Public Works Committee Meeting — Agenda Packet

VILLAGE OF MOUNT HOREB E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone: (608) 437-6884 Fax: (608) 437-3190 Email: mhinfo@mounthorebwi.info Web: mounthorebwi.info PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE AGENDA Monday, July 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM Municipal Building Board Room 138 E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 1) Call to order 2) Roll Call 3) Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items* 4) Agenda Items a. Introduction of the new Village Administrator - Gabe Altenbernd b. Consider approval of the April 27, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting minutes c. Discuss Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan budget requests with Scott Roethle d. Consider 2027-2031 Street Construction Plan e. Consider 2027-2031 Capital Budget requests f. Public Services Director's Report 5) Future agenda items 6) Meeting adjournment. *Public Comment Policy Members of the public are invited to speak at meetings of all Mount Horeb Public Bodies. To comment, please complete a Public Comment Form at the Meeting Room entrance and submit it to staff before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes, must be made from the podium, and the speaker must return to the audience after speaking. • Non-agenda item comments are heard at the start of the meeting. Public Body members and staff will not engage in discussion during public comment but may consider topics for future agendas. • Agenda item comments are heard during the relevant item, after the proposers or staff present the item and before Public Body discussion. All public comments on the item will be heard before any discussion by the Public Body. Members of the public will only be allowed to speak outside these public comment times if they are invited by the meeting chair to share additional information requested by the Public Body. If so invited to speak, the member of the public must do so from the podium. Written comments are also welcome. Written comments shall include the name and address of the submitter and should be submitted to the Deputy Treasurer/Governance Coordinator by email at niki.erickson@mounthorebwi.info (subject line: Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body) or delivered by to the Village at: 138 E Main Street, Mount Horeb WI, Page 1 of 23 53572, ATTN Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body. UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, CONTACT ALYSSA GAFFNEY, CLERK, AT 138 E MAIN STREET, MOUNT HOREB, WI (608) 437-9404. Page 2 of 23 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY July 27, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.b Consider approval of the April 27, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting minutes BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. pw comm minutes 4.27.26 Page 3 of 23 Page 4 of 23 Page 5 of 23 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY July 27, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.c Discuss Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan budget requests with Scott Roethle BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. Mount Horeb Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan_v4 Page 6 of 23 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PLAN PURPOSE Mount Horeb is a community that values safety, sustainability, and active living. This plan outlines steps to make walking and biking safer, easier, and more enjoyable for residents of all ages. By improving our streets and pathways, we support healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen our village’s sense of connection. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee Tim White, Trustee Sarah Best, Trustee Kerry Beheler, Citizen Representative Scott Roethle, Citizen Representative Elizabeth Grabe, Citizen Representative Jack Salttes, Citizen Representative Aaron Fendrick, Student Representative Village Staff: Nic Owen, Village Administrator Doug Vierck, Police Department Chief Steve Salerno, Mount Horeb School District Administrator VISION STATEMENT A Mount Horeb where everyone can comfortably walk or bike to school, parks, shops, and community destinations. COMMUNITY CONTEXT Mount Horeb’s compact layout and existing trail system make it well-suited for active transportation, with the Military Ridge State Trail, the downtown district, and nearby school campuses serving as major activity hubs. At the same time, high traffic volumes on Main Street and Springdale Street create challenges for people walking and biking. Seasonal tourism and community events further increase foot and bicycle activity throughout the year, underscoring the need for safe, comfortable travel options for all users. Page 7 of 23 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The plan aims to improve safety for all travelers by enhancing visibility at key locations, upgrading crossings, and creating safe, low-stress bicycle routes. It also seeks to increase walking and biking by establishing continuous, well-connected routes, improving overall comfort and convenience, and supporting Safe Routes to School initiatives. Finally, the plan promotes sustainability and community health by reducing dependence on vehicles, encouraging active transportation, and advancing broader climate and sustainability goals. EDUCATION Engineering improvements alone are not sufficient to achieve lasting pedestrian and bicycle safety outcomes. Ongoing public education is essential to increasing driver awareness and improving compliance with pedestrian and bicycle laws. Recommended initiatives include:  Driver awareness campaigns emphasizing yielding requirements and speed compliance  Crosswalk safety campaigns highlighting proper driver and pedestrian behavior  Roundabout safety campaigns  Bicycle skills workshops for youth and adults to build confidence and safe riding practices  Helmet distribution partnerships to improve access to properly fitted safety equipment  The Village will continue to support and expand Safe Routes to School initiatives that promote safe, active transportation for students and families.  Public outreach should be coordinated seasonally and aligned with high-traffic events, including National Bike Month and community festivals. BICYCLE NETWORK & DESIGNATED ROUTES To build a safer, more connected village, Mount Horeb will establish two designated bicycle routes that help riders travel comfortably across town without relying on high-traffic streets. Wayfinding signs will be installed along each route to raise awareness and guide bicycle traffic along these routes. The base cost for this project would likely be $3,250 for the signage, plus labor cost for installation. Estimate is based on 10 signs per mile on the 2.6-mile bike route. Wisconsin DOT estimates cost $125/sign. Cost shall be finalized and included in the 2027 budget. EAST / WEST ROUTE: Connecting Parks, Schools, Downtown, and the library 1.3 Miles | +87 FT / -36 FT Elevation Change (West to East) POINTS OF INTEREST:  Western Terminus: Grundahl Park.  Garfield Park  Downtown Mount Horeb Business District  Mount Horeb Middle School  Viking Park (Tennis/Pickleball Courts) Page 8 of 23  Liberty Park  Mount Horeb Intermediate School  Eastern Terminus: Mount Horeb Public Library NORTH / SOUTH ROUTE: Connecting Aquatic Center, Downtown, Elementary School and Hofstetter Conservation Park 1.3 Miles | +26 FT / -105 FT Elevation Change (North to South) POINTS OF INTEREST:  Northern Terminus: Aquatic Center  Downtown Mount Horeb Business District  Garfield Park  Mount Horeb Elementary School  Southern Terminus: Hofstetter Conservation Click to View Interactive Map Page 9 of 23 BICYCLE STORAGE Providing additional bicycle parking is a practical way for Mount Horeb to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety while supporting broader mobility goals. As bicycling continues to grow, including the rapid adoption of electric bicycles, more residents are traveling farther and using bikes for everyday trips. E-bikes are heavier, more valuable, and often used by riders who may not feel comfortable carrying them inside buildings, which increases the need for stable, secure outdoor bike storage. Bike racks reduce sidewalk clutter, prevent unsafe locking to railings or signs, discourage theft, and create more orderly, predictable pedestrian spaces. By clearly defining where bicycles should be parked, the village can improve accessibility, sightlines, and overall safety for all users of the public right of way. Establishing a dedicated $1,500 per year budget for bicycle rack installation is a low-cost, high-impact implementation strategy within the pedestrian and bicycle safety plan. This funding level is sufficient to install multiple commercial-grade bike parking spaces at a single location each year, allowing the village to focus on priority areas such as downtown, schools, and parks. PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT: MAIN STREET CROSSWALKS Tourism plays a significant role in Mount Horeb’s local economy. Visitors are drawn to the Village to experience the Trollway, local shops, restaurants, and community events. As a result, downtown Main Street functions not only as a transportation corridor, but also as a pedestrian-oriented destination. Many visitors are unfamiliar with downtown parking locations and traffic patterns. This can create confusion and increase the likelihood of mid-block crossings or unsafe crossing attempts along Main Street. The situation is further intensified during the weekly Farmers Market, which is located along this corridor and coincides with evening peak traffic volumes. During these periods, both pedestrian and vehicle activity increase substantially, elevating the potential for conflict. High-visibility crosswalk markings are a proven safety counter measure that can significantly improve pedestrian visibility and driver yielding behavior. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), enhanced crosswalk visibility treatments have been shown to reduce pedestrian injury crashes by up to 40 percent. Implementing high-visibility crosswalks in key downtown locations would support tourism, improve pedestrian comfort, and enhance overall safety for residents and visitors. Page 10 of 23  High-visibility continental (ladder) or bar-pair crosswalk markings Constructed using thermoplastic or inlay tape.  MUTCD-compliant R1-6 “State Law – Yield to Pedestrian” signs Installed on both sides of the crosswalk Main street has 10 crosswalks that are considered midblock or at uncontrolled intersections that would benefit from high-visibility markings. The village will upgrade a minimum of 2 crosswalks per year – completing the project by 2031. The Village shall budget $5,000/year to cover these costs. Recent municipal pavement-marking bids and WisDOT estimating trends indicate that high-visibility thermoplastic crosswalks with MUTCD-compliant R1-6 signing typically cost between $1,700 and $2,900 per location, making a planning budget of approximately $2,500 per crossing reasonable for Mount Horeb. Page 11 of 23 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT: SIDEWALK NETWORK ENHANCEMENTS Mount Horeb should continue to implement its adopted Sidewalk Circulation Plan and related sidewalk construction, maintenance, and inspection policies, which together provide a clear, consistent, and effective framework for improving pedestrian safety and connectivity. The Circulation Plan identifies specific sidewalk gaps, prioritizes connections to schools, parks, and other high-use community destinations, and coordinates sidewalk installation with street reconstruction, redevelopment, and budget considerations, reflecting an incremental and fiscally responsible approach that is already being actively implemented. Complementary Village policies governing sidewalk construction, cost-sharing, and routine safety inspections ensure sidewalks are built to consistent standards, maintained in a reasonably safe condition, and repaired based on objective hazard criteria and pedestrian demand. Continuing these established programs affirms the Village’s commitment to a safe, accessible, and connected pedestrian network while supporting broader goals for walkability, active transportation, and community livability without creating new or redundant policies. ENFORCEMENT Targeted, data-informed enforcement supports engineering and education efforts by reinforcing safe behaviors. In collaboration with the Mount Horeb Police Department, the Village will prioritize:  Targeted speed enforcement in school zones and high-pedestrian corridors  Crosswalk yield enforcement operations downtown and other high-activity areas  Ongoing coordination between enforcement personnel and safety committees to address emerging concerns DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION The Village will establish an ongoing collaboration between the Mount Horeb Police Department, Public Safety Committee and the Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee to conduct an annual review of pedestrian and bicycle safety conditions. This review will include:  Analysis of reported crash data involving pedestrians and bicyclists  Collection of pedestrian and bicycle counts at key corridors and crossings  Community engagement to assess perceived safety, barriers, and areas of concern Conducting this evaluation on an annual basis will allow the Village to monitor trends, identify emerging issues, and measure the effectiveness of implemented safety improvements. The review will take place each May to align with National Bike Month, reinforcing the Village’s commitment to active transportation and providing an opportunity to share findings with the community. Page 12 of 23 IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE Timeline Action Lead Estimated Cost 2026 Create Education Plan Police Dept, Schools, SNR, Parks & Recreation $0 2026 Enhance Public Access to Walking and Biking Information (website update) Village Staff $0 2027 Install Bicycle Network Wayfinding and Crossing Signage Village Staff, Public Works $3,250 2027 2nd Street Reconstruction – Bike Lanes, Wayfinding and Crossing Signage Public Works, Village Engineer TBD 2027–2031 High Visibility Crosswalks on Main Street Village Staff, Public Works $5,000/year (2027-2031) Annual Add Bicycle Racks at Key Destinations Village Staff, Public Works, Parks Dept $1,500/year Annual (May) Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Review (crash data, counts, community engagement) Police Dept, Public Safety Committee, SNR $0 Future Pave Military Ridge State Trail Village Staff TBD Page 13 of 23 IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY 2026: Develop Education Plan In 2026, the Village will lead the creation of a coordinated education and encouragement strategy focused on safe walking and biking. This effort will be a collaboration between the Mount Horeb Police Department, Mount Horeb Area Schools, the Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee, and the Recreation Department. The plan will outline appropriate school programs, community training resources, and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safe travel behavior. 2026: Enhance Public Access to Walking and Biking Information The Village website shall be updated to provide clear, easy access to pedestrian and bicycle planning resources. These additions will help residents identify safe routes, understand local infrastructure, and stay informed about ongoing improvements. Web links will include: Low-Stress Route Finder Dane County Bike Map Pedestrian Facilities Map 2027: Install Bicycle Network Wayfinding and Crossing Signage To improve navigation and support a low-stress transportation network, new wayfinding signs and bicycle/pedestrian crossing signs will be added along designated routes. This will enhance safety by clearly directing riders and increasing driver awareness at key conflict points. DOT Property Signs NACTO - Bike Wayfinding Routes 2027: 2nd Street Reconstruction – Bike Lanes, Wayfinding and Crossing Signage Planned reconstruction of 2nd Street in 2027 offers an opportunity to integrate bicycle infrastructure. The Village should install bicycle lane pavement markings when feasible from Lincoln Street to Carver Street, improving north–south connectivity and safety. 2027-2031: Main Street - High Visibility Crosswalks High-visibility crosswalk upgrades using thermoplastic markings and MUTCD-compliant pedestrian yield signage are estimated at approximately $2,500 per crosswalk, consistent with recent municipal pavement-marking unit costs used by communities in south-central Wisconsin. ANNUAL: Install Bicycle Racks at Key Destinations As demand and usage grows, the Village will install secure bicycle parking at major community destinations. Page 14 of 23 FUTURE CONSIDERATION: Pave Military Ridge State Trail Paving a portion of the Military Ridge State Trail within the Village of Mount Horeb is possible, but it requires close coordination with the Wisconsin DNR, because the corridor is a state trail with an existing master‑planned purpose, established surface (predominantly crushed limestone), and winter shared‑use considerations (including snowmobiling on the limestone segments). Today only about 2.5 miles are asphalt (primarily near Fitchburg/Verona), with the remainder in limestone, and snowmobiles are allowed only on the limestone sections, not on the paved segment between Fitchburg and Verona. Any proposal to pave inside the village would therefore need to address how winter uses (snowmobile routing, ski/snowshoe use) would be accommodated if a segment were converted to asphalt. A practical roadmap is to follow the Verona model. In 2025, the City of Verona approved a Land Use Agreement with the DNR to replace bridges and pave an intown stretch of the trail, with the city taking on design, construction, and defined maintenance responsibilities for the paved surface while the DNR retained corridor oversight. Verona’s public project page shows the agreement was signed in May 2025, design advanced through 2026, and asphalt paving scheduled for 2027; meeting notes indicate the city coordinated sequence (bridges first, then paving) and long‑term maintenance terms with the DNR. For Mount Horeb, a similar pathway would likely include: (1) early discussions with the DNR property manager to confirm master plan consistency and scope; (2) a concept plan that maps limits, cross‑sections, winter use management (e.g., alternate snowmobile routing or seasonal agreements), and access points; (3) a draft land use/operating agreement defining roles (construction, snow/ice control, surface maintenance, vegetation management), term, and liability; (4) environmental/permit review as needed; and (5) local funding commitments and public involvement. The DNR’s own information page points to Property Master Plans as the touchstone for proposed changes, while Verona’s project documentation provides a recent, local precedent for the agreement structure, schedule, and deliverables. Links: https://www.veronawi.gov/918/Military-Ridge-State-Trail-Paving-Projec https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/militaryridge/info Page 15 of 23 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY July 27, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.d Consider 2027-2031 Street Construction Plan BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. Street projects 2027-2031 Draft Page 16 of 23 Village of Mount Horeb Five-Year Street Construction Plan 2027-2031 DRAFT Includes 4% escalation based on 2024 dollars Includes design and engineering Includes 25% contingency 2027 $ OVERLAY $ FULL RECON. $ TOT. VILLAGE REMARKS DOT project: S. 8th St. parking lanes 75,000 75,000 N. Brookwood Dr.-Fox Run to Perimeter 554,000 554,000 Water main upgrades (Recon. Price does not include water) 629,000 South starting point to be reviewed. 2028 $ OVERLAY $ FULL RECON. $ TOT. VILLAGE REMARKS S. Second St. - Lincoln to Carver 1,640,600 1,189,400 Water main upgrades. Sanitary sewer upgrades. 1,189,400 2029 $ OVERLAY $ FULL RECON. $ TOT. VILLAGE REMARKS Sand Rock Rd. 333,100 333,100 Long View - 115' Nesheim to Ravine 43,700 43,700 Fairway St. - 211' west from Perimeter 85,000 85,000 461,800 2030 $ OVERLAY $ FULL RECON. $ TOT. VILLAGE REMARKS Bergum Rd. - 1600', Arthur Ln. to north *737,300 737,300 East side. *Need to discuss extent of east side improvements 737,300 with Smithgroup. 2031 $ OVERLAY $ FULL RECON. $ TOT. VILLAGE REMARKS Riphahn Ct. - 220' including cul de sac 141,500 65,800 Water main upgrades. Nordic View - 176' including cul de sac 85,200 85,200 151,000 DOT: Main St./Hwy. 78 - 2033 Street projects 2027-2031 Draft Page 17 of 23 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY July 27, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.e Consider 2027-2031 Capital Budget requests BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. capital improvement plan PW 27.31 2. Capital requests PS 2027 Page 18 of 23 Mount Horeb Public Services Dept. Capital Improvement Plan - Public Works Committee 2027-2031 ITEM 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Street Projects 2,068,300 629,000 1,189,400 461,800 737,300 151,000 Hwy. 92 pavement project - DOT -75,000 N. Brookwood Dr. -554,000 Street Maintenance 100,000 125,000 150,000 200,000 100,000 200,000 Replace condensor fan motors on two rooftop units 4,400 Replace rear tires on John Deere 524 wheel loader 7,000 Replace retaining wall at Comm. Center 30,000 Replace 33 lighted snowflakes 25,000 Replace 2008 leaf vac 405,000 Replace 2017 Ford F-350 1-ton dump truck 85,000 Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan items? Replace four tires on CAT wheel loader 14,000 Replace 2014 Sno-Go Snowblower 120,000 Replace 2014 John Deere 2032 utility tractor/mower 30,000 Replace 2019 Tennant street sweeper with Schwarz sweeper 400,000 Replace 2013 Western Star patrol truck 240,000 Replace 2018 John Deere Gator utility vehicle (EV?) 10,000 Replace 2015 International 7400 patrol truck 275,000 Replace 2015 International 7600 patrol truck 275,000 Decorative street light replacements ($10,000/pole) 150,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 Replace salt shed 300,000 New Public Services Facility (beyond five years) TOTALS 2,598,300 1,310,400 1,753,400 1,136,800 1,312,300 971,000 Page 19 of 23 Village of Mount Horeb Public Services Department 138 E Main St Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone (608) 437-3351/Fax (608) 437-3190 www.mounthorebwi.info 2027 CAPITAL BUDGET REQUESTS PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE STREET PROJECTS (includes design, engineering and 25% contingency; no utilities) $629,000 N. Brookwood Dr. – Fox Run to Perimeter-end of pavement: $554,000 DOT Project – Hwy. 92/S. Eighth St.: $75,000 STREET MAINTENANCE $125,000 Crack filling, patching and sealcoating streets. Sealcoating Mun. Bldg. parking lot REPLACE CONDENSING FAN MOTORS ON TWO ROOFTOP UNITS – MUNICIPAL BLDG. $4,400 Two of the three rooftop heating/cooling condensing fan motors are starting to make noise and replacement are recommended. REPLACE RETAINING WALL AT COMMUNITY CENTER $30,000 The wood timber retaining wall along the north side of the building and parking lot is nearing the end of its useful life. We would like to replace it before any problems arise or any failure. REPLACE 33 LIGHTED SNOW FLAKES FOR MAIN ST. LIGHTPOLES $25,000 The existing LED snowflake lights are getting rusty and I would recommend replacing them in the next year. There may be alternative funding sources for this that Gabe may be aware of. REPLACE REAR TIRES ON JOHN DEERE WHEEL LOADER $7,000 Purchased fronts in 2026. Need rears in 2027. Price includes installation. PURCHASE NEW LEAF VAC / CHASSI CAB DUMP TRUCK $405,000 This equipment has been ordered, approved by the Village Board, to avoid large increases in engine emission equipment. Includes a hook-lift truck with a separate leaf vac and dump body. Can be used as a dump truck when not being used as a leaf vac. REPLACE 2017 FORD F-350 1-TON DUMP TRUCK $85,000 This truck is used every day by the Public Services crew. Page 20 of 23 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY July 27, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.f Public Services Director's Report BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. pw comm report 7.27.26 Page 21 of 23 Village of Mount Horeb Public Services Department 138 E Main St Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone (608) 437-3351/Fax (608) 437-3190 www.mounthorebwi.info PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE July 27, 2026 PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR’S REPORT • Scott Construction completed sealcoating streets in June. They completed portions of 12 streets throughout the Village at a cost of $51,200. • New signs installed: o Ridgeview Rd.: New speed limit signs to Village limits o Academy St. and S. Fourth St.: For the one-way traffic during the school construction. Approximately 22 signs were installed. • Our new street sweeper was delivered and we had training on the equipment on July 2. We have been able to get out and sweep during the last two weeks. We are happy with its performance. • We assisted the Chamber with the Art Fair set up and tear down during the weekend of July 17. • June 10 storm update: We got caught up with picking up debris along the streets in early July. We were able to contract with Dependable Landscaping to assist with debris pick-up. They worked for us from June 15-19 and hauled over 60 truck loads of debris to the compost site. Our crew hauled an additional 75+ loads. Dubuque Hardwoods ground our brush piles at the compost site and hauled away 23 semi-trailer loads of mulch. I sent preliminary damage assessment to Wisconsin Emergency Management for financial assistance, but have not heard on the current status of assistance. • The street project on Henry Street and S. First Street is moving along pretty well. New water main has been installed on Henry Street and they are currently hooking up water laterals. Water main has been installed on S. First Street from Henry to Academy. The contractor will be pulverizing Henry Street soon ahead of the undercutting of the roadway for new base. Water main installation on S. First St. will continue south to Carver St. and north to Lincoln St. Page 22 of 23 • We started traffic line painting on July 22. We will be painting crosswalks first followed by parking stalls. Yellow curbs will be painted last. We are behind with this due to the June 10 storm cleanup and being short-handed for six weeks due to a crew member’s surgery. Page 23 of 23