Monday, September 16, 2024
ASHWAUBENON – The Ashwaubenon Village Board held their most recent meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, where the board notified attendees that in their closed session they would be conferring their legal counsel regarding possible litigation with Tufco Industries.
During the month of August, members of the public voiced complaints regarding “foul-smelling air” around Ashwaubenon.
Village Manager Joel Gregozeski confirmed these complaints occurred around the industrial park with ties to Tufco Industries.
Tufco Industries produces industrial wet wipes and laundry products.
Gregozeski noted that the production of these products is believed to be responsible for the “odor.”
Tufco did not respond to a request for comment.
Gregozeski said there was no “reportable action” from closed session.
NEW Water status update
Moving forward, the board heard a presentation from NEW Water regarding a status update and budget drafts.
This year NEW Water brought forward a rate increase of 6.5% on April 1, and will be instituting a 3.5% increase on Oct. 1.
In 2025, NEW Water will be bringing forward additional increases.
The company is facing a need to increase capacity and optimization, replace assets and stay up to date with regulations.
Equipment must also be replaced as many of the machines have been in operation for over 50 years.
The board discussed the price increase, inquiring as to whether there are any grants to help aid these price increases.
Trustee Jay Krueger discussed these rate increases, adding “the residents are hurting from this.”
A representative from NEW Water shared that very little grant funding has been coming from the state.
Beginning in 2025, residents will be seeing a 5.5-7% rate increase across the next 10 years depending on the municipality.
Use of video boards
Next, the board had a public hearing regarding an ordinance to allow video boards in the sports and entertainment district.
Andy Szymanski, owner of Anduzzi’s Sports Club and Grill, came forward to speak on his hope to use video boards to create tourism opportunities.
In the end, the Ashwaubenon Village Board denied the usage of video boards, citing driver distractions and fears of overcrowding.
Other business
The board then approved a preliminary planned unit for a multi-use senior living facility including memory care, townhomes and apartments at 460 Marina Lane.
Next, Ashwaubenon Village Board heard an amendment to the leasing agreement from Cornerstone Community Center Inc. regarding adding a fourth sheet of ice at the Ashwaubenon Sports Complex.
The complex shared that they would pay $400,000 of the estimated $1 million cost to “relocate” tennis courts and facility parking and install lighting at the Pioneer courts.
The board approved the plan updates.
Next, the board heard a retail sales application from Timekeeper Distillery.
Originally from Wausau, the distillery is looking to open a second location within the proposed Revolution Market at 2160 Holmgren Way.
They also put forward a preliminary request for extra hours during Packers home games and to host events in the exterior of the building.
The board discussed recent alcohol law changes in the state of Wisconsin.
The new law allows breweries, wineries and distilleries to host a secondary location to sell and allow consumption of alcohol.
However, the village board of the secondary location and the Department of Revenue must approve the application.
After extensive discussion, the board voted to table the application.
They expressed a desire to review the business plan and meet with other village groups to discuss ordinances.
Next, the board approved a potential Bandshell in Klipstine Park.
Members of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department have been working with a potential donor to fund this project.
The Village Board will meet next at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 2155 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon.
