Public Safety 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 SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM Municipal Building Board Room 138 E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 1) Call to order a. Consideration of March 16, 2026 Meeting Minutes 2) Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items* 3) Police Chief Report a. Department Training b. Emergency Operations Plan Update c. Community Engagement 4) Agenda Items a. Staff Presentation on Governance and Professional Standards Training b. Stop Sign on Second Street at Park Street c. Pedestrian Safety 1. Sidewalk Circulation Plan 2. Follow Up on Pedestrian and Bicylce Safety Plan 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 Page 1 of 25 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, 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 25 Village of Mount Horeb 138 E Main St Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone (608) 437-6884/Fax (608) 437-3190 Email: mhinfo@mounthorebwi.info Website: www.mounthorebwi.info Public Safety Committee Minutes March 16, 2026 1) Call to order Ben Jones, Nate Gauger, Sarah Best, and Police Chief Doug Vierck a. Consideration of January 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes Motion to Approve by Best, second by Gauger – All Approve 2) Public Comments – non-agenda items – None 3) Police Chief Report Updated on K-9 Program and Emergency Operations Plans 4) Agenda Items a. Mount Horeb Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan Chief Vierck introduced the plan. Scott Roethle spoke. There was discussion to extend the plan to the North for the pool. Discussion on future plans and implementation. Requests for more information on sidewalk plans and costs. b. Upcoming Traffic Initiatives Chief Vierck discussed plans to focus on different traffic issues throughout the summer and use the staff to focus on problem areas based on complaints and data. 5) Future Agenda Items Stop Sign at 2nd and Park Street Sidewalk Circulation Plan Broad Discussion on Pedestrian Safety Costs of Implementation on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan 6) Meeting adjournment. Best Moves for adjournment. Gauger seconds. All Approve Page 3 of 25 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.a Staff Presentation on Governance and Professional Standards Training BACKGROUND The Interim Village Administrator will present on this topic. This is being presented to all boards and committees in an effort to continue ongoing education for elected and appointed officials. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. Code of Ethics Adopted Page 4 of 25 Page 1 of 5 Ethics Code 1. Statement of Purpose. (a) The proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in proper channels of the governmental structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals, there is hereby established in this Code of Ethics for all Village of Mount Horeb officials and employees, whether elected or appointed, paid or unpaid, including members of boards, committees and commissions of the Village, as well as any individuals who are candidates for elective office as soon as such individuals file nomination papers with the Village. (b) The purpose of this Ethics Code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all such officials and employees by setting forth those acts or actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the Village of Mount Horeb and by directing disclosure by such officials and employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the Village. The Village Board believes that a Code of Ethics for the guidance of elected and appointed officials and employees will help them avoid confl icts between their personal interests and their public responsibilities, will improve standards of public service and will promote and strengthen the faith and confidence of the citizens of this Village in their elected and appointed officials and employees. The Village Board hereby reaffirms that each elected and appointed Village official and employee holds his or her position as a public trust, and any intentional effort to realize substantial personal gain through official conduct is a violation of that trust. The provisions and purpose of this Ethics Code and such rules and regulations as may be established are hereby declared to be in the best interests of the Village of Mount Horeb. 2. Definitions. The following definitions shall be applicable in this Chapter: (a) Public Official. Those persons serving in statutory elected or appointed offices provided for in Chapter 62 of the Wisconsin Statutes, and all members appointed to boards, committees and commissions established or appointed by the Village President and/or Village Board pursuant to this Code of Ordinances, whether paid or unpaid. (b) Public Employee. Any person excluded from the definition of a public official who is employed by the Village. (c) Anything of Value. Any gift, favor, loan, service or promise of future employment, but does not include reasonable fees and honorariums, or the exchange of seasonal, anniversary or customary gifts among relatives and friends. (d) Business. Means any corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association , organization, self-employed individual or any other legal entity which engages in profit-making activities. (e) Personal Interest. The following specific blood or marriage relationships: (1) A person's spouse, mother, father, child, brother or sister; or (2) A person's relative by blood or marriage who receives, directly or indirectly, more than one -half (½) support from such person or from whom such person receives, directly or indirectly, more than one - half (½) of his support. (f) Significant Interest. Owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, at least ten percent (10%) or Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) of the outstanding stock of at least ten percent (10%) or Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) of any business. Page 5 of 25 Page 2 of 5 (g) Financial Interest. Any interest which shall yield, directly or indirectly, a monetary or other material benefit to the officer or employee or to any person employing or retaining the services of the officer or employee. (h) Staff. Any full- or part-time employee of the Village. 3. Statutory Standards of Conduct. There are certain provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes which should, while not set forth herein, be considered an integral part of any Code of Ethics. Accordingly, the provisions of the following sections of the Wisconsin Statutes, as from time to time amended, are made a part of this Code of Ethics and shall apply to public officials and employees whenever applicable, to wit: (a) Sec. 19.59. State Ethics Law. (b) Sec. 946.10. Bribery of Public Officers and Employees. (c) Sec. 946.11. Special Privileges from Public Utilities. (d) Sec. 946.12. Misconduct in Public Office. (e) Sec. 946.13. Private Interest in Public Contract Prohibited. 4. Responsibility of Public Office. Public officials and employees are agents of public purpose and hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this S tate and carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state and municipality, to observe in their official acts the highest standards of morality and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office regardless of personal considerations, recognizing tha t the public interest must be their prime concern. Their conduct in both their official and private affairs should be above reproach so as to foster respect for government. 5. Dedicated Service. (a) Officials and employees should adhere to the rules of work and performance established as the standard for their positions by the appropriate authority. (b) Officials and employees should not exceed their authority or breach the law or ask others to do so , and they should work in full cooperation with other public officials and employees unless prohibited from so doing by law or by officially recognized confidentiality of their work. (c) Members of the Village staff are expected to follow their appropriate professional code of ethics. Staff members shall file a copy of such professional ethics codes with the Village Clerk. The Village Clerk may notify the appropriate professional ethics board of any ethics violations involving Village employees covered by such professional standards. 6. Fair and Equal Treatment. (a) Use of Public Property. No official or employee shall use or permit the unauthorized use of Village-owned vehicles, equipment, materials or property for personal convenience or profit, except when such services are available to the public generally or are provided as Village policy for the use of such official or employee in the conduct of official business, as authorized by the Village Board or authorized board, commission or committee. (b) Use of Village Stationery. No official or employee shall use, or permit the unauthorized use of, Village stationery for personal use. Page 6 of 25 Page 3 of 5 (c) Obligations to Citizens. No official or employee shall grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to every other citizen. No official or employee shall use or attempt to use his or her position with the Village to secure any advantage, preference or gain, over and above his rightful remuneration and benefits, for himself or for a member of his or her immediate family. (d) Political Contributions. No official shall personally solicit from any Village employee, other than an elected official, a contribution to a political campaign committee for which the person subject to this Chapter is a candidate or treasurer. 7. Conflict of Interest. (a) Financial and Personal Interest Prohibited. (1) No official or employee of the Village, whether paid or unpaid, shall engage in any business or transaction or shall act in regard to financial or other personal interest, direct or indirect, which is incompatible with the proper discharge of official duties in the public interest contrary to the provisions of this Chapter or which would tend to impair independence of judgment or action in the performance of official duties. (2) Any member of the Village Board who has a financial interest or personal interest in any proposed legislation before the Village Board shall disclose on the records of the Village Board the nature and extent of such interest; such official shall not participate in debate or vote for ado ption or defeat of such legislation. (3) Any non-elected official who has a financial interest or personal interest in any proposed legislative action of the Village Board or any board, commission or committee upon which the official has any influence or input or of which the official is a member that is to make a recommendation or decision upon any item which is the subject of the proposed legislative action shall disclose on the records of the Village Board or the appropriate board, commission or committee the nature and extent of such interest. Such official shall not participate in debate or discussion or vote for adoption or defeat of such legislation. (4) Any Village employee who has a financial interest or personal interest in any proposed legislati ve action of the Village Board or any board, commission or committee upon which the employee has any influence of input, or of which the employee is a member, that is a make to recommendation or decision upon any item which is the subject of the proposed l egislative action shall disclose on the records of the Village Board or the appropriate board, commission or committee the nature and extent of such interest. (b) Disclosure of Confidential Information. No official or employee shall, without proper legal authorization, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government or affairs of the Village, nor shall such information be used to advance the financial or other private interests of the official or employee or others. (c) Gifts and Favors. (1) No official or employee, personally or through a member of his immediate family, may solicit or accept, either directly or indirectly, from any person or organization, money or anything of value if it could be expected to influence the employee's official actions or judgments or be considered a reward for any action or inaction on the part of the official or employee. (2) No official or employee personally, or through a member of his immediate family, shall accept any gift, whether in the form of money, service, loan, thing or promise, from any person which could reasonably be expected to impair his independence of judgment or action in the performance of his duties or grant in the discharge of his duties any improper favor, service or thing of val ue. However, it is not a conflict of interest for any public official or employee to receive hospitality that is unsolicited and unrelated to government business, such as a meal, and that is not intended to influence the official. Page 7 of 25 Page 4 of 5 (3) An official or employee is not to accept hospitality if, after consideration of the surrounding circumstances, it could reasonably be concluded that such hospitality would not be extended were it not for the fact that the guest, or a member of the guest's immediate family, wa s a Village official or employee. Participation in celebrations, grand openings, open houses, informational meetings and similar events are excluded from this prohibition. This paragraph further shall not be construed to prevent candidates for elective office from accepting hospitality, as a properly reported political contribution, from citizens for the purpose of supporting the candidate's campaign. (The State Ethics Board has interpreted "hospitality" as it applies to state officials as including meals, beverages and lodging which a person offers at his residence and would have been offered if the recipient was not an official). (4) Gifts received by an official or employee or his immediate family under unusual circumstances shall be referred to the Village Board within ten (10) days of receipt for recommended disposition. Any person subject to this Chapter who becomes aware that he is or has been offered any gift, the acceptance of which would constitute a violation of this Subsection, shall, within ten (10) days, disclose the details surrounding said offer to the Village Board. Failure to comply with this reporting requirement shall constitute an offense under this Chapter. (d) Representing Private Interests Before Village Agencies or Courts. (1) Non-elected Village officials and employees shall not appear on behalf of any private person (other than him or herself, his or her spouse or minor children) before any Village agency, board, commission or the Village Board if the official or employee or any board, commission or committee of which the official or employee is a member has any jurisdiction, discretion or control over the matter which is the subject of such representation. (2) Elected Village officials may appear before Village agencies on behalf of constituents in the course of their duties as representatives of the electorate or in the performance of public or civic obligations. However, the disclosure requirements of Subsection (a) above shall be applicable to such appearances. (e) Ad Hoc Committee Exceptions. No violation of the conflict-of-interest restrictions of this Section shall exist, however, where an individual serves on a special ad hoc committee charged with the narrow responsibility of addressing a specific issue or topic in which that individual, or the employer or a client of that individual, has an interest so long as the individual discloses to the Village Board that such interest exists. (f) Contracts with the Village. No Village official or employee who, in their capacity as such officer or employee, participates in the making of a contract in which he has a private pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, or performs in regard to that contract with some function requiring the exer cise of discretion on his part shall enter into any contract with the Village unless, within the confines of Sec. 946.13, Wis. Stats.: (1) The contract is awarded through a process of public notice and competitive bidding or the Village Board waives the requirement of this Section after determining that it is in the best interest of the Village to do so. (2) The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to the designation of a public depository of public funds. 8. Advisory Opinions. When an official or employee has doubt as to the applicability of a provision of this Ethics Code to a particular situation or definition of terms used in this Chapter, he should appl y to the Village Administrator for an advisory opinion from the Village Attorney and will be guided by that opinion when given. The official or employee shall have the opportunity to present his interpretation of the facts at issue and of the applicability provisions of this Chapter before such advisory decision is made. This Chapter shall be operative in all instances covered by its provisions except when superseded by an applicable statutory provision and statutory action is mandatory, or when the application of a statutory provision is discretionary, but determined by the Village Attorney to be more Page 8 of 25 Created: 2022-04-01 09:02:49 [EST] (Supp. 1-22) Page 5 of 5 appropriate or desirable. Advisory requests and opinions shall be kept confidential, except when disclosure is authorized by the requestor, in which case the request and opinion may be made public. 9. Hiring Relatives. (a) This Section governs the proposed hiring of individuals for full-time or part-time work as Village employees who are members of the immediate family of Village employees or elected officials. "Immediate family" includes those relatives by blood or marriage defined in Section 2(e) as personal interests. (b) Hiring an immediate family member of any current Village employee or elected Village official will be considered only if that individual has the knowledge and skills, experience or other job -related qualifications that warrant consideration for the position. A person cannot be hired for either full -time or part-time employment in a position immediately supervised by a member of that person's immediate family. (c) This Section does not apply to non-elected officials who are asked to accept appointment as members of a Village Board, commission or committee; non-elected officials, however, will be expected to disqualify themselves from participation in matters under consideration which may affect the hiring, retention, classification or compensation of their immediate family if currently employed or being considered for employment by the Village. 10. Employees Covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements. In the event an employee, covered under a collective bargaining agreement, is allegedly involved in an Ethics Code violation, the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement shall prevail in the administration and interpretation of this Ethics Code Chapter. 11. Employee Protection. No appointing authority, agent of an appointing authority or supervisor may initiate or administer, or threaten to initiate or administer, any retaliatory action against a Village employee following an employee's disclosure of information related to the violation of any federal or state law, rule or regulation, the mismanagement or abuse of authority, a substantial waste of public funds, or a danger to public health and safety. Nothing in this Section restricts the right of the Village as an employer to take appropriate disciplinary action against an employee who knowingly makes an untrue statement or discloses information, the disclosure of which is specifically prohibited by federal or state law, rule or regulation. Page 9 of 25 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.b Stop Sign on Second Street at Park Street BACKGROUND This item was brought up in the last meeting. Due to summer traffic and safety concerns, it was requested we study this intersection for a possible added stop sign. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS None Page 10 of 25 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.c Pedestrian Safety BACKGROUND A broad conversation on pedestrian safety was discussed at the last meeting. This is in conjunction with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan being considered as well as continuous monitoring of safety due to growth and development. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS None Page 11 of 25 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.c.1 Sidewalk Circulation Plan BACKGROUND Part of the discussion on pedestrian safety focuses on sidewalk improvement in the community. The attached plan shows the previous development as well as planned future growth. This will be compared to crash and traffic data if available in the locations listed. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. Sidewalk Circ Plan 2020 Rev 2026 Page 12 of 25 SIDEWALK CIRCULATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE REVISED: March 2026 The following description describes the status of each sidewalk proposed for the Circulation Plan and suggests a timetable for implementation. If the Village participates in the installation cost, the budget impact must always be considered. The streets are not ranked in any order of importance. 1. Lake Street to Stewart Park Status: Sidewalk currently extends on both sides to a point just south of Hilltop Drive. The plan calls for extension to the Village limits at Stewart Park. Implementation: Sidewalk should be installed with an upgrade of the street. 2. N. Eighth Street to Village limits Status: Sidewalk extends to Blue View Drive on the west side and Manor Drive on the east side. Implementation: Sidewalk should be extended as land develops north of the Village limits. 3. Carver Street Status: Sidewalk currently exists on the north side from S. First Street to S. Second Street and on the south side from S. First Street to Maple Street. Implementation: The Village has not required any additional sidewalk along Carver Street. Consider extending sidewalk from Maple St. to Parkway Dr. on the south side of Carver St. This is considered a priority to provide access to Grundahl Park. 4. S. First Street to Carver Street – Scheduled in 2026 Status: Sidewalk extends south to Garfield Street on the east side and just north of Henry Street on the west side. Implementation: Sidewalk should be extended with improvement to Carver St. and S. First St. Consider extending sidewalk on west side of S. First St. from Carver St. to north of Henry St. 5. S. Second Street to Spellman Street - Tentatively scheduled in 2026 or 2027 as part of the Primary Center construction project. Status: Sidewalk extends to Carver Street on the east side and to Spellman Street on the west side. Implementation: Sidewalk should be extended one block on the east side to Spellman Street with improvements to S. Second Street. 6. Henry Street from Parkway Drive to S. First Street – Scheduled in 2026 Status: There is only one short section of sidewalk on the north side. Implementation: Sidewalk should be extended following sidewalk installation on S. First Street and/or with improvements to Henry St. This is considered a priority to provide access to Grundahl Park. 7. W. Garfield Street from S. First Street to Village limits Status: Sidewalk exists for one block on the south side. Implementation: Sidewalk should be extended with further development west of Blue Mounds Street or with improvements to Garfield Street. Extend sidewalk from Maple Dr./Maple Ct. to Page 13 of 25 the west. Landsby Ridge is responsible for sidewalk along their property west of Blue Mounds St. Sidewalk along Landsby Ridge was completed in 2025. Blue Mounds Street from Main Street south to Village limits – Completed in 2025 Status: Sidewalk exists on east side from Main Street to Grundahl Park and Justin Drive south to Village limits. Sidewalk exists on the west side from the Public Safety Building south to the Village limits and along the Landsby Ridge Apartments. Implementation: Sidewalk should be installed on the west side as land is improved or the street is upgraded. Sidewalk should be extended from Landsby Ridge north to the MRST to allow a crossing to the east side of Blue Mounds St. and access to Main St. Sidewalk should be considered on the west side from Garfield St. south to the Public Safety Building and in front of Public Safety Building. Sidewalk could be installed on the east side when Blue Mounds Street is improved. A crosswalk should be installed, if possible, somewhere between Grundahl Park and the Homestead Cooperative. 8. Park Street between N. Second Street and N. Fourth Street (Swimming Pool connection) Status: Sidewalk exists on the south side of Park Street between N. Fourth Street and N. Third Street. Implementation: Sidewalk should be extended on the north side of Park Street from N. Second Street to the entrance to Boeck’s Park. 9. Brian Street from Perimeter Street to Village limits Status: No sidewalk. Implementation: Install sidewalk following installation on Perimeter Street and/or with development north beyond the Village limits. East side of street? 10. Perimeter Street north and east of Springdale Street Status: No sidewalks north of the roundabout. Implementation: Installation following development of lands to the east of the Perimeter Street dead end and/or installation of sidewalk on Brian Street. 11. E. Garfield Street between S. Eighth Street and Perimeter Road Status: Sidewalk exists on the north side of E. Garfield from S. Eighth Street to Hanneman Boulevard. Sidewalk exists on the entire south side. Implementation: Install sidewalk on north side between Hanneman Boulevard and Perimeter Road when E. Garfield Street is improved. 12. E. Lincoln Street between S. Eighth Street and Perimeter Road Status: Sidewalk exists on the south side of E. Lincoln Street from S. Eighth Street to Hanneman Boulevard and on the entire north side. Implementation: Install sidewalk on south side between Hanneman Boulevard and Perimeter Road when E. Lincoln Street is improved. 13. Highway 92 east of S. Eighth Street to the By-pass (E. Gonstead Rd.) Status: Sidewalk exists on the south side from S. Eighth Street to 837 Vista Ridge Drive. Implementation: Install when development occurs beyond Vista Ridge and the Golf View Addition to Camelot Valley or when the WI DOT upgrades Highway 92. This is not feasible unless this section of Hwy. 92 becomes an improved road with curb and gutter. Page 14 of 25 14. Spellman Street from S. Eighth Street to S. Second Street Status: Sidewalk exists on the north side of Spellman Street from S. Second Street to Valley Drive. Implementation: Install when development occurs in Vista Ridge. Valley Dr. to S. Eighth St. on the north side. 15. N. Brookwood Dr. from Springdale St. north to 202 N. Brookwood – Completed in 2023 Status: No sidewalk for approximately 240’. Implementation: Install sidewalk to connect the Eastwood Way/N. Brookwood neighborhood to Springdale Street. Budgeted for in the 2023 budget. 16. Academy St. to S. Fifth St. Status: Currently no sidewalk along the south side of Academy St. and no sidewalk along the east side of S. Fifth St. between the two existing sidewalks. Implementation: Explore adding sidewalk on both of these streets to provide better access to the schools. 17. Meadowview Rd. to Carver St. Status: Currently, there is no sidewalk between 204 Meadowview Rd. and Carver St. Implementation: With the new development in Valley View Heights and Maple Dr., consider adding sidewalk on the west side of Maple Dr. from 204 Meadowview Rd. to Carver St.. With the addition of sidewalk on the south side of Carver St, this would provide access to Grundahl Park. Also consider adding sidewalk in front of 701 Maple Dr. to provide a crosswalk to the west side of Maple Dr. Page 15 of 25 AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE PREPARED BY May 18, 2026 AGENDA ITEM # 4.c.2 Follow Up on Pedestrian and Bicylce Safety Plan BACKGROUND This will involve discussion on some of the costs associated with the plan as well as the updated version that was recently approved by the Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 1. Mount Horeb Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Plan_v5 Page 16 of 25 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 17 of 25 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 18 of 25  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 FUTURE EXPANSION: STEWART LAKE ROUTE: Connect Mount Horeb Downtown to Stewart Lake County Park. Click to View Interactive Map Page 19 of 25 BICYCLE STORAGE Providing additional bicycle parking is a practical way for Mount Horeb to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. 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 $1,250 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 20 of 25  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 2-way intersections that would benefit from high-visibility markings. The 3 crosswalks between 3rd and 5th Street would benefit the most due to high pedestrian traffic during the farmer’s market. In 2025 we had an incident where a child was struck by a vehicle during this peak period. The Village shall prioritize updating these 3 crosswalks with R1-6 Yield to Pedestrian Signs and painted high visibility crosswalk markings as soon as possible. The remaining 6 crosswalks shall be updated in subsequent fiscal years. The Wisconsin DOT is planning to repave HWY 78 (Main St.) in 2033, installing colored concrete crosswalks. In the interim, the village staff shall weigh the reduced up-front cost of painting vs thermoplastic tape. Painted high-visibility crosswalk markings typically require repainting on an annual basis due to traffic wear and snowplowing. The village could proceed with annual maintenance of painted crosswalks until the corridor is resurfaced, at which time more durable marking materials may be considered. Page 21 of 25 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 22 of 25 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 for North/South & East/West Routes. Expand to Stewart Lake County Park pending adoption of initial routes. Village Staff, Public Services Department $3,000 - $4,000 2027 2nd Street Reconstruction – Bike Lanes, Wayfinding and Crossing Signage Public Services Department TBD 2027–2031 High Visibility Crosswalks on Main Street Village Staff, Public Services Department $5,000/year (2027-2031) Annual Add Bicycle Racks at Key Destinations Village Staff, Public Services Department $1,250/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 23 of 25 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 24 of 25 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 25 of 25