September 14, 2026 - Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee Packet

City of Verona 111 Lincoln Street Verona, WI 53593 (608) 845-6495 veronawi.gov PUBLIC WORKS, SEWER & WATER COMMITTEE- DATE: Monday September 14, 2026 TIME: 5:30 PM LOCATION: VERONA CITY HALL ROOM D122 111 LINCOLN STREET VERONA, WI 53593 1. Call to Order: 2. Roll: 3. Public Comment: 4. Approval of the Minutes: 5. Discussion and Possible Action: Project 2024-105 Mark Drive Reconstruction Phase 1 Change Order #2 6. Discussion and Possible Action: Verona Stormwater Utility Credit Application 7. Discussion and Possible Action: Verona Sugar River Pledge Form 8. Staff Report: 9. Adjourn: Beth Tucker Long - Chairperson POSTED: September 10, 2026 POSTED: Verona City Hall Verona Public Library Miller’s Market All agendas are posted on the City website at: veronawi.gov WRITTEN COMMENTS: You can send comments to the Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee on any matter, either on or not on the agenda, by emailing bmanning@veronawi.gov or in writing to Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee, 410 Investment Court, Verona, WI, 53593. Notice: If you need an interpreter, materials in alternative formats, or other accommodation to access the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (608) 845-6495 at least 48-hours preceding the meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your request. Notice is hereby given that a majority of the City Council may be present at the meeting of the Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility. The City Council and any other standing committees will not take formal action at this meeting. City of Verona 111 Lincoln Street Verona, WI 53593 (608) 845-6495 veronawi.gov PUBLIC WORKS, SEWER & WATER COMMITTEE- DATE: Monday August 24, 2026 TIME: 5:30 PM LOCATION: VERONA CITY HALL ROOM D122 111 LINCOLN STREET VERONA, WI 53593 1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 5:32 pm by Alder Beth Tucker Long. 2. Roll: Beth Tucker Long, Alejandro Hernandez (Absent), Chris Weiss, also present, Rick Eilertson -AE COM, Bryan Manning- Public Works Director, Mike Trotter- Assistant Public Work Director. 3. Public Comment: None. 4. Approval of the Minutes: Moved by Alder Weiss and seconded by Alder Tucker Long to approve the minutes of July 27 meeting. Motion passed 2-0. 5. Discussion and Possible Action: Project 2026-114 W. Verona Ave and Epic Lane Water Main Replacement, Design Service Contract AE-COM. Moved by Alder Weiss and seconded by Alder Tucker Long to recommend approval of Project 2026-114 W. Verona Ave and Epic Lane Water Main Replacement, Design Service Contract AE-Com for a contract sum not to exceed $93,400.00. Motion passed 2-0. 6. Discussion and Possible Action: Project 2024-105 Mark Drive Reconstruction Ph 2. Pay request #2 Northwestern Stone LLC. Moved by Alder Tucker Long and seconded by Alder Weiss to approve Project 2024-105 Mark Drive Reconstruction Phase 2 Pay request #2 Northwestern Stone for a sum not to exceed $203,086.73. Motion passed 2-0. 7. Staff Report: 8. Adjourn: Moved by Alder Weiss and seconded by Alder Tucker Long to adjourn at 6:15 pm. Motion passed 2-0. Beth Tucker Long - Chairperson POSTED: August 20, 2026 POSTED: Verona City Hall Verona Public Library Miller’s Market All agendas are posted on the City website at: veronawi.gov WRITTEN COMMENTS: You can send comments to the Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee on any matter, either on or not on the agenda, by emailing bmanning@veronawi.gov or in writing to Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee, 410 Investment Court, Verona, WI, 53593. Notice: If you need an interpreter, materials in alternative formats, or other accommodation to access the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (608) 845-6495 at least 48-hours preceding the meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your request. Notice is hereby given that a majority of the City Council may be present at the meeting of the Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee to gather information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility. The City Council and any other standing committees will not take formal action at this meeting. Meeting Date: Monday September 14, 2026 PW/S&W Committee Memo Page 1 / 1 Public Works/Sewer & Water Committee Listed below is an explanation of the items on the Public Works/Sewer & Water Committee agenda. Item (5) Discussion and Possible Action: Project 2024-105 Mark Drive Reconstruction. Change Order #2, James Peterson and Sons Inc. Memo: This Change order is for work performed installing storm sewer, sanitary, and water main. This Change order includes adding and revising items. The work for the Change Order was inspected, verified, and reviewed by staff. Recommended Motion: Move to approve Project 2024-105 Mark Drive Reconstruction. Change Order #2, James Peterson and Sons Inc. for a sum not to exceed $8,639.62 Item (6) Discussion and Possible Action: Verona Stormwater Utility Credit Application Memo: This is an incentive program for best residential and commercial practices for stormwater management. Recommended Motion: Move to adopt and implement the City of Verona Stormwater Utility Credit Application Form Item (7) Discussion and Possible Action: Verona Sugar River Pledge Form Memo: This is an incentive program for best residential and commercial practices for helping protect Verona’s watershed and to prevent pollution to Verona’s stormwater system. Recommended Motion: Move to adopt and implement the City of Verona Sugar River Supporter Program and Application Form Staff Report Streets asphalt repairs sign maintenance mowing trimming street sweeping cleaning string trimming blowing, barricades for Ironman Utility Progress Update FOG program locates Hydrant flushing Valve turning quarterly samples – Reports Page 1 of 2 Verona Stormwater Utility Credit Application Form Last Revised: April 2, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: City of Verona Stormwater Utility Credit Application Form Submit completed application and any necessary attachments to: Verona Public Works Department Attn: Director of Public Works 410 Investment Court Verona, WI 53593 Please read the terms and conditions of Verona’s Stormwater Utility Credit Application on Page 2 of 2 prior to completing this application. Contact the Verona Director of Public Works at 608-848-6801 if you have any questions on applicability or required information to be included with the application. Property Information Utility Account #: Property Owner Name: Property Address: Phone & E-mail: Impervious Surface Area: sq. ft Total Property Area: acres Check all practices for which you are applying for a credit: Residential (Single Family and Duplex) Credits Multi-family and Nonresidential Credits On-Site Stormwater Management Practices Amount of Credit Rain Barrel or Cistern (min. 35 gallon capacity) One-Time Credit $30 per 35 gal. container ($120 maximum per property) Private Rain Garden or other Biofiltration Facility for controlling water quality Credit - up to 25% reduction in number of Equivalent Runoff Units (ERUs) Private Stormwater Detention Facility for controlling water quantity Credit - up to 25% reduction in number of ERUs Pervious Pavement System Credit - reduction in ERUs by the hard surface area draining to approved pervious pavement system Verona Sugar River Supporter* Credit $2 per property per quarter *Note: Applicant must fill out the “Verona Sugar River Supporter” Pledge Form and submit it with this form to receive the additional credit. On-Site Stormwater Management Practices Amount of Credit Rain Barrel or Cistern (min. 35 gallon capacity) One-Time Credit $30 per 35 gal. container ($120 maximum per property) Rain Garden or other Biofiltration Facility (min. 200 s.f. area or 100 c.f. capacity) Credit $4 per quarter Pervious Pavement System (min. 200 s.f. area, min 3” of base coarse) Credit $4 per quarter Verona Sugar River Supporter* Credit $2 per quarter Page 2 of 2 Verona Stormwater Utility Credit Application Form Last Revised: April 2, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: Attach the following information to your application (as Exhibit A): (1) Site plan (to scale) showing location of on-site stormwater management practice(s) and size of contributing impervious area(s). (2) Copy of manufacturer's information (if applicable) (3) Plant list (for rain gardens and/or biofiltration facilities) (4) For Multi-Family and Nonresidential properties, the applicant must submit water quality modeling results showing the property meets 80% Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Removal Efficiency in the 1-year (24-hour) design storm in order to obtain the maximum 25% deduction for water quality control. (5) For Multi-Family and Nonresidential properties, the applicant must submit water quantity modeling results showing the stormwater management facility controls the post-development runoff rate to pre-settlement rates for the 1-year, 2-year, 10-year, and 100-year (24-hour) design storm events in order to obtain the maximum 25% deduction for water quantity control. Property Owner Certification By signing this application, I certify that I am the owner or authorized representative of the owner and have read this application and understand the terms and conditions of Verona’s Stormwater Utility Credit Program. I certify that this application and additional materials accurately describe stormwater management practices on the property identified on this application. I hereby grant the City permission to enter this property for the sole purpose of conducting site inspections of the stormwater management practices on my property. Property Owner Signature Printed Name Date Reviewed By Printed Name/Title Date Approved By Printed Name/Title Date** **This credit approval is valid for up to five years from date of approval. After this period, the property owner may need to resubmit the application and/or arrange for inspection to verify that on-site stormwater management devices are operating and being maintained properly. Terms and Conditions The design of the on-site stormwater management practice must be approved by the City of Verona Public Works Department before a credit will be issued. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit this application form along with the required supporting documents prior to the installation of any on-site stormwater management practice. The City may require the applicant to have the design certified and stamped by a registered Wisconsin Professional Engineer qualified in stormwater management design. The City grants stormwater utility credits to the ratepayer of record – the person who pays the stormwater bill for the property described on this application. If approved, the credit will be deducted from the City stormwater bill for the utility account provided on this application. The City may revoke the discount, require payment of previous discounts, and impose civil penalties if any of the following conditions occur: (1) the City finds that this application is inaccurate; (2) the private stormwater management system is unsafe or illegal; (3) the property does not comply with City building, plumbing, or stormwater requirements; (4) the multifamily and nonresidential property owner fails to submit required annual inspections; or (5) the City is denied an opportunity to conduct a limited site inspection of the stormwater systems. The Public Works, Sewer, and Water Committee may change the amount of the stormwater credit in response to changes in the stormwater utility rates. Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 1 of 9 Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Submit completed pledge form to: Verona Public Works Department Attn: Director of Public Works 410 Investment Court Verona, WI 53593 Please contact the Verona Director of Public Works at 608-848-6801 or bmanning@veronawi.gov if you have any questions on this pledge form. Property Information Utility Account #: Property Owner Name: Property Address: Phone & E-mail: *Impervious Surface Area: __________ sq feet Total Property Area: __________ acres Property Owner Certification By signing this pledge form, I certify that I am the owner or authorized representative of the owner of the subject property listed above. I certify that I am pledging that everyone on this subject property will follow ____ of the total 53 activities as checked off on the following pages. I hereby grant the City permission to enter this property for the sole purpose of verifying these activities on my property. Property Owner Signature Printed Name Date Reviewed By Printed Name/Title Date *Impervious Surface Area - Any land cover that prevents rain or melting snow from soaking into the ground, such as roofs (including overhangs), roads, sidewalks, patios, driveways, and parking lots. For purposes of the Verona Stormwater Ordinance, all road, driveway, or parking surfaces including gravel surfaces, shall be considered impervious, unless specifically designed to encourage infiltration and approved by the Verona Public Works Director. Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 2 of 9 Welcome to the Verona Sugar River Supporter Program! The Verona Sugar River Supporter program is a community education and action project that helps local residents and businesses do their part for clean water. Take a moment to look through this application form and learn how you can help prevent pollution to Verona’s waters. You may find you have already incorporated many water-friendly practices into your daily life. We hope you will find new ideas to try as well. To be a “Verona Sugar River Supporter”, fill out this form and submit it to the Verona Public Works Department. We want to know what you are already doing to protect the watershed and which new things you will try. Applicants who can demonstrate they are doing at least 32 of the 53 activities noted to protect Verona’s waters are eligible for a credit on their stormwater utility bill. Join your neighbors in pledging to protect our watershed. Together we can make a difference! The Verona Sugar River Supporter program is sponsored by the City of Verona’s Stormwater Utility. 1. Lawn Care Everyone loves a green, healthy lawn. There are many ways to keep your lawn beautiful without applying harmful chemicals. The right amount of water and proper mowing are important to keep your lawn in top shape. Lawns consisting of short turf grass need no more than one inch of water every week. Too much water leads to run-off and an unhealthy lawn. Consider letting your lawn go brown and dormant during the summer dry season – it will green up when the rains return. A low growing clover (i.e.: Dwarf White ‘Dutch’ Clover – Trifolium repens) interseeded with your lawn will help keep it green during drought conditions and help capture nitrogen. Use 2-5 oz. per 1000 ft 2. If you have a shady area that you do not walk on much, ‘Low-Mow’ or ‘No-Mow’ grasses such as a mix of fine fescues (Festuca ovina, Festuca longifolia, Festuca rubra, etc.) may also be worth considering reducing the need to mow your lawn. Grass clippings fertilize the lawn, help hold moisture, and improve soil organic matter content to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers that can end up in our groundwater and our wells. Instead of bagging your clippings, leave them on the lawn, add them to your compost pile, or use them as mulch in garden beds. Grass clippings will not cause thatch build-up. Thatch is mostly roots and stem, not grass blades. Consider using slow-release natural fertilizers such as compost or corn gluten meal. Conventional fertilizers are petroleum-based products that have a high salt content. They also tend to be quick release, creating a greater risk of leaching into creeks and groundwater. Grass takes up fertilizer best in late fall. Did you know a regular gas-powered mower emits pollutants into the air at over ten times the rate of the average car? When it comes time to buy a new mower, think about getting a mulching, electric mower – they are quiet and will finely chop your clippings. Better yet, use a hand-powered reel mower, which gives your grass the healthiest cut, has the least impact on the environment, and is great exercise too! Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 3 of 9 I pledge to: a. Mow with a non-power or electric mower to reduce fossil fuel consumption, noise, air pollution, and run-off. b. Leave grass clippings on the lawn or use a mulching mower. c. Compost grass clippings and other yard waste. Check https://landfill.countyofdane.com/resources/compost for composting information. d. If you need to fertilize, use natural lawn fertilizers such as compost or corn gluten meal. e. Consider lawn vegetation that reduces the need to water and/or fertilize (overseed lawn with dwarf clover in sun, plant “No Mow” fine fescues in shade) f. Reduce lawn size and enhance the beauty of your yard by installing a rain garden with native vegetation. Many native plants require less water and maintenance than grass and provide better stormwater capabilities as well as habitat for native insects and animals. Check DNR_Rain_Garden_Manual for information on rain gardens. Prairie plantings can also replace turf grass. 2. Weeds and Pests While they may seem to be a great solution to weed and pest problems, fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides (collectively called pesticides), often provide a short-term solution with long-term consequences. The suffix “-cide” means “to kill.” Insecticides kill insects, herbicides kill plants and fungicides kill fungus species. Understanding the nutritional and environmental needs of your lawn and garden will help you maintain them without chemicals. Most diseases and insects attack plants that are already stressed by poor growing conditions. For example, plants that thrive on sunny, sandy soil are likely to be susceptible to molds and other diseases when planted in shady, moist areas. Healthy plants well suited to their environment are the best prevention against pest and weed damage. Avoid “weed and feed” products that spread chemicals over a large area instead of targeting specific weeds. These products also apply a heavy dose of quick-release fertilizer that your lawn oftentimes doesn’t need. All pesticides can be harmful to the health of your family and pets by increasing exposure to toxic chemicals. Pesticides can also kill earthworms and other soil organisms that are beneficial to your lawn. A healthy, fluffy soil high in organic matter is the best prevention for insect and disease problems. Regular soil aeration helps maintain soil tilth and create a good environment for beneficial microbes and earthworms. Core aerate your lawn once a year in the fall or early spring. Then overseed to create a dense lawn that shades out weeds. Corn gluten meal is a natural product that fertilizes lawns and prevents weed seedlings from growing. Check https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/GWQ063.pdf for more information on yard and garden care recommendations. Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 4 of 9 I pledge to: a. Accept a few weeds, even clover, which adds nitrogen to the soil. b. Target invasive and/or noxious weeds with hand-weeding or spot spraying. c. Avoid conventional “weed and feed” products and replace with corn gluten meal if necessary. d. Re-seed thin lawn areas to crowd out weeds. e. Read herbicide and pesticide labels and follow application directions. Never apply more than the recommended amount. f. Pick harmful insects off plants or spray them off with water. g. Keep pesticides away from surface water and wellhead protection areas. 3. Sanitary Sewer System Savvy Well-designed and maintained sanitary sewer systems can provide years of reliable service. Poorly located or neglected sanitary sewer systems threaten rivers and groundwater with nutrient and bacterial pollution. Chemical drain cleaners, solvents, and some cleaning products can kill the beneficial bacteria that make sanitary sewer systems function efficiently. When systems fail, property damage, water pollution, and disease outbreaks can occur. Be sure to dispose of hazardous products at the Dane County Clean Sweep Facility, 7020 Maahic Way, Madison WI 53718 (Beltline/12/18 East toward Cambridge) near the Dane County Landfill. The facility is open year-round. Call 608-838-3212 or check www.danecountycleansweep.com for more information. I pledge to: a. Install water-saving devices to reduce demand on the system. b. Use biodegradable soaps and alternatives to hazardous cleaning compounds. c. Never put refuse down the drain or in toilets. Oil, grease, plastics, paper towels, and cigarettes can clog the sanitary sewer system. d. Work with local regulatory agencies on incorporating re-use of grey-water or treated wastewater effluent to recharge the groundwater table. e. Never flush unused medications down the toilet. Take these to designated MedDrop collection locations. See MedDrop | Safe Communities for more information. Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 5 of 9 In the Home: Tips on Toxics Many household products contain hazardous ingredients. If improperly handled, they may end up in our local creeks, wetlands, marshes, lakes, or groundwater. Small amounts of toxins from many homes can build up and cause big problems. When choosing a product, take a moment to read the label. Keywords can alert us to the hazardous nature of products. “Danger”, “Caution”, and “Warning” signify products that are potentially dangerous to the environment and animals, including humans. If you choose to use a hazardous product, use the least toxic substance, buy only what you need, and use it up or dispose of it properly. I pledge to use: f. All purpose cleaner – mix 1 cup of vinegar in a pail of water. g. Bathtub/sink cleaner – sprinkle baking soda, scrub, and rinse. h. Drain cleaner – pour ½ cup of borax in drain followed by 2 cups of boiling water. i. Laundry soap – use phosphate-free soaps. j. Oven cleaner – mix 2 teaspoons borax and 2 tablespoons liquid soap in a spray bottle of warm water. Spray on and clean after 20 minutes. k. Toilet cleaner – scrub with a solution of ½ cup borax in 1-gallon water. l. Window cleaner – mix 1 part vinegar to every 4 parts water. For disposal of hazardous products, such as household cleaners, pesticides, oil paints, and solvents, take them to: Dane County Clean Sweep Facility 7020 Maahic Way Madison, WI 53718 The facility is open year-round. Call 608-838-3212 or check www.danecountycleansweep.com for hours and more information. 4. Pets and Animals Animal waste is a serious water quality problem that is often overlooked. While there have always been animals, it was not until humans and their pets and farm animals concentrated populations along waterways that animal waste became a real problem. Waste from dogs, cats, horses, and waterfowl may contain disease-causing organisms that are harmful to both humans and animals. Animal waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth in creeks and lakes. Large animals, such as horses, sheep, cattle, and goats, can trample creekside vegetation and disturb fish spawning beds. Responsible large animal owners fence their animals away from creeks and lakes and manage manure so that it does not run off with rainwater. Did you know that dogs are not the only problem? Cat waste is also a significant contributor of fecal matter in urban watersheds. Encourage your cat to use a litter box inside and out. Keep it clean so that the cat will prefer it to the garden. Dispose of the waste in the trash. Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 6 of 9 I pledge to: a. Carry a bag and clean up after my pet when out walking and in the yard. I will either put it in a plastic bag in the refuse or give it a flush. b. Encourage my cat to use a litter box by keeping it clean. I’ll dispose of the waste in the refuse rather than the yard or garden. c. Fence my animals out of creeks, ponds, wetlands, and marshes. d. Keep manure away from creeks, ponds, wetlands, marshes, and groundwater. e. Never feed ducks and geese. They will be healthier without my breadcrumbs and will not be encouraged to concentrate in one area where their waste would also be concentrated. Check Animal Waste | Ripple Effects for information on waste from household pets, ducks, and geese. Check Community Manure Management | Land and Water Resources Department for more information on managing farm animals and manure. 5. On the Road Automobiles are one of the largest sources of water pollution. Cars leak oil, antifreeze, and other fluids that are washed into waterways. Their exhaust also releases chemicals, particulates, metals, and other compounds into the air and onto the ground. When these products get into creeks or wetlands, they are harmful to plants, fish, wildlife, and humans. So, each time you get in the car, remember the impacts and consider an alternative to driving. Driving less often and owning an efficient and well-maintained car saves money and resources and helps protect the environment. I pledge to: a. Wash cars at a commercial car wash where wastewater is treated and recycled. If washed at home, cars will be washed on gravel or grass with biodegradable soap. b. Maintain cars with regular tune-ups and fix fluid leaks. c. Use ground cloths and/or drip pans under the car when working on it at home. d. Properly dispose of used antifreeze by taking it to a local auto service center. e. Properly dispose of used motor oil by taking it to the Verona Recycling Drop-off Site at 2373 S. Fish Hatchery Road. f. Reduce the number of car trips I take by consolidating errands, carpooling, walking, using public transportation, or riding my bike. g. Consider purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle, or other method of transportation, when it’s time to replace my current vehicle(s). Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 7 of 9 6. Runoff and Stormwater In the natural world, soil acts like a sponge, filtering out impurities and slowly releasing it into the groundwater and adjacent surface waters. This important function not only helps clean stormwater, but it also regulates flow by absorbing rainwater during storms and releasing it slowly into the groundwater and adjacent surface waters over time. Hard surfaces such as roadways, parking lots, and rooftops increase runoff that contributes to flooding and water pollution. Porous surfaces, such as natural landscapes, pervious pavement, and open-graded gravel, slowly absorb pollutants and reduce runoff. In rural areas, agricultural and forest practices can affect runoff. Where runoff drains a freshly plowed field or clear-cut area, it carries sediment to nearby waterways. Runoff may also carry pesticides and fertilizers that have been applied to the land. Buffers along the banks of creeks and water bodies provide the initial filtering of sediments and other pollutants from runoff. Most roadside ditches do not drain into a wastewater treatment facility; they carry runoff, along with any pollutants, directly to creeks and other water bodies. The combination of cars, homes, people, and animals in the watershed makes pollution from stormwater a serious threat to water quality. I pledge to: a. Minimize or reduce paved or non-porous surfaces when planning to build or remodel. b. Use paving alternatives such as spaced paving stones, bricks, sand, or open- graded gravel. c. Position rain gutters so they drain rainwater onto grass or garden beds and away from hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. d. Never dump motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, or any toxic materials down storm drains or on the ground. e. Create natural filters by planting buffers of native vegetation along any natural waterway on my property. f. Work with Public Works staff on establishing and maintaining an “Adopt-A-BMP (Best Management Practice)” program where property owners engage in the inspection and maintenance of public and private stormwater facilities. g. Assist with local and state surface water monitoring activities. Check WAV | Upper Sugar River and http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/surfacewater/monitoring.html for more information. Check out Verona’s stormwater web page at Stormwater Utility | Verona for more information. 7. Fish and Aquatic Life Trees, shrubs, and other native vegetation along stream banks provide habitat, food and spawning grounds for fish and other aquatic life. Cooler, shaded streams have less algae and can hold more dissolved oxygen. Streamside vegetation shields creeks and other water bodies from summer and winter temperature extremes that may be fatal to fish, insects, and aquatic life. Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 8 of 9 Check http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/shorelandzoning/research/shorelandbuffers.html for more information on shoreland buffers and how they help to promote good fish and aquatic habitat. Wetlands protect water quality by trapping sediments and retaining excess nutrients and other pollutants, such as heavy metals. Wetland plants also help prevent stream bank erosion. You can help fish survive by landscaping with native plants, preserving or establishing buffers of trees and shrubs along your creek, and reducing your use of pesticides. Gathering information about a water body’s health can lead to a better understanding of how best to preserve and/or restore the water body. One effective way of doing this is by establishing a citizen-based water monitoring program. The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association is a local watershed group that Verona residents can consider joining. Check out: Upper Sugar River Watershed Association for more information on monitoring efforts for this organization. I pledge to: a. Work to construct vegetated buffers along creeks, wetlands, and other water bodies. b. Keep all trash and debris, including yard waste, away from creeks, wetlands, and other water bodies. 8. Urban Forestry According to the USDA Forest Service, planting trees improves water quality and reduces runoff and erosion. During rain events, trees capture and hold water in their canopy and then release it later into the atmosphere by evapotranspiration. Higher canopy interception results in less surface water runoff. Where rain falls on paved surfaces, a much greater amount of runoff is generated compared to runoff from the same storm falling over a forested area. These large volumes of water are swiftly carried to our local streams, lakes, wetlands, and rivers, and can cause flooding and erosion, and wash away important animal habitats. In addition, tree roots and leaf litter create soil conditions that promote the infiltration of rainwater into the soil. This helps to replenish our groundwater supply and maintain streamflow during dry periods. Visit http://www.arborday.org/trees/stormwater.cfm to get a better idea of how a city changes when more trees are present. The benefits of trees are more than just reducing stormwater runoff. Trees around your home can increase its value up to 20% by improving curb appeal. In the summer, they provide shade (and save you money on air conditioning bills) and in winter, help by providing wind breaks to help lower your heating costs. Trees remove CO 2 from the atmosphere and release oxygen, and they provide a habitat for birds and other small creatures. By properly maintaining existing trees and planting new ones, we can not only protect our creeks and other surface water bodies, but also enjoy all the other benefits that these plants have to offer. Trees remove other gaseous pollutants by absorbing them with normal air components through the stomates of the leaf surface. Some of the other major air pollutants and their primary sources are: • Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) - coal burning for electricity/home heating is responsible Verona Sugar River Supporter Pledge Form Last Revised: April 20, 2026 Approved by PWSWC: ___________ Page 9 of 9 for about 60% of the sulphur dioxide in the air. Refining and combustion of petroleum products produce 21% of the SO2. • Ozone (O3) - is a naturally occurring oxidant, existing in the upper atmosphere. O3 may be brought to earth by turbulence during severe storms, and small amounts are formed by lightning. Most O3 – and another oxidant, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) – come from the emissions of automobiles and industries, which mix in the air and undergo photochemical reactions in sunlight. High concentrations of O3 and PAN often build up where there are many automobiles. • Nitrogen oxides – Automotive exhaust is probably the largest producer of NOx. Oxides of nitrogen are also formed by combustion at high temperatures in the presence of two natural components of the air: nitrogen and oxygen. • Particulates are small (<10microns) particles emitted in smoke from burning fuel, particularly diesel, that enter our lungs and cause respiratory problems. There is up to 60% reduction in street level particulates with trees. For more information about planting trees in urban areas, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/treeplantingresources for The Wisconsin DNR Urban Tree Planting Resources or visit the City’s Parks & Urban Forestry webpage at Parks & Urban Forestry | Verona, WI for news and additional resources. I pledge to: a. Minimize clearing of trees. b. Preserve established trees, plant new trees when possible, and replace any established trees that are cut down. c. Plant new trees that encourage diversity and site suitability. Select tree species that are appropriate for the climate and site conditions, including soils and sun exposure. Visit http://www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/treeWizard/intro.cfm to find a tree that’s right for you. d. Maximize the amount of growing space and understory vegetation around a tree. e. Provide adequate soil volumes to support trees at maturity. Two cubic feet of soil should be provided for every square foot of mature canopy. Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/UrbanForests/TreePlantingSiteAssessment .pdf for more planting and maintenance tips. f. Preserve and improve the soil quality around any trees. Soil should be accessible to air, water, and nutrients. Minimize soil compaction, displacement, and erosion. g. Not over fertilize or over irrigate trees or lawns.