Kendra Donohoo

The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for February 5, 2026, includes the approval of minutes from the January 6, 2026, meeting. Key discussion items involve a public hearing and subsequent discussion regarding a Conditional Use Permit Application/Renewal for 600 Industrial Ave (Mathy Construction), monthly reports, and consideration for requesting bids for sidewalk snow removal services. A staff preparation report indicates the recommendation for approval of the CUP for Mathy Construction for the 2026-2031 cycle, contingent upon environmental reports being filed upon request and adherence to representations made at the hearing.

This Housing Assessment for the City of Tomah analyzes the current housing situation, identifies gaps and needs, and proposes strategies to address challenges. The report outlines key findings related to population growth, housing stock changes, market fluctuations, and affordability issues. It presents a comprehensive action plan with recommendations focusing on zoning reforms (e.g., smaller lots, missing middle housing, ADUs), reducing development costs, leveraging financial tools like TIF, developing neighborhood plans, establishing a Housing Committee, setting housing unit goals, proactive developer recruitment, public land acquisition, infrastructure investments, first-time homebuyer education, and fostering public-private partnerships. The plan aims to increase housing supply and diversity to meet future demand and enhance community livability.

This report examines Wisconsin's municipal financing framework, highlighting its unique and heavy reliance on property taxes compared to other states, especially in the Midwest. It details the historical context, the impact of stagnant state aid and restrictive property tax caps, and the resulting signs of fiscal stress. The document compares Wisconsin's system to various other states, exploring alternative revenue sources such as sales taxes, income taxes, and fees. It concludes by outlining different policy options and their trade-offs to inform a debate on potential reforms to municipal financing in the state.

The Public Works & Utilities meeting agenda includes several discussion items: an update on the Airport, approval for a Polymer System, discussion and possible action regarding the release of easement rights and reducing the driveway entrance at 500 N Superior, and approval concerning the Sewer Utility Advancement to TID 8 Forgiveness. Other topics involve general project updates, payment of monthly water & sewer bills, departmental reports, the Director's report, and setting the next meeting date for February 25, 2026. The agenda also notes that minutes from the December meeting will be approved.

Key discussions included an update on the airport, noting that a new windsock is on order. The committee approved the rock crushing bid submitted by Gerke's. Significant deliberation occurred regarding the abandonment of a sewer line easement at Tomah Health to create a wider, official easement for water and sewer infrastructure to benefit future development. Furthermore, staff presented a detailed analysis on the forgiveness of an advance provided by the Wastewater Utility to TID 8, stemming from projects in 2018 and 2019. The recommendation is to forgive the outstanding approximately $1.9 million advance to allow for the early closure of TID 8 in 2027, as the Wastewater Utility can absorb the impact. Staff will prepare a resolution for the Council's consideration following this commission's recommendation in January. Project updates were provided on the Hollister project. Pay requests and monthly water/sewer bills were approved. Departmental reports covered the filling of a truck driver position, salt usage, plow maintenance, water pumpage statistics, and inspection of frost depth.