By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Plastic bag ban legislation is proceeding in Bowling Green – but the formation of a citizen board to help with sustainability efforts is less certain.
City Council was asked last week to not give up on the idea of a sustainability board.The request came from a citizen opposed to the plastic bag ban, but supportive of the city’s continued green efforts.
The decision to create a sustainability board should not be kicked down the road, Nate Eberly suggested to City Council during its meeting last week.
“I think it’s really important that we not let that slip by,” Eberly said to council.
Council President Mike Aspacher assured that City Council is interested in setting up a sustainability board, though it was a topic of much debate at a recent meeting.
Eberly admitted to not being a fan of the plastic bag ban, but is a believer in a citizen sustainability board that will look at future opportunities for the city.
The volunteer board will help the city continue working toward more green efforts, he said. Bowling Green already gets 40 percent of its power from renewable sources, and has invested greatly in wind turbines and a large solar field.
“We may lose momentum,” if a sustainability board is not established, Eberly said.
Concerns were expressed at the last meeting about relying on a volunteer board for sustainability efforts. But Eberly pointed out the community initiatives that have had success with volunteer boards in Bowling Green – such as the bicycle safety commission.
The board will be able to assist the city’s sustainability coordinator, Eberly said, plus allow for more community input.
“I think it’s too important for us to let it go,” he said.
Also at last week’s City Council meeting, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley reported that a community focus group will start working on updating the city’s master plan for parks this fall. Dr. Shannon Orr, from BGSU, will facilitate the planning effort.
In other business:
- Otley reported that the bicycle safety commission had purchased several bike lights, which will be handed out at places like the weekly Wednesday Farmers Market downtown.
- Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter read a resolution from Celina City Council, thanking Bowling Green city electric crews for helping to restore power after a tornado hit that area.
- Mayor Dick Edwards welcomed about 15 members of Boy Scout Troop 419, from Bowling Green Alliance Church.
