051226_DowntownBusinessMeeting_Minutes

PRESENT. Russ Gehm, Village President; Lisa Hughes, RDA; Nikki Bougie, The Glenn; Michelle Maroszek, Clerk/Treasurer; Jesse Lawrenz, Katie and Nick Ferrito, Lawrenz’s Sausage Shop; Megan Wiese, Molly’s Meadows; Kristen Fish-Peterson, Redevelopment Resources; Jesse Rankin, Director of Municipal Operations; Sean Falk, Village Board; Brad Luepke, RDA; NiCole Fisher, The Mill; Keith Fischer, Police Chief; Jake Rhode, School Resource Officer; Caitlin Richter, RDA; Isaiah Griesbach, Griesbach Chiropractic; Esteban Vargas & Gema Garcia, Vargas Martial Arts; Lissy Kastning, LK Reflections/RDA; Geoff Dowden, Bonduel State Bank; and Nicole VanNieuwenhoven, 126 E Green Bay St. INTRODUCTIONS. Lisa Hughes, Bonduel Redevelopment Authority introduced herself to the business owners and all present at the meeting. C1. Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) Awards and Disbursements. Hughes shared with the guests that, to date, more than $60,000 has been allocated and awarded to local businesses. While the funded projects have varied in scope, each has focused on some form of façade improvement. C2. Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) Program Opportunities. Any business planning a façade improvement project is encouraged to submit an application. There is still approximately $39,000 available for award before the end of the year. Questions about the program or the application process, were encouraged to contact the Village office. C3. Redevelopment Authority (RDA) Project Updates. Hughes provided updates on Fireman’s Park, the Farmers Market, and downtown beautification projects. She also shared information on other projects being undertaken by the RDA, including downtown utility pole cleanup efforts and the implementation of improved wayfinding signage throughout the Village. C4. Business support, collaboration, networking, promotion, areas of interest, etc.. The business community discussed areas of interest and concern regarding the downtown district. One primary concern was finding ways to reduce vehicle speeds in certain areas. The DOWNTOWN BUSINESS MEETING LOCATION: THE GLENN Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Downtown Business Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Page 2 installation of crosswalks with flashing pedestrian lights was suggested as a potential traffic- calming measure. Additional topics included enhancing the appearance of the downtown area through the use of decorative planters and murals that could encourage visitors to stop and spend time in the Village. The business owners also agreed that attracting additional businesses is important to improving downtown’s shopability, increasing foot traffic, and creating a more active downtown environment. C5. Host for next Downtown Business Meeting. The RDA expressed its desire to hold these business meetings every six months, when possible, to better understand the needs of downtown businesses and provide updates on ongoing projects. The RDA also inquired whether any business owners would be willing to host the next meeting at their establishment. Hughes thank all business owners for attending the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Maroszek, Clerk