Public Meetings - Janesville, Wisconsin

The Janesville City Council met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included recognitions for outgoing councilmembers, a check presentation for a mountain bike park, a city manager update on the Woodman Center, and actions on special assessments, annexation, and rezoning. All council members were present. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the March 23, 2026 regular meeting, licenses, financial statements for December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026, and a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as "Fair Housing Month" in the City of Janesville (File Resolution No. 2026-2409). All items passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public comment period. Public hearings for the annexation and rezoning of property near Hemingway Drive were opened and closed with no speakers or written statements. Discussion Items - Check Presentation (3C): Katie Udell and Austin Watson of the Janesville Generations Fund presented checks to the Janesville Velo Club ($15,000 from the Esther C. Jeffs Advised Fund) and the City of Janesville ($6,875) for the Palmer Urban Mountain Bike Park pump track. The fund has given over $500,000 to community projects since 2007. - City Manager Update (Item 5): City Manager Kevin Lair thanked staff for a smooth election, congratulated successful candidates, and recognized outgoing councilmembers Aaron Burdick and Paul Williams. He provided a detailed report on the Woodman Sports and Convention Center, which opened in September 2025. Key statistics: 140,000 square foot facility delivered within the $46.7 million budget; 25,000 guests across 22 events in the fourth quarter of 2025; 130 Janesville Youth Hockey home games; Jets attendance record averaging nearly 1,000 spectators; a 200% increase in Janesville-hosted events and 135% increase in tourism-related economic impact compared to 2024; room tax revenues up 25% year-over-year; Milton Avenue corridor valuation growth of 6% in 2024 and 8% in 2025. The partial-year operating loss was $82,951, which was 29% better than the projected $117,000 loss. Revenues totaled $922,000 (including $269,000 in facility rental and $202,000 in food and beverage sales) and expenses were just over $1 million. Lair noted higher-than-anticipated utility costs that have since been corrected. The old ice arena will be listed with a realtor shortly. - Anthony Avenue Special Assessments (7A): Public Works Director Mike Payne presented a preliminary resolution to assess the full cost of public street and utility infrastructure along Anthony Avenue, a 500-foot gravel street with four property owners (six parcels). The resolution initiates the process to convert the street to an urban standard. Payne reviewed city policy and past practice: over the last 10 years, 13 special assessment projects levied more than $4.175 million on over 100 landowners, with $650,000 still on payment plans. The 2019 estimated cost for this project was $97,140, with the north-side manufacturing property owner paying half and the five south-side parcels paying the other half. Payment options include lump sum, within the first year of taxes, or a five-year plan with interest. Councilmember Miller expressed concern about placing the burden on residents who did not request the improvements, suggesting alternative options. The resolution passed 6-1, with Miller dissenting. The project will proceed to design and bidding, with a future public hearing for final resolution. - Annexation and Rezoning (7B & 7C): Planning Director Dwayne Cherrick presented second readings and public hearings for ordinances to annex 12.8 acres of land between US Highway 14 and the northerly terminus of Hemingway Drive, and to rezone the property to R1 (Single and Two-Family Residence District) and B3 (General Commercial District). The petition was submitted by Advantage Homes (for a new single-family subdivision phase) and Compeer Financial (for a new office building). The Plan Commission recommended approval on March 16, 2026. Both ordinances passed unanimously after public hearings with no comment. - Recognitions of Outgoing Councilmembers (3A & 3B): Resolutions were passed recognizing Aaron Burdick (File Resolution No. 2026-2434) and Paul Williams (File Resolution No. 2026-2435) for their service. Burdick served from 2022 to 2026, including as Council President, and contributed to initiatives including the Woodman Center, GM JATCO acquisition, and TIF district extensions. Williams served from 2000 to 2008 and again from 2016 to 2026, including as Council President, and was involved in downtown revitalization, transit improvements, and the Woodman Center. Both resolutions passed with 6 yes votes and the respective councilmember abstaining. Both made remarks thanking staff and citizens. Key Outcomes - Approved preliminary resolution for Anthony Avenue special assessments (6-1). - Approved annexation ordinance (File Ordinance No. 2026-927) unanimously. - Approved rezoning ordinance (File Ordinance No. 2026-928) unanimously. - Approved resolutions recognizing Aaron Burdick and Paul Williams (each 6-0, with the honoree abstaining). - The meeting adjourned at approximately [time not specified] following a motion by Williams and second by Burdick.

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

The Janesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Committee convened on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall, Training Room 416, Janesville, Wisconsin. The meeting was held in a hybrid format. No transcript or minutes were available; this summary is derived solely from the published agenda. Call to Order and Roll Call - The meeting was called to order and roll call was conducted. Approval of Minutes - Approval of the December 8, 2025, Policy Board meeting minutes was on the agenda. New Business - Prioritization of Surface Transportation Program (STP) Projects: A memo and resolution packet were presented for discussion and potential action. - Amend 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program: Two resolutions (2026-01 and 2026-03) were considered to amend the TIP (Amendment 6). - Update Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): A memo and resolution packet were presented for adoption, including elements on Freight, Transit, Bicycle & Pedestrian, and Streets & Highway, along with Appendices A–G. Communications from Staff and Members - Staff and committee members provided communications as listed on the agenda. Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned. Note: The meeting was advertised as a public hearing. No public comments or detailed discussion can be reported due to lack of transcript or minutes.

Meeting Time: 5:00 PM – 5:35 PM Location: City Hall, First Floor Conference Room, 18 N. Jackson Street, Janesville, WI Attendance: 4 members present (Griffith, Kremers, Conrad, Goth); 2 absent (Hansen, Tarrell) The Historic Commission convened to discuss local historic preservation award nominations, plan for Historic Preservation Month, consider participation in the Tallman Arts Festival, and receive an update on state award program submissions. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – February 17, 2026 Regular Meeting: The minutes were approved unanimously with a correction: the bullet point for Michael Roach was amended to change “peruse” to “pursue.” (Motion by Commissioner Kremers, seconded by Commissioner Conrad; voice vote: all ayes) Discussion Items - Local Historic Preservation Award Nominations: Staff presented two nominations. The first was for 403 North Pearl Street, a residential home that received a new paint job (nominated by neighbors, not the homeowner). The second was for the Northside Brewery Excavation, an archaeological site along the river nominated by Michael Palmer; the site is an ongoing multi-year reconstruction project. Commissioners expressed interest in visiting both sites. Commissioner Griffith volunteered to gather more information on the brewery nomination, and other commissioners may join. The commission discussed the precedent of awarding ongoing projects but saw value in encouraging long-term preservation efforts. No contacts were requested for the Pearl Street nomination. - Historic Preservation Month (May): Staff noted that a proclamation of Historic Preservation Month will be read at the May 5 city council meeting (not the commission meeting) after commissioners advocated for greater visibility. The commission agreed to announce the local award winners at the May 19 meeting and to present the awards later as schedules align. Future plans for a library display were discussed but will require earlier planning (December/January). - Tallman Arts Festival (August 1-2): The commission decided to register for the festival, likely sharing space with the Rock County Historical Society. Commissioners emphasized that placement on the festival grounds is critical for effectiveness. The possibility of purchasing a branded tent and tablecloth (approx. $250) was discussed favorably. - State Historic Preservation Award Programs: Commissioner Griffith reported that two award applications were submitted by the end of March. The awards are to be presented at a conference in April (likely April 24); the commission is awaiting notification of results. Announcements and Other Business - New Property Owner in Historic District: Max Drickie purchased 625 St. Lawrence Avenue. Commissioner Griffith volunteered to reach out to discuss historic preservation and the tax credit program. - Open House: An open house for a certificate of appropriateness project approved last year will be held the following day (April 8). - Enforcement Discussion: Commissioners raised concerns about follow-up on approved certificates of appropriateness, particularly when work is not completed within the allotted year or deviates from permits. Staff clarified that the building division coordinates enforcement and that permits typically trigger review, but acknowledged gaps. - Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the council chambers. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved with correction (unanimous). - Award nominations: Commissioner Griffith will contact the Brewery nomination; no formal vote on awards yet. - Proclamation location changed to city council meeting (May 5). - Tallman Arts Festival: Commission will register and explore shared space with historical society. - State awards: Awaiting notification; no action taken. Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Kremers, seconded by Commissioner Conrad; all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:35 PM.

The Janesville Area MPO Technical Advisory Committee met on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 1:30 PM in City Hall Training Room 416, Janesville, Wisconsin, with an online option available. No minutes or transcript of the proceedings were provided; this summary is based solely on the published agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - The meeting and all business items were advertised as a public hearing, but no public comments or testimony are recorded in the available materials. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The agenda included approval of the February 2, 2026 Technical Advisory Committee meeting minutes. No outcome is recorded. Discussion Items - Prioritization of Surface Transportation Program (STP) Projects: A memo and resolution packet were presented for committee consideration. - Amendment to 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A memo and resolution packet for TIP Amendment 6 were considered. - Update Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): A memo and resolution packet for LRTP adoption were presented, along with supporting documents including Background and Purpose, Freight Element, Transit Element, Bicycle & Pedestrian Element, Streets & Highway Element, and Appendices A-G. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or next steps are recorded due to the absence of meeting minutes or a transcript.

The Janesville Plan Commission met on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a recognition of the late Commissioner Doug Marklein, public hearings on amending the sign ordinance and poultry regulations, and approvals of utility easements and building plans. All votes were unanimous, and several items were forwarded to the City Council for April 27, 2026. Recognition of Commissioner Doug Marklein - State Senator Mark Spreitzer, Representative Brianne Brown, and legislative assistant Owen Templeton presented a citation from the Wisconsin Legislature honoring Doug Marklein's life and public service. Marklein served on the City Council (2013-2023), Plan Commission, and numerous other boards. His widow, Jean, accepted the citation. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from March 16, 2026. - Final Plat of Rockport Ridge Estates Eighth Addition. - Certified Survey Map 26004-T (Hill O Farms Inc., 1 lot along Henke Road). Public Comments & Testimony - Rebecca VM (CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Janesville, 200 West Court Street) spoke in support of the sign ordinance amendment, noting that recognizing major donors like Print and Goex would show youth who supports them. She requested approval and welcomed a 30% cap on sponsor signage. - Cassandra Pope (1511 King Street) spoke in support of the duck ordinance, citing food security and egg allergy benefits. She requested the commission recommend increasing the bird limit from 4 to 6. - Bill Connors (Smart Growth Greater Madison) commented on the zoning code update, stating he needed more time to review the latest changes. - A citizen (1511 King Street) expressed concern that data centers in the industrial districts are not subject to conditional use permits, hoping supplemental standards would address this. Discussion Items - Sign Ordinance Amendment (Ordinance 2026-928): Development Services Manager Vicky Miller proposed two changes: (1) allowing off-premises signage for major donors of registered nonprofit organizations, and (2) clarifying that sandwich board signs are only permitted in downtown Sign District D. The commission discussed percentage limits for sponsor signage to avoid overpowering the nonprofit's identity. They settled on a 30% maximum of the nonprofit's total signage area. The public hearing was held, and the commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council with the 30% cap. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). - Poultry Keeping Amendment (Ordinance 2026-932): Assistant City Manager Nick Faust presented a proposal to allow domestic ducks under the same regulations as chickens (up to 4 birds, no roosters/drakes, coops and runs). The ordinance adds a 6-foot height limit, requires animal-proof containers for feed and compost, prohibits mixed flocks (due to bird flu concerns), and mandates reporting of unusual illness or death to DATCP and Rock County Public Health. The Sustainable Janesville Committee had recommended allowing both ducks and chickens in separate enclosures and increasing run sizes. The commission discussed enforcement and reporting timelines. They approved a motion to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council, adding amendments requiring animal-proof containers for both chickens and ducks and incorporating intergovernmental cooperation with DATCP and Rock County Public Health. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). - Utility Easement Conveyance to Alliant Energy: Planner Trey Meyer presented a request for a 25-foot by 25-foot easement at 100 Momentum Drive for a gas regulator station to serve the Innovation Park expansion. The station would be screened with bollards and arborvitae. Staff recommended approval. The commission voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to the City Council. - Maintenance and Storage Buildings at Sanitary Landfill: Planner Trey Meyer presented plans for a 6,000 square foot maintenance building and covered vehicle storage at 801 Black Bridge Road. The buildings will be constructed with precast concrete panels and metal roofs, mirroring the City Services Center. They are not visible from public roads. The project is in the capital budget. The commission voted unanimously to endorse the design and location and forward to the City Council. - Zoning Recodification Update: Planning Director Dwayne presented the latest draft of the zoning code, focusing on the land use table (Table 5.1) and dimensional standards. Key changes include removal of the Mixed Residential Housing (MRH) district, introduction of P1/P2/P3 designations for permitted uses with conditional use triggers for large developments, and streamlined review procedures. Staff requested feedback by the end of the week. The next review session is scheduled for April 20, 2026, with a public open house planned for early May 2026. Key Outcomes - Sign ordinance amendment: Forwarded to City Council (April 27) with recommendation to include a 30% cap on sponsor signage. Unanimous. - Poultry keeping amendment: Forwarded to City Council (April 27) with amendments for animal-proof containers and intergovernmental cooperation. Unanimous. - Utility easement: Forwarded to City Council (April 27) with favorable recommendation. Unanimous. - Landfill buildings: Forwarded to City Council (April 27) with favorable recommendation. Unanimous. - Zoning code update: No vote; staff will incorporate feedback and present updated Article 6 and Article 4 on April 20, 2026. Public open house anticipated in May 2026.

The Janesville City Council met on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a recognition of a retiring deputy fire chief, public comments on a conflict-of-interest allegation and a petition to freeze the Veridian project, reports from the city manager, and approval of two major construction contracts. The council also voted to enter closed session to discuss the city manager's performance. Consent Calendar - Minutes of March 9, 2026 Regular Meeting – Approved unanimously. - 2025 Annual Investment Report – Received and filed. - Resolution No. 2026-2425 – Authorized expenditure to replace the uninterruptible power supply for the IT network. Approved unanimously. - Note: Resolution No. 2026-2421 (commendation for John M. McManus III) was pulled from consent and adopted earlier under Recognitions. Public Comments & Testimony - Mick Gilbertson (3400 North Edgewood Drive) – Addressed a reported conflict of interest involving James Otterstein (economic development director) and his role on the redevelopment board. Gilbertson stated he does not believe a conflict exists, noting that Otterstein's work on the Coron Mays project fell within his professional duties and that Otterstein would not gain personally. He urged the council to allow the redevelopment board to continue as currently composed, emphasizing that board decisions are collective and the council holds final approval authority. - Stephen Atkinson (address not given) – Recalled previous city issues (mass eviction in February, data center debate, Beloit Avenue housing meeting) and expressed concern that residents’ voices are not being heard. He requested that the council affirm or deny a previous request to freeze the Veridian proposal at the letter-of-intent stage pending a November referendum. He noted that 4,000 residents signed a petition supporting that referendum and challenged the city to test the legality in court if it believes the petition is invalid. He urged the council to stand with the working class and common residents. Reports - City Manager Kevin Lahner – Announced the release of the spring/summer acticity guide (mailed and online). Reported that the city and DOT will complete roughly 10.3 miles of street rehab in 2026, with schedules available on the city website. Promoted the Pulse Point app for cardiac alerts and AED locations. Reminded that in-person absentee voting begins March 24 for the April 7 election and that election workers are still needed. Discussion Items - Bid Schedule B – Street Rehabilitation (C2026-6) and Dawson Field Complex Improvements (C2026-9) – City Engineer Brad Rentz presented two contracts. For street rehab, three bidders were received; low bidder was Payne and Dolan at $4,368,528. The work includes full reconstruction (48% of streets) and resurfacing (52%). For Dawson Field, low bidder was Parisi Construction at $1,911,703, covering LED lighting replacement, irrigation, infield curbing, fencing, dugouts, and hard-surce improvements. Work will start after Labor Day and finish spring 2027. During discussion, Councilmember [unidentified] questioned why the city funds adult recreation (Dawson Field, pickleball) but not the youth baseball/softball complex, stating that a contract requires parents and users to pay for upgrades while adult facities receive public support. City Manager Lahner responded that this should be debated during the budget process. The Parks and Rec Committee had previously approved the Dawson Field improvements. A motion to award both contracts and express intent to fund passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Recognition – Resoution No. 2026-2421 commending John M. McManus III for 29+ years of fire department service was adopted unanimously. McManus spoke briefly, thanking the community and colleagues. - Consent Agenda – All items (minutes, investment report, and UPS replacement) approved unanimously. - Contract Awards – Bid schedule B contracts for street rehabilitation (Payne and Dolan) and Dawson Field improvements (Paris Construction) awarded unanimously. - Closed Session – A motion to convene into closed session under Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(c), (e), and (g) to discuss performance evaluation of City Manager Kevin Lahner was approved unanimously. The meeting did not reconvene into open session.

The Janesville City Council held a special session on March 23, 2026, at 5:15 PM to receive a presentation on data center water usage and utility capacity. The presentation was delivered by David Botts, Utilities Director, and Dale Lewis, Director of Data Center Development for Bolt Company, followed by a council Q&A session. Discussion Items - David Botts presented on Janesville's water utility infrastructure, including the north and south pressure zones. He reported that the city has a combined reliable water capacity of 22.6 million gallons per day (MGD), with average daily usage in 2025 of 10.89 MGD, indicating significant excess capacity. - Botts discussed the top industrial and commercial water users, noting that the largest industrial customer uses 0.6 MGD on average. He also outlined utility infrastructure at the GM site and Datco site, emphasizing ample water and sewer capacity in those areas. - Botts shared that he contacted Pleasant Prairie and Racine about Microsoft's data center in Mount Pleasant. He learned that wastewater permits are not yet finalized, and that the industry is transitioning to closed-loop cooling systems. He stated that the city would require any data center to obtain a permit for wastewater discharge and would monitor flows. - Dale Lewis explained the closed-loop cooling system technology, comparing it to a car radiator. He stated that these systems use minimal water after an initial fill, and that water is treated on-site by companies like NALCO or Ecolab. He noted that the initial fill for a large AI campus could be 4-5 million gallons, but ongoing water usage is very low, primarily for landscaping irrigation. - Lewis emphasized the economic benefits of AI data centers, stating that for every megawatt deployed, 1.7 full-time jobs are created, with six-figure salaries. He mentioned that over $30 billion in data center investment is planned in Wisconsin, and that the industry is driving innovation and job growth. - Lewis addressed water scrutiny, stating that closed-loop systems do not discharge process water to the municipality; any waste is trucked off-site for treatment. He noted that the industry is becoming more transparent and responsible in community engagement. Key Outcomes - The council received the presentation and participated in a Q&A session. No formal votes were taken. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:59 PM on a motion by Council Member Cass, seconded by Council Member Williams, passed unanimously.

The Community Development Authority (CDA) held its regular meeting on March 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, a public hearing on the 2025 Comprehensive Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER), a presentation on 2025 Fair Housing Accomplishments, and a director's report on federal funding. No public comments were made, and no votes were taken on the presented agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the regular meeting on January 21, 2026, and budget performance reports for December 2025 and January 2026 were passed under consent without discussion or objection. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items - Public Hearing on 2025 CAPER: Anna (CDA staff) presented a summary of accomplishments funded by CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HOME funds. For CDBG (city of Janesville only): 7 homeowner rehabs completed, 1 started (finished in 2026), and 9 contracts signed. Public service funding was provided to Echo, HealthNet, Boys and Girls Club, and Community Action, with all expenditures monitored. For HOME (Janesville-Beloit-Rock County consortium): Janesville provided 7 down payment and closing cost assistance awards and completed construction of one single-family home. Beloit provided 4 down payment assistance, completed one homeowner rehab, and built new single-family homes. Rock County completed rehabilitation of 11 units at Edgerton senior apartments. The HOME-ARP program approved the acquisition and rehabilitation of Jeffrey's Flats by ECO, nearing completion. Staff reported efforts to expand homeowner rehab outreach to ADRC, real estate agents, and lenders. No action was required. - 2025 Annual Fair Housing Accomplishments: Kelly (CDA staff) reported that a chart in the meeting packet, derived from the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, outlines goals and progress. April 2026 is Fair Housing Month; a resolution recognizing it will be presented at the first city council meeting in April. A social media campaign (Fair Housing Fridays) will continue for another year. No action was required. - Director's Report: Jennifer (CDA Director) announced that the federal government approved a budget including funding for CDA programs. Specific agency allocations are pending, but funding is expected to be consistent with 2025 levels, except for a potential decrease in Section 8 administrative funding. Detailed information will be provided at the next CDA meeting. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the 2025 CAPER was opened and closed with no public comment and no action taken. - The 2025 Fair Housing Accomplishments report was received without action. - No motions or votes were held except the motion to adjourn, which was unanimously approved.