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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesMINUTES SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD December 6, 2010 Present: Steve Barney, Kimberly Biedermann, Margy Davey, Justin Mitchell, Bob Poeschl, Jan Scalpone, Allan Siman Excused: Michelle Bogden Muetzel and Bob Breest Staff: Darryn Burich, Planning Director, Robin Leslie, Principal Planner CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Justin Mitchell. Chair Mitchell introduced new Board member, Allan Siman, who is replacing Andrew Sabai. APPROVE MINUTES Motion by Kim Biedermann and second by Bob Poeschl to approve the minutes from the last meeting. Motion carried 5 -0 ( Poeschl, Siman abstaining). PUBLIC COMMENT None UPDATE ON BIRD CITY WISCONSIN Robin Leslie stated that Oshkosh received their official designation on December 2" d . A presentation by Bird City Wisconsin to the Common Council will be made on January 11 at 6 p.m. Justin Mitchell stated he would like to see continued work on this and Jan Scalpone stated that the Oshkosh Bird Club and Winnebago Audubon Society will continue to make suggestions. Robin Leslie acknowledged Shelly Reinke's work on the application. UPDATE ON BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN Darryn Burich stated the Plan group is working on final chapters and is hoping to get it out for public review soon. Justin Mitchell and Allan Siman questioned the timeframe for Board and Council approvals. Mr. Burich stated he was uncertain but segments of the plan were already incorporated in the 2011 Capital Improvement Plan. UPDATE ON TERRACE TREES Kim Biedermann stated she worked on this with Michelle Bogden Muetzel and they looked at what other Wisconsin communities are doing. Jan Scalpone suggested making the language stronger and making terrace trees a requirement stating otherwise it is similar to what Oshkosh already does. Margy Davey suggested using this information to forward a resolution to the Council, with amended language making requirement stronger. The Board then discussed specific ordinance suggestions and Darryn Burich stated that the first step would be to forward a resolution suggesting the Council amend Chapter 26 of the Municipal Code and then if the Council voted in the affirmative, the Board could work on the details of an ordinance. Bob Poeschl suggested he could bring up this item as a discussion item to the Council. Justin Mitchell then asked the Board how they would like to proceed with the item. Darryn Burich suggested the Board create a Council resolution from the information provided. Jan Scalpone suggested the Board do as Bob Poeschl suggested. Motion by Margy Davey and second by Kim Biedermann to direct staff to format the last paragraph of the submitted resolution, "For the City of Oshkosh to further its sustainability efforts, increase quality of life and to address the benefits stated (in the attached information), the Oshkosh Common Council, in conjunction with other applicable entities, should amend Chapter 26 of the Municipal Code to include planting of terrace trees in cases of new road construction, street widening and road reconstruction," into a Council resolution and use the other information as supporting documentation for the resolution. Bob Poeschl suggested a friendly amendment to change "include" to state "require." The amendment was accepted by the Board unanimously. Margy Davey suggested an amendment to the amended motion to add "narrowing" after street - widening. The amendment was accepted by the Board unanimously. Motion carried. UPDATE ON FOCUS ON ENERGY RECOMMENDATION Margy Davey gave an update on the recommendation from the Energy and Efficiency Subcommittee regarding partnering with Focus on Energy. Justin Mitchell stated he would like to see stronger language in the recommendation changing City policy or procedure to always consult with Focus on Energy for new construction and large -scale construction - renovation projects just like UWO does. Jan Scalpone stated she was not sure why the Board is pushing for this now when the City just received a $634,000 EECBG grant to do energy efficiency studies and updates. Justin Mitchell stated the Board should look at this for the long -term and that it seems to make sense. Margy Davey stated that the recent grant project will be completed in the next few months and this recommendation would affect later projects. Steve Barney stated that it would do no harm to make the recommendation. Bob Poeschl stated this would be under the realm of the Purchasing Department and wondered if anyone spoke with Jon Urben about it. Margy Davey stated no and suggested that the Board pass this on to the City Manager to pass through department heads first. 2 1 December 6, 2010 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Motion by Justin Mitchell and second by Margy Davey to amend the first paragraph of the submitted resolution, "It is the opinion of the Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board that it would be to the City's advantage to partner with Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program, Focus on Energy. The goal of such partnership would be for the City to utilize the knowledge, expertise, and financial incentives necessary to plan and complete energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that may not be feasible otherwise," to state, "The Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board recommends that the City be required to consult with Focus on Energy for all new building construction, HVAC replacement and modernization, and renovation projects that exceed $25,000 in projected costs. It is the opinion of the Board that it would be to the City's advantage to partner with Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program. The goal of such partnership would be for the City to utilize the knowledge, expertise, and financial incentives necessary to plan and complete energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that may not be feasible otherwise." Motion carried. Motion by Steve Barney and second by Bob Poeschl to send this amended recommendation to the City Manager for circulation through City departments. Motion carried. HEALTH RESOLUTION Steve Barney stated he was not prepared to move forward with this item and would like to table the item. He also suggested Bob Poeschl be a co- sponsor for this item. Mr. Poeschl agreed and suggested re- writing the resolution to address Oshkosh concerns. Margy Davey volunteered to research the statistics necessary for the resolution. Item tabled. Bob Poeschl left the meeting. UPDATE ON DRAFT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN CHAPTERS Justin Mitchell directed the Board to take a look at the Plan and submit comments in writing to staff by December 22 at noon. Jan Scalpone stated that the main part of the Plan that will go out for public comment will be the implementation plan, which will include target dates for prioritized actions. She suggested the Board should select 10 -12 actions that should be completed in 2011. 2010 GOALS REVIEW /2011 GOAL SETTING Margy Davey suggested the Board review subcommittees and their duties, and make suggestions for new things to address. She also suggested the Board do a planning exercise similar to what was done in the past "off- camera" and have either Catherine Neiswender or staff facilitate the exercise. Justin Mitchell suggested adding this item to the next meeting at the end of the agenda. NEXT MEETING Chair Mitchell reminded the Board the next regularly scheduled meeting was Monday, January 3 rd at 4:00 pm and that the Board would be discussing 2010 and 2011 goals, election of officers and the Sustainability Plan chapter comments. 3 1 December 6, 2010 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes ADJOURN Motion by Margy Davey and second by Kim Biedermann to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Robin Leslie Principal Planner 4 1 December 6, 2010 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Item 7. Terrace Trees Update TO: Oshkosh Common Council FROM: Sustainability Advisory Board RE: Terrace Trees DATE: December 6, 2010 It is of the opinion of the Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board that it would be to the City's advantage to modify Chapter 26 of the municipal city code to require terrace tree planting in cases of street widening /narrowing, street reconstruction and new street construction. The objective of amending the current chapter as it stands is to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape with a unified appearance, while enhancing overall community health, and fulfill Goal D under Natural Resources in Chapter 8 of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Reasons for amending the current chapter include: It's What the Community Wants • The majority of participants in the Oshkosh Vision Survey indicated that they wanted to see a community with more trees, wider terraces and unified streetscapes. One of the goals in Chapter 8 of the City's Comprehensive Plan is to "[p]romote an aesthetically pleasing natural environment throughout the city "; with one of the actions giving guidance to update Chapter 26 to include options for tree terrace planting. Several initiatives have been taken in recent years to provide terrace trees in the community such as the Taking Root donation program, and requirements for new subdivisions to include terrace trees. There are Significant Benefits to Increasing the Tree Population in Oshkosh • Trees remove carbon dioxide and other air pollutants • Trees catch rainwater, thereby assisting with stormwater management Trees reduce the costs of heating and cooling in structures by shade and protection from wind • Trees can raise property values • Trees can increase frequent shopping and sales to local businesses • Trees enhance the quality of life for residents Other Communities Have Laid the Foundation for Terrace Trees, With Appleton Providing the Best Example: • The Parks and Recreation Committee has the authority to plant trees in terraces on existing streets, street reconstruction, and in new street construction, with the cost borne by the City • Space requirements include: 40 -60' lateral spacing 60' from approach side of intersections 30' from exit side of intersection 10' from driveway aprons 10' from water shut off valves 10' from gas line T's 20' minimum from street lights • Other Wisconsin communities, including the City of Menasha, Janesville, Beloit, and Campbellsport have progressive terrace tree planting programs. For the City of Oshkosh to further its sustainability efforts, increase quality of life and to address the 5 1 December 6, 2010 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes benefits stated above, the Oshkosh Common Council, in conjunction with other applicable entities, should amend Chapter 26 of the municipal code to include planting of terrace trees in cases of new road construction, street widening and road reconstruction. Sources: www.treespayu sback. pdf www.appleton.org/i/p/municode.pdf oshkoshareacf.org http: / /www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us (for municipal code and Comprehensive Plan) 6 1 December 6, 2010 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Item 8. Focus on Energy recommendation TO: City Manager Mark Rohloff/Department Heads FROM: Sustainability Advisory Board RE: Focus on Energy Recommendation DATE: December 6, 2010 The Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board recommends that the City be required to consult with Focus on Energy for all new building construction, HVAC replacement and modernization, and renovation projects that exceed $25,000 in projected costs. It is the opinion of the Board that it would be to the City's advantage to partner with Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program. The goal of such partnership would be for the City to utilize the knowledge, expertise, and financial incentives necessary to plan and complete energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that may not be feasible otherwise. There are four main financial incentives given through Focus on Energy that the City could utilize: • Custom Incentive Program: • Requires prior approval from Focus on Energy advisor • Payback level based on the projects estimated energy savings for the first year • Used for projects that would take 1.5 years or more to pay back • May cover up to 30% of the cost • Can receive up to $250,000 for a project, or $500,000 annually Prescriptive Incentive Program: - Does not require pre- approval from Focus on Energy advisor For common use equipment that is a 1 -for I replacement, such as • Lighting: efficiency, technology upgrades, and occupancy sensors • HVAC: boiler upgrades, large space air management, air handling units • Computer Shutdown programs • Vending Machines: turns down lights and cooling except during the day when in use New Construction Grants • Can provide whole building track for energy efficiency - Building -owner cost -share • Will do quality check after equipment installation • Renewable Grants: • For renewable energy projects such as solar electric, solar thermal, wind, biogas, and non- residential biomass • Group of experts specializing in different technologies available • Assessment of feasibility for renewable energy installation on the site • Incentives may cover up to 35% of project cost Installation assistance and referrals For the City of Oshkosh to further its sustainability efforts with less budgetary constriction, it would be in the City's best interests to work with Focus on Energy to further its sustainability efforts in the area of energy efficiency. The Northeastern Wisconsin Advisor, Nate Curell, may be reached at (715)720 -2141. 7 1 December 6, 2010 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes