike racks. The new Butte des Morts bridge and
overpasses on Highway 41 will have pedestrian and bicycle access. Energy efficient measures for the transit
facility were among those included in the city's Energy Efficiency Community Development Block Grant
application. For growing communities, transportation is an important issue and the City of Oshkosh plays a
critical role in guiding its direction.
Objective: To enhance mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient and environmentally
sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regional networks.
Policies:
Public Transit
Service improvements.
Support and improve the Oshkosh Transit System. The system currently provides over a million rides annually
and operates within walking distance of about 90 percent of the city.
Update the community's Transit Development Program on a five -year basis to reflect changing population, land
use and economic conditions.
Continue to incorporate transit into the development review process.
Focus on improving traveler information, comfort and convenience to attract local and visiting general public as
well as the transit dependent.
Explore other service options, such as van - pooling and shuttle type service.
Provide incentives and flexibility for city employees and local businesses to use transit.
Design marketing programs to attract the general public.
Capital improvements.
Continue to replace older buses in the fleet with energy efficient vehicles.
Provide bus shelters at all possible locations.
Improve the existing transit station and plaza; coordinate plaza design with surrounding streetscaping and street
furniture.
Replace mechanical systems in public transit facilities with energy efficient models.
Explore sustainable options when making repairs or remodeling facilities
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Regional Transit Authorities.
Support statewide efforts to permit transit agencies to create their own funding authorities to improve mass
transit options.
Intercity Bus Service.
Support efforts to expand intercity bus service that links our area to other areas throughout the state.
Rail Transportation
Freight Rail.
Promote and maintain efficient freight rail to serve the Oshkosh area. Every ton -mile of freight that moves by
rail instead of truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions by two - thirds or more.
Maintain a rail transportation system that protects a rail corridor and reduces the number of conflict points.
Coordinate spur lines with industrial park sites.
Coordinate with Canadian National Railway and Wisconsin & Southern Railroad on their right -of -way needs
for future expansion along existing rail lines.
Passenger Rail.
Encourage establishment of passenger rail service in the Oshkosh area.
Monitor implementation of "OT's Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative promoting reopening of a train line
between Green Bay and Milwaukee through Appleton, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Planning.
Complete the Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan in 2010. Have it adopted by the City Council.
Ensure inclusion of an implementation schedule and assignment of a dedicated city committee to oversee
implementation. This plan has had extensive public input and incorporates a broad range of policies affecting
bike routes, bike parking, pedestrian ways, connectivity with transit and trails, funding, education and
intergovernmental cooperation.
Riverwalk.
Place a high priority on completion of the Riverwalk. Construct the segment from the amphitheatre to Main
Street in 2010.
Walkable Neighborhoods.
Assess neighborhoods for their walkability by determining what goods and services are within an easy and safe
walk to allow residents and employees to meet their needs on a regular basis.
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Recommend improvements where there are deficiencies.
Review zoning policies for their potential to allow mixed -use and compact development.
Safe Routes to School.
Promote this program that encourages walking and biking to school.
Streets and Highways
Sustainable streets.
Continue to promote and build infrastructure to serve a range of users pedestrian, bicyclists, transit riders and
automobiles. Incorporate elements of green design when reconstructing or building new streets: LED street
lighting, landscaping, native vegetation, wider terraces, narrower pavements, biodegradable paint and pedestrian
type amenities.
Explore newer types of construction material and road design to reduce stormwater impacts or increase the
lasting quality of a street.
Continue an aggressive street cleaning program to protect water quality, maintain pavement, and reduce the
burden on the sewer system.
Address polluted run -off issues related to salt usage and other methods of snow and ice removal.
Develop a local erosion control ordinance and continue to enforce state - required erosion control practices
during street construction.
Traffic signals.
Synchronize traffic signals with speed limits to avoid unnecessary stops and idling of cars.
Consider roundabouts where feasible.
Traffic enforcement.
Encourage strict enforcement of speeding and other traffic laws to ensure streets are safer for all travelers
autos, pedestrians and bicyclists —and to reduce maintenance costs.
Parking facilities.
Consider bio- filters and other sustainability practices when rebuilding or developing parking facilities provided
they compare favorably with longevity standards of traditional materials.
Consider pervious material where clay subsoil does not inhibit drainage.
Incorporate landscaping for aesthetics and stormwater control, LED lighting, bike racks and other items that
conserve energy and protect the environment.
Promote parking policies to encourage more efficient use of facilities.
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Trip reduction programs.
Employ integrated land use planning and sprawl reduction policies to make destinations more pedestrian,
bicycle and transit friendly.
Encourage rideshare programs and telecommuting.
Continue to identify and encourage new locations for Park and Ride lots.
Fossil fuel infrastructure alternatives.
Consider provision of storage and access to bio- diesel or other alternative fuels for city vehicles.
Explore incentives for businesses to provide access to alternative fuels, especially bio- diesel and its future fuel
cousins.
Explore the feasibility of adding infrastructure for future electric fueling /plug -in stations.
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Sustainable Waste Management
The City of Oshkosh collects recyclable and solid waste materials, and disposes of them in partnership with
Winnebago County. The county is a member of a tri- county agreement including Brown and Outagamie
Counties. This 25 -year agreement, begun in 2002, precludes a need for the City to deal with individual landfill
issues. Our solid waste is currently going into the Winnebago County landfill until approximately 2011/2012
when it is anticipated it will be full, so waste will then go to the Outagamie County landfill until filled, and
eventually Brown County will take its turn. While siting another landfill in the Oshkosh area may be a long way
off, it is still critical to develop strategies to reduce the amount of landfilled waste. Single- stream recycling
adopted by the City in October 2009 is already showing an increase in recycled items as well as cost savings
with automated equipment. Materials collected from the blue recycling containers at each residence are
transferred to the Tri- County Single- Stream Recycling Center in Outagamie County for sorting and sustainable
redistribution.
While recycling is an important factor in a sustainable community, promoting the reduction of initial use and
reuse of materials is equally important. While recycling is an important factor in a sustainable community,
promoting the reduction of initial use and reuse of materials is equally important. Area residents and businesses
have many options ranging from grinding masonry materials from demolished buildings for reuse in road
construction projects, to utilizing resale and thrift stores for both donations and purchases, to composting yard
waste to feed a family garden. As technology advances and new markets are created, we can expect to see a
significant increase in options for waste reduction and uses of recovered materials. Currently prescriptions
drugs can be disposed of at a drop -off box at the Oshkosh Police Department. Leaf waste is spread on farm
fields. Information on proper disposal of hazardous waste and e -waste can be found on the city Web site.
Objective: To promote awareness, reduce initial consumption, promote reuse, increase recycling rates,
and reduce the amount of substances entering the landfills.
Policies:
Education.
Minimize waste creation by improving public understanding of source reduction as the most preferred method
of waste management.
Educate and promote reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovering of waste materials.
Provide information to increase consumer product awareness and environmentally preferable purchasing.
Distribute updated information about proper disposal of hazardous waste, drugs, e- waste, and other banned
items. Identify cost - saving benefits of waste reduction, as well as environmental gains.
Waste Reduction.
Explore merits of a "Pay -As- You - Throw" policy for material disposal programs, evaluating either weight or
volume of waste. The current unlimited volume set -outs encourage waste by failing to provide incentives for the
reduction of waste. While weight is a better reflection of actual waste generated, it is considerably more
expensive and difficult to implement than a volume -based system, and both methods reward those who act more
sustainably.
Support policy change to clear bags, to encourage all recyclable materials are properly recycled.
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Promote better institutional and business waste reduction and recycling programs.
Encourage use of cloth shopping bags and other multi -trip containers.
Explore a plastic bag reduction program.
Promote alternatives to paper use.
Recycling.
Consider recycling containers in public areas and at public events next to waste barrels.
Encourage `away from home' locations such as gas stations and convenience stores to also provide recycling
containers.
Explore the range of plastics to be recycled.
Continuously review the municipal recycling program for updated methods or technologies to improve the
system.
Composting.
Provide education on setting up and maintaining compost bins at home, community gardens, and the workplace
for organic waste (grass, leaves, brush, apples, garden debris, etc.).
Promote use of monthly pickup collection and drop -off sites for community composting of leaves and other
organic materials.
Partner with UWO Renewable Energy Facility biomass digester to convert community organic waste to
electricity and heat.
Explore the municipal collection of organic waste.
Construction and Demolition Waste.
Provide information and incentives to promote recovery, reuse, and recycling of demolition debris and building
scraps at construction sites through such programs as WasteCap.
Consumer Reuse.
Encourage reuse of used furniture, clothing, household, building and decorating items through thrift stores,
Freecycle.org, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, etc.
Non - biodegrades.
Encourage use of cloth or reusable shopping bags.
Educate retailers and shoppers about advantages of reusable bags, and promote reusable bag programs.
Consider an ordinance that bans free plastic bags and foam containers.
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Educate community about water bottle waste and high quality of city tap water.
Promote sale of safe multi -use containers and encourage restaurants and retailers to provide means for
customers to refill bottles with city water.
Electronics.
Provide education regarding statewide collection and recycling system for consumer electronic devices,
including banning from landfills or incineration effective September 2010.
Promote diversion of e -waste to responsible recycling or disposal facilities.
Encourage establishment of a local collection and disposal site.
Work with retailers that are collecting e- waste.
Prescription and OTC Drugs.
Continue to encourage and facilitate the collection and disposal of unwanted /excess prescription and over -the-
counter drugs.
Work with law enforcement to establish additional collection sites.
Educate the public on the need to keep these items out of the wastewater and landfill systems.
Hazardous waste.
Promote the availability of the household hazardous material facility at the Winnebago County landfill.
Remind residents on a regular basis that other items such as tires, batteries, and waste oil should be taken to the
landfill for proper disposal.
Special Events.
Create a pilot project at a municipal location to make an established community event zero -waste by using
products that are bio- based, recyclable, or compostable using glass, bio - plastics and paper products instead of
plastic.
Expand to include all community events. Create incentives to promote zero -waste events.
Littering.
Encourage citizens /visitors to pick up litter in parks, public places, along waterways, during special events, and
in the general community.
Continue to encourage carry in, carry out.
Continue to enforce littering laws.
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