Tourism-Commission-Meeting-Agenda-Packet-7-15-2026.pdf
City of Franklin · Milwaukee County · meeting of Jul 15, 2026 · Agenda packets
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*Notice is given that a majority of the Common Council may attend this meeting to gather information about
an Agenda item over which they have decision making responsibility. This may constitute a meeting of the
Council per State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Board, even though the Common Council will not take
formal action at this meeting. Notice is also given that upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to
accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional
information, please contact the Franklin City Clerk’s office at (414) 425-7500
AGENDA
TOURISM COMMISSION
Franklin City Hall, Hearing Room
9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin, Wisconsin
July 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Board Members
Lance Schaefer (Chair) Barbara Wesener
Jeff Kuderski (Vice Chair) Mark Wylie (Secretary/Treasurer)
Bill Elliott
I. Call to Order and Roll Call.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Citizen Comment Period
III. Draft Minutes Approval – June 17, 2026, Meeting
IV. Reports
A. Engage Franklin (EF), Mark Wylie, Cari Greving
V. New Business - Wehr Nature Center Grant-Program-Application
VI. Unfinished Business
A. Polonia Sport Club, Grant Application addition update, Artificial Turf Field
B. Engage Franklin, marketing budget funding proposal - Visitor Guide 2027, Snowvana
Engage Franklin - 2026 Snowvana Proposal - Google Slides
C. Grant Application limits and new guidelines
D. Investment vision for retained funds,
1. Open discussion with Engage Franklin
2. Closed Session discussion with Engage Franklin regarding its business activities
The Tourism Commission may enter closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. & 19.85 (1) (e), to deliberate the investing of
public funds in relation to business activities of Engage Franklin, a Destination Marketing Organization, for competitive or
bargaining reasons, and to reenter open session at the same place thereafter to act on such matters discussed therein as it
deems appropriate.
VII. Invoices: Engage Franklin share of June Hotel Taxes
VIII. Next meeting
VIII. Adjournment
BLANK PAGE
MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE TOURISM COMMISSION
Council Chambers, 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin, Wisconsin
June 17, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
Members Present Others Present
Lance Schaefer (Chair) X
Jeff Kuderski (Vice Chair) Carrie Greving, Executive Director, Engage Franklin
Mark Wylie (Secretary / Treasurer) John Regetz, Economic Development Director, City of Franklin
Barbara Wesener X
Bill Elliott X
I. Call to Order and Roll Call - The meeting of the Franklin Tourism Commission (TC) was called to order by
Chairman Schaefer at 6:08 p.m.
A. Pledge of Allegiance
II. Citizen Comment Period - The floor was opened for citizen comments at 6:09 p.m. There being none in
attendance Citizen Comment Period closed at 6:10 p.m.
III. Draft Minutes Approval, May 27, 2026, Meeting, Motion by Wesener, second by Schaefer, to approve as
amended. Motion carried.
IV. Reports
A. Engage Franklin (EF) - Cari Greving reported that EF has donated the same as last year to the Civic
Celebration ($500), and the Franklin Concerts In the Park ($300). The website is being updated, and EF
needs partners and supporters to make the listings more complete. The new Facebook account should
be up soon and provide access to Instagram. 3 visitor guide proposals were presented with Nei
Turner’s seeming to be best at $24k, with an additional $1k for a map. The selected vendor will make
all the ad sales calls and determine rates. A budget request for the visitor guide will be presented at
July’s meeting. EF will pursue Snowvana again and a budget proposal will also be presented at July’s
meeting.
V. Unfinished Business
A. Polonia Sport Club, Grant Application addition for Artificial Turf Field construction – A work
emergency kept the representative from attending. No action taken.
B. Grant Application limits and new guidelines. A work emergency kept the representative from
attending. No action taken.
C. Investment vision for retained funds,
1. Open discussion with Engage Franklin
2. Closed Session discussion with Engage Franklin regarding its business activities
The Tourism Commission may enter closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. & 19.85 (1) (e), to deliberate the investing of public
funds in relation to business activities of Engage Franklin, a Destination Marketing Organization, for competitive or bargaining
reasons, and to reenter open session at the same place thereafter to act on such matters discussed therein as it deems appropr iate.
No action, no closed session.
VI. Invoices: Engage Franklin share of April Hotel Taxes, $17,524.88 – Motion by Wylie, second by Wesener,
to approve payment of the invoice with the indicated revenue month amended to May. Motion carried.
VII. Next meeting – July 15, 6:00 p.m.
VIII. Adjournment – Motion by Wylie, second by Wesener, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned.
BLANK PAGE
Thank you for your interest in working with the Franklin Tourism Commission.
Mission Statement:
The Tourism Commission mission is to promote the City of Franklin, Wisconsin as the premiere destination
in Southeastern Wisconsin for fun, business, and entertainment & recreation.
Our Core Values:
• MARKET: We engage in marketing activities designed to increase tourism awareness.
• BRAND: We brand Franklin as a place that has a high quality of life for both residents and
visitors.
• WELCOME: We support visitors and businesses.
• DEVELOP: We partake in activities designed to bring additional revenue streams to the
commission and city.
Please keep in mind that by state statute, Tourism Commission funds must be used for tourism
promotion and development that is likely to generate paid overnight stays at local hotels.
● ● ●
If you would like to request funds or assistance from the Tourism Commission, we invite you to present
at one of our monthly meetings, as our agenda allows. Please keep in mind the above mission and core
values when making your request, and be prepared to provide answers to the following questions:
• Requesting Organization & Contact Info
• Event/Project Description & Timing
• Impact on Lodging. How does your request translate to overnight tourism for the City? (i.e.
how will this request get us “heads in beds”?)
• Event/Project Budget. Please include the full budget for your event or project as well as the
amount you are requesting from the Tourism Commission. If necessary, prioritize your needs
clearly so we know where you need the most support.
• Use of Funding Support. Please describe in detail how the funds from the Tourism Commission
will be specifically utilized.
You may choose to present a written document or presentation, or you may talk to each of these points,
but please make sure all the above questions will be answered when making your request.
1
Application Number:
Tourism Commission Use Only
CITY OF FRANKLIN
TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION
Amount Requested:
Section 1: Applicant Information / Description of Organization
Applicant
Address City State ZIP Code
Authorized Representative Title Telephone Number
Contact Person Title Telephone Number
E-Mail Address Fax Number
Background of organization
Mission and Objectives of organization
Target Markets of organization
Date
TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM - GRANT APPLICATION
2
Section 2: Project Information
Project Title
Detailed Project Description
Expected Outcomes
What are the project’s attendance goals
Please identify how this project/program will specifically be able to generate paid overnight stays in hotels
within the City of Franklin, WI.
What are the Specific Geographic and Market Targets for the Project?
TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM - GRANT APPLICATION
3
Section 2: Project Information (Continued)
Timeline For Implementation
Staffing Requirements
Section 3: Financial Information
Plans For Sustaining the Project’s Funding Upon the Expiration of the Grant
List Project Funding Sources, Amounts and Budget Percentage
Explain in Detail How the Tourism Commission Funds will be used in the Project.
BLANK PAGE
May 8, 2026
Mr. Dan Stadler – President
Polonia Soccer Club
10200 W. Loomis Rd. #8159
Franklin, WI 53132
RE: 12-Inch Main Drain Installation Proposal Field #2
Dear Mr. Stadler,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a drainage improvement proposal for soccer field #2.
Based on the existing field conditions and drainage concerns observed on-site, we are
recommending the installation of a new 12-inch main drainage line to significantly improve
surface drainage, field stability, and overall playability.
Poor drainage conditions can create standing water, saturated soil, turf decline, unsafe footing,
and extended recovery times following rainfall events. Installing a properly designed main
drainage system will allow water to move efficiently away from the playing surface, helping
maintain a firmer, safer, and more consistent field throughout the season.
The proposed scope of work is outlined below:
SCOPE OF WORK – 12-INCH MAIN DRAIN INSTALLATION – Part One
1. Excavation
• Excavate approximately 480 linear feet, averaging 24 inches wide and 40 inches deep,
along the designated main drain alignment.
2. Pipe Installation
• Furnish and install 480 linear feet of 12-inch smooth-flow solid drainpipe at the
specified grade and alignment.
3. Outlet / Discharge
• Daylight the 12-inch drainpipe south of the field and install an approved critter guard at
the discharge point.
4. Backfill
• Backfill the trench with approved root-zone sand to existing surface grade.
5. Surface Restoration
• Grade the backfilled area to match surrounding elevations.
• Roll/compact and wet down sand.
• Repeat compaction and watering as necessary until material is firm, stable, and no
longer settles.
KUJAWA ENTERPRISES. INC.
Landscape | Snow | Interior | Holiday | Sports Fields
Since 1926
6. Provide and Install Athletic Blend Sod
• Big Roll Sod will be used to cover the 12" mainline throughout the area of
excavation.
• Polonia Soccer Club will be responsible for water of newly installed sod.
SCOPE OF WORK – 4-INCH TRENCHES FOR LATERAL DRAIN LINES – Part Two
1. Excavation • Excavate approximately 5,040 linear feet of trench, averaging 4 inches wide and
16–22 inches deep, along designated lateral drain alignments. See attached Map.
2. Pipe Installation • Furnish and install 2-inch perforated drainpipe within trenches and connect
all laterals into the existing 12-inch main drain.
3. Backfill • Backfill trenches with pea stone gravel and root-zone sand to existing surface grade.
4. Provide and install Athletic Blend Seed to 4" trenches, apply starter fertilizer.
• Polonia Soccer Club is responsible for water of new seed. KEI will supervise /
manage recommended amounts of irrigation as project progresses.
This drainage installation will provide substantial long-term benefits to the facility by improving
water movement, reducing downtime after rain events, and promoting healthier turf conditions.
A properly functioning drainage system is one of the most important investments that can be
made toward preserving high-quality athletic fields and ensuring a safe playing environment for
athletes.
Following completion of the drainage installation and seeding operations, we anticipate the field
can return to play in approximately 8 weeks, depending on weather conditions, irrigation
consistency, and overall seed germination and establishment. Proper watering and limiting traffic
during the grow-in period will be critical to achieving strong turf establishment and ensuring the
long-term success of the renovated playing surface.
Total Cost of Drainage Project………………………………………….………$146,359.00
We appreciate the opportunity to work with Polonia Soccer Club and look forward to helping
improve the overall quality and performance of your facility. Please feel free to contact us with
any questions regarding the proposed work.
Best Regards,
Brent Amann
Sports Field Services
Kujawa Enterprises, Inc.
Brent.amann@keiorange.com
262-475-8263
BLANK PAGE
From: Cari Greving
To: John Regetz; lance; Mark Wylie; "Bill Elliott"; jkuderski; "Barbara Wesener"
Subject: Funding Request from Engage Franklin
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 10:39:58 AM
Attachments: image.png
Good morning Tourism Commission!
I checked in with John about the process for officially requesting funding for specific tourism projects
(thanks John!) and I am sending this email with his direction. I will be attending the Tourism Commission
meeting on Wednesday, July 15 but wanted you to have this request ahead of time.
Engage Franklin met after the last Tourism Commission and they agreed to move forward on the Visitor
Guide for 2027 with Nei Turner and their proposal. This is the proposal I presented to you in June and
both you and I agreed on recommending Nei Turner. So, all parties agree! I am requesting $25,000
from the Marketing Services Budget line because this is clearly a marketing project. I cannot
really forecast overnight room nights that will come from the Guide but I can absolutely guarantee an
increase in Franklin's presence in the tourism marketing world with a Visitor Guide like the one we are
proposing with Nei Turner. The cost was supplied to you at the last meeting ($24k, with an additional
$1k for a map).
Engage Franklin would also like to request $7500 for a sponsorship for the upcoming
Snowvana Ski Festival in November 2026. This is the second year for the event and the Snowvana
team is really increasing the size and scope of the event. They have also received a JEM Grant from
Travel WI, to help them increase their marketing efforts around the US. Because of this, we do not want
to miss out on getting the Engage Franklin name included in this national marketing. We believe the
$7500 sponsorship is the best option (you will see there are 2 others offered in the link) and we can
absolutely track the room nights for this event. We will also have access to all the data for the attendees-
which will help us grow our visitor database and allow for a much larger reach for our brand. I am not
certain which Budget line you would want this to draw from but I am happy to discuss or take your
recommendation.
Here is the link to the Snowvana sponsorship proposal for your viewing: Engage Franklin - 2026
Snowvana Proposal - Google Slides
Please let me know if you have any questions prior to the meeting. I am hopeful that you will find these
requests favorable and reasonable and we can move forward with both after your votes at the meeting
next week.
Thank you so much,
Cari
Cari Greving
Executive Director, Engage Franklin
262.599.0539
Source: City of Franklin website. First collected Oct 16, 2026.