HomeMy WebLinkAboutAction Plan 201210 | Oshkosh Sustainability Plan ACTION PLAN FOR 2012 An action plan provides direction for accomplishing the objectives of the Sustainability Plan. For the 2012 Action Plan, the Sustainability Plan Steering Committee has selected policies for each objective. These are intended to be implemented in the short, medium and long term according to the order they are liste d. The action items will be reviewed by the city’s Sustainability Advisory Board, who will set targets, assign responsibilities, and prepare an annual report. The annual report will sh ow progress not only of Action Plan items, but of the many other policies in the Sustai nability Plan that may be guiding day to day activities. The Sustainability Advisory Board w ill also update the Action Plan annually with input from staff, City Council and citizens. Goal: Improve the quality of life in the city of Oshkosh by incorporating sustainability practices to meet the environmental, economic and s ocial needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to m eet their own needs. Objectives and Policies Energy: Foster energy conservation and local energy production from renewable resources 1. Complete ICLEI Milestone 1. 2. Publicize accomplishments of the McKinstry Plan as they are implemented. 3. Investigate funding sources for energy conservation projects. 4. Consider installation of a solar project or a small wind turbine at a municipal facility. Local Food: Promote local food production, sales and consumptio n . 1. Identify one school to serve as an example for a sm all community garden project 2. Provide educational signage for existing community gardens. 3. Draft changes to the zoning ordinance to address co mmunity gardens as permitted or conditional land uses in all zoning districts. 4. Work with residents to identify and convert vacant or city-owned land for neighborhood food plots and gardens.
11 | Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Environmental Conservation: Protect and enhance the city's natural resources. 1. Continue to follow the Capital Improvement Program in implementing stormwater management plans to meet Clean Water Act standards. 2. Complete second phase of shoreland restoration proj ect at Millers Bay. 3. Convert city-owned areas with annual plantings to perennial plants and plant native species when poss ible. 4. Create an ordinance regulating the application and sale of sealcoat products containing coal tar. Atmosphere: Provide a safe and healthy atmosphere for people, n ature and the planet. 1. Work with the Council to approve a terrace tree ord inance. 2. Develop guidelines for citizens to petition for qui et zones, quiet seasons or quiet times in their neighborhoods. 3. Take ENERGY STAR challenge for communities, join EN ERGY STAR and develop programs to engage community. Managing Waste: Promote awareness, reduce initial consumption, prom ote reuse, increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of s ubstances entering landfills. 1. Create composting ordinance. 2. Explore partnership with the EPA WasteWise program. 3. Create incentives to promote zero-waste events. 4. Develop a plan to reduce waste (e.g., paper bags, p lastic bottles, plastic bags, e-waste, Styrofoam) and encourage the use of biodegradables. 5. Develop cloth bag program. Safe and Healthy Community: Promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic diversity; provide safety and protect citize ns from disease. 1. Continue to monitor results of beach testing progra m. 2. Continue to support park and recreational facilitie s that promote an active lifestyle. 3. Encourage local employers to meet criteria for Well Workplace designation.
12 | Oshkosh Sustainability Plan Land Use and Development: Guide and promote sustainable city-wide development patterns and incorporate sustainable features into buildings . 1. Continue investing for long-range revitalization of neighborhoods. 2. Collaborate with NeighborWorks and neighborhood ass ociations on neighborhood clean-up days. 3. Design the new city garage to meet Leadership in En ergy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards or similar program. 4. Create a collaborative inventory of existing vacant buildings, promote adaptive reuse and establish working committee for these items. Transportation and Mobility: Enhance and promote mobility alternatives to the automobile; design safe, efficient and environmenta lly sound transportation infrastructure; and connect to other local and regi onal networks. 1. Place a high priority on completion of the Riverwal k. 2. Continue bicycle lane striping and installation of bike route signs as recommended in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan. 3. Support implementation of connector and evening transit service. Economic Development: Bolster the local economy by attracting sustainable businesses and green-collar jobs, and encouraging existing bus inesses to become more sustainable. 1. Create a sustainable best practices document to han d out to event planners. 2. Encourage adoption of green building practices for new construction and renovation of existing businesses. 3. Create a “Buy Local” campaign to encourage resident s to spend more locally and to educate them about the benefits of keeping their mo ney in the Oshkosh area. Government: Lead by example and foster sustainability policies and actions for cost-effective, socially responsible and environmentally sound governmental practices to meet community needs. 1. Develop an environmentally-friendly and socially re sponsible purchasing policy. 2. Support a recommendation for a green roof for the p roposed central garage project. 3. Create a demonstration site for a rainwater project at a city-owner facility
13 | Oshkosh Sustainability Plan 4. Form a Green Team representing departments, designa te a sustainability coordinator, and hire an intern to implement sustainability acti vities and promote public awareness 5. Develop a signage program for stormwater projects 6. Adopt a green building rating system for new munici pal buildings, additions and renovations.