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Record of Proceedings

Janesville City Council Regular Meeting – September 14, 2026

Meeting Portal — Monday, September 14, 2026
BodyJanesville, Wisconsin
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, September 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:03:10

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:01

Good evening.

0:02

Welcome everybody.

0:03

I want to call tonight's city council meeting to order for Monday, September 14th, 2026.

0:09

If we could uh stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, please.

0:15

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:22

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

0:29

Our emergency procedures in case of emergency, use the stairs and not the elevator to exit.

0:34

Walk to the north side of the police department and wait for further instructions.

0:39

And will a clerk please call the roll.

0:41

President Squire.

0:42

Here.

0:42

Vice President Cass.

0:44

Here.

0:44

Councilmember Erdman.

0:45

Here.

0:45

Councilmember Nino.

0:46

Here.

0:47

Councilmember Miller.

0:48

Here.

0:48

Councilmember Pope.

0:49

Here.

0:49

Councilmember Seaman.

0:50

Here.

0:51

Our present.

0:52

We do have a quorum.

0:53

Excellent.

0:53

We're gonna make a little adjustment to the schedule right now.

0:58

We're gonna move item 8A, selection of new city manager and related matters to uh now.

1:05

And so uh that is before the council.

1:10

All right.

1:10

Uh I will move that the common council elect and retain for an indefinite term, Rebecca Houseman as City Manager for the City of Janesville effective November 2nd, 2026, and approve and enter into the employment agreement already executed by Rebecca Houseman.

1:24

Good.

1:25

Second.

1:26

All right, we have a motion and the second.

1:28

We have a motion by Councilmember Cass, a second by Councilmember Nino.

1:32

Any conversation or are we ready to vote?

1:37

It's up here for us.

1:40

That passes unanimously.

1:42

Excellent.

1:43

Rebecca, congratulations and welcome.

1:45

I think you have a minute or two.

1:55

Thank you all very much.

1:56

Uh I'm honored to be here tonight.

1:59

Uh I uh my career started over 22 years ago here on this very floor in this very building.

2:06

Uh so I am very pleased uh to um to accept the position of city manager.

2:12

I look forward to building relationships with the city council with the community and and with city staff and moving forward uh with with progress uh on those long established goals that that we've had for years and new ones that uh will come up as as I'm sure will come up tonight.

2:28

So uh I just want to thank you and I look forward to um to to starting on November 2nd.

2:34

Fantastic.

2:35

Thank you very, very much, and we look forward to it.

2:37

Thank you for your perseverance to work through the process and to get to this spot, and it's a very, very enjoyable night for a whole bunch of people.

2:45

So thank you so much.

2:47

All right, uh recognitions, uh item number three, consideration and action on a proposed resolution proclaiming September 15 to October 15, 2026 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Janesville, file resolution number 2026-2460.

3:06

Clerk, would you please read the resolution?

3:08

Resolution number 2026-2460, a resolution proclaiming September 15th to October 15th, 2026 is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Janesville, whereas Hispanic Americans have contributed significantly to our nation in all areas, including science, art, music, sports, education, and public service, and have bravely served their country in large numbers in times of peace, war, and in every way in our nation's history.

3:33

And whereas in 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B.

3:37

Johnson to proclaim National H Hispanic American Heritage Week, and whereas in 1988, National Hispanic American Heritage Week became a month-long celebration.

3:47

And whereas during this month, Americans celebrate the traditions, ancestry, and unique experiences of those who trace their family background to Spain and Latin American countries.

3:56

And whereas throughout our history, Hispanic Americans have enriched the American way of life, and we recognize the millions of Hispanic Americans who love whose love of family, hard work, and community have helped unite us as a nation.

4:08

And whereas accomplishments made by Hispanic Americans serve as an inspiration to all who seek freedom, opportunity, and new beginning for themselves and their children.

4:17

Now, therefore be it resolved that the Common Council of the City of Janesville recognizes September 15th to October 15th, 2026 as National Hispanic Heritage Month, and encourages residents to celebrate the cultural, professional, educational, and civic contributions of the Hispanic community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation██████████████████████████████30%
Racial Equity████████████████16%
Data Center Regulation███████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Public Engagement██████6%
Zoning And Land Use██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Public Works██████6%
Personnel Matters████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Janesville City Council Regular Meeting – September 14, 2026

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.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Welcome everybody. I want to call tonight's city council meeting to order for Monday, September 14th, 2026. If we could uh stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Our emergency procedures in case of emergency, use the stairs and not the elevator to exit. Walk to the north side of the police department and wait for further instructions. And will a clerk please call the roll. President Squire. Here. Vice President Cass. Here. Councilmember Erdman. Here. Councilmember Nino. Here. Councilmember Miller. Here. Councilmember Pope. Here. Councilmember Seaman. Here. Our present. We do have a quorum. Excellent. We're gonna make a little adjustment to the schedule right now. We're gonna move item 8A, selection of new city manager and related matters to uh now. And so uh that is before the council. All right. Uh I will move that the common council elect and retain for an indefinite term, Rebecca Houseman as City Manager for the City of Janesville effective November 2nd, 2026, and approve and enter into the employment agreement already executed by Rebecca Houseman. Good. Second. All right, we have a motion and the second. We have a motion by Councilmember Cass, a second by Councilmember Nino. Any conversation or are we ready to vote? It's up here for us. That passes unanimously. Excellent. Rebecca, congratulations and welcome. I think you have a minute or two. Thank you all very much. Uh I'm honored to be here tonight. Uh I uh my career started over 22 years ago here on this very floor in this very building. Uh so I am very pleased uh to um to accept the position of city manager. I look forward to building relationships with the city council with the community and and with city staff and moving forward uh with with progress uh on those long established goals that that we've had for years and new ones that uh will come up as as I'm sure will come up tonight. So uh I just want to thank you and I look forward to um to to starting on November 2nd. Fantastic. Thank you very, very much, and we look forward to it. Thank you for your perseverance to work through the process and to get to this spot, and it's a very, very enjoyable night for a whole bunch of people.

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