Village of Belgium

The special village board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A key agenda item was a public hearing regarding a rezoning application for a parcel located at lot 2, seeking to change zoning from M2 General Manufacturing to RM3 Large Multifamily Residential District. Numerous residents voiced significant concerns during the public comment session. Concerns centered on the lack of disclosure regarding the project's investors and developers, the strain on existing infrastructure including traffic flow due to ingress/egress routing onto residential streets, and the inadequacy of current emergency services (sheriff and fire department) to handle increased population density. Residents also expressed apprehension about the project's scale, potential noise, light pollution, loss of green space, and the impact on property values, particularly given the proximity to single-level condominiums. Fire department data was presented comparing the proposed unit count (120 units) to the existing units in a comparable subdivision (111 units) and analyzing historical call volumes, noting that nearly half of EMS calls concern residents aged 60 and older. Residents also requested clarity on construction timelines, phases, and restrictions regarding short-term rentals or corporate leasing.

The meeting included a segment for citizen participation where a resident raised questions regarding the maintenance plan for the Empowerment Area Restoration project, specifically concerning the finishing of edges near pools and streams for easier mowing. The consent agenda was approved, including a motion to waive a late fee for the Chamber's event application. Miscellaneous business involved the approval of an affidavit correction for specific parcel numbers, and consideration and subsequent approval of a condominium plat and development agreement for East Troy Investment LLC. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the dam redevelopment update, including discussions with consultants regarding project schedules, budget adherence (expected to be near 100% but slightly over due to additional erosion mats and restoration), and habitat creation, particularly concerning the creation of deeper pockets for fish and the handling of a potential wetland area where cattails might grow. The board also addressed resident concerns about existing lawn areas versus proposed prairie mixes along the water's edge.

The board meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call. Citizen participation was opened, allowing for public comments on any subject for up to five minutes. Key discussion items included the proposal from Endpoint Solutions for installing and abandoning monitoring wells in the prior impoundment area, following consultation with the DNR regarding the village's responsibility and the nature of the discharge, which was noted as high in pH but quickly diluted. The board also considered the approval of a certified survey map for property at 3147 Main Street, subject to 11 conditions. Furthermore, the board reviewed and discussed an agreement with Excel Engineering for municipal building improvements, specifically the main lobby renovation and updating HVAC systems, noting the need to secure state-approved drawings and bid documents. There was a discussion about potential timelines conflicting with upcoming elections.

The special meeting addressed procedural matters, including citizen participation, which was closed early. Key agenda items involved the amendment of the zoning code concerning outdoor storage in the Mixed Business/Light Industrial Design Overlay District (MDC). This included a public hearing for a text amendment to clarify language regarding outdoor storage and wholesaling. A subsequent public hearing addressed a Conditional Use (CU) request for outdoor storage and wholesaling related to a new industrial building located at 2616 South Executive Drive, filed by MDC East Troy LLC. The commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance amendment to the village board and subsequently recommended approval of the conditional use application, contingent upon the village board's approval of the ordinance.

The Village Board meeting included discussions regarding the riffle, the water elevation, and cleanup efforts. Concerns were raised about erosion and the potential growth of invasive species. The board also discussed the billboard campaign, room tax numbers, and tourism. The board is considering additional resources such as partners to do things.