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SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
April 4, 2011
Present: Steve Barney, Kimberly Biedermann, Michelle Bogden Muetzel, Bob Breest, Margy Davey,
Justin Mitchell, Bob Poeschl, Jan Scalpone
Excused: Allan Siman
Staff: Robin Leslie, Principle Planner, Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney, Steve Gohde, Assistant
Director of Public Works
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair Justin Mitchell.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVE MINUTES
Motion by Jan Scalpone and second by Kim Biedermann to approve the minutes as amended from the last
meeting. Motion carried 7 -0 ( Breest abstaining).
APPOINTMENT OF NEW VICE -CHAIR
Margy Davey nominated Kim Biedermann. Motion by Jan Scalpone and second by Bob Breest to close
nominations. Ms. Biedermann accepted the nomination. Motion by Jan Scalpone and second by Bob Breest
to appoint Kim Biedermann Vice - Chair. Motion carried 8 -0.
SAB STAFF & PROCESS
At the last meeting, Steve Barney questioned if the Board was losing "power" and if the SAB was losing the
ability to pass resolutions directly to Council for action with the process that was laid out by staff
Lynn Lorenson responded that the City Manager has always controlled the Council agenda or that Council
members may bring items for discussion to the Council meeting. She stated the difference between the SAB
and other boards is that the SAB is an advisory board and not a statutory board, like many of the other City
boards.
VISION OSHKOSH HEALTH RESOLUTION
Bob Poeschl stated he is still working on this item and comparing it to the already completed Community
Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that was just finished by the City and County. He stated a lot of time and
effort has already been put into the CHIP and that the SAB may not need to move the resolution forward.
Mr. Mitchell stated to get in touch with the CHIP contacts.
FOCUS ON ENERGY
Robin Leslie pointed the Board to the memo from Jon Urben giving an update on Focus on Energy, EECBG
and purchasing policies. She stated that she had seen a draft of the purchasing policy and it does include the
SAB's recommendation to consult with Focus on Energy for City projects over $25,000.
TERRACE TREES
Steve Gohde explained the current tree policies and programs including requirements in the special
assessment policy, subdivision ordinance and the Taking Root program where the City Forester is planting
1000 trees per year.
Mr. Mitchell stated the Board was looking for more long -range goals to cover trees outside the Taking Root
program, which may not last forever. Michelle Bogden Muetzel stated the Board already passed a resolution
to create this type of ordinance. Mr. Mitchell stated a follow -up with the City Manager will be requested.
STREET WIDTHS
Mr. Mitchell stated that he provided staff some additional language from the APA to incorporate into the
resolution on municipal street widths. He stated this resolution was not a comprehensive policy for
sustainable street development but that it was only addressing street width, terraces and parking.
Motion by Steve Barney that a clause be added to include language making sidewalks more bike - friendly.
Motion failed.
Motion by Michelle Bogden Muetzel and second by Bob Poeschl to change the bullet point, "Discourage
reductions in side -walk less than 5 feet in width, and take into consideration nearby usage, including
commercial usage, larger crowd gathering such as churches and schools, and other settings and institutions
that produce heavy pedestrian usage" to "heavy pedestrian or alternative non - motorized usage." Motion
passed 8 -0.
Motion by Jan Scalpone and second by Kim Biedermann to add "and native vegetation" to the end of the
bullet point "Develop curbsides to maximize rain water absorption and to reduce rain water runoff,
including exploring the possibilities of bioswales and rain gardens." Motion carried 8 -0
Motion by Bob Breest and second by Margy Davey to approve resolution as amended. Motion carried 8 -0.
PAH CONTENT OF URBAN RUNOFF
Mr. Poeschl handed out some information on PAH at the meeting and stated that he was still working on the
ordinance and that the Board should continue their discussion at the next meeting.
GHG INVENTORY/RESOLUTION
Ms. Leslie stated the GHG resolution was passed onto the City Manager and Departments but that she had
not heard back from anyone.
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
Ms. Leslie stated the plan was very close to completion and that the steering committee was meeting later
this month to finalize an introduction summary and glossary and then the plan would move onto a workshop
with other Boards /Council.
URBAN CHICKENS
Ms. Leslie stated the chicken ordinance was approved and becomes effective July 1 She also stated that
Justin Mitchell is working on a "how to" brochure and that she is working on the license and permission
forms for applicants.
BIKE/PEDESTRIAN PLAN
The Board discussed a memo by David Buck with an update on the status of the Bike/Pedestrian Plan.
NEXT MEETING MONDAY, MAY 2nd.
Chair Mitchell reminded the Board the next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, May 2nd at 4:00 pm.
He also stated he wanted to thank Common Councilors Bob Poeschl, Jessica King and Tony Palmeri for
their work and help to the SAB as their City Council terms are ending this month.
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ADJOURN
Motion by Margy Davey and second by Bob Poeschl to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7 -1 (Barney
voting against). Meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Leslie
Principal Planner
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