Green Tier Committee — Minutes

VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM GREEN TIER AD-HOC COMMITTEE WORKING SESSION MINUTES THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 9996 WATER STREET Present: Lane Methner (online), Bruce Nelson, Cindy Nelson, Sophie Nelson, Zoe Sanders (online), and Carly Mulliken- Chair. Absent: Jeff Lutsey. 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. The Committee reviewed who would be responsible for specific tasks to ensure a successful event. 2. Discussion regarding 2026 Goals: Continuing Goals: • Signage at the Wetlands: Project progressing with proofs expected at the end of May. • Waterfilling Stations: Installation is being coordinated by MacDonald, dependent on weather conditions. • Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Past discussions of a fast charger were reviewed, as well as locations, and coordination with possible future projects. It may be a part of a larger discussion of future capital projects and keeping an eye out for grant opportunities. • Green Tier page on the website: The Committee was pleased with the updates to the Village Green Tier web page. They noted that they would continue to keep an eye out for additional information that would serve the community to add to the page on the website. Goal achieved! • Community Clean-up Expansion to include battery drop off: Battery drop off is included in the Clean Up day for May 9, 2026. Goal achieved! • North End Path inclusion in the Ephraim Business Council (EBC) brochure: The North End Path was included in the EBC 2026 brochure in the Nature & Outdoors section on page 12. Goal Achieved! Projects for the Committee to be aware of and be a part of the conversation: • Moravia Point: Bristol provided an update on the progress of establishing a native prairie in the area of Moravia Point. He reviewed that it will take time and patience, but it is the best plan for the site in terms of maintenance and site stability. • Goose Roundup: The Board had a Public Hearing in March. If the round-up moves forward, it would happen in the next month during the molting stage when the birds are flightless. • Harborside Park: It could be a large project due to the desire for the Library to have a permanent story walk, making the park more accessible, and adding bathrooms. The discussion has become more of a Board discussion regarding future Capital Projects. • Trees: The Committee reviewed the trees lost recently throughout the Village. Bristol reviewed the plan for replacing trees after the completion of the North End Path project. Bristol noted that Ephraim Historical Foundation had suggested a Liberty Tree to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence. Mulliken suggested the site of the tree lost outside of the Library as a perfect location for the Liberty Tree. • Playground at Administration Building: The Committee agreed that the focus on the playground at Harborside to be more inclusive would allow for the removal of the Administration Building playground. The Committee agreed that they would want a commitment that the Harborside Park Playground would be updated if the Administration Building playground was to be removed. Items for the Committee to watch for updates and future year goals: • Development and updates from the Door County Trail Group: The Committee noted that the Strategic Master Trails Plan for Door County would be the next development phase for the group. • Compost Initiatives: The County Green Tier Group has placed a higher priority on educating those in attendance at festivals and events about composting. Their next meeting is in November. • Community Garden: While there is a lack of interest and room within the Village, the Committee expressed interest in providing information to residents regarding a Community Garden behind the Door County Medical Center in Sister Bay. 3. Update on Wetlands Signage Project: C. Nelson provided an update on the Wetlands Signage Project. She noted that she had been in touch with the contractor, who is waiting for proofs from production. 4. Update on Solar for the Wastewater Treatment Facility: Mulliken explained that the Solar Project for the Wastewater Treatment Plant faces timeline and funding challenges. B. Nelson mentioned that the Wastewater Committee has discussed treating solar as a separate project. Though there's Board interest in this approach, a decision has yet to be made. Funding research, largely ineffective due to income-based qualification issues, highlighted a potential small grant from Destination Door County. C. Nelson stressed the need for a comprehensive review of explored funding avenues to avoid repetitive research. Mulliken suggested potentially enlisting Stantec for grant applications, pending Board approval. B. Nelson emphasized timeliness, indicating that delaying decisions reduces funding chances. However, a "biddable plan" remains pending, which in turn prevents pursuing any grant funding. A discussion about the bidding process considered a request for proposal versus specific plans. B. Nelson agreed to consult with the solar contractor further on unresolved issues. 7. Update on Water Bottle Filling Station: Mulliken reported that MacDonald is coordinating installation with the contractor. Due to the temperatures, it will be a few weeks before installation can occur. 5. Next meeting: The Committee scheduled its next meeting for June 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM The meeting adjourned at 9:43 AM. Recorded by Kim Roberts – Deputy Clerk