HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Plan DraftOshkosh Sustainability Plan
Draft
4 -19 -11
Sustainability Plan Steering Committee
Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board
Kim Biedermann
Margy Davey
Jan Scalpone
Oshkosh Plan Commission
David Borsuk
Ed Bowen
Oshkosh Community
John Casper, Director, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
Scott L. Hanson, Account Executive, Wisconsin Public Service
Randal Johnston, Director of Building and Grounds, Oshkosh Area School District
Mike Lizotte, Director of Sustainability, UW Oshkosh
Shirley Mattox, Citizen
Oshkosh City Council
Bob Poeschl
City of Oshkosh
Darryn Burich, Planning Director
John Fitzpatrick, Director of Administrative Services
Robin Leslie, Principal Planner
Ray Maurer, Parks Director
David Patek, Public Works Director
Chris Strong, Transportation /Transit Director
This document was drafted in sections over a 14 month period by citizen members of the Sustainability Plan Steering
Committee and reviewed by the full committee. It is modeled on the City ofEau Claire Comprehensive Plan
Sustainability Chapter.
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GLOSSARY
25x25: a rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for America — to get 25 percent of our energy from renewable
resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025.
adaptive reuse:
alternative transportation: for the purpose of this document alternative (and/or sustainable) modes of transportation
include transportation by public transit (bus or rail), bicycle, walking, or alternative fuel vehicles.
benchmarks:
biodegradable:
biodigester:
biofilters:
biofuels:
biomass:
Bird City Wisconsin:
brownfield:
business incubator:
carbon footprint:
climate action plan (CAP): is a customized roadmap to reduce global warming pollution by the target that your city has
identified. The CAP includes an implementation timeline for reduction measures, costs and financing mechanisms,
assignments to city departments, and actions the city must implement to achieve its target. The inventory and
quantification of existing climate protection measures helps guide a city to understand where they can get the largest
emissions reductions. The majority of measures in a CAP fall into energy management, transportation, waste reduction
and land use categories.
climate change:
community garden:
compost:
conditional land use:
conservancy area:
cool, green or white roof:
ecology:
energy conservation:
energy independence:
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ENERGY STAR:
e- waste:
extraterritorial review:
Facility Improvement Measures (FIMs):
farmland preservation:
flexible -fuel vehicle (FFV): or dual -fuel vehicle (colloquially called a flex -fuel vehicle) is an alternative fuel vehicle
with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or
methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank. hydrogen.
Focus on Energy: Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective
energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement
projects that otherwise would not get completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin
residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in -state economic development, protect our environment
and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas.
food co -op: a grocery store organized as a cooperative. Food cooperatives are usually consumers' cooperatives and are
owned by their members. Food cooperatives follow the 7 Cooperative Principles (voluntary and open membership,
democratic member control, member economic control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence,
education, training and information, cooperation among cooperatives and concern for community) and typically offer
natural foods.
fossil fuels: are fuels formed by natural resources such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms. The age of
the organisms and their resulting fossil fuels is typically millions of years. The fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and
natural gas. Fossil fuels are non - renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and reserves are being
depleted much faster than new ones are being made.
Full Cost Accounting (FCA): generally refers to the process of collecting and presenting information - about
environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits /advantages (collectively known as the "triple bottom line ") - for
each proposed alternative when a decision is necessary. It is a conventional method of cost accounting that traces direct
costs and allocates indirect costs.
geothermal energy: is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is energy that determines the
temperature of matter. Earth's geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive
decay of minerals, from volcanic activity, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface. The geothermal gradient, which
is the difference in temperature between the core of the planet and its surface, drives a continuous conduction of thermal
energy in the form of heat from the core to the surface.
green: for the purpose of this document, green is used as shorthand to refer to any environmentally preferable product,
activity, service or process.
green power: a subset of renewable energy and represents those renewable energy resources and technologies that
provide the highest environmental benefit. EPA defines green power as electricity produced from solar, wind, geothermal,
biogas, biomass, and low- impact small hydroelectric sources. Customers often buy green power for avoided
environmental impacts and its greenhouse gas reduction benefits.
green or sustainable business: is enterprise that has no negative impact on the global or local environment, community,
society, or economy —a business that strives to meet the triple bottom line.
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green team: for the purpose of this document, green team is used to describe a team of City department representatives
chosen to lead sustainability initiatives for the City of Oshkosh.
greenhouse gas (GHG)- are natural and manmade gases in the earth's atmosphere that allow incoming solar radiation to
pass through the atmosphere and warm the earth but trap radiant heat given off by the earth. The radiant heat absorbed by
these gases heats the atmosphere. This is a natural process known as the "greenhouse effect" that keeps the earth
habitable. The four primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO) and
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Since the onset of the industrial period, human activities have lead to sharp increases in the
levels of GHGs in the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and contributing to rising global temperatures.
greenhouse gas inventory:
greenhouse gas reduction targets:
greenhouse gas "sinks ":
growth area:
hybrid vehicle: a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly
refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors
hydration station:
hydropower /hydraulic power or water power: is power that is derived from the force or energy of moving water,
which may be harnessed for useful purposes. Prior to the development of electric power, hydropower was used for
irrigation, and operation of various machines, such as watermills, textile machines, sawmills, dock cranes, and domestic
lifts.
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI): is an association of over 1220 local government
members who are committed to sustainable development. They provide technical consulting, training and information
services to build capacity, share knowledge and support local government in the implementation of sustainable
development at the local level.
impervious surface: are mainly artificial structures- -such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots)
that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, and stone - -and rooftops. Soils compacted by
urban development are also highly impervious.
Industrial Ecology (IE): is the study of material and energy flows through industrial systems. The global industrial
economy can be modeled as a network of industrial processes that extract resources from the Earth and transform those
resources into commodities which can be bought and sold to meet the needs of humanity. Industrial ecology seeks to
quantify the material flows and document the industrial processes that make modern society function. Industrial ecologists
are often concerned with the impacts that industrial activities have on the environment, with use of the planet's supply of
natural resources, and with problems of waste disposal. Industrial ecology is a young but growing multidisciplinary field
of research which combines aspects of engineering, economics, sociology, toxicology and the natural sciences.
infill: is the use of land within a built -up area for further construction, especially as part of a community redevelopment or
growth management program or as part of smart growth. It focuses on the reuse and repositioning of obsolete or
underutilized buildings and sites.
Integrated Management
invasive species: non - native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to
cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other
organisms (e.g., microbes). Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions.
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International Organization for Standardization (ISO): promotes the development and implementation of voluntary
international standards, both for particular products and for environmental management issues.
ISO 14000/14001: ISO 14000 refers to a series of voluntary standards in the environmental field under development by
ISO. Included in the ISO 14000 series are the ISO 14001 EMS Standard and other standards in fields such as
environmental auditing, environmental performance evaluation, environmental labeling, and life -cycle assessment. The
EMS and auditing standards are now final. The others are in various stages of development.
land banking:
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) (Leadership in Energy &
Environmental Design): A rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) that sets
definitive standards for what constitutes a green or environmentally preferable building. The certification system is self -
assessing and is designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and high -rise residential buildings. It
evaluates environmental performance of the entire building over the building's life cycle. LEED certifications are
awarded at various levels (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) according to a point -based scoring system.
light- emitting diode (LED): is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are
increasingly used for other lighting.
Life -Cycle Design: is a framework that recognizes each step in product development from extraction of raw materials
through final disposal of all residuals. It focuses on discovering and reducing environmental impacts.
Life -Cycle Cost (LCC): A life cycle assessment (LCA, also known as life cycle analysis, ecobalance, and cradle -to-
grave analysis) is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from -
cradle -to -grave (i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and
maintenance, and disposal or recycling).
McKinstry Study
mixed -use development: developments which incorporate both residential and commercial uses.
Nanomaterials
Native Vegetation: plant species native to the northeastern Wisconsin bioregion.
Organic
Overlay District
Pay -As- You -Throw Policy
Payback
Permitted Land Use
Polycyclic Aromic Hydrocarbon (PAHs)
Potable Water: suitable for drinking
Programmable Thermostats
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
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Radon
Rain Barrel
Rain Garden
Redevelopment Authority
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
RENEW Wisconsin: a nonprofit organization that promotes clean energy strategies for powering the state's economy in
an environmentally responsible manner.
Renewable Energy
Roundabout
Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS): a program that enables community leaders, schools and parents across the United States
to improve safety and encourage more children, including children with disabilities, to safely walk and bicycle to school.
In the process, programs are working to reduce traffic congestion and improve health and the environment, making
communities more livable for everyone
Seasonal Load Control
Single Stream Recycling
Smart Growth
Solar Energy
Stratopheric Ozone Layer
Subsurface Drainage Chamber
sustainable: can mean slightly different things depending on the context in which it is used. For the purpose of this
document,
Tax Incremental Financing District (TIF):
Telecommuting:
total maximum daily load (TMDL): a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive
and still safely meet water quality standards.
Tot Lots:
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR):
Travel Green Wisconsin: a Wisconsin Department of Tourism program that promotes smart, environmentally friendly
business practices. The program is the first state - sponsored sustainable tourism certification program in the nation and has
become a model for sustainable travel efforts across the nation.
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Tree City USA: a program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and
the National Association of State Foresters, that provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national
recognition for urban and community forestry programs in thousands of towns and cities that more than 135 million
Americans call home.
Triple Bottom Line
U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement: participating cities commit to take following three actions
to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities; urge their state governments, and the federal
government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the
United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and urge the U.S. Congress to pass the
bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system.
urban growth boundary(UGB) or urban service area: a regional boundary, set in an attempt to control urban sprawl by
mandating that the area inside the boundary be used for higher density urban development and the area outside be used for
lower density development. An urban growth boundary circumscribes an entire urbanized area and is used by local
governments as a guide to zoning and land use decisions.
Vision Oshkosh 2010: an A. Nelessen Associates report which identified and analyzed emerging trends and community
issues, articulated core community values, developed a community vision based on communities' core values and
established a vision action plan to implement the vision, and defined a method to revisit and update the vision and action
plan
WasteCap Wisconsin: a nonprofit, industry supported 501(c)(3) organization that provides waste reduction and recycling
assistance to businesses. WasteCap assists and encourages companies to effectively drive costs out of their operations
through improved solid waste management practices. Services are made possible through membership, sponsorship, and
grants.
watershed: the area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place.
Well City USA: an initiative designed to engage entire business communities in improving the health and well -being of
their workforce. Similar in approach to Well Workplace, the primary requirement for achieving a Well City USA
designation is that 20 percent of any community's working population must be employed by either Small Business,
Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum designated Well Workplace Award winning companies.
Well Workplace: Seven -step, benchmarking initiative by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) which gives
organizations a roadmap to successfully build results- oriented wellness programs into their working environments while
avoiding common pitfalls.
wind energy: the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity,
wind mills for mechanical power, wind pumps for pumping water or drainage, or sails to propel ships.
Wisconsin Energy Independent Community: a voluntary agreement between the State of Wisconsin and communities
that adopt the State's 25x25 goals (a rallying cry for renewable energy and a goal for America — to get 25 percent of our
energy from renewable resources like wind, solar, and biofuels by the year 2025).
zero waste: recycling or reuse of all natural and man made materials back into nature or the marketplace rather than
sending those materials landfills or similar disposal options.
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Goal and Objectives
Goal:
Improve the quality of life in the City of Oshkosh by incorporating sustainability practices to meet the
environmental, economic and social needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
Objectives:
Energy: Foster energy conservation and local energy production from renewable resources.
Local Food: Promote local food production, sales and consumption.
Environmental Conservation: Protect and enhance the city's natural resources.
Atmosphere: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, nature and the planet.
Managing Waste: Promote awareness, reduce initial consumption, promote reuse, increase recycling rates and reduce the
amount of substances entering landfills.
Strong and Healthy Community: Promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic diversity; provide safety
and protect citizens from disease.
Sustainable Development: Guide and promote sustainable city -wide development patterns and incorporate sustainable
features into buildings and grounds.
Transportation and Mobility: Enhance and promote mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient and
environmentally sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regional networks.
Green Economy: Bolster the local economy by attracting sustainable businesses, green - collar jobs and encouraging
existing businesses to become more sustainable by incorporating the triple -bottom line into their business practices.
Sustainable Government: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost - effective, socially
responsible and environmentally sound governmental practices to meet community needs.
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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 coal, oil, natural gas or uranium resources, Energy
Independence is a call to develop state and local energy resources that build local economies. Wisconsin -based renewable
energy resources include sun, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. All are renewable. Shifting away from fossil
fuels has the significant benefits of avoiding pollution that negative impacts 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 (this needs clarification). 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 and other sustainable - 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 and apartments for eligible
homeowners and renter so that they are de- stigmatized and used to the maximum extent possible. Promote incentives and
assistance for energy conservation projects such as Focus on Energy and WPS. Promote 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). Promote methods and best practices that individuals can implement concerning responsible energy usage.
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.
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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 and support 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 fire pits provide
negligible heat with far larger pollution impacts and safety risks than safe and efficient stoves and furnaces that meet EPA
certification standards.
Public and Business Awareness- raising: Partner for educational purposes with national and statewide groups (Focus on
Energy, RENEW Wisconsin, ENERGY STAR, Energy Center of Wisconsin, WDNR, WPS, EPA, HUD) and
organizations in the community that can provide leadership and resources (Winnebago County, ADVOCAP, Chamber of
Commerce, UW Oshkosh, FVTC, OASD, ECWRPC, OHA). 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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Local 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.
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 and best practices through workshops, handouts and demonstrations.
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 implement organic and environmentally sensitive methods. 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
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greenhouses in residential as well as other districts. Review small animal ordinances for non - slaughter food production 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 areas.
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. Ensure that participation in markets is
affordable and accessible.
Temporary Food Stands. 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.
Food Education. Employ the city's sustainability web site 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 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. Develop a best - practices brochure for composting.
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Environmental Conservation
The city's natural resources provide a variety of necessary functions. The watershed drains almost 12 percent of the state
from two large rivers, the Fox and the Wolf so the water quality is affected by people and events far from Oshkosh. 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 by the Wisconsin DNR based on criteria in the Federal
Clean Water Act. 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. The city aims to improve its natural
appearance and plant more trees as supported by the 2010 Vision Oshkosh community survey. Both the regulatory and
voluntary 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 often a spot tourists
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, TMDLs 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.
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. Continue efforts to reduce road
width requirements. Explore additional single -sided street parking.
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, improve aquatic habitat, 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
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contaminated sediments in the Fox River to protect water resources. Conserve and protect natural areas, such as Picnic
Point. 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.
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. 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. Develop a
process for identifying and resolving water pollution issues.
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. Offer innovative incentives for residential, commercial and industrial
water conservation improvements such as low -flow plumbing fixtures and other proven conservation measures.
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 and
the Highway 41 corridor, 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. 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. Continue the
development of new park space in residential neighborhoods without access to neighborhood parks.
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.
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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.
Mowing policies. 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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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, harm wildlife, 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
as people spend most of their time indoor„ noise pollution from vehicles, trains, construction equipment, power tools and
other human activity; 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 I% 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:
Air Quality Improvements: 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. 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.
Indoor Air Quality: Review and enforce health ordinances and state and federal laws regarding indoor tobacco smoke,
combustion products, molds, and radon. Discourage or ban use of paints, glues, caulks and other materials with high
levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardants, hazardous cleaning products and other chemicals that may
negatively impact air quality. Encourage purchase of indoor living plants in municipal buildings to reduce air pollution.
Develop innovative programs to educate and assist homeowners, landlords and renters in resolving indoor air quality
issues and preventing potential hazards.
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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).
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).
Greenhouse Gas "Sinks ": 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. Tree planting should be encouraged to maximize the
urban forest cover. Encourage the use of local plant materials (wood, straw, composites, bioplastics) in construction, e.g.
by removing outdated restrictions in building codes. Topsoil erosion should be minimized during construction,
landscaping and gardening.
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.
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Managing Waste
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. 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: 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. 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.
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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
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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Strong 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: 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. Encourage the
location, size, layout, and density of new housing to promote sustainable lifestyles by mixing residential and retail areas
with safe walkingibiking 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 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
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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 the
Dragonboat Races and sailing regattas. 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 job creation and retraining of those displaced in the short-term with a shift to a more sustainable economy.
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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.
Objective: 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: 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
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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. 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 sustainability
site: http: / /www.ci. oshkosh .wi.us /SustainableOshkosh
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 subsiding owner and
rental rehabilitation and first time homebuyers, such as the Community Development Block Grant Program( CDBG), the
state's Home Rental Rehabilitation Program (HOME), the 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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Transportation and Mobility
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: 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
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
WDOT'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.
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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
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. 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.
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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Green 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 existing businesses to become
more sustainable.
Policies:
Green Economic Planning. 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.
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.
Attracting 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. Encourage or
seek out businesses, such as restaurants and shops, that directly sell products that are organic and/or sustainable.
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.
Buying Local. Promote the buying of local and regional products to help strengthen our economy. Evaluate the potential
for the creation of Buy Local promotional campaign similar to the State of Wisconsin's "Something Special From
Wisconsin" program. 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
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government. Promote the sale of local food and drinks at events. Encourage development of unique local shops to foster a
distinct Oshkosh identity. Research and publish a local 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: 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.
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.
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. 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 Government
With almost five percent of the city's working population and more than two dozen city -owned buildings, the city has
numerous opportunities to lead by example in sustainability efforts. This section provides 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 continue 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.
Through an Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG), 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(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.
Objective: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost - effective, socially responsible and
environmentally sound governmental practices to meet community needs.
Policies
Administering Sustainability. Seek the creation of a position responsible for coordination of sustainability activities
reporting to the City Manager. Incorporate sustainability responsibilities in job descriptions for relevant city staff. Forma
green team of representatives from each department under direction of the Sustainability Coordinator to evaluate and
implement internal sustainable actions. When the Sustainability Plan is completed, seek 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 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.
Energy Management. Continue to implement the McKinstry energy improvements, prioritized according to payback
period. Require energy modeling as part of architectural design in all new public building construction to help determine
the greatest efficiencies for energy conservation. Demonstrate a wind turbine or solar energy in a high traffic location to
serve as a model for the community. Provide a biennial update of greenhouse gas inventories 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. As fiscal resources permit, adopt 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.
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Purchasing. Develop a purchasing policy that incorporates preferences for sustainable purchasing. 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 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 procuring equipment, computers and
appliances that consider and promote energy savings (e.g. using ENERGY STARR procurement policies as guidelines).
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. Encourage use of 100% post- consumer recycled content products. 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 Encourage use of city water
(e.g. installation of bubblers, hydration stations, etc.). Implement a fleet replacement program 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.
Communication /Training. Continue to raise awareness and provide training opportunities for 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. Continue to provide a wellness program and
maintain efforts to become certified as a Well Workplace. Provide appropriate compensation for all city employees.
Empower employees to think creatively, generate ideas, and share suggestions on municipal sustainability.
Government Commitments: Maintain membership by the City in ICLEI -Local Governments for Sustainability ( ICLEI).
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 US 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. Pursue additional beneficial
commitments to a more sustainable community and maintain existing commitments (e.g. Tree City USA and Bird City
Wisconsin).
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