The City of Maumee has initiated the process to establish an environmental commission focused on natural and built environmental health.

The commission, recommended by Councilman Gabe Barrow, is advisory only, with no regulatory authority. However, it has several goals:

•Develop comprehensive, integrated environmental policies for implementation by the city to protect and enhance air, water, land, and public health;

•Help set goals and policies for the city and community to continuously improve the natural and built environment;

•Create an environmental action plan that engages units of government and citizens in a discussion about the health of the Maumee River Basin

Nine members will serve on the commission in stag gered terms. All must be residents of the city and will have, insofar as possible, experience and/or an interest in protecting and enhancing the well-being of the environment and public health of the community.

Two city council members will be voting members and serve as co-chairpersons during their tenure. The city administrator will also serve as a permanent, voting member of the commission.

In addition to the commission, Maumee is hiring an environmental sustainability manager, who will report directly to the city administrator, to support the work of the commission and coordinate environmental programs. The manager’s duties will revolve around advising management and staff on product and program development and ensuring program implementation.

“The important relationship between the environment and public health is well-documented,” said Mayor Richard Carr. “As a river community, our responsibility to enhance that relationship is critical and requires the collaboration of both citizens and elected representatives in an official capacity. The commission provides a framework for both sharing expertise and demonstrating advocacy to ben-efit our community. Maumee is very serious about this initiative.”

In addition, the creation of the commission will establish a conservation fund to be appropriated annually by Maumee City Council. This fund will include funds from the city budget as well as private contributions, including gifts, grants, donations or awards.