LWV on Stormwater Management

The LWV issued the following statement concerning stormwater management and the Melvin Ave proposal. My statement encouraging that the city follow the guidelines established in the comprehensive plan and to be responsible and responsive can be found here.


League of Women Voters Winnebago County Statement on New Resolution 10-65

The League of Women Voters of Winnebago County is committed to sound planning practices in all aspects of municipal government. We continue to ask why there is no comprehensive planning for stormwater management.

What does comprehensive planning for storm water management mean?

First, it means the city looks at the several (50-60?) smaller watersheds on the east side of the city in the context of the entire area. It then assesses, prioritizes and offers options for resolution. It does not propose a $3-4 million pump station as an isolated incident, without an understanding of how adjacent neighborhoods will address the same issue in the future.

Second, it looks at the amount of stormwater being generated and examines ways the flow can be reduced. In the instance of East Melvin St . , storm water became a priority because of street reconstruction. In the reconstruction effort, is the impervious pavement being reduced? Is the terrace being expanded? How many trees are being planted? Is there any effort to enlist residents in installing rain gardens or rain barrels?

Third, it looks at the area into which the water is being discharged and assesses water quality. In this case, Miller’s Bay is already a disturbed ecosystem. Are there better options that could address the water quality issue?

Fourth, it looks at the impact on land use. The East Melvin St. pump station is being located in Menominee Park . Protecting our park land for open space and recreational use is typically a mandate of city government. This type of encroachment is a slippery slope sometimes difficult to stop.

We are not saying the East Melvin Street pump station should be a no go. We are suggesting this decision be delayed for a few weeks or however long it takes while the city assesses the multiple watersheds on the east side of Oshkosh and determines potential impact.

We are saying the city should be looking at storm water management in a comprehensive fashion, not only making an assessment of watersheds but looking at best management practices for storm water reduction, improving water quality, and addressing the concurrent land use issues that arise. Then, within this context, look again at where the East Melvin Street pump station fits into the big picture and decide at that time if this is indeed a good decision.

Posted in: Health,Local Government,Our City,parks,sustainability,Water