Highlights from the Village of Hortonville Board Meetings of August 20 and September 3, 2026 found at: https://www.hortonvillewi.org/meetings/
During its late summer sessions, the Hortonville Village Board approved a major infrastructure change order for Main Street, increased available funding for local business façade improvements, and updated village traffic safety policies. The meetings were also marked by public input regarding local zoning enforcement, downtown business retention, and ongoing construction impacts.
Infrastructure & Economic Development
The Board addressed several key financial and development items to support ongoing village improvements:
- Main Street Utility Repairs: The Board approved a $48,944 change order for the Main Street project to replace failing water shutoff valves. Funded through the Village Water Fund, the replacement prevents wider water service interruptions during emergency shutoffs.
- Façade Loan Program Expansion: Trustees voted to increase the maximum loan amount under the Façade Loan Program from $15,000 to $20,000. The adjustment accounts for increased construction costs for downtown applicants making exterior building updates.
- Special Assessment Approved: The Board approved a special assessment for Main Street water/sewer laterals serving 327 W. Main Street.
- Property Deliberations: Following its September 3 open agenda, the Board convened in closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate potential public property purchases. No formal action was taken upon returning to open session.
Traffic, Public Safety, and Local Regulations
Several measures were enacted to address traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and seasonal community events:
- Speed Limit Reduction: The speed limit on Grandview Road near Parkview Drive was reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph following resident safety concerns and increased development in the surrounding residential area.
- Special Needs Child Sign Policy: Administrators established a formal checklist and application policy for residents requesting special needs child warning signage near their properties.
- Festival Alcohol Waiver: The Board approved Resolution R-14-26, granting a temporary suspension of Ordinance 28.4 to allow public alcohol consumption on Main Street for an upcoming festival on October 30, 2026.
- Parking Monitoring: Action on removing temporary “No Parking” zones on Olk Street (between Main Street and Nash Street) was postponed as police continue to monitor detour traffic flow around Saints Peter & Paul.
Urban Forestry & Department Reports
- Urban Forestry Plan: The Board formally accepted the Hortonville Urban Forestry Plan and Tree Inventory Analysis (dated June 2026), which was compiled using state grant funding to guide future village tree management.
- Police Department: Chief Brian Bahr reported ongoing monitoring of Main Street construction traffic, planning for high school parade safety, and attendance at state training regarding E-bike safety regulations.
- Village Administration: Administrator Nathan Treadwell reported daily management of Main Street detour inquiries, initial filings for a state utility rate case, and scheduled performance evaluation reviews starting in November.
Public Commentary & Community Feedback
Public comment periods in both meetings brought several community and zoning topics to the Board’s attention:
Downtown Business Retention & Zoning Concerns
At the August 20 meeting, resident Keary Mattson spoke regarding local business retention, specifically encouraging the village to work with Hortonville Auto to remain at its current location. Mattson cited concerns over limited available space in the industrial park and stressed the importance of consistent zoning enforcement and supporting long-standing local commercial vitality.
At the September 3 meeting, business owner Shauna Keel (235 S. Mill St.) raised concerns regarding heavy construction detour traffic crossing weight-restricted bridges, maintenance along pedestrian detour paths, and historical zoning enforcement practices. Addressing the Board on local support, Keel stated:
“Hortonville claims to support new and local business. It claims to work with residents and business owners for success and growth. It’s time for those claims to be realized and fulfilled—not just empty words.”
Construction Impacts
Resident Tom Hipp (720 Giese St.) requested that the village establish clear communication channels and enforce designated construction truck routes to manage noise, dust, and heavy cement truck traffic passing through residential streets from an adjacent subdivision project.
Board Voting Summary
- Approval of Façade Loan Increase ($15,000 to $20,000): Approved (7-0)
- Main Street Water Valve Change Order ($48,944): Approved (7-0)
- Grandview Road Speed Limit Reduction (35 mph to 25 mph): Approved (7-0)
- Resolution R-14-26 (Alcohol Waiver for Oct 30 Event): Approved (7-0)
- Hortonville Urban Forestry Plan Acceptance: Approved (7-0)
- Special Needs Warning Sign Policy: Approved (7-0)
- Special Assessment (327 W. Main St. Laterals): Approved (7-0)
The next regular meetings of the Hortonville Village Board are held at the Community Center, located at 531 N. Nash Street.
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