Urban Conservation Award 2008
Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel is honored to be receiving the Urban Conservation Award from the Vanderburgh County Soil and Water Conservation District. Sustainability and conservation are very important to the Mayor and his administration.
In January 2007, Mayor Weinzapfel signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. He has also implemented a citywide Sustainability Policy which aims to protect the health and welfare of Evansville residents, and mitigate our negative impact on the environment, while maintaining the competitive viability of our economy.
Last November, Mayor Weinzapfel announced the establishment of a Green Fleets Policy for the City of Evansville. All City departments and agencies are now required to purchase (or lease) and operate the most energy efficient, lowest emission, and cost-effective vehicles or equipment possible. To that end, the Evansville Fire Department has purchased 3 Toyota Prius’ hybrids to replace 3 of its Ford Crown Victoria administrative cars and METS has purchased 5 hybrid buses. Hybrid buses reduce emissions up to 90% in particulate matter, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. They also greatly reduce carbon monoxide. The City has also implemented a “no idling” policy for city vehicles and “no idling” signs have been installed at all area schools and City buildings.
Other pollution control measures include a ban on outdoor wood-fired boilers and a No Smoking Ordinance within the City.
Mayor Weinzapfel is trying to encourage the citizens of Evansville to use alternative forms of transportation to help protect the environment. The City has designated more than 20 miles of on-street bikeways to get more residents to leave their cars at home as they head out to work or school. Not only does it encourage a healthier lifestyle, but it also supports our sustainability policy and makes Evansville a more environmentally friendly city.
The Pigeon Creek Greenway is used extensively by walkers, runners and bikers. There are more than four miles of Greenway for recreational use and to get around a portion of the City. The construction of an additional 1.25 miles of the Greenway is now underway.
Mayor Weinzapfel wants to ensure that while Evansville grows economically that we develop environmentally friendly development plans. To that end, the Mayor has asked an existing local Smart Growth group to help evaluate land use and development and zoning ordinances. The Mayor also asked for recommended revisions so that City policies, plans and codes effectively encourage green growth.
All City departments have been asked to keep in mind environmentally friendly building practices when any new project gets underway. A good example is the two new pools that are being constructed on the City’s west side and south side. They have several sustainability features built into their design including: a high percent of recycled materials, high efficiency pumps and motors, low VOC emitting materials, the pool backwash water will be recycled, and there will be permeable pavement in the new Bellemeade parking lot which reduces storm water runoff.
Sustainability and conservation are just two of the priorities of Mayor Weinzapfel and his administration. Through his Traveling City Hall Program, the Mayor makes sure the people of Evansville have more input in their government and greater access to city officials. Another important goal for Weinzapfel is downtown revitalization. Businesses are building or expanding headquarters downtown, there are new entertainment opportunities, and more people are living downtown in lofts, apartments and condos. We may also see a new downtown arena to replace Roberts Stadium. And neighborhood revitalization is the focus of Weinzapfel’s Front Door Pride Program.
Jonathan Weinzapfel is the 33rd Mayor of Evansville. He’s currently serving his second term, which began January 1, 2008. Prior to being elected Mayor, Weinzapfel was appointed State Representative for District 76 in 1999 and was twice elected to the position. Mayor Weinzapfel is 43 years old and lives near the University of Evansville with his wife, Patricia, and their 3 children, Nathaniel, Benjamin and Eleanor.