Janesville City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026
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Janesville City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026
The Janesville City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included recognitions, public comments, reports, consent agenda approval, action on a reckless driving impoundment ordinance, first readings for alcohol-related ordinances, approval of an infrastructure MOU, a TIF development agreement for downtown housing, and discussion of city manager recruitment. The council unanimously adopted key items and moved into closed session to discuss the interim city manager selection, later reconvening to approve an interim appointment.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from April 27, 2026, Regular Council Meeting.
- Approved licenses and recommendations as presented.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-2438 repealing the Proclamation of Emergency.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-2444 urging the State of Wisconsin to develop a comprehensive transportation funding strategy.
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-2445 recognizing outgoing board, commission, and committee members.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Ty Bullarood spoke about a water well at the GM site, criticized former Public Works Director Walt Klemchak, and suggested hiring Mike Payne as interim city manager.
- Edie Barron (308 North Pine Street) described severe damage from the April 17 flood, criticized the council for not visiting affected neighborhoods, and requested a ward-based aldermanic system for better representation.
- Ray Jewel read from a publication critiquing the council-manager system, arguing the city manager has become a de facto mayor, and urged clearer separation of roles.
- Alyssa Capazello (North Sumac Drive) encouraged hiring a local candidate for city manager and emphasized careful selection.
- Stephen Atkinson Jr. (449 North Parker Drive) proposed a voluntary “Plus One for Janesville” program — adding $1 to each item sold within the future Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) to fund homelessness initiatives.
- Andrea Briar Moon suggested canceling the GM site transaction to return the title to a private developer, advocated for Ryan McHugh as interim city manager, and called for reducing overall city compensation, noting the city manager’s pay exceeds the governor’s.
- Jenny Lindstrand (820 Myrtle Way; also owns 107 and 105 West Milwaukee Street) supported downtown growth and investment but urged an updated parking analysis, better enforcement of time limits, and long-term parking management solutions.
- Bob Spoden (227 Jefferson Avenue) supported a parking analysis, questioned housing demand downtown, expressed support for DORA, and suggested highlighting Veterans Park with lighting.
- Gerard Palmersheim (4607 Pendleton Court) asked whether 211 call data from the flood had been forwarded and what action would be taken.
Discussion Items
Recognitions – National Public Works Week
- Adopted Resolution No. 2026-2413 designating May 17, 2026, as National Public Works Week. Public Works Director Mike Bain accepted the recognition, highlighting the department’s 150 staff. Motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Update
- Kevin Laner reported:
- Volunteer applications for ALAC, Sustainable Janesville, Board of Review, and Zoning Board of Appeals due May 15.
- “Revive and Thrive” program for exterior home repairs is accepting applications.
- Downtown fire suppression grant program launched with $250,000 available ($50,000 per grant).
- Flood damage estimates: $30.9 million in private property damage and over $17 million in public infrastructure damage. All data submitted to county; state has requested federal disaster declaration. City continues to inspect stormwater systems.
- Councilmember Miller confirmed engineering is reviewing capacity issues in affected areas.
Old Business: Reckless Driving Impoundment Ordinance (Second Reading)
- Proposed ordinance (File No. 2026-930) amending JGO Section 38-05 to align with state Act 46, expanding police authority to impound vehicles used in reckless driving, including when the driver is not the owner.
- Public hearing: Dan Dusterbeck voiced strong support, citing worsening issues on Milton Avenue.
- Chief Chad Pearson presented a slide deck showing:
- Over 2,100 traffic stops on Milton Avenue in 2025; 57 reckless driving citations in 2025; 18 in 2026 to date.
- Only two cruising ordinance violations written last year.
- New law allows impoundment on first offense and for non-owner drivers. Officer discretion will be used, focusing on egregious cases (e.g., wheelies, 100 mph).
- A street takeover event is planned for June; police are investigating.
- Council discussion: Councilmember Miller asked about age range (17-35) and repeat offenders. Chief noted many drivers do not own the vehicle. Councilmember Erdman asked about impoundment numbers: none last year under prior law. Chief anticipated a handful of impoundments. Councilmember Seaman stressed deterrent effect and family accountability.
- Motion to adopt passed unanimously.
New Business – First Readings (Public Hearings Scheduled May 26, 2026)
- Ordinance No. 2026-935: Amending JGO 6-20(i) on temporary extensions of alcohol licensed premises.
- Ordinance No. 2026-933: Creating a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) with a sunset provision.
New Business – MOU for McCormick Drive Infrastructure
- Memorandum of Understanding between City and DK Partnership, LLP to extend public infrastructure (roundabout) at McCormick Drive and Huntinghorne Drive to support 63 multifamily units, townhomes, and commercial development.
- Cost: Total roundabout estimate ~$800,000; city reimbursement of ~$145,000 for costs above standard intersection. Developer responsible for $263,000 base cost. Contingent on TID creation.
- Staff recommendation to approve. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business – TIF Development Agreement for 20 S. River Street
- Agreement with River Street Renaissance LLC for a 44-unit apartment building (32 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom) in TID No. 36. Developer is Jim Cope, a Janesville native with 35+ years in commercial real estate.
- Parking: 26 indoor spaces (first floor) plus 10 on-site outdoor spaces; no reliance on city lots.
- Total project cost ~$11.5 million ($261,000 per door). Developer equity exceeds TIF request.
- TIF incentive: 90% of increment over 15 years, estimated at $1.8 million (pay-as-you-go). Internal rate of return capped at 15%; projected IRR is 9.8%.
- Discussion: Parking adequacy (36 stalls for 44 units). Developer argued urban setting reduces demand; building is self-sustaining. Councilmember Nino noted parking cost may roughly equal TIF amount. Developer said removing parking would hurt feasibility.
- Staff recommended approval. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business – City Manager Recruitment Process
- Human Resources Director Tara Seminchuk recommended Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) for executive recruitment and interim services. IPA representatives Jay Chambeau and Jess Wilde presented.
- IPA proposed a team approach: Jay would serve as interim city manager starting June 1 (30 hours/week), while Jess handled marketing and outreach. Recruitment timeframe: 2-5 weeks active recruitment, initial applicant review around week 6. Cost proposal: $25,000 for recruitment plus interim services (details in closed session).
- Council questions: Councilmember Nino asked how IPA would understand community needs — via census survey, one-on-one meetings, public survey, and Jay’s physical presence. Councilmember Pope requested broader public engagement beyond business leaders; IPA agreed to conduct a resident survey using voter lists.
- The council then moved into closed session (motion by Cass, second by Pope) under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(c) and (e) to discuss interim and permanent city manager hiring.
Key Outcomes
- National Public Works Week proclamation adopted unanimously.
- Consent agenda approved unanimously.
- Reckless driving impoundment ordinance (File No. 2026-930) adopted unanimously on second reading.
- First readings for alcohol premises extension and DORA ordinances held; public hearings scheduled for May 26, 2026.
- MOU with DK Partnership for McCormick Drive infrastructure approved unanimously.
- TIF Development Agreement with River Street Renaissance LLC for 44-unit apartment building approved unanimously.
- Following closed session, the council reconvened and approved a motion to retain Jay Chambeau as interim acting city manager effective June 1, 2026, in accordance with the IPA proposal. Motion by Cass, second by Squire, passed unanimously.
- The meeting adjourned after this vote.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I'll call the uh May uh Monday, May 11th, uh 2026, Jamesville City Council meeting to order. Uh in case of emergency, please use the stairs and not the elevator to exit. Walk to the north side of the police department and wait for further instructions. Um let's do a pledge of allegiance, please. Pledge of leadership. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Here, Vice President Cass. Here. Councilmember Erdman. Councilmember Miller. Here, Councilmember Nino. Here. Councilmember Pope. Here. Councilmember Seaman. Here. All are present. We do have a quorum. Very good. Uh we'll go to number three of recognitions and uh consideration and action on a proposed resolution to recognize the week of May 17, 2026 as National Public Works Week in the City of Janesville. Uh file resolution number 2026-2413. Clerk, would you read the resolution, please? Resolution number 2026-2413, recognizing the week of May 17, 2026 is National Public Works Week. Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and the public health, high quality of safety, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of the city of Janesville. And whereas Public Works builds and maintains community systems that improve our everyday lives, strives to protect citizens, visitors, and businesses of our communities, is an emergency first responder, and serves as the silent arm of public safety. And whereas infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals who are employed at all levels of government responsible for rebuilding, improving and protecting the nation's transportation, water supply, water treatment, and solid waste systems, public buildings and other structures and facilities essentials for essential for citizens. And whereas it is in the public interest for all citizens, civic leaders and children in the city of Janesville to gain knowledge of and maintain ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities. And whereas 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Common Council of the City of Janesville on May 11, 2026, does hereby designate the week of May 17th as National Public Works Week, and hereby calls upon all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies and activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees, and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life. Thank you. Um do I have a motion from up here to I'll make a motion that we uh pass file resolution number 2026, 24-13. You have a second, second. All right. Uh motion uh by squire, second by Nino. Um other comments up here regarding the topic. Largely unrecognized and underappreciated group of people that are essential to the city. Yeah, uh takes a lot of bodies and minds and effort to continue to keep a city of this size uh functioning and operating, and it's always timely when it comes in May when we know that it's orange barrel season that comes along with it. Uh but to everybody with all the dedication that it goes uh into making sure this all works. Thank you very much. Anyone else? If not, let's vote. That passes unanimously. Very good. Again, thanks everybody for great work. Uh number four, public comments. Uh so public comments on items on the agenda not requiring a public hearing. Hey, Larry. You're supposed to uh have Mike come up to accept the resignation.
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