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Minutes of the Village Board Meeting April 27, 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 (virtually), 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 Clerk Kathleen Jurecki 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 moved 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 M. Lasecki requested a future agenda item to review Village ordinances related to construction start times. She noted receiving a constituent complaint regarding early morning construction activity, with work beginning as early as 6:00–6:15 a.m. Lasecki stated that, after discussing the matter with administration, it was determined that the Village does not currently have an ordinance regulating construction start times. She requested the item be brought forward for discussion to consider establishing a consistent policy. 8. HONORARY SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR VILLAGE PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEES Village Clerk Kathleen Jurecki conducted a ceremonial oath of office for Village President John Muraski and for newly elected Trustee Mike Nieft, re-elected Trustee Cathy Hughes, and re-elected Trustee Ray Suennen. 9. COMMUNICATIONS a. The auditor from Hawkins Ash presented their audit report on the annual comprehensive financial report for the period ending December 31, 2025. 10. APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA A. Lemorande moved to approve the consent agenda. M. Lasecki seconded. The motion carried unanimously, and the following items were approved: a. The Village Board meeting minutes from April 13, 2026 b. The Plan Commission meeting minutes from April 20, 2026 Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 27, 2026 Page 2 of 5 c. The Municipal Invoices totaling $1,427,739.87, paid with checks #87148–87231 d. 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. Ryan D. Vollmer ii. Denice Renee Splitgerber e. The renewal of 2026-27 Class B beer and liquor license applications for the following: i. Iron Duck LLC/Iron Duck Restaurant, 2525 Velp Ave f. The following committee appointments and re-appointments: Name Committee Years Term Expire Bruce Wolf Room Tax Commission 1 April 2027 Aaron Wolf Room Tax Commission 1 April 2027 John Muraski Room Tax Commission (Alternate) 1 April 2027 Mike Soletski Plan Commission 3 April 2029 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OR OLD BUSINESS ITEMS (NONE) 12. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS a. 6:35 Public Hearing Regarding “Proposed Special Assessments on Glendale Avenue” J. Gerrits explained that Items 12a and 12b are related and provided an overview of the proposed special assessments associated with an upcoming sanitary sewer project. He noted that the assessments apply to benefiting property owners and outlined the general structure of the payment plans, including deferred options. He also stated that connections are not required at this time under current ordinances. President Muraski opened the public hearing and invited comments. No one spoke. The public hearing was closed. Board members asked questions regarding the scope of the project, potential future assessments, and communication with affected residents. b. Review and take action on Final Resolution 2026-14 authorizing the levying of special assessments on Glendale Avenue A. Lemorande made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-14 authorizing the levying of special assessments against benefited property on Glendale Avenue. C. Nielsen seconded. The motion carried 6:2 (No: C. McAllister, C. Hughes) c. Review and take action on awarding the Glendale Avenue Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Construction project to PTS Contractors, Inc. for $2,258,707.00 contingent on attorney review of contracts J. Gerrits stated that the Village received three bids for the project, with PTS Contractors, Inc. submitting the lowest responsible bid. He noted that PTS has completed similar projects for the Village in the past and is experienced with this type of work. He also explained that construction is anticipated to begin later in the year, following coordination efforts and necessary preparations. Board members discussed the bid, including questions related to potential change orders and project conditions. M. Lasecki made a motion to award the Glendale Avenue Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Project to PTS Contractors, Inc. for $2,258,707.00, contingent on attorney review of the contracts. R. Suennen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 27, 2026 Page 3 of 5 d. Review and take action on extraterritorial Certified Survey Map for PI-453-1, Town of Pittsfield D. Wiese explained that the proposed Certified Survey Map is located within the Village’s extraterritorial review area. The request is to create a new residential lot from a larger parent parcel. He noted that the Village’s primary concern is ensuring consistency with utility easement language. Staff recommended approval with that condition. Board members discussed the Village’s role in reviewing extraterritorial survey maps and considerations for future development. C. Hughes made a motion to approve the extraterritorial Certified Survey Map for PI-453-1, Town of Pittsfield with the Village of Howard utility easement language included on the CSM. M. Nieft seconded. The motion carried unanimously. e. Review and take action on Certified Survey Map for Beckn Properties, VH-230-01 D. Wiese explained that the proposed Certified Survey Map would divide the property into three residential lots. He noted that the property is currently zoned rural residential and will require rezoning, which is scheduled for review by the Plan Commission. Staff recommended approval contingent upon rezoning and connection of the existing home to utilities. Board members discussed the size of the proposed lots and general development considerations. M. Lasecki made a motion to approve the Certified Survey Map for Beckn Properties LLC (Parcel No. VH-230-01) with the conditions: 1. Property needs to be rezoned 2. Existing home needs to be connected to utilities C. Hughes seconded. The motion carried unanimously. f. Review and take action on Certified Survey Map for C Roffers LLC VH-4093, 4029 Antwerp Avenue D. Wiese explained that the proposed Certified Survey Map would divide an existing lot into three residential lots within an established subdivision. He noted that the property contains wetlands, and the applicant is working with the DNR to obtain the necessary permits. Staff recommended approval contingent upon DNR approval and installation of new utility laterals at the developer’s expense. Board members discussed site conditions and wetland considerations. J. Muraski made a motion to approve the Certified Survey Map CSM for C Roffers LLC VH-4093, 4029 Antwerp Avenue with the conditions: 1. DNR approval 2. New utilities (laterals) installed at developers’ cost C. Nielsen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. g. Review and take action on the development agreement with MVP Developers LLC for Lacona Heights P. Evert explained that this is one of several development agreements before the Board and outlined the general terms, including financing structure and interest rate. Board members discussed the proposed interest rate, including how it compares to current market rates, the Village’s role in financing, and the balance between supporting development and ensuring responsible use of public funds. There was general consensus to maintain the proposed rate for this agreement, with interest in establishing a more consistent approach for future agreements. A. Lemorande made a motion to approve the Agreement Waiving Notice and Agreeing to Special Assessments. C. Nielsen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. h. Review and take action on the development agreement with Day Break Development for the Cottages at Hidden Creek Second and Fourth Additions Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 27, 2026 Page 4 of 5 P. Evert explained that this development agreement is similar to the previous item and represents the next phases of the subdivision, which will complete the development. He noted that the agreement follows the same general terms as previously discussed. C. Nielsen made a motion to approve the Agreement Waiving Notice and Agreeing to Special Assessments. M. Lasecki seconded. The motion carried unanimously. i. Review and take action on awarding the Lacona Heights and Cottages at Hidden Creek 4th Addition utility project to Dorner Inc. for $897,167.20, contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreements and recording of plats J. Gerrits explained that the utility work for these two nearby developments was combined into a single project. He noted that Dorner, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder and has completed similar work for the Village in the past. He also outlined contingencies, including attorney review, execution of developer agreements, and recording of plats. M. Lasecki made a motion to award the Lacona Heights & Cottages at Hidden Creek 4th Addition utility project to Dorner, Inc. for $897,167.20 contingent upon attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreements and recording of plats. A. Lemorande seconded. The motion carried unanimously. j. Review and take action on awarding the Lacona Heights and Cottages at Hidden Creek 4th Addition roadway project to Dorner Inc. for $867,606.30, contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreements and recording of plats J. Gerrits stated that Dorner, Inc. also submitted the lowest responsible bid for the roadway portion of the project and recommended approval under the same contingencies. C. Nielsen made a motion to award the Lacona Heights & Cottages at Hidden Creek 4th Addition roadway project to Dorner Inc. for $867,606.30 contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreement and recording of plats. A. Lemorande seconded. The motion carried unanimously. k. Review and take action on the development agreement with RP Holdings LLC for the Plat of Kropps Corner P. Evert explained that this development agreement follows the same general terms as the previous agreements, including the interest rate and repayment structure. M. Nieft made a motion to approve the Agreement Waiving Notice and Agreeing to Special Assessments. A. Lemorande seconded. The motion carried unanimously. l. Review and take action on awarding the Kropps Corner utility project to MC Excavating, LLC for $506,453.25, contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreements and recording of plat J. Gerrits explained that the utility and roadway work for this project were bid together, with MC Excavating, LLC submitting the lowest responsible bid. He noted that the project is fully developer- funded and that the contractor has prior experience working with the Village. M. Lasecki made a motion to award the Kropps Corner utility project to MC Excavating, LLC for $506,453.25 contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreements and recording of plat. C. Nielsen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. m. Review and take action on awarding the Kropps Corner roadway project to MC Excavating, LLC for $380,455.50, contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreements and recording of plat J. Gerrits stated that MC Excavating, LLC also submitted the lowest responsible bid for the roadway portion of the project and recommended approval under the same contingencies. C. Hughes made a motion to award the Kropps Corner roadway project to MC Excavating, LLC for $380,455.50 contingent on attorney review of the contracts, signed Developer’s Agreement and recording of plat. M. Nieft seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 27, 2026 Page 5 of 5 n. Review and take action on awarding the Brantwood, Elmhurst, Fairdale, and River Grove Watermain & Roadway Construction Project to DeGroot, Inc. for $836,301.46 contingent on attorney review of contracts J. Gerrits explained that the project involves replacing aging water infrastructure and completing associated roadway improvements in an older area of the Village. He noted that DeGroot, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder and has experience completing similar work for the Village. C. McAllister made a motion to award the Brantwood, Elmhurst, Fairdale and River Grove Watermain & Roadway Construction Project to DeGroot, Inc. for $836,301.46 contingent on attorney review of the contracts. R. Suennen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 13. REPORTS OF VILLAGE OFFICIALS a. Process to fill Municipal Judge & Trustee, District 4 (Wards 7-8) vacancies. President Muraski explained that vacancies currently exist for the Municipal Judge position and the Village Trustee seat. He proposed a transparent process to fill both positions, including a public call for applicants and the formation of two small committees to review candidates and make recommendations to the full Board. For the Municipal Judge appointment, Trustees M. Nieft and A. Lemorande were appointed to serve on the review committee with the Village President. For the Village Trustee appointment, Trustees C. McAllister and C. Nielsen were appointed to serve on the review committee with the Village President. The Board briefly discussed the process. 14. CLOSED SESSION (NONE) 15. ADJOURNMENT M. Lasecki made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m. C. Hughes seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Ciara Hurrish PIO/Deputy Clerk