Highlights from the Grand Chute Town Board Meeting of April 9, 2026 found here: https://www.grandchutewi.gov/government/minutes_and_agendas/
The Grand Chute Town Board approved the sale of three acres of town-owned land for a new commercial bakery and authorized a redesign of a regional stormwater pond to accommodate a new 22-lot residential subdivision. The meeting also saw the approval of contract amendments for the Ridgeview Drive area project and updates to the town’s street policy regarding public input for pedestrian facilities.
Development and Real Estate Decisions
The Board focused heavily on expanding the town’s commercial and residential footprint through several key approvals:
- Commercial Bakery Land Sale: The Board approved an offer to purchase from ARB Evergreen LLC for three acres of town-owned land along West Evergreen Drive for $300,000. The site is intended for a high-quality commercial/retail bakery, which is expected to generate significant tax increment for TID No. 2. Final terms regarding development incentives will be brought to the Board at a future meeting.
- McCarthy Road Rezoning: A request by True North Energy LLC and 813 Holdings LLC to rezone property at 120-230 South McCarthy Road was approved. The parcel transitioned from a Local Commercial District (CL) to a Regional Commercial District (CR) to facilitate future development.
- Residential Expansion: The Board approved a final plat for Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity to create three additional single-family residential lots at 3822 North Gillette Street.
Infrastructure and Engineering Projects
Significant progress was made on public works and stormwater management initiatives:
- Stormwater Pond Redesign: The Board authorized a contract with JT Engineering Inc. to redesign a stormwater pond west of Fire Station 1. The redesign will enlarge the pond to handle runoff from a new residential subdivision and a future town-owned lot. Funding will be sourced from TID No. 2. Once completed, the 22 residential lot owners will share the pond’s maintenance and the future commercial lot owner.
- Ridgeview Drive Amendment: A contract amendment of $62,800 was approved for the Ridgeview Drive area project with McMahon. This covers additional costs for land acquisition, topographic surveys, and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Appleton to utilize the Memorial Park pond for stormwater quality. Despite this increase, the overall design project remains approximately $130,000 under budget.
Policy Updates and Administrative Actions
The Board reviewed and updated several internal policies and ordinances:
- Street Policy Amendment: The town’s street policy was amended to align with the Comprehensive Plan and Pedestrian/Bicycle Strategy. A key change mandates that the town “shall” hold public informational meetings when adding new trails or sidewalks to a project. However, the Board removed the requirement for formal public meetings regarding the “urbanization of existing rural streets” if no sidewalks or trails are involved, citing a desire to streamline the administrative process.
- IT Security Upgrades: A one-time fund transfer of approximately $100,000 was approved from the IT payroll budget to the capital equipment fund. These funds will replace outdated door lock relay boards and security systems that are no longer supported by the vendor.
- Municipal Code Update: The Board approved an ordinance updating the municipal code regarding building and HVAC plan reviews. These changes ensure compliance with state codes and allow the town to maintain its “delegated agent” status for plan reviews.
- Insurance Claim Denial: Resolution TBR-07-2026 was passed to disallow a claim from State Farm Insurance involving a December snowplow incident. The town’s insurance company recommended denial because the vehicle struck was partially hanging out into the roadway from a residential driveway.
Key Action Items and Decisions:
- Approved: Land sale of 3 acres on West Evergreen Drive for $300,000.
- Approved: Engineering contract for Fire Station 1 stormwater pond redesign.
- Approved: Rezoning of McCarthy Road property to Regional Commercial.
- Approved: $62,800 amendment for Ridgeview Drive area project.
- Approved: IT fund transfer for door lock and security system replacement.
- Approved: Amended Street Policy regarding public input for trails and sidewalks.
The meeting was adjourned following the completion of new business.
- Draft a formal summary for the town newsletter
- Create a table of all approved motions
- Generate a list of TID 2 expenditures
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