Council advances green infrastructure ordinance; administration seeks $800,000 appropriation and time extension on a project

City officials presented an ordinance to amend the city's green infrastructure program for the sewer system and to appropriate $800,000 for related work.

The director described the program as a citywide initiative that began in 2014, with about 12 acres completed so far and a long-term commitment to install green infrastructure across more than 100 acres. One project in the Clinton and Badger Triangle was discussed: the administration said it went out to bid twice and secured a notice to award but needed a $350,000 increase and a time extension to complete work that came in over the original estimate. The director said the state provided principal forgiveness and that the project was scheduled to finish weather permitting in April.

Council members asked how community groups such as the South Ward Environmental Coalition and others (collectively referenced as "UBSO" in the discussion) are engaged; the director said community groups participate in site identification and outreach and that some projects were identified by neighborhoods including a West Ward location noted by a council member.

Ending: The council advanced the ordinance on first reading and asked the administration for a project list and email to councilmembers summarizing completed and planned green infrastructure sites and their timelines.