2026.06.09 VB Minutes Approved

Village of Somers Proceedings from the Regular Board June 9, 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 and Joe Smith. Trustees Jackie Nelson, Scott Fredrick, and Karl Ostby were excused. Also present: Administrator Jim Hurley, Clerk/Treasurer Wendy Burnette, Assistant Administrator Kevin Poirier and Chief Andersen. Consent and Approval of Minutes of Regular meetings on May 26, Vouchers dated May 28th and June 4th, May ACH Payments, May Building Report, April Investment Statements. Trustee Harbach moved to approve Minutes of Regular meetings on May 26, Vouchers dated May 28th and June 4th, May ACH Payments, May Building Report, April Investment Statements Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Trustee Harbach questioned the payment to Northshore for $20,815.00. Administrator Hurley mentioned this charge will be going to one of the homeowners that had fuel in the basement that needed to be cleaned out. Motion carried. 4-0 vote Correspondence: Kenosha County Resolution #6 supporting moratorium on battery storage systems President and Trustee Comments: President Stoner reported that the Plan Commission approved amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and rezoning requests related to the Newport Development subdivision on KR. The matter will be forwarded to the Village Board for consideration. An update was provided regarding discussions with Racine Water concerning the KR District water agreement. Village staff continue to seek a meeting with Racine Water representatives and legal counsel regarding the agreement and future water service considerations. President Stoner also reported that approval was granted for a senior care center development near the Hawthorne Apartments site consisting of two buildings with 41 units each. Discussion included the potential use of a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement to address service demands associated with the facility. The Fire Chief and Village Assistant Administrator are researching agreements used by other communities. Citizens’ Comments: Administrator Hurley read aloud the citizen comment guidelines. John Sorensen – 524 13th Place Mr. Sorensen expressed concerns regarding recurring basement flooding and standing water on 13th Place since the street reconstruction project was completed several years ago. He stated that his property had not previously experienced significant flooding during the 45 years he has lived there but has experienced repeated basement flooding after rain events since the road project. Mr. Sorensen reported that multiple neighboring properties have experienced similar flooding issues and that homeowners have incurred property damage and installed sump pumps to manage water intrusion. He presented photographs and videos showing standing water in yards, roadway drainage conditions, and water entering basements. Mr. Sorensen stated that he previously raised the issue during discussions regarding flooding priorities and had not received follow-up communication regarding the concern. He referenced highway drainage design standards and Wisconsin statutes related to drainage and protection of private property from flooding. Mr. Sorensen requested that the Village investigate the drainage concerns on 13th Place and pursue corrective measures to alleviate flooding impacts to affected properties. Sharon Janusz – 8730 12th Street Ms. Janusz spoke regarding citizen engagement and communication within the Village. She stated that attendance at Village meetings appears to have declined and shared feedback from residents who feel their input is not considered in the decision-making process. Ms. Janusz commented on current communication methods, including newspapers, newsletters, meetings with the Village President, and the electronic sign, and suggested the Village explore additional ways to engage residents and improve communication. She encouraged the Board to consider citizen feedback and provide follow-up regarding concerns raised during public comments. Ms. Janusz also complimented PTS for its professionalism and responsiveness during the water main project. Additionally, she noted that she had obtained quotes for lateral installation work and that one contractor indicated a willingness to provide a reduced rate if multiple residents utilized his services. Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-017 and letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Objecting to Section 151 Request to Acquire Land in Trust for Gaming for the Proposed Menominee Indian Tribe Hard Rock Casino Project to be located in Kenosha Trustee Aupperle moved to approve Resolution 2026-017 and letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Objecting to Section 151 Request to Acquire Land in Trust for Gaming for the Proposed Menominee Indian Tribe Hard Rock Casino Project to be located in Kenosha Seconded by Trustee Harbach Trustee Smith Nay, Trustee Harbach Aye, President Stoner Aye and Trustee Aupperle Aye Motion carried. 3-1 vote Motion to Approve Amendment to the Public Comment Guidelines, and Pilot Meeting Schedule from June – August 2026 Trustee Aupperle move to approve Amendment to the Public Comment Guidelines, and Pilot Meeting Schedule from June – August 2026 Seconded by Trustee Harbach Trustee Smith Aye, Trustee Harbach Nay, President Stoner Nay, Trustee Aupperle Aye Motion denied. 2-2 vote Motion to approve 2026 Mobile Home Park License Renewals from: Oakdale Estates, Inc. & Oakdale Estates Mobile Home Park & Sales, 11515 1st Street; Mid City Mobile Homes, 1530 Sheridan Road, Alford Mobile Home Park, 1870 Sheridan Road, Embassy Mobile Home Park, 1784 Sheridan Road Trustee Aupperle move to approve 2026 Mobile Home Park License Renewals from: Oakdale Estates, Inc. & Oakdale Estates Mobile Home Park & Sales, 11515 1st Street; Mid City Mobile Homes, 1530 Sheridan Road, Alford Mobile Home Park, 1870 Sheridan Road, Embassy Mobile Home Park, 1784 Sheridan Road Seconded by Trustee Harbach President Stoner asked if there were any problems with any of the parks. Clerk/Treasurer Burnette said the Building Inspector, Scott Seymour conducted inspection and all were passed. Motion carried. 4-0 Public Hearing to approve “Class A” and Class “A” Renewal Retail Alcohol Beverage License Applications was opened at 5:46pm. Public Hearing was closed at 5:47 Motion to approve “Class A” and Class “A” Renewal Retail Alcohol Beverage License Applications from: Somers Amoco; Kenosha Truck Stop; Kwik Trip #107; 7-Eleven #35842J; Northside Superette; Sam's Club #6331; Festival Foods; Wal-Mart Supercenter #1167; Kwik Trip #597 and Somers Market LLC Trustee Harbach move to approve “Class A” and Class “A” Renewal Retail Alcohol Beverage License Applications from: Somers Amoco; Kenosha Truck Stop; Kwik Trip #107; 7-Eleven #35842J; Northside Superette; Sam's Club #6331; Festival Foods; Wal-Mart Supercenter #1167; Kwik Trip #597 and Somers Market LLC Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Motion carried. 4-0 vote Public Hearing to approve Class “B” and “Class B” Renewal Retail Alcohol Beverage License Applications was opened at 5:48pm. Public Hearing was closed at 5:49. Motion to approve “Class B” and Class “B” Renewal Retail Alcohol Beverage License Applications from: Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14; J & M's Bar & Grill; Somers House; Kenosha Country Club; Hobnob Restaurant; Oakfire Pizzeria Napoletana & Bar; Jerry Smith Farm; Petrifying Springs Biergarten; Surfside Bowl; Pub 94; Utopia Nails & Spa and I-94 LLC Trustee Harbach move to approve “Class B” and Class “B” Renewal Retail Alcohol Beverage License Applications from: Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14; J & M's Bar & Grill; Somers House; Kenosha Country Club; Hobnob Restaurant; Oakfire Pizzeria Napoletana & Bar; Jerry Smith Farm; Petrifying Springs Biergarten; Surfside Bowl; Pub 94; Utopia Nails & Spa and I-94 LLC Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Trustee Smith Abstain Motion carried 3-1 vote Motion to approve Cigarette and Tobacco License Applications from: Kenosha Country Club; 7- Eleven #35842A; Northside Superette; Somers House; Kenosha Travel Plaza; Kwik Trip #107; Somers Amoco; Petrifying Springs Biergarten; Somers Market; Kwik Trip #597 and Petrifying Springs Golf Course Trustee Harbach moved to approve Cigarette and Tobacco License Applications from: Kenosha Country Club; 7-Eleven #35842A; Northside Superette; Somers House; Kenosha Travel Plaza; Kwik Trip #107; Somers Amoco; Petrifying Springs Biergarten; Somers Market; Kwik Trip #597 and Petrifying Springs Golf Course. Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Motion carried. 4-0 vote Motion to approve Cabaret License Applications from: J & M Bar & Grill; Somers House; Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14; HobNob Restaurant; Jerry Smith Farm and Kenosha Country Club. Trustee Harbach move to approve Cabaret License Applications from: J & M Bar & Grill; Somers House; Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14; HobNob Restaurant; Jerry Smith Farm and Kenosha Country Club Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Trustee Smith Abstain Motion carried. 3-1 vote Motion to approve Amusement Device License Applications from: Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14; J & M's Bar & Grill; Somers House; Hobnob Restaurant; Somers Amoco; Surfside Bowl; Pub 94 and I-94 LLC Trustee Harbach move to approve Amusement Device License Applications from: Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14; J & M's Bar & Grill; Somers House; Hobnob Restaurant; Somers Amoco; Surfside Bowl; Pub 94 and I-94 LLC Seconded by Trustee Aupperle Motion carried. 4-0 vote Action on Operator’s Licenses: Kyle Borg, Eli Curtin, Sydney Dill, Todd Fortier, Chase Gavinski, Lisa Hansen, Carleen Hoefler, Leslie Johnson, Angela Kaye, Carla Lamos, Caroline Lopez, Abigail Lopez, Patricia Luna, Steven Rickmon, Alaina Rossell, Amanda Rossell, Joanie Schoedl, Megan Schultz, Kaeleigh Sparesus, Destanie Warden, and Jennifer Vanderloop Trustee Smith moved to approve Operator’s Licenses: Kyle Borg, Eli Curtin, Sydney Dill, Todd Fortier, Chase Gavinski, Lisa Hansen, Carleen Hoefler, Leslie Johnson, Angela Kaye, Carla Lamos, Caroline Lopez, Abigail Lopez, Patricia Luna, Steven Rickmon, Alaina Rossell, Amanda Rossell, Joanie Schoedl, Megan Schultz, Kaeleigh Sparesus, Destanie Warden, and Jennifer Vanderloop. Seconded by Trustee Harbach Motion carried. 4-0 vote Motion to approve Invoice 2187 from H.J. Smet & Son Construction for emergency roofing repairs resulting from April 14 tornado damage in the amount of $19,800 Trustee Aupperle moved to approve Invoice 2187 from H.J. Smet & Son Construction for emergency roofing repairs resulting from April 14 tornado damage in the amount of $19,800. Seconded by Trustee Smith Trustee Aupperle asked if this was covered by our insurance company. Administrator Hurley stated that it is covered by insurance. We will pay up upfront and they will reimburse us. Motion carried 4-0 vote Motion to adjourn Trustee Aupperle moved to adjourn at 5:55pm Seconded by Trustee Smith Motion carried 4-0 vote These minutes were approved by the Village Board on June 23, 2026. Wendy Burnette, Clerk/Treasurer