The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Merrimac, WI

Merrimac public meetings in 2025

26 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 9, 2025

December 9 Village Board

Merrimac Village Board to vote on adopting Sauk County Hazard Mitigation Plan, discuss employee compensation and developer's agreement

The Merrimac Village Board will consider adopting the Sauk County Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2025-2029, discuss employee compensation and bonuses, and receive an update on a developer's agreement. The board will also approve bills totaling $30,914.63 and select a date for the January Village Caucus.

hazard-mitigationbudgetemployee-compensationdeveloper-agreementpublic-works
✓ Decided: Board adopts hazard mitigation plan, approves employee bonuses and raises

The Village Board adopted the Sauk County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025-2029, approved a $2,300 year-end bonus for a retiring operator, and granted 6% raises for the Administrator and Director of Public Works. The board also tabled discussion on the Developer's Agreement pending WISDOT's decision on the proposed Colsac Lodge Boulevard.

Tue Nov 11, 2025

Meeting

Village board to vote on 2026 General and Parks Fund budget

The Village of Merrimac will hold a budget hearing to consider public comment and then vote on the proposed 2026 General and Parks Fund budget. The meeting precedes the regular Village Board meeting.

budgetpublic-hearingparks
Tue Nov 11, 2025

November 11 Village Board

Village Board to vote on exceeding state levy for debt service

The Merrimac Village Board will consider two resolutions: one to exceed the state-imposed levy for post-2005 general obligation debt service, and another regarding a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT). The board will also approve operator licenses, pay outstanding bills totaling $39,742.27, and discuss public works projects including a polishing project and winterizing parks. A closed session is scheduled to follow up on concerns from the October 13 meeting.

budgetlevydebt-serviceoperator-licensepublic-worksclosed-sessionmerrimac
Thu Nov 6, 2025

November 6 Joint Village Board Plan Commission Special

Village Board and Plan Commission to negotiate Colsac Lodge TIF request

The joint special meeting will discuss a garage setback for Colsac Lodge, review a financial analysis of the lodge's TIF request by Becker Professional Services, and negotiate the TIF request and developer's agreement. Public input will be taken before these discussions.

plan-commissionvillage-boardtifeconomic-developmentpublic-hearing
Tue Oct 14, 2025

Meeting

Board to consider operator license, conditional use permit, and 2026 budget

The Village Board will vote on an operator's license for Ferry X-ing Bar & Grill and a conditional use permit for an accessory building at the same establishment. They will also discuss the 2026 budget, including remaining 2025 projects and one-time purchases. Other business includes a riprap quote for Sunrise Shore Park, a sidewalk project on School St, and a closed session to address concerns of the Director of Public Works.

budgetlicensespermitspublic-worksparkssidewalks
Thu Sep 25, 2025

Meeting

Joint Review Board to vote on creating Tax Increment District No. 1

The Joint Review Board will consider and vote on Resolution 2025-09-02 to approve the creation of Tax Increment District No. 1, following Village Board approval on September 9, 2025. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and setting future agenda items.

tax-increment-districteconomic-developmentjoint-review-boardmerrimac
Wed Sep 24, 2025

Meeting

Board to consider variance request at 606 Lake Wisconsin Drive

The Merrimac Board of Appeals will hold a hearing to consider a variance request for property at 606 Lake Wisconsin Drive (parcel 151-0034-00000). The meeting includes a call to order, examination of notice, and adjournment. No other business is scheduled.

board-of-appealsvariancepropertymerrimac
Tue Sep 9, 2025

Meeting

Village Board to consider creating Tax Increment District No. 9 and approving developer agreement for Colsac Lodge

The Merrimac Village Board will meet to consider several key items, including the creation of Tax Increment District No. 1 and a developer agreement for Colsac Lodge. The board will also review a certified survey map, hear a presentation on paramedic-level ambulance service, and discuss the 2026 budget.

zoningdevelopmentbudgetpublic-safetytax-increment-districtvillage-board
✓ Decided: Village Board creates Tax Increment District No. 1

The Village Board approved Resolution 2025-09-01 creating Tax Increment District No. 1, following a public hearing and Plan Commission recommendation. The Board also approved the Hellman Certified Survey Map combining two parcels, hired Ben Ganser as Maintenance-Operator, and approved sending a revised Developer's Agreement to Colsac Lodge owner Rod Ripley. A prepaid lease offer from Tower Alliance was declined.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

Meeting

Board to pay $49,870.99 in outstanding bills, discuss water runoff

The Village Board will consider paying $49,870.99 in outstanding bills and hear a public comment about a water runoff issue on Palisade Street. Reports will cover the WWTP polishing project, a park lot survey, and updates on TID#1, School Street costs, and a new operator hire. The board will then go into closed session to discuss employee compensation.

budgetpublic-workswatersewerparksroadspersonnel
Thu Aug 7, 2025

August 12 Village Board

✓ Decided: Village Board approves TID #1 plan, survey, and chemical purchase

The Village Board approved the creation of Tax Increment District (TID) #1 to support a hotel development near the Merrimac Ferry, approved up to $2,500 for a survey of Sunrise Shore public land, and approved up to $12,000 for chemicals for the WWTP Polishing Project. The Board also approved up to $6,200 for an emergency siren timer upgrade and awarded a $0.50 credential raise to Deputy Clerk Amy Stevens.

Thu Aug 7, 2025

Meeting

Parks board to discuss Sunrise Shore Park survey, kayak launch, and 2026 budget

The Merrimac Parks & Recreation Committee will discuss several park projects, including a survey for a second public park lot at Sunrise Shore Park and the design and timeline for a riprap and kayak launch there. They will also review the Memorial Park Pavilion project status, discuss the Palisade Street Boat Launch, and allocate remaining 2025 budget funds while beginning 2026 budget planning. The Village Administrator will report on the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and the committee's potential role in a new Tax Incremental District.

parksbudgetkayak-launchpavilionboat-launchcomprehensive-outdoor-recreation-plantax-incremental-district
✓ Decided: Village Board approves $12K for WWTP chemicals, $6.2K for siren timer

The Village Board approved up to $12,000 for chemicals to continue the WWTP Polishing Project and up to $6,200 to upgrade the emergency siren timing system. The Board also approved up to $2,500 for a survey of Village-owned property in Sunrise Shore Platt, and awarded Deputy Clerk Amy Stevens a $0.50 credential raise. The Parks & Recreation Committee recommended restricting the Palisade Street Boat Launch to residents, short-term renters, and Colsac Lodge guests.

Thu Jul 24, 2025

Meeting

Plan Commission to discuss TID #1 creation and comprehensive plan update

The Merrimac Plan Commission will discuss the proposed boundary and draft project plan for creating Tax Incremental District (TID) #1, and will share progress on new drafts of the Comprehensive Plan update. Public input will be heard. No final decisions are listed on the agenda.

plan-commissiontidcomprehensive-planpublic-input
Tue Jul 8, 2025

Meeting

Village board to consider TID creation, zoning amendments, and operator permit

The Merrimac Village Board will consider creating a Tax Increment District (TID) with a presentation from Becker Professional Services, appoint joint review board members, and vote on final approval of amendments to ordinances governing fences, single-family, two-family, and multifamily residential zoning. The board will also consider an operator's permit for Mac's Pub & Grub and approve payment of $20,350.58 in outstanding bills.

zoningordinancestax-increment-districtpermitspublic-worksbudgetsewerwater
✓ Decided: Village Board hires firm to create Tax Incremental District around Colsac Lodge

The Village Board voted unanimously to hire Becker Professional Services to assist in creating Tax Incremental District (TID) #1 around the Colsac Lodge and downtown area. The TID would fund a new boulevard providing access to the lodge and 49 public parking spaces, as well as other community projects. The Board also approved several ordinance amendments regarding fences and residential zoning, and authorized a $2,500 PH/DO meter purchase and a $1,000 fee for the Town of Merrimac's use of the village burn pit.

Tue Jun 10, 2025

Meeting

Board to vote on rezone, duplex permit, and liquor licenses

The Merrimac Village Board will consider a rezone request for parcel 151-0247-0000, a conditional use permit for a duplex in the B-1 Business District, and multiple liquor license renewals and new applications. The board will also discuss purchasing an Express Voting Machine for the 2026 budget and supporting the fire department's purchase of a new truck.

zoningliquor-licensespublic-safetybudgetparkspublic-works
Mon Jun 2, 2025

June 10 Village Board

✓ Decided: Board tables duplex permit, denies rezone, approves fence and building size changes

The Village Board tabled a decision on a conditional use permit for a duplex at 627 Main Street pending more detailed building plans, and denied a related request to rezone the parcel from B-1 Business to R-2 Residential. The Board approved amendments to the fence ordinance allowing six-foot fences in back and side yards and four-foot fences in front yards, and reduced the minimum principal building size to 900 square feet of livable space for residential districts. A public hearing on the zoning amendments is set for July 8.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Mon Jun 2, 2025

Meeting

Plan Commission to review conditional use permit for duplex in B-1 district

The Merrimac Plan Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a duplex in the B-1 Business District, review draft amendments to several zoning ordinances (fences, residential floor space), and discuss the comprehensive plan update. Public input is invited.

zoningconditional-use-permitordinance-amendmentcomprehensive-planhousing
✓ Decided: Plan Commission denies duplex conditional use permit in B-1 district

The Plan Commission denied Joe Krasovec's request for a Conditional Use Permit to build a duplex on the Old Varsity Club lot at 627 Main Street, citing non-compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The Village Board later tabled the related rezone request from B-1 Business to R-2 Residential pending more definite building plans. The Board also approved amendments to the fence ordinance (6 feet in back/side yards, 4 feet in front) and reduced minimum principal building square footage from 1,200 to 900 sqft of livable space for residential districts, with a public hearing set for July 8.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Tue May 13, 2025

Meeting

Merrimac board to vote on speed limit, fence height, and beer license

The Merrimac Village Board will consider reducing the speed limit on Lakeview Avenue from 25 to 15 MPH, review draft zoning amendments to increase allowable fence height and reduce minimum building square footage in residential districts, and vote on a temporary beer license for the Merrimac Community Festival. The board will also appoint committee members, approve bills totaling $32,154.07, and discuss public works and administrative reports.

zoningspeed-limitalcohol-licensingpublic-worksbudgetappointments
✓ Decided: Village Board reduces Lakeview Avenue speed limit to 15 MPH

The Village Board voted unanimously to lower the speed limit on Lakeview Avenue from 25 to 15 MPH due to a blind curve and foot traffic from Voll Park. The board also approved appointments to the Plan Commission, Parks & Recreation Committee, Board of Appeals, Ambulance Committee, and Fire Commission. A temporary beer license was granted for the Merrimac Community Festival, and up to $32,000 was approved for a storage garage and supplies for the Polishing Pilot II wastewater project. Two draft zoning amendments were sent to the Plan Commission for review: one to increase allowable fence heights in residential districts, and another to reduce minimum building square footage from 1,200 to 600 square feet (though the board removed the 600-square-foot figure for the commission to decide).

Tue Apr 8, 2025

Meeting

Board to vote on rezoning for business park and residential parcel

The Village Board will consider a rezoning request for a residential parcel and a zoning change for Colsac Lodge from R-1 Single Family to B-3 Business Park, along with a certified survey map and site plan. The board will also approve payments totaling $31,039.20, discuss a wellhouse update, speed limit signs, and select a hiring committee for a new operator.

zoningrezoningbusiness-parkpublic-worksbudgetwatersewer
Mon Apr 7, 2025

Meeting

Plan Commission to weigh duplex proposal and business park zoning change

The Plan Commission will consider a proposed duplex on parcel 151-0247-00000, with options for a conditional use permit or rezoning. They will also review a certified survey map, a zoning change from R-1 Single Family to B-3 Business Park, and a site plan for the Colsac Lodge properties (parcels 151-0200-10000 through 40000).

plan-commissionzoningrezoningconditional-useduplexbusiness-parksite-plan
✓ Decided: Village Board approves Colsac Lodge site plan, rezoning, and CSM

The Village Board approved the Colsac Lodge Certified Survey Map combining four parcels, rezoning from R-1 to B-3 Business Park, and the site plan south of Palisade. A rezoning request for a duplex at the old Varsity Club was tabled until the next meeting. The Board also approved a $79,146.29 SDWLP disbursement and selected a hiring committee for a new operator.

Mon Apr 7, 2025

April 8 Village Board

✓ Decided: Village Board tables rezoning for duplex, approves Colsac Lodge project

The Village Board tabled a decision on rezoning the former Varsity Club property from B-1 Business to R-2 Residential to allow a duplex, pending a full board vote at the next meeting. The Board approved the Colsac Lodge Certified Survey Map combining four parcels, rezoning from R-1 to B-3 Business Park, and the site plan south of Palisade. A $79,146.29 SDWLP disbursement was approved, and newly elected officials were sworn in.

Tue Mar 11, 2025

Meeting

Merrimac board to consider reducing minimum home size in residential zones

The Merrimac Village Board will meet to consider a reduction in the minimum principal building floor space for residential zoning, discuss replacing the SCADA computer system, and vote on appointing a Village Trustee to fill an unexpired term. The board will also approve payments totaling $23,726.48 and review routine financial reports.

zoningutilitiesappointmentsbudgetpublic-works
Thu Mar 6, 2025

Meeting

✓ Decided: Board appoints Margaret Budde to fill vacant trustee seat

The Village Board voted unanimously to appoint Margaret Budde to fill the remaining unexpired term of Village Trustee, expiring April 21, 2026, after interviewing candidates in closed session. The Board also directed the administrator to draft an ordinance amendment reducing the minimum principal building square footage for residential zoning from 1,200 to 700 square feet, to be reviewed by the Plan Commission. A resolution honoring Jim Malmberg for his service was approved. The Parks & Recreation Committee scheduled three spring work days at Sunrise Shore Park and discussed estimates for a second pavilion at Memorial Park.

Tue Feb 11, 2025

Meeting

Village board to hear update on Badger Ammunition Plant water cleanup

The Merrimac Village Board will hold a regular meeting covering consent agenda approval, payment of outstanding bills totaling $492,675.40, and reports from various departments. A key discussion item is an update from Michelle Hopp on the Badger Ammunition Plant water contamination cleanup efforts. The board will also receive the Green Merrimac annual report and hear updates on an easement and a zoning violation.

water-contaminationcleanupzoningbudgetparkspublic-workssewerwater
Thu Feb 6, 2025

Meeting

✓ Decided: Village Board approves consent agenda and monthly bills

The Merrimac Village Board approved the consent agenda and payment of outstanding monthly bills. The board also received reports on Badger Ammunition Plant water contamination cleanup, Green Merrimac's annual report, and Parks & Recreation updates. No substantive decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

Mon Jan 13, 2025

January 13 Plan Commission

Plan Commission to review Colsac Lodge hotel project and draft comprehensive plan

The Merrimac Plan Commission will hear a presentation from Rod Ripple and 1848 Construction, Inc. about a proposed hotel, bar/restaurant, and banquet hall at Colsac Lodge. The commission will also review the draft of the updated Comprehensive Plan. Public input is scheduled before these items.

plan-commissioncomprehensive-planhoteldevelopmentpublic-hearing
Mon Jan 13, 2025

Village Board

✓ Decided: Village Board accepts Malmberg resignation, sets process to fill vacancy

The Village Board accepted Trustee Jim Malmberg's resignation from both the Plan Commission and Village Board, effective January 13, 2025. The Board decided to post notice of the vacancy and accept letters of interest from residents by March 3, with an appointment to be made at the March 11 meeting. The Board also approved liquor operator licenses for two establishments and scheduled the Board of Review for May 6, 2025. No substantive decisions were made on the proposed Colsac Lodge hotel project, which remains in early schematic design.