Wisconsin Building Safety Network (WBSN) Holds Second Annual Meeting

The Department of Commerce (Commerce), in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin, facilitated the second annual meeting of the Wisconsin Building Safety Network (WBSN) on September 24 in Pewaukee. It is anticipated to become an annual event designed around informing and educating community leaders at the executive level so that they can effectively manage safety, recovery and growth in their community.

Following the first WBSN meeting held in the summer of 2007, Commerce not only welcomed the involvement of the University, but also formed a steering committee to shape future programs. The steering committee includes: the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Wisconsin Towns Association, Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association and the Wisconsin Counties Association. Recognized as the representative organizations of those living, working and recreating in Wisconsin communities charged with health, safety and welfare, the steering committee met in April to shape this year's program.

Since 1915 the State of Wisconsin, under the administrative efforts of the Industrial Commission, Industry Labor and Human Relations and now Commerce's Safety and Buildings division has recognized the significance in delegation of agent status at the municipal level. Currently Commerce recognizes over 200 municipalities that also recognize the significance of this opportunity to serve their community at various levels. In total, these municipalities represent over half of the population and a majority of property improvement valuation in the State of Wisconsin.

In its early inception the certified municipality program recognized the ability to expedite review and inspection at the municipal level rather than sending all individuals engaged in the growth of any community through the state process. That early vision has resulted in an agent program today that serves participating municipalities well beyond what was envisioned in the early 1900's.

Over the years we learned to understand and recognize the multiple layers of complexity that directly affect the built environment of any community. Safety, disaster recovery, sustainable design solutions and economic viability based on consistent regulation all play an important role in the growth of any municipality. One of the principal components in realizing any municipality's success as it relates to the built environment is an effective and efficient regulatory program.

The 2008 Steering Committee identified three primary areas to target in every community:

"Making it Happen"
A key ingredient to the quality of life for those living, working and playing in any community is the built environment. Providing a sustainable future for communities involves a management strategy that recognizes all of the components that result in a lasting image. The foundation of health, safety and welfare has grown exponentially while embracing quality of life and sustainable growth, resulting in yet a greater burden on municipalities with limited resources.

The health safety and welfare components of the quality of life formula do not end at occupancy. Ongoing fire prevention and maintenance programs are also critical to any community's sustainable future. Our panelists addressed their strategies in meeting these challenges followed by facilitated roundtable discussions. Moderated by Steve Pudloski of UW-Madison Allen Davis, Grand Chute and Doug Daun, Village of Glenbeulah presented the communities' programs which were followed up with participant breakout sessions and group discussions.

"Economic Development"
"Our community is open for business!" Recently, this has been the banner for a number of communities around our state as well as the country. The success of those communities is realized by understanding and meeting the needs of those stakeholders investing in your community while maintaining health, safety and welfare. One-stop shopping, streamlining and project management tools are being used by communities that recognize their potential to succeed and build on their sustainable future.

The success of any community's growth and development is also tied to its fire prevention and maintenance program. Stakeholders in any community's future begin by recognizing that community's commitment to safety and quality of life. Our panelists presented their communities' strategies and skills in building that successful future.

The panel discussion was followed by facilitated roundtable discussions. The economic development program was moderated by Marty Collins, former City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services Commissioner. Collins lead Todd Fahing, City of Sparta and Gale Price, City of Janesville in a discussion followed by attendee participation focusing on community economic development.

"Storm water"
The positive growth and development currently being experienced throughout our communities and regions has begun to highlight its impact on our finite resource of water. Federal and state regulations are not only looking to the municipalities and regional authorities for enforcement but have also mandated participation.

Meeting the charge of both federal and state regulations coupled with local-based rules and processes based on your community's existing resources can be addressed any number of ways. The environmental concerns associated with effective storm water management impacts, as well as potentially benefits, fire safety. From the added impact of run-off associated with apparatus access roads to recognizing retention ponds for water supply. Panelists presented their models in meeting this challenge. Moderated by Jeremy Balousek of Dane County, the panel included Sue Olson and John Peters of the City of Appleton, and Mary Ann Lowndes of the DNR who addressed the challenges and solutions to managing storm water programs at the local level.

Planning has begun for next year's WBSN meeting. Please contact Henry Kosarzycki at 608-212-0138 or email at henry.kosarzycki@wi.gov with any inquiries or program suggestions.

-- Henry Kosarzycki, AIA, Program Manager