Kenosha County Board adopts AI policy, temporarily halts permits for battery storage systems

On July 7, 2026, the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt a generative artificial intelligence usage policy and to impose a temporary moratorium on issuing building permits, conditional use permits and zoning approvals for battery energy storage systems while the county amends its zoning ordinance to address those systems.

The two measures passed on voice votes during the Regular County Board meeting. Supervisor Michael Geertsen moved to adopt the Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy; Supervisor John Nudo seconded. Supervisor Mark Kirby moved the moratorium on permitting for battery energy storage systems; Supervisor Joseph Cologna seconded. Both motions were approved by voice vote, with no roll-call tallies recorded in the transcript.

The AI usage policy is intended to govern county staff use of generative artificial intelligence in county operations; the transcript records the board's adoption but does not include the policy text or implementation timeline. The temporary moratorium on permits for battery energy storage systems was described as a pause in permitting "pending enactment of an amended zoning ordinance to address these systems and protect the public health, safety and welfare of Kenosha County residents." The moratorium is procedural: it halts local permitting while staff and the Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee consider ordinance language.

The board also approved an amendment to MCKC 8.02(1) relating to cabaret ordinances; Supervisor John Decker moved the ordinance and Supervisor Steve Gaschke seconded. That motion likewise passed on a voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- Policy Resolution 1: Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage Policy — Moved by Supervisor Geertsen; seconded by Supervisor Nudo; outcome: approved (voice vote; tally not specified).

- Ordinance 7: Temporary moratorium on permitting for battery energy storage systems — Moved by Supervisor Kirby; seconded by Supervisor Cologna; outcome: approved (voice vote; tally not specified).

- Ordinance 8: Amendment to MCKC 8.02(1) (cabaret ordinances) — Moved by Supervisor Decker; seconded by Supervisor Gaschke; outcome: approved (voice vote; tally not specified).

Other business

The board approved three one-reading resolutions appointing Luke Pollock to the Brookside Board of Trustees and John O'Day and Veronica King to the Commission on Aging and Disability Services (Resolutions 25'027). Supervisor Tamara Stocker moved the appointments; supervisors Robinson, Brown and Knezz are recorded as having seconded those respective motions. Chairman Nordigian referred several communications to standing committees, including a proposal to establish an invocation at the start of county board meetings (Communication 23, Legislative Committee) and a communication authorizing up to $22,750,000 in general obligation promissory notes and/or bonds (Communication 29, referred to Finance/Administration Committee).

During public comment, resident David McClain asked the board to consider banning high-interest loan stores in Kenosha County; the transcript notes his request but records no committee referral or immediate action on that item. Supervisor John Morrissey reported a memorial dedication for former Kenosha Water Utility Director Fred Nelson earlier that day and provided the memorial's location for anyone wishing to visit.

The meeting approved the June 16, 2026 minutes (Supervisor Tarzon moved; Supervisor Decker seconded) and adjourned at 7:20 p.m. (Supervisor Morrissey moved; Supervisor Decker seconded). Many items were handled by voice vote; the transcript does not include roll-call vote totals or dissenting recorded statements.