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SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
FEBRUARY 6, 2017
PRESENT: Margy Davey, Jan Scalpone, Robert Turner, Tom Pech, Ryan Hamann, Lurton
Blassingame and Jason Kalmbach
EXCUSED: Michelle Bogden Muetzel
STAFF: Elizabeth Williams, Planner
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. and a quorum was declared present.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comment was received.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2016
Motion by Ms. Scalpone and second by Mr. Blassingame to approve minutes as written. Motion carried (7-0).
PRESENTATION: JACKSON/OREGON STREET BRIDGE ALTERNATIVES (ACTION
REQUIRED)
Steve Gohde from the City of Oshkosh Department of Public Works presented seven alternatives for the
proposed Jackson/Oregon Street Bridge Project. The project and final selection of a bridge alternative is being
led by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). Mr. Gohde explained the Common Council is
seeking input from various boards and commissions ahead of recommending an alternative to DOT officials.
Mr. Gohde provided information on each alternative and SAB members discussed the benefits and
disadvantages of each option. After a brief discussion, SAB members recommended Alternative C1 as their first
preferred option and Alternative J2 as their second preferred option.
OVERVIEW OF GREEN TIER LEGACY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
Ms. Williams provided an overview of the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Green Tier
Legacy Communities Program. The program is a network focused on advancing sustainable practices. The
program has been available for five years and multiple municipalities, counties, and associations are involved
across the state. Benefits include access to a single point of contact within the DNR, networking opportunities
with professionals across the state, monthly webinar series, and additional points on grants.
Members agreed that staff should pursue becoming a member of the Green Tier Legacy Communities Program.
Mr. Blassingame recommended staff reach out to member communities to determine their experience with the
program ahead of next month. Ms. Williams agreed to work on the required materials and reach out to member
communities ahead of the March SAB meeting.
2 | February 6, 2017 Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes
UPDATE: GO-TRANSIT BUS SYSTEM
Mr. Hamann provided an update on a recent meeting between Chair Davey, Ms. Williams, Jim Collins
(Transportation Director) and David Vickman (GO-Transit Manager). Mr. Hamann explained that GO-Transit
plans to purchase 10 new diesel buses over the next few years to update their aging fleet. Ms. Davey noted the
meeting was productive and provided insight into the decision-making process that is used when determining
fleet investments. Ms. Davey suggested that SAB members let Ms. Williams know if there is interest in a future
presentation to learn more regarding the Transportation Department.
UPDATE: BIRD CITY WISCONSIN RENEWAL SUBMITTAL
Ms. Williams notified members that the 2017 Bird City Wisconsin renewal application was submitted on
January 30, 2017. The City of Oshkosh once again applied for “High Flyer” status and approval notification is
anticipated in March, 2017. Ms. Williams also reminded members of the 9th Annual Oshkosh Bird Fest event
scheduled for May 7, 2017 to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. The event will be held at Menominee
Park and festivities will continue in Downtown Main Street during Gallery Walk. More information can be
found online at http://www.oshkoshbirdfest.com/.
UPDATE: UW-OSHKOSH SEMESTER PROJECT
Ms. Williams presented an overview of the proposed UW-Oshkosh project intended to be completed by
Environmental Studies students as part of their senior seminar project. Members provided no suggested
changes to the proposed project. Ms. Williams asked members to save April 3, 2017 and April 25, 2017 for
future student presentations.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETING
Members discussed various future agenda items including a volunteer day at the Menominee Park Shoreland
Restoration site, recommendation to join Green Tier Legacy Communities Program, and Sustainable Oshkosh
website updates.
NEXT MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2017.
Chair Davey reminded the Board of the next meeting.
ADJOURN
Motion by Mr. Pech and second by Mr. Turner to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Meeting adjourned
at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Williams
Planner