La Crosse Climate Action Plan Steering Committee Meeting - April 13, 2026

Note: The raw transcript incorrectly dates the meeting as Monday, May 13, 2026; however, the agenda, minutes, and assigned date confirm it occurred on Monday, April 13, 2026. The summary below follows the official date.

The Climate Action Plan Steering Committee met on April 13, 2026, at 4:02 PM in the Eagle Room at City Hall. Chair Mackenzie Mindel called the meeting to order. All six present members (Dorothy Lenard, Casey Meehan, Mackenzie Mindel, Natalie Heneghan, Stephanie Hanna, Lauren Fortin) were present; Andrew Ericson was excused. The meeting was adjourned at 5:22 PM. Major items included approval of funding for bicycle/pedestrian counters, a performance contract update, a Youth Climate Action Fund impact presentation, and decisions on pursuing a new grant and communications plan.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by a voice vote (motion by Meehan, second by Hanna).

Notices and Discussion

• Zoning Code Update: Leslie Brandt from Bolton & Menk informed the committee that a draft model ordinance review memo and appendix had been circulated. The review covered over 40 ordinances across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with recommendations for aligning with the city’s climate goals. Committee members were asked to submit comments by April 27. The final draft will be presented in May.
• US Solar / Power Purchase Agreement: Lewis reported that US Solar submitted three project proposals to Xcel Energy in response to a request for proposals. The committee will receive an update once Xcel makes its selection.
• Charging Smart Program: Staff noted that technical assistance funding from the Great Plains Institute for EV‑ready ordinances has been restored, building on the zoning work.
• Housing Week: Heneghan announced La Crosse Housing Week (May 3–9), featuring free events including the “Dude, Where’s My Duplex?” tour.
• Earth Fair & Green Goose Chase: Meehan reminded the committee of Earth Fair on Sunday, April 29, 2026 (11 AM–4 PM) at Myrick Park, and the Green Goose Chase kickoff on Friday, April 17 (4–6 PM) at the Pump House. The scavenger hunt runs through Earth Fair, aiming for 100 teams.

Discussion Items

1. Request for Funding of Portable Bicycle & Pedestrian Counters (Item 26‑0207):

   • Jenna Dinkel (Associate Planner) and Sami Meyers (Parks & Recreation) presented a proposal to purchase four counters (one mobile multi‑counter with tubes and infrared, three pyro nano counters for natural surfaces) plus five years of EcoVisio software, totaling $12,505. The counters would provide baseline data for grants (e.g., Transportation Alternative Program, previously secured $600,000 for Avon St. Greenway), track mode shifts, and support climate action goals. They requested $6,252.50 (half the cost) from the committee, with the other half to be sought from the Bluffland Coalition and County Board. Committee members asked about vandalism (counters are rugged, monitored via software) and public data access (goal to create a dashboard). A motion by Lenard, seconded by Hanna, to approve the $6,252.50 funding passed unanimously by voice vote.

2. Energy Saving Performance Contract Phase 3, Year 2 Measurement & Verification Report (Item 26‑0335):

   • Doug Carlson (Johnson Controls) presented results. Phase 3 investments (city hall, libraries, fire stations, parks, street lighting, La Crosse Center) totaled over $9 million. Annual savings: $467,000 in energy costs, 4.5 million kWh consumption reduction, and 2,339 metric tons CO₂ avoided. Including rebates and operational savings, excess savings of $11,000 were realized. To date (phases 1–3): $1.3 million in energy cost reduction, 12.6 million kWh saved, 10,651 metric tons CO₂ avoided (equivalent to 2,322 vehicles/year). Phase 4 (fire stations 2&4, La Crosse Center solar expansion, Erickson Pool salt chlorination) is ongoing. Carlson explained that performance contracts are funded through guaranteed utility savings. No action was taken; the report was for information.

3. Youth Climate Action Fund La Crosse’s Impact Presentation (Item 26‑0376):

   • Staff shared slides from Bloomberg Philanthropies summarizing the global program: 98 cities, 38 countries, 10,000 young people, 3,000 projects, $11.3 million distributed. La Crosse received $150,000 across rounds, funding 39 projects (e.g., composting, pollinator gardens, farmers market EBT matching). The average micro‑grant locally was $4,330. The committee noted the city’s participation was through the Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative. Staff indicated that a third round of funding (another $100,000) may be announced on Earth Day, but they are not certain of award. No action required; presentation received.

4. Grant Services Update and Request to Pursue Energy Innovation Grant Program (Item 26‑0411):

   • Staff reported that Mayor Shaundel requested nominations for the Mayor’s Climate Protection Awards; two submissions are in progress (home energy assessment program and energy performance contract). The Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP) opened in April (closes June 30). Staff requested support to pursue an implementation grant for a battery energy storage microgrid at the Main Library, building on a prior EIGP‑funded feasibility study. Collaboration with Slipstream and Johnson Controls is planned. A motion by Heneghan, seconded by Fortin, to direct staff to pursue the grant was approved unanimously by voice vote.

5. Climate Action Communication Plan Update (Item 26‑0412):

   • Staff discussed the latest newsletter (sent April 10), which highlighted Earth Day origins and included social media posts. Future steps include a May workshop for staff, a series of mini‑posters for Earth Fair, and a bingo card for the registration desk. Committee members offered suggestions: Heneghan recommended making campaigns more actionable and moving the Climate Action Plan website link higher in the newsletter; Mindel asked about a submission portal for community events; Cathy (a commenter) requested a way for community groups (e.g., EV events, transit advocacy) to share related programming. Staff noted that the Knowles‑Nelson Stewardship Program is at risk of running out of funding by end of June due to legislative inaction. No motion was made.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Funding of $6,252.50 for portable bicycle/pedestrian counters (motion by Lenard, second by Hanna, voice vote unanimous).
• Approved: Direction to staff to pursue the Energy Innovation Grant for a microgrid at the Main Library (motion by Heneghan, second by Fortin, voice vote unanimous).
• For Information: The Energy Saving Performance Contract Phase 3 report and Youth Climate Action Fund presentation were received without formal action.
• Next Steps: Comments on zoning code review due April 27; final zoning recommendations to be presented in May. The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 4 PM.

Meeting minutes and recording are available from the City Clerk's office.