[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6087978,"mediaKeyId","2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d","parentId",2886363,"title","Resident urges 'No Mow May,' planting bee habitat and chemical caution","audioSeconds",130,"startMs",90000,"endMs",220000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d&start=90&end=220","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d/thumbnail_90000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087978/Fort-Atkinson/Jefferson-County/Wisconsin/Resident-urges-No-Mow-May-planting-bee-habitat-and-chemical-caution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087978-040d72c4c05b2b5609d92dd1d09b868c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770613918&Signature=UYFRX~M2ZpV54WxkaNrOegg~EszYa0wjORxZweBBdCkM2HDg2OFDrmaI0-dbcULm-L6g-D6qP9maZekjyZ2AlysKrZj6QChRPob5f9lFaN-9Ld3YkeqbMMWN4QkC~FmnE6NQEvu0FWSegsCNn~mJ8YLquHo-ELwLU75KodsjsfYyyz-EUN7ph8hst~BUoFtaiKgntIQE7i~yexuVPovGVGztZ17wwZoeNtr9Tf9qiYGfTRgI~V~upPLqTxjoIiFaGW9nFxq6KFU~dwj6KMV8SRKuEBL2wFZK4YRemuEZlwzAnNTO~6PWLgUQyqP1BXXaXICQVwnTGqzSaZyMPOv7Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-05T16:12:02.827Z","article","John House, 104 Jefferson Street, told the Fort Atkinson City Council during public comment that he supports the city’s proposed No Mow May initiative and urged the city to couple it with pollinator plantings and a warning about herbicide use.

House said he called “Nick Thrill, the president of the Wisconsin Honey Producer Association,” and relayed the association’s caution that dandelions are an early natural nectar source for bees and that chemicals used to kill dandelions can be carried back to the hive and harm colonies. “The dandelions are actually the first natural nectar food source for the bees coming out of their hives in the spring,” he said, and added that “any chemicals applied to kill those dandelions…the bees take it back to the nest and that sometimes will kill the hive.”

House suggested the city use some vacant city‑owned land — he named Clement Park and an undeveloped west‑side subdivision parcel — to plant bee balm and other nectar plants to improve forage. He said he has about three acres of private land devoted to bee habitat and that it takes two to three years for plantings to become effective. He told the council he initially doubted No Mow May but changed his mind after research and conversations with beekeepers.

The council did not take action during the public comment period; city staff and council members did not offer a formal response on policy or signage but received House’s recommendation for consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Atkinson City Council Meeting April 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Fort Atkinson resident spoke in support of a proposed No Mow May effort, urged planting pollinator‑friendly flowers on city land and warned against use of herbicides that could harm hives.","taxTitle","Fort Atkinson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin","taxId",70174,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6087983,"City reports surplus interest income, approves $325,034.73 carryover into 2025",1009,1866000,2875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d&start=1866&end=2875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d/thumbnail_1866000.jpg","/articles/6087983/Fort-Atkinson/Jefferson-County/Wisconsin/City-reports-surplus-interest-income-approves-32503473-carryover-into-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087983-c9b5da69fe32554366e8d13f689e2ebc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770613918&Signature=LufedgcvMtt7aHVY4WLXnH-9pou4eN5JkKdzNI0JVPUBgXuJGxscqCUHk8ejeh~uxMSNm4gQnJrzoKCEEH36JWz0wusFM1AZsgWYAi2mTLVhAyHkbND-8PIdd12nLCJ6NcZ0jhJPM7xIE0OVHt3PIrloo1ho~1SEyGs~IP7wFOq82jpBuWUvAQ8v0WlmzEkMbNiL478PEQ6bZEk5W1LZ-I8VP8ZPUePPB1LNMEbgla2sSbSoXDAPBA03K2X5uszamgCT0zg~U-jVK~pMkei-sC3eWMfPuwOuOsOqS3EKPAs2m13nb~Ll9hBY2pKxeAwp-3VvnW6dUXQjcVYv794j1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Hausman presented the City of Fort Atkinson’s 2024 year‑end financial summary and asked the council to approve $325,034.73 in carryovers to 2025.

Hausman told the council that the city’s positive variance was driven chiefly by unexpectedly strong interest income: staff reported approximately $1,049,823 in interest income in 2024 compared with a 2024 adopted budget line of about $95,000. He said the city borrowed for general obligation purposes in 2024 but did not immediately spend all proceeds, allowing those funds to earn higher interest. Hausman also described a $500,000 reimbursement to the general fund for a 2023 land purchase for the public works and parks facility and a $544,000 transfer of defederalized ARPA funds to an assigned fund balance for planned uses.

On expenditures, Hausman flagged overages tied to 2023 storm work (forestry and compost) and fire department overtime driven by minimum staffing constraints; he said police and fire vehicle repair costs were partially offset by insurance recoveries. Several accounts were underspent, including health and dental, due to staffing changes and unfilled positions.

Houseman (sic) reported an estimated net increase to the city’s fund balance of just under $2 million pending completion of the 2024 audit, expected in May 2025. The council approved the listed carryovers, which staff said include corridor planning (Main Street and Janesville Avenue), fire uniform purchases funded by donation, pool and park items, and other timing‑based program expenses.

Key figures and clarifications

- Estimated interest income (2024): $1,049,823 (reported by staff).
- Carryover total approved: $325,034.73.
- Reported voter turnout for the April 1 spring election: 4,457 votes (about 59% turnout).
- Estimated additional tax revenue to taxing jurisdictions when TID No. 8 closes (projection using 2024 mill rate): about $390,000 in 2026 (staff estimate).

Manager Hausman and councilmembers described 2024 as a strong fiscal year given interest‑rate conditions and conservative budgeting decisions; the council approved the carryovers and directed staff to reflect them in the 2025 budget and accounting.","City Manager Hausman reported a stronger‑than‑expected 2024 financial performance driven largely by higher interest income and recommended carrying $325,034.73 into 2025; council approved the carryovers.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6087989,"Council approves termination of TID 8, zoning change and multiple city purchases",1823,1116000,2939000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d&start=1116&end=2939","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2886363-f9b078335fde447820d477c8d552109d/thumbnail_1116000.jpg","/articles/6087989/Fort-Atkinson/Jefferson-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-termination-of-TID-8-zoning-change-and-multiple-city-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087989-87e19d415b22629a22b949233eb0d547/orig.mp4?Expires=1770613918&Signature=UKpWhi6d3GmHYM3FYvJjVEOY-3Zo8CQ0euzOBLnNiVegCNAHG6RImB51gq6TGpPCcC66dvTmYrbwkqULioWv6fqDx77Z-kJ786vmgAtqYsImL0XpcdVIXOpXHBF7hFMfAzNp3y71rM~rrdidRNOHAJakHHLnaslGrIELTg~NemBu6YfynaQ49lrrmbvy3dnwy9KIkMpmSSPsjHxtZYIy5HTfTKFdQyRGKNn9dWsikFSD9DGLje7f8hcgnTWL7lkqxuV4Z2Zi1RYDr6KCFAXIRtmQgkyfsKO9uCg~xi6aOY9AzubNbqj5XqaWbsAUeZKwGqLHlXqixfw8m5ulj-0ymw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Atkinson City Council on April 3 approved a slate of ordinances, resolutions and purchases, including termination of Tax Incremental District No. 8 and a zoning change that creates an infill single‑family lot at 333 Lincoln Avenue.

City Manager Hausman told the council the TID was created as a mixed‑use district and later amended to act as a donor to the Clement Business Park. Hausman said the district “supported millions of dollars of additional value” and that closing it will return increment above the base to the tax rolls; staff estimated the city would receive about $390,000 in additional annual tax revenue beginning in 2026 using the 2024 mill rate. The council adopted a resolution directing the city clerk to file the paperwork with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by April 15.

Council members also approved a third reading and adoption of a zoning map amendment that rezones 333 Lincoln Avenue from UMU (Urban Mixed Use) to SR‑7 (Single‑Family Residential 7) to allow an infill lot. City staff said required certified survey map work has been completed and the lot meets zoning dimensions.

Other approved items included: acceptance of a contractor proposal to crack‑fill and repaint courts at Rock River Park and repaint one court at Ralph Park; authorization to purchase and install a new circulation pump strainer at the Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center; approval to purchase a large‑diameter fire hose for the fire department; authorization to carry over $325,034.73 of 2024 funds into 2025; and approval of the city’s 2024 annual recycling report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Each item was brought to the council as part of the consent or new business agenda and carried on voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution terminating TID No. 8 (file with Wisconsin Department of Revenue by April 15): approved (voice vote). Manager Hausman explained expected revenue returned to taxing jurisdictions and noted staff engagement of auditors to complete the final TID audit.

- Zoning map amendment for 333 Lincoln Avenue (UMU → SR‑7): approved (third reading, voice vote). Building and zoning administrator Dreger said a certified survey map has been recorded and the proposal meets ordinance requirements.

- Proclamations declaring National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13–19, 2025), National Library Week (April 6–12, 2025), and Fair Housing Month (April 2025): each approved (voice votes) and will be signed by the council president.

- Carryover of selected 2024 funds to 2025 (total $325,034.73): approved (voice vote). Manager Hausman presented a list of recurring program and project carryovers such as corridor planning, fire department uniform purchases (donation), and small park or recreation items.

- Midwest SealCoat LLC contract for crack fill and repainting at Rock River Park and painting at Ralph Park: approved (voice vote); total project $21,400, to be funded from the 2025 CIP and park supply account for the $400 shortfall.

- Authorization to accept a proposal for purchase and installation of a circulation pump strainer at the Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center: approved (voice vote); cost not to exceed $7,725.

- Purchase of large‑diameter fire hose for Engine 8163 from McQueen Equipment: approved (voice vote); cost $16,168.50, under the 2025 CIP budget amount.

- Approval of the City of Fort Atkinson 2024 annual recycling report to the Wisconsin DNR and authorization for staff to sign: approved (voice vote). The city reported 920.12 tons recycled in 2024 and an estimated DNR recycling grant of $35,201.74.

Formal roll call

A roll‑call vote was recorded only for the verified claims item (claims authorization): Councilman Becker, Councilman Jackel, Councilman Johnson, Councilman Schultz and the council president each voted “aye” (motion approved 5–0).

What it means

Council action will start the TID closeout process and return future increment to taxing jurisdictions; staff said a final audit will be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The zoning change allows creation of an infill single‑family lot; the capital purchases are funded through the 2025 capital improvements program or existing fund balances. Several proclamations were ceremonial and carry no fiscal impact.","At its April 3 meeting the Fort Atkinson City Council adopted a resolution terminating Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 8, approved a zoning map amendment for 333 Lincoln Avenue and authorized several capital purchases and contract awards; all motions carried by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges 'No Mow May,' planting bee habitat and chemical caution

City reports surplus interest income, approves $325,034.73 carryover into 2025

Council approves termination of TID 8, zoning change and multiple city purchases