Two Rivers’ Environmental Advisory Board voted to recommend raising the city’s littering fee to $250 and began a longer review of how garbage and recycling will be collected after the current contract ends.
Key Decisions
The board voted to raise the littering fee to $250, saying the current amount has not changed in more than 20 years and may not do enough to support enforcement.
With the city’s garbage and recycling contract expiring in a little over three years, the board started discussing whether Two Rivers should keep its current collection system or consider other approaches. No decision was made, but the issue will return at future meetings.
The board discussed public education around stormwater, including a possible Wisconsin Stormwater Week promotion and student-led storm-drain stenciling to remind residents that runoff reaches local waterways and Lake Michigan.
Public Input · 1 speaker
Donald DeBruynrelayed constituent feedback
He relayed that Sept. 19-27 is Wisconsin Stormwater Week and asked whether the city could promote it or issue a proclamation. The board also discussed involving students in storm-drain stenciling and stormwater education.
Agenda Items
City of Two Rivers Littering Fee
Passed
The board voted to increase the littering fee to $250. Members noted the fee had not been adjusted in more than 20 years and discussed whether a higher penalty could make enforcement more meaningful. The minutes do not record an individual vote tally.
The board discussed sharing public information about Japanese knotweed through the city’s weekly update or a short “Did You Know” feature. The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking grant funding to remove the invasive plant at several locations. The discussion points toward public education and possible cleanup work, but no action was taken.
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Solid Waste
Staff asked the board to begin considering the future of city garbage and recycling collection because the current contractor agreement expires in just over three years. The board was asked to compare the current setup with methods used elsewhere and consider whether changes are worth exploring. This is an early-stage discussion, but it could eventually affect service, costs and how residents set out trash and recycling.
Shannon Derby planned to check dates with library staff for a renewed Environmental Advisory Board education series. The board hopes to keep sessions on the third Thursday of each month, with the first program tentatively planned for September or October.
The board reviewed a draft rewrite of its mission statement and suggested simpler wording. A revised version will return for further review, leaving the board’s formal direction and priorities unresolved for now.
Other Items That May Come Before the Board, With Consideration and Action, If Needed
Laura Prellwitz said she will contact students at Manitowoc Lutheran, Roncalli and Two Rivers High School about attending board meetings and offering a student perspective on environmental issues. Outreach is expected after the first weeks of the school year.
