University students brought recycling concerns to city council last night, adding to the environmental concerns already on the agenda.
Students Matthew Cunningham, the president of Environmental Action Group, and Lily Murnen, president of the Environmental Service Club, spoke about starting a new campaign to extend recycling off campus.
Municipal Administrator Lori Tretter said that the city does not provide recycling pickup for businesses downtown, but businesses are encouraged to contract themselves.
Cunningham discussed how during the Black Swamp Arts Festival there is a recycling program downtown, but it only lasts one weekend. He wants that kind of program to be a year-long occurrence.
The council voiced their appreciation of having students bring their opinions to the meetings, especially for environmental causes.
Another concern involving the environment included the Green Space Task Force’s proposal to the Public Lands and Buildings Committee prior to the general city council meeting. The Task Force is a committee appointed by Mayor Richard Edwards to come up with a plan for the use of the “Green Space,” which is the location that previously held the Bowling Green Junior High School building.
“I feel we need to have more discussion,” said council member Bruce Jeffers.
Jeffers brought up that while he was impressed with the work that the Task Force completed, the Green Space would be a good home to a new municipal building.
Council members who spoke were all in agreement that a new municipal building is something that is needed, as the current building is falling out of code.
Council member Sandy Rowland said, “As long as there is real estate, other buildings in this town that are vacant, I’m not going to support building from scratch on any property … I don’t think we need a grand, huge building.”
Jeffers disagreed and said, “I think a grand building is a great thing … it’s a good symbol of a city that cares for itself.”
Jeffers explained that he is not opposed to using an already existing building if it is the right fit for the municipal building.
Councilman John Zanfardino explained that with the money collected, he wants the Green Space vote to be as permanent and binding as possible.
Both council members Theresa Charters Gavarone and Robert McOmber expressed a desire to make the Green Space reflect the public sentiment, which they found to use as an open green space, not a location for a new municipal building.
The council came to the conclusion to move forward with the Task Force’s design concept and continue discussion of a new municipal building.
University Students were also recognized by Mayor Edwards. During his report, he announced the official representation placement to the City-University Relations Commission. Kaci Abolt and Michael Oiler will represent graduate students and Richard Racette and Peter Hernandez will represent undergraduate students.
Edwards also recognized October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
He thanked Melanie Stretchbery, Superintendent of Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Wood Lane), for her work and dedication. Wood Lane is well known across Ohio, reaching back to 1995. He also thanked Ryan Sanner, Public Relations Assistant, for developing the proclamation that Edwards read to city council and attendees
The proclamation, as Edwards read, said, “a workplace welcoming of the talents of all people, including people of disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and a strong economy.”
