Sustainability Commission

AGENDA OF THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 310. Virtual attendance also available via Zoom. A. Zoom Meeting Information. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82236285137?pwd=bzBScDVVRysrQlpSZEZpK2FMSnd4Zz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 822 3628 5137 Passcode: 769016 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. Roll Call. 1. Chair- Christa Kananen; Vice Chair- Ned Dorff; Alder Joey Prestley; Julia Noordyk; Jenny Brinker; Amy Kox; Mark Walter; Daniela Beall; Staff person- Kaurie Mihm C. Approval of the Agenda. 1. Approval of the Sustainability Commission meeting agenda for May 21, 2025. D. Approval of Minutes. 1. Approval of minutes from March 19, 2025. E. Regular Business. 1. Overview of City Sustainability & Resiliency Initiatives F. Informational. 1. Work Group Reports Agenda of the Sustainability Commission May 21, 2025 Page 1  a. Healthy Habitat for All Work Group b. Clean Energy Work Group 2. Next Sustainability Commission meeting: Thursday, June 19, 5:00pm. 3. Staff report/updates G. Adjournment. 1) THIS MEETING IS RECORDED: THE VIDEO OF THIS MEETING AND MINUTES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.greenbaywi.gov 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Any person wishing to attend who requires special accommodation because of a disability, should contact the City Safety Manager at 920-448-3125 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time so that arrangements can be made. 3) QUORUM: Please take notice that a majority or quorum of the Common Council will attend this Sustainability Commission meeting and will constitute a meeting of the Common Council for purposes of discussion and information gathering relative to this agenda. 4) REPRESENTATION: The party requesting the communication, or their representative, should be present at this meeting. Agenda of the Sustainability Commission May 21, 2025 Page 2  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE May 21, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # E.1 Overview of City Sustainability & Resiliency Initiatives BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Resiliency & Sustainability initiatives 05 21 2025 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov TO: Sustainability Commission CC: FROM: Melissa Schmitz, Resiliency Coordinator DATE: May 21, 2025 RE: Overview of Resiliency & Sustainability Initiatives This memo provides a high-level overview of the City of Green Bay’s initiatives related to resiliency and environmental sustainability. Many City staff and departments are responsible for implementing these efforts, and this summary is not intended to be a comprehensive list of every initiative currently underway or in development. In the near future, a Resiliency & Sustainability Hub webpage will be added to the City’s website. The hub will include a dashboard to track progress toward clean energy goals and other sustainability and resiliency targets as they are established. City-led and collaborative efforts are organized into the following categories: Energy & Emissions • Clean Energy Green Bay (CEGB) Plan: Adopted in December 2023, this plan establishes a goal of 100% clean energy community-wide and for municipal operations by 2050, with 2030 interim targets. • Solar PV Installations: Solar arrays are active at Leicht Park and a fire station, with further installations funded for 2025. • Energize Green Bay (EGB): A public outreach campaign offering clean energy guidance, incentives, and support for residents, businesses, and nonprofits. • Grow Solar – Green Bay/Fox Valley: A group-buy program in partnership with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association offering discounted solar installations. • Energy Benchmarking: The City uses EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to track energy usage in 26 municipal facilities. • Focus on Energy Partnerships: Promotes programs to the community to increase awareness and participation by commercial and residential energy users. The City actively utilizes Focus on Energy for financial incentives, technical assistance, and continuing education. Land Use • Urban Forestry: The City maintains over 30,000 trees. The CEGB Plan emphasizes expanding tree canopy to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and manage stormwater. 1  • Community Composting & Sustainable Waste Management: The City of Green Bay provides seasonal curbside yard waste collection and maintains two drop-off centers to support composting and sustainable waste management. Residents can dispose of leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, and branches at sites on East Shore Drive and Hurlbut Street. These services help divert organic waste from landfills, promote soil health, and make it easier for the community to manage yard waste responsibly. • Green Bay Conservation Corps (GBCC): Engages volunteers and AmeriCorps members in planting native species, invasive species removal, restoring habitat, and maintaining natural areas. The GBCC helps implement the Pollinator Corridor Project and published a Rain Garden Workbook. • Brownfield Redevelopment: Offers technical assistance and financing tools to remediate contaminated properties and return them to productive use. Water Resources • East River Flood Mitigation: Emilie Park was selected as the site of the City’s first nature-based flood resilience project to restore wetlands, reduce flood risk, and improve recreational opportunities. • Residential Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Loan Fund: Offers low-interest loans for rain gardens, permeable pavements, and other GSI on private property. • Stormwater Adoption Program: Enables residents to “adopt” and care for inlets, ditches, ponds, and creeks. • Fox River / Green Bay Restoration: Supports habitat recovery and public education through city-led grant funded projects. Business • Large Energy Users Roundtable: Facilitated by the Sustainability Commission to coordinate with major manufacturers and utilities on carbon reduction. • Promotes PACE Financing: Provides long-term financing for commercial energy efficiency and resilience upgrades. • Energize Green Bay: “Pathways for Business Owners” compiles financial tools to support green upgrades. Transportation • EV Fleet Transition: 16 of 679 municipal vehicles are now electric or hybrid, with planned expansion and performance tracking. • Traffic Infrastructure Upgrades: $1.25 million WisDOT grant supports modernization of traffic control systems to reduce idling and emissions. • Green Bay Metro: Promotes lower-carbon transit options through service enhancements and vehicle updates. The City’s first electric bus made its debut in April, with five more to join the fleet over the next two years. • Micromobility: Bird scooters provided 100 daily rides in 2024, offsetting 4.34 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. • Active Transportation: Implementation of the Green Bay Safe Walk & Bike Plan includes new trails, improved crossings (48 RRFBs installed), and pedestrian safety campaigns. Communities & Food • Neighborhood Associations: Over 40 associations receive support to promote community building, events, and shared resources. • Home Improvement Loan Program: Zero-interest, deferred-repayment loans available for energy efficiency upgrades in homes. • Local Food Access: Seasonal and year-round farmers markets, 14 community garden sites increase access to healthy, local food. • Seymour Park Food Forest: A permaculture project supported by community partners to provide perennial food resources in an urban park. Leadership and Coordination • Sustainability Commission: A nine-member advisory body guiding City policy, programs, and public engagement. The Commission leads five work groups: Clean Energy, Climate Resilience, Healthy Habitat for All, Waste Reduction, and Youth Engagement. • Resilience and Sustainability Team (RST): Established in January 2025, the RST aims to facilitate coordinated actions across City departments to implement sustainability initiatives and increase preparedness for climate-related and other disruptions. This collaboration will strengthen our community’s capacity to protect public welfare, infrastructure, and resources while advancing our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the RST seeks to improve both internal and external communication about the City’s sustainability goals, progress, and initiatives. • Green Bay Conservation Corps (GBCC): Launched in 2022 as an AmeriCorps program, the GBCC enhances parks and greenways while engaging residents in conservation: o Habitat Restoration & Invasive Species Removal: Native plantings and invasive control; co-leads the Northeast Wisconsin Pollinator Corridor. o Trail & Boardwalk Maintenance: Supports safe and accessible park infrastructure. o Community Engagement Events: Hosts Earth Day cleanups, Make a Difference Day, MLK Day of Service, and guided hikes. o Youth & Volunteer Engagement: Offers hands-on conservation learning experiences.  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE May 21, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.1 Work Group Reports BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE May 21, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.1.a Healthy Habitat for All Work Group BACKGROUND The HHA work group and city staff have discussed various ideas and will continue to research potential frameworks, staffing considerations, program costs, and funding sources. Program Concepts Plant Kits: Consider distributing native plant kits, in collaboration with the Conservation Corps. The potential to offer different options: full sun vs. shade kits, and mini kits vs. full kits. Explore the feasibility of using the City's greenhouse to grow 3,000–6,000 plants annually. Funding sources for kits still need to be identified. Possibility for Master Gardeners to design or assemble plant kits—currently, NEW Master Gardeners have not expressed strong interest. Dubuque model: Dubuque County, IA distributes plant kits to residents. Could be supported by Green Bay Conservation Corps and/or in collaboration with Wild Ones. Yard Sign Discussion: Ideas for branded signs for participants was discussed. Include a QR code linking to a dedicated City webpage. Residents could register online and print their own signs if they participate. Program Branding Ideas: Green and Gold Yards Packers for Pollinators Pollinator Corridor Partnership Mowing for Monarchs Other Program Models to Explore: • UW-Oshkosh “Low Mow May/Summer” program • City of LaCrosse "Grow Green" program; https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your- government/departments/parks-recreation-forestry/sustainability/spring-summer • Dubuque County native plant kit giveaway Technical Support: 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov Investigate the potential for Master Gardeners to assist with plant selection and education. Green Bay Conservation Corps could help with outreach and distribution. Action Items Gather more information and examples of how similar programs are structured. Consider inviting a representative from UW-Oshkosh to present on their Low Mow program. Explore funding options and logistical needs for rolling out a new program. Note: AmeriCorps funding availability is currently uncertain. RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT To be determined. ATTACHMENTS None page 2 of 2  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE May 21, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.1.b Clean Energy Work Group BACKGROUND The next Large Energy User Stakeholder roundtable meeting will be on Tuesday, June 3rd at 11am at the NWTC Great Lakes Energy Education building. • Group share of challenges and solutions involved in helping Green Bay commercial and industrial enterprises save energy and reduce carbon emissions. • Alex Galt, City of GB Clean Energy Connector: ideas and discussion regarding a public recognition program for businesses. The WPS Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Summit will be held on Tuesday, June 10th at Lambeau Field. Check out the details here: https://slipstreaminc.org/education/wps-energy-efficiency-and-sustainability- summit RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE May 21, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.2 Next Sustainability Commission meeting: Thursday, June 19, 5:00pm. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE May 21, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.3 Staff report/updates BACKGROUND • Staff are in the research phase of learning about different types of food waste reduction / compost program models, costs, and funding sources. • Grant submitted to Wisconsin DNR Stewardship Program for recreational improvement for the East River Emilie Park flood resiliency project. • Staff is participating in cohort training for ClearPath 2.0, a greenhouse gas inventory and tracking platform for local governments. Accomplishments & Publicity for Energize Green Bay campaign: • The website launched alongside the announcement of Green Bay’s SolSmart Silver certification, resulting in local media coverage. • Neighborhood Info Sessions: A series of community clean energy info sessions were initiated and received local media attention. • Grow Solar Green Bay: A collaborative solar group purchase program with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association was launched and is being promoted. • Outreach on Induction Cooking: Featured in a local media segment through Rooted In. RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov