[Green] Dupont CITF Application

[gbanz42 at suddenlink.net]

For those GS people at the meeting yesterday, here are some follow-up thoughts and a draft budget (attached - numbers are just place holders--we can discuss specifics at our meeting on Tuesday, Sept 8 at 8 pm):

     1. The two projects we are focusing on are riparian restoration (on the west side of the Muskingum River between the Putnam St. Bridge and the RR bridge) and on the east side directly across from the west side

       2. Solar-powered charging stations for cell phones, laptops, e-readers, other electronic devices including e-bicycles and electric wheelchairs

          I have researched some options for the charging stations. Cindy Taylor  has provided to me much information already on this idea. 

          It is difficult to get information on costs on Labor Day, but Cindy found a cost estimate for one charging station in Lincoln NE (funded by the local power company) - $34,000.

         There is a company in Italy that makes these stations, but I could not find a price. The U of Texas-Austin has some very attractive solar-powered charging stations that were constructed by their art students in a fabrication lab--don't know costs. 

        I suggest we arrange for construction of our own (two) charging stations --one on each side of the river at the same locations (roughly) as the riparian restoration areas. We had talked about putting these stations at multi-use trails like the River Trail in Marietta, but  people using the River Trail are on the trial to bike, walk or run and not linger--nor are they inclined to leave their devices unattended while recharging. We need to set them at some places where people will linger (enough to charge their devices). On the east side people will be drawn from those frequenting and working at Front St. stores. On the west side they will be drawn from Harmar School and those who frequent and work at west side business.

      If the pandemic should persist or recur, there will continue to be people working form home (i.e., outside the enclosed office space). "Working from home" might take the form of  working at the charging station in an attractive (and sustainable) outdoor space.

      To connect the two projects we will  locate the charging stations at the site of riparian restoration and provide a display (at the charging stations) about what plants have been placed  at the two sites).

       A standard at these charging stations seems to be four AC outlets and 24 USB ports.

       Because of the expense of ready-made charging stations, my suggestion would be that we hire Jay Warmke  (Annie, please let me know if this is possible) to build the solar panels and electrical configuration and another construction person (any suggestions on who?) to build the canopy/shelter and benches (like a large picnic table) to be connected to the electrical outlets and USB ports. 

      Here is how I think these two projects fulfill the CITF guidelines:

           Contribute to Climate Change Adaptation
                    Riparian Restoration - Supports pollinators endangered  by climate change and offers diversity of plant life to offset invasive species present during climate change
                    Charging Stations - Supports renewable energy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels and provides a model for renewable energy use.

          Mitigate Effects of Climate change
                    Riparian Restoration - Reduces erosion in key areas and provides some defense against flooding
                    Charging Stations - Encourages and provides model for reliance on renewable energy to reduce use of energy from fossil fuels.

           Promote Water stewardship
                     Riparian Restoration - Prevents some runoff to Ohio & Muskingum  rivers and models use of native plants and support of pollinators to prevent runoff and erosion along the Muskingum and Ohio rivers.
                      Charging Stations - By lingering at charging stations people will gain an appreciation for native plants and pollinators as  a means to prevent erosion and runoff.

           Protect Biodiversity
                     Riparian Restoration - Native plants and plants to attract pollinators will be chosen for biodiversity
                      Charging Stations - By lingering at charging stations people will gain an appreciation for native plants and pollinators. 

             Advance Circular Economy
                   Charging Stations - Recycling receptacles will be placed at each charging stations for the most  likely discarded items, e.g., plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, cardboard.

    Please note the number sin this draft budget are just place holders--we need to plug in real numbers Tuesday evening. 

    Can we get some prior approval from the city for these two sites before this Friday?

    Please edit/comment/add to the above description. 

--
George Banziger
202 Lawton Road
Marietta, OH 45750-1111
740-434-5685
cell: 740-434-3354