Monona committee: tree program to continue with administrative support; staff reports EV-charging outreach

The City of Mononas Sustainability Committee on Jan. 15 heard a status update that the councils resolution authorizes continuation of the local tree program with administrative support and limited committee/volunteer involvement. Committee members were told staff will complete grant documentation, calculate volunteer hours for reimbursement, and promote upcoming tree orders with yard signs ordered at year-end.

Committee chair Teresa Rademacher summarized the resolution language and the committees continued but reduced role: "the council is authorizing the continuation of the program with administrative support and with the minimum sustainability committee and other volunteers," she said.

In staff reports, Henry said staff had worked with county partners to identify federal funding for public, affordable EV charging. He said outreach produced candidate locations and that the Northpointe (Broadway) project is under consideration; if selected, the developer would cover installation and initial maintenance obligations, though federal reporting and zoning requirements would apply.

Why it matters: the tree program remains a visible community-facing effort; continued administrative support will allow planting and delivery logistics to proceed while the committee focuses on governance and strategic priorities. The EV-charging report signals staff are seeking external funding to expand public charging, which would affect permitting and potential city reporting obligations.

Next steps: staff will finalize grant paperwork and return with updates in February and a broader status report in March as part of their inventory work for the sustainability plan update.