Hancock County Sustainability Coalition

1. Hancock County Sustainability Coalition Meeting Objectives: 1) Progress on Goals 2) Action Committees 3) Kent Ohio’s experience with sustainability May 6, 2011

2. Background • In early fall 2010, several sponsoring organizations wanted to explore the idea of creating a county-wide Sustainability Plan • These organizations brought in Dr. Portney (Tufts University) in October to inform community leaders about benefits and possibilities associated with sustainability • After this meeting of community leaders, a Steering Committee was formed to move planning process forward

3. Steering Committee • Dr. Michael Reed, Univ. of Findlay • Dr. Melissa Green, Owens Community College • Kathy Kreuchauf, Community Foundation • Tony Iriti, Findlay-Hancock County Alliance • Dionne Neubauer, Chamber of Commerce • Gary E. Pruitt, Hancock County Parks • Christian H. Pedersen, Kirk Energy Group • William Homka, HRPC

4. The Steering Committee undertook several tasks before the second HCSC meeting in January, 2010 • Define “sustainability” as it applies to our area -and- • Identify the benefits to be gained by becoming of a sustainable community

5. Sustainability—defined “Community Sustainability involves creating a way of life in which the (1) economy, (2) community, and (3) the environment … work together so as to ensure the health and prosperity of present and future generations within Findlay/Hancock County.”

6. Benefits of Sustainability • stronger economic base which attracts and retains businesses and young professionals • financial savings through reduced energy use and increased recycling • healthier and more biologically diverse natural environment which promotes active, healthy lifestyles • proactive, visionary approach to community planning that increases citizen input and avoids development that is molded by short term goals • new and stronger community alliances which promote common goals such as green/sustainable ways of developing and living

7. The 1/19/11 HCSC meeting allowed theSteering Committee to…. • Obtain feedback on how best to approach and/or structure sustainability within the community • Formulate ideas for short and long-term sustainability projects that could be undertaken

8. And the priorities are… • Promote a “Complete Streets” program • Develop a Community Gardens program and incorporate use of Rain Gardens within each • Construct multi-use pathways that connect residential developments to park locations and downtown • Promote a countywide land banking program • Increase pubic access and participation in recycling • Incorporate sustainability within flood mitigation plan (e.g., trails, art work, entertainment venues) • Improve water quality in the Blanchard through mitigation of non-point source pollutants (e.g., fertilizers, non-compliant septic tanks) • Work for passage of sustainability resolutions by both the City and County government

9. Your ideas at work… Two project ideas have already received notable attention and success: • Complete Streets program • City Gardens + Rain Gardens

10. Complete Streets Complete Streets program is a nationwide, non-profit movement whose goal is to promote street design which accommodates all varieties of street users such as walkers, bikers, runners, roller bladers, etc.

11. Complete Streets cont. Complete Streets increase recreation, add safety, reduce gas usage and create a better sense of community

12. Complete Streets Cont.What we’ve done… • Met with local stakeholder groups (Hancock Handlebars, Findlay Striders, Volksporters, Owens CC, Hardin East) and developed a Complete Streets petition • Petition was submitted to City Council and explained by HCSC at the April 12 meeting of City Council • It received a warm reception from Council

13. Community Gardens A second project which has received considerable success is the Community Gardens of Hancock County and the affiliated Rain Garden project.

14. Gardens cont. • Bolstered by a host of community agencies and groups such as our HCSC, The United Way, Blanchard Valley Green Coalition, the MENTOR Initiative, OSU Extension, the community garden idea has taken shape • Many meetings later, we have arranged to have a community garden installed at the Family Center on N. Blanchard Street

15. Gardens cont. • This garden location has 25 plot spaces • Plot use includes 14 low to moderate income and 11 unrestricted income level families • Land has been plowed, families have been selected, and it is ready to go

16. Gardens cont. • Our plan is to have a small, demonstration rain garden installed very close to the community garden

17. Gardens cont. • Rain gardens collect and filter rain water before it returns to our waterways • The rain garden was designed with the assistance of two University of Findlay professors • Funding was obtained through the Community Foundation

18. Gardens cont. • Our plan is to have a small, demonstration rain garden installed very close to the community garden

19. Let’s keep the momentum going! • with limited resources, we’ve experienced notable success with two projects in a short period of time • we need your help and energy to move these and other projects forward • We’re asking those who are interested to sign up for one of the following committees

20. Subcommittees • Complete Streets Committee Objective: work to create a draft resolution to be submitted City Council; provide continued support and guidance as to eligible projects. • Pathways Committee Objective: work with Hancock Parks to develop a model project connecting a residential neighborhood to park and/or downtown area. • Sustainability Plan Committee Objective: work to develop a comprehensive Community Sustainability Plan that can be submitted to City and County government for formal adoption. • Community Inventory Committee Objective: create a questionnaire to be used in the fall by University of Findlay students to survey community agencies and businesses regarding their sustainability/green practices.

21. Comments or feedback? Contact: Dr. Michael Reed University of Findlay reed@findlay.edu Thank you!