Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Janesville council rejects fast-track to April ballot for referendum on GM/JADCO site development
Summary
After extensive public comment by more than a dozen residents urging a referendum on a proposed large-scale development at the GM/JADCO site, the Janesville Common Council voted against moving the petition to the April ballot; the clerk read Ordinance No. 20-26-926, which would refer projects over $450 million to the electorate.
The Janesville Common Council declined to fast-track a citizen petition that would require voter approval for development agreements or land transfers at the GM/JADCO site costing more than $450,000,000.
The clerk read File Ordinance No. 20-26-926 — an ordinance to refer approval of proposed development projects or entry into development agreements exceeding $450,000,000 (or transfer/encumbrance of the GM Jacko site) to the electorate — and the council debated whether to put the measure on the April ballot without the usual second reading and public hearing.
Why it matters: Petition organizers said the effort represents a broad community demand for a voice on projects they consider “mega” in scale. Multiple residents told the council they gathered more than 4,600 verified signatures and urged either immediate adoption of the ordinance or a referendum so Janesville voters could decide directly.
Public testimony: Dozens of residents pressed the council during the public-comment period. Kathy Erdman, a South…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
