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Big Bend board approves code overhaul, right-of-way change and routine licenses; denies fireworks-code revisions
Summary
At its March 20 meeting the Village Board adopted a rewritten Chapter 9 on streets and sidewalks, approved a right-of-way discontinuance, approved licenses for a new business and several routine motions, and voted to deny proposed changes to the fireworks ordinance.
The Village of Big Bend approved a series of routine and code-update items at its March 20 meeting while declining a requested change to the fireworks ordinance.
Key votes and outcomes
- Ordinance 2026-02 (Chapter 9, streets and sidewalks): Adopted to repeal and recreate Chapter 9 to update rules on street openings, permits, snow and ice removal, addresses, parking and related issues. The ordinance takes effect on March 20, 2026, after required publication.
- Resolution 2026-03 (right-of-way discontinuance): Approved discontinuance of a 66-foot public right of way described in Certified Survey Map No. 2883 to allow location of a new right of way as part of the Boardwalk Field subdivision; the resolution cites Wis. Stat. §66.1003 and directs notice and hearing as required.
- Resolution 2026-02 (fines and forfeitures tied to Chapter 9): Adopted the fee schedule for violations of the updated Chapter 9, effective March 20, 2026.
- Approval of bills: The board approved accounts payable and payroll covering two runs: $315,517.24 (Feb. 18) and $109,932.76 (Mar. 5) for a combined total of $425,450. The clerk noted a large accounts-payable item relating to a property tax settlement with the school, about $200,000.
- Business licenses: The board granted Class A beer and Class A liquor licenses and a cigarette/tobacco/electronic nicotine device retail license to Kennedy's Big Bend LLC (agent Tammy Swanto) for a new location on State Highway 164.
- Gembotron (jumbo screen) loan/loan-to-lend: Trustees approved loaning the village jumbo screen to a local bar/restaurant for community events on the condition the recipient provide proof of liability insurance and a contract assigning replacement cost responsibility; the board asked for proof of insurance and a contract for legal review before use.
- Minutes and other routine motions: Minutes from the Feb. 5 meeting were approved (with one small edit). The board passed a number of routine motions and department reports.
- Fireworks ordinance revision: Trustees voted to deny proposed changes to Chapter 10 (fireworks), citing unresolved safety, storage-distance and security issues; the motion to deny carried.
What’s next: Most adopted measures take effect March 20, 2026 as noted; the fireworks applicant may revise plans and return to the planning commission. The Gembotron loan requires submission of insurance and a contract before the equipment is used by third parties.
Votes cited in the minutes were recorded by voice; where tallies were read the minutes record unanimous 'Aye' and no formal roll-call tallies with individual member votes in the public record provided in the transcript.
