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Rothschild board directs water-rate study, adopts recreation master plans and raises Creske Ave. speed limit
Summary
On Feb. 9 the Village of Rothschild Village Board unanimously approved a water-rate study prompted by EPA PFAS treatment needs, adopted updated outdoor recreation plans to help secure grants, amended Creske Ave. speed limits to 35 mph, and approved an Arbor Day proclamation; all motions passed 7–0.
The Village of Rothschild Village Board on Feb. 9 directed staff to pursue a formal water-rate study after hearing from Administrator Ryan VanDeWalle and the village's financial advisers that the utility's coverage ratio is below recommended levels and that EPA PFAS-treatment requirements could affect future costs.
The direction came after VanDeWalle said worksheets prepared with Baird, the village's financial-advising team, show scenarios in which the water/sewer expenditure-coverage ratio would need to rise above 1.0 to meet projected obligations. The board voted 7–0 to move forward with the study; the motion was made by Trustee Deb Ehster and seconded by Trustee Sam Stroik.
Why it matters: a formal rate study will quantify how much rates may need to increase to fund EPA-driven upgrades at the water plant and to maintain appropriate coverage between water and sewer operations.
The board also approved several planning documents intended to strengthen Rothschild's ability to compete for outdoor recreation grants. The Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2026–2031 was adopted, and the board asked Administrator VanDeWalle and Tourism Marketing Director Dave Brula to prepare a mission statement and branding materials for presentation first to the Outdoor Recreation Committee and then back to the board for final approval. Ayres Associates worked with the Outdoor Recreation Committee on the CORP update. The motion to approve the CORP carried 7–0; Trustee Jason Jablonski made the motion and Trustee Sam Stroik seconded it.
Two related plans were adopted to support implementation and grant applications: the Cedar Creek Recreation Area Master Plan and an updated Pavilion Park/Pavilion Marketplace master plan (a refresh of the 2013 plan using updated census data). Both received unanimous board approval.
Traffic ordinance clarification: the board approved an amendment to Part II, Chapter 524, Section 524-2 of the village code to post Creske Ave. at 35 mph. VanDeWalle explained there had been confusion after signs shifted between 25 and 35 mph following prior discussions; Chief Hunt indicated support for posting the road at 35 mph. The ordinance amendment passed 7–0.
Other business: the board approved routine items including the Jan. 26 meeting minutes and the clerk's list of applications, licenses and permits (each 7–0), voted to cancel the May 25, 2026 board meeting because it falls on Memorial Day, and adopted an Arbor Day proclamation for April 24, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Votes at a glance: all recorded motions in the Feb. 9 meeting passed unanimously (7–0). Major recorded actions included directing a water-rate study (mover: Deb Ehster; seconder: Sam Stroik), approving the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and related master plans (movers and seconders noted in minutes), amending the local speed-limit ordinance for Creske Ave. (approved), canceling the May 25 meeting and adopting an Arbor Day proclamation.
Next steps: staff will commission the water-rate study and return findings to the board; the administrator and tourism director will draft a mission statement and branding for the CORP and present it to the Outdoor Recreation Committee and then to the board for final approval.
