Bonduel RDA approves downtown grant reimbursements, greenlights Fireman’s Park concrete work

The Village of Bonduel Redevelopment Authority voted April 28 to approve three final reimbursements under its Downtown Business Grant Program and to authorize concrete work at Fireman’s Park, reallocating Tax Increment District (TID) funds to cover a remaining shortfall.

Chairman Russ Gehm called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Committee member Sean Falk moved, and Committee member Caitlin Richter seconded, to approve the agenda; the motion carried unanimously. The board also approved the March 10, 2026 meeting minutes.

Municipal Operations Director Jesse Rankin presented the grant and project items. The board approved a $7,884.43 reimbursement request submitted by Michael Dootson of 4Z Pet Spa for work at 300 N. Cecil St., covering electrical services, interior renovations and exterior improvements; after the payment the business retains $2,115.57 available under its award. The RDA approved a final $705.77 reimbursement to The Glenn to fully expend that property’s $10,000 grant award for windows and doors.

The board approved a final reimbursement of $4,506.33 to LK Reflections for 154 N. Cecil St.; that motion carried with member Lissy Kastning abstaining (Kastning had submitted the reimbursement request). In total, the three reimbursements approved at the meeting total $13,096.53.

Rankin reported Precision Construction submitted a $6,200 bid to pour sidewalk and an elevated platform at Fireman’s Park. The RDA determined its project account lacked sufficient funds to pay the full amount and agreed to use remaining RDA project funds supplemented by TID dollars originally budgeted for downtown flowers and flags. Committee member Caitlin Richter moved, and Committee member Lissy Kastning seconded, to approve the concrete installation using RDA and TID accounts; the motion carried unanimously.

During the meeting the RDA reviewed several items under unfinished business. Board members received updates on the 2026 Farmer’s Market dates and planned events and agreed the Village will promote the market; the board discussed Fourth of July business support and concluded current downtown enhancements would be sufficient, noting larger initiatives would require year-ahead planning. The semi-annual business meeting was set for May 12 at The Glenn, limited to one hour, with Lisa Hughes serving as facilitator. Rankin said he will meet with WE Energies to explore options for cleaning up downtown electrical poles and combining lines; the RDA deferred further discussion until that information is available. No applications for new RDA members have been submitted.

The board moved into closed session after a motion by Sean Falk and a second by Lisa Hughes, citing Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchase of public properties or other specified public business where bargaining reasons require confidentiality; the roll call vote was unanimous and Municipal Operations Director Jesse Rankin and Village Clerk Michelle Maroszek were invited to attend. The RDA returned to open session by unanimous roll call at 6:45 p.m.; the minutes state no action was taken in closed session.

The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m. The RDA will convene its semi-annual business meeting on May 12 at The Glenn.