Emily Berge

This work plan aims to ensure safe, affordable housing for everyone in Eau Claire. Key objectives include recommending and reviewing policies to increase affordable housing availability, facilitating access to funding for affordable housing initiatives, and promoting public-private partnerships to stimulate housing development and diversification. The plan also focuses on reviewing civic strategies to increase homeownership opportunities and engaging stakeholders through regional meetings and digital communication.

The meeting focused on landscape updates, including planting progress in black and orange planters, soil amendment application, and ongoing bulb planting. A significant discussion involved cleaning up concrete overspray on a sidewalk and planter near Olsen's and Market Plaza, with follow-up assigned to Jackie. Another topic concerned adopting perennials, lilies, and other plants from the dying strip near the Riverside lot scheduled for demolition around 2026, although hosta availability was noted as low. Financial discussions centered on the Adopt a Planter program being transitioned to Decki, status of renewals (with Hello Dorne not renewing and Urban Style pending), and projected renewal revenue between approximately $5,000 and $7,500. There was also discussion regarding a $148.91 outstanding balance owed to Decki from the previous year's planter purchases, and how to allocate the substantial projected surplus funds, with suggestions including purchasing more perennials, larger shrubs for high-traffic areas, and investigating winter lighting fixtures. The group plans to confirm how program proceeds are budgeted for the landscape budget and to finalize the long-term location of the Adopt a Planter program between South Barstow and Decki before the August budget considerations.

The meeting commenced with introductions of new faces. A key action item involved a motion to reorder the agenda to discuss the City Update regarding the Day Resource Center and Ambassador Program earlier in the meeting. Following this, the Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting held in April, noting an outdated projected completion date for the transfer center. The current financials were reviewed, with discussions focused on expected overages due to increased trash hauling prices and clarification on allocated city water charges. The primary discussion centered on the Day Resource Center and Ambassador Program, which began in March. Topics included clarifying when to call police versus the program staff for various issues, the ongoing cleanup efforts (including graffiti and sanitation in public areas), and the educational approach towards the homeless population regarding neighborhood responsibility. Concerns were raised about the program's sustainability after the two-year funding period and current service boundaries, although flexibility to adjust boundaries was noted.

The meeting agenda includes several items requiring action, such as reviewing previous meeting minutes, current financials, executive committee matters, and selecting a representative for the DECI Board. Other discussion topics include the Water Street Event/Eaux Claires Festival, landscaping services, an update on banners, and updates from the City and DECI.

The Administrative Review Board meeting will cover the election of officers, an open public comment period for items not on the agenda, and a public hearing regarding the denial of an animal variance requested by Lisa Fasbender located at 3352 Gerrard Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.