Village of De Soto

The key discussions during the meeting involved the review and approval of prior meeting minutes, with a specific correction made to a member's last name. Treasury report updates included obtaining contact information for handling Airbnb and VRBO taxes. Advertising plans involved ordering 1,000 rack cards for distribution. Under Sponsored Events, the Kayak and Canoe event was discussed, along with combining the Halloween Party with another location. The Main Street project support agenda item led to the tourism commission approving several grant amounts for items such as a bulletin board, rack card holder, concrete stamp, and history display case, followed by a subsequent motion to grant $4,000 for tourism-based items supporting Mitchell Schiffer's project. The leadership address focused on moving forward in 2026 by ensuring assigned groups handle their responsibilities effectively to maximize meeting time.

The meeting agenda included standard procedures such as roll call and approval of the agenda. Key discussion items involved reports from various committees and departments, including Sewer/Maintenance, Fire Department, and Library. Old Business focused on reviewing letters to ordinance violators, receiving an update on the Jamey Makepeace engineering sewer plant grant, discussing the Mill Park Dr Bridge Replacement, and debating changing the Clerk/Treasurer position from elected to appointed. New Business items included the renewal of the Driftless Humane Society Annual Dog Only Contract, discussion of a Crawford County MOU regarding a bridge project, review and revision of Ordinance #38 (Sewer Use and User Charge), consideration of an International Migratory Bird City Resolution #1-26, and announcing the winners of the 2025 Christmas Lighting Contest.

The meeting addressed revenue and expense issues, particularly focusing on the need for AIRBNB and VRBO to accurately report receipts. Updates were provided on advertising and publicity efforts, including website maintenance challenges. The village's TID district creation and a fundraiser for the De Soto Wall Street Mural project were discussed, with grant requests tabled until the next meeting. Members discussed plans and budgets, and provided insights into their roles on the tourism commission.

The De Soto Village Board convened a public hearing to discuss and approve amendments to Zoning Ordinance #40. The amendments included changes to Section 3.2 B regarding accessory uses in Section 3 R-1 Single and Two-Family Residential District, Section 8.2 B of Section 8 concerning the RC-Resource Conservation District, and Section 21.1 addressing penalties for violations of Section 20, Enforcement Violations, and Penalties. No public input was received during the hearing.

The Village Board reviewed bids for a five-year contract for garbage and recycling services, ultimately deciding to table the decision until the November meeting. Discussions also included a sewer plant grant update, revisions to Zoning Ordinance #40, the status of the Mill Park Drive bridge replacement, and changing the Clerk/Treasurer position from elected to appointed. The board also discussed a recycle building near the community center, sewer hook-ups on Mill Park Drive & Spring Street, and the 2025-2029 road improvement plan. Additionally, the board discussed renewing a contract with Peterson, Antoine and Peterson S.C. and addressed letters to ordinance violators.