Tracy Karnitz

The Village Board agenda for the meeting included several key discussion items and potential actions. These items involved reviewing the Plan Commission recommendations, specifically an Ordinance for rezoning Empire Holdings LLC's property for the Empire Estates Subdivision and another Ordinance adopting an update to the Official Zoning Map for the former Tree Acres Development. The Board also addressed a Resolution proclaiming World Migratory Bird Day, the status of the Village Apparel Online Store, and routine reports including Village project change orders, the Engineer's Report, and the Administrator's Update. The minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting, which covered approvals for road and utility plans for the Empire Estates Subdivision, 2026 Water and Wastewater Utility Budgets, rezoning for the Green Tree Farm Subdivision, amendments to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, and resolutions concerning expenditure reimbursement and consenting to revenue bonds for S.C. Swiderski, LLC, were also included in the overall document content.

The Plan Commission agenda included several items for discussion with possible action. Key discussions involved a Public Hearing and subsequent consideration for a Rezoning Request and Preliminary Plat by Empire Holdings LLC for the proposed Empire Estates Subdivision, seeking to rezone an area from General Business District (B-2) to Residential Districts (R-3 and R-6). Another major item was the review of the Building Inspection Annual Report for 2025, which highlighted 143 new residential units. The Commission also held a Public Hearing and took action on Amendments to Chapter 542 regarding the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, recommending approval to the Village Board. Additionally, the Commission reviewed a Site Plan Review for Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and discussed concept and information items concerning the Proposed Empire Estates Subdivision and the Housing Affordability Report 2026, alongside an update on the Comprehensive Zoning Map update for the former Tree Acres Development area.

The Water/Wastewater Utility Committee meeting agenda included several items for discussion and possible action. Key topics involved reviewing utility plans for the Proposed Empire Estates Subdivision, consideration of the 2026 Water Utility Budget and the 2026 Wastewater Utility Budget, and potential action on Village project change orders, substitutions, or construction approvals. The committee also addressed the proposed renewal of the Ingredion Wastewater Discharge agreement, the CTH R Water Main Design Contract with SEH, and the approval of Lexington Place XII Sewer and Water Plans, all of which resulted in recommendations to the Village Board. Reports were also presented by the Water System Manager and Wastewater System Manager.

The Village Board agenda for the January 21, 2026 meeting included several items following committee meetings held on January 19, 2026. Key discussions involved proposed utility and road plans for the Empire Estates Subdivision. The Plan Commission items included considering an ordinance to approve a rezoning request and preliminary plat for the Green Tree Farm Subdivision and approving amendments to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Further agenda items involved adopting a resolution declaring official intent to reimburse expenditures from borrowing proceeds, consenting to a taxable revenue bond issuance for S.C. Swiderski, LLC, reviewing the Plover Shared-Ride Taxi Quarterly Report, reviewing project change orders, receiving updates from the Engineer and Administrator, and reviewing the Treasurer's Report.

The meeting included discussions and approvals for vouchers, the Police Department budget, the Fire Department budget, and the EMS budget. The ambulance budget saw a 3% increase as contracted through 2027 with Portage County. The proposed Police Union contact was also approved. The Fire/EMS department reported on the resignation of Deputy Chief Luchini and the ongoing review of applications for paramedic positions. The Police Department reported no job offers were extended to the final four applicants, and the process has been restarted. Bargaining with the Police Union was successful, and the contract was finalized. Officer assignments were made, including a new detective and a new sergeant.