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SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
January 3, 2011
Present: Steve Barney, Michelle Bogden Muetzel, Kimberly Biedermann, Bob Breest, Margy Davey,
Justin Mitchell, Bob Poeschl, Jan Scalpone, Allan Siman
Excused: None
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.
APPROVE MINUTES
Motion by Margy Davey and second by Kim Biedermann to approve the minutes from the last meeting.
Motion carried 7 -0 ( Bogden Muetzel and Breest abstaining).
AGENDA
Motion by Justin Mitchell and second by Bob Poeschl to amend the agenda by adding an update on Focus
on Energy before Public Comment. Motion carried 9 -0.
UPDATE ON FOCUS ON ENERGY
Justin Mitchell stated that he has provided City Manager Rohloff with a memo regarding the Board's Focus
on Energy recommendation. He stated that the City Manager has recommended that the Board forward its
recommendation to Council in the form of a draft resolution asking that staff consult with Focus on Energy,
as described in the memo. He also stated that the City Manager felt that once it becomes memorialized in a
resolution, it will give City staff policy direction to consult with Focus on Energy for the qualifying
projects.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
OFFICER ELECTIONS
Motion by Jan Scalpone and second by Margy Davey to nominate Justin Mitchell as Chair. Motion by Jan
Scalpone and second by Bob Breest to close the nominations. Motions carried 9 -0. Nomination accepted.
Motion by Jan Scalpone and second by Bob Breest to nominate Margy Davey as Vice - Chair. Motion by Jan
Scalpone and second by Bob Breest to close the nominations. Motions carried 9 -0. Nomination accepted.
UPDATE ON URBAN CHICKEN ORDINANCE
Robin Leslie requested this item be tabled until the next meeting as the Legal Department has yet to
comment on the proposed ordinance.
UPDATE ON DRAFT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN CHAPTERS
The Board discussed the submitted change recommendations from Board members and acted on the
following:
Margy Davey:
Chapter on Environmental Conservation: Waterway protection: Pollution control and habitat protection
Consider a ban of municipal, commercial, and residential use of coal tar based pavement sealcoat, as it
contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and
have been proven to be toxic to fish and other aquatic life as well as a contributor to asthma and heart
disease in humans; encourage use of asphalt based pavement sealcoat instead, when necessary. (change
accepted 9 -0)
Michelle Bogden Muetzel:
Local Food, section Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code Revisions Current language states, "Review
small animal ordinances and consider allowing chickens Fabb ts, and ducks and goats for non - slaughter
food production in residential and other districts." This could use clarification if the intent is slaughter and
food consumption of said animals. Perhaps mention of possible change in ordinances or setting safety
regulations towards this end if that is the intent. (change accepted 9 -0)
Atmosphere, section Indoor Air Quality Add discouraging or banning use of paints, glues, caulks and
other materials with high levels of VOCs, flame retardants, hazardous cleaning products, and other
chemicals that negatively impact air quality. (change accepted 9 -0)
Perhaps encourage purchase of indoor living plants in municipal buildings that reduce indoor air pollution.
(change accepted 9 -0)
Add public education element about these items. (change accepted 9 -0)
Strong and Healthy Community, section Social Justice Last sentence could be improved ( "Promote
retraining of those displaced in the short-term by a shift to a more sustainable economy. "). It could be more
effective in our current economic situation with a rephrase to: "Promote job creation and retraining of those
displaced in the short-term with a shift to a more sustainable economy." (change accepted 9 -0)
Transportation and Mobility, section Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities, subsections Planning and
Riverwalk Both sections mention completion of projects in year 2010. Should they read 2011? Change
language to include "complete and adopt Bike and Pedestrian Plan in 2011" and "Riverwalk
segments completed in 2010 and additional sections to be completed in 2011-12. "(change accepted 9 -0)
Green Economy, Objective. Change to: "Bolster the local economy by attracting sustainable businesses,
green - collar jobs, and encouraging businesses to become more sustainable." (change accepted 9 -0)
Green Economy, section Attracting Green Businesses Add a note on encouraging or seeking out
businesses, such as restaurants or shops that directly sell products for public consumption that are organic
and /or sustainable. (change accepted 9 -0)
Sustainable Government, section Purchasing Currently states, "Continue to use recycled paper whenever
applicable." Could go on to say, "Encourage 100% post- consumer recycled content." Can we give a
mention to vegetable -based inks, or is this not feasible for municipal functions? (change accepted 9 -0)
Kim Biedermann:
Overall, I think the plan looks wonderful.
One comment that I have is that the green jobs documents written by Jim Resick may perhaps be attached at
the end of the plan, if we think we'll have other back -up documents as well. I'm just not sure if I would
2 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
necessarily place them right within the plan. Jan Scalpone stated the Steering Committee did not intend
for this to be included but it could be incorporated later in the document.
Justin Mitchell:
Initial Goal and Objectives section: Sustainable Development - add "and grounds" to the end after "into
buildings" (change accepted 9 -0)
Initial Goal and Objectives section: Transportation and Mobility - add "and promote" after "Enhance"
(change accepted 9 -0)
Initial Goal and Objectives section: Sustainable Government - remove "cost- effective" and change to
economically feasible. (change accepted 8- 2- Bogden Muetzel and Barney voting against)
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph after "like Wisconsin, which has no ", replace "fossil fuel" with coal, oil, or"
(note we do have wood.) (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph after "Independence is a call to develop state" insert "and local" (change
retracted by Mitchell)
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph - remove "There are environmental costs to developing these local sources,
but ". (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph after "avoiding pollution that" replace "affects" with "negatively impacts"
Energy Section 3rd paragraph - poorly written starting with "Ways to finance ". This part should be re-
written in a more concise manner with a shorter sentence structure. (change accepted 9 -0 but Board
requests the Steering Committee clarify what "ways to finance" means)
Energy Policies 1. after "Encourage the wider use of Energy Star ", insert "and other sustainable" (change
accepted 9 -0)
Energy Policies 1. after "Promote government assistance programs to winterize houses" insert "and
apartments" and after "for eligible homeowners" insert "and renters ". Delete the remainder of the sentence
"usually........ possible ". (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy Policies 1: after "WPS incentives and assistance for energy conservation projects. Promote" delete
"one or a few common ". (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy Policies 1: At the end, add a sentence "Promote methods and best practices that individuals can
implement concerning responsible energy usage." (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy Policies 1: "Promote Foeus on Energy and WPS incentives and assistance for energy
conservation projects such as Focus on Energy and WPS." (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy Policies 3: Remove "Transportation is a large..... buildings ". Either delete or move up to Energy
Overview section - not in policies (change retracted by Mitchell)
Energy 5 Renewable Energy: after "Encourage" insert "and support the" (change accepted 9 -0)
3 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Energy 6 Government Commitments" At the end, add "Pursue additional beneficial commitments to a
sustainable community and implement maintain existing commitments (such as Tree City USA and Bird
City Wisconsin)." In addition, add this to the Sustainable Government section of the Plan. (change
accepted 9 -0)
Energy 7. Public and Business Awareness - get rid of "raising" in the header. (change accepted 9 -0)
Energy 7. Public and Business Awareness - add the following partners: national - EPA, HUD; local - East
Central Wisconsin Regional Planning, Oshkosh Housing Authority (change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Community Gardens — Insert at end: "Promote garden opportunities throughout community"
(change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Sustainable Gardening: after "promote these rules" insert "and best practices through
workshops, handouts, and demonstrations" (change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Greenhouses: Replace "go organic" with "implement organic and environmentally sensitive
methods" (change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Greenhouses: Replace "iffy" with "uncertain" (change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Zoning Ordinance etc: Remove last sentence "consider regulations determining..." and
replace with "develop brochure for best practice for composting" and also add to Food Education section
(change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Farmer's Markets ": Insert at end "Ensure that participation in markets continue to remain
affordable and accessible" (change accepted 9 -0)
Local Food: Grocery Store: Remove last sentence "Coops build community..." and expand the
introduction paragraph to detail coops, farmer's markets, gardens, etc. (change accepted 6- 3- Poeschl,
Scalpone and Barney voting no)
Leeal Food (note this ex pands l.°.,.,n foo d) Add to Green Economy: Add additional section: "Buy
Oshkosh: Evaluate the potential for creation of a buy Oshkosh promotional campaign similar to the state of
Wisconsin's Something Special From Wisconsin program." (change accepted 9 -0)
Chair Mitchell stated the remaining comments will be addressed at the February meeting and if anyone has
any additional comments to please forward them to Robin Leslie by January 20
Bob Poeschl left the meeting.
2010 GOALS REVIEW /2011 GOAL SETTING
Chair Mitchell reiterated the resolution creating the Board and its responsibilities and duties. He stated the
Board's responsibilities are to advise the City Manager and Common Council on sustainability issues
affecting municipal operations and the community at large. He also stated their duties were as follows:
1. Promote sustainability in the community; 2. Advise the City Manager and Common Council on existing
and proposed City Ordinances and actions and State and Federal regulations pertaining to sustainability; 3.
Facilitate citizen and agency input pertaining to sustainability; and 4. Collaborate in the development and
monitor implementation of a Community Sustainability Plan.
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The Board then discussed establishing goals for 2011. The following were selected according to priority:
Category: Expand/Improve Natural Areas (6 votes)
Goals:
1. Natural area in Menominee Park
2. Encourage native perennials on City of Oshkosh sites
3. Take action on natural environment section of environmental conservation section in Sustainability
Plan (start committee)
4. Create streetscape tree /terrace tree ordinance and get it passed
5. Expand park space
Category: Waste Reduction (6 votes)
Goals:
1. Work on waste reduction through composting, volume -based garbage system and more plastic
recycling
2. Promote ban on Styrofoam containers and plastic bags and instead encourage use of biodegradables.
3. Create cloth bag campaign (e.g. work with "x" number of stores that will offer "x %" discount if
cloth bag is used
4. Create ban on plastic water bottles
5. Community buy -in to significantly reduce paper /plastic bag usage
Category: Water Quality (5 votes)
Goals:
1. Water Star or similar program certification
2. Stop -A -Leak program
3. Shoreland restoration/explore grants for shoreland restoration project for Lake Winnebago
4. Create ban on use of harmful chemicals/Miller's Bay chemical reduction
5. Prepare brochure to protect water quality
6. Identify a municipal building that may be suitable for a green roof project and establish a timeframe
7. Create rainwater project at City Hall /rain water projects
8. Develop signage program for stormwater projects
Category: ICLEI, LEED, ENERGY STAR (2 votes)
Goals:
1. Encourage City of Oshkosh adoption of LEED
2. Complete ICLEI Milestones 1 -3
3. Take ENERGY STAR challenge for communities, join ENERGY STAR and develop programs to
engage community
4. Implement Oshkosh Common Council Resolutions 07 -262 (MCPA) and 08 -295 (ICLEI) and apply
to whole community and municipal operations
Category: Bike/Ped Plan (2 votes)
Goals:
1. Complete, adopt and implement Bike/Ped Plan
Category: Community Gardens (2 votes)
Goals:
1. Identify one school to serve as an example for a small community garden
2. Work with City to identify (3) possible areas for permanent community gardens
5 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Category: Buy local (1 vote)
Goals:
1. Research and publish green business directory for Oshkosh
2. Develop "Buy Oshkosh" program
Category: Complete Sustainability Plan (1 vote)
Goals:
1. Complete plan and gain approval by Council
2. Use GHG inventory and software for cost /benefit analysis, prioritization and budgeting
Category: Awareness and Promotion (0 votes)
Goals:
1. Promote active partnerships with Focus on Energy, ENERGY STAR, UWO and local businesses
2. Increase communication with other City boards and City departments
3. Community clean -up day
4. Increase public awareness of sustainability issues
5. Develop plan for public involvement and education for sustainability issues
Category: Municipal Purchasing (0 votes)
NEXT MEETING
Chair Mitchell reminded the Board the next regularly scheduled meeting was Monday, February 7 th at 4:00
pm and that the Board would continue the discussion of the Sustainability Plan change recommendations
and the review of 2010 and 2011 goals.
ADJOURN
Motion by Margy Davey and second by Kim Biedermann to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting
adjourned at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Leslie
Principal Planner
6 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Item 4. Focus on Energy Recommendation
TO: City Manager Mark Rohloff/Department Heads
FROM: Sustainability Advisory Board
RE: Focus on Energy Recommendation
DATE: December 17, 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.
7 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Item 7. Update on Draft Sustainability Plan Chapters
Margy Davey:
Chapter on Environmental Conservation: Waterway protection: Pollution control and habitat protection
Ban municipal, commercial, and residential use of coal tar based pavement sealcoat, as it contains
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and have been
proven to be toxic to fish and other aquatic life as well as a contributor to asthma and heart disease in
humans; encourage use of asphalt based pavement sealcoat instead, when necessary.
I have also looked at the proposed resolution to reduce obesity and promote community health, and feel it's
already covered by the Sustainability Plan. Here's why:
(From the resolution): ... the City should strive through its land use decisions (see Sustainability Chapter
Strong and Healthy Community: Health and urban land use) to promote community health, prevent and
reduce obesity, and provide access to healthy food (see Sustainability Chapter Local Food) and physical
activity (see Sustainability Chapter Strong and Healthy Community: Active lifestyles) for all neighborhoods
in the City ...
Michelle Bogden Muetzel:
Local Food, section Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code Revisions Current language states, "Review
small animal ordinances and consider allowing chickens, rabbits, and ducks in residential and other
districts." This could use clarification if the intent is slaughter and food consumption of said animals.
Perhaps mention of possible change in ordinances or setting safety regulations towards this end if that is the
intent.
Atmosphere, section Indoor Air Quality Add discouraging or banning use of paints with high levels of
VOCs, flame retardants, hazardous cleaning products, and other chemicals that hamper air quality. Perhaps
encourage purchase of indoor living plants in municipal buildings that reduce indoor air pollution.
Managing Waste Minor typing error -- second paragraph has the first sentence typed twice.
Strong and Healthy Community, section Social Justice Last sentence could be improved ( "Promote
retraining of those displaced in the short-term by a shift to a more sustainable economy. "). It could be more
effective in our current economic situation with a rephrase to: "Promote job creation and retraining of those
displaced in the short-term with a shift to a more sustainable economy."
Transportation and Mobility, section Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities, subsections Planning and
Riverwalk Both sections mention completion of projects in year 2010. Should they read 2011?
Green Economy, Objective. Change to: "Bolster the local economy by attracting sustainable businesses,
green- collar jobs, and encouraging businesses to become more sustainable."
Green Economy, section Attracting Green Businesses Add a note on encouraging or seeking out
businesses, such as restaurants or shops, that directly sell products for public consumption that are organic
and /or sustainable.
8 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Sustainable Government, section Purchasing Currently states, "Continue to use recycled paper whenever
applicable." Could go on to say, "Encourage 100% post- consumer recycled content." Can we give a
mention to vegetable -based inks, or is this not feasible for municipal functions?
Kim Biedermann:
Overall, I think the plan looks wonderful.
One comment that I have is that the green jobs documents written by Jim Resick may perhaps be attached at
the end of the plan, if we think we'll have other back -up documents as well. I'm just not sure if I would
necessarily place them right within the plan.
Also, just a little thing I noticed is at the top of pg. 14, freecycle is mentioned, but it's listed as freecycle,org
(with a comma).
Justin Mitchell:
Initial Goal and Objectives section: Sustainable Development - add "and grounds" to the end after "into
buildings"
Initial Goal and Objectives section: Transportation and Mobility - add "and promote" after "Enhance"
Initial Goal and Objectives section: Sustainable Government - remove "cost- effective"
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph after "like Wisconsin, which has no ", replace "fossil fuel" with coal, oil, or"
(note we do have wood.)
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph after "Independence is a call to develop state" insert "and local"
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph - remove "There are environmental costs to developing these local sources,
but".
Energy Section: 2nd paragraph after "avoiding pollution that" replace "affects" with "negatively impacts"
Energy Section 3rd paragraph - poorly written starting with "Ways to finance ". This part should be re-
written in a more concise manner with a shorter sentence structure.
Energy Policies 1. after "Encourage the wider use of Energy Star ", insert "and other sustainable"
Energy Policies 1. after "Promote government assistance programs to winterize houses" insert "and
apartments" and after "for eligible homeowners" insert "and renters ". Delete the remainder of the sentence
"usually........ possible ".
Energy Policies 1: after "WPS incentives and assistance for energy conservation projects. Promote" delete
"one or a few common ".
Energy Policies 1: At the end, add a sentence "Promote methods and best practices that individuals can
implement concerning responsible energy usage."
Energy Policies 3: Remove "Transportation is a large..... buildings ". Either delete or move up to Energy
Overview section - not in policies
9 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Energy 5 Renewable Energy: after "Encourage" insert "and support the"
Energy 6 Government Commitments" At the end, add "Pursue additional beneficial commitments to a
sustainable community and implement existing commitments (such as Tree City USA and Bird City
Wisconsin)"
Energy 7. Public and Business Awareness - get rid of "raising" in the header.
Energy 7. Public and Business Awareness - add the following partners: national - EPA, HUD; local - East
Central Wisconsin Regional Planning, Oshkosh Housing Authority
Local Food: Community Gardens — Insert at end: "Promote garden opportunities throughout community"
Local Food: Sustainable Gardening: after "promote these rules" insert "and best practices through
workshops, handouts, and demonstrations"
Local Food: Greenhouses: Replace "go organic" with "implement organic and environmentally sensitive
methods"
Local Food: Greenhouses: Replace "iffy" with "uncertain"
Local Food: Zoning Ordinance etc: Remove last sentence "consider regulations determining..."
Local Food: Farmer's Markets ": Insert at end "Ensure that participation in markets continue to remain
affordable and accessible"
Local Food: Grocery Store: Remove last sentence "Coops build community..."
Local Food (note this expands beyond food): Add additional section: "Buy Oshkosh: Evaluate the potential
for creation of a buy Oshkosh promotional campaign similar to the state of Wisconsin's Something Special
From Wisconsin program. "
Environmental Conservation: Replace "the watershed drains almost 12 percent of the state" with a sentence
that describes what watershed and what it means to drain 12 percent of the state ". The current sentence is
uninformative and unhelpful.
Environmental Conservation: after "lakes classified as impaired water" insert "by the Wisconsin DNR"
Environmental Conservation: replace "an outcome of the visioning process" with "as supported by the 2010
Vision Oshkosh community survey"
Environmental Conservation: Replace choice with voluntary, and reduce the repetition of this theme, as it
doesn't contribute value to the section
Environmental Conservation Waterways Protection: Impervious Surfaces: add at end " Continue reduction
of road width efforts and explore single -side on -road parking"
Environmental Conservation Waterways Protection: Pollution control and habitat protection" - after "city
shoreland to protect against polluted run -off, discourage geese" add "improve aquatic habitat,"
10 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Environmental Conservation Waterways Protection: Citizen safety: After first sentence, add the following
sentence: "Develop a process for identifying and resolving water pollution issues"
Environmental Conservation Water Conservation: Water Efficiencies: insert " Offer innovative incentives
for residential, commercial, and industrial water conservation improvements such as low -flow showerheads,
low -flow restaurant dish sprayers, and other proven conservation measures"
Environmental Conservation Natural Environment — natural look: after "such as gateways" insert "and the
hwy 41 corridor"
Environmental Conservation Natural Environment — add at the end "Continue the development of new park
space in residential neighborhoods without access to a neighborhood park"
Environmental Conservation Natural Environment: after "replacement during development" insert "adopt a
tree planting policy to require appropriate placement of trees during all road construction"
Atmosphere: after "diminish our health" insert "harm wildlife,"
Atmosphere: remove "people spend most of their time indoors"
Atmosphere: replace "construction equipment and power tools" with "human activity"
Atmosphere: List the companies that contribute 98% of toxic air emissions — other communities list the
business they intend to closely collaborate with, and we should too. This isn't a negative, rather an indicator
that can be referenced when significant improvements continue to be achieved
Atmosphere: Why is there no data present on allergen prevalence in schools, or asthma in school children,
or lead poisoning in school children (often from breathing lead dust)? Further, why is there no data on the
frequency of traffic (has it increased or decreased, which relates to air pollution"
Atmosphere: I have not had a chance to review the data from the DNR, but I recall numerous times when
the air quality for Winnebago County was determined to be less than "good ". I will attempt to follow up
with the data for the meeting. If contrary documentation is identified, I will present a correction to the listed
data in the report
Atmosphere: Air quality Improvements: at the end of the first sentence, add "through incentives, technical
support, and collaboration with UW Oshkosh and Fox Valley Technical College."
Atmosphere: Air quality Improvements: insert "actively promote and enforce backyard burning restrictions
and regulations" at the end.
Atmosphere: Indoor Air Quality: add sentence at end "develop innovative programs to educate and assist
homeowners, landlords, and renters in resolving indoor air quality issues and preventing potential hazards"
Atmosphere — question that if we include noise pollution, why not light pollution?
Managing waste: no reference to pollution leaching into water
Staff-
111 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
Government section - verbiage about the use of zero or low -VOC paint, glues, materials in City buildings
(existing and new).
Administrative Services Comments:
the Mcinstry study to audit municipal buildings and create a plan for energy savings. Several Facility
Improvement Measures(FIM) 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, 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.
Policies:
Administering Sustainab
sustainable activities. Incorporate sustainability
responsibilities in job descriptions for relevant city staff Forma green team of representatives from each
department under direction of the Sustainability Coordinator Dir-ee to evaluate and implement internal
sustainable actions. When the Sustainability Plan is completed ufge seek adoption by the Common Council.
Suggest fespensibility lies with the Stistainability Advisefy Boafd to move the plan ,
pfevide infer-mation for- the publie and review peffinent resolutions going before the Coniffien Ce
Continue to involve the public in sustainability activity through the Web site, on line 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.
Green Building. Adopt the As fiscal resources permit, adapt the LEED Green Building Rating System and
Energy Star label for new municipal buildings, additions and renovations. Consider adaptive reuse of
existing buildings as first priority for expanded municipal space. Use local and recycled building materials
when possible. 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 plantings at municipal facilities with perennial native species.
Purchasing. Develop a purchasing policy that incorporates preferences for sustainable purchasing. Mopt
When possible, utilize 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 should be an option rather than relying solely on the low bid process. Modify Develop requests for
proposals, specification and contract language to °: stff—° promote sustainable energy pfeeedufes ^
practices as an integral part of each project. Adopt purchasing policies for Enefgy St procuring equipment,
computers and appliances that consider and promote energy savings €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. Continue to use recycled paper
wherever applicable. Continue to encourage use of electronic documents and email rather than generating
paper copies. Continue to work with vendors to reduce packaging. Continue to buy local when possible.
Eventually reduce or eliminate non -green products and cleaners. Continue to partner in shared purchasing
ventures.
Environmental Considerations. Review and 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 bottled water by inst filtef s in tap s. Implement a fleet replacement program
12 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
incorporating the use of hybrid, electric, flex -fuel 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
Follow standardized environmental management procedures, such as ISO 14001.
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, o - ff- .-ing ineentive for use of public transit, biking, and ride - sharing. Continue to
provide a wellness program and maintain efforts to become certified as a Well Workplace. Provide a living
wage appropriate compensation for all city employees. Empower employees to think creatively, generate
ideas, and share suggestions on municipal sustainability.
13 1 January 3, 2011 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes