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Façade grant denied 3–3; RDA hears about new WEDC small‑business grant program
Summary
The RDA split 3–3 on a $2,400 façade grant for 300 Kettle Moraine Dr. S, failing the application; Administrator Margaret Wilber also briefed members on WEDC’s new Small Business Development Grant program and asked staff to research local implementation options.
At the Aug. 7 meeting, Administrator Margaret Wilber presented a façade grant application for 300 Kettle Moraine Drive South and described the visible improvements completed at the property. RDA members debated whether façade grants should pay for building improvements rather than routine maintenance such as weed control or overgrown plantings.
Dean Otte moved and Dianne Retzlaff seconded a motion to approve a $2,400 façade grant for the property. A roll‑call vote recorded Yays from Otte, Retzlaff and Colette Troeller and Nays from Scott Stortz, Sherry Schaefer and Angelina Iturrian; the motion failed on a 3–3 tie.
Wilber also informed the RDA that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has launched a Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) program that would allow communities to create local programs to assist small businesses with startup, expansion or targeted improvements. Wilber said communities that apply will need to design an ongoing local program and that staff will research the opportunity and attend an informational webinar later in the month. She suggested local beneficiaries could include the museum, the brewery or Sevenfold Saloon, but made no funding commitments at the meeting.
The RDA did not vote to pursue WEDC funding at this meeting; staff will return with recommendations if research indicates the program is a suitable fit for the Village.
