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Oshkosh board gets $60,000 ARPA boost for sustainability plan and discusses tree protection, ordinances and staff training
Summary
City staff told the Sustainability Advisory Board $60,000 in ARPA funds will fund an update to the sustainability plan; the board discussed priorities (resilience, renewable energy/decarbonization, water and waste), planned cross-department meetings on tree protection zones, and heard that HR has identified potential consultants for sustainability training pending budget approval.
City staff told the Oshkosh Sustainability Advisory Board on Oct. 7 that the city secured $60,000 in ARPA funding to update its sustainability plan and has started an RFQ process that must move quickly because the funding needs to be allocated by the end of 2024.
"We got $60,000 to do the update," staff said, adding that staff began an RFQ and asked the board to prioritize goals that should be emphasized in the scope of work. Board members suggested highlighting climate resiliency, renewable energy and decarbonization, land use tied to economic development, zero-waste ambitions and explicit water and air quality goals. One member urged clearer language: "Renewable energy and decarbonization is what—what Madison calls it," a board member said, urging precise terms so expectations are clear to vendors.
Staff also reported an Energy Innovation Grant agreement remains unsigned while state forms are returned to a consultant for review; staff hoped the consultant contract and agreement could be finalized by the end of the week but described the date as tentative.
On tree protection zones, staff said progress slowed because of internal staffing changes; staff will convene a meeting with forestry, public works, planners and parks to draft an ordinance consistent across departments. New city staff member Sarah Rutkowski introduced herself and said she is the city’s assistant community development director and will support interdepartmental coordination as she learns the job.
The board discussed process and public engagement for ordinance drafting. Members generally endorsed a workshop-first approach — using collaborative sessions to refine draft language before formal packet submission — and asked staff to provide draft materials at least two weeks before the meeting (three weeks preferred) so departments can vet language and board members can prepare comments.
Staff said HR has interviewed consultants for sustainability training and included a training line as a budget enhancement; whether training occurs depends on council budget decisions. Board members offered to help identify local expertise and suggested the board could host tailored trainings for city staff if external funding or approvals are constrained.
The board set its next meeting for Monday, Nov. 4 and adjourned by voice vote.
