Wausau City Hall. MWC file photo
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A second committee discussed a resolution regarding environmental justice.
Wausau’s Parks and Recreation Committee discussed a Resolution to Support Environmental Justice that was reviewed by the Public Health and Safety Committee at the end of June. The committee held about a 40-minute discussion on the resolution but took no action as it was voted on by Public Health and Safety.
The discussion began with District 3 Alder Tom Killian explaining the resolution and its background. Killian is the main author of the resolution and has revised it from comments given by city staff and other committee members. He says the resolution will serve a few purposes.
“It defines environmental justice for the city. And it does so even through data definition. I think the definition of these things and the data definition would be hopefully the key utility that this brings.”
The data definition would be GIS-based inventory maps of geographic areas throughout Wausau that are listed as environmental concerns, like brownfield sites. The inventory would be kept by the Department of Public Works using census data according to Public Works Director Eric Lindman.
The resolution uses the EPA’s definition for environmental justice, which is listed as, “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”
With that definition, Killian says the resolution will hopefully allow a step forward for more meaningful public engagement for the City. “It’s not just having a hearing at the Plan Commission or what have you.
“It’s making sure to the fullest extent we have public participation processes that really allow the people’s who’s lives are going to be impacted by government decisions most in that particular time to be as involved as possible.”
There was some public comment given regarding the resolution, with most that spoke in favor of it. One concern that was brought up during public comment was the potential for new fees the resolution could create. Killian explained the resolution would have no adverse effects on Wausau residents.
“This will not involve a slew of fees or penalties to citizens that were mentioned. I can tell you that even though on these issues I have been a strong supporter. I also have the most fiscally conservative voting record on the City Council when it comes to taxing, bonding, debt, or developer subsidies.
“I think that’s probably the most fiscally conservative record by at least $20 million by my estimates. So this will not have a catastrophic economic impact. What it will do is help to protect regular folks and give them more of an impact on government processes.”
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