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Full Agenda Packet Sustainable Janesville Committee Council Chambers, Municipal Building 18 N. Jackson St., Janesville, Wisconsin Tuesday April 21, 2009 6:30pm I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES “C” III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Presentation by the Leadership Development Academy group regarding recycling in the Parks. IV. OLD BUSINESS 1. Continued discussion on City of Janesville “Sustainability Plan” initiative. 2. Update from Committee Member Mills on Community Garden Vegetable Contest V. NEW BUSINESS 1. None VI. CITY STAFF UPDATE VII. MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA VIII. ADJOURNMENT Sustainable Janesville Committee Council Chambers, Municipal Building 18 N. Jackson St., Janesville, Wisconsin Tuesday, April 7, 2009 6:30pm I. ROLL CALL Members Present: Mills, Swanson, Peterson, Udell, McDonald, Hyzer, Members Absent: Backenkeller, Cunningham Staff Present: Motl, Hulick II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES “C” III. PUBLIC COMMENT None IV. OLD BUSINESS 1. Continued Discussion and Proposed Action on ways the City can educate the public and bring awareness to the issue of point of sale plastic bags in Janesville Udell noted that Beth Wheelock of WCLO requested a copy of this letter. Udell gave her a copy, but indicated that is was just a draft at this point. Chairperson McDonald made the following suggestions pertaining to the letter: rd ? 3 paragraph remove the word “however” nd ? 2 paragraph would be better to use the word “will” instead of “can” nd ? 2 paragraph, change “rewards points” to “awards points” Swanson made the suggestion to sign the letter with each individual name and signature. Udell suggested that the City includes the plastic bag information and list of stores on the City’s website since it is referenced in the letter. Hyzer agreed; and, Udell suggested we put a specific name on the letter/website for any questions. The Committee decided that staff member Motl will be listed as the contact, as she already receives calls related to recycling. Peterson asked whether this committee can send out this letter directly or do we need City Council approval? Chairperson McDonald noted that it is something he would have to look into. Mills noted that he discussed the Committee’s recommendation thus far with Councilmember Vouskil. Councilmember Vouskil noted that she would like to see some of the recommendations. Udell suggested sending out the letter on recycled paper. Swanson feels we should already be authorized to send out the letter since we are an eco-municipality. Discussion ensued regarding whether to get City Council approval to send this letter. Chairperson McDonald decided we will make changes to this letter, update the website with up-to-date information, and send out the letter without City Council approval. V. NEW BUSINESS 1. Presentation on Prospective Community Garden Vegetable Contest by Committee Member Mills Hyzer commented that this is a good idea. Chairperson McDonald requested that Committee Member Mills indicate what he is exactly looking for from this Committee. Mills indicated that he doesn’t really know, but wanted to let the Committee know of his idea to do a community wide program. Hyzer noted that the growing season is coming on quickly and it is short. Hyzer indicated she is concerned that we would need to start this project fairly quickly. Swanson asked what do judges and participants need to know about sustainability from the start? Mills noted that none would be needed in the beginning. Swanson suggested having other awards grouped together with this idea to increase community involvement. Peterson mentioned it would be a little difficult with the season right around the corner; and, how will the schools do it over the summer season. Discussion ensued regarding the Rock County Humane Society Garden Project. Peterson noted that having the incentive program that Committee Member Swanson suggested would be a good idea. Hyzer suggested that someone run this program, such as Mike Maddox from the Master Gardener Program. Udell suggested that we as a Committee should still be involved so that we obtain and maintain partnerships for future projects. Chairperson McDonald asked the Committee if they would like Committee Member Mills to continue to look into this idea and further pursue other individuals throughout the City to partner with. The Committee is in support of this idea, and to have Committee Member Mills gather more information for implementing the program. 2. Discussion of Natural Step for the City of Janesville by Committee Member Udell A handout was given to each Committee Member to summarize the major points of the presentation. Mills indicated that he liked the idea of a Sustainable Summit here in Janesville. Mills also noted that having a pilot program within the City would help the Committee. Udell suggested asking the City for a volunteer department. Mills mentioned the Energy Audit from Focus on Energy, and how this could help our City facilities. Mills also suggested reducing the number of street lights within the City. Peterson indicated that he likes this as a great start for the City. Swanson asked what the new City Manager thinks about sustainability. Hulick mentioned that he is progressive, and has done things within Sedona, Arizona that relates to sustainability. Swanson specifically mentioned an idea for each department to create a policy for reduction, and to implement this it has to be driven by our City Manager. Peterson noted that he got the impression that the City Manager is in support of our efforts; but still has cost savings in mind. Peterson also noted that we need the support of the Council. Mills asked if anyone is responsible to making conscience decisions on sustainability. Hulick noted that many individuals throughout the City consider alternatives; however, we don’t have a policy or a specific person to pursue them. Hulick also mentioned our Technicial Services Department is currently pursuing lighting alternatives for future projects; as well as, projects that already implemented those alternatives. Hulick suggested putting together a list of ideas before inviting the City Manager to a meeting to discuss those ideas. Hyzer suggested asking questions to the individual departments, and getting back the information before we make decisions. Swanson mentioned that he strongly believes the City Council should support and endorse our recommendations made to the departments. Udell suggested inviting the City Manager to a future meeting to further discuss this idea. Hulick noted that this is a good idea, but it would be important for this Committee to understand what they want to accomplish at that meeting; and, why the City Manager would be present. Udell suggested that the group comes to a future meeting with three ideas for your guiding visions related to this idea, department goals and consider adoption of a Green Action Plan (i.e. Pasadena, CA – Green City Action Plan). Udell will send a link to this website. Committee Member Peterson mentioned the stimulus money of $600,000.00 allocated to the City of Janesville. Peterson mentioned lighting, solar energy, and other energy projects should be done with this money. Hulick then mentioned that this is specifically for energy related projects. Hulick further noted that the City Manager had a meeting regarding this funding, and that he intends to approach the Committee with the final recommendations on how this money will be spent. VI. CITY STAFF UPDATE Hulick mentioned that he is involved with the LDA (Leadership Development Academy), and they would like to come to the next meeting and give a brief presentation on recycling within the Parks. Chairperson McDonald said this should be an agenda item at the next meeting. VII. MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA Committee Member Peterson suggested that the City look into a permanent Sustainability person. Hulick mentioned that there is a current position in the budget; however, the City Manager is currently considering options for this position. Chairperson McDonald mentioned that with new Council appointments, there may be a new Councilmember representing the Committee. McDonald also mentioned that he would like someone to become Chairperson for this Committee. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm