Sustainability & Natural Resources Committee — Agenda Packet

Administrative Offices Municipal Building - 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.6884 | mounthorebwi.info Sustainability & Natural Resources Committee Meeting Agenda Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM Municipal Building Board Room 138 E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 1) Call to order 2) Roll call 3) Public Participation Participants may speak for up to three minutes. To participate, please complete a public comment form at the Board Room entrance and submit it to staff before the meeting begins. See below for more details. 4) Consent Agenda All items listed below are considered to be routine by the Governing Body and will be enacted by one motion (roll call vote). There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after the Consent Agenda. a. Consideration of August 25, 2026 Meeting Minutes 5) Presentations 6) Chair's Report a. Chair's Report 7) Staff Reports a. Green Team Report 8) Action Items a. Consideration of 2027 - 2031 Capital Improvement Projects b. Consideration of participating in the MadiSUN Group Buy Promotion c. Receive a progress update on the Village's Bike Friendly Community Designation Page 1 of 28 d. Consideration of a Bird City Proclamation e. Consider 2026 October Bird City Activities/Events 9) Adjournment *Public Comment Policy Members of the public are invited to speak at meetings of all Mount Horeb Public Bodies. To comment, please complete a Public Comment Form at the Meeting Room entrance and submit it to staff before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes, must be made from the podium, and the speaker must return to the audience after speaking. • Non-agenda item comments are heard at the start of the meeting. Public Body members and staff will not engage in discussion during public comment but may consider topics for future agendas. • Agenda item comments are heard during the relevant item, after the proposers or staff present the item and before Public Body discussion. All public comments on the item will be heard before any discussion by the Public Body. Members of the public will only be allowed to speak outside these public comment times if they are invited by the meeting chair to share additional information requested by the Public Body. If so invited to speak, the member of the public must do so from the podium. Written comments are also welcome. Written comments shall include the name and address of the submitter and should be submitted to the Deputy Treasurer/Governance Coordinator by email at niki.erickson@mounthorebwi.info (subject line: Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body) or delivered by to the Village at: 138 E Main Street, Mount Horeb WI, 53572, ATTN Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body. UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, CONTACT ALYSSA GAFFNEY, CLERK, AT 138 E MAIN STREET, MOUNT HOREB, WI (608) 437-9404. Page 2 of 28 SUSTAINABILITY & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM DRAFT MEETING MINUTES 1) Call to order Chair White called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2) Roll Call Members present: White, Beheler, Best, Saltes, Pavlovich, Fendrick. Absent: Roethle, 3) Public Comments on non-agenda items None. 4) Consent Agenda a. approval of minutes for June 29 committee minutes. Motion to approve by Best, Second by Beheler. Motion passed. 5) Chair, Staff and Green Team Reports- Reports were made available in meeting packet. 6a) Agenda items – Introduction by new Administrator, Gabe Altenbernd 6b) Consideration of 2027-2031 Capital Projects - Committee discussed inclusion of Energy Plan projects, as well as the yearly budget for Committee. White brought a suggested recommendation of solar PV projects. The two choices for inclusion are the Community Center and the Municipal Building. The Sustainability and Natural Resource Committee will continue to have $1,000 operating budget. 6c) Discussion of MadiSUN Group Buy Promotion - Committee discussed public promotion of Group Buy opportunities per Energy Plan recommendations. Because of our current contract with WIPPI, we are unable to use a group buy for municipal projects but can promote a current group buy option for residents. Promotion ideas discussed were informational pieces in Utility mailings and Sustainability and Natural Resource column in Mount Horeb Mail. Also, a possible public meeting with MadiSUN. 6d) Bike Friendly Community - Committee Member Roethle was not present, will give an updated at the September meeting. Discussed meeting with Green Tier DNR representatives concerning MR Trail condition and process for requesting access portals. 6e) Bird City update - Beheler mentioned the joint program on Monday, October 5, at 1 pm. The program will feature naturalist Bill Volkert. This presentation will explore the annual migration of birds, their seasonal phenology, and explore recent studies that are revealing more information and instilling greater wonder over the phenomenon of bird migration. 7) Future Agenda Items – Bike Friendly Community and Bird City updates, Budget update 6) Meeting adjournment Motion by Best to adjourn, second by Saltes to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Page 3 of 28 September Sustainability and Natural Resource Chair Message This past month I have tried to contact MadiSUN on possible promotion piece we could use to promote group buy solar projects. Yet, I have not heard back from them. We have the group buy as an agenda item discussion. If I hear back in the interim, I will bring that information for review. I am looking forward to the migration program on October 5, at the library. Many thanks to Kerry Beheler and Melissa Relli for organizing the event. Page 4 of 28 Notes from Green Team Meeting 9/2/26 Treasurer’s Report, followed by other committee reports: Scrap stop collected 395 pounds of food scraps this August. There are plenty of buckets still available. The Green Team website content was discussed, with requests for images, copy, and content from our various projects. Website content is being added to the Wordpress site. Bird collision surveys start this month, contact has been made with entities with buildings considered to be of risk to the bird population. Solar options- communicate with the public about using a smaller non-grid approach. Cory suggested consulting another energy auditor person who did a DIY project. Discussion on hosting an event during the winter, EV car owner event, solar related, energy efficiency, etc. Action item to share the Garden Club at Violet Room Sept 14th at 6:30 pm yard to meadows presentation. The home energy audit video link was shared with club members. Green Team Home Energy Assessment. Winter book club was discussed, and then a poem was shared. Updates 9/17 Liz has been making arrangements with the high school Green Team and Club Interact for a seed collection project. Seeds will be harvested from local conservation site on 10/3 or 10/4, processed and stored for the Primary Center landscaping areas. Future Agenda items: Bird city related activities, photography in different categories Work on education about lights at night, dark skies building codes on new construction with questions about the PC construction project. Window collisions; how to avoid, is there a way to get distribution of decals. Find webinars on best practices to avoid hazards to birds. Energy efficiency in October, produce a new flyer or brochure. Focus on energy co-branding on materials for winter to spring, before heat wave season. Photo contest for native plants in local gardens Winter book club send suggestions can go to Lorna titles suggested included “Sand County Almanac”, and others. Page 5 of 28 Village of Mount Horeb Municipal Energy Plan January 16, 2026 Page 6 of 28 20 Solar Recommendations RECOMMENDATION 1: INSTALL SOLAR PV ON OPTIMAL MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS Onsite solar can reduce the Village’s energy costs and also lower its CO2 by leveraging existing roof or ground space near existing facilities. The analysis examined Village facilities for solar installations and identified 10 locations that are potential candidates for solar installations. Table 11. Solar PV installation recommendations for Mount Horeb facilities Building Size (kW DC) Renewable Offset Payback Period (Years) Annual CO2 Savings (MT) Annual Cost Savings Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) 231.1 59% 15.7 196.65 $39,125 Public Safety (Police Dep't) 146.1 41% 15.5 125.49 $24,967 Electric and Water Shop15 65.7 65%* 15.5 56.53 $11,246 WWTP Admin Building 38.2 12% 15.2 33.43 $6,650 Village Hall 33.8 74% 15.5 29.08 $5,786 Community Center 33.5 74% 18.5 24.14 $4,803 Library 19.3 17% 16.3 15.80 $3,144 Public Works 11.8 80% 15.5 10.14 $2,017 Parks and Forestry 4.3 67% 18.5 3.07 $611 Total 583.8 494.33 $98,349 Table12 estimates costs for each of the recommended arrays. The estimated upfront cost is based on size and location on roof or ground. The Focus on Energy incentive shown in the table is a rebate of $50/kW, up to a maximum incentive of $25,000 per installation. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which is currently available to non-tax paying entities via the Elective Pay provision will expire in July 2026 and it therefore may not be feasible for the Village to fund, and complete installation of, a solar array within that timeframe. For that reason, the ITC is not considered in the cost estimates in Table2. 15 The Electric and Water shop currently generates a portion of the electricity that it consumes with a 9 kW on-site solar array. As part of the Mount Horeb Energy Plan, we recommend that the Village install additional PV capacity at this site. All fields except the Renewable Offset column for the Electric and Water Shop in Table and Table reflect information about the added PV capacity. The Renewable Offset field indicates the total renewable offset for the combined systems. Note: Installing additional solar capacity at this facility would require WPPI issuing a waiver for the installation. Recommendations 1. Install rooftop solar on municipal buildings 2. Supplement with offsite renewable energy 3. Facilitate solar group buy Page 7 of 28 21 Table 12. Cost details of solar PV installations for Mount Horeb facilities Buildings Upfront Cost Focus on Energy Incentives Net Cost Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) $624,000 $11,550 $612,400 Public Safety (Police Dep't) $394,400 $7,300 $387,200 Electric and Water Shop $177,300 $3,300 $197,900 WWTP Admin Building $103,000 $1,900 $101,200 Village Hall $91,100 $1,700 $89,400 Community Center $90,500 $1,700 $88,800 Library $52,100 $950 $51,200 Public Works $31,800 $600 $31,200 Parks and Forestry $11,500 $200 $11,300 Total $1,575,700 $29,200 $1,570,600 RECOMMENDATION 2: SUPPLEMENT ROOFTOP SOLAR WITH PURCHASE OF OFF-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY As described in Solar Recommendation 1, this Energy Plan recommends installing rooftop and/or ground mounted solar arrays at most municipal facilities. Table13 includes an indication of the percentage of each building’s current electricity consumption that the recommended solar array would offset. For most facilities, due to either limited space available to install solar panels at the site, or for purposes of optimizing cost- effectiveness of the array based on the terms of the applicable electric tariff, the recommended array would offset a maximum of 80 percent of the facility’s current electricity use. Additionally, the estimated combined net cost of the recommended arrays is $1,570,600. Unless the Village is able to leverage outside funding sources to pay for the cost of these installations, we anticipate that the Village will need to install these arrays over a period of 5-10 years. While it may be necessary for the Village to fund and install the arrays over an extended period of time, the Village can take immediate and near-term action to reduce its municipal emissions by working with Mount Horeb Utilities and WPPI to procure offsite renewable energy. Offsite renewable energy is electricity that a facility purchases, which is generated at a different location from the building that is using the electricity. Due to Wisconsin’s regulatory framework, in Wisconsin, offsite renewable energy generating facilities are usually owned by a third party or by the property owner’s electric utility, rather than by the owner of the facility. Table 1313 identifies benefits and drawbacks of both on-site and off-site renewable energy. Table 13. Comparison of on-site and off-site renewable energy procurement Installing on-site solar Purchasing off-site renewable energy Initial cost Significant initial investment required Initial cost varies depending on procurement method • No initial investment required for adding renewable attributes to conventional electricity purchases (Choose Renewables program. • Low initial investment may be required for community solar participation. Page 8 of 28 22 Installation process Installed by third-party contractor. Requires project management by Village Not applicable or managed by third party Energy cost savings Generated electricity directly reduces utility expenses. Choose Renewables: Adds surcharge to electricity purchases. Community Solar and RER: Savings vs. added expense determined by rate structure. Community Leadership Offers visible and recognizable evidence to the community of Village’s investment in clean energy. May demonstrate leadership if purchase of renewable energy is effectively communicated to the community. Ease of use Minimal maintenance occasionally required No extra effort required following initial registration Emissions reduction Renewable energy generated directly reduces Village’s Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity. Emissions reduction value dependent upon emissions inventory or energy performance standard applied.16 The 2024 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) Section CC103.3.2 of Appendix CC establishes standards for assuring the validity of off-site renewable energy that a building procures to offset its electricity use. We recommend that, if the Village chooses to purchase off-site renewable electricity, it works with the provider of the off-site renewable electricity to ensure that the electricity it purchases meets these standards, as well as the standards provided by Zero Code 2.0. IECC Section CC 103.3.217 Key Requirements for off-site procurement of renewable energy: • Renewable energy procurement agreement shall be legally binding, have a term of at least 15 years, and be transferrable to a new property owner. • Renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with the purchased energy must have been created within the past 12 months by a renewable energy system that was constructed within the past five years. • The renewable electricity must be either directly transmitted to the building or must be provided through the local utility. Mount Horeb Utilities offers the Choose Renewables rate option. Business and residential customers who opt-in to this program agree to purchase a quantity of 300 kWh blocks of renewable energy each month. For each block of renewable energy, the customer agrees to pay a surcharge in addition to their regular energy charges. For each block that customers purchase, Mount Horeb utilities agrees to procure an additional 300 kWh of electricity produced from renewable sources. The Village could purchase 6,735 blocks of energy18 16 Table 6 of Zero Code 2.0 provides useful framework for comparison of offsite renewable energy procurement options. https://www.zero-code.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Zero-Code-TSD-OffSiteRenewables.pdf 17 2024 IECC Appendix CC 103.3.2. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IECC2024P1/appendix-cc-zero-energy- commercial-building-provisions 18 Number of blocks based on weather-normalized 2024 electricity consumption for all municipal facilities Page 9 of 28 Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee Recommendations for the 2027 Village of Mount Horeb Capital Budget The Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee respectfully submits the following recommendations for inclusion in the 2027 Village of Mount Horeb Capital Budget. These recommendations are drawn directly from the 2026 Mount Horeb Energy Plan, approved by the Village Board. (See: https://www.mounthorebwi.info/DocumentCenter/View/881/Mt-Horeb-Energy-PlanFinal). Investments in renewable energy differ from most capital expenditures because they generate an ongoing financial return. While the initial installation requires capital funding, these projects reduce operating costs every year through lower utility expenses. Once the payback period is reached, the Village continues to realize annual savings while benefiting from greater protection against future energy price increases. In addition to these economic benefits, renewable energy projects significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping address climate change while demonstrating the Village's commitment to environmental stewardship. The Committee also recommends that the Village actively pursue grant opportunities to offset project costs. Several state and utility programs may provide financial assistance, including Focus on Energy, WPPI Energy, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and the Clean Energy Revolving Loan Fund. Securing grant funding could substantially reduce the Village's upfront investment and shorten project payback periods. Sustainability & Natural Resources Recommendations For 2027 Budget Cycle 1. Initiate funding for one or both of the following solar photovoltaic (PV) projects identified in the 2026 Mount Horeb Energy Plan (see pages 34–35 for detailed cost analysis): Village Municipal Building • Net Cost: $89,400 • Estimated Payback Period: 15.5 years • Estimated Annual Energy Savings: $5,787 Wastewater Treatment Plant – Administrative Building • Net Cost: $101,200 • Estimated Payback Period: 15.2 years • Estimated Annual Energy Savings: $6,650 These projects provide long-term fiscal benefits by lowering operating expenses while reducing the Village's carbon footprint. It is a starting point for adopting energy and money saving measures for our municipal operations. Other projects should be addressed in future budget cycles. 2. Continue the transition to more fuel-efficient municipal vehicles. The Committee recommends that the Village purchase electric or hybrid vehicles whenever operationally appropriate and cost-effective for the intended vehicle use. Vehicle recommendations and analyses are provided on page 18 of the 2026 Mount Horeb Energy Plan. Transitioning the municipal fleet over time will reduce fuel and maintenance costs while lowering emissions and supporting the Village's long-term sustainability goals. Page 10 of 28 SOLAR PV Group Buy Discussion for August 25, SNR discussion * Because of our contract with WIPPI, a group buy is not a possibility for municipal operations, but group buy options can be promoted to area residents. It has been suggested by Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change that MadiSUN may be a great option. The Committee and Green Team could help to promote residential and commercial benefits of solar group buy. The following is from the Village Energy Plan. RECOMMENDATION 3: FACILITATE A COMMUNITY-WIDE SOLAR GROUP BUY PROGRAM Seventy-three percent of respondents to the Mount Horeb residential survey either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed with the statement, “Using renewable energy is important to our household.” However, only seven percent of respondents said that they had either installed solar on their home or used renewable energy. The gap between the stated values of residents and the percentage of residents who are currently using renewable energy reveals that many households face barriers in accessing renewable energy. 23Respondents identified barriers to using renewable energy, which included installation costs and lack of knowledge in moving forward with installing on-site renewable energy systems. Qualitative responses also suggested that residents have concerns about selecting a qualified and reliable solar installation company. A solar group buy program could help residents and businesses overcome financial, technical, and information barriers to installing solar arrays at their homes and businesses. Important components of a solar group buy program are outlined below. * Mount Horeb can either create a new solar group buy program, or it may consider partnering with nearby municipalities to offer a joint program. • Contractor qualification. The municipality issues an RFP to residential and commercial solar installers that serve the village. The RFP outlines the framework of the solar group buy program and requests proposals from installers for the rate structure(s) that they would offer if selected as the sole provider, as well as examples of the information about recommended solar arrays that they would provide to participants, and references from previous clients who will attest to the quality and reliability of the contractor’s work. From the proposals submitted, the Village selects the installer who offers the greatest value to participants within the program framework. • Sole sourcing. In exchange for being the sole installer servicing the program, the contractor reduces its marketing and customer relations expenses, thus lowering the company’s cost of doing business and reducing overall project costs for participants. • Reliability of pricing and forecasts. The Village’s program implementer coordinates site visits and cost bids by the contractor and provides quality control for the energy production and cost savings forecasts that the contractor provides to participants. • Streamlined process. Both quality control by the Village’s program implementer and the installer’s pricing agreement with the Village eliminate the need for residents to obtain multiple and conflicting bids from contractors. Oversight by the Village’s program implementer ensures that projects progress on a timely basis and that participants have access to a qualified third-party to address any questions or concerns that may arise during the project development and installation processes. Page 11 of 28 214 North Hamilton Street, Suite 300 • Madison, Wisconsin 53703   Copyright © 2018 - All Rights Reserved About Us MadiSUN is the City of Madison’s initiative to expand solar energy for homes and businesses. RENEW Wisconsin, a local nonprofit organization working to grow renewable energy statewide, administers the programs on behalf of the City. In 2007, the City of Madison was named one of 25 Solar America Cities. Since receiving this designation, the City of Madison’s Solar program, MadiSUN, has helped hundreds of businesses and thousands of residents learn more about solar energy, understand their solar production potential and assist with the solar purchasing process. Since 2016, the City has expanded the number of solar installations on its own buildings while supporting residents to make similar investments. In 2017, Madison earned “Gold” designation from the national SolSmart program for its work to improve permitting and solar installation processes. RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that promotes renewable energy in Wisconsin. We work on policies and programs that expand solar power, wind power, renewable fuels, local hydropower, building electrification, energy storage, and electric vehicles.  Since 1991 we have been a champion for clean energy solutions in the Badger State. As part of the MadiSUN solar group purchase program, you may receive pre-proposals from up to three different installers, providing you with a comprehensive range of options to consider. To streamline the decision-making process, we recommend that you seek full quotes from one to three installers whose pre-proposals align closely with your preferences and requirements. Throughout this process, our team is here to provide support and guidance. We understand that navigating the solar market can be daunting, which is why we’re committed to assisting you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about the proposals, need assistance comparing bids, or seek clarification on technical aspects, we’re available to address your concerns and equip you with the tools you need to make an informed decision. Arch SolarArch SolarArch SolarArch Solar Based in Plymouth, WI, and with offices in Milwaukee and Madison, Arch has been investing in Wisconsin’s renewable energy future since 2003 by educating residents and future professionals about solar + energy storage. As a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Arch is proud to be fostering the growth of a diverse solar workforce in Wisconsin, with over 60MW of experience installing solar, our trusted NABCEP certified staff assists homeowners, businesses, and utilities make the smart switch to renewable energy.   Full Spectrum SolarFull Spectrum SolarFull Spectrum SolarFull Spectrum Solar Full Spectrum Solar is a family owned and operated business that has been proudly serving Wisconsin for 20-years, with over 1,300 installations. Founded by brothers and UW-Madison Mechanical Engineering alumni, Burke and Mark have always strived to create a company culture that believes that the ethics of good business practice and contributing to the wellness of nature come first. The team prides themselves for how little they focus on marketing and instead believe that through great work and trust, Full Spectrum’s customers become their greatest supporters as a local small business. Midwest Solar PowerMidwest Solar PowerMidwest Solar PowerMidwest Solar Power Midwest Solar Power is dedicated to transforming homes in the Madison, Wisconsin area with state-of-the-art residential solar power systems. With over a decade of experience, their team of skilled residential solar installers specializes in customized solar solutions that seamlessly integrate with each home’s unique architecture and the local utility grid. With extensive backgrounds in construction, the Midwest Solar Power team takes a detail-oriented approach to ensure the finished solar array looks beautiful and performs even better, every line is followed and the final look of the system is as clean as possible. Contact Us! 214 North Hamilton Street, Suite 300 Madison, WI 53703 608.255.4044 EmailEmailEmailEmail INSTALLERS About Programs Solar Financing Events FAQ I'm interested!I'm interested!I'm interested!I'm interested!U Page 12 of 28 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PLAN PURPOSE Mount Horeb is a community that values safety, sustainability, and active living. This plan outlines steps to make walking and biking safer, easier, and more enjoyable for residents of all ages. By improving our streets and pathways, we support healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen our village’s sense of connection. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee Tim White, Trustee Sarah Best, Trustee Kerry Beheler, Citizen Representative Scott Roethle, Citizen Representative Elizabeth Grabe, Citizen Representative Jack Salttes, Citizen Representative Aaron Fendrick, Student Representative Village Staff: Nic Owen, Village Administrator Doug Vierck, Police Department Chief Steve Salerno, Mount Horeb School District Administrator VISION STATEMENT A Mount Horeb where everyone can comfortably walk or bike to school, parks, shops, and community destinations. COMMUNITY CONTEXT Mount Horeb’s compact layout and existing trail system make it well-suited for active transportation, with the Military Ridge State Trail, the downtown district, and nearby school campuses serving as major activity hubs. At the same time, high traffic volumes on Main Street and Springdale Street create challenges for people walking and biking. Seasonal tourism and community events further increase foot and bicycle activity throughout the year, underscoring the need for safe, comfortable travel options for all users. Page 13 of 28 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The plan aims to improve safety for all travelers by enhancing visibility at key locations, upgrading crossings, and creating safe, low-stress bicycle routes. It also seeks to increase walking and biking by establishing continuous, well-connected routes, improving overall comfort and convenience, and supporting Safe Routes to School initiatives. Finally, the plan promotes sustainability and community health by reducing dependence on vehicles, encouraging active transportation, and advancing broader climate and sustainability goals. EDUCATION Engineering improvements alone are not sufficient to achieve lasting pedestrian and bicycle safety outcomes. Ongoing public education is essential to increasing driver awareness and improving compliance with pedestrian and bicycle laws. Recommended initiatives include:  Driver awareness campaigns emphasizing yielding requirements and speed compliance  Crosswalk safety campaigns highlighting proper driver and pedestrian behavior  Roundabout safety campaigns  Bicycle skills workshops for youth and adults to build confidence and safe riding practices  Helmet distribution partnerships to improve access to properly fitted safety equipment  The Village will continue to support and expand Safe Routes to School initiatives that promote safe, active transportation for students and families.  Public outreach should be coordinated seasonally and aligned with high-traffic events, including National Bike Month and community festivals. BICYCLE NETWORK & DESIGNATED ROUTES To build a safer, more connected village, Mount Horeb will establish two designated bicycle routes that help riders travel comfortably across town without relying on high-traffic streets. Wayfinding signs will be installed along each route to raise awareness and guide bicycle traffic along these routes. The base cost for this project would likely be $3,250 for the signage, plus labor cost for installation. Estimate is based on 10 signs per mile on the 2.6-mile bike route. Wisconsin DOT estimates cost $125/sign. Cost shall be finalized and included in the 2027 budget. EAST / WEST ROUTE: Connecting Parks, Schools, Downtown, and the library 1.3 Miles | +87 FT / -36 FT Elevation Change (West to East) POINTS OF INTEREST:  Western Terminus: Grundahl Park.  Garfield Park  Downtown Mount Horeb Business District  Mount Horeb Middle School  Viking Park (Tennis/Pickleball Courts) Page 14 of 28  Liberty Park  Mount Horeb Intermediate School  Eastern Terminus: Mount Horeb Public Library NORTH / SOUTH ROUTE: Connecting Aquatic Center, Downtown, Elementary School and Hofstetter Conservation Park 1.3 Miles | +26 FT / -105 FT Elevation Change (North to South) POINTS OF INTEREST:  Northern Terminus: Aquatic Center  Downtown Mount Horeb Business District  Garfield Park  Mount Horeb Elementary School  Southern Terminus: Hofstetter Conservation FUTURE EXPANSION: STEWART LAKE ROUTE: Connect Mount Horeb Downtown to Stewart Lake County Park. Click to View Interactive Map Page 15 of 28 BICYCLE STORAGE Providing additional bicycle parking is a practical way for Mount Horeb to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. As bicycling continues to grow, including the rapid adoption of electric bicycles, more residents are traveling farther and using bikes for everyday trips. E-bikes are heavier, more valuable, and often used by riders who may not feel comfortable carrying them inside buildings, which increases the need for stable, secure outdoor bike storage. Bike racks reduce sidewalk clutter, prevent unsafe locking to railings or signs, discourage theft, and create more orderly, predictable pedestrian spaces. By clearly defining where bicycles should be parked, the village can improve accessibility, sightlines, and overall safety for all users of the public right of way. Establishing a dedicated $1,250 per year budget for bicycle rack installation is a low-cost, high-impact implementation strategy within the pedestrian and bicycle safety plan. This funding level is sufficient to install multiple commercial-grade bike parking spaces at a single location each year, allowing the village to focus on priority areas such as downtown, schools, and parks. PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT: MAIN STREET CROSSWALKS Tourism plays a significant role in Mount Horeb’s local economy. Visitors are drawn to the Village to experience the Trollway, local shops, restaurants, and community events. As a result, downtown Main Street functions not only as a transportation corridor, but also as a pedestrian-oriented destination. Many visitors are unfamiliar with downtown parking locations and traffic patterns. This can create confusion and increase the likelihood of mid-block crossings or unsafe crossing attempts along Main Street. The situation is further intensified during the weekly Farmers Market, which is located along this corridor and coincides with evening peak traffic volumes. During these periods, both pedestrian and vehicle activity increase substantially, elevating the potential for conflict. High-visibility crosswalk markings are a proven safety counter measure that can significantly improve pedestrian visibility and driver yielding behavior. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), enhanced crosswalk visibility treatments have been shown to reduce pedestrian injury crashes by up to 40 percent. Implementing high-visibility crosswalks in key downtown locations would support tourism, improve pedestrian comfort, and enhance overall safety for residents and visitors. Page 16 of 28  High-visibility continental (ladder) or bar-pair crosswalk markings Constructed using thermoplastic or inlay tape.  MUTCD-compliant R1-6 “State Law – Yield to Pedestrian” signs Installed on both sides of the crosswalk Main street has 10 crosswalks that are considered midblock or 2-way intersections that would benefit from high-visibility markings. The 3 crosswalks between 3rd and 5th Street would benefit the most due to high pedestrian traffic during the farmer’s market. In 2025 we had an incident where a child was struck by a vehicle during this peak period. The Village shall prioritize updating these 3 crosswalks with R1-6 Yield to Pedestrian Signs and painted high visibility crosswalk markings as soon as possible. The remaining 6 crosswalks shall be updated in subsequent fiscal years. The Wisconsin DOT is planning to repave HWY 78 (Main St.) in 2033, installing colored concrete crosswalks. In the interim, the village staff shall weigh the reduced up-front cost of painting vs thermoplastic tape. Painted high-visibility crosswalk markings typically require repainting on an annual basis due to traffic wear and snowplowing. The village could proceed with annual maintenance of painted crosswalks until the corridor is resurfaced, at which time more durable marking materials may be considered. Page 17 of 28 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT: SIDEWALK NETWORK ENHANCEMENTS Mount Horeb should continue to implement its adopted Sidewalk Circulation Plan and related sidewalk construction, maintenance, and inspection policies, which together provide a clear, consistent, and effective framework for improving pedestrian safety and connectivity. The Circulation Plan identifies specific sidewalk gaps, prioritizes connections to schools, parks, and other high-use community destinations, and coordinates sidewalk installation with street reconstruction, redevelopment, and budget considerations, reflecting an incremental and fiscally responsible approach that is already being actively implemented. Complementary Village policies governing sidewalk construction, cost-sharing, and routine safety inspections ensure sidewalks are built to consistent standards, maintained in a reasonably safe condition, and repaired based on objective hazard criteria and pedestrian demand. Continuing these established programs affirms the Village’s commitment to a safe, accessible, and connected pedestrian network while supporting broader goals for walkability, active transportation, and community livability without creating new or redundant policies. ENFORCEMENT Targeted, data-informed enforcement supports engineering and education efforts by reinforcing safe behaviors. In collaboration with the Mount Horeb Police Department, the Village will prioritize:  Targeted speed enforcement in school zones and high-pedestrian corridors  Crosswalk yield enforcement operations downtown and other high-activity areas  Ongoing coordination between enforcement personnel and safety committees to address emerging concerns DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION The Village will establish an ongoing collaboration between the Mount Horeb Police Department, Public Safety Committee and the Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee to conduct an annual review of pedestrian and bicycle safety conditions. This review will include:  Analysis of reported crash data involving pedestrians and bicyclists  Collection of pedestrian and bicycle counts at key corridors and crossings  Community engagement to assess perceived safety, barriers, and areas of concern Conducting this evaluation on an annual basis will allow the Village to monitor trends, identify emerging issues, and measure the effectiveness of implemented safety improvements. The review will take place each May to align with National Bike Month, reinforcing the Village’s commitment to active transportation and providing an opportunity to share findings with the community. Page 18 of 28 IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE Timeline Action Lead Estimated Cost 2026 Create Education Plan Police Dept, Schools, SNR, Parks & Recreation $0 2026 Enhance Public Access to Walking and Biking Information (website update) Village Staff $0 2027 Install Bicycle Network Wayfinding and Crossing Signage for North/South & East/West Routes. Expand to Stewart Lake County Park pending adoption of initial routes. Village Staff, Public Services Department $3,000 - $4,000 2027 2nd Street Reconstruction – Bike Lanes, Wayfinding and Crossing Signage Public Services Department TBD 2027–2031 High Visibility Crosswalks on Main Street Village Staff, Public Services Department $5,000/year (2027-2031) Annual Add Bicycle Racks at Key Destinations Village Staff, Public Services Department $1,250/year Annual (May) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Review (crash data, counts, community engagement) Police Dept, Public Safety Committee, SNR $0 Future Pave Military Ridge State Trail Village Staff TBD Page 19 of 28 IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY 2026: Develop Education Plan In 2026, the Village will lead the creation of a coordinated education and encouragement strategy focused on safe walking and biking. This effort will be a collaboration between the Mount Horeb Police Department, Mount Horeb Area Schools, the Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee, and the Recreation Department. The plan will outline appropriate school programs, community training resources, and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safe travel behavior. 2026: Enhance Public Access to Walking and Biking Information The Village website shall be updated to provide clear, easy access to pedestrian and bicycle planning resources. These additions will help residents identify safe routes, understand local infrastructure, and stay informed about ongoing improvements. Web links will include: Low-Stress Route Finder Dane County Bike Map Pedestrian Facilities Map 2027: Install Bicycle Network Wayfinding and Crossing Signage To improve navigation and support a low-stress transportation network, new wayfinding signs and bicycle/pedestrian crossing signs will be added along designated routes. This will enhance safety by clearly directing riders and increasing driver awareness at key conflict points. DOT Property Signs NACTO - Bike Wayfinding Routes 2027: 2nd Street Reconstruction – Bike Lanes, Wayfinding and Crossing Signage Planned reconstruction of 2nd Street in 2027 offers an opportunity to integrate bicycle infrastructure. The Village should install bicycle lane pavement markings when feasible from Lincoln Street to Carver Street, improving north–south connectivity and safety. 2027-2031: Main Street - High Visibility Crosswalks High-visibility crosswalk upgrades using thermoplastic markings and MUTCD-compliant pedestrian yield signage are estimated at approximately $2,500 per crosswalk, consistent with recent municipal pavement-marking unit costs used by communities in south-central Wisconsin. ANNUAL: Install Bicycle Racks at Key Destinations As demand and usage grows, the Village will install secure bicycle parking at major community destinations. Page 20 of 28 FUTURE CONSIDERATION: Pave Military Ridge State Trail Paving a portion of the Military Ridge State Trail within the Village of Mount Horeb is possible, but it requires close coordination with the Wisconsin DNR, because the corridor is a state trail with an existing master‑planned purpose, established surface (predominantly crushed limestone), and winter shared‑use considerations (including snowmobiling on the limestone segments). Today only about 2.5 miles are asphalt (primarily near Fitchburg/Verona), with the remainder in limestone, and snowmobiles are allowed only on the limestone sections, not on the paved segment between Fitchburg and Verona. Any proposal to pave inside the village would therefore need to address how winter uses (snowmobile routing, ski/snowshoe use) would be accommodated if a segment were converted to asphalt. A practical roadmap is to follow the Verona model. In 2025, the City of Verona approved a Land Use Agreement with the DNR to replace bridges and pave an intown stretch of the trail, with the city taking on design, construction, and defined maintenance responsibilities for the paved surface while the DNR retained corridor oversight. Verona’s public project page shows the agreement was signed in May 2025, design advanced through 2026, and asphalt paving scheduled for 2027; meeting notes indicate the city coordinated sequence (bridges first, then paving) and long‑term maintenance terms with the DNR. For Mount Horeb, a similar pathway would likely include: (1) early discussions with the DNR property manager to confirm master plan consistency and scope; (2) a concept plan that maps limits, cross‑sections, winter use management (e.g., alternate snowmobile routing or seasonal agreements), and access points; (3) a draft land use/operating agreement defining roles (construction, snow/ice control, surface maintenance, vegetation management), term, and liability; (4) environmental/permit review as needed; and (5) local funding commitments and public involvement. The DNR’s own information page points to Property Master Plans as the touchstone for proposed changes, while Verona’s project documentation provides a recent, local precedent for the agreement structure, schedule, and deliverables. Links: https://www.veronawi.gov/918/Military-Ridge-State-Trail-Paving-Projec https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/militaryridge/info Page 21 of 28 Proclamation Recognizing October 2026 as Mount Horeb Bird Month WHEREAS, migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that share our community, and WHEREAS, many citizens recognize and welcome migratory birds as symbolic harbingers of fall, and WHEREAS, these migratory birds play an important economic role in our community, controlling insect pests and generating millions in recreational dollars statewide, and WHEREAS, migratory birds and their habitats are declining throughout the Americas, facing a growing number of threats on their migration routes and in both their summer and winter homes, and WHEREAS, public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation, and WHEREAS, citizens enthusiastic about birds, informed about the threats they face, and empowered to help address those threats can directly contribute to maintaining healthy bird populations, and WHEREAS, since 1993 World Migratory Bird Day (formerly International Migratory Bird Day) has become a primary vehicle for focusing public attention on the nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our communities and throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the southern U.S., and WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of people will observe WMBD on October 10 2026, gathering in town squares, community centers, schools, parks, nature centers, and wildlife refuges to learn about birds, take action to conserve them, and simply to have fun, and WHEREAS, while WMBD officially is held each year on October 10, its observance is not limited to a single day, and planners are encouraged to schedule activities on the dates best suited to both migratory birds and their celebrants, and WHEREAS, WMBD is not only a day to foster appreciation for wild birds and to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation, but also a call to action, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Village Board of Mount Horeb to hereby proclaim October 2026 as Mount Horeb Bird Month, urging all citizens to celebrate this observance and to support efforts to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats in our community and throughout the world. Ryan Czyzewski, Village President of Mount Horeb Dated this 30th day of September in the year2026 Page 22 of 28 Page 23 of 28 Page 24 of 28 The Mystery of Migra tion Explore the annual migration of birds and their seasonal phenology. This free program also highlights recent studies that are revealing more information while instilling greater wonder over the phenomenon of bird migration. Bill Volkert, Naturalist Monda y, Oct 5, 1 pm In partnership with Village of Mount Horeb Sustainability Committee. Part of the Bird City Mount Horeb celebrations! Mount Horeb Public Library The Mystery of Migra tion Explore the annual migration of birds and their seasonal phenology. This free program also highlights recent studies that are revealing more information while instilling greater wonder over the phenomenon of bird migration. Bill Volkert, Naturalist Monda y, Oct 5, 1 pm In partnership with Village of Mount Horeb Sustainability Committee. Part of the Bird City Mount Horeb celebrations! Mount Horeb Public Library Page 25 of 28 1. Bird Bingo scavenger hunt: cards created by Allison Plummer ED Chamber Purpose: Public Outreach Info for the public (brief info) Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce and participating businesses will have a free Bird Bingo scavenger hunt for the entire month of October! Pick up Bird Bingo cards at the Chamber Welcome Center and participating businesses! Play to win and collect a prize! Details: Have 5 different versions of the Bingo Card front so birds are in all different orders. Players (people) pick up a card from participating businesses and the Chamber Welcome Center. Players visit the locations and find the images, each person in a group would get their bingo at a different time, depending on what order they find the birds. Businesses display bird image in their window, players visit the business and check off a bird on their Bingo Card. When completed, go to Chamber Welcome Center and collect prize. Prize is a Bird City sticker! I was planning to ask Brix Cider, Grumpy Troll, Sunn Café, Golden Roost, Driftless Chocolates, Sift and Winnow, Driftless Historium, Buck and Honey’s, Mount Horeb Bike Shelter inside Chamber box. Others? 300 Bingo Cards to begin for distribution. Running event all of October. Start with 300 printed, and see if we need more. Targeting Mt H community for outreach and bird education. Have available at the Welcome Center during Fall Village Market but not mass distribute during Fall Market, so cards are not wasted. Lots going on at Fall Market! Chamber may have some copies on normal paper instead of card stock, have at the kids area during Fall Market for an activity. 2. Bird Education posters: created by Elizabeth Grabe Mount Hore Green Team Purpose: Public Outreach and Education. Chamber will print Bird Education posters. 8x11 paper size. Print about 12 posters. Display posters at areas other than Bird Bingo game (ie Library, Jada's Garden, Chamber box at Bike Welcome Center, Vortex, Blue Mound State Park, Mt H Schools), others? When asking the 9 businesses to display Bird Bingo images, also ask them IF they want to display the bird education poster. 3. Funding request: SNR provide $125 total to Chamber to supplement printing costs for Bird Bingo cards and Bird Education posters 4. Questions? Page 26 of 28 DRAFT for SNR Review 16 September 2026 Mount Horeb Mail Sustainable Notes column Title: October is Mount Horeb Bird Month! Author: Kerry Beheler citizen member Mount Horeb Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee Have you noticed all the bird activity? Welcome to fall bird migration! Migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife that share our Mount Horeb community. Why do birds migrate? Birds are making the journey south to their wintering grounds right now. Every year, billions of birds worldwide undertake extraordinary journeys. Migration is driven by the search for food, safe nesting and resting places, and favorable climates. Many bird species breed in the north during warmer months when daylight is long and insect food is abundant. As temperatures, daylight, and food resources decline in the fall, birds head to warmer southern regions. Being a “snowbird” is real! Migratory birds are a powerful symbol of connectivity: a single bird can link countries and continents in the span of a single year, as the bird’s survival depends on habitats and policies far beyond any one national border. Along their migration routes both south and north, birds depend on a connected network of wetlands, forests, grasslands, and coastlines for essential stopover sites to eat and rest. Migratory birds are celebrated with the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) initiative. WMBD is a global campaign raising awareness of and the need for international cooperation to conserve birds and their habitats. WMBD is celebrated twice a year worldwide, in May and October, to reflect spring and fall migration. https://www.migratorybirdday.org/ To support bird awareness and education in Mount Horeb, our Village Board has proclaimed the entire month of October 2026 as Bird Month! Our community leaders encourage us to celebrate, have fun, and support efforts to protect and conserve migratory birds and their habitats. What are we doing to celebrate October as Mount Horeb Bird Month? Several events are planned including bird-watching hikes and community education programs. Free posters, activity pages, coloring pages, and social media information will be available. Join us in learning about birds and migration! Events include: 1. Mount Horeb Public Library will host a free public education program “The Mystery of Bird Migration” on Monday 5 October at 1pm. Featured speaker Bill Volkert is a nationally known birding expert. 2. Mount Horeb Chamber of Commerce and participating businesses will have a free Bird Bingo scavenger hunt for the entire month of October! Pick up Bird Bingo cards at the Chamber Welcome Center and participating businesses! Play to win and collect a prize! 3. Mount Horeb Green Team created a fantastic fun factual bird education poster. Stop by the many Mount Horeb locations who will display this poster! 4. Read interesting stories about birds throughout October in the Mount Horeb Mail. 5. Take a birding hike at any of our nearby local, county, and state parks. Page 27 of 28 6. Check the Mount Horeb Bird City public page for more upcoming events and locations. Mount Horeb Bird City public page, link here https://birdcity.org/wisconsin/mount-horeb?tab=1 (add QR code) Mount Horeb became an official Bird City in April 2026. We completed specific community actions in 4 broad categories of habitat, threats to birds, education and engagement, and sustainability. We have an ongoing action list that determines what is being done, what can be done, and helps us chart a course for bird friendly actions over time that fit with our broader community conservation goals. Contact the Mount Horeb Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee or the Mount Horeb Green Team to become involved and for more information! How can you help birds? Our awareness and concern are crucial for migratory birds. We can directly help birds with the following actions: 1. Keep outdoor lights minimized or turned off during bird migration! Most birds migrate at night, and bright night lighting can disorient them, leading to fatal building or window collisions. Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. can reduce collisions. More information can be found here: https://www.audubon.org/our-work/cities-and-towns/lights-out Not every migration night is the same. BirdCast forecasts let us know when the biggest movements are expected, so we can minimize outdoor lighting on those nights. BirdCast alerts are sent for the top 10% of migration nights, about 8–10 nights that account for almost half of all migration! You can sign up for BirdCast migration alerts to know when these peak nights are expected in our area. Link here: https://dashboard.birdcast.org/region/US-WI 2. Prevent window collisions! You can treat windows to prevent bird collisions. For a simple solution, draw lines or dots on the outside of your windows (no more than 2” apart) with a bar of soap, oil-based markers or tempura paint. More information can be found here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it/ 3. Keep cats inside! Cats are expert hunters with strong prey drives. Cats are the top source of direct, human-caused bird mortality in the U.S., killing an estimated 2.4 billion birds each year. More information can be found here: https://abcbirds.org/solutions/keep-cats-indoors/ 4. Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide critical bird food, and places for birds to rest during migration. More information can be found here: https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds 5. If you find an injured bird, contact the closest wildlife rehabilitator for professional care. Information on wildlife rehabilitation can be found here: https://www.wiwildlife.org/ Page 28 of 28