Public Meetings - Janesville, Wisconsin

The Janesville Plan Commission met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The primary focus was a planning staff presentation on the draft zoning map for the recodification of the zoning ordinance. The commission approved consent agenda items and set key dates for public input and future review. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August 17, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously. - Certified Survey Map 26012-C: CSM 26012-C, for Amrock Land LLC (2 lots along N. Wright Road), was approved under the consent agenda. The item will go to the City Council meeting on September 28, 2026. Discussion Items - Draft Zoning Map for Recodification: Planning staff (Trey Meyer, McKenzie Wilcox, and Brian Schweigel) presented the draft citywide rezoning map, part of the zoning code rewrite. Key points included: - The proposed map reduces base zoning districts from 23 to 17, including consolidating residential districts from six to three, removing office districts, and adding an airport and railroad district. - The map is available online, including a side‑by‑side comparison tool with the existing zoning map. Comments can be submitted directly on the interactive map or via a public comment form. - Commissioners suggested improvements to the website: adding a tutorial video, a banner link on the city homepage, and clear instructions for users. - Staff explained the methodology: aligning zoning with existing land use, the comprehensive plan future land use map, and creating logical boundaries. The effort aims to reduce non‑conforming uses; staff noted that of the city’s 28,000 parcels, non‑conformities were significantly reduced. - The draft code also expands housing opportunities by allowing two‑unit development by right and up to four units by conditional use in R1 districts, and multifamily uses in business districts. - A public open house is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5:00–7:30 PM at the Hedberg Public Library. The public comment period will remain open for several weeks after that. - A special Plan Commission meeting to review a summary of the 125 public comments received on the code text will be held on October 1, 2026 (proposed, pending commissioner availability). - Director’s Report: The director’s report (attached to the agenda) was acknowledged without additional discussion. Key Outcomes - Consent Items Approved: Minutes and CSM 26012-C passed unanimously. - Public Open House Set: October 6, 2026, at Hedberg Public Library (room reserved 5:00–7:30 PM). - Special Meeting Date: The commission agreed to hold a special meeting on October 1, 2026, to review consultant recommendations on public comments and proposed code revisions. - Website Improvements: Staff will consider adding a tutorial video, instructions, and a homepage banner for the zoning map. - Next Steps: Staff will finalize the subdivision ordinance, complete the PUD mapping, and aim to bring the full recodification for formal public hearings and a vote by the end of 2026.

This special session of the Janesville City Council was convened on September 3, 2026. The agenda included only one item: consideration of a motion to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute Sections 19.85(1)(c), (f), and (e) to discuss the employment agreement with a new City Manager. No minutes or transcript are available, so the outcome of the closed session discussion and any subsequent votes are unknown. The meeting time listed on the agenda is 5:00 PM local time, which differs from the 11:00 UTC timestamp provided for this summary; this discrepancy is noted. Call to Order, Pledge, and Roll Call - The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and emergency procedures were reviewed. Roll call was taken. Consideration of Closed Session - The council considered a motion to convene into closed session for the purpose of negotiating the employment agreement with a new City Manager. No further details are available from the agenda or transcript. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or next steps are documented due to the absence of minutes and a transcript. The only action noted was the consideration of the closed session motion.

The Alcohol License Advisory Committee (ALAC) met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM in Council Chambers, 18 North Jackson Street, Janesville, Wisconsin. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting, conducted a public hearing and approved a new Class B liquor license for The Teacher's Lounge, and received staff reports on police activity and license quotas. The meeting adjourned without any public comments on non-agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 4, 2026, ALAC meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by Bumpus, second by Strunts). Public Comments & Testimony - Non‑public hearing items: No members of the public addressed the committee regarding items on the agenda that did not require a public hearing. Discussion Items - Original License Application – The Teacher's Lounge: A public hearing was held for a Class B Intoxicating Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage License for The Teacher's Lounge, LLC, doing business as The Teacher's Lounge, located at 1637 E. Racine St. Applicant Jacob White stated he plans to operate initially without renovations, preferring to understand the business before making changes. Deputy Chief reported no concerns. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. The committee voted unanimously to approve the license (motion by Sickich, second by Riley). Chair reminded the applicant of his responsibility for beverage service at all times. - Staff Reports: - Police Department: No incidents or activity to report involving licensed establishments. - City Clerk’s Quota Report: The clerk noted that two Class B license quotas remain. Upcoming applications are anticipated, including from The Loft at Gray Goose (an event venue) and a movie theater (whose closure status is unclear). The clerk reported stronger‑than‑normal inquiries related to construction. - Temporary Licenses: None issued. - Follow‑ups on Licenses with Conditions: None. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of August 4, 2026 (unanimous). - Approved original Class B liquor license for The Teacher's Lounge (unanimous). - Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent (motion by Sickich, second by Knox).

The Janesville Historic Commission met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall (18 N. Jackson Street). The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM, with six members present and a quorum established. The agenda included approval of previous minutes, review of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a non-contributing property, continued discussion on public outreach, and a commissioner announcement on federal historic preservation regulation changes. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the August 18, 2026 regular meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No written or oral public comments were received. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-09 – 120 S. Division Street (Goth/Bier): Property owner John Weber requested approval for four items: gutter replacement, roof repair, wood repair of the side gable, and aluminum fascia wrapping. The home, built in 1948, is designated as a non-contributing structure within the historic overlay. Previous commission approval in 2018 allowed aluminum wrapping around windows. The applicant provided three estimates showing that using engineered wood or wood materials would cost $7,000–$14,000 more than the proposed aluminum and vinyl. Commissioner Jim Gall expressed strong opposition to any further aluminum wrapping, citing long-term durability concerns and inconsistency with past commission decisions. The commission discussed the distinction between contributing and non-contributing properties and the need to review the 1990 designation list. After debate, the commission voted unanimously to table the application until the September 15, 2026 meeting, giving the applicant time to obtain a revised bid that replaces the aluminum fascia with engineered wood (e.g., LP SmartSide or TimberTech) while leaving the vinyl gable and other elements unchanged. The commission indicated that the gutter replacement and roof repair were not controversial. - Continued Discussion on Public Outreach: Staff liaison McKenzie reported on options for public outreach and funding. The historic commission can accept private donations and request city council funding, but the current budget guidance advises no new initiatives. Creative ideas included soliciting free printing from companies in exchange for logo placement, collaborating with JATV for videos, and applying for a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant. The CLG grant cycle has a letter of intent due in September 2026 and applications in December, with awards up to $50,000. The commission agreed to focus on updating outdated historic brochures and to consider a grant application for the next funding cycle. A commissioner also asked about limitations on soliciting private donations, which staff will investigate. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: August 18, 2026 meeting minutes accepted unanimously. - COA 2026-09 tabled: Motion to table until the next regular meeting (September 15, 2026) passed unanimously. The applicant will seek a quote for engineered wood trim (no aluminum) and report back. - Public outreach direction: Commission agreed to prioritize updating printed brochures and explore CLG grant funding for educational materials. Staff will research solicitation rules for private donations. - Announcement on Section 106 changes: Commissioner Nancy presented on proposed federal regulatory changes to the National Historic Preservation Act’s Section 106, which would reduce public participation, eliminate protection for historic landscapes and tribal sites, and allow federal agencies to exclude state and local governments from consultations. The commission will discuss possible public comments at the September 15 meeting. - Next meeting: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:57 PM.

The Janesville City Council held a special session on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 11:25 AM in Council Chambers, 18 North Jackson Street, Janesville, Wisconsin. The agenda indicates that the meeting was convened solely to consider entering closed session under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(1)(c) and/or (f) for the purpose of reviewing, interviewing, and deliberating upon finalists for the City Manager position, obtaining input from the Ad Hoc Citizen Interview Committee, city staff, and invited members of the public, and determining which candidates to invite for second-round interviews. A motion to reconvene into open session was also anticipated for any related business or actions. No minutes or transcript of the proceedings are available, so the specific motions, votes, or decisions made during the closed or open portions cannot be confirmed from the provided materials. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda does not include a public comment period; however, the closed session provision mentions invited members of the public. No transcript is available to record any public statements. Discussion Items - The sole agenda item was the consideration of motions to enter closed session to deliberate on the City Manager selection process, including review of applications, interviews of finalists, input from the citizen committee and staff, and potential scheduling of second-round interviews. Key Outcomes - No outcomes can be reported because no minutes or transcript were provided. The agenda notes that the council could reconvene into open session to take related actions, but whether such actions occurred is unknown.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) held a special meeting on August 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved preliminary allocations for 2026 CDBG public service funds, awarded 2026 HOME funds to Acts Housing for a revolving loan fund, and made preliminary allocations for 2027 HOME funds to Habitat for Humanity projects in Janesville and Beloit. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the August 19, 2026 special meeting without objection. Discussion Items - 2026 CDBG Public Service Allocation: The board considered allocating $80,000 among five applicants requesting a total of $142,000. Staff recommended proportional distribution. After debate over NeighborWorks' request, the board adopted an amendment that zeroed out NeighborWorks and reallocated funds to Boys & Girls Club ($15,000), Community Action ($6,000), ECHO ($40,000), and Acts Housing ($19,000). The allocation includes automatic proportional adjustment if final federal funding differs. - 2026 HOME Funds for Acts Housing: The board considered a staff recommendation to award $299,000 in HOME funds to Acts Housing to establish a revolving loan fund for purchasing, rehabilitating, and reselling six single-family homes to low- to moderate-income households in Janesville. Members expressed support for the project's alignment with CDA priorities on housing and neighborhood improvement. - 2027 HOME Funds Preliminary Allocation: The board reviewed two Habitat for Humanity applications: one for five homes in Beloit ($335,000) and one for five homes in Janesville ($700,000). Due to limited 2027 HOME funds (estimated $640,000 total for all activities), staff recommended allocating $420,000 for three homes in Janesville and $335,000 for Beloit contingent on approval by the City of Beloit. The board discussed the uncertainty of federal funding and the need to reserve funds for the down payment assistance program. Key Outcomes - CDBG Allocation: Motion passed unanimously (7-0) to allocate $15,000 to Boys & Girls Club, $6,000 to Community Action, $40,000 to ECHO, and $19,000 to Acts Housing, with automatic proportional adjustment based on final 2027 grant amount. - 2026 HOME for Acts Housing: Motion passed unanimously to approve $299,000 to Acts Housing. - 2027 HOME Preliminary Allocation: Motion passed unanimously to approve $335,000 for Habitat for Humanity in Beloit (contingent on City of Beloit approval) and $420,000 for three homes in Janesville.

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

[Introductory paragraph] The Janesville City Council held a regular session on Monday, August 24, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered public comments on several topics, a city manager recruitment update, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a detailed discussion on the future of the former Ice Arena property, and adoption of the 2027 budget development timeline. Public Comments & Testimony - Ray Jewell (624 Cherry Street): Expressed gratitude to the council and staff, then proposed considering a partnership with Habitat for Humanity for the GM Jacko site to develop affordable housing. He described the organization's philosophy as "a hand up, not a handout" and noted the need for housing for fixed-income individuals and single mothers. - Unnamed speaker: Proposed converting the former Ice Arena into a family entertainment center with roller skating, a large arcade, laser tag, expanded food options, and a separate adult beverage area. He expressed willingness to be involved via lease or purchase of the property. - Sly Flynn (3890 Lucy Street): Stated serious interest in purchasing and redeveloping the former Ice Arena property. He urged the council to consider private-sector interest before committing to further study that could delay a sale. City Manager Update - Interim City Manager Jay Shambaux updated the council on the city manager recruitment: two finalists will participate in interviews on August 26, 2026, including meetings with council, department heads, a community panel, and a city tour. He also reminded the council of civility and governance training provided by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities on the second September meeting at 5 PM. Consent Calendar - All items were approved unanimously without separate discussion. Items included: minutes from August 10, 2026, and other earlier meetings; mid-year investment report; July financial statements; CSM for GEA North America; final plats for Arbor Ridge Second Addition and Ridges of Rock County No. 5; and developer MOUs for infrastructure extensions at both subdivisions. Councilmember Pope commended contractors for expanding neighborhoods and adding much-needed housing. Discussion Items - Old Business: Future Sale of the Former Janesville Ice Arena – Neighborhood and Community Services Director Jennifer Petrozello presented five options: (1) a no-cost redevelopment planning process with KSU TAB and Stantec (including market analysis, focus groups, community forum, concept plans, estimated 3–4 months); (2) an RFP-based sale; (3) hiring a real estate broker; (4) independent posting on the city website and CoStar; or (5) other council guidance. Council members expressed frustration that earlier directives to sell the property were not followed. After debate, a motion to proceed with Option 1 (planning process) passed 5–2, with Councilmembers Nino and Miller voting against. - New Business: 2027 Budget Development Guidelines and Timeline – Finance Director Dave Godak presented the proposed timeline: budget distribution October 7; council presentation October 12; council questions due October 14; budget amendments due October 19; budget workshop October 22 (with backup October 29); public hearing November 10; adoption November 24. Guidelines (e.g., minimum $25,000 for amendment deletions) are unchanged from prior years. The council unanimously adopted the timeline and guidelines. Key Outcomes - Approved the redevelopment planning process for the former Ice Arena (Option 1) by a 5–2 vote. The process will begin immediately with KSU TAB and Stantec, with results expected before the end of 2026. - Unanimously adopted the 2027 budget development guidelines and timeline. - The meeting adjourned after announcements, including a reminder about the August 31 FEMA deadline for April storm damage and the upcoming Downtown Wine Walk on August 26.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) met on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to hear presentations from local nonprofits seeking Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership funds for 2027, as well as a HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) application. No votes were taken; funding decisions will be made at the next meeting on August 26, 2026, with recommendations advisory to the City Council. Consent Calendar - The July 15, 2026 meeting minutes and the June budget performance report were approved under consent without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke regarding items on the agenda or other matters within CDA authority. Discussion Items: CDBG Public Service Applications (Estimated $80,000 cap for 2027 vs. $142,000 in requests) - Axe Housing (Kelly Andrew, Executive Director): Proposed homebuyer coaching for Janesville families. The program serves 85% of homebuyers earning below 80% area median income (AMI). Goals: serve at least 30 families and create six new homeowners annually. The average purchase price for participants is approximately $150,000–$160,000. Axe Housing also operates a lending arm (X Lending) and a rehab program. The presentation noted that coached families have a 50% lower foreclosure rate in similar neighborhoods in Milwaukee. - Boys & Girls Club of Janesville (Rebecca VM, CEO): Requested $22,000 (up from $10,000 in 2026) for the TEEN program and B-GRADUATE workforce development. Key data: only 40% of low-income students meet grade-level in language and math; 25% of Black/African American students are at grade level. The new facility (opening August 24) will increase capacity from 18 to 75 youth per day, with 49 teens already enrolled. The program emphasizes prevention through protective factors, with an average of four adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Rock County youth. - Community Action, Inc. – Project Thrive (Jamie Pennington, Program Manager): Presented a job training program for at-risk populations (parents aged 18–24 with children, or with child support obligations, criminal backgrounds, or reunification plans). Participants average six ACEs versus Rock County’s average of four. Outcomes: 83% employment rate, 65% retain jobs 60+ days, 16% recidivism rate (vs. 50% state average). The program serves about 25% of its participants from Janesville; 50% are homeless upon enrollment. Funding is matched 50% by FSET (FoodShare Employment and Training). - ECHO (Everyone Cooperating to Help Others) (Jessica Loecker, Executive Director): Requested $60,000 for emergency rental assistance to help at least 66 households (≈165 people). ECHO projects spending $235,000 total on rental assistance in 2027, serving 195 households. 54% of its operating budget is for housing/homeless services. In 2025, the program provided 207 months of rental assistance; so far in 2026, 96 months. 58% of assisted households had income at 0–30% AMI, 32% were paying over 50% of income on rent, and 44% of households included children. The need is high: housing is the 1 requested service in Rock County per 211 Wisconsin. - NeighborWorks Black Hawk Region (Liz Casey): Requested CDBG support for homebuyer education and one-on-one counseling. The organization has added three HUD-certified housing counselors. The program helps clients assess credit, income, and assets, and connects them to down payment assistance and local lenders. Education includes sustainability post-purchase. There is some overlap with Axe Housing, but referrals are made between agencies. Discussion Items: HOME Investment Partnership Applications - Axe Homes (Michael Gossman, President/CEO, and Kelly Andrew): Requested approximately $1,050,000 in HOME funds to establish a revolving acquisition fund for buying, rehabbing, and selling six homes per year in Janesville. The model is self-sustaining: sale proceeds replenish the fund. Average sale price projected at $170,000. In Beloit, nine homes sold to date, with average monthly payment of $1,100 (below average rent). The program targets owner-occupants and requires down payment assistance from the city. Income restrictions apply: most families must be below 60% AMI for the first round. The fund would generate an estimated $70,000 in annual property tax revenue once fully operational (after five years). - Habitat for Humanity of Walworth, Jefferson, and Rock Counties (Melissa Sanko, CEO, and Brett Beluk, COO): Presented two applications: - CHDO Application (Beloit): $335,000 in HOME CHDO funds for five new-construction homes in the Hackett neighborhood. Total project cost: $1.6 million, with Habitat contributing $800,000 organizational capital, plus $240,000 from City of Beloit HOME funds, and other grants (Hendricks Family Foundation, local businesses). - HOME Application (Janesville): $700,000 for five new-construction homes (approx. 1,300 sq. ft., 3–4 bedrooms, with garage and basement) targeted for the 4th Ward. The per-unit subsidy has decreased from $170,000 (2026) to $140,000, demonstrating reduced dependency on HOME funds. Homes will be sold to families earning 30–80% AMI, with monthly payments estimated at $1,100–$1,500 (PITI). Habitat does not use deed restrictions but requires second mortgage repayment on sale or transfer. The organization has 31 staff, a $12 million annual budget, and expects 19 closings in FY2026. Director’s Report - Kelly reported that 2026 HUD contracts are still pending; the city continues to follow up with HUD representatives. - City Council approved changes to Council Policy 100, allowing TIF extension funds to be used for single-family homes and owner-occupied duplexes (previously limited to large-scale multifamily rental). - FEMA flood assistance application deadline is August 31, 2026. Residents (owners and tenants) with damage from recent flooding should apply online, at the Lincoln Center, or by phone. Key Outcomes - No decisions were made. The CDA will meet on August 26, 2026 to allocate CDBG and HOME funds, with recommendations to the City Council. - The CDBG public service cap is estimated at $80,000 for 2027, but total requests are $142,000, necessitating difficult choices. - HOME funds require at least 15% be allocated to a CHDO (Habitat’s CHDO application addresses this). - The CDA noted that all HOME funds for Rock County are governed by the CDA, including projects in Beloit. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15 PM.