By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Council heard some good news and some bad news last week about efforts to go more green in the community.
Council was introduced to the city’s new Bicycle Spokesperson of the Year, and learned about state legislation introduced that would hurt future solar and wind power efforts of the city.
On the bicycling issue, Mayor Dick Edwards declared May as National Bicycle Month in Bowling Green, and shared upcoming efforts to promote bicycling with a “slow roll” for families and beginners, a Ride of Silence to recognize those bicyclists killed by motorists, and the annual Bike to Work Day planned for May 17.
Steve Langendorfer, president of the City Bicycle Safety Commission, then introduced Alan Frishman as the city’s Bicycle Spokesperson of the Year. In the last 2½ years, Frishman has logged 25,000 miles on his bike. He makes frequent rides with Toledo Area Bicyclists. And Langendorfer pointed out that Frishman is very safety conscious – always wearing his helmet when bike riding.
“This is quite an honor,” Frishman said as he accepted the recognition during the City Council meeting.
When the city posted signs along streets last year explaining that bikes are allowed to use the full lane, one of those signs was erected right across the street from Frishman’s home.
“My daughter said, ‘Look Dad, they put it up just for you,’” Frishman said with a grin.
Also at the meeting, the mayor notified council that he would be sending a letter to State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg, voicing the city’s strong opposition to House Bill 6, which Edwards referred to as the “nuclear subsidy bill.”
The proposed legislation would subsidize nuclear power plants, but shut the door on future credits for renewable energy projects, the mayor said.
Bowling Green has a “long, rich history in sustainability,” investing in solar and wind power sites.
“We’ve been hoping an amendment would be introduced,” that would preserve the credits for renewable energy, he said. But the bill appears to be “on a fast track.”
The nuclear subsidy bill is “very disturbing. We hope that we will be joining with lots of the communities committed to green energy,” Edwards said.
In other business at the meeting, Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter reported that the police division is partnering with the chamber of commerce and possibly BGSU to offer employee training in an effort to avoid an incident like the racist attack at Waffle House earlier this year.
Employee training will be offered to chamber members and others in the community. The training will provide tips on how employees can safely prevent situations from escalating.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, three citizens brought issues before council.
Colleen Smith reported that two city water distribution employees were using metal detectors on her driveway, when she inquired if there was a problem. The workers said they were trying to locate the shut-off meter, and explained that it might be under the driveway.
The workers were very courteous, she said. They dug an area next to her driveway, found the meter, then reseeded the area and left it in “top shape.”
“City Council needs to hear that city employees are doing their jobs,” Smith said.
“It’s always good to hear good words,” Council President Mike Aspacher responded.
Frances Brent commended council, the city administration and employees for their judicious and creative use of property in an effort to improve the county senior center and the city government building.
“We’ve been looking for a solution for decades,” Brent said. And this land trade was “sensible.”
Brent suggested that such a city-wide solution is needed for the school building proposal which is “controversial but essential.”
Every group in the community should take a role in reaching the new school building solution. “All groups need to be involved,” she said.
Aspacher said the city looks at these problems as “opportunities. We look forward to future conversations,” he said.
And Madi Stump informed council about efforts to teach local residents to make their own reusable shopping bags out of old T-shirts. “You don’t need to purchase reusable bags,” she said.
In other business:
- Planning Director Heather Sayler reported that the city’s historic preservation commission will meet on the first Friday of each month at 3:30 p.m., in council chambers.
- Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley reminded council the groundbreaking for the new building in City Park will be Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
- Council member Greg Robinette talked about a review of East Wooster Street plans on June 3.
- It was reported the Bicycle Safety Commission will meet with the Transportation Safety Commission on July 1, at 6 p.m.
