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Village of Howard · Brown County · meeting of May 11, 2026 · Minutes
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Minutes of the Village Board Meeting
May 11, 2026
Village Board Room at Village Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER
Village President John Muraski called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
President Muraski called for a roll call.
Present: Village President John Muraski; Trustee Maria Lasecki, District 1; Trustee Chris Nielsen, District 2;
Trustee Cathy Hughes, District 3; Trustee Mike Nieft, District 5; Trustee Ray Suennen, District 6; Trustee
Adam Lemorande, District 7; Trustee Craig McAllister, District 8
Staff: Administrator Paul Evert, Director of Administrative Services Chris Haltom, Director of Public Works
Geoff Farr, Director of Engineering Josh Gerrits, Director of Community Development Dave Wiese, Fire
Chief Dennis Staeven, PIO/Deputy Clerk Ciara Hurrish, Village Attorney Bob Gagan
3. RECITE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Muraski led the meeting in the pledge.
4. REPORT BY THE VILLAGE PRESIDENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH OPEN MEETING LAWS
President Muraski read the following notice: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.81-19.98, the Village Board is
meeting to conduct public business. In accordance with state law, the meeting agenda was posted at Village
Hall, other municipal buildings, and on the Village of Howard website and was also distributed to the local
media and other requesters at least 24 business hours prior to the start of this meeting.
5. APPROVE THE AGENDA FOR THE MEETING
C. Hughes made a motion to approve the agenda. M. Lasecki seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
6. PUBLIC APPEARANCES
J. Muraski opened public appearances and invited members of the public to speak. No one stepped forward. J.
Muraski closed public appearances.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. Nielsen said he attended the League Spring Exchange and found the discussions regarding municipal
communications and resident engagement particularly insightful. He encouraged the Village to continue
focusing on effective communication with residents. He also noted that many municipalities are experiencing
stagnant or declining growth and expressed appreciation that the Village of Howard continues to see
residential development and growth opportunities. J. Muraski noted that C. Hurrish also attended a
government social media conference and returned with several new ideas related to municipal
communications.
8. COMMUNICATIONS
a. C. Haltom reviewed the Village’s updated and confirmed AA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s
rating agency.
9. APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
M. Lasecki made a motion to approve the consent agenda. C. Hughes seconded. The motion carried
unanimously, and the following items were approved:
a. The Village Board meeting minutes from April 27, 2026
b. The Municipal Invoices totaling $790,413.59, paid with checks #87258–87333
Village Board Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2026 Page 2 of 5
c. The following Operator Licenses
Operator licenses, per s. 125.17 of the Wisconsin Statutes and s. 12.02(4)(h) of the Howard Municipal
Code, if approved, are valid for a period of up to two years expiring on June 30.
i. Brenda Lee Hnilicka xiii. Jacob Lee Johnson
ii. Logan Christopher Schlegel xiv. Aaron Douglas Jensen
iii. Sierra Amber Malmborg xv. Luis Fernando Herrera
iv. Nong Yang xvi. Kelly Jean Healey
v. Benjamin John Thibodeau xvii. Brian John Healey
vi. John Frank Schwartz Jr. xviii. Addison Ann Hatch
vii. Michelle R. Motiff xix. Nicole Marie Hansen
viii. Ryan Paul Leland xx. Christina Marie Ciurro
ix. Emma Grace Kumbalek xxi. Hunter Edwin Grant
x. Douglas Charles Jubert xxii. Amanda Jane Sekey
xi. Jeffrey Scott Jordan Jr. xxiii. Louis Vincent Pileggi
xii. Wilma Sue Jones xxiv. Kendra Jean Komoroski
d. Class B Retailer’s license applications for the following Howard Suamico Youth Sports Association
events:
i. Baseball/Softball Tournament June 12–14, 2026 at Nouryon Sports Complex
ii. Baseball/Softball Tournament July 17–19, 2026 at Nouryon Sports Complex
iii. Baseball/Softball Tournament July 23–26, 2026 at Nouryon Sports Complex
e. Class A Beer License Renewals for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027:
i. Fleet Farm Group LLC/Fleet Farm Fuel Mart, 201 N. Taylor St.
ii. Fleet Farm Group LLC/Fleet Farm Retail Store, 213 N. Taylor St.
f. Class A Beer and Liquor – Behl 2 LLC/Shell, 1773 Cardinal Ln.
g. Class B Beer and Liquor for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027:
i. Hot Sake Sushi Bar & Kitchen LLC, 1773 B Cardinal Ln
ii. LJSW LLC / River’s Bend, 792 Riverview Drive
iii. Howard Commons Activity Complex, 550 Commons Place
iv. Olde 41, LLC, 1966 Velp Ave
v. Mexico Lindo, 445 Cardinal Ln # 104
vi. Village Green Golf Course, 302 Riverdale Drive
h. Appointments to the Police & Fire Commission with the following expiration dates:
FIRST LAST ST# STREET CITY Term Expire
Ann Watzka 2523 Telluride Trail Unit E Howard 5/1/2027
Alonzo Kelly 953 Coggins Ct. Howard 5/1/2028
Mike Ruby 3168 Atlantis Dr. Howard 5/1/2029
Patrick Laughlin 803 Windover Ct. Howard 5/1/2030
Ilya Dayter 3543 Becket Drive Howard 5/1/2031
Village Board Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2026 Page 3 of 5
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OR OLD BUSINESS ITEMS (NONE)
11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
a. Review and take action on Resolution 2026-15 Terminating Tax Incremental District #3
C. Haltom explained that the Village Board approved a one-year extension of TIF District #3 last
year to allow the Village to set aside increment revenue for affordable housing purposes. He noted
the Village plans to establish a new affordable housing fund using the remaining increment
generated by the district. C. Haltom explained that because the TIF was closed after April 15, the
Village will receive one additional year of tax increment revenue before the district officially closes.
He said TIF District #3 has recovered all project costs and was considered a successful district that
generated significant tax base growth for the Village. He noted the remaining excess revenue would
be placed into the future affordable housing fund and could be used for qualifying affordable
housing projects within the Village. C. Hughes made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-15
closing Tax Incremental Financing District No. 3. R. Suennen seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
b. Review and take action on Ordinance 2026-05 Amending Section 1-17c Deposits
P. Evert explained that the State recently increased the maximum municipal court costs that
municipalities are permitted to charge. He reviewed how forfeiture amounts are structured and
noted that a portion of the fees collected are remitted to the State. He said the Village has not
increased court costs in several years and that the proposed ordinance would allow the Village to
adopt the updated maximum court cost amount permitted by the State. R. Suennen made a motion
to approve Ordinance 2026-05, increasing court costs to $48. A. Lemorande seconded. The motion
carried unanimously.
c. Review and take action on Resolution 2026-16 Amending the Village Bond Schedule
P. Evert explained that the revised bond schedule reflects the updated municipal court costs
approved under Ordinance 2026-05. M. Lasecki made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-16,
adopting the revised bond schedule. C. Nielsen seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
d. Review and take action on Ordinance 2026-06, amending Village Parking Regulations on a
portion of Millwood Lane
G. Farr explained that the proposed ordinance relates to parking within the undeveloped Millwood
Lane right-of-way. He said the Village has experienced ongoing issues with vehicles being parked
within the right-of-way and noted the ordinance would allow the Village to issue citations or tow
vehicles if necessary. He added that the intent of the ordinance was to address ongoing compliance
concerns and maintain the public right-of-way. Board discussion followed regarding the existing
use of the area, future roadway development, enforcement concerns, and potential impacts to
neighboring property owners. C. Hughes moved to suspend the rules to allow public comment
regarding the item. R. Suennen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Ryan Malueg, owner of
property adjacent to Millwood Lane, addressed the Board regarding concerns with the proposed
ordinance. He explained that Millwood Lane provides legal access to his property and said he
periodically uses the area while conducting activities on his property. He requested the Board
consider restricting only overnight parking rather than all parking within the right-of-way. C.
Hughes moved to return to regular order. J. Muraski seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Additional Board discussion followed regarding enforcement consistency and the need for clear
parking regulations within the right-of-way. C. Hughes made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-
06 prohibiting parking on a portion of Millwood Lane. C. McAllister seconded. Motion carried 7-1
(No: R. Suennen)
Village Board Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2026 Page 4 of 5
e. Review and take action on Transportation Resolution 2026-17
G. Farr explained that the League of Wisconsin Municipalities is encouraging municipalities
throughout the state to adopt a transportation funding resolution urging the State Legislature to
continue addressing transportation aid funding needs. He noted the resolution highlights concerns
regarding deteriorating road conditions and transportation funding not keeping pace with inflation.
He added that adoption of the resolution would support the League’s ongoing legislative advocacy
efforts. C. Nielsen made a motion to approve Transportation Resolution 2026-17. M. Lasecki
seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
f. Review and take action on Resolution 2026-18 declaring the intent to vacate a portion of
Security Boulevard
G. Farr explained that the proposed resolution is related to the Grid Iron Plat development
currently under review by the Village. He said the request involves vacating a portion of the
Security Boulevard right-of-way to allow for the creation of additional residential lots as part of the
development. He noted the area of right-of-way is larger than necessary and that the action is
complementary to the proposed plat approval process. If the resolution is approved, the Village
would publish the required notices, notify adjacent property owners, and schedule a public hearing
for final consideration at a future Village Board meeting. Board discussion followed regarding the
location of the property, ownership of the vacated land, and the proposed residential development
associated with the plat. Staff clarified that the area would be developed with single-family
homes/townhomes as part of the Grid Iron development. M. Lasecki made a motion to approve
Resolution 2026-18. C. Hughes seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
g. Review and take action on awarding the Hillsdale Heights utility project (bid opening on
5/11/26)
J. Gerrits explained that the Hillsdale Heights project includes the construction of a single-family
subdivision south of Hillsdale Court consisting of residential lots and a cul-de-sac roadway. He said
the project includes installation of utilities, roadway infrastructure, and stormwater improvements
connected to the regional stormwater pond completed previously. He noted that much of the
project cost will be borne by the developer and that the Village’s portion relates primarily to a
planned off-street trail connection near the stormwater pond. J. Gerrits said Dorner was the low
bidder for the utility project and noted construction is anticipated to begin in late June and continue
into early fall. C. Nielsen moved to award the Hillsdale Heights Utility Project to Dorner Inc.,
contingent on attorney review of the contracts. A. Lemorande seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
h. Review and take action on awarding the Hillsdale Heights roadway project (bid opening on
5/11/26)
J. Gerrits explained that McKeefry & Sons was the low bidder for the roadway portion of the
Hillsdale Heights project. M. Lasecki moved to award the Hillsdale Heights Roadway Project to
McKeefry & Sons, Inc., contingent on attorney review of the contracts. C. Nielsen seconded. The
motion carried unanimously.
i. Review the draft 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
P. Evert reviewed proposed updates to the Village’s draft 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, including
revisions to the mission statement, vision statement, motto, values, and goals. He explained that the
Strategic Planning Committee focused heavily on strengthening communication with residents,
visitors, and stakeholders, which resulted in communication becoming a standalone goal within the
updated plan. He also noted revisions emphasizing long-term financial sustainability and the
Village’s continued focus on public safety and health services. J. Muraski explained the distinction
Village Board Meeting Minutes, May 11, 2026 Page 5 of 5
between the Village’s mission statement and vision statement, noting that the mission reflects the
Village’s current role and services, while the vision reflects long-term aspirations for the
community. P. Evert stated that future meetings would include additional discussion regarding
objectives and implementation strategies within the Strategic Plan. Board members thanked the
Strategic Planning Committee for their work and collaboration throughout the process and
expressed support for the proposed direction of the draft plan. No action was taken.
12. REPORTS OF VILLAGE OFFICIALS
a. C. Haltom presented a financial report for the period ending April 30, 2026, for the General Fund
and the Village Green Golf Course. No action was taken.
13. CLOSED SESSION
R. Suennen made a motion to move into a closed session. C. McAllister seconded. The motion carried
unanimously. The Village Board of the Village of Howard convened into closed session pursuant to Sec.
19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats, to discuss a development agreement with T. Wall Enterprises.
14. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
C. Nielsen made a motion to return to open session. C. Hughes seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
a. No action was taken on the T. Wall Enterprises development agreement.
b. Due to Memorial Day Holiday, staff and board members discussed whether to hold the second
meeting of May 2026 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. J. Muraski made a motion to cancel the second
meeting in May. C McAllister seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
15. ADJOURNMENT
C. McAllister made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m. R. Suennen seconded. The motion carried
unanimously.
Ciara Hurrish
PIO/Deputy Clerk
Source: Village of Howard website. First collected Oct 15, 2026.