Slinger RDA approves $10,000 façade grant for Kettle Moraine Players; staff to refine program guidelines

Slinger Redevelopment Authority members on Feb. 3 approved a $10,000 Façade Program grant to help Kettle Moraine Players, Inc. cover the cost of a new sewer lateral at 204 Kettle Moraine Drive South.

Community Development Director Dyann Benson told the authority that staff and the Playhouse’s contractor identified the failing sewer lateral and that, under the current Façade Program language, utility facilities qualify for assistance. Benson said she is recommending changes to the program manual to clarify eligible and ineligible projects, timelines and application requirements, and to limit eligibility so that only failing infrastructure or upgrades that facilitate a commercial tenant would qualify going forward.

Dean Otte moved and Sherry Schaefer seconded the grant approval; the motion passed with the condition that acceptable receipts be provided to Village staff for review. The motion was recorded in the minutes as “Motion Otte/Schaefer to approve the façade grant application in the amount of $10,000 for Kettle Moraine Players, Inc. subject to acceptable receipts being provided to Village staff for review. Passed.”

Members noted concern that the repair is underground and not a visible façade improvement; Benson reiterated that staff will finalize revised program language and bring it back at a future meeting for formal review.

The authority’s action covers the single grant application on the agenda; staff will present finalized guideline language at a forthcoming meeting and return to the RDA for further action.