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Monona sustainability committee moves tree program into parks, plans e-cycling and comp-plan sustainability input
Summary
The committee reported strong volunteer support and DNR grant reimbursement for its tree program, scheduled spring delivery and planting, confirmed an e-cycling event for late June, and discussed Renew the Blue council participation and a leaf‑collection pilot idea. Members were urged to attend upcoming comprehensive‑plan public input on sustainability.
The Monona Sustainability Committee on April 2 reviewed several community programs and planning activities aimed at improving urban canopy and reducing runoff.
Henry, staff liaison, reported the tree program met grant spending targets and volunteer goals. The program secured roughly $3,900 in DNR reimbursement (about half the approved amount) and planted about 22–26 trees across project years; parks staff will take over ongoing maintenance and volunteer coordination. Fall site visits by city forester Jeff Johnson and a spring delivery/planting event were scheduled for late April with volunteer sign‑ups planned.
Committee members also reviewed logistics for the annual e‑cycling event set for the last Saturday before the Fourth of July. Last year’s collection included 58 items; the committee will firm up marketing and volunteer assignments at its May meeting. Staff said there is no strict item cap and that other communities may participate by driving in.
The committee reported on participation in the Clean Lakes Alliance’s Renew the Blue council. Members are engaged in a subgroup focused on keeping leaves out of streets to reduce phosphorus runoff and discussed a potential pilot: a truck‑mounted fan to push accumulated leaves back onto adjacent yards as an on‑the‑spot education tool. The pilot could be low cost (staff cited rough equipment estimates of $5,000–$15,000) and — if approved — might run in autumn 2027.
Finally, staff updated the committee on the city’s comprehensive‑plan update and potential green‑building incentives. The plan update (first since 2016) may consider incorporating state guidance (WHEDA sustainability standards, including lead/net‑zero discussions) and zoning changes to allow denser development. Staff encouraged committee members to attend early‑summer public input meetings to promote sustainable policies.
