Kenosha finance committee approves special charges, CIP shifts, parcel transfers and $7.2 million disbursement

The Kenosha Common Council Finance Committee approved a slate of municipal finance and property actions at its Aug. 18 meeting, including special charges for code enforcement and bulk-trash pickup, a $50,000 reallocation in the 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), authorization of multiple parcel transfers, and a disbursement record totaling $7,234,018.20.

The measures were routine and passed unanimously by the four members present: Alderperson Kenny Harper, Alderperson Holly Kangas, Vice Chairperson Art De Beres and Chairperson Kurt Wilson. Alderperson Keith Rosenberg and Alderperson Luke Dyson were excused.

The committee adopted a proposed resolution imposing a series of special charges for specific property-related services. The resolution lists individual fees including a $425 boarding-and-securing fee; $2,572.40 for trash-and-debris removal; $8,999.19 for seagrass and weed cutting; a $10,808 property-maintenance reinspection fee; and a $650 building-and-zoning reinspection fee. The resolution was presented as a public hearing item; no members of the public spoke and the committee voted 4–0 to approve it.

The committee also approved a resolution to impose special charges on properties where residents or owners failed to schedule required bulk-trash pickups. Frank Cader, identified in the meeting as a public works director, told the committee the list covers the first four months of the year and includes 44 properties, of which 25 are rentals. Cader said the third-party contractor collected the material and the city is now charging the property owners for the service. The committee voted 4–0 to approve that charge.

The committee amended the 2025 Capital Improvement Program to increase OT18-003 (Strawberry Creek Subdivision improvements) by $50,000 and decrease IN21-004 (Sixteenth Avenue, Washington Road, Fortieth Street) by $50,000. Frank Cader explained the Strawberry Creek work completes sidewalks, remaining tree plantings and other public-area items after the original developer stopped work; lighting had been installed previously and the additional funds cover increased costs to finish sidewalks and plantings. That amendment passed 4–0.

Committee members also authorized creation of OT25-003 (Kiel/Kila parking lot) in Tax Increment District (TID) No. 32 with an increase to the 2025 CIP of $291,000 to finish three parking lots near the Kila building. City staff described the funding as necessary to complete the lots; no members of the public spoke on the matter and the measure passed unanimously.

The committee approved several property actions tied to housing and redevelopment efforts. Staff described a transfer of four parcels to Torrance and Builders Properties LLC under the Home Kenosha program; Tim Casey, described as city development staff, reported the builder has two homes fully enclosed, two foundations in place and asked the city to convey four additional noncontiguous parcels so work can continue. The committee also approved a first amendment to the agreement with the builder to allow those transfers.

In a separate parcel action, the committee approved transferring 620 square feet of city property at a Third Street location to James Leach to allow his ongoing rehabilitation to remain classified as a duplex; staff said Leach’s lot is approximately five feet short of the minimum needed for the duplex and the requested transfer provides that width. Both parcel transfers passed 4–0.

The committee approved Disbursement Record No. 14 totaling $7,234,018.20 by voice vote.

Two insurance claims were discussed in closed session under state statute cited during the meeting as "state statute 19.85(1)(g)" for attorney consultation. The committee returned to open session and approved the claims (items 10 and 11) with recorded aye votes from the four members present.

No citizen speakers addressed these agenda items during the public hearings.

Votes at a glance: the committee recorded 4–0 votes in favor of each listed resolution or item including the special charges (items 1–2), CIP changes (items 3–4), parcel transfers and amendment (items 5–7), Disbursement Record No. 14 (item 9), and approvals following closed-session claims discussion (items 10–11).