Green Tier Ad-Hoc Committee — Minutes

VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM GREEN TIER AD-HOC COMMITTEE WORKING SESSION MINUTES THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 9996 WATER STREET Present: Bruce Nelson, Cindy Nelson, Sophie Nelson, and Carly Mulliken - Chair. Absent: Jeff Lutsey, Lane Methner, and Zoe Sanders. Staff: Brent Bristol – Village Administrator and Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk. 1. Update on Wetlands Signage Project: The Committee received an update on the progress of the Wetlands Signage Project. C. Nelson reported that the previous Sunday, volunteers had cleared some brush along the path. The Village maintenance crew had addressed three (3) separate areas requiring tree removal. C. Nelson noted that two (2) older sign poles were too difficult to remove. They were left in the ground and will require continued work on extraction over time. Two (2) existing signs were also identified as still appropriate and were intentionally left in place. C. Nelson noted the contractor was ready to return to install directional signage, but had been waiting for the path to be cleared from the downed trees. She committed to emailing the contractor to let her know the area was now ready. A sign acknowledging donors was also noted as still forthcoming. On the topic of mulching, the Committee discussed the best timing. It was generally agreed that mulching in the cool season would be preferable, with late fall identified as probably the best time, though there was acknowledgment that spring mulching would look freshest for the season. C. Nelson noted that while some sections of the path remain in good condition, others would benefit from fresh mulch and that it is always easier to maintain than to let it go. The sign designs themselves received positive remarks from members of the Committee. They were described as featuring a steel plate design angled upward, with butterfly cut-outs in steel, and positioned low enough to be accessible and readable by children. Members expressed enthusiasm about the quality of the design work. Once all signage is fully installed, the Committee agreed that an announcement should be sent out to the community highlighting that the wetlands area has been refreshed and is ready to be enjoyed. 2. Discussion and Consideration Regarding Plans for Community Clean-Up Day and Tree Giveaway: The Committee conducted a debrief on the most recent Community Clean-up Day. Key figures reported included seventy-two (72) trees given away, eight (8) bags of garbage collected, ten (10) pounds of batteries recycled, and approximately fifteen (15) participants. C. Nelson raised the question of whether to continue the tree giveaway in future years, noting that participation numbers have been declining. The observation was made that trees are now being given away broadly across the county — by churches, community organizations, and others — which has reduced the demand at the Village's own event. The Committee did not reach a firm conclusion but acknowledged it was worth revisiting in the spring, weighing whether the tree giveaway program still serves its purpose or should be adapted. The discussion also touched on a related idea: Whether trees or plants could be given to a dedicated planting area within the village, rather than to individual residents. It was noted that this option had been explored before in correspondence with Lutsey, but that a suitable location within Ephraim had never been identified. Regarding logistics, C. Nelson noted informally that donuts had not been popular and suggested future events offer baked goods such as bars or cookies instead, as those had been better received. Coffee was well-consumed. The timing of the event on Mother's Day weekend was briefly discussed. It was noted that the date had been chosen based on calendar availability rather than intent, and that participation numbers held relatively steady compared to the prior year. The Committee expressed mild uncertainty about whether the Mother's Day timing was optimal and left the question open for future consideration when scheduling. 3. Update on Water Bottle Filling Station: The Committee received an update on the three (3) water filling stations. The station at the Visitor Center and the station at the marina were confirmed as installed and operational. The beach station was still pending installation, with the contractor indicating that work was expected to begin the following Monday. B. Nelson reported that the contractor had been under the impression the treatment system was to be installed at the beach, when in fact the contract clearly specified it was to be installed at the Visitor Center. Upon visiting the Visitor Center, B. Nelson was unable to confirm whether the system had been installed, as access to the mechanical room was unavailable. It was also observed that the appearance of the old unit at the Visitor Center had been notably poor due to rust and discoloration, making it all the more important that the new system be properly situated. B. Nelson noted that the marina station had already registered 102 bottles saved, though it was humorously acknowledged that the first seven of those were test counts by MacDonald to verify the counter was functioning. The Committee expressed some regret that the beach station had not been completed in time for the Fourth of July holiday week, as it would have provided an immediate impact in reducing single-use plastic bottle consumption during a high-traffic and high-temperature period. A follow-up with MacDonald regarding both the beach installation timeline and the treatment system location was committed to by Mulliken. 4. Next meeting: The Committee scheduled its next meeting for August 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM The Committee briefly discussed several ongoing matters. It was suggested that the topic of a fast electric vehicle charger, previously identified as a goal for the year, be placed on next month's agenda. The Committee also received an update on a goose roundup that had recently taken place, as well as Moravia Point. C. Nelson raised the matter of the solar for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, expressing concern that the Village Board had continued to defer action and that further delay risked losing the opportunity altogether. Discussion touched on whether the existing engineering documentation from McMahon would be sufficient to support a grant application. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 AM. Recorded by Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk