Going Green? Port Mayor Proposes New Environmental Committee

Port Washington may soon see a group of elected officials and concerned citizens forming a body devoted to environmental planning.

Mayor Tom Mlada proposed the committee, which would be comprised of 10 elected and government officials along with five at-large citizens, to very little response from aldermen during Tuesday's Common Council meeting.

For Mlada, if the city wants to talk about economic development, a conversation about environmental planning must also take place.

"I think we are uniquely positioned for some opportunities and responsibilities relative to the city that we live in - on a beautiful lake with incredible natural resources - to do some incredibly good things with regards to environmental planning," Mlada said.

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.

"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."

Alderman David Larson expressed his concern about the size of the committee, which, he said, may have trouble functioning properly with 15 members. Mlada hopes that committee members will form subcommittees around their interests, thus facilitating committee business.

At the July 16 council meeting, Mlada anticipates a first reading of the policy that will provide for this committee.