Monona committee explores rebranding stormwater campaign, considers partnering with Clean Lakes Alliance

The Monona Sustainability Committee discussed rebranding its seasonal stormwater outreach into a year‑round campaign and exploring a potential partnership with Clean Lakes Alliance to expand reach while ensuring the city meets its DNR MS4 permit community‑engagement requirements.

Committee members said Clean Lakes Alliance has resources, interns and a large outreach presence and is pursuing office space in Monona, but staff and committee members raised questions about how collaboration would count toward the city’s MS4 permit obligations.

Nut graf: The committee is receptive to a wider, year‑round campaign and the possibility of partnering with Clean Lakes Alliance, but members asked staff to confirm how any partnership would be documented or counted for MS4 permit education and outreach requirements.

Key points: - Committee members described the rebrand as a shift from a fall‑focused “storm drain” campaign to year‑round messaging covering leaves, salt use and pesticides aimed at protecting Lake Winona. - Thor and other staff noted that to earn credits or stormwater benefits under the city’s MS4 permit, the city must demonstrate a certain level of community engagement and education; committee members asked staff to clarify whether partner activities would satisfy the DNR’s reporting. - Brad (staff lead on the campaign) is exploring what a partnership with Clean Lakes Alliance would look like; committee members agreed to give the sustainability committee role in artistic direction and messaging while Thor and staff check permit implications.

Ending: No formal action was taken. The committee endorsed exploring the partnership and tasked staff to report back with guidance on MS4 permit documentation and what collaboration would mean for city credit under the DNR program.