Mark Kolczaski

This Comprehensive Plan serves as a blueprint for the short-range and long-range growth and development of the Village of Walworth, covering a planning period of approximately 20 to 25 years, with population forecasts extending to 2040. Key strategic pillars include protecting natural resources, preserving and enhancing the Village's small-town character and heritage, promoting efficient and sustainable development patterns, coordinating transportation planning with land use decisions, providing a safe and efficient transportation system for all modes, ensuring cost-effective public utilities, offering quality parks and recreational facilities, providing safe housing and attractive neighborhoods, strengthening and diversifying the job and tax base, and establishing mutually beneficial intergovernmental relations. The plan aims to guide future growth while maintaining community identity and environmental integrity.

The Finance Committee discussed and made recommendations on several financial matters, including general fund and utility payables, a borrowing proposal for a new Police Department squad car, Rescue Department defibrillator, Fire/Rescue Department turn out gear, and road work. The committee reviewed the Village Budget vs. Actual Report and discussed a proposal for asphalt overlay on Park St. They also discussed the Water & Sewer Budget vs. Actual Report, TIF district account balance, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) project, specifically the purchase of a Wachs diesel valve maintenance trailer. Additionally, the committee recommended adoption of a model ordinance from the City of Mosinee regarding replacement of lead service lines and discussed the 2023 contract year with the fire/rescue department.

The committee reviewed General Code project guidelines, addressing questions and suggesting revisions to section 176-23B regarding underage persons. They also discussed combining sections 98-15 and 98-22 related to the Fire/Rescue Chief. The committee considered updating the floodplain zoning ordinance and including it in the code, as well as the process for reviewing and updating the code annually. The discussion included updating the fee schedule and adding administrative fees. The committee decided against having the Village Attorney review the final product and agreed to forward the project to General Code for final publication.

The committee discussed general fund and utility payables, the village budget versus actual figures, and a report regarding a 2023 squad car purchase. They also reviewed water and sewer budget figures, a financial report to the Library Board, and an invoice for water damage. The TIF district account balance and impact fees were discussed, along with the American Rescue Plan project and expenditure report. Village departments presented proposals for purchases with ARPA funds, and the committee discussed a Public Works project, state funding and reports, and WDNR funding for lead service line replacements. The Clerk/Treasurer reported on village board minutes, bank reconciliations, and the audit schedule. Contracts were discussed, including a Fire/Rescue contract with the Town of Walworth and an amendment to a contract for Paramedic/Firefighter Services. Progress reports were given on fee schedules, citation revisions, and a review by the Village Attorney. Suggested ordinances regarding water service lines and progress on proposed ordinances for al fresco dining, beer gardens, food trucks, and UTV usage were also discussed. A closed session was held to review the Clerk/Treasurer and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, and a salary increase was recommended for the Deputy Clerk/Treasurer.

The committee discussed various financial matters, including Everest Cell Tower lease buyout offers, general fund and utility payables, and the Village Budget versus Actual. They reviewed the Library's financial report and the TIF District balance. Updates were provided on American Rescue Plan (ARP) project balance, and a recommendation was made regarding the Walworth County Sheriff's Dept. to contract purchase of radios for Village of Walworth Police Dept. The committee also discussed Fire/Rescue service to Town of Walworth and proposed referendum in April 2023. Furthermore, the committee recommended approval of the last revision of the food truck ordinance.