New Group to Focus on Environmental Issues

The Port Washington Common Council has given its final approval for an environmental committee to be added to the city.

"When you look around the country at different municipalites that have (such committiess) … we would be remiss if we didn’t move forward with a group of people who are really dedicated to (environmental issues)," Mayor Tom Mlada said. "In the longterm, I think we’re looking at the issues that really take us into the years to come, in terms of sustainability."

According to Mlada's proposal, the committee would focus on green initiatives, energy conservation and sustainability, among other environmental issues. He sees foresees no problems finding citizens to serve in the group.

The fifteen spots involved in the committee include:

• Mayor (renew annually);
• Aldermanic representative (renew annually);
• City staff representative (renew annually);
• Park & Recreation Board representative (renew annually);
• Harbor Commission representative (renew annually);
• Marketing and Communications Committee representative (renew annually);
• Economic Development Authority representative (renew annually);
• Community Development Authority representative (renew annually);
• Two local business or industry representatives (2-year terms);
• Five at-large citizens (2-year terms).

"There will be real and genuine interest from local citizens," Mlada said. "These focus areas, I think, would allow for subgroups ... to really take an issue and run with it."