A Month of Administrative Changes and Development in Grand Chute
The Town of Grand Chute Board held several meetings throughout September 2025, addressing administrative changes, development projects, and public safety concerns.
Town Administrator Recruitment
The board is actively searching for a new Town Administrator following the retirement of the previous chief. They approved a contract with Public Administration Associates, LLC to assist with the search. Throughout the month, the board met with the consultant to discuss the position’s description, advertising plan, and key qualifications. An emphasis was placed on a candidate with dynamic and decisive leadership. The board decided to hire Greg Peterson as the interim Town Administrator and approved the terms of his employment.
Public Safety and Infrastructure
The board approved a resolution for the 2025 Street Light LED Conversion Project, which is expected to result in long-term cost savings. Discussions also took place regarding the intersection of Capital Drive and Casaloma Drive. The board decided to keep the temporary four-way stop signs at the intersection, even though they do not meet standard traffic warrants. This decision was in response to public concerns about pedestrian safety and passed with a 3-2 vote. The town will also be studying a permanent solution, including a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights, as part of a future project.
Development and Planning
The board approved multiple recommendations from the Planning Commission.
- A special exception permit was granted to Granite Masters and Design Inc. for a building trades contractor business.
- Another special exception permit was approved for Joe’s Collision and Restoration to operate an automobile restoration business.
- A Master Plan Amendment and Project Plan for new apartment buildings and associated site improvements were approved for North End Apartments LLC.
- A certified survey map for lot consolidation was approved for Jonathan Nelson.
- A “Class B” beer and liquor license was approved for Fetch Play and Sip.
- The board also approved a contract amendment for construction management related to the signalization project at the Evergreen and Capital Drive intersection.
Other Business
The board honored Sue Keane for her 21 years of service as a school crossing guard. The board also approved a resolution related to Tax Incremental District No. 2A and the reallocation of a building custodian position to a Facilities Maintenance Coordinator.
Town of Center Postpones Decision on Controversial Quarry Rezone, Explores Resident Referendum
The Town of Center Board’s regular meeting on September 11, 2025, was dominated by discussions over a contentious request to rezone two parcels of land from industrial to general agriculture for a potential MCC Kishner quarry operation.
The board ultimately postponed a vote on the rezone request to allow a board member to explore the feasibility and cost of a non-legal-binding advisory referendum. This referendum would be used to gauge resident opinion before the board makes a final decision.
Key Discussion Points on the Quarry
- Blasting Safety: An expert stated that blasting is highly regulated and monitored with seismographs, confirming the company has not had a “fly rock” issue in 12 years.
- Environmental Concerns: A geologist explained that the local dolomite limestone has less than 1% silica, which is a minimal risk to workers and residents. He also noted that arsenic is naturally occurring in the area’s groundwater and is not a consequence of mining.
- Property Values: Experts debated the impact on property values, with a citizen presenting studies showing potential significant decreases, while a geologist countered with his own research, arguing there is no evidence of widespread, regional property value decrease due to mining.
Financial and Administrative Actions
- Budget & Funding: The board approved two resolutions to amend the 2025 budget, including $187,000 for culvert replacements on Everglade Road and Julius County.
- Land Purchase: A cash offer of $1,500 was approved for the purchase of 144 square feet of land at the corner of Highways S and 47 for a new roundabout.
- Fraud Protection: The board heard a presentation on a no-cost fraud protection service that uses virtual credit cards for accounts payable and offers a monthly cash rebate of up to 1.5%. No decision was indicated in the minutes.
- Licenses: The annual renewal of an auto salvage yard license and two bartender’s licenses were approved.
Community and Public Works
- Tractor Pull: The board agreed to have staff gather more information and a formal proposal regarding a suggestion to host a farm tractor pull on town property near Highway 47.
- ATV Routes: A motion was passed to hold a public hearing to consider opening up Highway Double P and Highway O to ATV use.
- Ball Diamond: Maintenance costs were reported, with an estimated $2,500 needed for materials to fence the dugouts.
- Abandoned Properties: Board members received ordinances from other municipalities to review, with a focus on regulating abandoned homes. No action was taken.
A Month of Development and Postponement in Greenville
Highlights from the Greenville Village Board Meetings of September 2025
Throughout September 2025, the Greenville Village Board convened for three meetings, focusing heavily on new development projects, financial approvals, and key administrative decisions. The month saw the board provide the green light for two significant subdivision projects while also repeatedly postponing decisions on key public service matters.
Major Development Projects Move Forward
The board’s most significant actions involved approving two large residential developments. At the September 8th meeting, the board gave its full support to the Encore Subdivision, passing resolutions for its engineering plans, preliminary plat, and a developer’s agreement.
Later in the month, at the September 22nd meeting, the board approved the Savannah Heights 6 subdivision, which had been postponed from the September 8th agenda. This approval, which passed with a unanimous 5-0 vote, included both the public improvement/engineering plans and the preliminary plat.
In other development-related actions, the board approved several zoning map amendments and Certified Survey Maps for various properties around the village.
Public Service Decisions and Ongoing Delays
While development moved ahead, several decisions regarding public services and infrastructure were put on hold. A request from the Fire Department to retain an older pumper truck, a discussion on the Gold Cross Ambulance Bay Addition, and updates to the Village Employee Handbook were all postponed during the September 8th meeting.
At the September 11th special session, a subcommittee of board members met to review the employee handbook, but no formal action was taken. The September 22nd meeting saw further postponement of the ambulance bay project, with the board requesting additional information on the experience of one of the architectural firms.
Financial and Administrative Approvals
The board approved a number of significant financial transactions throughout the month, including several contracts and payments for ongoing public works projects. These included:
- A $410,974.48 payment to MCC, Inc. for the 2025 Paving Project.
- A $69,247.25 payment to P&K Flatwork for curb and gutter repairs.
- A total of $55,400 in change orders for sewer and water projects.
- The approval of a $187,000 Bridge-Aid Application for culvert replacements on Everglade Road and Julius County.
The board also approved a new contract for online code services and passed an ordinance to create the Land Stewardship Committee. Additionally, they approved an Income Continuation Insurance Plan for employees.
Summary of Outcomes
- Decisions Made: The Encore and Savannah Heights 6 subdivisions were fully approved. The board passed resolutions for significant financial expenditures on public works projects and approved administrative ordinances.
- Items Postponed: The requests from the Fire Department regarding the pumper truck and the Gold Cross Ambulance Bay Addition were both postponed. Updates to the Employee Handbook also remained unresolved.
- Looking Ahead: The board has scheduled a Fire Department study meeting for October 8th and a regular board meeting for October 7th to continue addressing these and other topics.
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