On the agenda: Deperewi Sustainability Commission — Data Center (Aug 11)

Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Council Chambers and Virtual
In-Person Attendance:
City Hall Council Chambers
2nd Floor City Hall
335 S Broadway

Electronic Meeting Access:
https://www.gotomeet.me/DePere

Telephonic Meeting Access:
(866) 899-4679 -or- (312) 757-3117
Access Code: 154-883-28

1.

Call to Order

2.

Roll Call

3.

Public Comments
Comments made during the public comment period shall pertain only to matters under the
jurisdiction of the Sustainability Commission. §6-3(f) DPMC

4.

New Business
A.

Approval of the June 9, 2026 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes

B.

Discussion on June 20, 2026 Native Plant Give Away

C.

Discussion on July 13, 2026 Locktender Native Garden Annual Open House

D.

New Initiative - Discussion on De Pere Canopy Growth Plan

E.

Discussion on Sustainability Commission Work Plan

F.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Adopt-a-Drain

G.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Composting

H.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Pollinator Gardens / Planned Natural
Landscapes

I.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Green Energy

5.

Future Agenda Items

6.

Adjournment

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Any person wishing to attend this meeting who, because of disability, requires special
accommodations should contact the Public Works Department at 920-339-4060 by
noon on the previous day so that arrangements can be made.
The Public or Members of the Sustainability Commission, which may count toward an
official quorum, may attend the meeting either in person in the Council Chambers or
telephonically or electronically via video conferencing or other appropriate
technological means.
This meeting may also be rebroadcast on TV throughout the week and available
on demand at https://deperewi.portal.civicclerk.com/.

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.A

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Natalie Markelz, Administrative Assistant
Approval of the June 9, 2026 Sustainability Commission
Meeting Minutes
Approve the June 9, 2026 Sustainability Commission
Meeting Minutes

Attachments:
2026 0609 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes

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Sustainability Commission
Regular Meeting

335 South Broadway
De Pere, WI 54115
www.deperewi.gov

Minutes
Tuesday, June 9, 2026

1.

5:30 PM

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Commissioner Castellanos.

2.

Roll Call

Present: Emily Castellanos, Sam Dvorak, Rachel Leonard, Casey Nelson, Jonie Panick,
Nicole Slavin, Kevin Gerwing, Olive Pantzlaff
Absent:
Excused: Randall Lawton
Also Present:
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Scott Thoresen, Public Works Director
James Boyd, Mayor
Kim Flom, City Manager
Dan Lindstrom, Development Services Director
Natalie Markelz, Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary
Members of the public in person and remote
3.

Public Comments
Comments made during the public comment period shall pertain only to matters under the
jurisdiction of the Sustainability Commission. §6-3(f) DPMC

None.
4.

New Business

Alderperson Nelson moved, seconded by Commissioner Slavin to move Agenda Item E before
Item A. Upon vote, the motion passed unanimously.
E.

Discussion on Data Centers

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, explained this topic is a returning agenda item as a
discussion item which started in January of this year. Commission had brought forth the data
center topic after the Greenleaf center was proposed. He wanted to advise that we promote
transparency in relation to data centers, especially how they can affect our community in De
Pere. We've spoken on this topic in January, February and March trying to refine now how to
approach and make a recommendation in a sustainable manner. Today is a discussion on
what, if any, proposed language would be used for a future recommendation and no action is
to be taken today.
Dan Lindstrom, Development Services Director, advised that he will not only discuss Non-

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Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), but also provide an overview and talk about our Zoning Code
and the conversations had at the Sustainability Commission in relation to Moratorium.
Mr. Lindstrom explained that NDAs are a tool that some communities use. City of De Pere and
Development Services staff does not use them. Staff has been asked to use them in the past
by developers with other projects and the City has denied such requests as we want to be as
transparent as possible and compliant with the open records law. He further explained that the
most common example in economic development where they do not use them, but work with
developer to keep some details private, are in a rental situation, or income generating profile
situation where income models aren’t shared with the public as that is proprietary to their
income generation model. Staff informs developers that submittals are open record once
submitted.
Commissioner Leonard asked in relation to the income models being proprietary, could there
be in instance of data centers where closed loop system be cited as proprietary. Mr. Lindstrom
answered that they can make those statements, but we do not have to accept it.
Commissioner Slavin asked if the NDAs are a set rule or just agreed upon within the City. Mr.
Lindstrom explained the Common Council has not set a formal policy/procedure, but it’s more
of an established procedure/expectation.
Mr. Lindstrom further explained that the City has not been in communication with data centers
specifically or in any relation to them. He advised there was one exception to that in 2021
when a small cloud-based data center had approached the City for a possible location in one
of the business parks but had concerns about the parcel they were looking at due to the noise
and vibrations from the nearby highway and railroad, so they left. The City has not been
approached by any data centers since.
Mr. Lindstrom then discussed the topic of the City Zoning Ordinance. He explained that we
have grown accustomed to data centers and think of the hyper scale, however there are data
centers throughout the region that are smaller scale. Zoning Administrator and himself looked
at the Zoning code and where would one fit. They created examples of three sizes of data
centers and compared them to existing buildings already in the City of De Pere so if someone
came with a data center request, they could place them in one of the three “buckets”. These
would be classified as Traditional/Regional Cloud Data centers between the size of
approximately 50,000-100,000 sq. ft., Large Cloud/Colocation Facilities approximately
100,000-250,000/300,000 sq. ft. and Hyperscale Cloud Data Centers approximately 300,0001,000,000 sq. ft. Mr. Lindstrom said he was not going to touch on the electric or water usage
standpoint, just size for this comparison. First Traditional/Regional size is like the Wolter
building on Matthew Drive. Large Cloud/Colocation Facility size is comparable to Infinity
Machine on American Boulevard. Hyperscale size would be like Georgia Pacific’s 1,000,000
sq. ft. warehouse also on American Boulevard with an overall impervious surface of about 48
acres. Mr. Lindstrom pointed this out to show that we do have the footprints available but
again did not consider electric and water consumption.
Mr. Lindstrom advised we don't have a set spot in code where data centers would fit as at the
time. Staff looked at the code to see where they could be considered between Low to High
Impact users. Based off this, they would put Traditional/Regional Cloud Data Centers and
Large Cloud/Colocation Facilities under the Moderate-Impact Use category and the
Hyperscale Data Centers under the High-Impact Use category. He explained that we go

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through regular updates so this will be something to look at in the future to create a standalone
classification, but at this time it is not in the code. Based off this information, they would be
classified as Business Park (BP)-1, BP-2 and Industrial (I). Mr. Lindstrom then showed the
zoning map and where these could fit within a district. Hyperscale would not fit. Mr. Lindstrom
posed the question about re-zoning. The southern part of the east side has possible growth,
but the 2010 Comprehensive Plan was identified as Business Park, not Industrial which means
if someone came to them there would have to be Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Currently
we are doing a Comprehensive Plan update which more will be discussed at the Plan
Commission Meeting on June 22. The update includes shifting the southeast section of the
City from Business/Industrial use to mixed use approach which focuses on Residential and
Commercial.
Commissioner Leonard asks about Hyper Scale not fitting into the Comprehensive Plan due to
its zoning as Industrial and being denied for that reason. Mr. Lindstrom explains the
Comprehensive Plan becomes your guiding document and per State Statute, zoning must
follow.
Lastly Mr. Lindstrom discusses the topic of Moratorium. He explains that each county and
community is different. Certain counties have county wide zoning, Brown County being one
that does not, as it allows the municipalities to operate their own zoning. He reiterated that the
likelihood of City of De Pere having a Hyper Scale Data Center is low. Due to currently going
through the Comprehensive Plan update, Mr. Lindstrom advised it would be to our best
interest to talk about Moratorium at the Plan Commission, putting one in place so they can
continue with the plan process. He further explains if there would be a Moratorium, is has to be
very narrowly focused as the State Statutes are very clear on what has to be done as shown
on the presentation. It would be adopted through an Ordinance which would start at the Plan
Commission and go to Common Council.
Commissioner Leonard asks about the proposal to finish the Comprehensive Plan update and
the timeline to complete. Mr. Lindstrom advises updates can be made at any time.
Commissioner Leonard states that the discussion today explained many parts of what the
Sustainability Commission has been talking about with the NDAs. She further highlights the
attachment she provided in the packet. Additionally, she wants to know where resource use
concerns could fit into any action that would be taken.
Mr. Lindstrom advises Plan Commission would welcome any comments.
Mr. Kuffel confirms with Mr. Lindstrom that there are resource use provisions in our Zoning
Code which are reviewed under Plan Commission. Mr. Lindstrom confirmed. He advises he is
not sure how to regulate conditions of approval at this point but will look at it to include in the
Zoning Code.
Mr. Kuffel reiterates that the role the Sustainability Commission to recommend to the Common
Council, not to the Plan Commission. Sustainability Commission can recap their findings or
Commissioners may participate as a resident at their meetings.
Mayor Boyd introduces himself along with City Manager, Kim Flom, and Director of Public
Works, Scott Thoresen. Mayor Boyd appreciates the Commission having these discussions.
He mentions these same topics are being discussed throughout the state and country and how

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each municipality reacts. The City of De Pere welcomes the conversation and believes
personally, that this is a good path going forward. He also commends staff’s time taken for this
meeting. Mayor Boyd believes that the State needs to get involved and encourages people to
talk to their State elected officials.
Commissioner Leonard moved, seconded by Alderperson Nelson to open the meeting at
6:01PM. Upon vote, motion carried unanimously.
Chelsea Keller at 309 S Huron advised she has contacted state and they are out of session.
They can’t do anything as they have been out since February/March which is why they aren’t
doing anything.
Barb Sprangers at 1185 Trailwood Dr asked when the public has any say in data centers.
Alderperson Nelson moved, seconded by Commissioner Slavin to close the meeting at
6:03PM. Upon vote, motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Boyd responds to Mrs. Keller’s comment that the Senate, Assembly and Governor can
call a special session which he encourages them to do.
Mr. Lindstrom answers Mrs. Sprangers’ question in relation to public involvement. He advises
the first step is to identify issues. If there would be proposed alterations to the Zoning Code
Amendments to address, specific to Data Centers, there will be a Public Comment Period for
the timeframe.
Mrs. Flom adds that anytime residents can reach out to their Elected Officials and City staff to
share comments and concerns as there doesn’t have to be a specific meeting.
Mr. Lindstrom said that he has had residents call and ask questions this past week and
encourages them to continue to do so.
Mayor Boyd informs residents that our City Website has Agendas and Minutes and look for the
Plan Commission to know when meeting will be held and attend.
Alderperson Nelson asked about the possible Moratorium going to be discussed at Plan
Commission and then forwarded to Council and what would it do and not do.
Mr. Lindstrom answered that it is part of the specific language in the Ordinance.
Alderperson Nelson advised if someone came with idea it would be discussed openly at a
meeting and there is always opportunity for public input. He also appreciates Staff’s work on
this meeting.
Discussion only, no action necessary.
A.

Approval of the May 12, 2026 Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes

Alderperson Nelson moved to approve the May 12, 2026 Sustainability Commission Meeting
Minutes, seconded by Commissioner Dvorak. Upon vote, the motion passed unanimously.

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RESULT:
APPROVED (UNANIMOUS)
MOVER:
Casey Nelson
SECONDER: Sam Dvorak
AYES:
Emily Castellanos, Sam Dvorak, Rachel Leonard, Casey Nelson, Jonie Panick,
Nicole Slavin
EXCUSED: Randall Lawton
B.

Student Advisor Introductions

New Teen Advisors Kevin Gerwing and Olive Pantzlaff introduced themselves to the
Commission.
C.

Discussion on Sustainability Commission Native Plant Give Away

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer advised the Native Plant Give Away partnered with
Botanical Garden is scheduled for June 20 from 12 PM to 2PM at the Mulva Cultural Center.
Commissioner involvement would be from 11 AM to 3 PM for set up and tear down.
Commissioner Castellanos advised there are 750 plants, each kit is 15 plants which totals 50
kits. We will be using an information packet provided from the City of Green Bay which
includes planting information. The handout runs until they are out of plants or the two hours is
up. Commissioner Leonard asked if any of these plants are the Five for Fliers. Commissioner
Castellanos believes so. Commissioner Leonard states she will be there to help. Advisor
Gerwing stated would like to help.
Alderperson Nelson asks if we will post the event on social media. Mr. Kuffel confirmed staff
will tomorrow.
Discussion only. No action necessary.
D.

Discussion on Sustainable Business Council - Community Wide Climate Resilience
Game

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, informs that Alderperson Nelson has been in
communication with the Sustainable Business Council regarding a Card Game.
Alderperson Nelson said he was contacted by someone in community about a game. Included
in the packet is information on the game. It focuses on nature-based solutions for Green Bay
and the De Pere areas. She had asked for a letter of support, but the deadline was June 4
which Commission wasn’t able to meet. As it gets developed and going forward, he has asked
her to come to a meeting and explain the game to see if there could be involvement with the
Commission. He wanted staff to know this could come back as future agenda item.
Discussion only. No action necessary.
F.

Discussion on Sustainability Commission Work Plan

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, said the memo in packet is updated, however there are
no major updates.
Discussion only. No action necessary.
G. Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Adopt-a-Drain
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, states there are no new updates with this item, but open
to discussion if there are any. Commissioner Castellanos asks how we get more participants.

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Commissioner Panick questioned where are we with the promotional material. Mr. Kuffel
explains it is with staff to develop and bring it forward for Commissioner consideration or if
Commissioners want to develop, we are open to that as well. Commissioner Panick said she
could be able to help.
Discussion only. No action necessary.
H.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Composting

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, advised in the last month one household left the
program, noting an increase in the subscription fees as the rates went up by $2 per month by
Greener Bay Compost. The issue now is that if Commission would like to keep reimbursement
at 50% subscription rates which we just set earlier in the year, in 2027 we need to re-set to
match the new rates. Commissioner Slavin notes that it’s still good that we are reimbursing.
Discussion only. No action necessary.
I.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Pollinator Gardens / Planned Natural
Landscapes

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, advised we are waiting to hear from Conservation
Corps if they want to partner on planting our gardens. Commissioner Dvorak asked if there has
been any discussion in the past with the Beautification Committee to get involved. Scott
Thoresen, Public Works Director, stated that he and the Forestry Supervisor sit on the
Beautification Committee which is made up of volunteers as they assist with operations. He
advised that currently they can't take on any more projects but have talked about pollinators in
the past and believes one of the roundabouts on Scheuring Road does have them.
Commissioner Castellanos asked if they are native plants or just plants that pollinators like. Mr.
Thoresen believes they are just regular pollinators. Commissioner Dvorak suggested we
recommend they be native. Mr. Kuffel will talk to the City Forester.
Commissioner Leonard asked if Conservation Corps was our only avenue and if it doesn’t work
out with them do we need to find another source. She said she knows someone at University
of Wisconsin – Green Bay (UWGB) who advised they could provide student involvement, if
needed. Commissioner Castellanos stated that the biggest issue is watering. Commissioner
Leonard asked if that was due to logistics or timing. Mr. Kuffel answered that it’s both. Staff
doesn’t have resources or time so we would have to hire a contractor. Commissioner Dvorak
thought the Community Gardens would be a place to add pollinators to since water is already
being delivered and have volunteers. Commissioner Castellanos stated that the Commission
has investigated many other options without success.
Commissioner Leonard asked Mr. Kuffel if we are aware of water usage for the Community
Gardens. He responded that he is unaware and doesn’t know if that would be something that
would be able to get.
Commissioners Slavin and Castellanos continue discussion about establishing native plants,
watering, and timing. Commissioner Dvorak asked if there is a list of ideal sites. Commissioner
Castellanos confirmed that there are four locations. Commissioner Slavin suggest we start with
one location as a test. Commissioner Castellanos advised if Commissioner Slavin would help
plant, she would lead. Commissioners Slavin and Leonard both agreed. Commissioner Dvorak
asked the Teen Advisors if they know of student organizations that may want to be involved.

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Advisor Gerwing responded that there is one he’s aware of that could possibly be involved.
Advisor Pantzlaff will look into it at her school.
Commissioner Castellanos advised Pollinator Week starts June 22.
Scott Thoresen, Public Works Director, added background on how the planned natural
landscapes started after “No Mow May” and was modeled after the City of Green Bay. He
believes there should be more education for the public about Planned Natural Landscapes and
our City Ordinance.
Alderperson Nelson stated the City of Green Bay is creating corridor from Northeast Wisconsin
Technical College (NWTC) to UWGB. Commissioner Castellanos confirmed, Commission is
trying to add it in our area.
Commissioner Castellanos advised she will be hosting a maintenance panel on native plants
with an open discussion through Wild Ones on June 17 from 6 PM to 7 PM at the Kress Library
if anyone would like to come.
Alderperson Nelson talked about the PSA for Invasive Species and wondered if staff has
worked on it. Mr. Kuffel said we still need to get together. Commissioner Castellanos said that
she wrote a script. Commissioner Leonard stated that her yard could be a place to host the
video.
Discussion only. No action necessary.
J.

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Green Energy

Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer, explained most of this work is happening in the
background. Staff has reached out to all departments for their necessary information and
forwarding to Allyson Brunette for entry. Commissioner Leonard asked about receiving energy
usage. Mr. Kuffel advised he’s still waiting to hear back from Wisconsin Public Service (WPS).
Discussion only. No action necessary.
5.

Future Agenda Items

Commissioner Dvorak sent Mr. Kuffel a rough draft of a tree canopy development plan. He is
looking for canopy coverage and noted the City has a great inventory of trees, species and
locations. Commission Dvorak is looking to pick a goal which will be on the next agenda to
discuss.
6.

Adjournment

Commissioner Leonard moved, seconded by Commissioner Dvorak, to adjourn the meeting at
6:33 PM. Upon vote, motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Natalie Markelz

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.B

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on June 20, 2026 Native Plant Give Away
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Plant_Handout_Review

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To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on June 20, 2026 Native Plant Give Away

The intent of this item is to review the Plant Handout that took place on June 20, 2026 at the Mulva
Cultural Center. Staff’s understanding is that the community began to line up at 10:30 AM for the noon
plan handout and all the plants were distributed in 35 minutes (we had planned for a two-hour event).

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2

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3

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4

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.C

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on July 13, 2026 Locktender Native Garden
Annual Open House
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Locktender_Open_House

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To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on July 13, 2026 Locktender Native Garden Annual Open House

The Northeastern Wisconsin Master Gardeners held their annual Locktender Native Garden Open House
on Monday, July 13 from 5 to 7 PM. The intent of this item is to review the City of De Pere Sustainability
Commission’s participation at this event.

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2

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.D

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
New Initiative - Discussion on De Pere Canopy Growth
Plan
Evaluate the priority of this initiative moving forward.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Canopy_Growth_Plan

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To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

New Initiative – Discussion on De Pere Canopy Growth Plan

Commissioner Dvorak brought forward and requested to discuss the attached Draft Canopy Growth Plan
for the City of De Pere. After discussion, the Commission should evaluate the priority of this initiative
moving forward.

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DE PERE TREE CANOPY PLAN
Starting Point VERY ROUGH Draft for the Sustainability Commission
WHAT DE PERE HAS:
From The Forestry page of the website:
“The De Pere Forestry Department is proud of our urban forest. The trees of De Pere are growing
capital assets that benefit everyone and are an investment in this great community. Our trees help make
De Pere a great place to live, do business, and visit. They help provide us with essential quality of life
aspects such as clean air and water; economic bonuses such as lower energy bills; and so much more!
With that in mind, we seek to maintain this beautiful and valuable collection of more than 10,000 Cityowned trees and more than 60 difference species throughout De Pere, and are also happy to assist and
guide you if you have issues or concerns with tree or landscape issues at your home. So don't hesitate to
call! We're happy to help!”
Residents can also request a parkway tree to be planted or a memorial tree planted in a park plus the urban
orchard program
-Additional mailers to residents to increase the programs already in place
Problem: Canopy Coverage & Canopy Growth Plan
The city has a tree inventory, a record of known city-owned trees. What it does not have is a canopy
coverage assessment: the percentage of total land area shaded by trees, including private property, parks,
and natural areas. The city does not (to my knowledge at the time of putting this to new business) have a
plan to expand tree canopy and look for high impact areas to increase the tree canopy. The data already
exists and is free to establish baselines and the commission can establish a baseline with no cost.
TOOLS TO GET THE BASELINE
• TreeCanopy.us: national map showing canopy coverage for 2017 and 2022 with trend data
• Wisconsin DNR GIS Data: 2020 and 2022 canopy data for Wisconsin urban areas
• USDA i-Tree Landscape: assesses ecosystem value and helps prioritize planting locations
• American Forests Tree Equity Score: identifies which neighborhoods have the least canopy

2

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3

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ACTION PLAN
Establish the Baseline, Pull De Pere’s data from TreeCanopy.us
Who (Volunteers, students Beautification committee?)
Design the plan: Set a specific goal. Develop a priority planting map. Choose a Wisconsin-native species
list. Design a volunteer planting program.
Funding: Commission budget and checking for grants (Research further)
Start Work and Measuring progress, Adjusting goals from what is achieved.

4

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.E

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on Sustainability Commission Work Plan
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Commission Work Plan

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To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on Sustainability Commission Work Plan

De Pere Sustainability Commission Work Plan
Objective of Work Plan: To address identified gaps, implement recommendations, and advance the De
Pere Sustainability Commission’s mission by ensuring success across all current initiatives. When new
initiatives are proposed, the commission will evaluate using the established evaluation criteria and add
to the Work Plan when applicable. Work plan will be updated as necessary when updates in each
initiative is provided at commission meetings.
Initiative: Adopt-A-Drain
● Goals:
○ Increase community participation
○ Improve visibility and public awareness
○ Establish measurable success metrics
● Actions:
○ Develop outreach plan
■ Create marketing materials
■ Leverage farmer’s market, social media, and passive engagement methods
(passive methods TBD - example would be storm drain stencils)
○ Engage community
■ Idea: Partner with local organizations to promote the program
■ Idea: Introduce friendly competition or campaign
■ Idea: Provide incentives such as bumper stickers, swag, etc.
■ Idea: Evaluate collaboration opportunities to scale program visibility (ex: other
communities, other programs with same goal)
○ Define success metrics and tracking methods
■ Determine what program ‘success’ looks like - metric
■ Determine how to measure program results (ex: water quality improvements,
participation, etc.)
■ Gather feedback and track participation satisfaction

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●

■ Analyze data to report outcomes and set next 12 month goals
○ Communicate program results to the initiative participants and the broader community
Lead Commissioners: Emily Castellanos and Nicole Slavin

Initiative: Composting
● Goals:
○ Assess current program viability
○ Assess future program options
○ Increase community participation
● Actions:
○ Review current program and identify improvements for future program development
■ Analyze participation metrics
■ Identify improvements based on public and city feedback and metrics
○ Refocus outreach and engagement
■ Idea: Host Q&A sessions at Farmers Markets on home compost practices.
■ Idea: Pilot a smaller-scale composting initiative to test and learn
○ Identify alternative partners/models
■ Investigate collaborations with farms or other compost facilities
■ Research other city composting programs
■ Tour regional recycling and composting facilities for insights and best practices
○ Evaluate and make final decision on future program
■ Compile findings from previous actions to make recommendation
■ Recommend whether to continue, restructure, or sunset the initiative based on
findings
■ Once recommendation approved, then:
● Develop outreach plan to increase community awareness
○ TBD once final program determined
● Develop engagement plan to increase participation in program
○ TBD once final program determined
● Implement metrics and tracking
○ TBD once final program determined
● Lead Commissioner: Jonie Panick
Initiative: Planned Natural Landscapes
● Goals:
○ Support pollinators
○ Increase community adoption of native plant landscaping.
■ Commission is partnering with the City of Green Bay, the Conservation Corps,
and the Botanical Garden for pollinator plant handout in Summer of 2026.
○ Provide educational resources to overcome knowledge gaps.
○ Promote sustainable land-use practices.
● Actions:
2

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○

●

Refocus outreach and engagement
■ Increase social media marketing
■ Create marketing content
● Create handouts
○ Idea: Replacement plants
● Interview those that have changed their landscape and create
marketing campaign around their case study/success story
○ Highlight process, reasons for changing, maintenance, and more
■ Engage community
○ Create success metrics and tracking
Lead Commissioner: Emily Castellanos

Initiative: Urban Orchards
● Goals:
○ Support pollinators
○ Have fruit available for anyone and everyone to pick - make De Pere a greener/healthier
place
● Actions:
○ Urban Orchards are already established
○ Increase pollinator habitats around urban orchards to support healthy growth
● Note - The orchards do need regular maintenance and this falls to Public Works or Parks
Department
● Lead Commissioner: Maintenance = Public Works/Parks; Pollinator habitats = Emily Castellanos
Initiative: Green Energy
● Goals:
○ Create an energy baseline for De Pere.
○ Align with state and federal energy policies.
○ Develop long-term action plans for energy sustainability and resilience.
○ City to complete Green Tier Legacy Community submittal to the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources in 2026.
● Actions
○ Complete the Wisconsin DNR Green Tier scoresheet in 2026.
● Lead Commissioner: Rachel Leonard

3

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.F

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Adopt-a-Drain
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Initiative Prioritization_Adopt a Drain

Page 28 of 43

To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization – Adopt-a-Drain

The purpose of this item is to evaluate the Adopt-a-Drain program against the initiative prioritization
evaluation criteria.
Adopt-a-Drain
Origin
Starting in 2024, the Adopt-a-Drain program was created to formalize the cleaning of storm sewer inlets
within the public right-of-way. Residents who sign up to adopt a drain are provided with a drain
cleaning kit to help their cleaning efforts. Participants are encouraged to take photos and document the
amount of debris cleaned up at the inlets as part of their adoption.
History
August 20, 2024, the Adopt-a-Drain program is adopted by Common Council as an educational and
outreach tool.
On October 2, 2025, the Adopt-a-Drain program was included in the City Newsletter and is routinely
promoted on City social media channels.
On October 6, 2025 an advertisement campaign started with the De Pere Cinema showcasing the
promotional Adopt-a-Drain video the commission created.
In the third quarter of 2025, the Sustainability Commission had a raffle for a rain barrel where all
participating and newly joined residents for the Adopt-a-Drain program were eligible to win.
In 2025 approximately 80 gallons of debris were removed from City inlets through this program. A total
of 28 cleaning logs were submitted.
Currently, the Adopt-a-Drain program has 24 adopters who clean 33 inlets throughout the City.

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Status
So far in 2026, 11 cleaning logs have been submitted to staff accounting for approximately 36 gallons of
debris removed from our inlets.
Discussion
The Sustainability Commission is evaluating how to further promote this initiative to promote growth.

2

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City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.G

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Composting
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Initiative Prioritization_Compost

Page 31 of 43

To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Composting

The purpose of this item is to evaluate composting and the composting reimbursement program against
the initiative prioritization evaluation criteria.
Composting Reimbursement Program History
Origin
The City of De Pere wanted to provide a program to incentivize residents for using local composting
services. This program started out as a partnership with a local composting company and has since
turned into a partnership directly with City residents to reimburse invoices from local composting
services.
History
• December 13, 2022 – Greener Bay Compost presents to the De Pere Sustainability Commission
regarding the benefits and ease of private composting and wishes to enter a public-private
partnership with the City.
• In 2023, the City budgets $10,000 to hire a composting consultant in 2024 with the intent to
enter into a partnership with Greener Bay Compost.
• April 2024 – A formal partnership between the City of Green Bay and Greener Bay Compost is
established where the City will reimburse 50% of the registration fees for those residents
utilizing their composting services.
• August 2024 – Greener Bay Compost raises their subscription fees 20%.
• September 2024 – Greener Bay Compost indicates they will terminate their contract with the
City of De Pere if we do not budget what they deem to be sufficient funding for composting
services in 2025. The City indicates that enough budget is present to meet current demand with
room for moderate growth.
• December 31, 2024 – The partnership with Greener Bay Compost is terminated due to their
budgetary concerns.
• January 1, 2025 – The City launches the compost reimbursement program where residents are
directly reimbursed by the City in lieu of reimbursing Greener Bay Compost for subscription

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•

•

fees. The annual budget is increased to $12,000 and the City carries over left over funds from
2024 to further bolster reimbursement funds. Reimbursement amounts in 2025 are set at:
o Residents utilizing the “Every-Four-Weeks Pickup Plan” would be reimbursed $9.00 per
month
o Residents utilizing the “Every-Other-Week Pickup Plan” would be reimbursed $15.00 per
month
January 1, 2026 – The annual budget is a portion of $16,976.50. This money is also to be used
for consulting for other sustainable initiatives. The same reimbursement amounts are carried
over from 2025.
June 9, 2026 - Subscription rates for Greener Bay Compost’s residential compost pickup service
have increased from $18 per month to $20 per month for their every-four-weeks pickup service,
and from $30 per month to $32 per month for their every-other-week pickup service. The
Commission will need to evaluate if the reimbursement amounts will be adjusted in early 2027
to return to 50% of the subscription fees. The Sustainability Commission established
reimbursement amounts for this program at the February 10, 2026 meeting. The amounts
established at the time reflected 50% of the subscription rates for these services:
o Residents utilizing the “Every-Four-Weeks Pickup Plan” would be reimbursed $9.00 per
month
o Residents utilizing the “Every-Other-Week Pickup Plan” would be reimbursed $15.00 per
month

Discussion
We’ve now entered the third quarter of 2026. Every property has requested reimbursement from the
second quarter with exception of two properties. Entering August, we are at 23 active properties
participating in the program, with two properties confirming that they’ve cancelled service to close out
the second quarter.

2

Page 33 of 43

City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.H

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Pollinator Gardens /
Planned Natural Landscapes
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Initiative Prioritization_Pollinator Gardens, Braisher Exhibit,
Samantha Exhibit, VFW Exhibit, Voyageur Exhibit

Page 34 of 43

To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization – Pollinator Gardens / Planned Natural Landscapes

The purpose of this item is to evaluate pollinator gardens and the planned natural landscapes initiatives
against the initiative prioritization evaluation criteria.
Pollinator Gardens / Planned Natural Landscapes History
Origin
The pollinator garden initiative started in March 2024, when the Sustainability Commission voted to
discontinue “No Mow May.” The Common Council urged the commission to continue to champion our
pollinators and further promote the new Natural Landscaping Ordinance in lieu of “No Mow May.” This
coupled with complaints regarding the City’s urban orchards led to the genesis of the Sustainability
Commission looking to have pollinator gardens installed at our City parks.
History
Annually, the Sustainability Commission promotes pollinator week which results in a proclamation made
by the Mayor at Common Council. Pollinator week typically falls on the third week in June (June 16-22,
2025).
• March 12, 2024
o No Mow May is Discontinued
o Selena Darrow or Rooted In, Inc. outlines her complaints to the Sustainability
Commission regarding the City’s urban orchards.
• April 6, 2024 – Selena Darrow of Rooted In, Inc. requested that the Commission allocate money
to establish pollinator gardens at our urban orchards.
• August 26, 2024 – Staff met with the The Plant Gal to discuss the feasibility of pollinator garden
installation at Braisher Park, Samantha Park, VFW Park, and Voyageur Park. Estimate for
materials only came to be approximately $4,000.
• October 9, 2024 – Staff met with the City Urban Orchard Committee to determine the feasibility
of constructing pollinator gardens. Approval was received to pursue approval with the Board of
Park Commissioners.

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•
•

•
•
•

November 21, 2024 – Staff met with the Board of Park Commissioners and received unanimous
approval for the construction and maintenance of Pollinator Gardens at City Parks.
March 11, 2025 – Staff provided a draft request for proposals for the creation of Pollinator
Gardens to the Sustainability Commission for comment. No Proposals ended up getting
submitted.
Summer of 2026 – De Pere Sustainability Commission is partnering with the Green Bay Botanical
Gardens and Conservation Corps for a plant hand-out to better promote pollinators.
March 2026 – The Commission updated the invasive species and created a handout for
education and outreach.
June 2026 – The Commission held a Native Plant handout at the Mulva Cultural Center.

Discussion
A few items of discussion regarding pollinators:
1. Commissioner Castellanos is getting information on the Conservation Corps group that takes on
planting projects in the Green Bay area.
2. Staff reached out to the Beautification Committee to see what native plants are being used
within their plantings. They provided the following locations and plants:
a. Scheuring and Suburban Round-a-bout - Our primary pollinator focused
planting. Featured plants: echinacea (multiple varieties), butterfly weed (asclepias
tuberosa), prairie and northern blazing star, wild petunia, Missouri primrose, smooth
penstemon and 3 native grasses - little bluestem, switchgrass and purple love grass. I
think there are a couple other blooming natives, but only 1 or 2 plants in the entire
round-a-bout.
b. Main Ave and 41 beds - these 5 beds have butterfly weed in them. They also have
cultivars of echinacea (Magnus and White Swan).
c. Walsh Plaza - this area has butterfly weed and an echinacea cultivar, Pow Wow wild
berry. It has a cultivar of nepeta that is highly attractive to bees called 'montrose.' The
original planting contained many native grasses that remain.
d. Bridge Round-a-bout - natives used: swamp milkweed (asclepias incarnata), prairie
blazing star, great blue lobelia, butterfly weed. Also cultivars of penstemon, echinacea
and aster.
e. Finally in our pots we use annuals that are attractive to pollinators especially
butterflies. These are: gomphrena 'Truffula pink' (also in Walsh Plaza) and ageratum
'Monarch Magic.'
3. Lastly, at the June Sustainability Commission meeting, it was requested that staff provide the
location maps for the pollinator gardens we pursued installing in 2025. Those location maps are
attached for reference.

2

Page 36 of 43

Engineering Division
925 S. Sixth Street, De Pere, WI | 920-339-4061 | www.deperewi.gov/engineering

URBAN
ORCHARD
LOCATION
PROPOSED
POLLINATOR
GARDEN
(40’x10’)

Page 37 of 43

Engineering Division
925 S. Sixth Street, De Pere, WI | 920-339-4061 | www.deperewi.gov/engineering

URBAN
ORCHARD
LOCATION

PROPOSED
POLLINATOR
GARDEN
(70’x10’)

Page 38 of 43

Engineering Division
925 S. Sixth Street, De Pere, WI | 920-339-4061 | www.deperewi.gov/engineering

VFW PARK

COMMUNITY
CENTER

PROPOSED
POLLINATOR
GARDEN
(35’x10’)

URBAN
ORCHARD
LOCATION

Page 39 of 43

Engineering Division
925 S. Sixth Street, De Pere, WI | 920-339-4061 | www.deperewi.gov/engineering

FOX RIVER

URBAN
ORCHARD
LOCATION

PROPOSED
POLLINATOR
GARDEN
(25’x10’)

VOYAGEUR PARK

Page 40 of 43

City of De Pere, Wisconsin

4.I

Request for Sustainability Commission
Action
Meeting Date:
Department:
From:
Subject:
Recommendation:

August 11, 2026
Public Works
Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Discussion on Initiative Prioritization - Green Energy
Discussion only. No action necessary.

Attachments:
2026 0811 CE_SC_Initiative Prioritization_Green Energy

Page 41 of 43

To:
Members of the Sustainability Commission
From: Chase Kuffel, Assistant City Engineer
Date: August 11, 2026
RE:

Discussion on Initiative Prioritization – Green Energy

The purpose of this item is to evaluate the Green Energy work plan against the initiative prioritization
evaluation criteria.
Green Energy
The De Pere Common Council approved the City of De Pere Sustainability Commission’s Work Plan on
December 6, 2021 following the Clean Energy Resolution #21-87 passed on August 17th, 2021. Pursuant
to the directives of resolution #21-87 that “the City will advance energy efficiency and conservation
projects, programs and outreach as a means of rapidly reducing the need for centralized fossil energy
generation” with intent that “the city of De Pere will account for these goals in its future budget cycles
and will collaborate with the De Pere Sustainability Commission to develop a work plan which identifies
cost-effective measures to transition to clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions”.
The actions prioritized in the work plan include a city baseline assessment and inventory to analyze the
City’s greenhouse gas emissions. Consistent with the allowable actions in the work plan, the
Sustainability Commission is requesting funds to implement the initiation of a baseline study. This
funding request is contingent upon the availability of grant opportunities that the Commission has
identified in the sections below.
Further activities developed in the Work Plan are to be taken by the Sustainability Commission to be
executed congruent to the baseline assessment preparation. We are initiating public involvement to
identify stakeholders and community values to inform the objectives and community targets of
subsequent surveys.
Starting April 17, 2026 the City of De Pere partnered with Allyson Brunette to complete the Wisconsin
DNR Green Tier score sheet for legacy communities. The updated scoresheet will be submitted by the
end of the calendar year 2026.

Page 42 of 43

Updates
We’re now moving into the second phase of the Green Tier scoresheet with our consultant. Our
consultant will be scheduling meetings with Department Heads to review goals moving forward with
energy use and infrastructure.

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