Garrett Erickson

The Common Council meeting addressed several key administrative and legislative matters. Key actions included confirming the Mayoral appointment of Hugo Cardenas Jr. as the Director of Facilities, effective April 6, 2026. The council adopted multiple resolutions, such as approving alcohol beverage/tobacco licenses, authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with EPLEX, LLC for project plan review, and purchasing a release of restriction from Union Pacific for the Mayline Redevelopment Project. Other resolutions involved adopting compensation rates for Limited Term and Seasonal Employees, authorizing a First Amendment to a Redevelopment Agreement with Partners for Community Development, Inc., approving leadership training with Arbinger Institute, Inc., continuing the self-insured worker's compensation program, authorizing repairs to the watercraft fueling system at the Harbor Centre Marina, declaring World Migratory Bird Day, and authorizing a contract with Vinton Construction Company for South Business Drive Concrete Pavement Repairs. Additionally, the council authorized entering into a Tax Incremental District Development Agreement with Harbor View Lofts, LLC for two lots and submitted an application to purchase the Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse. A General Ordinance was adopted annexing territory to the City of Sheboygan.

The meeting involved several public hearings regarding applications for Conditional Use Permits with exceptions for building additions at Urban Middle School and Farnsworth Middle School, and for the operation of a Faye's Pizza location. All public hearings were closed without public comment. The Commission subsequently voted to approve the applications for the Urban Middle School and Farnsworth Middle School additions, contingent upon numerous specific conditions related to permitting, zoning compliance, screening, storage, lighting, and signage. Approval was also granted for the renovation and operation of Faye's Pizza, subject to conditions including providing an updated window layout. Site Plan Review approval was granted for a manufacturing addition to Vollrath Co. LLC with several conditions. Finally, the Commission voted to recommend approval to the Common Council for a General Ordinance concerning the annexation of territory.

The Zoning Board of Appeals discussed a variance application requesting permission to expand a driveway at 2324 Broadway Avenue, intruding into the side yard paving setback. The Board approved the variance application with the condition that the expansion must not create a nuisance for the neighboring property.

The agenda for the meeting included roll call, call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and identification of potential conflicts of interest. A motion was scheduled to approve the minutes from February 18, 2026. Items for closed session involved deliberation regarding a loan request from Tributary Beer Garden LLC, with possible action to follow in open session. Items for discussion and possible action included a request by the City of Sheboygan Public Works, Engineering Division to utilize RDA land for a new storage building, and a review of the Quarterly Report for Business Loans. A tentative date for the next regular meeting was set for March 18, 2026.

The Commission discussed the need for updated complaint forms for Fire and Police department employees and the public, requesting that these forms be clear, easily accessible, and posted on the departments' pages. City Attorney Majerus will draft the forms for the March meeting discussion. Personnel updates included the early retirement of a Battalion Chief and planning for hiring timelines, as well as scheduling Firefighter/Paramedic interviews for April, which received 34 applicants. The Commission received an update on the new Fire Station project, requesting to see schematics once available. Updates were also provided on new firefighter hiring, including personnel returning from military service and those currently in Paramedic school. The Police Department received a COPs Grant for three additional officers to be sworn in in March and anticipates holding an interview for a Police Officer position in March. The department is nearly fully staffed. The Chief also presented an update on the 2026 Police Department goals covering leadership, staff development, equipment, strategic objectives, and various benchmarks. A discussion on Commissioner membership status was tabled. During the open session following the closed session, the Commission approved candidates on the Fire promotional list for Captain and Lieutenant positions.