Kenosha finance committee approves water bonds for lead line replacements, property purchase and several routine items

The Kenosha Finance Committee on Sept. 3 voted on multiple agenda items, approving a water bond issuance to support the 2025 lead service line replacement program, authorizing purchase of a vacant lot in Uptown Kenosha, approving an additional special event for 2025, receiving and filing a quarterly loan report, and approving a disbursement record.

Largest financial item: The committee approved a mayoral resolution authorizing issuance and sale of up to $3,002,527 in taxable water system revenue bonds, series 2025. A representative for the local water utility said the bonds will fund the 2025 lead service line replacement program and that the issuance is structured to be repaid from water revenues; staff said there will be no direct financial impact to the City of Kenosha general fund.

Property acquisition: The committee approved acquisition of the property at 622 Second Avenue from the Danish Brotherhood Society for a purchase price reported in the meeting as $40,000. City staff member Tim Casey said the lot had been vacant since a fire five years earlier and that the city would hold the parcel for potential redevelopment, including possible gateway green space or signage tied to the Uptown redevelopment plan; Casey noted the site is narrow and likely not suited for winter overflow parking.

Other routine business: The committee authorized an additional special event for 2025 by resolution after a public-hearing opportunity with no speakers, received and filed the HABA 2025 second-quarter loan report (the committee had deferred earlier and then voted to receive and file), and approved disbursement record number 15 totaling $6,581,406.74. All votes on these items recorded a 5–0 tally in favor.

Speakers and process: Chris Coachman, community relations for the city, was present to answer questions on the special-event resolution. A representative identified in the record as Mr. Zardinecki appeared on behalf of the local water utility to describe the bond issuance and the lead service line replacement funding. City staff member Tim Casey presented the property acquisition item. Each item was presented as a matter for public hearing; no members of the public testified on the matters that were heard.

Votes and next steps: Roll-call votes recorded Alderperson Harper, Alderperson Dyson, Alderperson Rosenberg, Vice Chairperson DeBaer and Chairperson Wilson as voting "aye" on each item. The committee did not announce specific next steps for redevelopment of the 622 Second Avenue parcel beyond holding it for potential future uses tied to the Uptown plan; the bond issuance will proceed to council later the same evening for final action.