Committee of the Whole Meeting — Agenda Packet

August 3, 2026 Committee of the Whole Agenda 1 City of Lake Geneva, 626 Geneva St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-262.248.3673-www.cityoflakegeneva.gov Committee of the Whole Agenda Monday, August 3, 2026 - 6:00 PM Lake Geneva City Hall; Council Chambers Members: Council President: Cindy Yager Council Vice-President: Cathy Stoodley Alderpersons: JaNelle Powers, Sherri Ames, Linda Frame, Mary Jo Fesenmaier, Brian Smith and Joel Hoiland 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Approval of the Committee of the Whole Minutes from June 1, 2026 5. Comments from the public as allowed by Wis. Stats. §19.84(2). Comments will be limited to 5 minutes. Be further advised that matters brought up at this time may be referred to the appropriate committee or individual for further discussion and consideration. 6. Presentation: Library Outreach and Accessibility Initiatives and Youth Literacy Work - Maria Cordova and Wendy Finley 7. Presentation: Room Tax Information - Corporate Officer, Lake Lawn Resort, Dave Sekeres 8. Reports Received from Alders for Standing Committees, City Committee, Commissions, and Boards & other Boards and Committees with Council Representation Personnel Committee Piers, Harbors and Lakefront Committee Public Works Committee Utility Commission Plan Commission Library Board Tree Board Cemetery Board Board of Park Commissioners Hillmoor Commission Historic Preservation Commission Tourism Commission Avian Committee VISIT Lake Geneva Geneva Lake Museum Lake Geneva Economic Dev Corp Geneva Lake Environmental Agency Geneva Lakes Family YMCA Geneva Lake Use Business Improvement District 9. Adjournment A quorum of the Council may be present; however, no official Council action will be taken. Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the City Clerk’s office in advance so that the appropriate accommodations can be made. Page 1 of 25 June 1, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes 1 City Of Lake Geneva Committee Of The Whole Minutes Monday, June 1, 2026 - 6:00 PM Lake Geneva City Hall; Council Chambers Call to Order by Council President Yager at 6:00 pm. Pledge of Allegiance by Alder Smith. Roll Call Present: Cynthia Yager, Cathy Stoodley, Joel Hoiland, Brian Smith, Linda Frame, Mary Jo Fesenmaier, JaNelle Powers and Sherri Ames. Absent: None. Others present: Mayor Todd Krause, City Administrator Dave De Angelis, City Clerk Lacey L. Reynolds, Assistant City Administrator Chris Bennett and other interested persons. Approval of the Committee of the Whole Minutes from May 4, 2026 Motion by Ames to approve, second by Powers. Voice vote, approved, motion carried. Comments from the public as allowed by Wis. Stats. §19.84(2). Comments will be limited to 5 minutes. Be further advised that matters brought up at this time may be referred to the appropriate committee or individual for further discussion and consideration. Andrea Christensen spoke about mental health, Margery Hooke spoke about an STR at 1024 Dodge, David Scotney and Jim Gaugert spoke about the Swann Creek supper club, Maria Bisabarros spoke about running for assembly district 33. Presentation: The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank - Executive Director Tammy Dunn Tammy Dunn presented about the food and diaper bank and various programs offered. Presentation: Starting a Parks Foundation - Parks Director David Winger Parks Director David Winger presented options for starting a parks foundation. Standing Committee Updates (Personnel, Piers, Harbor and Lakefront & Public Works) Alder Stoodley reported on Public Works items and discussion took place. Alder Yager thanked the GLEA for donating various signs to the city. Committee, Commission, and Board Updates (Avian Committee, Board of Park Commissioners, Cemetery Board, Hillmoor Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Plan Commission, Police & Fire Commission, Tree Board, Tourism Commission, Utility Commission) Alder Frame reported the Avian Committee has been planting at the Hillmoor entrance. Alder Ames announced the Smith meeting room is now open at the Library and shared trees were cut down at sailboat plaza and new trees will be planted. Alder Powers reported on HPC sign installations and Plan Commission approvals of a fence permit and CUP for a restaurant at Center St and Interchange N. Discussion took place about STR's. Alder Stoodley reported on some issues at the cemeteries. Alder Yager spoke about the parks foundation and the order of importance for items and share the task order was approved for the trails at Hillmoor. Alder Fesenmaier reported the Tourism commission is on hold for now as new members are being sought and shared Utility commission item approvals. Alder Fesenmaier spoke about the proposed new facility for the Police and Fire departments. Council Representatives Serving on Other Boards and Committees Updates (Business Improvement District, Geneva Lake Environmental Agency, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, Geneva Lake Museum, Geneva Lake Use, Lake Geneva Economic Development Corporation, VISIT Lake Geneva). No meeting or materials are posted on the City website. Alder Fesenmaier shared the GLEA E Coli reporting information is on their website and FB page. Alder Yager announced VISIT LG added 15 new members and the restaurant week winners were the Treehouse Center, Bridge Food and Diaper bank, Cycling without age and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Alder Fesenmaier reported Channel 25 is showing live meeting. Administrator De Angelis announced the Trolley presentations will be June 8th at 5:00 pm and the Strategic Planning meeting is June 12th at 8:00 am. Alder Stoodley shared the "We love locals Wednesday's" postcards will be mailed next week and the BID pride events are being held at the Cove. Discussion took place. Page 2 of 25 June 1, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes 2 Adjournment Motion by Ames to adjourn, second by Stoodley. Voice vote, approved, motion carried. Adjourned at 7:32 pm. Lacey L. Reynolds City Clerk Page 3 of 25 OUTREACH, ACCESSIBILITY, & YOUTH LITERACY & SERVICES UPDATE Page 4 of 25 OUTREACH AND ACCESSIBILITY: MARIA CORDOVA Library Outreach Goal: Make library materials and resources possible and convenient for all patrons ● New focus area — launched in 2020- 21 and growing steadily ● New library vehicle for pop-up services & homebound delivery ● New branch inside Lake Geneva Piggly Wiggly (open 4 days/week) Page 5 of 25 Page 6 of 25 Page 7 of 25 Page 8 of 25 Page 9 of 25 YOUTH LITERACY: WENDY FINLEY Youth Services Goal: Support youth literacy, schools, and education — encouraging lifelong library use from birth onward ● Youth circulation accounts for 43% of total circulation (3-year average) ● Focus on early literacy and family activities: year-round storytimes and events ● Events are free and open to the public; some require pre-registration ● Close partnership with elementary schools: class visits and school outreach Page 10 of 25 Summer Programming School Visits ◼ Present information on Library cards, materials offered, summer programming information and distribute calendars. ◼ 6 Schools: Central Denison, Eastview, Woods, St. Francis, Reek and Traver ◼ 51 classes ◼ 1,313 people reached Page 11 of 25 Unearth A Story - 2026 Summer Theme ◼ 469 kids signed up currently and counting… ◼ Archaeological Map to collect treasures all summer ◼ Reading logs ◼ Free coupons from local partners ◼ 20 Grand Prizes from local partners; Gage Marine, Alice In Wonderland, Dancing Horses, Culver’s, Emagine Theater and other local businesses. Page 12 of 25 Page 13 of 25 Page 14 of 25 Page 15 of 25 Page 16 of 25 A Message from the Library Board & Director: The Lake Geneva Public Library is proud to be a downtown community hub and an integral part of life in Lake Geneva. The easiest way to support your library? Just check things out! ● Every checkout shows our collection is valued — and for Walworth County residents without a municipal library, each physical checkout earns county reimbursement ● The more you borrow, the more you make of your tax dollars ● Ask for a printed receipt to see your savings each visit ● No overdue fees — renewing online, by phone, or by email helps too ● Want something we don't have? Just ask, and we'll track it down Using your library keeps us strong for the whole community. Stop by and check something out! Page 17 of 25 Thank you! Please reach out with any questions or any ways the library can help! ◼ Outreach and Interlibrary Loan Manager: Maria Cordova 262-249-5299 x 129 mcordova@lglibrary.org ◼ Youth Services Librarian: Wendy Finley 262-249-5299 x 131 wfinley@lglibrary.org ◼ Library Director: Emily Kornak 262-249-5299 x 126 ekornak@lglibrary.org Page 18 of 25 COW Report - July 2026 Alderman Fesenmaier - District 2 Tourism Commission : Grants Awarded - Bridal Expo Pink the Lake Fat Tire Charity Ride Lakeside Literary Festival Utility Commission : Highway H Utility Improvement - Payment #2 2026 Sewer Lining Project Bid Updated Agreement for Hwy. 50 project 2025 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report - adopted; see Utility Commission website link https://www.lgutilitycommission.com/waterutility/consumer-confidence-report Geneva Lake Environmental Agency : Common Ground Community Session Steel Pier Update E. Coli Signage & Testing Stream Testing AIS Signage Updates - see GLEA website for current numbers https://www.gleawi.org/ Fish Die-Off White River Gage Zebra Mussel & Quagga Mussel Surveying Additional Intern Time – Henry Clean Boats, Clean Waters Page 19 of 25 COW updates for July 6 meeting Tree- No meeting Library-6-18-26 • We meet in the newly remodeled Smith Meeting Room. • There is some water situation from all of the rain. • Discussion about expanding the trustees to include other demographics in our community. • We are looking at updating policies. • The strategic plan will be ready to review in August • The Friend of the Library has bought a plaque to be placed outside for the buildings Landmark status • Smith meeting will be announced at a later date Sherri Ames Alder District 1 Page 20 of 25 COW Updates for August 3rd meeting Tree- Did not meet. Library - 7-16-26, • Finances are good. • We will be doing a budget workshop in August, all are welcome. • Acoustic panels will be installed for the Smith Room. • Microphones will be ordered for the Smith Room. • The stained glass has been moved and will be cleaned. • Continue to check the Library website and Facebook pages for updates and programing, Respectfully submitted, Sherri Ames Alderman District 1 Page 21 of 25 COW Mtg Committee Report for Agenda of next mtg Avian Committee mtg of 6/9/26 Summary: • Help Your Land Sing Again: Public Presentation June 23rd @ LG Public Library, by Tommy Gunn, forester for the American Bird Conservancy. He spoke about why our local bird species are struggling with prime habitat caused by plant invasion, land restoration like Hillmoor and city parks, and why it's important for all of us to help create healthy habitat for them to thrive. • Swift Night Out is September 10, 2026. • Hillmoor Native Plant Grant Project: has begun by the Avian Committee members: 90 beautiful plants were planted in an approved area by the old broken bridge. • Purple Martin/Kestrel Houses on the Lakefront: All houses are full of Purple Martins, and they've been busy laying over 55 eggs (as of the time of the meeting. The Purple Martins are outgrowing the houses now in place. Action Taken: The Committee approved the purchase of 2 more houses for the 2027 Season. • Hotel Birding Backpacks have been delivered to the city of Lake Geneva Hotels, who are being distributed to their guests to use as a check-out method for birdwatching in our city, and returned with all of their contents to the Hotels when they return before they check out of the Hotels. Inside these Backpacks include: Binoculars, Brochures of places to birdwatch in Lake Geneva, bird-identifying guides, and, of course, the Backpack itself. NOTE: The bird watching backpack is the property of the City of La Geneva Avian Committee and Rotary Club of Lake Geneva. Should anyone find a Backpack anywhere in the city, please kindly return it to the City Hall, 626 Geneva St., Lake Geneva. • Coming Projects: Search for more Grants, foundations, and Donors to help the Avian Committee to increase their budget for current and future projects planned for funding the budget needs. Any resources and/or referrals are welcome; please contact Sarah McConnell, President of Avian, with your information (or any Avian Committee member). Thank you, Linda Frame Alderman, District #2 Page 22 of 25 Updates for the COW July 6, 2026 Public Works Committee update July 2026 Public works met on 6/22/26 Director Earle had informed us that 4 pick up trucks were out for service. All 4 were repaired under warranty and are back in use. The cooling air handlers at the Riv, one had a leak, the other a faulty valve. They are running now just in time for the weather. PWC will send to Council without recommendation the Maximum Extent Feasible for the Bike Path on Townline Rd and Edwards Blvd. The property has been sold and we are hopeful to have an update from conversations with the developer. BID Update A joint meeting of the Design and Promotions subcommittees met on 6/17/26 Christmas was the focus. No meeting in July. We Love Local Wednesdays has had some tough weather but continue to promote it. Cemetery Board Update Cemetery Board met on 6/18/26 Cemetery Board recommended purchase of third columbarium and request of up to $30,000 from surplus CIP funds. Financial request will be on July 13, 2026 Common Council agenda. Cathy Stoodley District 4 Alderperson Page 23 of 25 COW Committee Reports July 2026 Cindy Yager – Alderman District 4 Piers, Harbors, and Lakefront Committee – Joint meeting with Parks Commission concerning CORP Presentation. Comments under Parks Commission. Board of Park Commissioners – CORP Presentation by Vandewalle & Associates. • Introduction of Vandewalle Team Members • Discussion concerning goals and objectives for Parks and Lakefront • Planned Outcomes. Score and prioritize recommendations, organizational recommendations for Parks Department, cost estimates to coincide with recommendations, implementation table and action steps, funding resources • Process Overview • Community Engagement process. Online survey to be opened to public soon found on City Website and Parks Facebook Page. Pop-up engagement held on 7/2/26 at Flat Iron Park along with Music in the Park • Potential timeline for completion reviewed • Discussion concerning key issues and opportunities Hillmoor – No meeting held Page 24 of 25 Visit Lake Geneva Update – June 2026 • The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released its annual economic impact report, showing that total business sales in Walworth County exceeded $1 billion in 2025 for the first time, reaching $1.053 billion. • Direct visitor spending in Walworth County totaled $807 million in 2025, representing a 6% increase over the previous year. • Additional information on the economic impact report, including a detailed breakdown of Lake Geneva-area data, will be presented by Stephanie Klett and Deanna Goodwin at Visit Lake Geneva’s Partner Meeting on Tuesday, July 21, at 8:00 a.m. at Hawk’s View Golf Course (banquet room). The presentation will include information on state and local tax revenues generated through visitor spending, employment figures, labor income, and regional economic trends. City Council members and city officials are invited to attend. Visit Lake Geneva also has access to a supplemental report providing additional data specific to the Lake Geneva region. • Visit Lake Geneva’s winter commercial featuring Donald Driver received a Gold ADDY Award and was also recognized with Best in Show by the American Advertising Federation of Wisconsin. This is the state’s top advertising award. VLG beat out the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s ad and a video on Green Bay’s NFL Draft to take home the top honor.) • Liberty on the Lake will take place on Saturday, July 4, from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. While the event is not included in Visit Lake Geneva’s Tourism Commission contract, organizers felt it was important to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a community celebration. The City of Lake Geneva has partnered closely in the event, with support from Police, Fire, and Public Works staff. Activities will include family entertainment, stilt walkers, living statues, face painting, a Color Guard presentation by Frank Kresen Post 24, a live concert, and a drone show at 9:00 p.m. The drone presentation will feature patriotic imagery as well as several iconic Lake Geneva landmarks and themes, including the Riviera. • The “This is Lake Geneva” winter commercial featuring Donald Driver has been submitted for consideration in the Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards competition. Visit Lake Geneva’s first “This is Lake Geneva” summer commercial, produced in 2024, received an Emmy nomination. The 2026 Emmy Award nominations are expected to be announced in September by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. • VisitLakeGeneva.com recorded 169,965 visitor sessions in May, an increase of 29.6% compared with May 2025. Year-to-date website sessions reached 1,045,245 through May, up 58% from the same period in 2025. This marks the earliest point in the year that the website has surpassed one million sessions. Page 25 of 25