Ask the Candidates: Sustainability Views from Brian Robertson

The Blanchard Valley Green Coalition asked each of the candidates running for the mayor of Findlay, Ohio to give their insights on sustainable practices in the community.  Below are the responses from candidate Brian Robertson:

1)  Widely accepted research has shown that as a watershed approaches 10% impervious surfaces, there is reduced water quality and increased storm water run-off.  What do you see as the major man-made contributing factors (policies and practices) to the increased flooding in Findlay, Ohio? 

Answer: While I am not a civil or environmental engineer, I do respect factual information over opinions.  We can be confident that the Army Core of Engineers will provide a defining answer based upon the Hydrology Study.  Personally, my investigation of infrastructure versus increased regional flooding leads me to believe that the new Highway 30 may be a significant impact to our areas watershed.

2)  In addition to implementing the Army Corps of Engineer’s recommendations, what do you propose as long term practices for managing the flooding in Findlay?

Answer: It will depend on what the end project looks like in terms of cost and effectiveness which will dictate future practices.  I have been very clear that preventive maintenance of both storm water drainage and river trash is a fundamental practice that we must perform.  Future development guidelines will also be impacted based upon this comprehensive analysis.

3)  How do you envision sustainability as part of the solution(s) to promoting the economy, environment, and community?

I was the only candidate that chose to attend the initial forum on January 21st which was a great exchange of collective ideas.  Additionally, I asked Mrs. Melissa Zachrich to participate in a sub-committee.  As indicated that day, I feel we have to first clearly understand what and where we are to determine how we proceed.  As someone who is active with outdoor fitness that our young professionals will be retained and/or attracted based upon creating a vibrant sustainability culture within Flag City USA.

4)  What land use practices do you endorse to improve Findlay’s quality of life? 

I am not in a position to endorse but have reviewed the new zoning guidelines.  This can be both a sensitive and yet critical area where some visioning is needed.  So that we might better plan and build overtime while balancing both economic development, green space usage & green transportation.

Ask the Candidates: Sustainability Views from Lydia Mihalik

The Blanchard Valley Green Coalition asked each of the candidates running for the mayor of Findlay, Ohio to give their insights on sustainable practices in the community.  Below are the responses from candidate Lydia Mihalik:

1)  Widely accepted research has shown that as a watershed approaches 10% impervious surfaces, there is reduced water quality and increased storm water run-off.  What do you see as the major man-made contributing factors (policies and practices) to the increased flooding in Findlay, Ohio?

Answer:  If one were to look at our past flooding events in Findlay/Hancock County, most individuals would agree that precipitation is the catalyst for any flooding event.  History has shown us that throughout the years that when our area receives anywhere from 2.5+ inches of rain, depending on the conditions at the time, we have flooding in our community.  This flooding ranges from minor to major depending on the event and the time of year.  We have data that shows the precipitation our community received with a correlating crest of the Blanchard River, we actually use that data to help us predict the severity of an event.  The data will show that with the exception of the August 2007 event, where our watershed received in excess of 9 inches of rain in some parts, we are receiving similar rain events with similar outcomes from the Blanchard River. 

While development in the floodplain does not cause “flooding”, it does allow for certain areas of our community to be affected more often than those who are not located in a floodplain if they are not constructed properly.  There are subdivisions in our community that are not located in a floodplain but somehow experience overland flooding very frequently now, for example Spring Lake Subdivision.   That subdivision has been in existence for many years, and the residents there are experience severe flooding events from Eagle Creek that are becoming difficult to explain.  They are NOT located in a floodplain so why would they be experiencing overland flooding?  I believe we should have increased our detention/retention pond capacity years before the August 2007 flood.  There is a pond in my neighborhood (Hunters Creek) that was built to a 100 year standard that holds not only the water from a large rain event, but it also holds the water that is pumped into it from other parts of the subdivision.  Properly constructed subdivisions can process not only a significant rain event but also a flooding event as well.  

2)  In addition to implementing the Army Corps of Engineer’s recommendations, what do you propose as long term practices for managing the flooding in Findlay?

 Answer:  I believe that continued acquisition and removal of properties located in the floodway as well as severs repetitive loss properties located within the floodplain will continue to help us mitigate the damaging effects of future flooding events.  I also believe that an effort should be made to help businesses flood proof their buildings.  Smart Growth policies should also be implemented in our community and future protection of riparian corridors should be investigated.  I also believe we should start looking at ways to do low impact development that will embrace the idea that the EPA touts which is “slow it down, spread it out, soak it in”.     

3)  How do you envision sustainability as part of the solution(s) to promoting the economy, environment, and community? 

As a member of the Hancock Regional Planning Commission, I’m excited that sustainability practices are finally getting the attention that they deserve.  It seems as though we have been talking about these elements of sustainability for many, many years.  I’m excited that people are ready to actually implement some of the practices that have been in place for some time.  I believe that we need to revitalize our older neighborhoods so they are clean, safe and healthy for our neighbors.  We are working at neighborhood revitalization plans currently at the Hancock Regional Planning Commission.  As a community we need to make sure that our future land use decisions take into consideration accessibility and environmentally friendly practices.   Implementing sustainability plans and solutions will make our community more attractive to the younger generation and will promote a diverse population.           

4)  What land use practices do you endorse to improve Findlay’s quality of life? 

Answer:  I contributed greatly to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan that the Hancock Regional Planning Commission developed for the City of Findlay.  I stand by that document and will highlight a few of my favorites. 

1. Incorporating the cost of growth into development.  Looking at recovering costs for water, sewer, fire and police.
2. Encouraging mixed use development
3. Addressing the un annexed areas within the City of Findlay boundary left over from past annexations.
4. Implementing Architectural Standards to improve the visual and spatial quality of development

A Complete Streets Policy for Findlay

The Hancock County Sustainability Coalition is a group of community leaders who came together in fall 2010 to promote  sustainability activities and create a sustainability plan for the county.  As part of its initial functions,  a list of tasks was created that could be initiated within a short time framework. One of the tasks which quickly rose to the top of the priority list was the promotion of a Complete Streets Policy.

The Complete Streets program  is a non-profit, nationwide effort to promote street-planning which allows for adequate and safe passage by many different types of  users.  It is no secret that, in most locales across America, streets have been designed exclusively for use by speeding cars.  This process locks out other valid users of our roadways such as bikers,  runners, walkers and roller bladers.   When enacted in a given community,  a Complete Streets ordinance compels planners to make reasonable accommodations for different users.  This applies for both new streets and upgrades.

Such an ordinance has multiple benefits.  Most obviously, it allows safe access and use for multiple users who have been previously excluded.  These users need the roadways for the same purposes as drivers, that is, to get to work, stores and  key services around town, and for recreational purposes. Complete Streets add to a sense of community, as more citizens in a given locale are included in the transportation system. The soaring price of gas only underscores the urgency to adopt such an ordinance in the City of Findlay, as more and more users will be turning to transportation means other than cars.

Progress to date has been made in bringing such an ordinance into adoption.  A group of interested constituents met on March 16, 2011 to create a petition in favor of Complete Streets for Findlay. This petition was verbally presented and promoted at the   April 12  meeting of City Council.  A formal ordinance may be presented some time in the future.

So tell us what you think.  Post a comment below regarding your feelings about Complete Streets.  To learn more about the Complete Streets program go to: http://www.completestreets.org/

My Journey to the Green Side

Written By: Jack Mathers, St. Michael's Catholic Church

My journey to the green side began in the summer of 2008. I had read an article about all of the toxic cleaning products used in our nation’s schools. As the Facilities Manager of a large church and school of 600 students, I started looking at the cleaning products in our supply closets. I was shocked by the warnings on the labels. I decided that a “green” approach was just what we needed. It was not easy and not without a few bumps along the way; but with a little help from a good cleaning product supplier, we were on our way with a “Green Seal” cleaning program.

I had also read about the benefits of recycling and reducing what weput in our landfills. Fortunately, our trash hauler also had a recycling service. So, by the time school started, I had rearranged the way the kids placed their lunchroom trash in the trash cans. We also recycle paper waste and cardboard etc. from our classrooms. By recycling and condensing the lunch trash to a smaller size, we were able to reduce our trash pick-ups from 5 to 3 days a week. This is a 40% reduction in trash being hauled away. 

In the fall of 2008, I joined the Blanchard Valley Green Coalition and I feel privileged to be a part of this group.

Green Survey for Hancock County/Findlay City

In effort to improve the sustainability efforts in Findlay City and Hancock County we will be posting occasional surveys to evaluate the public opinion on our efforts.  Below is our first survey in which we would like you to rate the importance of the following items.  Let us know how you feel!