Public Meetings - Janesville, Wisconsin

The GM/JATCO Redevelopment Advisory Board met on September 25, 2026, at Fire Station 1, 303 Milton Ave., Janesville, Wisconsin. (Note: The agenda packet lists the meeting date as Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 5:00 PM; the meeting record provided for this summary is dated September 25, 2026.) The board approved the July 22, 2026 minutes and devoted the main discussion to Stantec's preparations for the October 14 design workshop, including station concepts, outreach materials, and next steps. Consent Calendar - A motion to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2026 meeting was made and carried. Discussion Items - Design workshop date and format: Stantec consultants Amy and Nottie confirmed the design workshop will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a board and staff debrief immediately after (7:00-7:30 PM). - Station plan: Stantec will develop content, boards, and station questions, similar to the prior workshop. Planned stations include a welcome/project background/timeline station, a key-insights station, and three concept boards split between the GM and JATCO portions of the site because of the site's size and the railroad line. Each station will include comment areas so community members can share what they like and dislike. - Key insights station: Amy showed how prior public feedback will be presented, including multifamily housing (identified as a market need and viable), land-use and environmental data maps, and a map of areas where single-family housing will not be considered. - Referendum and site history: James asked that a call-out box be added to station materials addressing the upcoming referendum. The board agreed the message should be clear, concise, memorable, non-political, and recognize the city's position; James recommended the city legal team review the wording. The discussion also raised the need to address why GM did not clean up the site originally. - Public expectations and next steps: The board asked that materials state the next steps and timeframe so the public knows when to expect updates. Amy agreed to work with Stantec to include that information. - Outreach and communications: The city's new communications specialist will handle earned media, physical poster and cork-board distribution, city bus posters, and door hangers/postcards. Approximately 75 additional residential properties were added to the outreach area, and the registered voter list will also be used. - Website consolidation: Mick asked whether project information could be consolidated, noting the existing project webpage is robust but materials are spread across two areas. Amy explained that board materials go through Granicus archiving, which is why links point to that page. - Draft board review: James requested that Stantec share the draft workshop boards by October 8 so the board can review them before the October 14 meeting. Amy agreed to relay that request. - Site naming: The board discussed considering a name for the site other than GM and JATCO, and possibly rebranding the board itself. Key Outcomes - Minutes of the July 22, 2026 meeting were approved. - The design workshop was confirmed for October 14, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM, with a board debrief from 7:00-7:30 PM. - Stantec will share draft workshop boards with the board by October 8, 2026, for review. - The board will develop a short, non-political referendum statement for legal review before inclusion in workshop materials. - Stantec will include next-steps timelines and key-insights stations in the workshop materials.

On September 24, 2026, the GM/Jacko Redevelopment Advisory Board met to review and plan for the upcoming design workshop, discuss communication strategies, and address potential impacts of a pending referendum on the redevelopment process. The meeting began with approval of previous minutes and included presentations from project consultants Stantec. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 22, 2026 meeting. Motion by Lindsay, seconded by Jacarmo; all in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the meeting. Discussion Items - Design Workshop Planning (October 14, 2026): Amy and Nadia from Stantec presented the objectives and format for the upcoming design workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hyatt Smith Commons at White Rock. The workshop will be an open house format with multiple stations: welcome/project background, key insights (market, land, community), mobility connections, concept feedback for the GM and Jacko sites separately, and details/amenities. Voting methods will include stickers, dot voting, and sliding scales. The board discussed the importance of showing how community feedback has been integrated and requested larger dots for easier voting. - Environmental Data Presentation: Stantec proposed showing a detailed environmental map indicating areas of soil impact, vapor intrusion risks, and required caps. Board members expressed strong support for presenting this information, combined with a simplified version and an FAQ addressing why GM did not clean up certain areas. The board noted that this transparency would help the public understand constraints and phasing. - Referendum Impact on Process: The board discussed how a pending referendum on the parcel could affect the redevelopment. Members emphasized the city's non-lobbying position and agreed to craft a clear, non-political statement about potential impacts on implementation (but not design). Legal counsel was suggested for review. - Marketing and Communications Plan: Nick and board members outlined outreach efforts, including press releases, social media, email distribution to a registered voter list (14,000 emails), physical posters, transit bus posters, and potential postcard mailings. The board debated whether to use letters or postcards for saturation mail, with a preference for postcards. The cost and logistics were discussed, with a plan to finalize offline. - Online Engagement Clarification: The board noted that the design workshop will be in-person only, with no companion virtual component or post-event survey. Members stressed that communications should clearly state this to avoid confusion. - Site Name and Repository Feedback: The board suggested soliciting a new name for the site (other than GM and Jacko) during the implementation phase and requested that Stantec materials be made available on the city website in a single repository for easier public access. - Website Sign-Up Issue: A board member noted difficulty finding the email sign-up on the project website. Stantec confirmed they are working to move the sign-up link to the header. Key Outcomes - Design Workshop Confirmed: The workshop will proceed on October 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a post-meeting debrief from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The board will receive draft boards by October 8 for review. - Environmental Communication: Stantec will incorporate a simplified time/money intensity continuum map alongside the detailed map, and add an FAQ on why GM didn't clean up contamination. - Referendum Statement: The board and city staff will draft a concise statement on how the referendum may or may not affect implementation, to be reviewed by legal counsel and shared at the workshop if asked. - Marketing Actions: The city will update the event poster to say "in-person design workshop," send at least two more email blasts, and explore placing sandwich boards at the farmers market. A decision on postcard mailings will be made offline. - Stantec Board Materials: Stantec will share workshop boards with the board by October 8 for review prior to the event.

The Janesville Community Development Authority (CDA) met on September 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2027 Streamlined Annual PHA Plan, approval of revisions to the Revive and Thrive home improvement program manual, a director’s report on the first homeownership closing under the housing authority’s program, and a closed session to consider an applicant appeal. Consent Calendar - Minutes from August 26, 2026, and the Budget Performance Report for July 2026 were approved by consent. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments on agenda items or other CDA matters. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on 2027 Streamlined Annual PHA Plan: Kelly presented on behalf of Jennifer. Accomplishments included preserving 11 affordable housing units at Jeffries Flats using HOME ARP funds; units are occupied with project-based vouchers. The payment standard was reduced from 115% to 110% of Fair Market Rent due to budget concerns, but the program avoided a shortfall. An enhanced inspection program (annual inspections for properties that fail) continues. No public comments were received. The plan was approved unanimously. - Revisions to Revive and Thrive Home Improvement Program Manual: Staff presented changes to the CDBG-funded program for low-to-moderate income homeowners (up to $24,999 for exterior repairs). Key revisions: - Extended reapplication period from 12 months to 5 years to spread limited funds; staff noted it can be adjusted if funding increases and decisions are appealable to CDA. - Clarified eligible properties: manufactured/modular homes on permanent foundation with owned land are eligible; trailers are not. Garage/accessory structure repairs only eligible if attached, a safety hazard, and cost does not exceed value. - Added zoning requirement: property must be residentially zoned; if in process of rezoning, a letter from planning is required. - Updated transfer-of-property language: replaced “spouse” with “legal partner” and included legal beneficiaries. - Added a chapter on historic property rehabilitation processes. - Required reporting of new occupants subject to lifetime sex offender registration; non-compliance results in removal of the occupant or the loan becoming due. - Discussion: A member questioned the 5-year period as potentially too long; staff explained flexibility and the ability to appeal. The manual revisions were approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approval of 2027 Streamlined Annual PHA Plan: Motion carried unanimously (6–0: Jennifer Anderson, Michael Cass, Scott Greenland, Max Ryan, Danielle Williams, Lisa Higgins). - Approval of Revisions to Revive and Thrive Program Manual: Motion carried unanimously (same vote tally). - Director’s Report: Director Anna announced the first homebuyer closing under the housing authority’s home ownership program—a former rental assistance participant became a homeowner after two years of work, using down payment assistance and personal funds. The purchase price is comparable to her previous rent. - Closed Session: Motion passed to convene in closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(f) to consider an appeal from a home improvement program applicant regarding an eligibility determination. No further action was taken in open session. Meeting adjourned following the closed session.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

On September 15, 2026, the Janesville City Council held an informal gathering to tour fire trucks and equipment. The agenda advertised this event for September 14, 2026, but the meeting occurred on September 15. No formal business was conducted. Fire Department Equipment Tour - Council members viewed fire trucks and equipment in the City Hall parking lot. - Fire Department personnel were present to answer questions. No votes, decisions, or public comments were recorded.

The Janesville Historic Commission met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting addressed two Certificates of Appropriateness, discussed public outreach strategies, and voted to prepare comments on proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The meeting adjourned at 5:57 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the September 1, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously (all ayes, no opposition). Public Comments & Testimony - No written or oral public comments were received. Discussion Items - New Business – Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-10 (623 E Court St): Applicant Dale Griffa proposed replacing the two front steps with new concrete pilings and Douglas fir tongue-and-grove steps stained black to match the original. A hitching post on the property was confirmed not original. The commission approved the COA unanimously. - Old Business – Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-09 (120 S Division St): Commissioner McKenzie reviewed the applicant's investigation into alternative fascia materials. Applicant John Weber reported that using LP SmartSide would cost approximately $7,000, exceeding his budget. The commission discussed three options: (1) aluminum wrapping, (2) retaining existing wood with spot replacement and painting, and (3) using LP materials. The commission favored option 2 and moved to approve the COA contingent on using that approach. The motion passed unanimously. - Old Business – Continued Discussion on Public Outreach: Commissioners discussed ways to improve public awareness and contractor compliance in the historic district, including creating an FAQ document, developing a list of contractors willing to work on historic properties, and proactively contacting contractors. No formal vote was taken; staff will research best practices from other communities. - Old Business – Continued Discussion on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Commissioner Beer (absent) submitted an email strongly opposing all proposed rule changes to Section 106. The commission voted unanimously to prepare a formal comment to the Federal Register objecting to the proposed changes, to copy Wisconsin congressional and senate representatives, and to consider meeting directly with elected officials. Commissioners Beer and Grammers will draft the comment for review before the next meeting. Key Outcomes - COA 2026-10 approved (unanimous). - COA 2026-09 approved with a condition to use existing wood with spot replacement and painting (unanimous). - Section 106 comment prepared: The commission voted unanimously to draft and submit a comment opposing the proposed rule changes, to be reviewed by the commission before the October 6, 2026 meeting. - Next regular meeting: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

The Janesville City Council met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. All seven council members were present, establishing a quorum. The agenda was adjusted to move item 8A (selection of city manager) to the beginning of the meeting. The meeting included recognitions, public comments, reports from the interim city manager and recreation director, a consent agenda, and several new business items. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the August 24, 2026 City Council meeting, August 26, 2026 Special Council Meeting, and September 3, 2026 Special Council Meeting. - Approved minutes of the July 27, August 3, and August 10, 2026 Closed Session City Council Meetings. - Approved licenses and recommendations as per the license agenda. - Confirmed the Council President's citizen committee appointment for the Sustainable Janesville Committee. - Approved a resolution (File Resolution 2026-2461) to purchase surplus equipment and express the intent to borrow funds in a future note issue. Public Comments & Testimony - Anna Boden, a member of Sueños (Janesville Police Department Hispanic Outreach Committee), expressed heartfelt gratitude for the resolution proclaiming Hispanic Heritage Month. She spoke about the historical contributions of Hispanic Americans, noting that Hispanic heritage is an integral part of American history from the earliest explorations to present-day leaders. - Alyssa Capazello (resident of North Sumac Drive) expressed strong support for the proposed data center moratorium (Item 8C). She detailed concerns about water use, noise, light pollution, road systems, land use, and lack of safeguards. She praised the council for taking a step in the right direction and urged scheduling a public hearing and second reading. - Brad Schmidt (also from North Sumac Drive) expressed support for the moratorium, emphasizing the need for sufficient time for research and evaluation, and for developing specific zoning metrics for data centers. - Stephen Atkinson Jr. (449 North Parker Drive) urged expedited passage of a 12-month moratorium, asking for time to study unbiased data, hear firsthand accounts, allow a citizen-led referendum, and let community members define responsible development. - George Cullen (Grow James Orresponsibly and co-president of JP Cullen) expressed support for the moratorium, stating it is a useful tool to allow updates to zoning codes for responsible development. Discussion Items - Selection of City Manager (Item 8A): Council moved to elect and retain Rebecca Houseman as City Manager for an indefinite term, effective November 2, 2026, and approved an employment agreement already executed by Houseman. The motion (by Councilmember Cass, second by Councilmember Nino) passed unanimously. Rebecca Houseman thanked the council and noted her career began in the same building 22 years ago. Council President Squire thanked the search team (Interim City Manager Jay Shambeau, Jess, IPA, and HR Director Tara) for their work. - Recognition: National Hispanic Heritage Month (Item 3): Council adopted Resolution 2026-2460, proclaiming September 15 to October 15, 2026 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The resolution passed unanimously. Anna Boden of Sueños spoke in support. - City Manager Update (Jay Shambeau): Zoning map update: A draft zoning map is available online via a microsite and the city website; an interactive map allows public comments. Another open house is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Hedburg Public Library (5:30-7:00 PM). A guardrail ordinance is being developed to follow the zoning ordinance timeline. 2400 Beloit Ave site: An RFQ was issued on August 4, 2026; staff has fielded questions from developers; proposals are due by September 18, 2026. GM/JATCO redevelopment: The group will meet September 16 to prepare for a design workshop on October 14, 2026 (5-7 PM at UROC Commons on UW campus). Lawsuit update: Council directed staff to remove vehicles from the city lot; police have made significant progress with only a few vehicles remaining. 2027 Budget: The city faces a significant deficit. One-on-one meetings with department heads are complete; departments are working to balance the budget while maintaining service levels. - Rockport Pool Design Update (Shelley Slapak): Rockport Pool (built 1981) is undergoing a renovation project. A 2021 evaluation identified needs. The council previously approved $185,000 for design. Community survey (312 respondents, 90% Janesville residents) yielded top priorities: improved recreational amenities (75%), improved facility amenities (70%), improved accessibility/safety. 74% of respondents supported a small fee increase. Preferred concept plan includes: slide tower with run-out slides, shade structures, breezeway entry, turf lounge area, replacement baby pool with zero-depth entry and aquatic play feature, accessible ramp (replacing wheelchair lift), bathhouse upgrades (fixtures, partitions, flooring, painting, reconfiguration to meet code), poolside family restrooms, concession improvements, and grading of the grassy area. Budget: $3.9 million total (design already funded). Construction planned for fall 2027/spring 2028, opening in 2028 without losing a season. Councilmember questioned extending the season beyond 72 days; Slapak noted staffing and budget constraints but said it could be considered. - Senior Center Exterior Maintenance (Item 8B): City Engineer Brad Rentz presented a contract award for Bid Schedule F. Work includes surface cleaning, tuck pointing, brick repairs, painting window trim, copper cornice maintenance, downspouts, replacement of the east entrance stairway, and monument sign base repairs. Three bids were received; the lowest bidder, Restoration Systems (Milwaukee area), bid $749,268. Reference checks were positive. Council approved the contract unanimously. - Data Center Moratorium (Item 8C): Ordinance No. 2026-937 was introduced for first reading. It establishes a moratorium on data centers within the city. Council scheduled a second reading and public hearing for the next regular meeting (September 28, 2026). Key Outcomes - Rebecca Houseman was unanimously elected City Manager, effective November 2, 2026, and her employment agreement was approved. - Resolution 2026-2460 (National Hispanic Heritage Month) was adopted unanimously. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously. - Contract C2026-10 for Senior Center Exterior Maintenance was awarded to Restoration Systems for $749,268 unanimously. - The data center moratorium ordinance (first reading) was introduced, with second reading and public hearing scheduled for September 28, 2026. - The meeting adjourned unanimously.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for the meeting on September 10, 2026. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Janesville City Council held a special session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 8:55 AM in the EOC/Teams Room at 18 North Jackson Street. The sole purpose of the meeting was to consider the selection of a new City Manager. The meeting included a closed session under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(1)(c) and/or (f) to review applications, interview candidates, and deliberate on the selection process, followed by a reconvening into open session to take any related actions. No minutes or transcript are available; the summary is based solely on the agenda. Key Outcomes - The council considered one or more motions to convene into closed session for the purpose of discussing employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of City Manager candidates. - After closed session, the council reconvened into open session to consider and take any related actions regarding the City Manager selection process. - The meeting was adjourned. No specific votes, candidate decisions, or next steps are recorded in the available agenda.