Minutes

Sustainable Greater Green Bay Task Force
Thursday, 2/18/2010, City Hall Room 604
3:00 PM

Members Present:  Chairman Paul Linzmeyer, Josh Beaton, Renee Wery, Derek Lord, Steve Smet, Sue Perz, Kurt Brenkus, Ned Dorff, Mayor Jim Schmitt, Chris Osman, Amy Watibiea, Lisa Evenson, Nancy Nabak, Andy Rosendahl, Kathy LaFave, Douglas Meek, Dan Linstrom

1. Meeting called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chair Paul Linzmeyer.

2. M/S Lisa Evenson/Nancy Nabeck to accept the minutes.

3. The attendees introduced themselves.

4. Paul Linzmeyer gave an update on the chartering process.

Paul Linzmeyer explained that the City I&S committee has explored an option for a bicycle path in John Muir Park.  Paul Linzmeyer added that he saw the proposed trail as an opportunity for the sustainable Green Bay transportation committee with the support of the full committee to educate the I&S committee. He also added that these are state funds that would be used to construct the trail. Mayor Schmitt added that this proposed trail is not part of the whole Fox River trail plan. He reiterated Paul’s point that this project is 100 percent paid for by the state.

Paul Linzmeyer said the committee should pick a neighborhood to work with as a kind of incubator for the committee’s ideas. These ideas could then be brought forth to other neighborhoods and the Greater Green Bay area.

5. Keith Reopelle from Clean Wisconsin gave an update on Clean Energy Jobs Act.

Keith Reopelle stated that hearings on the Clear Air Jobs Act have been held in both the State Assembly and Senate; however, support for the bill is not secure. He continued by saying that there is a continuing debate over the actual numbers and studies regarding this bill that both sides have been using. He added that there is support for an increase in Wisconsin’s renewable energy from 15-25 percent by 2025. He said there is a push to enhance Wisconsin’s energy efficiency programs. Keith said that Clean Wisconsin’s position on nuclear power is that they did not support the program unless there was a safe way to deal with the nuclear waste. He also mentioned that Wisconsin is currently 30 percent overcapacity situation.

Paul Linzmeyer stated his support for a national policy on clean energy. Keith Reopelle encouraged all of the committee members to call their representatives and let them know of their support.

Motion to draft a letter of support from the committee stating they supported the Wisconsin Global Warming Task Force. LaFave/Osman.

6. Chairman Linzmeyer gave an update on an RTA.

Paul Linzmeyer stated that as a result of the upcoming census the Green Bay Metro system can possibly lose funding at a time when it cannot afford it. Appleton has been working towards developing an RTA for the Fox Valley. Paul Linzmeyer stated that you cannot have an effective passenger rail service until you have an effective mass transit system.

7. Dan Linstrom gave an update on the chartering process for some of the sub-committees.

Dan Linstrom stated that they are looking for a neighborhood to draw on the strengths of the sub-committees. Paul Linzmeyer said they were looking to pick a neighborhood that is already involved and engaged with the community. Dan Linstrom said that he and Nic Sparacio had been working on the charters but it was hard to come up with problem statements and this was better suited for the committee as a whole. Dan also mentioned that they are considering changing the name of the Building sub-committee. Paul Linzmeyer stated that before the committee lists are sent out perhaps all the names of the committees should be reviewed to make sure they are titled appropriately and have a statement of work.

8. Chairman Linzmeyer adjourned the meeting at 4:30.