City Hall  
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin  
400 La Crosse Street  
La Crosse, WI 54601  
Meeting Minutes  
Climate Action Plan Steering Committee  
Monday, February 12, 2024  
4:30 PM  
Eagle Room  
This meeting will also be conducted through video conferencing.  
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Call to Order  
Mindel called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm.  
Roll Call  
5 -  
Present:  
Dorothy Lenard, Casey Meehan, Mackenzie Mindel, Andrew  
Ericson,Stephanie Hanna  
1 - Natalie Heneghan  
Excused:  
Absent:  
1 - Ronald Cosby II  
Approval of Minutes  
Notices & Discussion  
Staff submitted the Climate Action Plan for consideration for the American Planning  
Association's Excellence in Sustainability Award, due Monday, February 5th. Mindel  
attended the Renew Wisconsin Summit on Thursday, February 1st.  
Agenda Items:  
Accept Code of Ethics  
24-0078  
1
2
The Committee accepted the code of ethics.  
Introduction of new committee member and election of vice chairperson  
24-0258  
Staff read from Hanna biography on the Nature Place website. Mindel talked to  
Heneghan about serving as Vice Chairperson.  
Mindel nominated Heneghan for Vice Chairperson. Since no other  
nominations were made, Heneghan was elected by acclamation.  
Funding Request for Renew the Block  
24-0069  
3
Attachments:  
Renew the Block Webpage  
Kaitlyn Wiehe presented on the Renew the Block project and shared a handout.  
Ericson asked for an explanation on the handout. Mindel asked about the cost per  
square foot of the rain garden (about $17).  
A motion was made by Lenard, seconded by Ericson, that this Request for  
$43,000 be APPROVED. The motion carried by voice vote.  
Request to use CAP Implementation Funds for Occupancy Sensors  
24-0259  
24-0065  
4
5
Attachments:  
Price Quote  
A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Meehan, that this Request be  
APPROVED. The motion carried by voice vote.  
Working Group Updates  
Ericson did not have a working group 2 update and suggested considerations for  
eliminating parking minimums, requiring enclosed bike parking, and narrowing streets.  
Meehan shared that working group 3 had discussed stormwater credit policy changes.  
Wiehe discussed consideration of smaller requirements and credits. For example, one  
get a 40% credit for 4 rain barrels, so could there be a 20% credit for 2 rain barrels?  
A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Mindel, that staff shall draft a  
memo recommending changes to the stormwater credit policy for  
consideration at the March meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.  
Proposals for Energy Innovation Grant Applications  
24-0256  
6
Attachments:  
Hyperlink  
Staff has talked with Slipstream, Western Technical College, and La Crosse County  
about a level 3 micro grid and is seeking approval to pursue the planning grant.  
Staff has talked with Green Homeowners United about residential energy audits and  
energy efficiency projects for residents making 60-80% AMI and is seeking approval to  
pursue an implementation grant.  
A motion was made by Lenard, seconded by Ericson, that these Proposals be  
APPROVED. The motion carried by voice vote. Meehan abstained.  
Discussion on Youth Climate Action Fund  
24-0252  
24-0257  
7
Attachments:  
Program Overview  
Mayor gave overview of the program.  
A motion was made by Lenard, seconded by Ericson, that this Proposal be  
APPROVED. The motion carried by voice vote.  
Action on LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program  
8
Attachments:  
Hyperlink  
Mindel gave an overview of the program.  
A motion was made by Meehan, seconded by Lenard, that this General Item be  
APPROVED . The motion carried by voice vote.  
Outreach & Engagement Update  
24-0067  
9
The City collaborated with Climate Alliance for the Common Good on a sustainability  
planning workshop for small businesses and organizations held on Thursday, January  
18th. Staff spoke at the Sustainability Institute's Sustainability Chat about the La  
Crosse Carbon Free Challenge on Bright Action on Thursday, February 8th. The  
challenge has a goal of signing up 250 households and reducing 100 tons of carbon by  
June. Meehan suggested working with the library on promotion and using social  
media; the Sustainability Institute will also promote it with their Green Goose Chase.  
Committee members also suggested a prize drawing, and developing tabling materials.  
Cathy Van Maren suggested promoting it at the Earth Fair.  
Next Meeting / Agenda Items  
The next meeting will be Monday, March 11th at 4:30 pm.  
Adjournment  
Mindel adjourned the meeting at 5:40 pm  
Notice is further given that members of other governmental bodies may be present at the  
above scheduled meeting to gather information about a subject over which they have  
decision-making responsibility.  
NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY  
Requests from persons with a disability who need assistance to participate in this meeting  
should call the City Clerk's office at (608) 789-7510 or send an email to  
ADAcityclerk@cityoflacrosse.org, with as much advance notice as possible.