Village authorizes Sustainable Waunakee committee to hold public events; committee reports data‑gathering phase

The Village Board on Monday authorized the Sustainable Waunakee Ad Hoc Committee to conduct public‑facing educational events and received the committee’s six‑month update on progress toward a sustainability plan.

Community development director Lauren told the board the committee — 11 volunteers representing a range of community interests — has met roughly every other month and recommended hiring MSA Professional Services to support development of a sustainability plan. Lauren said MSA is in the data‑gathering phase and staff have connected the consultant with Wanek Utilities, WPPI, the school district and other local stakeholders to assemble relevant information.

Committee members asked the village to explicitly permit public outreach and educational activities. Attorney Klein Meyer advised the board that the original resolution creating the ad hoc committee already authorizes working with the public and that committees generally may not incur non‑de minimis costs or make commitments on behalf of the governing body. Klein Meyer said, “I think they can do this already,” but noted expenditures and staff time should be limited unless the board amends the resolution.

Trustees expressed support for allowing the committee to hold events while stressing limits on costs and staff time. Trustee Nyla Fry said the village is fortunate to have motivated committee members and urged the board to let them “utilize their motivation, their enthusiasm, and commitment.” Trustee Joe Sussburger said his caveats were that activities should have little to no cost and should not require heavy staff support.

The board voted to authorize the Sustainable Waunakee Ad Hoc Committee to conduct public‑facing activities, including educational events, as allowed under section 3 of the committee’s creating resolution. Staff said the committee expects another public update from the consultant in March and again in June.