Public Meetings - Janesville, Wisconsin

The Janesville Historic Commission met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair called the meeting to order with six members present (Kremers, Gall, Griffha, Terrell, Conrad) and a quorum established. The meeting lasted until 5:13 PM and covered two Certificate of Appropriateness applications and continued planning for the Tallman Arts Festival. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 7, 2026): Moved and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-05 – 117 South Division Street (Kremers/Corro): Gabrielle and Nancy reported on a site visit. The proposed work is a lamp post made of aluminum with a restored copper light fixture. The only concern was exposed wiring visible in photos, but the contractor confirmed it will be underground. The commission found the project met criteria for a certificate. - Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-06 – 14 Jackman Street (Terrill/Goth): Jim presented a backyard fence installation of cedar with cattle panels. The fence is mostly hidden by a large shrub and not visible from the street. The fence will not be attached to the garage and is not obstructive. The commission found it met criteria. - Tallman Arts Festival (Old Business): Chair reported discussions with Kathy Bukachewski. The commission will be located by the carriage house with the historic society and sleuths. A new tablecloth is being shipped after the original was lost. Two tables and a tent will be used. Set-up begins at 9:30 AM on the day of the event (public opening at 10 AM). A final schedule will be emailed. Key Outcomes - Votes: Both Certificate of Appropriateness 2026-05 and 2026-06 were approved unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays each). - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:13 PM.

The Technical Advisory Committee of the Janesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization met on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:30 PM in City Hall Training Room 416, Janesville, Wisconsin. The meeting was advertised as a public hearing. No minutes or transcript were provided, so this summary is based solely on the agenda. Approval of Minutes - The committee considered approving the minutes from the April 6, 2026 Technical Advisory Committee meeting. No outcome is recorded. New Business - Amend 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A resolution packet and memo were presented regarding Amendment 7 to the TIP. No discussion or vote is documented. Communications - Communications from staff and members were listed on the agenda, but no details are available. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded in the available materials, although the meeting was advertised as a public hearing. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives were documented in the agenda. No outcomes can be reported.

The Janesville Plan Commission met on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary agenda items were a rezoning request and a conditional use permit (CUP) for a proposed Kwik Trip gas station, convenience store, and car wash at 4700 Milton Avenue. After separate public hearings and deliberation, the commission voted to forward the rezoning to the City Council with a favorable recommendation and approved the CUP subject to conditions. A new public comment period was also announced for future meetings. Consent Calendar - CSM 26009-C, DK Partnership LLP: A certified survey map creating 3 lots and 1 outlot along McCormick Drive and Huntinghorne Drive. Commissioner Dongara recused due to a possible conflict of interest. The item was pulled from consent and approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony Rezoning Public Hearing: - Steve Smith (4306 Braxton Drive): Opposed the rezoning, arguing the traffic study was inaccurate. He claimed his own sampling observed 42 cars in one hour (4:30-5:30 PM) at Braxton and Huntinghorn, contradicting the cited 80 cars per day through the Hyder neighborhood. He requested that improvements like connecting McCormick to Wright Road be completed first. - Kelly McPherson (4258 Cascade Drive): Expressed concern that the proposed infrastructure—a roundabout at McCormick and Huntinghorn—would funnel thousands of additional vehicle trips into a residential neighborhood entrance. She argued that major roadway connections should precede development, not follow it. - Gail Price (1815 North Hawthorne Park Drive): Supported the rezoning, stating it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and provides a buffer between the state highway and planned residential development. He noted the traffic concerns are tied to overall build-out, not just the Kwik Trip. Conditional Use Permit Public Hearing: - Trish Bass (424 Braxton Drive): Did not oppose Kwik Trip but urged denial or conditional approval requiring completion of Wright Road to McCormick. She warned of increased cut-through traffic on neighborhood streets. - Steve Smith (second appearance): Continued his opposition, stating that a surveyor on his property indicated future apartment construction behind his home, adding to traffic. He reiterated the need for Wright Road extension. - Kelly McPherson (second appearance): Argued that the highest traffic-generating commercial use should not be approved before infrastructure is built. She suggested a frontage road along Highway 26 instead of routing traffic through the neighborhood roundabout. - James Bass (424 Braxton Drive): Opposed the current plan, citing dangerous intersection at Highway 26 and McCormick, and said adding more traffic without additional access points (like Wright Road) would harm the neighborhood. He favored a plan connecting Wright Road to McCormick. - Bill Samborski (3440 Portland Drive): Concerned about traffic accidents and potential loss of property value. He stated the traffic pattern is the biggest issue and called the development “cart before the horse.” - Anna Fanning (3454 Portland Drive): Noted the neighborhood has many retirees and children playing; she feared the development would ruin the neighborhood. - Terry Miller (4276 Huntinghorn Drive): Described existing traffic problems: mailboxes hit, vehicles speeding, heavy equipment. He said traffic has increased since Huntinghorn opened to McCormick and asked the commission to address these issues. - Ms. Hoffman (4236 Braxton Drive): Expressed concern for children at school bus stops, noting lack of sidewalks and additional non-neighborhood traffic. She asked the project be reconsidered. - Craig Butcher (3443 Portland Drive): Supported Kwik Trip but urged the commission to slow the project until infrastructure is built to handle future traffic. Three written comments were received and entered into the record. Discussion Items Rezoning (4700 Milton Avenue from A/B2 to B2) - Trey Meyer (Planner): Presented the request. The site is 4.35 acres; approximately 1 acre needs rezoning from Agricultural (A) and Community Shopping (B2) to full B2. The land use map designates the area as Community Commercial, consistent with the recently updated Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommended forwarding to City Council with a favorable recommendation. - Commissioner Bowerman: Moved to forward the rezoning favorably, noting consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Madare seconded. Motion passed unanimously (7-0). Chair announced the City Council hearing is August 10, 2026. Conditional Use Permit (Kwik Trip Gas Station, Convenience Store, Car Wash) - Trey Meyer: Detailed the proposal: 43 parking stalls, 20 fueling positions, car wash exit 350 feet from nearest residence, stormwater facilities, green space exceeding requirements. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including prohibition of car wash operations between 10 PM and 6 AM. - John Brights (Traffic Analysis & Design, Inc.): Explained the traffic impact analysis (TIA) was conducted in September 2025 and is valid for three years. The study accounted for full build-out of the area through 2035, not just Kwik Trip. He clarified that the current daily traffic on Huntinghorn at Braxton is 140 AM peak and 155 PM peak trips, not 80. Kwik Trip would add about 40 trips in each peak hour. About 15% of Kwik Trip traffic is expected to be cut-through, but most are existing neighborhood trips. He explained the roundabout design was chosen to slow traffic and discourage left turns into the neighborhood. - Commissioner Williams: Asked about truck deliveries. Kwik Trip representative Troy Molezeva said fuel deliveries every other day during non-peak hours, a daily grocery truck, and other vendors. Diesel will be available but not for semi-trucks. No alcohol sales are currently planned. The store will be open 24 hours. - Commissioner Cass: Asked about lighting and sidewalks. Meyer noted a photometric plan meets zoning standards. Sidewalks will connect to McCormick and the roundabout includes crosswalks. - Commissioner Madare: Asked about Wright Road extension. Dwayne (Planning Director) explained the alignment is fixed with utilities already in place, but funding is private developer responsibility, not in the capital improvement plan. He noted the city cannot force the extension at this time. - Commissioner Williams: Moved to approve the CUP with conditions. Commissioner Nino seconded. Commissioner Williams expressed hope that future development would extend Wright Road. Commissioner Nino acknowledged neighborhood concerns but noted other traffic mitigation options (e.g., speed enforcement, weight limits). Motion passed unanimously (7-0). New Business – Public Comment Period - Chair announced that a public comment period will be added to the agenda starting in August. Members debated placement; consensus leaned toward end of the agenda. Staff will finalize details. Director’s Report - Dwayne reported that the City Council approved a two-lot certified survey map for Dvorak Landscaping on July 13. He also updated that remapping of city zoning is ongoing, with an updated timeline expected at the second meeting in August. Key Outcomes - Rezoning: Plan Commission voted 7-0 to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council for the rezoning of 4700 Milton Avenue from A (Agricultural) and B2 (Community Shopping) to B2. The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on August 10, 2026. - Conditional Use Permit: Plan Commission voted 7-0 to approve the conditional use permit for Kwik Trip (gas station, convenience store, car wash) subject to 10 conditions listed in the July 20, 2026 staff memorandum, including the car wash hour restriction. Final approval is contingent on City Council approval of the rezoning. - Public Comment: A public comment period will be added to future Plan Commission agendas, likely at the end of the meeting, starting August 2026. Meeting adjourned.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of routine items, a public hearing on housing and community development priorities, and a director's report on upcoming policy changes and disaster recovery resources. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the June 17, 2026 meeting and the May Budget Performance Report were approved by consent without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public attended the public hearing. A written comment from Rock County Public Health (RCPH), dated June 17, 2026, was submitted and read into the record. RCPH provided data from the 2024 Community Health Assessment, noting Rock County has the sixth highest eviction rate in Wisconsin, over one in five renters spend at least half their income on housing, and more than one-third of middle and high school youth have experienced housing insecurity. RCPH urged aligning CDBG and HOME funds with county initiatives focused on eviction prevention (e.g., mediation and court navigation), affordable and workforce housing development, and healthy housing promotion. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on Needs Memo and 2027 Annual Action Plan (AAP): CDA staff (Kelly) explained that every five years HUD requires a consolidated plan with overarching goals, implemented annually through an AAP. The top needs identified through multiple public hearings and a survey were affordable housing and support for homeless and special needs populations. The CDA was asked to recertify these priorities to allow the city to issue applications for CDBG public service funding (capped at 15% of CDBG funds, historically about $100,000 annually) and begin the 2027 budgeting process. The public hearing was opened and closed with no oral testimony. - Director's Report: Kelly announced two items: (1) On July 27, 2026, she will bring a change to Council Policy 100 regarding TID affordable housing extension funds to allow funding for single-family homes, in addition to large-scale multifamily projects which have been difficult to realize. (2) The Disaster Recovery Center (DWC) has opened at 1717 Center with representatives from FEMA and SBA for residents with flood, hail, or wind damage; members were urged to share this information. - Board members expressed support for the policy change, noting it aligns with upcoming zoning changes and new state financial tools. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Michael Cass moved to reaffirm the housing and community development priorities from the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan for the 2027 AAP, encourage nonprofit agencies to submit CDBG and HOME proposals that align with these priorities, and stipulate that proposals not addressing a priority not be considered for 2027. Jennifer Anderson seconded. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote (5-0, with two members absent: Max Ryan and Neil Guilance). - Next Steps: The CDBG public service application will be released the following day; applicants will present at the next CDA meeting, with a special meeting the following week to determine preliminary allocations for 2027 budgeting.

The Janesville Innovation, Inc. Board met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM in the JIC Conference Room at the Janesville Innovation Center (2949 W Venture Dr, Janesville, WI). The agenda covered organizational and administrative updates, tenants and leases, financial reporting, and marketing activities. No minutes or transcript were provided for this meeting, so no official discussions, decisions, or public comments can be reported. Agenda Overview - The meeting was called to order, followed by review and approval of the agenda and the May 12, 2026, meeting minutes. Organizational and Administrative - Operations updates were listed under Mark B. - Small business updates were listed under Jocelyn Kopac Consulting. Tenants and Leases - Dashboard report and tenant/prospects report/updates were scheduled for review. Financial Updates - Review and approval of income and expenses, and the balance sheet, were listed as agenda items. Marketing and Media - Web and social media updates were scheduled. Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for September 8, 2026, as a virtual meeting. Key Outcomes - No decisions or vote tallies can be confirmed because the meeting minutes and transcript were not available. The only confirmed next step is the virtual meeting on September 8, 2026.

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

The Janesville City Council met on July 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 18 N. Jackson Street. The agenda included reports on the city’s financial audit, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance, e-bike and scooter regulations, consent items, a bond issuance, ballot language approval, and a closed session to amend the Interim City Manager’s employment agreement. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from June 22, 2026. - Licenses and recommendations (per license agenda). - Financial Statements for May 2026. - Resolutions in Commendation for Rebecca Diedrick (31+ years) and Marian T. Cousin (35+ years), File Resolutions No. 2026-2452 and 2026-2453. - CSM 26008-C (Bass Creek Properties LLC, Center Avenue and Joliet Street) was pulled by Councilmember Miller for comment; approved unanimously after noting it supports local business expansion. - All other consent items approved by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Ray Jewel (address not provided) spoke on behalf of the No Janesville Data Center Group, Snow Janesville, and Rock County Neighbors for Responsible Development. He urged an 18-month moratorium on data center development to allow more research on environmental and financial harms, citing majority citizen opposition and a 15–20 year facility lifespan. He stated: “The citizens of Janesville and Rock County are aware of four possible sites.” Presentation: FEMA Disaster Declaration (July 2, 2026 Flooding) - Rock County Administrator John Light, Emergency Management Director Kevin Wernett, and Assistant Haley Wagner presented. Key points: - Individual Assistance: Up to $44,500 per household (average $6,000). Over 300 applications from Rock County already. Deadline for FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: August 31, 2026. - SBA Loans: Available to homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits; not limited to businesses. Application period open through August 31. - Process: Damage assessment is separate from application; in-person assistance locations may be announced soon. - Light praised city staff’s disaster response. Presentation: 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) - Finance Director Dave Godak and Andrea Jansen (Baker Tilly) presented. Key audit results: - Unmodified (clean) opinion issued. - General Fund: Fund balance increased $1 million; unrestricted fund balance $8.25 million (16.6% of 2026 budgeted expenditures, down from prior year due to non-spendable increases). - Debt: General obligation debt $119 million, well below statutory and policy limits. True interest rate on new notes (Old Business item) was 3.0794%. - Utilities: Water, wastewater, stormwater, and transit funds all showed healthy cash reserves and operating margins. Transit has an unrestricted deficit of $500,000. - Rating: Standard & Poor’s affirmed AA+ (long-term) and AA (2026 notes) with stable outlook. Economy category scored 4 (weakness); liquidity and management scored well. Discussion: E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Mini-Bikes Regulations - Police Chief Chad Pearson presented definitions and current rules under Wisconsin statutes and Janesville ordinances. Key points: - E-bikes: Classes 1–3; permitted on roadways (up to 25 mph) and sidewalks (except downtown and near schools/playgrounds). No age restrictions for classes 1 and 2; class 3 recommended for 16+. - E-scooters: Max 20 mph; permitted on sidewalks (at 15 mph) and roadways up to 25 mph. No clear ordinance restriction on sidewalk use currently. - Mini-bikes/mopeds/motorcycles: Mopeds require Class D license; motorcycles require Class M license; mini-bikes without proper equipment are illegal and being confiscated. - Enforcement challenges: Large jurisdiction (35 sq mi, 350+ lane miles), priority-based calls, youth riders, and pursuit safety concerns. Current strategy focuses on public education (school resource officers, bike rodeo, video). Future plans include research on local ordinances (age, helmets, speed) and increased community policing. - Council discussed specific roadways (Milton Avenue, Center Avenue) and enforcement limitations; Pearson noted illegal mini-bike confiscations have increased. Old Business - Resolution No. 2026-2443 awarding $24,590,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026, to the lowest bidder (JP Morgan) with a true interest cost of 3.0794%. Premium of $380,000 used to advance principal from 2036 to 2027, saving $300,000 in interest. Nine bids received. Approved unanimously. New Business - Ballot Language for Direct Legislation Petition (File Ordinance 2026-926): The city attorney proposed the question: “Should approval of proposed development agreements, development projects, sales, and leases of the GM JADCO sites for projects exceeding $450 million in project cost be decided by a majority vote of the electors?” Council approved the language unanimously and instructed the City Clerk to place it on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Closed Session - Motion to convene into closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) and (e) to discuss the employment agreement of Acting Interim City Manager Jay Shambeau. Council reconvened and approved an amendment to the IPA agreement: pay of $150/hour up to 40 hours/week, authorize back pay for 15.75 hours, and change “South Milwaukee” to “City of Janesville.” All other terms unchanged. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved: All consent agenda items (with item D highlighted separately). - Approved: Resolution for $24.59 million GO notes (3.0794% interest). - Approved: Ballot language for direct legislation on GM JADCO sites ($450M threshold) for November 2026 election. - Approved: Amendment to Interim City Manager’s IPA agreement (terms above). All votes were unanimous. - Upcoming: City staff to provide ICE Center update at August 10, 2026 meeting; FEMA in-person assistance location to be announced; police department to continue education and enforcement on e-bikes and mini-bikes.

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

This meeting of the Alcohol Licensing Advisory Committee (ALAC) was held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 8:00 AM in the Council Chambers. The committee reviewed two new license applications, an operator's license appeal, and received staff reports including an update on the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). All seven members were present. The following summarizes the proceedings. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 2, 2026 ALAC meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during the public hearings for the license applications. Discussion Items - Original Application – Children's Museum of Rock County (100 W. Milwaukee St.): Christopher Tron Seeley (Operations Director) and Kent Anderson (Executive Director) presented a request for a Class B intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverage license. The license is intended for adult-only fundraising events (e.g., museum rentals, galas) held after hours, with fewer than six events planned per year. Alcohol would be stored in a locked, badge-accessible area. The museum does not plan to host weddings for at least two years. Committee member Riley asked about a grab-and-go format and underage access at weddings, but applicants clarified that alcohol would be served only at catered events and not available for takeaway. Chairperson Miller noted that similar models exist at other Wisconsin children's museums. A voice vote approved the license unanimously. - Original Application – Racine Gas Mart (1533 E. Racine St.): Jess Breekill, representing the new owner, applied for a Class B beer-only license. The property (former Wirtz gas station) will be remodeled into a convenience store/gas station; beer will be sold in locked coolers and displayed in a locked cage after hours. The applicant stated a zero-tolerance policy for underage sales. The police department had no concerns. The committee approved the license unanimously by voice vote. - Operator's License Appeal – Madelyn Schumacher: Ms. Schumacher appealed the denial of her operator's license, which was rejected by the police department due to omission of a criminal record. On her application, she left blank the section asking for any arrests, convictions, or citations in the last five years; she later acknowledged two traffic citations and one possession charge from 2023. She stated she misunderstood the question and did not intentionally omit the information. The committee debated the appeal. A motion to deny the appeal and uphold the denial was passed with a roll call vote: 4 in favor (Nino, Bumpus, Knox, Riley), 2 opposed (Sickich, Strums), and 1 abstention (Chairperson Miller). Ms. Schumacher was informed she may reapply to the city in six months, apply for a state license at any time, or appeal to the city council. Staff Reports - Police Department Incident Report: No new incidents or concerns to report regarding licensed establishments. - City Clerk's Alcohol License Quota Report: Following approval of the Children's Museum license (pending council consent), the city will have four quota licenses remaining. No significant inquiries were noted. - Temporary Licenses Issued: No unusual activity reported. - Follow-up on Licenses with Conditions: No updates. Committee Comments – DORA Update - Committee member Knox reported that the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) launched on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Initial feedback indicates strong foot traffic and no reported incidents. The BID marketing task force continues to work with participating retailers and JPD to ensure smooth operations. Key Outcomes - Approved new Class B liquor license for Children's Museum of Rock County (unanimous). - Approved new Class B beer license for Racine Gas Mart (unanimous). - Denied operator's license appeal for Madelyn Schumacher (4-2-1). - Motion to adjourn carried unanimously.