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Village of Howard · Brown County · meeting of Apr 13, 2026 · Minutes

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Minutes of the Village Board Meeting April 13, 2026 Village Board Room at Village Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER Village President Burt R. McIntyre called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL President McIntyre called for a roll call. Present: Village President Burt R. McIntyre; Trustee Maria Lasecki, District 1; Trustee Chris Nielsen, District 2; Trustee Cathy Hughes, District 3; Trustee John Muraski, District 4; Trustee Scott Beyer, 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 Community Development Dave Wiese, Fire Chief Dennis Staeven, PIO/Deputy Clerk Ciara Hurrish 3. RECITE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President McIntyre led the meeting in the pledge. 4. REPORT BY THE VILLAGE PRESIDENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH OPEN MEETING LAWS President McIntyre 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. C. Nielsen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 6. PUBLIC APPEARANCES B. McIntyre opened public appearances and invited members of the public to speak. Mike Barlament, 706 Frederick Court, addressed the Board regarding the mini-warehouse ordinance. He requested that the Village Board reconsider the ordinance changes that removed mini warehouse use from the industrial zoning district and expressed concern that his property was not grandfathered in after the zoning change. Director of Community Development D. Wiese explained that the Village previously amended the General Industrial zoning district to remove certain uses, including mini warehousing. He noted that any change would require action by the Village Board or Plan Commission to initiate a zoning amendment. Wiese added that a legal review would be needed to determine if grandfathering would apply. Trustee C. Hughes indicated she would follow up with staff regarding the request as a potential future agenda item. Mike Nieft, 1214 Velsen Road, spoke in support of the proposed Fire Station #2 addition (Agenda Item 11a). He emphasized the importance of timely emergency response, particularly in the western portion of the Village, and noted that the area is continuing to develop. He stated that the proposed addition is a critical step toward improving response times. No additional speakers came forward. B. McIntyre closed public appearances. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS/ANNOUNCEMENTS (NONE) 8. COMMUNICATIONS a. Presentation by Representative David Steffen, including a State of Wisconsin legislative citation recognizing President Burt McIntyre’s 18 years of service as Village President and 3 years as Trustee. b. Thank you card from City of Green Bay Metro Fire in recognition of assistance provided during a recent fire response. c. Recognition of President Burt McIntyre’s retirement, including presentation of commemorative items from staff (personalized gavel, firefighter helmet and street sign) Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 13, 2026 Page 2 of 4 9. APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA C. Nielsen moved 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 March 23, 2026 b. The Municipal Invoices totaling $743,578.18, with checks #86910-87019 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. Megan Marie Milan ii. Melissa Ann Rottier iii. Aaron Anthony Wolf iv. Gou Vang v. Deborah Lynn Ament vi. Alexa Lynn Van Hen d. The renewal of 2026-27 Class A beer and liquor license application for the following: i. American Petroleum LLC/Howard Central BP, 2002 Velp Ave. e. The renewal 2026-27 Class B beer only license application for the following: i. Duck Creek Softball Association, 775 Riverview Dr. ii. New Perspective Howard, 2790 Elm Tree Hill, Green Bay f. The renewal of 2026-27 Class B beer and liquor license applications for the following: i. Avenue Bar LLC, 1745 Velp Ave. ii. CB’s Tap, 1674 Velp Ave. iii. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill LLC, 1985 Velp Ave. iv. Rock Garden Inc, 1951 Bond St. g. The renewal of 2026-27 Class W wine only license applications for: i. New Perspective Howard, 2790 Elm Tree Hill, Green Bay h. Change Order #5 to Dave Tenor Corporation for the Lineville / Brookfield Sanitary Sewer and Watermain Construction Contract involving a $118,209.24 decrease. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS OR OLD BUSINESS ITEMS (NONE) 11. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS a. Review and take action on a proposed addition to Fire Station #2 Fire Chief D. Staeven explained that the Village has been working with contractors for approximately one year on the proposed addition to Fire Station #2, with Miron Construction identified as the lowest bidder. He noted that the project estimate increased from earlier projections following additional design work and code requirements, including ADA compliance and building system updates such as fire suppression and HVAC. Staeven stated that the addition is intended to improve emergency response times, particularly in the western portion of the Village, which currently falls below national standards. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in late spring and be completed in early 2027. C. Haltom explained that the project would be financed through borrowing and would have a tax impact. The Board discussed the increase in project costs, with several trustees expressing support for the project while also raising concerns about cost increases and requesting additional clarification. Some trustees suggested briefly delaying action to allow for further review, while others emphasized the urgency and necessity of the project to improve public safety and response times. J. Muraski made a motion to approve the building Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 13, 2026 Page 3 of 4 addition to fire station #2 at a cost of 2.5 million dollars. C. Hughes seconded. The motion carried 8:1 (No: C. Nielsen) b. Review and take action on Resolution 2026-11 increasing storm water rates for all customers Director of Administrative Services C. Haltom reviewed his report regarding the financial status of the stormwater utility. He explained that recent revenue has relied heavily on interest income, which is expected to decrease, and noted that the utility has historically generated limited surplus. Haltom explained the proposed rate increase and how stormwater charges are calculated based on equivalent runoff units (ERUs), which reflect the amount of impervious surface on a property. He also noted that the increase would take effect with billings prepared in May 2026. The Board discussed the proposed increase, including impacts to residential and commercial properties, long- term financial sustainability of the utility, and the role of the utility in supporting development. Trustees expressed varying perspectives, with some emphasizing the need to plan for future costs and maintain the utility, while others raised concerns about the impact on residents and businesses and the fairness of the rate structure. R. Suennen made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-11 amending storm water rates effective for billings being prepared in May 2026. J. Muraski seconded. The motion carried 7:2 (No: C. McAllister, C. Hughes) c. Review and take action on Ordinance 2026-4 increasing sanitary sewer rates for all customers Director of Administrative Services C. Haltom reviewed his report regarding the sanitary sewer utility. He explained that the proposed rate increase is primarily driven by increased costs from the regional wastewater treatment provider, as well as ongoing operating deficits within the utility. Haltom noted that the increase is not related to future borrowing, but rather to address current cost increases. Staff also discussed ongoing efforts to investigate unusually high strength levels in wastewater, which are contributing to higher treatment costs. A consultant has been engaged to review the system, verify data, and identify potential sources of the issue. The Board discussed the proposed increase, including the impact on residents and businesses, uncertainty surrounding the cause of increased costs, and whether to wait for results of the ongoing study. Some trustees expressed concern about approving an increase prior to receiving study results, while others emphasized the need to act now to address rising costs and avoid larger deficits. R. Suennen made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-4 as presented which amends sewer rates effective for billings being prepared after May 1, 2026. A. Lemorande seconded. The motion carried 8:1 (No: C. Hughes) d. Review and take action on Resolution 2026-12 to Authorize and Provide for the Issuance and Establishing Parameters for the Sale of Note to Exceed $8,000,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026 Director of Administrative Services C. Haltom reviewed the proposed borrowing and explained how the funds would be allocated across various capital projects, including utilities, Fire Station #2, and Tax Increment District improvements. He noted that adjustments had been made to reduce borrowing needs where possible and that some projects would be funded through their respective utilities. Haltom explained that certain portions of the borrowing would have an impact on the tax levy, while others would be supported through utility revenues or Tax Increment District funds. He also noted that the allocation of funds could be adjusted among projects if needed. The Board discussed the proposed borrowing, including the impact on residents, financing strategies, and the need to balance project funding with long-term financial planning. Trustees emphasized the importance of evaluating future budget impacts and identifying ways to manage costs moving forward. A. Lemorande made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-12 establishing parameters for the sale not to exceed $8.0 million general obligation promissory notes. C. Hughes seconded. Motion carried 8:1 (No: C. McAllister) Village Board Meeting Minutes, April 13, 2026 Page 4 of 4 e. Review and take action on Resolution 2026-13 a Relocation Order for the laying out, re- alignment, extension, and construction of N. Taylor Street sidewalk. Director of Public Works G. Farr explained that the project is a grant-funded sidewalk improvement along N. Taylor Street, primarily funded through a state program. The project would construct a sidewalk on the west side of the road where one does not currently exist and includes necessary right-of-way and easement acquisitions. He noted that most of the required property is already available, with minimal additional acquisition anticipated. Farr stated that the project would improve pedestrian connectivity and safety in the area and is anticipated to move forward in 2027. The Board discussed the project, including its cost, grant funding, and overall need. Some trustees expressed concern about the Village’s financial responsibilities, while others emphasized the importance of safety, connectivity, and taking advantage of available grant funding. C. Hughes made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-13 a Relocation Order for Sidewalk as described. R. Suennen seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 12. REPORTS OF VILLAGE OFFICIALS a. C. Haltom gave a financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026 for the General Fund and the three utilities. No action was taken. 13. CLOSED SESSION (NONE) 14. FINAL PRESIDENT MCINTYRE’S REPORT President McIntyre thanked the Board for their service and collaboration over the years. He noted that while members may come to meetings with differing perspectives, the Board has consistently worked together respectfully and without personal conflict. He expressed appreciation for the support he received during his tenure and stated that it has been a pleasure to serve with the group. President McIntyre added that he will miss serving but believes it is the right time to step away and expressed confidence in the leadership moving forward. 15. ADJOURNMENT S Beyer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m. B. McIntyre seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Ciara Hurrish PIO/Deputy Clerk

Source: Village of Howard website. First collected Oct 15, 2026.