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SAC 4-15-26 Mtg. Minutes – Page 1 Meeting Minutes April 15, 2026 MISSION: “To assure the common good through services essential for a safe, sustainable, engaged and healthy community.” DATE: April 15, 2026 TIME: 3:30 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall, North Conf. Rm. CHAIR: Lily Strehlow RECORDER: Kristina Kuzma, Assistant Planner Members Present: Nicholas Baumann, Mary Hedenstrom, Lindsey Hillesheim, Jennifer Peck, Lily Strehlow, Janis Tyler, Andrew Werthmann Absent: Felix Cisneros, Gail Halmstad, Jackson Schmidtke Staff in attendance: Stephanie Hirsch, Dave Solberg, Aaron White, Ned Noel, Kristina Kuzma Public in attendance: Yes AGENDA ITEM #1: Call to Order Chairperson Strehlow called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. AGENDA ITEM #2: Roll Call Chairperson Strehlow called for the roll, and a quorum was met. Members present include Baumann, Hedenstrom, Hillesheim, Strehlow, Tyler, and Werthmann. Member Werthmann motioned to amend the agenda by moving Agenda Item #7a Data Center Presentation forward, to immediately follow the Open Public Comment Period. Member Hedenstrom seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Member Hedenstrom then motioned to limit each public comment during the Open Public Comment Period to three minutes in length. Member Baumann seconded. The motion carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEM #3: Open Public Comment Period Chairperson Strehlow clarified that Agenda Item #7a Data Center Presentation was not noticed for public discussion. If members of the public would like to speak on this item, they should do so during the Open Public Comment Period. Chairperson Strehlow then outlined the rules governing public comment. Blaine Halverson, Great Lakes Neighbors United, described his organization and suggested several strategies for regulating data center developments. Pat Cartmill, Elk Mound Resident, encouraged officials to think about how data centers affect small communities surrounding the City, particularly concerning pollution. Sabra Baker, Eau Claire resident, noted the heat dome effect created by data centers. Willow Cloutis, Eau Claire resident, stated that data centers introduce phosphates into the water supply. No additional public comment was heard. AGENDA ITEM #7a: Data Center Presentation Chairperson Strehlow introduced the presentation and explained that it is informational only, with the goal of educating Committee members on the topic of data centers. SAC 4-15-26 Mtg. Minutes – Page 2 Member Hillesheim then gave a presentation to the Committee on municipal policy levers for regulating data centers. Throughout the presentation, Committee Members engaged in a Question-and-Answer session with Member Hillesheim. Member Peck joined the meeting. AGENDA ITEM #4: Approval of March 18, 2026 Meeting Minutes Member Baumann moved to approve the March 18, 2026 meeting minutes, seconded by Member Peck. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Members Hedenstrom, Baumann, Peck, Hillesheim, Werthmann, Strehlow. Abstain: Member Tyler. AGENDA ITEM #5: Election of Officers Chairperson Strehlow stated that the Committee will be electing new officers, including a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. She explained the selection process and the duties of each position. Officers elected today will assume their new roles beginning in May. Member Werthmann nominated Member Strehlow for Chairperson, seconded by Member Hillesheim. The nomination passed unanimously. Member Tyler nominated Member Werthmann for Vice Chairperson. Member Baumann expressed interest in the position. Member Werthmann withdrew his nomination. Member Peck then nominated Member Baumann for Vice Chairperson, seconded by Member Hillesheim. The nomination passed unanimously. Member Werthmann nominated Member Peck for Secretary, seconded by Member Baumann. The nomination passed by the following vote: Aye: Members Hedenstrom, Tyler, Baumann, Hillesheim, Werthmann, Strehlow. Abstain: Member Peck. AGENDA ITEM #6a: Xcel Energy Future Collaborative Workplan Chairperson Strehlow reintroduced the 2026 – 2030 Xcel Energy Future Collaborative Workplan and welcomed Julie Thoney of Xcel Energy. Thoney briefly discussed Xcel’s long-running relationship with the City, the energy goals shared by both entities, and the updated Workplan. Planning Manager Ned Noel explained that the Workplan is not a legally binding agreement and is intended to help advance progress toward shared goals. Chairperson Strehlow opened the item up to public comment. No members of the public wished to speak. Committee Members discussed the updated workplan. Member Tyler asked several questions about the City’s benchmarking efforts. Chairperson Strehlow suggested Member Tyler follow up with staff after the meeting for more information. Member Werthmann requested additional information regarding rate incentives and available programs for electric vehicles. Thoney stated that she will gather this information from Xcel staff and follow up. Member Strehlow questioned the meaning of “net-zero methane emissions” in the Resiliency section. Thoney stated that Xcel staff will review this phrase and if necessary, update the language. SAC 4-15-26 Mtg. Minutes – Page 3 Member Baumann then made a motion to forward the 2026 – 2030 Xcel Energy Future Collaborative Workplan to City Council with a recommendation of approval. Member Hillesheim seconded and the motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM #7b: Eau Claire Earth Fest – Table Activities & Staffing Chairperson Strehlow and Assistant Planner Kuzma provided details on the logistics of Eau Claire Earth Fest, including parking, booth location, lunch, and planned table activities. Committee Members confirmed table assignments. Kuzma also noted that Ben Spanel, Utilities Manager, will help staff the Earth Fest table to answer resident questions about the Water Study. Chairperson Strehlow then explained the variety of events taking place at Earth Fest, such as a repair fair, student research poster contest, bike collection, clothing swap, educational presentations and classes, field trips, etc. A variety of vendors will also be in attendance. Committee Member Peck confirmed that she will present the Sustainable Eau Claire Awards. AGENDA ITEM #8: Future Agenda Items & Announcements Committee Members noted the following future agenda items: • Member Werthmann stated that a draft compost ordinance should be ready for SAC review next month. Member Hillesheim announced that she will be participating in the AI + Sustainability Symposium at UWEC on Thursday, April 16th in Centennial Hall 1704 and encouraged Committee Members to attend. Member Tyler announced that JONAH will be hosting a sustainability series at the library. The first session will take place on April 21st at 6PM and will cover the topic of climate anxiety. Assistant Planner Kuzma announced that the City’s Appreciation Party honoring the dedication and service of its Board, Committee, Commission, and Council Members will take place on Tuesday, April 21st at The Plus. It is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM. Assistant Planner Kuzma also announced that next month’s SAC meeting will occur as regularly scheduled; however, there will also be an additional gathering on Tuesday, May 19th at 5PM in the library’s Riverview Room. Eric Anderson from the Chippewa-Eau Claire MPO will be presenting on the organization’s newly completed Long Range Transportation Plan. AGENDA ITEM #9: Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Kristina Kuzma, Assistant Planner