City Hall  
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin  
400 La Crosse Street  
La Crosse, WI 54601  
Meeting Minutes  
Climate Action Plan Steering Committee  
Monday, April 14, 2025  
4:00 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 4:02 PM.  
Roll Call  
6 -  
Present:  
Dorothy Lenard, Casey Meehan, Mackenzie Mindel, Natalie Heneghan,  
Andrew Ericson,Stephanie Hanna  
1 - Adam Jacobson  
Excused:  
Approval of Minutes  
Heneghan motioned to approve the minutes, Meehan second. The motion  
carried by a voice vote.  
Notices and Discussion  
Ericson shared UWL's Arbor Day Celebration on 4/25 @ 12:30 PM, Morris Hall,  
Earthapalooza on 4/25 @ 3 PM, outside the Student Union lawn, Marsh Cleanup on  
4/26 Leuth Park, Campus Thread Fashion Show on 4/30 @ 5 PM  
Meehan shared the Earth Fair on 4/27 @ 11 AM, The Nature Place, 5th Annual Green  
Goose Chase on Sustainability Institute's website, and environmental film festival on  
4/22 @ 5 PM, Rivoli Theatre.  
Mindel shared that the Council approved a resolution to collect direct pay.  
Staff shared that mayor signed contract with Baker Tilly; Community Foundation and  
Sustainability Institute are helping with Youth Climate Action Fund; submitted interest  
form for Great Lakes Thriving Communities Fund and the money has not been taken  
away.  
Heneghan shared about La Crosse Housing Week on 4/28-5/3, including Room to  
Grow, featuring Heneghan and Ericson on 4/30 @ 10 AM, the Nature Place.  
Agenda Items:  
Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant Application Review and Selection  
25-0427  
1
Staff provided an overview of applications and review guidance. All applications met  
the budget criteria. Meehan suggested announcing awardees at the Earth Day event at  
the Rivoli Theatre, and at Earth Fair with past awardees. Sustainability Institute is  
hosting a ideation workshop on 5/7 to help applicants. The committee will need to  
pick at least 18 applications, across multiple meetings. Committee discussed how to  
address the applications that may require additional government approvals. Lenard  
commented on using paint that doesn't pollute stormwater runoff. Staff expressed  
concern about eligibility of some applicants in regard to geographic area served and  
direct benefits to individuals. The Committee directed staff to get clarification on  
approvals for Dunn and Mathu applications for future consideration.  
A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Lenard, that the applications from  
Adams, Creason, Gauger, Piggush, and Thomson be APPROVED. The motion  
carried by voice vote.  
Request to use funds for La Crosse Carbon Free Challenge reward swag  
25-0454  
2
Staff requested money to order water bottles for the tri-campus carbon free challenge.  
WTC has donated water bottles. Staff broadened the request to set a not-to-exceed  
budget for other swag items. Meehan suggested focusing on experiences rather than  
stuff, such as park and trail passes. Lenard added Rivoli tickets as an idea. Staff  
added bus passes. Ericson stated that there are probably plenty of items to give away.  
Staff can get in-kind passes from other departments. Incentives could entices  
participation, but the challenge ends 4/18.  
A motion was made by Ericson, seconded by Lenard, that this request be  
DENIED. The motion carried by voice vote.  
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Cities Program  
Update  
25-0170  
3
Attachments:  
Presentation (Feb 2025)  
LEED for Cities v4.1 Guide  
Mindel and staff did not have updates, but offered to answer questions. Heneghan  
asked more about sidewalk painting that is safe for water. Ericson requested more  
information about land use and transportation. Mindel said USGBC provides a gap  
analysis once data is submitted. Staff mentioned using a wide range of solutions for  
housing development, including compliments of public amenities such as parks, trees,  
and infrastructure for alternative transportation. Mindel will send LEED for Cities guide.  
Gap analysis could also inform zoning code update.  
Outreach & Engagement Update  
25-0052  
25-0295  
4
5
Nicholas sent out newsletter prior Friday and staff is taking suggestions for content.  
Staff also requested workshop ideas, but did not give an indication for timing.  
Climate Action Plan Implementation Update  
Attachments:  
Slides  
Staff listed peer cities in implementation plan documents. MTU board doesn't have  
much room for innovation, but there are still some opportunities for improvement, such  
as extending service to Southern Bluffs Elementary. The zoning code update could  
aid transit-oriented development. State DOT planning could be an opportunity for  
transit improvements on highways through the city. Staff provided update about EIGP  
project and solar group buy.  
Next Meeting / Agenda Items  
The next meeting will be 5/12. Agenda items will include an overview of the  
Greenhouse Gas Inventory.  
Adjournment  
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.