Sustainability Commission

AGENDA OF THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 310. Virtual attendance also available via Zoom. A. Zoom Meeting Information. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82236285137?pwd=bzBScDVVRysrQlpSZEZpK2FMSnd4Zz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 822 3628 5137 Passcode: 769016 If you wish to leave a comment for this public meeting, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. Roll Call. 1. Members: Chair- Christa Kananen, Vice Chair- Ned Dorff, Alder Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Jenny Brinker, Daniela Beall, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, Staff person- Maria Otto C. Approval of the Agenda. 1. Approval of the agenda for the Wednesday, January 21, 2026, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. D. Approval of Minutes. 1. Approval of the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. E. Informational. 1. Waste Reduction Work Group Update 2. Healthy Habitat For All Work Group Update Agenda of the Sustainability Commission January 21, 2026 Page 1  3. Climate Resilience Work Group Update 4. Clean Energy Work Group Update 5. Community Engagement Work Group Update 6. Staff Memo_Summary of GSI Improvements 7. Next Meeting: February 18, 2026 F. Adjournment. 1. Adjournment of the Wednesday, January 21, 2026, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. 1) THIS MEETING IS RECORDED: THE VIDEO OF THIS MEETING AND MINUTES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.greenbaywi.gov 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Any person wishing to attend who requires special accommodation because of a disability, should contact the City Safety Manager at 920-448-3125 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time so that arrangements can be made. 3) QUORUM: Please take notice that a majority or quorum of the Common Council will attend this Sustainability Commission meeting and will constitute a meeting of the Common Council for purposes of discussion and information gathering relative to this agenda. 4) REPRESENTATION: The party requesting the communication, or their representative, should be present at this meeting. Agenda of the Sustainability Commission January 21, 2026 Page 2  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # D.1 Approval of the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Sustainability Minutes 12 17 2025 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  MINUTES OF THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 310. Virtual attendance also available via Zoom. A. ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82236285137?pwd=bzBScDVVRysrQlpSZEZpK2FMSnd4Zz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 822 3628 5137 Passcode: 769016 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. ROLL CALL. 1. Members: Chair- Christa Kananen, Vice Chair- Ned Dorff, Alder Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Jenny Brinker, Daniela Beall, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, Staff person- Maria Otto Present: Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz Excused: Jenny Brinker Absent: Daniela Beall C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA. 1. Approval of the agenda for the Wednesday, December 17, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. Moved by Christa Kananen, seconded by Jeanette Knill to approve to agenda. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 1. Approval of the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting. Moved by Maria Otto, seconded by Christa Kananen to approve the minutes. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None. E. ANNOUNCEMENTS. 1. Introductions of new commissioners, Jeanette Knill and Marissa Michalkiewicz. F. REGULAR BUSINESS. 1. Update on recycling in City Parks, Including Bay Beach Amusement Park. (from July 16, 2025 meeting of the Sustainability Commission). Moved by Jeanette Knill, seconded by Marissa Michalkiewicz to receive and place on file the Bay Beach Amusement Park Recycling report. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None. 2. To approve the 2026 Sustainability Commission Work Plan. Moved by Jeanette Knill, seconded by Christa Kananen to amend the draft 2026 Work Plan. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None. Work Plan amendments: Add Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, and Maria Otto to the Waste Reduction Work  Group. Add Jeanette Knill to the Community Engagement Work Group. Add Waste Reduction work group Action: Evaluate opportunities to engage and educate the community, particularly the business community, about recycling and waste reduction. Add Marissa Michalkiewicz to Clean Energy Work Group. Add GBAPS as a partner to the Clean Energy Work Group. Additional partners were added to various work groups. Moved by Maria Otto, seconded by Jeanette Knill to approve as amended the 2026 Work Plan. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None. G. INFORMATIONAL. 1. To receive and place on file the 2026 Sustainability Commission meeting dates. Moved by Julia Noordyk, seconded by Marissa Michalkiewicz to receive and place on file. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None. 2. Next Meeting: January 21, 2026. H. ADJOURNMENT. 1. Adjournment of the Wednesday, December 17, 2025, meeting of the Sustainability Commission. Moved by Ned Dorff, seconded by Christa Kananen to adjourn the meeting. Motion Passed. Yes-Ned Dorff, Christa Kananen, Joey Prestley, Julia Noordyk, Maria Otto, Jeanette Knill, Marissa Michalkiewicz, No-None, Abstain-None.  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # E.1 Waste Reduction Work Group Update BACKGROUND Group members started coordinating times to connect outside of Committee meetings to discuss actions outlined in 2026 Work Plan. Planning to connect with local community members/business owners who have experience with managing/utilizing food/organic waste to propose joining the Work Group. Those currently being considered are Selena Darrow, Founder and President of Rooted In (https://rootedininc.org/about/), and Sarah Valentine, Co-Owner of Valentine Gardens (https://www.valentinegardens.org/about). Group members are researching the following organizations and technologies as considerations for community composting programs in Green Bay:p • Recycling Connections offers annual bulk purchases of backyard compost bins (the Home Composter™) to municipalities, schools, and organizations. Also offers bulk purchases of their stainless steel, 1-gallon kitchen collection pails. Additional information regarding their offerings are included as attachments and at this link: https://www.recyclingconnections.org/group-purchase- program • UW-Green Bay has a Green Mountain Technologies containerized compost system (also referred to as an in-vessel composting unit) on their campus that processes food waste and organic waste. Their system has been in operation since 2020 and according to John Arendt, Director of EMBI, can process ~28,000 lbs. of organic materials per month. This system is a great consideration for a drop- off collection program or an organization that generates a significant amount of food waste monthly. Additional information regarding the Green Mountain Technologies unit are included as an attachment and at this link: https://compostingtechnology.com/in-vessel-systems/comptainer/ RECOMMENDATION To receive and place on file the Waste Reduction Work Group Update. FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Green Mountain Technologies Containerized Compost System Sept 2024 2. Recycling Connections 2026 Group Compost Bin Purchase Program Guide 3. The Home Composter Sell Sheet 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov Containerized Compost System (CCS) Cut Sheet Odor Control Flexible Modular 90% to 99% less odor Each CompTainer is Ability to expand and and emissions than roll-off compatible, contract operations windrow facility simplifying transport as needed (206)-319-7102 www.compostingtechnology.com sales@compostingtechnology.com Containerized Compost System (CCS) Specifications For over 30 years the containerized compost system (CCS) has proven a reliable way to process odorous materials and biosolids. At the heart of the system is the CompTainer, a stainless steel rolloff container that aerates feedstocks in both positive and negative. All process air from the system is entrapped and treated in a biofilter, offering excellent odor and emissions control. FEATURES Emissions compared to windrow 90% to 99% less Leachate generation Zero discharge Suggested capacity 500 to 10,000 T/year Aeration direction Reversing Working surface Concrete or asphalt Emissions control technology Biofilter and or scrubber Loading mechanism Bucket loader or conveyor Compost per CompoTainer 40 to 75 yd 3 CompoTainer length x width x depth 20-40’ x 8’ x 8.5’ Electricity Single or three phase Electricity per CompoTainer 5 to 10 kwh per day Probes per CompoTainer 2 probes Aeration controls Warranty 1 year (206)-319-7102 www.compostingtechnology.com sales@compostingtechnology.com  Registration Now Open GROUP COMPOST BIN 2026 PURCHASE PROGRAM GUIDE Guide Overview Program Overview...........................................................................................................Page 2 The Home Composter.....................................................................................................Page 3 Benefits/Logistics/Pricing..............................................................................................Page 4 Sales Options...................................................................................................................Page 5 Kitchen Pails.....................................................................................................................Page 6 WWW.RECYCLINGCONNECTIONS.ORG 715-343-0722 1  With this program, our goal is to promote backyard composting as a means to help your community meet waste reduction, climate, or other sustainability goals. Recycling Connections is a non-profit organization that has been hosting community compost bin sales for over 20 years as well as our own sales. Every year we compare compost bins on the market and Program Overview every year we continue to come back to the Home Composter as the #1 backyard bin. When you join our program, you’re joining a group of non-commercial entities in providing the Home Composter to residents in your area. We get the best group price for all partners and handle the logistics with the manufacturer so you can focus on the promotion of your own program. RC uses their knowledge and experience to assist you with the development of the most succesfful program for the needs of your specific community. We provide educational and promotional templates to make marketing as easy as possible. 2  The Home Composter is manufactured in the United States and is well-sized, easy to use and made of sturdy, yet lightweight recycled plastic. About the Home Composer It is made up of 4 components: 2 sides, 4 clips, 2 doors, and a locking lid. The two piece construction of sides allows for easy transportation and fits in most trucks or backseats. Features of the Home Composter Large Capacity - 17 cu. ft. / 125 gallons with wide opening to turning & accessing materials Lid Closure - Locking lid latch Air Flow - Air vents for excellent air flow Easy Access to Finished Compost - 2 doors on each bottom side for compost removal 3  Benefits Increases capacity for meeting your community’s organic diversion Benefits, Logistics & Pricing goals, climate or sustainability goals, and promoting waste reduction. Residents increase their local self-reliance by managing their own compost in their backyards. Only available to municipalities or other not-for-profit organizations. There are no commercial sales or retail competition for this bin. Personal program support: receive templates to aid in promotional materials, including webinars and workshops. Group orders get the best purchase price point and you set your sale price yourself to meet your community/organizations needs. How it Works Program is now available nation-wide. Orders due no later than January 15th, 2026. Minimum order 3 pallets per delivery site. Bins typically arrive just before Earth Day (April 22nd) in time for spring sales. Actual delivery date is determined by the needs of participating communities. Billing takes place AFTER delivery with separate invoices for each site. Sell your bins at your own price; you keep the profits. Contact Recycling Connections regarding intent to participate. Phone: 715-343-0722 Email: compost@recyclingconnections.org Online Form: www.recyclingconnections.org/bin-purchase-program Pricing Per bin pricing is determined by the aount of bins purchased by the group. The more bins purchased collectively, the lower the per bin purchase price. Transportation and delivery is included in the purchase price; no additional fees apply. Direct invoicing after delivery for easy transaction and no up-front costs. 4  Group Purchase Online Pre-Sale Option You purchase the bins through our group You promote a pre-order sale through a purchase program to get the best price online store set up by Recycling Connections and organize your own sale however works that is unique to your community. Bins are best for your community. delivered directly to you and you establish a pick-up event. Things to Consider: Things to Consider: Sales Options Final orders by January 15th, 2026. Final orders by early March. You set delivery Minimum order of 3 pallets/54 bins for date based on pick-up event. delivery to your location. Promote online to your audience by easily Price determined by number of bins sharing online store link. purchased by group. (Expected price Must have place to unload bins & hold event. $55-$60 per bin.) Minimum order of 6 pallets/108 bins. Loading dock or pallet jack required & Bin purchase price is set at $68 for must have space to unload and store customers. bins. Benefits: Benefits: Great for communities who have a place Great for communities who want to hold a to store bins & want to sell them year- one day event & don’t have the ability to round. store bins throughout the year. Bins delivered directly to your location. All money transactions are handled through Invoiced directly & you set the purchase an online store, provided by Recycling price to residents. Connections. No up-front or additional costs; program No up-front or additional costs; program can can pay for itself. pay for itself. How it Works How it Works You fill out our online form and place your After you commit to the program, Recycling order no later than January 15th, 2026. Connectios (RC) will establish your unique Bins are delivered by pre-determined online store. You begin promoting your sale date (starting mid-April) as early as Feruary 1st. You establish sales that work for your Your online store will stay open until all the community and RC provides promotional bins have been estimated for sale have been material and general program support. pre-sold. RC provides assistane with customer pick- up schedule. You organize on-site logistics (with support & tips from RC) for your pick-up event. 5  Looking for a great kitchen pail you can offer with your compost bin sales? Recycling Connections offers bulk sales of our stainless steel, 1-gallon, pail. We LOVE this pail! We've been selling it for over 15 years and continue to be proud to offer it. Kitchen Pails Other features we love: Holds 1 gallon Decorative design - looks great on a counter, but could also fit in a cupboard or under the sink. Durable & dishwasher safe Sturdy handle for easy movement Lid holds odors in & keeps fruit flies to a Learn More - Scan for our minimum Kitchen Katcher Pail website page Contact Us Today! Registration now open for the 2026 program. Learn more online at: www.recyclingconnections.org/bin-purchase-program Call us at: 715.343.0722 Email: compost@recyclingconnections.org 6  Why the Home ComposterTM is the Best Compost Bin Available We offer the best backyard compost bin for your residents. With its huge capacity, households will maximize their composting potential at home keeping more organic materials out of the landfill. If your community has organic diversion goals, then selling the Home Composter TM bin provides the highest capacity for diverting waste through home composting then competitors. Key features: • Made of 100% recycled plastic • Made in U.S.A • Large capacity: 17 cu. ft. / holds 125 gallons • Two-piece construction for sides allows for easy transporting and turning of materials • Wide opening to view and manage materials easily • Resists animals with a lockable lid • Sliding doors on each side to remove finished compost easily COMPARISON CHART Free Garden Bin Name Home Composter Earth Machine Rain Reserve Earth Photo Capacity 17 cu. ft. / 125 gal. 10.5 cu. ft. / 80 gal. 8.6 cu. Ft. / 65 gal. 11 cu. ft. / 82 gal. Lid Closure locking latch twist locking lid snap on lid twist locking lid # of doors 2 1 4 1 Made of a minimum Recycled Made of 85% Made of 100% Made of 100% recycled material 50% recycled Content recycled material recycled material material Conical shape & Square shape- Comes apart in two halves for easy One solid shape narrow top makes material gets turning and moving; Wide top which is difficult Manageability managing material stuck in corners, opening for accessing and to move when difficult; difficult to not convenient to managing materials full move when full lift and move Air Flow Excellent Limited Excellent Limited  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # E.2 Healthy Habitat For All Work Group Update BACKGROUND Pollinator corridor planning for 2026 is underway and includes collaboration between City of GB, Bird City, GBAPS district, and the Green Bay Botanical Gardens. RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # E.3 Climate Resilience Work Group Update BACKGROUND • A new report available through the East River Collaborative (ERC): Resident Perspectives on East River Flooding, Brown County, WI. Flooding impacts more than just infrastructure; it affects a community's economic, physical, and social well-being. To better understand this toll, the ERC partnered with Wello to conduct interviews, elevating the firsthand experiences of East River residents. This report is a first step in guiding community-centric flood solutions. Report attached. • WDNR stormwater planning grant due April 15. Urban Nonpoint Source & Storm Water Management Grant Program offers competitive grants to local governments for the control of pollution from diffuse urban sources that is carried by stormwater runoff. Grants from the UNPS&SW Program reimburse costs of planning projects controlling urban nonpoint source and storm water runoff pollution. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/UrbanNonpoint.html Grant proposal idea: Designing a complete and green streets program for the City of Green Bay. o Complete and Green Streets is a holistic approach to road design that creates transportation corridors safe and accessible for all users (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, children, seniors, people with disabilities) while integrating green infrastructure (trees, bioswales, rain gardens) to manage stormwater, improve air quality, reduce heat, and enhance aesthetics, benefiting both people and the planet by creating sustainable, equitable, and resilient community assets. o Additional resource: Complete Streets and Green Streets, https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/complete- streets-and-green-streets/ (Smart Growth America, 2025) RECOMMENDATION To receive and place on file the Climate Resilience Work Group Update. FISCAL IMPACT 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov ATTACHMENTS 1. Resident Perspectives on East River Flooding_Final_Report page 2 of 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Report Overview Flooding in Brown County, Wisconsin, particularly along the East River, is more than a water management issue; it’s a complex challenge to community well-being. Recognizing the far-reaching impacts on economic stability, health, the environment, and social cohesion, Wello and the East River Collaborative initiated a community-driven engagement effort to begin better understanding these impacts in order to determine community-centric next steps. This project utilized qualitative interviews to capture firsthand experiences of flooding’s toll on homes, health, and neighborhoods. Participants emphasized the need for preventative, equitable, and systemic solutions, including: Community Infrastructure: Upgraded drainage, street repairs, and prioritization of vulnerable neighborhoods. Household Support: Access to affordable remediation tools and funding. Education & Awareness: Clear communication about flood risks, insurance, and proactive measures. Health Interventions: Trauma-informed strategies and public health resources to address physical and mental health impacts. Facility Resilience: Protection and support for community spaces that serve people in these flood impacted areas. This project is a first step in a community engagement process aimed at elevating diverse voices and highlighting the interconnected nature of flooding’s impacts. The lessons learned underscore the importance of adaptive, inclusive, and trauma-informed approaches to community engagement. Our goal is that these insights from residents will inform future planning, investment, and policy to ensure that resilience is built with, not just for, the community impacted. Acknowledgments This work was funded by the Fund for Lake Michigan. Additional funding was provided by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office for Coastal Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act, Grant # NA24NOSX419C0009. We also recognize and appreciate partner organizations who provided matching funds for this project: the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Program and NEW Water. SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Introduction and Background Flooding is not just a water issue, it’s a well-being issue. The impacts of water damage extend far beyond physical infrastructure, influencing economic stability, mental and physical health, environmental integrity, and social cohesion. In Brown County, Wisconsin, recurring flooding along the East River has underscored the urgent need for a systems-level response - one that is collaborative, inclusive, and rooted in the lived experiences of those most affected. Recognizing this, Wello and the East River Collaborative partnered to launch an initial engagement effort aimed at understanding the impacts of flooding. This project represents a critical first step in a broader strategy to build resilience through community-driven systems change. By gathering residents’ perspectives, we sought to illuminate the interconnected consequences of flooding and identify opportunities for more equitable, effective mitigation strategies. This approach reflects proactive, cross-sector collaboration. It acknowledges that sustainable solutions require the alignment of public and private entities, technical expertise, and community voice. As we move forward, the insights from this engagement can inform future planning, investment, and policy - ensuring that the path to resilience is shaped by those who walk it every day. Methods To gather community voices, several different approaches were considered. Our initial intent was to engage a core group of individuals utilizing a cohort model to dive deep into the impacts of flooding along the East River. We experienced challenges in identifying interested residents for such a time-intensive process due to varied work schedules of potential participants, especially as we were looking to engage with often underrepresented voices. Second, we planned focus group discussions, however, these were also met with scheduling issues. Despite these challenges, we were able to engage in one-on-one, qualitative interviews. Individual interviews allowed us to capture greater detail and diversity of experiences. Eligibility included current or past residence along the East River cooridor. Appendix B includes census tracks of current residence, noting that some interviewed reflected on past experience. Wello’s network of diverse community partners helped to identify initial interviewees, and snowball sampling allowed us to recruit additional participants. We developed a set of interview prompts, but encouraged participants to guide the conversation based on their specific flooding experiences. SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Methods, Continued Residents were also invited to share suggestions on potential flood mitigation opportunities, community support, or education and resources they felt would be helpful for residents impacted by flooding. A total of nine participants participated in 30 to 60-minute interviews, including six video interviews and two phone interviews. One additional participant submitted a written response. The full list of questions can be found in Appendix A. Interviews revealed five themes related to the impacts of East River Flooding: Property and Economic Impacts Recolation Decisions Effects on Recreation and Community Life Mental Health Impacts, Including Stress Health Impacts SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Property and Economic Impacts Many homeowners experienced severe basement or yard flooding, resulting in wet carpets, damaged furniture, and damaged fences. In addition to replacement costs, remediation expenses included carpet cleaning and purchasing fans and dehumidifiers. Some residents had used emergency pumping equipment with the help of family and neighbors. Renters reported receiving no remediation support from landlords and were expected to cover cleanup costs. Flood prevention costs included the installation of sump pumps, drain tiles, and sealed walls. One resident had her yard re-graded to prevent standing water. Most participants had no flood insurance, and those who did were afraid to file claims due to concerns about premium increases and being dropped by their insurance company. Flooding also created financial strain related to transportation. Overloaded drains made driving unsafe or impossible. Some participants missed work and lost wages due to flooded streets and pathways. One resident expressed concerns about water damage to electric car batteries. Homeowners agreed that repeated flooding and the potential for future flooding have decreased their home values. Residents also suggested that reduced home values may result from stigma associated with living in an “unsafe” neighborhood. Stigma stemmed from both frequent flooding and the presence of homes that had been condemned due to flood damage. One participant also felt they couldn’t leave their home as they didn’t want to leave the problem to someone else. Relocation Decisions Several residents were hoping to move or were in the process of moving, noting the impacts of flooding as a primary driver of their decision making. Some expressed the ethical dilemma of “not wanting to pass the problem on to another buyer.” Home is very personal and we heard from participants that it wasn’t an easy decision. Some participants were reluctant to leave long-time family homes, neighborhoods, and social support networks even amidst the potential for continued water damage. The sense of community in neighborhoods was important and neighbors were often the ones who helped during time of flooding or water damage. SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Effects on Recreation and Community Life Flooding along the East River corridor significantly affected recreational opportunities and access to nature for nearby residents. Many reported that flooding blocked access to trails and parks. Trails often became muddy or impassable, resulting in detours or the cancellation of community events. Group bike rides and walks were frequently rerouted or became unsafe. Access to private property was limited, one resident noting their backyard could have up to two feet of standing water. Floodwaters have also affected community facilities, resulting in the loss of safe community spaces during and after flooding events. A local organization experienced flooding in its lower level, with the ensuing mold and odors necessitating a relocation of programs for weeks while another organization experieinced power outages and the closure of programs due to flooding. Mental Health, Including Stress Nearly all participants cited flooding of the East River as a source of stress and anxiety, especially during storms. Residents worried about rain gutter and sump pump failures, basement flooding, and property damage. Ongoing financial stress stemmed from expenses related to flood prevention and repeated remediation. One resident who travels for work noted the added anxiety of not being home to intervene within 24 hours if flooding occurs. Residents said that outsiders view their neighborhood as unsafe, harming community pride. One participant noted the mental load of living “one catastrophe away” from financial disaster. Health Impacts Several participants reported strong mold or mildew odors following flood cleanup, particularly in homes with finished basements. Smells persisted despite the use of dehumidifiers. An apartment resident described a moldy odor throughout their building, regardless of how recently it had flooded. Participants expressed concerns about how poor air quality might affect their family’s health, especially regarding asthma. Participants were interested in additional support, particularly around education, on how to properly clean up after a flood (PPE, etc.) and clarity on what the health impacts of flooding were. For example, mold was a common theme that was mentioned and there was an understanding it was bad, however, participants weren’t clear about in what ways it impacts their health. Contaminated groundwater presented a problem for residents living in homes with shallow wells, necessitating the need to use bottled water. One resident reported concerns about mud and debris, including pet waste, being tracked into the house during flooding events in her yard. SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Participant Community Recommendations Our findings reveal that flooding is not only a private household issue but a neighborhood and community-wide challenge. Flooding of the East River damages homes, leads to physical and mental health issues, devalues neighborhoods, and disrupts community well-being. Interview participants called for a shift to preventative, systemic measures to address flooding: Community infrastructure: Add proper grading, increase drainage capacity, address street flooding and repair aging pipes; prioritize older and low-income neighborhoods. Household support: Provide affordable dehumidifiers, cleaning equipment, and personal protective equipment to residents affected by flooding; expand access to prevention and remediation funds. Education and awareness: Greater engagement with those impacted directly by water and flooding as participants felt like they lacked the understanding of what their options were. Further efforts to pinpoint strategies in flood prone areas with those impacted households would be a worthwhile next step. This could include the expansion of campaigns about flood remediation and flood prevention resources, especially for new homeowners and renters; promote proactive anti-flooding measures, such as gutter and sump-pump maintenance, preventative landscaping, and sandbag utilization; help residents learn about programs, including flood insurance. Health: Participants spoke often about the impacts to health - both physical and mental. In terms of physical health, this may be a place where the local public health department could provide increased education, awareness, and resources based on environmental factors and their impact on health (e.g., mold, standing water, etc.) Communication strategies that are trauma-informed and can respond to the stress, anxiety, and other mental health impacts of flooding would be welcomed. Community facilities: Ensure the resilience of organizations and public spaces that serve residents in this corridor given the impacts they experience as well. Identify potential short- term shelters to residents suffering from flooding events. SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Lessons Learned and Recommendations Flooding has deeply personal and often traumatic impacts on residents, affecting not just their homes but their sense of safety, stability, and well-being. These experiences underscore the importance of designing community engagement efforts that are both adaptive and trauma-informed. Engagement strategies must be sensitive to the emotional toll disasters can take, and flexible enough to meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our original plan was to implement a cohort-based model, bringing together groups of residents to share experiences and co-develop solutions. However, as we progressed, it became clear that this format did not fully accommodate the needs and logistical realities of participants. We then transitioned to community listening sessions, which allowed for broader participation but still lacked the depth of individual storytelling. Ultimately, we shifted to qualitative interviews, which proved to be the most effective method for capturing the nuanced, personal narratives of those affected. These individual interviews provided a richer, more authentic understanding of residents’ lived experiences. They created a safe space for participants to express themselves openly, without the pressure of a group setting. This approach fostered trust and allowed for deeper insights into the emotional and practical challenges faced by flood-impacted communities. Based on these experiences, we recommend that initial outreach efforts prioritize one-on-one engagement. While this method is more time- and resource-intensive, it lays a critical foundation for building trusting relationships and community rapport which are all essential elements for any long- term recovery or resilience planning. As a next step, we suggest organizing a consensus-building workshop that brings together a combination of previous interview participants and other community members impacted. This forum could serve as a platform for collective reflection, shared learning, and the co-creation of actionable recommendations or commitments. We would recommend that such a workshop be timed appropriately, ideally when resources and support mechanisms are already in place and/or ready to be deployed to act on the outcomes. Otherwise, raising expectations without the ability to follow through could lead to frustration or limit further engagement within the community. Finally, clear and transparent communication with participants throughout the engagement process is key. Setting realistic expectations, providing timely updates, and clearly articulating how input will be used are all vital to maintaining credibility and respect. This is especially important when working with communities that have experienced trauma or hardship, such as those who have experienced the impacts of flooding. SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Appendix A East River Trail Resident Interview Questions These questions were used as a guide for the one-on-one interviews. Economic Questions Has flooding resulted in a loss of income for you? Did flooding impact your ability to work or to get to work? Have you incurred significant property loss or damage due to flooding? Are there areas of your property damaged by flood that you have not repaired due to expense? Has flooding decreased the value of your property? Health Questions Has flooding impacted your indoor air quality? Has flooding impacted your recreation opportunities? Has flooding decreased your access to the East River Trail? Mental Health Questions Has the economic stress of flooding impacted your mental health? Does living in a flood-prone area affect your ability to make social connections? How much do you worry about future flooding? Neighborhood Questions Have you considered moving because of the potential for flooding? Recommendations If you could provide 1-3 recommendations on what tyipes of things would help support people experiencing flooding, what would that be? Do you have anything else to add or uplift? A special thank you to all the residents who shared their time and lived experiences with us for this project. Thank you! SEPTEMBER 2025 RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON EAST RIVER FLOODING IN BROWN COUNTY, WI Appendix B Number of Interviewees by Census Tract of Current Residence  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # E.4 Clean Energy Work Group Update BACKGROUND • The Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator, offered in collaboration with the Sustainable Business Council in support of the City’s Clean Energy Plan, is planned for April – June 2026. Participation in the Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator cohort is available at no cost for up to 10 businesses in Green Bay. Eligible businesses must have <500 employees, be operating within the City of Green Bay, and have decision-making control over their facility and land use. This opportunity is available to all types of businesses, including non-profit organizations. More information and registration details can be found in the attached Info Sheet and on the program website: www.wisconsinsustainability.com/gbaccelerator. A virtual info session will be held on January 23 at noon – register here: https://wsbc.memberclicks.net/gba-info-2 • The Clean Energy Work Group is exploring internship opportunities for local college students to participate in and support the City’s clean energy and carbon neutrality efforts. RECOMMENDATION To receive and place on file the Clean Energy Work Group Update. FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Green Bay Accelerator Cohort Info for Potential Participants 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  GREEN BAY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ACCELERATOR BE ONE OF TEN BUSINESSES LEADING THE WAY TO A CLEANER, MORE RESILIENT GREEN BAY. The Green Bay Sustainable Business Accelerator is a hands-on cohort designed to help local businesses start their sustainability journey and implement nature-based solutions to reduce costs, improve resilience, and strengthen community impact. Through coaching, peer collaboration, and access to expert guidance, your business can become a local leader in sustainable transformation. Available at no cost in 2026 for select businesses in Green Bay. PROGRAM BENEFITS Value: Lower costs, reduce risks, improve resilience, and strengthen your reputation. Impact: Contribute to community resilience, flood protection, and healthier neighborhoods. Visibility: Showcase your business as leading sustainable transformation in Green Bay. Accessibility: Access proven processes, hands-on coaching, and peer learning PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS Businesses must: • Have fewer than 500 employees. • Be operating within the City of Green Bay. • Have decision-making control over facility and land use. • Demonstrate interest in engaging strategically in sustainability as a value driver for stakeholders. READY TO LEAD CHANGE IN GREEN BAY? Apply now to be part of a community-based cohort driving measurable impact—improving water quality, reducing emissions, and enhancing community resilience. 궽 Eligibility: Businesses with <500 employees operating in the City of Green Bay 궾 궼 茫 Cost: FREE, thanks to our generous partners at the Daybreak Fund 茪 茩 茨 茧 茦 궋 Time Commitment: 15-20 hours between April – June 2026 궊 궉 궈 권 궇 궆 궅 궄 궃 궂 궁 Learn more and apply at: www.wisconsinsustainability.com/gbaccelerator Questions? Contact Christa@SustainableBusinessCouncil.org  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # E.5 Community Engagement Work Group Update BACKGROUND Members of the Community Engagement Work Group met with Alex Galt, City of GB Clean Energy Connector, last month to begin discussions about how to continue his work after funding for the position expires in March 2026. Specifically, we will be exploring opportunities for the Sustainability Commission to help carry on the Energize Green Bay webpage and associated resources. RECOMMENDATION To receive and place on file the Community Engagement Work Group Update. FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS None 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  Report to the Sustainability Commission of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE January 21, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # E.6 Staff Memo_Summary of GSI Improvements BACKGROUND In 2022, the City audited and updated the municipal code to identify and remove barriers to GSI so that it could become an acceptable and preferred approach to managing stormwater. Subsequently, in 2023, the City finalized a City-Wide Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan (GSI Plan) to identify priority areas for GSI strategies, estimate cost-effectiveness of GSI, and develop design and maintenance guidance for GSI projects. Since then, GSI continues to be developed within the City of Green Bay for stormwater management. The choice to select GSI to manage stormwater is based on many factors including site constraints, construction and maintenance costs, and performance (water quality and quantity benefits). When designing a site, engineers will evaluate and select the most effective stormwater management option to meet the project goals. Wet ponds, dry ponds, underground storage, synthetic turf with underdrains, and catch basins are examples of other viable stormwater management options that are used, but not classified as GSI. To enhance the wet ponds and dry ponds, the City will often incorporate native vegetation within and around the pond in lieu of rip rap or non-native vegetation. The attached memo provides a summary of the GSI activity within the City during the 2025 calendar year. RECOMMENDATION To receive and place on file the 2025 GSI staff memo. FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Memo to Sustainability Commission GSI Summary_2025 wrap up 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov TO: City of Green Bay Sustainability Commission FROM: Ciara Urbanek, Utility Engineer CC: Melissa Schmitz, Resiliency Coordinator DATE: January 13, 2026 RE: 2025 Summary of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is a stormwater management practice that mimics the natural environment by capturing, storing, treating and slowly releasing stormwater runoff thereby improving water quality and reducing the peak load on the stormwater drainage systems and receiving waters. Examples of GSI include bioswales, biofilters, green roofs, porous pavement, etc. In 2022, the City audited and updated the municipal code to identify and remove barriers to GSI so that it could become an acceptable and preferred approach to managing stormwater. Subsequently in 2023, the City finalized a City-Wide Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan (GSI Plan) to identify priority areas for GSI strategies, estimate cost effectiveness of GSI, and develop design and maintenance guidance for GSI projects. Since then, GSI continues to be developed within the City of Green Bay for stormwater management. The choice to select GSI to manage stormwater is based on many factors including site constraints, construction and maintenance costs, and performance (water quality and quantity benefits). When designing a site, engineers will evaluate and select the most effective stormwater management option to meet the project goals. Wet ponds, dry ponds, underground storage, synthetic turf with underdrains, and catch basins are examples of other viable stormwater management options that are used, but not classified as GSI. To enhance the wet ponds and dry ponds, the City will often incorporate native vegetation within and around the pond in lieu of rip rap or non-native vegetation. This memo provides a summary of the GSI activity within the City during the 2025 calendar year. Private Stormwater Management Practices Development and redevelopment projects that meet certain criteria are required to develop a stormwater management plan and construct stormwater management practices. In 2025, the City issued stormwater management permits for 28 properties undergoing development or redevelopment where stormwater management practices were required. Fourteen of these projects, or 50% of the permitted projects, incorporated GSI as shown in green in the table below. Page 1 of 3 2025 Summary of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements 2025 Permitted Post-Construction Stormwater Management Practices within the City Site Name Location Stormwater Management Practice Type(s) 7-Brew Coffee 2425 W Mason St Catch Basin Warehouse Building Addition 1111 S Huron Rd Biofilter & Catch Basin Paradise North Event Center 101 Bay Beach Rd Wet Pond & Permeable Pavers GBMSD - Parking Lot Reconstruction 2231 N Quincy St Permeable Pavement Bay Beach West Train Ride 1313 Bay Beach Rd Wet Pond & Biofilter New Elementary School 1754 Ninth St Biofilter, Infiltration Basin, & Underground Storage McDonald Yard Development 1331 Bylsby Ave Wet Pond & Swale Nature's Way - Geothermal Project 825 Challenger Dr Catch Basin Aldo Leopold Parking Lot Reconstruction 1015 S Monroe Ave Catch Basin TNT Crust - Parking Lot Improvements 400 & 410 Elizabeth St Biofilter Kos Management - 30 Unit Apartment Building 1116 Hobart Dr Biofilter Brown County Jail - Pod N 3030 Curry Ln Wet Pond Aurora BayCare - Eastside Surgery Center Expansion 2845 Greenbrier Rd Wet Pond Russel Metals - South Parking Lot Reconstruction 825 Hinkle St Catch Basin Euro Pharma - Addition & Parking 955 Challenger Dr (2) Dry Ponds Veteran's 1st of NEW 2890 St. Anthony Dr (4) Biofilters & Infiltration Trench New Single-Family Home 280 S Northview Rd Rain Garden & (2) Filter Strips Hinkle Street Extension Hinkle St (3) Wet Ponds Zieman Properties - Commercial Development 3315 & 3319 Finger Rd (2) Biofilters Hmong Service Center - Parking Lot Reconstruction 1621 Main St Biofilter Chappell Elementary - Additions & Renovations 205 N Fisk St (3) Biofilters & (2) Filter Strips Oneida Nation - Cattail Marsh Neighborhood 2745 W Mason St (2) Wet Ponds Nearby Storage 2735 University Ave Wet Pond Toonen Elevate Apartments - The Yard 2540 University Ave Biofilter & Drainage Ditch CR Meyer Office - Parking Lot Expansion 510 Lombardi Ave Wet Pond Nicolet Heights Subdivision Nicolet Dr Wet Pond One Astor Park 100 E Mason St Biofilter & Up-Flo Filter Shipyard Multi-Family Development - Phase 1 239 Arndt St Underground Detention Page 2 of 3 2025 Summary of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements City of Green Bay – Stormwater Management Practices The City of Green Bay’s stormwater utility is responsible for maintaining regional stormwater management practices and stormwater management practices located within the right of way. In 2025, the City accepted ownership of two privately owned stormwater management ponds, Pine Acres Estates and Stone Garden Estates. In addition, a new regional wet pond was constructed at Seymour Park. New underground stormwater storage structures were constructed at Country Club Road and at the new Packerland Drive / Trojan Drive roundabout. The City actively manages the vegetation at several City-owned stormwater facilities through its vegetative maintenance contractor(s). In 2025, the City added eight additional ponds to the contract for vegetation maintenance, which increased the number of ponds and swales under the contract to 25. Vegetation maintenance focuses on maintaining or improving native vegetation and/or controlling invasive vegetation. Page 3 of 3