Fort Atkinson meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Fort Atkinson agendas list annexation, city manager search and library job descriptions; no outcomes yet published

Three Fort Atkinson public bodies were scheduled to meet between Oct. 12 and Oct. 20, and each agenda lists items touching property, city staffing and library operations. Only agendas have been published for all three meetings; minutes were not available as of Oct. 26. This roundup therefore reports what was scheduled for consideration, not what was decided. No vote tallies or outcomes are established by the records provided.

Annexation of N1807 South Main Street appears on two agendas

The Plan Commission on Oct. 13 and the City Council on Oct. 20 both listed the annexation of property at N1807 South Main Street from the Town of Koshkonong. The Plan Commission agenda identifies the parcel as 016-0514-0941-030 and also lists a Certified Survey Map for the same address. A Certified Survey Map is a document that formally maps a parcel's boundaries. Annexation would move the property from town to city jurisdiction. Whether either body acted on the item is not established by the records provided.

City Council: stormwater ordinance, recruiting firm, housing element, pump repair

The Oct. 20 City Council agenda listed an ordinance to amend Section 98-603 and create Section 98-610 regarding the Stormwater Utility, and the selection of a proposal for Executive Recruiting Firm and Interim City Manager Services. It also listed a resolution certifying the adequacy of the Housing Element in the Comprehensive Plan, and repairs to the Water Utility's Booster Pump 302. The agenda summary provided does not include dollar amounts for any of these items.

Library Board: position descriptions, 2027 closures, trust, closed session

The Dwight Foster Public Library Board agenda for Oct. 12 listed review and possible action on updated position descriptions for full-time library employees, and review and possible action on 2027 library holidays and closure dates. It also listed discussion of the status of a trust held at Edward Jones and the October 2026 financial report. A closed session was listed for the performance review of the Library Director; closed sessions are not open to the public, and no outcome from that portion has been published.

Plan Commission: downtown design review

The Oct. 13 Plan Commission agenda listed a Special Area Design Review for a Hoard Building awning replacement at 28 Milwaukee Ave. W. A design review is a review of proposed exterior changes against adopted design standards.

Coming up

The Plan Commission meets Oct. 27. Its agenda lists a Certified Survey Map for Paddy Shack at 201 S. Main St. (CSM-2026-04) and a Special Area Design Review for the same address (SADR-2026-04). It also lists a Special Area Design Review for The Clover Collective at 121 N. Main St. (SADR-2026-09), a Special Area Design Review for downtown holiday lighting, and updates on previous projects.

Agendas and, once published, minutes are the official record of each meeting; readers should consult those documents directly for the wording of any item and for any action taken.

Fort Atkinson Council sets 2027 utility rates, approves equipment purchases

The Fort Atkinson City Council on Oct. 6 approved 2027 Stormwater Utility and Wastewater Utility rates, including a 3% increase for wastewater, according to the meeting summary. The council also adopted two ordinances and authorized several purchases and contracts. Vote tallies were not included in the provided summary.

Utility rates and purchases

The 2027 rate actions set stormwater and wastewater utility charges for the coming year. The wastewater rate includes a 3% increase. The council approved a $38,100 contract with Donohue & Associates for a water/wastewater capacity evaluation. It also approved $119,959.58 for an ambulance cardiac monitor, stair chair and patient cot; $79,675 for a Police Department back-up generator and concrete pad; and a $35,746.25 contract with the Humane Society of Jefferson County for 2027.

The council adopted an ordinance amending camping unit regulations in Section 18-256 and an ordinance moving parking penalties to the annual fee schedule.

License recommendations

The License Committee on Oct. 6 recommended that the City Council approve a premise description change for Bridge @ River & Main, LLC dba Proof/Bridge at 10 S. Water Street West. The committee also recommended approval of a license transfer for Sarahndipity Salon, LLC dba Sarahndipity Salon & Boutique to 88 S. Main Street. Both actions relate to separation of alcohol licensing for properties at those addresses, according to the summary. The recommendations are not final council action.

Closed session and agenda reviews

A separate Oct. 6 City Council agenda listed a closed session under Wisconsin State Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties, requested by Houseman, City Manager. The agenda listed no public hearing, ordinance, rezoning or contract item, and no decisions, contracts or dollar amounts. Minutes were not yet published in the provided data.

The Dwight Foster Public Library Board was scheduled Oct. 12 to review the October 2026 financial report and the status of a trust held at Edward Jones. It was also to consider updated position descriptions for full-time employees and 2027 library holidays and closure dates, plus a closed session for the Library Director’s performance review. The Plan Commission was scheduled Oct. 13 to consider annexation of N1807 South Main Street (parcel 016-0514-0941-030) from the Town of Koshkonong and a related Certified Survey Map. It was also to review a Special Area Design Review for Hoard Building Awning replacement at 28 Milwaukee Ave. W. Those were agenda items; minutes were not yet published.

Coming up

The City Council meets Oct. 20 to consider annexation of property at N1807 South Main Street from the Town of Koshkonong. The agenda also lists an ordinance to amend Section 98-603 and create Section 98-610 regarding the Stormwater Utility; selection of a proposal for Executive Recruiting Firm and Interim City Manager Services; a resolution certifying the adequacy of the Housing Element in the Comprehensive Plan; and repairs of the Water Utility’s Booster Pump 302.

Fort Atkinson agendas cover 2027 budget, utility rates and a South Main annexation — but no minutes are published yet

Fort Atkinson's City Council, License Committee, Plan Commission and Library Board all have business on their agendas this month, but as of Oct. 13 no minutes have been published for the six meetings held in the past two weeks. That means no votes, dollar amounts or final outcomes from those sessions are confirmed in the records available. What follows comes from the posted agendas.

2027 budget and utility rates

The council's Sept. 29 budget workshop covered the 2027 operating budget and capital improvements project (CIP) budget. Department heads were scheduled to present requests for Parks and Recreation, the Hoard Historical Museum, Dwight Foster Public Library, Neighborhood Services, Fire/EMS, Police, Public Works, Wastewater and the Water Utility. The City Manager's portion covered the lodging/room tax and City Scape, the Affordable Housing Fund, the Capital Catalyst Fund, Tax Increment Districts and a fee resolution. The agenda lists no votes and no dollar amounts; it is a discussion and presentation session.

On Oct. 6, the council was scheduled to consider resolutions adopting 2027 stormwater and wastewater utility rates, along with ordinance readings on camping units (Section 18-256), parking (Chapter 94, Article VIII, Division 6) and the stormwater utility (Sections 98-603 and 98-610). Also on that agenda: a water and wastewater capacity evaluation by Donohue & Associates, Inc., a WEDC site assessment grant proposal for the former Loeb-Lorman Scrapyard, Banker Road redesign easements, blower and ambulance equipment purchases, and a 2027 animal collection contract with the Humane Society of Jefferson County. A consent agenda covered meeting minutes, alcohol license changes, library assistive listening technology and a temporary retailer's license for the BASE Common Table Harvest Dinner on Oct. 10, 2026.

Land and property

The council was also noticed to meet in closed session Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. under Wisconsin State Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties, where competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The notice was requested by Houseman, City Manager. The posted agenda lists no decisions, contracts or dollar amounts.

Separately, the council was scheduled to take a first reading of an annexation ordinance for N1807 South Main Street (parcel 016-0514-0941-030) from the Town of Koshkonong (PFA-2026-02). The Plan Commission takes up the same annexation, plus a Certified Survey Map for the property, on Oct. 13.

Licenses and business

The License Committee met Oct. 6 at 6:00 p.m. to review two alcohol matters and possibly recommend action to the council: a premise description for Bridge @ River & Main, LLC dba Proof at 10 S Water Street West, and a license and permit transfer application for Sarahndipity Salon, LLC dba Sarahndipity Salon & Boutique at 88 S. Main Street. Both were presented by Ebbert, Clerk/Treasurer/Finance Director. The committee takes no final action; any recommendation would go to the council.

Library Board

The Library Board was noticed for a possible quorum at the Brides Library System Trustee Appreciation Event on Sept. 29 at Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St, Waukesha; no formal library business was to be conducted. On Oct. 12, the board was scheduled to review updated position descriptions for full-time employees and 2027 library holidays and closure dates, discuss the status of a trust held at Edward Jones, and meet in closed session for the Library Director's performance review.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Plan Commission:** annexation of N1807 South Main Street (parcel 016-0514-0941-030) from the Town of Koshkonong, a Certified Survey Map for the same property, and a Special Area Design Review for a Hoard Building awning replacement at 28 Milwaukee Ave. W.

That is the only upcoming meeting listed in the records provided for the next 14 days. No minutes have been published for the six meetings summarized above, so none of the items described here should be read as decided.

Fort Atkinson Plan Commission approves 64-unit multifamily phase; council agenda includes new tax districts

The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on Aug. 11 approved a conditional use permit for the first phase of a 112-unit multifamily development at 1911 Janesville Avenue, allowing four 16-unit buildings (64 units total) subject to conditions. The commission also recommended City Council approval of certified survey maps for three other properties and approved site plan reviews for two projects, all by 6-0 votes.

Plan Commission actions

The commission approved the conditional use permit for Phase 1 of the group development at 1911 Janesville Avenue, with conditions including City Council approval of a Certified Survey Map and Plan Commission approval of a Site Plan. The vote was 6-0. The certified survey map and site plan review for the same address were removed from the agenda at the applicant's request.

In other 6-0 votes, the commission recommended City Council approval of certified survey maps for:

• 815 Jefferson St.
• A property on Mehta Lane
• 550 McMillen St.

The commission also approved site plan reviews with conditions for the Mehta Lane property and the 550 McMillen St. property, and approved the minutes of its July 28, 2026 meeting.

Other recent meetings

Library Board (Aug. 10) – The board met to review and potentially approve revisions to the Circulation Policy, Code of Conduct, Meeting Room Policy, and Patron Privacy and Confidentiality Policy. It also discussed the August 2026 financial report and approval of bills. Minutes have not yet been published.

Economic Development Commission (Aug. 11) – The commission met to consider recommending to the City Council an offer to purchase Lot 1 in Klement Business Park and three Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) requests tied to development agreements: River Trail Flats at 1911 Janesville Avenue (Pelton Builders), River Point Commons at 550 McMillen Street (Pre3), and Cardinal View Crossing at the west end of Mehta Lane (Pre3). The commission may have entered closed session to discuss these items. Minutes have not yet been published.

City Council (Aug. 18) — The council held first and second readings of several ordinances, including tobacco/nicotine sales restrictions, park regulations (Chapter 62), off-highway motorcycle regulations (Sections 94-245 through 94-248), and a zoning change for 1911 Janesville Avenue from RH-35 to MRH-30. The agenda also included resolutions adopting project plans for two new tax incremental districts (TID No. 12 and TID No. 13) and a $22,642 fill invoice for Ridge View Estates. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Plan Commission will meet Aug. 25 to consider conditional use permits for Cardinal View Crossing on Mehta Lane and River Point Commons at 550 McMillen St., a certified survey map for 1704 Montclair Pl., and a certified survey map and site plan review for River Trail Flats at 1911 Janesville Avenue. The commission will also vote on minutes from its Aug. 11 meeting.

Fort Atkinson Plan Commission approves 112-unit housing project; council approves truck, sewer, dispatch

The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on Aug. 11 approved a conditional use permit for the first phase of a 112-unit multifamily development at 1911 Janesville Avenue, allowing four 16-unit buildings totaling 64 units. The 6-0 vote came with conditions, including City Council approval of a Certified Survey Map and Plan Commission approval of a site plan. The commission also recommended City Council approval of Certified Survey Maps for properties at 815 Jefferson St., Mehta Lane, and 550 McMillen St., and approved site plan reviews for the Mehta Lane and 550 McMillen St. projects, all 6-0. Items related to the Certified Survey Map and site plan for 1911 Janesville Ave. were removed from the agenda at the applicant's request. The commission also approved minutes of its July 28 meeting.

City Council approves truck, sewer work, dispatch system

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the City Council approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F-250 XL Super Duty for the Water Utility for $44,215.50, an $11,805 invoice to Expediters, Inc. for storm sewer cleaning and locating at 312 S. Fourth St., and $35,673.05 for a Fire/EMS Computer Aided Dispatch system using donated funds. The council also approved the consent agenda, including minutes from four prior meetings, and authorized payment of the verified claims list.

The council conducted first readings of three ordinances: one regulating off-highway motorcycles, one updating electric bike and scooter regulations, and a zoning map amendment for 1911 Janesville Avenue from RH-35 to MRH-30. Second readings are scheduled for Aug. 18. The meeting ended with a closed session to discuss property purchases and sales.

License Committee recommends liquor license

The License Committee on Aug. 4 voted 2-0 (with Price absent) to recommend that the City Council approve a Reserve Class B intoxicating liquor and Class B fermented malt beverage license for Rock River Heritage Inc., doing business as Fort Atkinson Club Community Center, at 211 S. Water Street East. The recommendation is contingent on payment of licensing fees and having licensed operators.

Other recent meetings

The Library Board met Aug. 10 to review possible revisions to its Circulation Policy, Code of Conduct, Meeting Room Policy, and Patron Privacy and Confidentiality Policy, as well as the August financial report and bills. No decisions were reported.

The Economic Development Commission met Aug. 11 to consider an offer to purchase Lot 1 in Klement Business Park and three Tax Incremental Financing requests tied to development agreements. No decisions were reported.

Coming up

The City Council will meet Aug. 18. The agenda includes second readings of the off-highway motorcycle ordinance and the zoning change for 1911 Janesville Avenue, first readings of ordinances amending tobacco sales restrictions and park regulations, and resolutions adopting project plans for two new tax incremental districts (TID No. 12 and 13). The council will also consider a $22,642 fill invoice for Ridge View Estates.

Fort Atkinson creates new tax district, advances apartment project

The Joint Review Board approved the creation of Tax Incremental District No. 11 and an amendment to TID No. 9 at its July 27 meeting, a step that could support new development in Fort Atkinson. The board also approved annual reports for four existing districts and set the stage for two more districts later this summer.

Tax Incremental District actions

The Joint Review Board, meeting July 27, approved a resolution creating TID No. 11 and Territory Addition Amendment No. 1 for TID No. 9. It also approved the 2025 annual reports for TIDs 6, 7, 9, and 10, and the minutes from its June 22 meeting. The board appointed Manager Houseman as chairperson for TID 12 and TID 13, and Jonah Ralston as public member for both districts. A formal review and action date for TID 12 and TID 13 was set for August 31, 2026.

Plan Commission recommendations

The Plan Commission, meeting July 28, recommended that the City Council adopt project plans and boundaries for TID No. 12 and TID No. 13, each by a 5-0 vote. The commission also recommended, also 5-0, that the council approve a zoning map amendment for 1911 Janesville Avenue, changing the property from Rural Holding (RH-35) to Multifamily Residential (MRH-30). That change would allow a proposed 112-unit apartment development. The commission approved its July 14 meeting minutes 4-0. These are recommendations; the City Council has final authority.

Police and Fire Commission

The Police and Fire Commission, meeting July 27, approved the promotion of part-time firefighter Jill Reifsnider to part-time Lieutenant. The commission also approved the minutes from its February 12, 2026 meeting.

Other recent meetings

Several other bodies met in the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

• The Library Board Policy Committee met July 30 to review proposed revisions to six policies, including Circulation, Code of Conduct, and Meeting Room. No decisions were made.
• The Board of Review met July 30 to hear assessment appeals for properties on Larsen Road, Madison Avenue, and Reena Avenue, and to consider certifying corrections of error.
• The License Committee met August 4 to review an alcohol beverage license application for Rock River Heritage Inc., doing business as Fort Atkinson Club Community Center at 211 S. Water Street East.
• The City Council met August 4 and considered a zoning change for 1911 Janesville Avenue, first readings of ordinances on off-highway motorcycles and electric bikes/scooters, and purchases of a 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck and a Fire/EMS Computer Aided Dispatch system. No outcomes are available yet.

Coming up

• **Library Board** – August 10: Will review and potentially approve revisions to the Circulation Policy, Code of Conduct, Meeting Room Policy, and Patron Privacy and Confidentiality Policy. Also will discuss the August financial report and approve bills.
• **Plan Commission** – August 11: Will review conditional use permits, certified survey maps, and site plans for a group development at 1911 Janesville Avenue, properties on Mehta Lane, and 550 McMillen St. Public hearings are scheduled for the Mehta Lane and McMillen St. conditional use permits.
• **Economic Development Commission** – August 11: Will consider recommending to the City Council an offer to purchase Lot 1 in Klement Business Park and three Tax Incremental Financing requests tied to development agreements for River Trail Flats, River Point Commons, and Cardinal View Crossing. The commission may enter closed session before making recommendations.

Fort Atkinson creates new TID, backs Main Street redevelopment grant; rezoning vote set for Aug. 4

The Fort Atkinson Joint Review Board approved creation of Tax Incremental District No. 11 on July 27, while the City Council backed a state grant for a 17-unit mixed-use redevelopment at 311 S. Main Street — two of the most consequential decisions from a busy two weeks of local government meetings.

City Council — July 21

The Council approved a resolution supporting a WEDC grant for the Brown's Court project at 311 S. Main Street, which includes 17 residential units. The Council also authorized several purchases and actions:

• $18,700 purchase from Midwest Meters for water meter reading equipment.
• Task Order 2025-02, Amendment 2, for 2027 Road Rehabilitation and Water Relay Design, not to exceed $25,747.
• Release of an RFP for Strategic Planning Facilitation Services.
• Certified Survey Map for 827 Banker Road.
• Extraterritorial CSM for N2682 Kunz Road.
• Disallowed a claim against the City from Velazquez Reyes.
• Approved the Consent Agenda and Verified Claims.

Joint Review Board — July 27

The Joint Review Board approved a resolution creating Tax Incremental District No. 11 and a Territory Addition Amendment No. 1 for TID No. 9. The board also approved 2025 annual reports for TIDs 6, 7, 9, and 10, and minutes from its June 22, 2026 meeting.

For the upcoming TIDs 12 and 13, the board appointed Manager Houseman as Chairperson and Jonah Ralston as Public Member. A formal review and action date was set for August 31, 2026.

Plan Commission — July 28

The Plan Commission recommended adoption of project plans and boundaries for TID No. 12 (5-0) and TID No. 13 (5-0). The commission also recommended the City Council approve a zoning map amendment for 1911 Janesville Avenue from RH-35 to MRH-30 (5-0), tied to a proposed 112-unit apartment development. July 14 minutes were approved 4-0.

Police and Fire Commission — July 27

The commission approved the promotion of part-time firefighter Jill Reifsnider to part-time Lieutenant, and approved minutes from its February 12, 2026 meeting.

Ordinance Committee — July 21

The committee reviewed proposed amendments covering off-highway motorcycles, ebikes, tobacco and electronic cigarette sales (Section 58-148), camping units (Section 18-256), and the stormwater utility (Article V, Chapter 98). Minutes were not yet published; outcomes are not yet available.

Board of Review — July 30

The Board of Review met to hear 2026 assessment appeals for Leslie Storage at 1011 Larsen Road and 1021–1025 Larsen Road, Therese Chynoweth at 304 Madison Avenue, and KAGR2 Fort Atkinson, LLC at 740 Reena Avenue. The board also reviewed possible certification of corrections of error under Wis. Stat. 70.43. Minutes were not yet published.

Library Board Policy Committee — July 30

The Dwight Foster Public Library Board Policy Committee met via Zoom to review proposed revisions to six policies: Circulation, Code of Conduct, Meeting Room, Patron Privacy and Confidentiality, Exhibits, and Public Access Internet. No decisions were made; the meeting was discussion only.

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — License Committee:** Review and possible action on an alcohol beverage license application for Rock River Heritage Inc dba Fort Atkinson Club Community Center at 211 S. Water Street East (RESERVE "Class B" Intoxicating Liquor and Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage license).
• **Aug. 4 — City Council:** First readings of ordinances on off-highway motorcycles and electric bikes and scooters; consideration of the zoning change for 1911 Janesville Avenue from RH-35 to MRH-30; purchase of a 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck for the Water Utility; and purchase and installation of a Fire/EMS Computer Aided Dispatch system using donated funds. A presentation on the Thrive Economic Development Structure is also scheduled.