[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6264972,"mediaKeyId","3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416","parentId",3095475,"title","Council denies request to reduce sewer charges for resident's unusually high bill; payment-plan option offered","audioSeconds",707,"startMs",1863000,"endMs",2570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416&start=1863&end=2570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416/thumbnail_1863000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6264972/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Council-denies-request-to-reduce-sewer-charges-for-residents-unusually-high-bill-payment-plan-option-offered","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264972-c06baae0b26eaf7e8f0bb8a581cb3a72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184246&Signature=l2my2w2yEROFZQcsO9RmK4QHcJFqQkgCiGNqYGpF65sRvZ4M5GTpG6ms6fvsDFA1bshOrztuAb0ZmSgTwaSNZTdKeXhScygwRRHVzHFq3yDQb8opUl1719Pj1Chr~~bCsmNY5E~yFp59TXYrL4E107uMcivMXIUdg-gDW494FrqxIa7Bn7R5HUZEFwdfbpo-orFt7hxlp0t~rn~0GwpIjFNcji3yTw6dd2b~XYcW94kp6AhkVjs0QL0bcTS9pVc3-FZNCjUBwV2hgvMdl2sp4LG7NmsoZ9~hwqUtue1rOHbhvcIqmq0CWhPIX5D9giVdOrD1XYR27m24wxjP1kFdCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Bend City, WI ","date","2025-04-22T12:20:08Z","article","The Common Council voted to deny a request from resident Mike Phillips for relief from sewer charges tied to an unusually high quarterly water bill that reflected approximately 21 times his normal usage.

Council members discussed facts introduced at a prior meeting and during this session. The council record shows Mr. Phillips’s bill was far above his prior usage; city staff reported visible puddles/ice near the property and a running hose in the backyard that later was identified as the source. Mr. Phillips told council he believed water in the yard was from a sump pump and that he did not realize water was running. He offered to pay the full water charge but sought a reduction of sewer charges on the basis the sewage system was not used in proportion to the water use.

Utility staff (Ruth) explained the city reads meters quarterly and therefore would not have known about a backyard leak between readings; because the meter reading that produced the high bill was processed, staff contacted Mr. Phillips within 24 hours, which the utility described as a prompt courtesy notification. Staff said a discount had been applied to the water portion of the bill previously discussed, but that the sewer utility’s policy does not provide for sewer charge discounts in this circumstance. Staff also said the utility offered a payment plan to spread the balance over a negotiated number of months without penalties; Mr. Phillips had not yet accepted a payment-plan arrangement at the time of the meeting.

Several council members expressed sympathy for Mr. Phillips and asked whether the city could detect similar events earlier; utility staff reiterated the limits of quarterly meter reading and said there was no way to have detected a rear-yard leak between read dates absent visible surface water. Others argued the city must adhere to its sewer-utility policy and warned of creating exceptions that could set precedents.

Alderman Butchlick moved and Alderman Schmidt seconded a motion to deny the relief request and follow the water-utility/sewer policy; the motion passed. The record shows council approved the motion with in-meeting voice vote; no roll-call ballot was read into the transcript.

Ending: The resident may pursue the offered payment plan with utility staff; the council declined to make a policy exception for sewer charges and directed the utility to continue applying its established policy and outreach procedures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Common Council - April 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Common Council voted to deny Mike Phillips’s request for relief from sewer charges after a quarterly water bill showed consumption about 21 times normal. The utility offered a water discount earlier and a payment plan for the balance; staff said quarterly meter readings make earlier detection impractical.","taxTitle","West Bend City, Washington County, Wisconsin","taxId",5138,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264978,"Council approves annexation of 107.6 acres, OKs Lakewood Farms TIF development agreement and terminates two developer agreements",264,1602000,1866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416&start=1602&end=1866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416/thumbnail_1602000.jpg","/articles/6264978/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-annexation-of-1076-acres-OKs-Lakewood-Farms-TIF-development-agreement-and-terminates-two-developer-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264978-62ed67ad3aad416d8c6fec93da2c51a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184246&Signature=ox6j4-IBcp2CinhxprqYHhbv0aTC4LBDcgqsGCjFyOiNUSC-EE7xJ-x-2TYy1~elyK~TMXuITmmymf0o-r4GpU0-1hGnSFAVFg2n529DuRY7XRGpgwfhddEDcV5ppEl~caUUIrFWwXlQo2rJY4D~5XEYhVT~~ZBIoOTJbfPad5s4DhLgKQuKFGrFblVVZJd2DA4sMv3xiIsxXcgU6RDzM-urylf60grMm2QrWTJZYt-0LhDH3TRZ1MJ1EZR2z6G59Pv3woq4gPdfyWlthJPKkpHGk9bZrjbn~uh5joY07VigwyqgjAjhO~yaC-z9Wd-RkQPVTYMaQ2DVN-JZP1ClCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council approved an ordinance to annex roughly 107.6 acres from the Town of West Bend to the City of West Bend; the annexed land will be temporarily zoned industrial and would extend the city’s industrial park to the south and east.

Planning staff (Jim) said the area, located south of Progress Drive at Resco Road, had been considered for annexation previously and the Planning Commission recommended annexation in February. During council discussion an alderman asked whether the land would be folded into a tax-increment finance district; staff said that possibility had been discussed but no TID terms had been finalized.

The council also approved a tax-increment financing (TIF) developer’s agreement with Lakewood Farms related to a TID on N and Eighteenth, with staff highlighting the property-valuation guarantee and PAYGO reimbursement terms in the agreement; the council vote on that item carried 7–1. City staff said the development agreement had been discussed the prior month and provided details in the packet.

Separately, the council approved termination of developer agreements for Ziegler Benz and Wingate Creek Business Center early; staff explained all obligations under those agreements had been fulfilled and the only continuing obligation is an environmental indemnification specifically excepted from the termination. Because the original agreements stated they terminated automatically on TID closure, council action was required to effect early termination.

Ending: The actions advance industrial expansion plans and complete administrative steps on TIF agreements; staff will continue to manage potential TID inclusion and environmental indemnification obligations as noted.","The Common Council approved annexation of about 107.6 acres for temporary industrial zoning, approved a TIF developer's agreement with Lakewood Farms (vote 7–1), and voted to terminate two developers' agreements for Wingate Creek Business Center early because obligations were fulfilled.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264982,"Finance Committee approves telephonic-CPR grant funding and amends promissory-note resolution ahead of planned note sale",436,788000,1224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416&start=788&end=1224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416/thumbnail_788000.jpg","/articles/6264982/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Finance-Committee-approves-telephonic-CPR-grant-funding-and-amends-promissory-note-resolution-ahead-of-planned-note-sale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264982-cd50d504337d35d6dab93f5a961275b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184246&Signature=VHCIpB~YN01JdZ181K~h8fThXQL8~HXn7mp5M3B3kWYojB-X3m5-uP01mWJTzw~YUvARlcrXGnI3SzTuTQbiWRucqns5TKOEgfx5-Fs2iQQIIqABptvPNPaDYbYK3muXOPIePg2xciOxOFzWrvW62R~rzFDUDfFJRVW~FWXZBaX1NtExcAE58AoRrH0wvbd-i8Z86u2rBF~29rlBj~GV20AM-vORySj37xAeVbUxp-OasyEl9FZkjD8UN2IptCSe5cTMHKtOZbaFF67l9aEMKbh1WKq2KggXxf5FNZCl0RcT2es~t3btWXAcDihVt6j3JjkSSJHmXQnB625U0cxukA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Committee approved two items affecting the city’s finances: acceptance and appropriation of a Wisconsin Department of Health Services telephonic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (TCPR) grant of $2,965.95 to cover Powerphone telephonic-CPR training for emergency medical dispatchers, and a cleanup resolution modifying the parameters sale resolution for the city’s general obligation promissory note series 2025A to indicate the issue will not be bank-qualified.

Assistant/Chief (presenting the grant) said the city had applied for and received a grant covering 11 of 12 months of the annual Powerphone contract; staff asked that the received $2,965.95 be transferred into contractual services to pay for the training. The committee approved the appropriation and transfer.

Phil Kossen of Ehlers joined the meeting virtually and described the promissory-note item as a “cleanup” amendment to a parameters resolution previously approved March 17. He explained tax code for bank qualification: municipalities that issue less than $10 million in a calendar year may have debt classified as bank-qualified, which provides certain favorable tax treatment for financial institutions that purchase the debt. After the March 17 action, staff learned of a potential fire-station borrowing that, combined with current capital borrowing, would push the city above the $10 million threshold. Kossen said the change would not affect receipt of bids or interest rates materially but ensures the city does not mistakenly represent the issue as bank-qualified. He also provided a market update and said staff expected to proceed with the public sale later in the week unless market volatility required another delay. The committee approved the resolution.

Ending: Both committee items were approved during the April 21 meeting; the grant funds will be used for training and staff will proceed with the note sale process consistent with the amended parameters resolution unless market conditions alter plans.","The Finance Committee accepted a $2,965.95 Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant to cover telephonic CPR training (Powerphone) and passed a resolution modifying prior parameters to state the series 2025A general obligation promissory note will not be bank-qualified because combined borrowing will exceed the $10 million threshold.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264985,"Board of Public Works awards water-utility pavement repairs contract to BMCI for $117,350 (15% contingency)",171,587000,758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416&start=587&end=758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416/thumbnail_587000.jpg","/articles/6264985/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Board-of-Public-Works-awards-water-utility-pavement-repairs-contract-to-BMCI-for-117350-15-contingency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264985-7cd04f8412f8e7667768898d44d05b76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184246&Signature=du5T6ZRC0rFgsnmQXYDi0kXMQn4IE4r-DIMDHx6zOZZGjnklDqvXH~RkMtRlq4ABHvmK2iNjsVUlcL42d~O1rBjtol3XSoaDCmZACLVlrrhAlZrGF7aPiMcvKGlQzMRdP30S5FsM4Nkb8XvqMGsWYhSLjYv5MoVyNDKtBnZk7DRVrHVZE0tK20~Kr25whyI5XyFNEgt4r86XbPKSq7UfJfiBpHuo3AnO5rx2PjY8KPfrtqHqM3-ZH8cqrm5D3f1-P1omdhtuQOM2M3MuFXYBkST2VdsPIkd~zw3xXM3ZWPFma5Xo-J2VTGzCSgCMWf9yJT5jDYluRn98YpRLjJPhhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Public Works voted to award the annual water-utility pavement repairs contract to BMCI Construction at the bid price of $117,350 and approved a 15% contingency to account for unknown winter breaks, authorizing a total allocation not to exceed $134,952.50.

Max, a city staff member in the utilities division, explained the contract covers work locations where the Water Utility excavates to repair waterlines; the awarded contractor will perform pavement repairs as the season’s breaks occur and as the city provides work locations. The city received two bids; staff recommended BMCI based on its experience with the city.

The recommendation noted the contingency was set at the statutory maximum because the number of water-main breaks over the year is unknown. The board voted to award the contract and to authorize the contingency; the motion carried.

Ending: The contract award authorizes BMCI to perform pavement repairs as waterline breaks occur through the construction season, with the city using the contingency as needed up to the not-to-exceed amount.","The Board of Public Works awarded the annual water-utility pavement repairs contract to BMCI Construction for $117,350, with a 15% contingency for a total allocation not to exceed $134,952.50, citing BMCI’s experience with the city.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264988,"West Bend council, licensing board approve GlobalFest permit after police raise weekend-closure concerns",1341,139000,1480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416&start=139&end=1480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095475-a3b19bc50455d8d21fdbe113cf3d4416/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6264988/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/West-Bend-council-licensing-board-approve-GlobalFest-permit-after-police-raise-weekend-closure-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264988-2706e9d618218cf318bab8e374e52ab4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184246&Signature=ddIX9dsWrCy0d8n2Mtauujj~PKHSGh99pXFTnYb5K87tZtrpodB5Ny7KMxqr3ORSjb64c70b~KpT3Izaqtyhro6q9Kb-gyAhhhOgDeoOGMAd9phjZYKux~4xaIzfioCRqkmZCjNdkKTv0I8IBF05pgMoviHCbHLNoHrRRVnfeKEznscaPBzWYWcYt8V9hVvp-1JBqf2grhnJJ9j4jcjTwZ6z4DZbrIFK04unmZHFVwlAYKGYgDXppUzKgJtGlTlwVOzNIMsFTYDbstpn5w2oZ9-GO2B3DWSCQeoHCs3t0EtVSYhLK-NgsSvCeGxssv1a3d-rELhZkaZdJHRscinSBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Bend Licensing Board and Common Council approved a special-event permit for GlobalFest that would close Main Street over a weekend, after the police chief urged the boards to note the length of the requested closure.

Police Chief Norin told the Licensing Board the festival requests the same permit area used for Music on Main and the farmers market but would keep Main Street closed essentially the entire weekend — including the farmers market day — with a Saturday event scheduled 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., setup at noon, and an extended closure continuing into the following day until about 5 p.m. Chief Norin said the extended closure, unlike normal short-term street closures, warranted board attention.

The nut of the board and council discussion was whether downtown businesses and faith institutions had been adequately consulted and how emergency access would be preserved. Chief Norin said he had no objection to the permit after standard vetting and that the police department worked with the downtown association and merchants; he also said department staff would ensure emergency vehicle access and that the downtown association is responsive to concerns. City staff reported Noel (the downtown association contact) had discussed the plan with association members and “the majority of the business owners” and that no strenuous objections had been received.

During public comment, a person identified as John asked that emergency access be maintained overnight and noted that the farmers market center lane should remain accessible, a procedure the chief confirmed would be followed. An alderman asked whether any report from the downtown association had been submitted; staff said there was no formal report but that the association is the applicant and staff had obtained verbal assurances the majority of business owners support the request. A question was raised about whether Bridal (a downtown church referenced as the Bridal church in testimony) had expressed concerns; staff said they had not heard from the church.

Council members who spoke said they were comfortable approving the permit provided businesses were in agreement and emergency access is maintained. One alderman asked that staff follow up if problems arise and indicated the Downtown Association historically responds to concerns. The council voted to approve the permit; the motion carried with no recorded opposition.

The council and board did not adopt formal conditions in the motion beyond the assurances described at the meeting. City staff said the special-event permit process had begun several weeks earlier and staff had communicated with the downtown association about the council hearing.

Council action on the permit means GlobalFest may proceed under the applied-upon hours and street-closure plan, subject to the city's standard permitting and emergency-access coordination.

Ending: The permit was approved after the police department and staff confirmed emergency access procedures and reported majority business-owner outreach; staff and the Downtown Association will remain points of contact if issues arise during the festival weekend.","The Licensing Board and Common Council approved a special-event permit for GlobalFest that will close Main Street for more than 24 hours. Police flagged the length of the closure and staff said the downtown association vetted businesses; council approved the permit after assurances on emergency access and outreach.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council denies request to reduce sewer charges for resident's unusually high bill; payment-plan option offered

Council approves annexation of 107.6 acres, OKs Lakewood Farms TIF development agreement and terminates two developer agreements

Finance Committee approves telephonic-CPR grant funding and amends promissory-note resolution ahead of planned note sale

Board of Public Works awards water-utility pavement repairs contract to BMCI for $117,350 (15% contingency)

West Bend council, licensing board approve GlobalFest permit after police raise weekend-closure concerns