Village of Hortonville Village Board | March 19, 2026 found at: https://www.hortonvillewi.org/meetings/
In a productive session following a significant winter storm, the Hortonville Village Board greenlit the first three phases of a major new subdivision and cleared the way for the Historical Society to begin restoration work on a local landmark. The board also addressed infrastructure financing and debated new protocols for emergency parking and fire service fees.
Executive Summary
The Village Board took a major step in local development by approving the final plat for “Nature’s Haven,” a project totaling 126 residential lots. Additionally, the board authorized the Hortonville Historical Society to proceed with self-funded repairs to the Veteran’s Park gazebo and began drafting new regulations for temporary parking restrictions during emergencies and community events.
Community Growth and Infrastructure
The most significant item on the agenda was the approval of Resolution R-03-26, the final plat for the Nature’s Haven subdivision.
- Scope: Phases one, two, and three include a total of 126 lots.
- Infrastructure: Administrator Nathan Treadwell confirmed that a temporary road discussed in the preliminary stages is being installed.
- Future Development: Officials noted that phases four, five, and six remain for future consideration.
In other infrastructure news, the board unanimously approved the final payment of $23,750.16 to Vinton Construction for the Alonzo Park Playground. This payment represented the retainer fee held until the project’s completion.
Financial Planning and Main Street Construction
The board focused on fiscal preparation for upcoming roadwork by passing Resolution R-05-26. This “intent to reimburse” resolution allows the Village to use future bond proceeds to pay itself back for any expenses incurred before the formal sale of bonds for Main Street construction. Administrator Treadwell clarified that this is a procedural step and does not authorize new spending or the immediate selling of debt.
To further discuss the Village’s long-term financial health, a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting was scheduled for April 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to review the Financial Plan and a Water Rate Study.
Public Projects and Agreements
Following a request from Claire Abiltz during the public comment period, the board approved a plan for the Hortonville Historical Society to restore the gazebo at Veteran’s Park.
- Funding: The restoration will be conducted at the Historical Society’s own expense.
- Historical Context: Trustee Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel noted that the structure was originally built using funds raised by the Society many years ago.
The board also directed the Village Attorney to refine a maintenance agreement with the Town of Hortonia regarding Nye Street. Administrator Treadwell recommended removing provisions for mowing, tree trimming, and ditch cleaning from the agreement, noting that the Village does not provide those specific services for its own residents.
Policy and Administrative Updates
- Fire Fees: The board voted to table a discussion on restructuring fire fees. The current proposal considers a three-tiered system based on parcel square footage, a model that has seen fewer legal challenges elsewhere in the state.
- Emergency Parking: Chief of Police Brian Bahr presented a proposal for new parking restrictions during emergencies, construction, and special events. The board discussed notification methods, such as door-to-door flyers or the Village Voice newsletter. Chief Bahr will return with a final ordinance for a future vote.
- Cloud Server: The Village is moving toward a digital server solution for a quoted cost of $15,000, significantly lower than previous hardware-based estimates. No action was taken as the board requested more information from the vendor, VC3.
- Bidding Thresholds: Administrator Treadwell informed the board that the State Senate increased the public construction bidding threshold from $5,000 to $25,000. The Village must decide whether to adopt this new limit or maintain its current $5,000 threshold via resolution.
Staff and Department Reports
President Jeanne Bellile opened the meeting by thanking the office staff, Public Works, and the Police Department for their efforts during the recent blizzard. Director of Public Works Aaron Steber indicated the Village is in contact with County Emergency Management regarding potential reimbursement for blizzard-related expenses. Additionally, Clerk-Treasurer Jane Booth reported that the annual audit was completed successfully.
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