Erik Evenson

This Outdoor Recreation Plan for the Village of Ellsworth establishes a strategic framework for 2024-2029, focusing on the enhancement and accessibility of outdoor recreation facilities. Key strategic pillars include maintaining existing infrastructure, protecting natural resources, optimizing financial resources, improving public access, and promoting public health through recreation. The plan aims to diversify facilities by renovating playgrounds and establishing new courts, creating versatile community spaces through partnerships, expanding trail networks, and increasing community engagement and awareness of recreational opportunities. The East End Park Master Plan is a central initiative to develop a destination park with modern amenities.

The Board meeting agenda included several items under the Consent Agenda for review and approval of payments, deposits, and various committee meeting minutes from February. New Business focused heavily on infrastructure and licensing matters. Key discussions involved a Public Hearing and subsequent action on Special Assessments for curb, gutter, sidewalk, water/sewer laterals, and driveway apron reconstruction for Wall Street, Broadway Street, and Morse Street. The Board was also set to discuss the final design and bidding authorization for the East End Reconstruction project. Other new business included a Zoning Map Amendment request by Gerrard Corporation to rezone property from R-2 to R-3, action on relinquishing a Class B Liquor License and transfer of another, and approvals related to temporary retailer's licenses and sponsorship for the Cheese Curd Festival. Finally, the Board planned to discuss contracts for Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator services and bids for a Village Hall generator and Village Board computers. The session also included a Closed Session to deliberate on a contract amendment with CBS Squared regarding the Grant and Piety Street project.

The key discussion and potential action items for this meeting included a Certified Survey Map and density variance request for Christopher Beckler concerning property located in the Village ETZ. Additionally, the commission was set to discuss or potentially act on a Zoning Map Amendment requested by Gerrard Corporation, changing zoning from Residential (R-2) to Multiple Family (R-3) for a specific parcel. The agenda also reserved time to discuss or possibly take action on a Site Plan revision for a Gas Station/Convenience Store proposed by Kwik Trip.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Village's Extra Territorial Zoning Ordinance review, where the Board directed staff to commence amendments and involve the Joint ETZ Committee. The Board also approved a payment of $541,870.47 for the Grant and Piety Street Project, covering work completed between November 19 and December 18. Following a closed session deliberation regarding the Cell Tower Land Lease Renewal, the Board approved the Verizon cell tower land lease renewal, including co-location payments and reporting. The consent agenda included approval of various payments, deposits, and minutes from prior meetings of the Village Board, Board of Appeals, and Community Development Authority, as well as discussion on the 2026 Senior Center Donation.

The committee discussed a potential donation of chairs and benches for Bonnie Langer Park from Ann Huppert, contingent upon her opening a nearby ice cream shop; the committee voted to accept this donation. The committee also reviewed three concepts for the East End Park Master Plan, which included proposals for a bandshell/amphitheater, new shelters, and changes to existing structures like the bathroom and log cabin. Specific feedback directed that the basketball court remain, shelters be larger and open-sided, and that future concepts must show the stream both open and closed, and provide options for the log cabin's retention or removal. No formal action was taken on the Master Plan.