[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6162067,"mediaKeyId","5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d","parentId",5440150,"title","Council approves routine licenses; Beak's Joint faces unresolved fire-code items before opening","audioSeconds",333,"startMs",133000,"endMs",466000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d&start=133&end=466","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d/thumbnail_133000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162067/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-routine-licenses-Beaks-Joint-faces-unresolved-fire-code-items-before-opening","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162067-142e0f19c50f9622eeea6040908974e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776023496&Signature=dUZyrGWn9nL~J6gScUtIvA6xJJj3eOI0hjRj7EB7wZxosOKrcnpMvBO~g5Rf6k~A8WTX59JZPatWEFafzhgtuZlVXAvlMJibLwDms2MF4zvZLCgNi75ORyMBdCcRu7DHN3-8uHf6XGZoueVWcWcv2vjwTw8QlQEx8twwWr4EzYxF1ruQ504~y9MgDFSbIu0ZVqW7wDyZYFGTRgenbBzJUTySmbH9Bsyqhd4r96WSXYYcKdhvKFIN0jZKefUAh3gVC-NFac0GDGnydItPgXxW7oW2wKS5s-VxG5GAqWl1Z8mMdXpLsWBPCKbsj27IB9ZxZVY3hPItTwh5Li~2EVam5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Bend City, WI ","date","2025-07-22T12:36:40Z","article","The Common Council on July 21 approved the consent agenda carrying several licensing items that previously were considered by the licensing board. Approvals included a new Class B combo reserve liquor license for Beak's Joint (former Hero of the Dog location in Barton), an amusement-device license, a massage-establishment renewal for BJ and Company and a change-of-agent filing for GPM Southeast R Stores.

Councilors and the fire chief discussed inspection status for Beak's Joint. The fire chief said the business had \"some fire code violations\" that to his knowledge \"have not been successfully corrected yet\" and added that the issues are mainly related to the vent hood and items in the kitchen. The chief warned there is no ongoing fire hazard so long as the equipment is not operated, but said the violations \"will have to take place before they can open a new business.\" Council approved the consent agenda motions; licensing approvals were recorded as carried.

No formal discretionary action was taken to deny or delay any license in the packet; the licensing approvals moved forward with the expectation that outstanding code corrections will be completed and inspections cleared prior to the business opening to the public.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Common Council - July 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved several routine licensing items on the consent agenda, including a new Class B combo reserve liquor license for Beak's Joint; city staff reported outstanding fire-code violations related to kitchen venting that must be corrected before the business may open.","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},6162072,"Parks & Rec reports busy summer: Aqua Park, skate-park proposals, Wingate work and 2,382 registrants at Dirty Ninja Mud Run",393,3293000,3686000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d&start=3293&end=3686","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d/thumbnail_3293000.jpg","/articles/6162072/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Parks-Rec-reports-busy-summer-Aqua-Park-skate-park-proposals-Wingate-work-and-2382-registrants-at-Dirty-Ninja-Mud-Run","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162072-c858e88264bf169b8bcc72a0d8fafa43/orig.mp4?Expires=1776023496&Signature=EPbGPiVtiyYtQlQu7tylziLjWatCV4TWmrDiffrjWm4n66Lga9NVokHU14UsEE-uNws8g9OmbOkzPkO7GNUQ0~GUaoVOHgmLTOcck~yXJSzx~ZNR99EalkE~kgX-ImMsrWRk2aAbQKfVaVz5XqaaWU9S9~PFnzMsddpff1LnSnuuFqTH4NS4rzO19aCWcp1mNf9kHIPA5ZWUY-Qi5mx74O8qshsR1Bww10qEjCvJCHHd9t-D1FzF6CBtdgeRjOqaiQFOn3BNmsnWJ82W8ypv8cbg6ArrEmz08K5O-YOLaBu-F7TL5CEFTeMpn3QrLOuNfxOqoTXUFVJQ7i2ffterEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Parks and Recreation staff told the Common Council July 21 that the department is running a busy summer season with record revenue at the Aqua Park, pending skate-park design proposals, Wingate Park construction scheduled for Aug. 9, and large community events drawing thousands.

Director Mike Yensch (referred to in the meeting as Director Yensch) and staff described several items: the Aqua Park will hold an adults-only event Aug. 1 with tickets limited to 140; skate-park design proposals are due in August; and Wingate Park construction begins Aug. 9 with volunteers assembling at 8 a.m. for site work followed by concrete, asphalt and mulch. LLC Nature Playground Landscapes is completing landscaping installation at the nature playground; West Bend Sunrise Rotarians will plant on July 26; and there are plans to convert an adjacent shed to an open-air shelter.

Councilors and staff praised the recent Dirty Ninja Mud Run for its organization and cleanup. Staff reported 2,382 registrants for the event; the mayor's remarks estimated total attendance, including family members and spectators, \"probably had about 8,000, anywhere up to 8,000 to 10,000 people in Regner Park last Saturday.\" Staff also said Aqua Park revenue had already exceeded last year's revenue by mid-June.

Parks staff said they are seeking design proposals for a skate park and stressed the importance of volunteers and interdepartmental cooperation for large events; construction and maintenance needs will combine paid staff and volunteers. Staff also noted the department is preparing the 2026 budget and capital-improvement planning while anticipating a forthcoming new leader for the department to help with that process.

No formal council action was recorded on Parks and Recreation items beyond receiving the reports; staff indicated a full packet with in-depth TID and parks financial detail is available for council review.","Parks and Recreation reported strong attendance and revenues at the Aqua Park, a large community turnout for the Dirty Ninja Mud Run (2,382 registrants; estimated 8,000–10,000 attendees), upcoming Wingate Park construction on Aug. 9 and several other summer programs and improvements.",{"_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},6162076,"Council approves developer agreements for sewer and water in new TID; staff presents TID performance overview",1568,1848000,3416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d&start=1848&end=3416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d/thumbnail_1848000.jpg","/articles/6162076/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-developer-agreements-for-sewer-and-water-in-new-TID-staff-presents-TID-performance-overview","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162076-09844d0b2a529eaa277498702ca0dc05/orig.mp4?Expires=1776023496&Signature=WFkRgkcFU5U4BEoi5tXiL-j5lkC0c0mwj9ia-THNk0BMzbPRF1l-tUiKfshMvSzoqQ6avV1PzRIscfKch4-ERCtO-S~~NJD7xUn9icAi1DjjVbz6pPyF3T6XcPc6dqg9S3w2HszuZjCPcKs26R-fLgMRqWTJkMHUaPtPQTN1FpCpDgBDZ0HebAy5-t03Aie9ydtSCNkXMvw2vTfTCivwOfhDOd9-8Kcnxbd8y4-yPjWNdoNBuoaQQr~Ij8tkg-2RXahBz~sKIPqrvX9vHa0SIfjF2VoKZzOv06C6CNysaGnkxcnwUPTYoXJCtjr2-zcMPzg0Libm3OkUexXMRr-HDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council on July 21 approved two development agreements with Continental Properties for infrastructure work in Tax Increment District Number 17 and received a comprehensive presentation on the performance and status of the city's tax increment financing districts.

City staff described the first agreement as a standard subdivision-style contract under which Continental Properties will construct sewer and water to city specifications, inspected and accepted as public infrastructure. The council approved the agreement by voice vote. The second agreement is a reimbursement arrangement: Continental will front the infrastructure cost and be reimbursed over time from the TID increment created by the new development. Council approved that agreement as well.

When asked how the reimbursement will be paid, Chad (staff) said the developer will be repaid from incremental property tax revenue generated inside TID 17 — the portion of property-tax growth above the base value that is used to fund eligible infrastructure costs in a TID. Chad estimated that the incremental reimbursement amount for this agreement is \"right around a million dollars,\" noting that figure as an estimate at the meeting.

City planning staff (identified in the meeting as John) gave a lengthy overview of the city’s TID portfolio. He described TIDs as a state-authorized economic development tool that captures the tax increment — that is, the growth in property value inside a designated boundary — to fund public infrastructure and redevelopment costs within the district. The presentation included a map and a slide-by-slide summary of active TIDs, their types (industrial, blight elimination, mixed-use), lifespan and reported incremental value. Examples cited in the presentation:

- TID 5 (Wisconsin Street Depot area): incremental value about $17,000,000.
- TID 6 (Menards/Paradise area): incremental value about $66,000,000.
- TID 10 (River Shores, blight elimination): about $63,000,000 incremental value and a 10-year revenue collection period.
- TID 12 (Gell Company / F Street project): current increment reported at about $72,000,000 and expected to rise once a near-complete development reaches occupancy this fall.

Staff explained that some TIDs perform strongly and can act as \"donor\" districts, contributing increment to other districts that are slower to generate growth; staff also noted that TID 7 (near the Museum of Wisconsin Art) was intentionally left undeveloped in parts to preserve park-like character even though that decision limits incremental tax revenue for that district. Staff said one district near Sarah Graff could be closed as soon as this fall but that waiting until next spring would allow final payments to clear and avoid a small shortfall.

On timing for surface road work related to larger buildout in the Continental development area, staff said design for Eighteenth Street is tentatively scheduled for late 2025–2026, with bidding likely in fall 2026 and construction potentially as early as 2027.

No council member opposed the developer agreements; both motions carried. Staff offered binders of TID financial detail for council members who wanted a deeper review. The presentation reiterated statutory oversight and the Department of Revenue’s role in determining net new construction and levy allowances that feed municipal budgeting choices.","Council approved two developer agreements tied to new Tax Increment District (TID) 17 for Continental Properties to install sewer and water infrastructure; staff also provided an extensive overview of the city's TID portfolio, values and status of several districts.",{"_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},6162081,"West Bend council approves offer to sell Fire Station No. 1 to Midwest Museum of Firefighting for $1",1317,465000,1782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d&start=465&end=1782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5440150-e7d48837f1cbc3016fa8bcb0bdd6587d/thumbnail_465000.jpg","/articles/6162081/West-Bend-City/Washington-County/Wisconsin/West-Bend-council-approves-offer-to-sell-Fire-Station-No-1-to-Midwest-Museum-of-Firefighting-for-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162081-b096c9df886a437ac28ccdba251b7557/orig.mp4?Expires=1776023496&Signature=l8wlORf0JzA9XyH2znuDCcyNT~fvbRJvT9VR8unxBrfeym~tgybwUPgPntJHq9ZVa2eBwW75DHj7j3K4i9gd~MgQWkTXgCqnbh~oYZziT5OeWpiR7iwx4b~AEeCPq5W2uKOFdh-kQXkRbltyzQl0mA5b-03BB77BtVhZ95iqt2cfheh3p79Vfp~uwkBPsVQh88zp5HY8~84ndfuE9m2B8el3Xk6evVBsGfrRGqWQ9RpnhJI-t6pYz0RQhHRdK8B75TSfvY2aOUm5fzcrQiN1gYYTbbL4bJfMIn-qqUA-emIgsWyTI93Myk6ViIgPy8CddDsG0ryHhV1YoSn7GcQ1oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council of the City of West Bend voted July 21 to authorize an offer to sell Fire Station Number 1 to the nonprofit Midwest Museum of Firefighting for the price of $1, a move proponents said would enable a downtown museum showcasing a donated firefighting collection. The vote followed a presentation by museum organizers and comments from council members in support.

Museum leaders said the donated collection is currently housed in a 10,000-square-foot building in Polk and that Fire Station Number 1 has about 25,000 square feet, giving the project room to expand exhibits and add interactive, educational displays. \"This collection deserves a tremendous home where as many people as possible can view the collection,\" said Jim Schlaemer, acting president of the Midwest Museum of Firefighting.

If the council-approved offer is executed, the museum will have a due-diligence period to inspect the building and confirm the project is feasible for the site; the museum will also need to apply for site plan and architectural review by the City of West Bend Planning Commission before alterations. The resolution authorizes the city administrator to execute the offer to purchase on behalf of the city.

Kevin Steiner, co-founder and vice president of the Midwest Museum of Firefighting, told the council the organization has secured \"commitment[s] plural for over $2,000,000 in cash donations\" and estimates it needs a minimum of $4,000,000 more in cash (in addition to the donated collection and the building) to cover renovation, exhibits and a secured endowment for operations. Steiner and Schlaemer estimated the museum project would likely be one to two years away from moving in, depending on fundraising and renovation schedules.

Council members asked practical questions about parking, timeline and museum operations. Museum representatives said the station site could be configured to expand surface parking and that street parking would be relied on for special events. On staffing and operations, the organizers said they expect a mix of paid staff (for maintenance, programming and marketing) and volunteers—many of them retired firefighters—to serve as docents and support outreach.

The resolution notes the property is currently zoned and land-classified to allow institutional uses such as a museum. It also calls for a period of due diligence for the buyer and requires the museum to obtain standard municipal approvals (site plan and architectural review) prior to redevelopment. City staff and speakers framed the proposed sale as a public–private partnership intended to preserve the firefighting collection, help revitalize downtown, and create a cultural and tourist attraction.

The roll-call vote was read aloud and recorded as unanimous in favor. The councilors recorded as voting \"aye\" were Alderman Spartz; Alderman Schmidt; Alderman Engelking; Alderman Sturning; Alderman Sizer; Alderman Butchlich; Alderman Zingshaim; and Alderman Bergquist. The resolution passed and the offer-to-purchase authority was granted to the city administrator.

Council discussion and the museum presentation also noted the collection includes hand-pulled and horse-drawn apparatus, an operating call-box station and other historic pieces intended for interactive display. Museum leaders said the collection is open to the public at its current Polk location on the second Sunday of each month from May through October and by scheduled visits.

Next steps spelled out in the presentation and the resolution: the museum will complete its due diligence, seek necessary city planning reviews and continue fundraising for renovation, exhibits and an operating endowment. The council’s action establishes the property transfer framework but does not obligate the city to provide capital funding for the museum; the transfer includes standard municipal review and approval processes before any renovation work begins.","The Common Council voted to authorize an offer to purchase Fire Station Number 1 to the Midwest Museum of Firefighting for $1, giving the museum a due-diligence period to inspect the building and apply for site plan and architectural review before renovations and fundraising proceed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves routine licenses; Beak's Joint faces unresolved fire-code items before opening

Parks & Rec reports busy summer: Aqua Park, skate-park proposals, Wingate work and 2,382 registrants at Dirty Ninja Mud Run

Council approves developer agreements for sewer and water in new TID; staff presents TID performance overview

West Bend council approves offer to sell Fire Station No. 1 to Midwest Museum of Firefighting for $1