2026.05.12 TB Minutes Approved

Town of Somers Proceedings from the Town Board Meeting May 12, 2026 Chairman Molinaro called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Present: Chairman Molinaro, Supervisor James Armes and Supervisor Richard Lesko. Also present: Administrator Jim Hurley, Assistant Administrator Kevin Poirier, and Clerk Treasurer Wendy Burnette Chairman Molinaro led the Pledge of Allegiance. Consent and Approval of Minutes of Town Board meetings on April 14, 2026 Supervisor Armes moved to approve Minutes of Town Board meetings on April 14, 2026 Seconded by Supervisor Lesko. Motion carried. 3-0 vote Correspondence: Letter from the City of Kenosha regarding accessory structure at 2220 30th Avenue Citizens’ comments: J Michael McTernan 6633 Green Bay Road – Mr. McTernan appeared before the Board regarding the Menominee Tribe’s proposal to place approximately 50–60 acres of land near I-94 and Highway 50 into federal trust through the Bureau of Indian Affairs under Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Mr. McTernan stated that surrounding municipalities, including the Town of Somers, should review and consider filing comments or objections regarding the proposal and its potential impact on neighboring communities. Mr. McTernan expressed concern that the proposal was developed primarily through agreements involving the City and County of Kenosha without broader municipal input. He referenced concerns raised by other area municipalities and stated that the Town should evaluate the long-term implications of the project. Concerns discussed included anticipated traffic impacts, particularly at the I-94 and Highway 50 interchange, and the adequacy of the submitted traffic impact analysis. Mr. McTernan questioned assumptions within the study related to traffic patterns and access routes to the proposed development site. Additional concerns included stormwater management, floodplain considerations near the Des Plaines River, and the overall character and planning of the surrounding community. Mr. McTernan also noted that land placed into federal trust would no longer be subject to local taxation or local governmental jurisdiction, with oversight shifting to the federal government and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Mr. McTernan encouraged the Town to review the proposal carefully and consider the broader impacts on local infrastructure, planning, and municipal authority. Chair & Supervisor Comments Chairman Molinaro stated that both the Village and the Town are working collectively to develop a unified position and statement regarding the proposed land-into-trust application involving the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. He expressed hope that the process would move forward quickly and asked if there were any updates. Administrator Hurley responded that the plan is to present a proposed letter to both the Town and Village Boards the following week, using the letter from the Village of Pleasant Prairie as a template. He noted that staff input is also being gathered and that the draft will be brought before the boards for review and additional comments. He further stated that there is still time before the June 12 deadline to finalize and submit comments regarding the proposed trust land application. Action on request to build berm at 10901 60th Street (Parcel # 80-4-122-061-0250) per Ordinance 14.265 Supervisor Armes moved to approve request to build berm at 10901 60th Street (Parcel # 80-4- 122-061-0250) per Ordinance 14.265 Seconded by Supervisor Lesko Motion carries. 3-0 vote Action on approval of Operator Licenses: None Adjourn Supervisor Arms moved to Adjourn at 5:23 pm. Seconded by Supervisor Lesko Motion Carried. 3-0 Vote. These minutes are official and were approved by the Town Board on June 9, 2026. Wendy Burnette, Clerk/Treasurer