Green Tier Committee — Agenda packet

VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM FOUNDED 1853 The Village of Ephraim Green Tier Ad-Hoc Committee, established in 2019, is made up of representatives of standing village committees, the Ephraim Business Council, and individuals within the community who meet regularly to discuss ways in which our village can advance our own sustainability goals that we set. This body will not be making policy but rather will engage in broader discussions and pass on recommendations to be considered for action by the Village Board or other standing committees of the village. These are open discussions in which public participation is encouraged. 1. Discussion regarding plans for Community Clean-Up Day and Tree Giveaway. 2. Discussion regarding 2026 Goals. 3. Update on the Wetlands Signage Project. 4. Update on Solar for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. 5. Update on the Water Bottle Filling Stations. 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For additional information, please contact Andrea Collak, Clerk, Village of Ephraim, PO Box 138, Ephraim, WI 54211 Date: 5/1/ 2026 Andrea Collak, Clerk X Village Administrative Office X Visitors’ Center X Post Office Kim Roberts, Deputy Clerk X Website: ephraim.wi.gov X Emailed: WDOR Radio/ Peninsula Pulse VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM GREEN-TIER AD-HOC COMMITTEE WORKING SESSION THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 - 9:00 A.M. VILLAGE HALL – 9996 WATER STREET VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM GREEN TIER AD-HOC COMMITTEE WORKING SESSION MINUTES THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 9996 WATER STREET Present: Bruce Nelson, Cindy Nelson, Lane Methner (online), Zoe Sanders, and Carly Mulliken- Chair. Absent: Jeff Lutsey and Sophie Nelson. Staff: Brent Bristol – Village Administrator and Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk. 1. Discussion and Consideration Regarding Plans for Community Clean-Up Day and Tree Giveaway: The Committee discussed the upcoming Community Clean-Up Day scheduled for May 9, 2026. Mulliken confirmed she had contacted the Ephraim Historical Foundation regarding coordination with the Foundation's cleanup activities. The event will follow the previously established format: Where volunteers pick up garbage bags and are assigned different designated parts of the Village to clean up litter. Trees for the giveaway have already been ordered and will be picked up by C. and B. Nelson. The Committee addressed the need for a simple walking map system to prevent multiple groups from cleaning the same areas. They planned to use the small walking map and have participants check in to claim specific areas. The event timing was confirmed as 9 AM to 11 AM, allowing plenty of time for cleanup and time for socializing afterward. Plans were made to contact the Climate Change Coalition for educational materials. 2. Update regarding Ephraim Business Council Presentation (EBC): Methner reported she had sent out a survey to EBC members to determine the best meeting date and time for the presentation. The presentation was scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 10 AM, at the Village Hall. The Climate Change Coalition will also present information. The presentation will focus on sharing business cases with local businesses to help them understand sustainable actions they can take and the value these actions bring. The goal is to educate businesses about available resources, share best practices, and explain the benefits of sustainable practices. The Committee planned to have a pre-meeting with the Climate Change Coalition to discuss the presentation content and potentially promote the May 9th cleanup day during this business presentation. 3. Discussion regarding Energy Navigator Projects: The Committee reviewed the funding information provided by the Energy Navigator project. Many of the suggested funding sources mentioned median household income requirements, which would likely disqualify Ephraim based on previous experience with the Clean Water Fund application. 4. Update on Solar for the Wastewater Treatment Facility: B. Nelson reported on an information gathering meeting with Eland, a solar contractor with local experience. Eland presented information about a standalone solar project for the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The key finding was regarding the federal tax credit timing. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2027, to qualify for the tax incentives. The representative from Eland indicated that starting the project in March 2027 would provide adequate time to complete the project within the deadline. The Committee discussed FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) compliance requirements. The project was described by Eland as relatively small and manageable within the timeline. Discussion centered on next steps, with the need for Village Board approval to continue the investigation. The Committee considered that a conservative timeline would require a Board decision by January 2027 to allow for proper bidding processes. They acknowledged this was still a budget estimate rather than a biddable project specification. The Committee discussed the need for incremental steps, starting with consulting auditors about the tax rebate process for municipalities, before committing significant staff time to a deeper investigation. 7. Update on Water Bottle Filling Station: B. Nelson reported that two (2) of the three (3) ordered water bottle filling stations have been received, with the third expected soon. The Visitor Center opening date was confirmed as Friday, May 1st, the Friday before the Half Marathon. It was determined that coordination of the installation would be best left to the Maintenance Manager and the plumbing contractor. The Committee also noted plans for an update on the Wetlands trail signage next month. The Committee acknowledged that winter conditions likely created cleanup needs and that volunteer help would be appreciated. 5. Next meeting: The Committee scheduled its next meeting for May 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM The meeting adjourned at 9:41 AM. Recorded by Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM GREEN TIER AD-HOC COMMITTEE WORKING SESSION MINUTES THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 9996 WATER STREET Present: Lane Methner (online), Cindy Nelson, and Carly Mulliken- Chair (online). Absent: Jeff Lutsey, Bruce Nelson, and Sophie Nelson. Staff: Brent Bristol – Village Administrator and Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk (online). 1. Discussion regarding 2026 goals: Continuing Goals: • Finish signage at the Wetlands. Information is needed on the history of the wetlands for the front kiosk. • Water Filling Stations: Continue to follow through with installation. • Solar for the Wastewater Treatment Facility “WWTF”: Present to the Village Board information to be able to make an informed decision. More than a narrative, provide the Board with data from both contractor models as well as local examples such as the Moravian Church. • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: The Committee agreed that the need continues to increase for people looking for charging stations. It has been recommended to look into fast chargers. Locations with potential upcoming project opportunities that might be a location fit: Smith Garage, Harborside Park, and the Administration Building. • Continue to update the Green Tier website as the Committee completes projects or has information to share. • Community Cleanup expansion with the addition of battery drop-off. • Ephraim Business Council materials updated with North End Path information. Deadline of March 2, 2026. Projects for the Committee to be aware of and be a part of the conversation: • Moravia Point: PFU is presenting a rough concept to the Village Board in January. • Goose Roundup: The Committee desired to be present and aware of what is developing. • Harborside Park: Green Tier, Library, and EBC should be a part of the conversation if a project develops. • Trees: As a result of the August 4, 2025, storm, many trees were lost throughout the Village (Moravia Point, Marina, and Harborside Park. Earlier in the year, a tree at the library was lost as well.) Additionally, with the North End Path project, trees will be lost. However, once the project is complete, a conversation will be held about replanting some trees back in the streetscape. • Playground at the Administrative Building. The Committee noted it needed some love. With the potential of a project at the Administrative Building, the Committee would like to be a part of the conversation. Items for the Committee to watch for updates and future year goals: • Development and updates from the Door County Trails group. • Watch for development with the county Green Tier group regarding compost initiatives. • Community Garden: There is no room at the WWTF to re-establish the garden, nor does the Committee know if there is still community interest. Watch for opportunities and interest. 2026 GOALS VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM GREEN TIER AD-HOC COMMITTEE WORKING SESSION MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 9996 WATER STREET Present: Bruce Nelson (online), Cindy Nelson, Sophie Nelson (online), Lane Methner (online), and Carly Mulliken- Chair (online). Absent: Jeff Lutsey. Staff: Brent Bristol – Village Administrator and Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk. 1. Update on New Members: The Committee discussed potential new members, focusing on gaining representation from different Ephraim organizations. Mulliken reported contacting Cody Schreck at Ephraim Historical Foundation, who suggested Zoe Sanders, an employee with an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and sustainability. Mulliken had spoken with Sanders, who expressed interest in joining the Ad-Hoc Committee. C. Nelson moved, B. Nelson seconded to recommend the appointment of Zoe Sanders to the Green Tier Ad Hoc Committee to the Village Board, all ayes. Motion carried. 2. Discussion regarding New Meeting Time: Mulliken explained that after conversations with committee members S. Nelson and Lutsey, it was recommended to move the meeting time to 9 AM on the first Thursday of each month rather than changing the day. There was a brief discussion regarding the benefits and conflicts of the change in meeting time. The consensus of Committee members present agreed to change the meeting time from 8 AM to 9 AM while keeping the first Thursday of the month schedule. 3. Discussion and update regarding Ephraim Business Council Presentation: Mulliken and Methner provided an outline for a presentation to the Ephraim Business Council (EBC). The presentation aimed to initiate a conversation where various stakeholders could share and learn from each other's experiences, with a focus on small changes that make an impact. The presentation would include introducing environmentally conscious business practices and highlighting information regarding how environmentally friendly practices influence traveler decisions. The goal was to engage participants in discussions about successes and challenges and encourage an open exchange about wins, pain points, and best practices. Committee members were invited to participate in the presentation. Mulliken and Methner will report back with updates and scheduling. 4. Discussion regarding 2026 goals: The Committee continued with its review of the 2026 goals. Continuing Goals: • Finish signage at the Wetlands. Information is needed on the history of the wetlands for the front kiosk. C. Nelson noted that there will be some volunteer labor needed for installation in the spring. • Water Filling Stations: Continue to follow through with installation. • Solar for the Wastewater Treatment Facility “WWTF”: Mulliken noted that this will be discussed on a later agenda item. • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Mulliken noted it was a good goal, as there may be potential funding available. • Continue to update the Green Tier website as the Committee completes projects or has information to share. • Community Cleanup expansion with the addition of battery drop-off. • Ephraim Business Council materials updated with North End Path information. Deadline of March 2, 2026. Bristol provided an update on the project. The contractor aimed to start the third week of April with a completion date before Memorial Day. 2026 GOALS Projects for the Committee to be aware of and be a part of the conversation: • Moravia Point: PFU presented a rough concept to the Village Board in January. The Committee will again present in February. • Goose Roundup: Mulliken noted that this would be discussed later in the agenda. • Harborside Park: Green Tier, Library, and EBC should be a part of the conversation if a project develops. To be decided. • Trees: As a result of the August 4, 2025, storm, many trees were lost throughout the Village (Moravia Point, Marina, and Harborside Park. Earlier in the year, a tree at the library was lost as well.) Additionally, with the North End Path project, trees will be lost. However, once the project is complete, a conversation will be held about replanting some trees back into the streetscape. • Playground at the Administrative Building. The Committee noted it needed some love. With the potential of a project at the Administrative Building, the Committee would like to be a part of the conversation. Items for the Committee to watch for updates and future year goals: • Development and updates from the Door County Trails group. A Master Plan will be presented in March with the opportunity for feedback. • Watch for development with the county Green Tier group regarding compost initiatives. • Community Garden: There is no room at the WWTF to re-establish the garden, nor does the Committee know if there is still community interest. Watch for opportunities and interest. 5. Discussion regarding Finalizing the 2026 Tree Seedling Giveaway Order: The Committee discussed keeping the same order of four (4) trays as last year for the tree seedling giveaway. C. Nelson will put the order in. 6. Discussion regarding Energy Navigator Projects: Mulliken explained that after initial communication challenges, she had reengaged with the Energy Navigator Representative. The Village was offered forty (40) hours total between the two (2) potential projects that were applied for assistance: The Administrative Building and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. A discussion was held on how to utilize the hours available for assistance. B. Nelson clarified that solar was already designed and would be bid on for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, so design and feasibility were already completed for that project. The Committee agreed to focus the Energy Navigator's efforts solely on identifying funding sources for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project. 7. Discussion on Solar for the Wastewater Treatment Facility: Bristol provided an update on the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Project, explaining that the Village Board and Wastewater Committee would be reviewing the financial aspects of the $11 million project at upcoming meetings next week. He noted the project did not receive principal forgiveness from the state, though they did qualify for a low-interest Clean Water Fund Loan. The solar portion of the project would be bid as an alternate option. A discussion was held regarding solar as part of the WWTF Project. Bristol anticipated that multiple meetings in February would be needed for the Village Board to digest all the financial information provided by McMahon. There are a lot of moving parts to the project, but the Committee desired for solar to be a part of upcoming discussions as it is a valuable part of the overall project. They particularly noted the importance of discussing cost-benefit analyses and payback timelines, which was estimated at 14.5 years for the project but potentially less based on real-world examples. B. Nelson mentioned he had contacted Lutsey for updated information on how existing solar programs were working relative to projections, hoping to have this information by Monday for the Wastewater Committee Meeting and Tuesday for the Village Board meeting. The Committee discussed what information would be most helpful for the Village Board packet, deciding to include condensed information from municipalities with solar installations throughout the state.