Village of Fontana

The meeting agenda included the introduction of the new Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, Kim Buchanan, and the new Library Director, Emily Sanders. Key actions involved consideration of a resolution authorizing the sale and issuance of $5,060,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, and discussion on adopting a Village Board Electronic Device Policy. Other topics included potential actions on a Caselle Licensing Contract, a proposed addendum to the zoning permit application for limited common area improvements in Abbey Springs Condominium, and next steps concerning the Public Safety Building site study. Financial discussions covered the 2026 Triathlon Agreement, amendments to Chapter 6 Alcohol Beverages, and approval of various invoices related to appraisal, street sweeping, Geneva Lake Law Enforcement contribution, and the Mohr Road Landscaping project. Committee reports addressed a Conditional Use Permit application for an additional boat storage building in Abbey Springs, utility infrastructure payments for the DPW Pole Barn and Well No. 5, and quotes for a new Fire Engine, along with the addition of two Part-Time WRS Eligible Fire Dept. Positions. A closed session was held to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation concerning claims about riparian zone and property rights against the Village by Fontana Belle, LLC.

Key discussions included an update on the General District Information and Referendum from the Walworth Joint School District, noting the utilization of funds for safety improvements and staffing needs. The Board repealed Ordinance 2-610 regarding the Capital Improvement Referendum and adopted Ordinance 111025-01 in its place, removing the requirement for a public referendum for capital expenditures of $1.5 million or more (adjusted annually). The Board approved proposals to evaluate Site "4c" for the Public Safety Building at a cost of $4,995 and to evaluate the Relocation of Wild Duck Road at a cost of $7,645 to improve emergency vehicle access. Regarding the Safety Building next steps, the Board directed Village Attorney Thorpe to discuss cost and time efficiency improvements for Municipal Court Prosecution Procedures with the Judge and report back. The Board also directed staff to develop a policy and implementation plan for a six-month test period for distributing Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tablets to Village Trustees to move towards paperless meetings. Personnel actions included accepting the resignation of Bob Ahern from the Plan Commission and appointing Peter Witte. The Board approved the Capital Improvement Plan and 2026 Borrowing, conditional on removing the drone purchase and allocating unused funds to pay down principal. Finally, the Board approved Change Order No. 1 for the DPW Pole Barn increase of $5,696.00 and approved LRE's October Invoice for Well No. 5 Geologic Boring Oversight.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2026 Village of Fontana Municipal Budget. Key proposed initiatives for 2026 involve removing garbage and recycle costs from the levy and adding them as a special charge, maintaining employee health insurance coverage via an 80/20 premium split, and implementing an Intergovernmental agreement for rescue services with the Town of Walworth. Budget goals include maintaining a steady mill rate, maintaining staffing with a 3% wage increase, and keeping the debt ratio below 50% of the State Debt Capacity. Following the hearing, the Board approved Resolution No. 112425-01 Adopting the Tax Rate for 2025 and Collection in 2026, Resolution No. 112425-02 Recognizing the 2025 Tax Levies, and Ordinance No. 112425-01 Adopting the 2026 Village of Fontana Municipal Budget and Tax Levy.

The meeting included the administration of oaths for promotions within the Fire Department to Deputy Chief Jon Kemmett, Lieutenant Erik Olsen, and Lieutenant Cody Heindl. Key actions involved the approval of an Initial Resolution authorizing the sale and issuance of $5,065,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, for capital projects including fire, road improvements, equipment purchases, and utility upgrades. The Board also approved resolutions amending service charges and contracts related to Garbage and Refuse Disposal and Recycling Services with John's Disposal. Discussions regarding the Public Safety Building focused on construction methods (Construction Manager at Risk, Construction Manager as Agent, Design-Bid-Build) and the process for engaging professionals, with a recommendation to seek guidance from Rock County. Concerns regarding parking at the Abbey Resort prompted a suggestion for staff to initiate contact with the Abbey leadership. Several ordinances were adopted or amended, including those establishing administrative charges, updating building permit fees, procedures for dividing land, burning prohibitions, fire inspection fees, and fireworks regulations. The utility chapter was amended to address water softener efficiency requirements for new installations. The Board also accepted a resignation from the Tourism Commission, approved election inspector appointments, set the amount for annual employee holiday gift cards, approved the Caselle Cloud contract increase, selected Bauman Associates for audit services, approved trading in a leaf vacuum, directed staff to develop an ordinance making homeowners responsible for sidewalk construction and repair costs, and approved enforcement of snow and ice removal ordinances. Furthermore, the Board approved the dissolution of the FRIENDS OF FONTANA INC 501(c)(3) status and the transfer of $86,000 to the Village General Fund. In closed session, matters including the Safebuilt Building Inspection Contract, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Hiring, and litigation concerning Fontana Belle, LLC were discussed, resulting in the approval of a revised contract with Safebuilt and hiring Kim Buchanan for the Deputy Clerk/Treasurer position.

The meeting involved a joint session of the Plan Commission and the Board of Trustees. Key agenda items included public hearings and general business concerning a text amendment to Chapter 6 of the village code to exclusively accommodate residential projects within the "Central Mixed Use" future land use category. Additionally, the Plan Commission was scheduled to discuss or take action on a South Shore Condo Plat Amendment (ISSC 00030) and a CSM application for 848 Geneva Lane.