2026.07.14 VB Minutes Approved

Village of Somers Proceedings from the Regular Board July 14, 2026 President Stoner called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. President Stoner led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: President Stoner, Trustees Ben Harbach, Jack Aupperle, Joe Smith, Jackie Nelson, Scott Fredrick, and Karl Ostby. Also present: Administrator Jim Hurley, Assistant Administrator Kevin Poirier and Chief Andersen. Consent and Approval of Minutes of Regular meetings on June 23, Vouchers dated June 25, July 1 and July 9, & June ACH Payments, May Investment Statements Trustee Aupperle moved to approve Minutes of Regular meetings on June 23, Vouchers dated June 25, July 1 and July 9, & June ACH Payments, May Investment Statements Seconded by Trustee Fredrick Motion carried. 7-0 vote Correspondence: Notice of Public Hearing for Red Oak Ridge Energy Center LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Construct and Operate a Large Electric Generating Facility and Associated Project Facilities Capable of Generating Up to 1,210 MW in the Town of Paris, Kenosha County, Wisconsin Citizens’ Comments: Lisa Hirsch 8226 12 th Street Ms. Hirsch questioned the Village's revenues and expenses, stating that she believed all financial information should be reviewed before any decisions are made. She expressed concern that the proposed increase to $7.31 was being rushed and noted that she had only heard discussion regarding increasing revenues, not reducing expenses. She asked whether the Village could provide a breakdown of any departmental shortfalls, explaining that understanding which departments were affected would be helpful. She also expressed concern about transferring funds between accounts, stating that revenues and expenses should remain within their respective operating funds rather than using funds from other areas. Ms. Hirsch acknowledged that this information may have already been presented and apologized if she had missed it. She also questioned why the meetings were scheduled for 4:00 p.m., stating that the meeting time may make it difficult for working residents to attend. Administrator Hurley reminded those in attendance that the Board does not engage in dialogue with speakers during the public comment period. Public comments are received and may be taken into consideration, but Board members do not respond directly to comments or questions at that time. Ted Gement, Golden Oil Company, 1170 22nd Avenue, Mr. Gement spoke regarding the company's property at the corner of Highway E and 31st Avenue. He stated that when Golden Oil purchased the property, the building had been vacant and in poor condition for several years. He explained that the company demolished the building, removed the fuel islands and fencing, and incurred costs exceeding $30,000 to clean up the site. Mr. Gement stated that the Village has since required the property to be maintained, including regular mowing and cleanup of storm debris, resulting in additional expenses. He expressed concern that he did not believe similar maintenance expectations were being applied consistently to other properties in the community and felt the requirements were unfair. He noted that Golden Oil had set the property back farther from the roadway than many other properties and stated that he felt the expectation to maintain it to a park-like standard was unreasonable. He concluded by stating that Board members were welcome to contact him if they wished to discuss the matter further. Gregg Sinnen, 750 Green Bay Road, Mr. Sinnen commented on the Village's financial discussions and stated that, regardless of the funding mechanism, taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of Village services. He expressed support for the proposed fire protection charge, stating that it distributes costs more equitably because all property owners benefit from fire protection services, including those not connected to the municipal water system. He noted that while the proposed fee would not fully resolve the utility's financial challenges, he believed it was a fair starting point and acknowledged that rising costs require corresponding revenue increases. Mr. Sinnen encouraged the Board to make timely decisions regarding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program, the Public Service Commission (PSC) rate case, and fire protection charges, noting that Village staff and Ellers had already invested significant time and resources into preparing the rate case. He expressed concern about delaying the process and recommended allowing the rate case to proceed so that the Village could review the resulting financial information. He stated that other budget matters, such as recycling costs, should be addressed separately from the utility rate case. Mr. Sinnen also encouraged the Board to carefully evaluate the timing of closing Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 2, noting the financial implications for both the Village and other taxing jurisdictions. He concluded by stating that budgeting requires balancing revenues and expenditures and reiterated that, regardless of the approach taken, taxpayers ultimately pay the costs of Village operations. He thanked the Board members for their service. President and Trustee Comments Trustee Fredrick commented on the condition of Highway 31 following recent repairs to areas that had heavily during the extreme heat. He stated that he believed the temporary asphalt repairs were unacceptable, noting that they created a rough driving surface, and asked what the County's long-term plan is to permanently address the roadway. Trustee Fredrick also apologized for missing the Special Board meeting held at 4:00 p.m., explaining that he was unable to attend due to his full-time work schedule. Trustee Harbach thanked the Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, Clerical staff, and Shoreland Lutheran High School for their efforts in helping with the parade and expressed appreciation for everyone's contributions to making the event safe and enjoyable. Trustee Smith apologized for missing the Special Board meeting. Motion to adopt ordinance #2026-008 approving Truck Country of Wisconsin’s Request for Annexation of parcel 45-4-221-241-0102, located at 1914 120th Avenue, into the Village of Somers Trustee Nelson moved to approve ordinance #2026-008 approving Truck Country of Wisconsin’s Request for Annexation of parcel 45-4-221-241-0102, located at 1914 120th Avenue, into the Village of Somers Seconded by Trustee Ostby President Stoner asked about the permitting process and the project's status. Administrator Hurly stated that the utility extension under the interstate is currently under review and that Village staff and the project engineer continue to work through the process. He noted that additional details on the current stage of permitting could be provided by the applicant. Chris Helle, Director of Facilities for McCoy Group Truck Country Wisconsin, stated that the project plans are being finalized, including utility extensions and the development agreement. He explained that the goal is to begin site grading in the fourth quarter of 2026, with building construction occurring during the first and second quarters of 2027 and project completion anticipated in 2028. He noted that permit applications will be submitted as the project plans are finalized and confirmed that Pinnacle Engineering is serving as the project's engineering consultant. President Stoner asked about the sequence of the zoning and annexation process. Mr. Helle explained that, under the purchase agreement, the property first needed to be rezoned before the sale could proceed. He stated that the property owners did not wish to annex the property prior to the sale, resulting in the zoning process occurring before annexation. He noted that the Village worked with the project team to complete the necessary steps. President Stoner welcomed the project to the Village, and Mr. Helle expressed appreciation and stated that McCoy Group Truck Country looks forward to moving the project forward. Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to approve the third payment to PTS Contractors, Inc., for work performed on the 12th Street Water Main Project in the amount of $968,769.81 Trustee Aupperle moved to approve third payment to PTS Contractors, Inc., for work performed on the 12th Street Water Main Project in the amount of $968,769.81 Seconded by Trustee Ostby President Stoner asked when the paving of 12th Street will be completed. Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to approve the social media Policy for the Village of Somers Trustee Aupperle moved approve the social media Policy for the Village of Somers Seconded by Trustee Ostby Assistant Administrator Poirier presented the proposed social media Policy and discussed the creation of an official Village Facebook page. He explained that the page would be used to provide residents with important updates, including emergency notifications, infrastructure projects, and other Village information. The page would be informational only and not intended for public discussions or questions. Village Administrator Hurley would oversee the account and manage access for designated staff members, including Public Works personnel, to allow timely updates when needed. The Fire Department’s existing Facebook page would remain separate, with information shared between pages when appropriate. Board members expressed support for the idea and noted the success of the Fire Department’s social media communications. Trustee Smith suggested including a notice in the Village newsletter encouraging residents to join. Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to approve the purchase of ambulance in an amount not to exceed $464,939 Trustee Ostby move to approve the purchase of ambulance in an amount not to exceed $464,939 Seconded by Trustee Nelson Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to approve the Second Amendment to the Shoreland Lutheran High School Developer Agreement Trustee Harbach moved to approve the Second Amendment to the Shoreland Lutheran High School Developer Agreement Seconded by Trustee Fredrick Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to approve a Special Event Permit from Snap-on, Inc, for their Company Picnic on July 25, 2026, at Hawthorn Hollow located at 880 Green Bay Road, Kenosha Wi 53144 Trustee Nelson moved to approve a Special Event Permit from Snap-on, Inc, for their Company Picnic on July 25, 2026, at Hawthorn Hollow located at 880 Green Bay Road, Kenosha Wi 53144 Seconded by Trustee Ostby Motion carried. 7-0 Vot e Action on Operator’s Licenses: Marco Black, Madison Bowman, Magaly Chairez, Emmett Craig, Jennifer Davis, Rylie Davis, Theodore Gement, Madison Laplant, Ashley Majors, Alexander Moreno, Linda Olson, Amy Richards, Donovan Sanchez Trustee Harbach moved to approve Operator’s Licenses: Marco Black, Madison Bowman, Magaly Chairez, Emmett Craig, Jennifer Davis, Rylie Davis, Theodore Gement, Madison Laplant, Ashley Majors, Alexander Moreno, Linda Olson, Amy Richards, Donovan Sanchez, Seconded by Trustee Fredrick Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to convene in closed session per WI Statute 19.85(1)(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, specifically Firefighter/EMT Local 4831-IAFF grievance Trustee Nelson moved to approve. Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Trustee Fredrick Aye, Trustee Nelson Aye, Trustee Aupperle Aye, President Stoner Aye, Trustee Ostby Aye, Trustee Harbach Aye, Trustee Smith Aye Motion carried. 7-0 vote Motion to convene into open session Trustee Fredrick Aye, Trustee Nelson Aye, Trustee Aupperle Aye, President Stoner Aye, Trustee Ostby Aye, Trustee Harbach Aye, Trustee Smith Aye Motion carried. 7-0 vote President Stoner made a motion to Adjourn at 6:20pm These minutes were approved by the Village Board on August 12, 2026 and are now official. Wendy Burnette Clerk/Treasurer