Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in environment
Street tree requirements in new subdivisions
New subdivisions will have to include street trees, with a fee letting the city plant them so the urban canopy is even and healthy instead of patchy. Alderperson Hansen has pushed this for years.
Stormwater recognition and Wisconsin Stormwater Week
Stormwater Week runs September 19-27 with social media pushes and a mayoral proclamation. Commissioners want to do more — email campaigns to Adopt-a-Drain participants, yard signs, and possibly billboards — to grow the program.
Future of plastic film recycling in De Pere
The city's plastic bag drop-off program has outgrown its outlets — Festival Foods stopped taking the city's collected film and there's no storage space during the service center renovation. Staff wants to end collection and point residents to nine local stores, but commissioners want a recycling partnership explored first.
Green Tier progress with the DNR
The city is in phase two of its green energy scorecards, tracking energy use and electric vehicles, with submission expected in December. Members also discussed leveraging the Green Tier program to get local businesses on board with sustainability.
Compost reimbursement program sustainability
The city's composting reimbursement program has grown to about 24 active properties, with nearly all participants requesting their reimbursements. Members think more promotion could grow it further.