Hobart trustees approve routine measures, contracts and set June hearing on 1% sewer rate increase

HOBART, Wis. — The Village of Hobart Board of Trustees met May 5 and approved a slate of routine items and contracts while setting a public hearing for a proposed one percent increase in sanitary sewer rates.

The meeting opened with President Richard Heidel calling roll and the board approving the agenda. On the consent agenda the board approved invoices, prior minutes, commission minutes and two special event permits, all by 5‑0 voice votes.

The board approved Resolution 2026‑06 endorsing additional state transportation aid, an action the Wisconsin League of Municipalities has sought to support a long‑term funding solution for the state Transportation Fund. The trustees also approved Resolution 2026‑07 recognizing the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3–9, 2026).

Planning and zoning matters included approval of a two‑lot certified survey map for parcel HB‑524 in the 500 block of Centerline Drive. The measure splits the parcel into two lots of 7.530 acres and 1.691 acres within Planned Development District #1 (Centennial Centre at Hobart District). The board approved both preliminary and final CSM contingent on no adjustments, by a 5‑0 voice vote.

The board approved a contract with Robert E. Lee for GIS licensing and upgrade services to support migration from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro and address changes to Esri’s licensing. The contract cost was presented as an estimated $14,190–$17,540, to be allocated across several funds.

On utility matters, staff proposed a one percent increase in sanitary sewer volume rates — the first rate increase since 2023 — intended to increase fund reserves for future replacements and to accelerate current debt repayment. The board did not act immediately on the rate change but established a public hearing on June 2, 2026, to consider implementing the 2026 Sewer Volume Rates, proposed to rise one percent from 2025 levels.

The board awarded a three‑year street sweeping contract (Sept. 1, 2026–Aug. 31, 2029) to Precision Sealcoating, the only bidder and a vendor with prior satisfactory service in 2017. Trustees approved participation in the Wisconsin League of Municipalities’ Local Government Stormwater Group for $500, with the fee to come from the Stormwater Fund.

The meeting recessed before entering closed session under Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(c), (e) and (g) to discuss personnel, potential sale or purchase of property and tribal affairs/potential litigation. The board reconvened in open session with no actions reported from the closed session and adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Village Administrator Aaron provided routine updates under the administrator’s report, including tour scheduling for a municipal center project, a forthcoming Tree City USA planting in Fontaine Park, review of a liquor license surrender for White Eagle Bar & Grill by Village Clerk Lisa A. Vanden Heuvel, and other operational items. The board also noted the upcoming presentation of the audit at the next meeting and a West De Pere School referendum scheduled for the November 3 ballot.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (invoices, minutes, permits): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Koepke; second: Zittlow). - Resolution 2026‑06 (support state transportation aid): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Heidel; second: Tanke). - Resolution 2026‑07 (Clerks Week): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Zittlow; second: Koepke). - 2‑lot CSM for HB‑524 (7.530 & 1.691 acres): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Heidel; second: Tanke). - Contract with Robert E. Lee (GIS licensing/upgrades; est. $14,190–$17,540): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Heidel; second: Dillenburg). - Public hearing established for proposed 1% sewer volume rate increase (effective consideration June 2, 2026): motion approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Dillenburg; second: Heidel). - Street sweeping three‑year contract to Precision Sealcoating (Sept. 1, 2026–Aug. 31, 2029): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Heidel; second: Koepke). - Village participation in Wisconsin League of Municipalities Local Government Stormwater Group ($500): approved, voice vote 5‑0 (mover: Tanke; second: Dillenburg).

What’s next: The board will hold a public hearing on June 2 on the proposed sewer rate change. The audit will be presented at the next meeting. No actions were reported from the closed session.