Plan Commission approves wastewater plant buildings after debate over solar options

The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission on Dec. 2 approved architectural designs for two new wastewater‑treatment plant buildings — a tertiary filtration building and a UV disinfectant/equipment building — intended to upgrade the plant’s treatment capacity. Staff recommended approval, citing exterior materials (precast panels stained to match existing brick) and that the designs will be harmonious with the public‑facility site.

During technical questions, Plan Commissioner Miss Davey cited the city’s comprehensive energy plan and asked whether staff or the applicant had planned for solar panels on the new roofs. According to the transcript, an applicant representative replied, “I do not believe solar panels have been specifically looked at for these facilities because of the number of utility structures and other units that are on top of them,” and suggested larger roof areas at the plant would be more feasible for solar.

Miss Davey said she remained concerned that the city had missed opportunities to pursue alternative energy and municipal grants; she stated she intended to vote no. The motion to adopt the staff findings passed 8–1 (Miss Davey voting no).

Why it matters: the approved buildings are intended to address impending treatment limits and modernize plant operations. Commissioners asked the applicant and staff to consider solar feasibility for future designs and to note energy opportunities during implementation.

What’s next: staff and Utilities/Department of Public Works will proceed with implementation steps and the commission recorded a follow‑up task to study solar feasibility on larger roofs at the plant.