Ripon, WI

Ripon Area Fire District

The Ripon Area Fire District Board meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Fire Station on Aspen Street, starting with a 6:45 PM budget hearing and public comment on the proposed 2027 Fire District Budget, then a regular monthly meeting at 7:00 PM. At the regular meeting the board is scheduled to act on the budget, a RAFD Levy Limit Exemption Resolution, September minutes, accounts payable and finance reports, and donations. It will also hear the Chief's Report on September calls for service, the lieutenant process, and a fire inspection update, and get status updates on RFPs for insurance and an attorney. A note states a majority of the Ripon Town Board, Town of Nepeuskun, and the Ripon City Council may attend, but no discussion or action will be taken on town or city business.

• Public hearing and comment on the proposed 2027 Fire District Budget (6:45 PM)
• Approval of Budget — action item
• RAFD Levy Limit Exemption Resolution — action item
• Status of RFP for insurance and RFP for attorney — action items
• Chief's Report: September calls for service, lieutenant process, fire inspection update

Historic Preservation Commission

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission meets Wednesday, October 7th 2026 at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Conference Room. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and past minutes, review of a financial report, public comments, and review and advise on future projects and enforcement actions. The commission will also consider Certificate of Appropriateness applications and discuss a Local History & Historic Reservation Conference scheduled for Oct 14–16, 2026, a 2027 Scavenger Hunt with Art Mid Wisconsin, and Preservationist of the Year recognition. The next meeting is set for November 4th.

• Certificate of Appropriateness applications to be reviewed
• Review and advise on future projects and enforcement actions
• Local History & Historic Reservation Conference Oct 14–16, 2026
• 2027 Scavenger Hunt with Art Mid Wisconsin
• Preservationist of the Year — Appleton Trophy: have contacted

Police Commission Year

Park Recreation Committee

The Park & Recreation Committee will review the 2027 budget and discuss several items including a small CIP project, baseball season, Murray Park scoreboards, and urban fishing pond designation. The agenda also includes approval of June 2, 2026 minutes and a director's report. This is a discussion-focused meeting with no formal votes listed.

• 2027 Budget Review
• Small CIP Project
• Baseball Season Discussion
• Murray Park Scoreboards
• Urban Fishing Pond Designation

Library Board

The Director Evaluation Committee of the Ripon Public Library Board will meet to discuss the library director's performance evaluation in closed session, then reconvene in open session to report and possibly make recommendations to the full board. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items.

• Closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) for director's performance evaluation
• Reconvene in open session to report and make recommendations

Library Board

The Ripon Public Library Board will meet on September 8, 2026, to discuss and possibly approve the 2027 budget proposal and renovation project updates. The board will review renovation-related invoices, including a $22,325 payment to RJM Construction LLC and a $1,660 invoice from Library Furniture International, totaling $23,985 reimbursed from the OACF Renovation Fund. Additionally, $41,859 will be disbursed from the OACF Library Fund for security camera installation and AVA licensing.

• 2027 Budget proposal review and possible action
• Renovation project discussion and possible approval
• Pay Application #11 to RJM Construction LLC for $22,325
• Library Furniture International invoice 2026-384-Holdback for $1,660
• Disbursement of $41,859 for security camera installation and AVA licensing

Library Board

The Ripon Public Library Board’s Finance Committee will meet to review the draft 2027 operating budget, including projections and capital renovation considerations. The meeting is procedural and does not include final decisions.

Library Board Year

The Ripon Public Library Board Finance Committee reviewed a draft 2027 budget projecting a deficit of roughly $33,777 to $38,833. The committee recommended restoring the materials budget in the draft shared with the full Board, and discussed service reductions and revenue increases, including printing/copying/faxing fee adjustments and possible changes to open hours. Concerns were raised about closing Sunday hours, and the committee requested usage data by day and hour to evaluate alternatives. Foundation funds and capital/renovation items were reviewed for context only.

• Projected 2027 operating deficit of $33,777 - $38,833.17
• Committee recommended restoring materials budget in draft for full Board
• Discussed adjustments to printing/copying/faxing fees
• Discussed possible changes to open hours, including Sunday closure concerns
• Requested usage data by day and hour to evaluate alternatives

Historic Preservation Commission

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission met and approved two certificate of appropriateness applications for facade work at 109 W Fond du Lac St. and 112 Watson St. The commission also reviewed finances, discussed enforcement and future projects, and announced winners of the 2026 scavenger hunt.

• Approved facade restoration and paint at 109 W Fond du Lac St.
• Approved facade renovation at 112 Watson St.
• Discussed jurisdiction over non-contributing buildings in the historic district
• Announced 2026 scavenger hunt winners: Scarlet Smith, Alaina Osheim, Preston Mullowney
• Planning 2027 scavenger hunt with Art Mid Wisconsin

Plan Commission

The Ripon Plan Commission will hold a public hearing to consider adopting a comprehensive rewrite of the City's Zoning Code (Title 18), developed with Vierbicher to modernize regulations. The Commission will also review three extraterritorial certified survey maps (CSMs) for land divisions in the Town of Ripon. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and project updates.

• Public hearing on comprehensive rewrite of Zoning Code (Title 18)
• Extraterritorial CSM – Jay & Kayleen Page
• Extraterritorial CSM – Choice Rental Properties LLC
• Extraterritorial CSM – Krejcarek (59.23 acres, reconfiguring lots and dedicating roadway)
• Recommendation to Common Council on Zoning Code Amendments

Library Board Year

The Ripon Public Library Board met and approved renovation-related payments totaling $216,551.55, including Pay Application #10 to RJM Construction and a PRA invoice. The board also heard updates on programming, staff, and the renovation project, and discussed future agenda items.

• Approved Pay Application #10 from RJM Construction LLC for $216,210.50
• Approved PRA invoice 202607074 for $341.05
• Approved reimbursement to City of Ripon totaling $216,551.55
• Purchased xTool P2S laser cutter from McMillan Library for $2,700
• Requested review of OACF Fund activity and staff appreciation discussion

Library Board

The Ripon Public Library Board will meet to approve minutes, hear the director's report, and review financials. The main action is discussion and possible approval of renovation-related invoices, including a $216,210.50 pay application and a $305.52 invoice, with funds disbursed from the OACF Fund to reimburse the City of Ripon.

• Pay Application #10 from RJM Construction LLC for $216,210.50
• PRA invoice 202607074 for $305.52
• Disbursing $216,516.02 from OACF Fund to reimburse City of Ripon
• Discussion and possible action on renovation project change orders
• Public comment limited to five minutes per speaker

Historic Preservation Commission

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the agenda and minutes, reviewing a financial report, and considering applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 117 and 120 Watson St. They will also discuss authorizing Chamber Bucks rewards for the 2026 Scavenger Hunt, plan the 2027 Scavenger Hunt with Art Mid Wisconsin, and select a vendor for the Preservationist of the Year trophy and plaques.

• Certificate of Appropriateness applications for 117 Watson St and 120 Watson St
• Authorizing Chamber Bucks rewards for 2026 Scavenger Hunt
• Planning 2027 Scavenger Hunt with Art Mid Wisconsin
• Preservationist of the Year trophy: Appleton Trophy Holly Bronze Aluminum Casting ($516 each) or Bronze Casting ($800)
• Pechmann Memorials bronze plaques (~$725 each) or All Star Bronze solid bronze 11"x8.5" ($751)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission met on August 5th 2026 and approved a new grant program at $2,500.00 per project, along with two Certificates of Appropriateness for properties on Watson st. The commission also approved 2026 scavenger hunt prize money and the purchase of Preservationist of the year plaques. Public comment noted a failed brick facade at 108 Watson st. and an unanswered window repair order at 213 Watson st.

• New grant program approved at $2,500.00 per project
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 117 Watson st. to change the entrance to the 2nd floor
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 120 Watson st. to replace 2nd floor windows with arch top to fit original brick openings (Splitt abstained)
• 2026 scavenger hunt prize money approved: $100, $50 and $25 in chamber bucks
• Two Preservationist of the year plaques from Appleton Trophy at $516.00 each

Ripon Area Fire District

The Ripon Area Fire District Board will review July finances, discuss donations and the lieutenant process, and begin the 2027 budget process. The board will also enter closed session to negotiate a disputed invoice from Von Briesen involving public funds.

• Review accounts payable and July finance report – action items
• Status of RFP for insurance – action item
• Update on radio for new engine – action item
• Beginning 2027 budget process
• Closed session to deliberate disputed invoice from Von Briesen under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e)

Zoning Code Update

The Ripon Common Council is reviewing a proposed update to the city's zoning code, including a new permitted and conditional uses chart. The chart lists which uses are allowed, conditionally allowed, or prohibited in each zoning district. The meeting will discuss changes to the zoning districts and use regulations.

• New permitted and conditional uses chart for all zoning districts
• Multiple-family dwellings of 12 units or less permitted in R-3, IN, B-3 districts
• Adult entertainment establishments and adult bookstores listed as conditional uses in I-1 district
• Tobacco and smoke/vape shops including THC-type retailers as conditional uses in B-1, B-2, I-1 districts
• Accessory dwelling units permitted in R-2, R-3, IN districts

Library Board

The Ripon Public Library Board will consider approving the 2026-2029 Winnefox Automated Library Services membership agreement and a $109,290.73 payment to RJM Construction LLC for renovation work. The board may also establish a policy committee and discuss other renovation-related items.

• Discussion and possible approval of the 2026-2029 Winnefox Automated Library Services membership agreement
• Pay Application #9 from RJM Construction LLC for $109,290.73
• PRA invoice 202606099 for $2,735.12
• Discussion and possible action on renovation project and change orders
• Possible establishment of a Policy Committee

Library Board Year

The Ripon Public Library Board met on July 14, 2026, to approve the 2026–2029 Winnefox Automated Library Services membership agreement and pay renovation-related invoices. The board also discussed establishing a Policy Committee and reviewed library programs, staff updates, and renovation progress.

• Approved 2026-2029 Winnefox Automated Library Services membership agreement
• Approved Pay Application #9 from RJM Construction LLC for $109,290.73
• Approved PRA invoice 202606099 for $2,735.12
• Established Policy Committee with members Baird and Vossekuil
• Requested future agenda item on staff gratitude and recognition

Historic Preservation Commission

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission will review Certificate of Appropriateness applications for properties at 117 and 120 Watson St, discuss the annual $2,500 budget and the Historic Preservation Grant Program, and plan summer walking tours and scavenger hunts. The agenda also includes discussion of awards for Preservationist of the Year, with several trophy and plaque options priced between $516 and $800.

• Certificate of Appropriateness applications for 117 Watson St and 120 Watson St
• Review of financial report and possible use of $2,500 annual budget
• Historic Preservation Grant Program: max award $2,000 per project, reimbursement-based, rolling applications
• Summer walking tours with Library Ripon Historical Society: $500 for brochure printing, bus gas sponsorship
• Preservationist of the Year awards: Appleton Trophy options $516–$800, bronze plaques ~$725–$751

Ripon Area Fire District Year

The Ripon Area Fire District Board met and approved several administrative actions, including hiring Rick James as part-time fire chief, approving the treasurer's report, submitting a grant for turnout gear, and posting an RFP for legal counsel. The board also discussed the termination letter from von Briesen and other operational matters.

• Hired Fredrick (Rick) James as part-time fire chief (roll call 6-0)
• Approved submitting a grant for turnout gear
• Approved posting an RFP for legal counsel
• Discussed von Briesen letter of termination (no action)
• Approved June 2, 2026 minutes and treasurer's report

Ripon Area Fire District

The Ripon Area Fire District Board will meet to appoint a part-time Fire Chief following a closed session to review an employment offer. The board will also consider hiring new personnel, approving donations, a grant for turnout gear, and a request for proposals for legal counsel after receiving a termination letter from current counsel Von Briesen.

• Appointment of part-time Fire Chief – Action Item
• Hires – Action Item
• Donations – Action Item
• Grant for turnout gear – Action Item
• RFP for legal counsel – Action Item (after Von Briesen termination letter)

Ripon Area Fire District

The Ripon Area Fire District Board is meeting to conduct interviews for the fire chief position. The board will enter closed session under Wisconsin law to discuss employment and performance evaluation data related to the candidates. No other business is scheduled.

• Closed session per Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) for fire chief interviews
• No public action items on the agenda

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission is reviewing a window replacement application for a property at 120 Watson Street, submitted by John Scott Horner LLC. The agenda contains detailed specifications for the proposed windows, including dimensions, glazing, and grid style.

• Window replacement at 120 Watson St with specified dimensions and materials
• Application by John Scott Horner LLC for 8 windows
• Specifications include dual glazing, Low-E coating, and colonial grid style

Historic Preservation Commission

The Ripon Historic Preservation Commission will consider Certificate of Appropriateness applications for properties at 117 and 120 Watson Street, review a proposed Preservation Grant Program with awards up to $2,000, and discuss summer walking tours and scavenger hunts. The meeting also includes approval of past minutes and a financial report.

• Certificate of Appropriateness applications for 117 Watson St and 120 Watson St
• Review/approve Preservation Grant Program with maximum award of $2,000 per project
• Summer walking tours in partnership with the Library and Ripon Historical Society, including $500 for brochure printing
• 2026 and 2027 Scavenger Hunt planning, including with Art Mid Wisconsin
• Preservationist of the Year award with trophy options priced at $516, $800, and $751

Library Board Year

The Ripon Public Library Board approved payment of two renovation-related invoices totaling $124,640.37, reimbursed from the OACF Renovation Fund. The board also approved the director's travel to a library conference and discussed forming a policy committee. Renovation work continues, with a power line replacement delaying transformer installation.

• Approved LFI invoice 2026-384 Phase 2 for $68,352.21
• Approved Henricksen invoice 799159 for $56,288.16
• Approved OACF Renovation Fund disbursement of $124,640.37 to reimburse City of Ripon
• Approved director's travel to Association of Rural & Small Libraries Conference (Sept 16-19, Montgomery, AL)
• Discussed public-facing library policies; no action taken

Library Board

The Ripon Public Library Board will discuss and possibly approve renovation-related invoices totaling $124,640.37, including a $68,352.21 payment to Library Furniture International and a $56,288.16 payment to Henricksen. The board will also discuss public-facing library policies and travel to a rural libraries conference.

• Discussion and possible approval of Library Furniture International invoice 2026-384-Phase 2 for $68,352.21
• Discussion and possible approval of Henricksen invoice 799159 for $56,288.16
• Disbursing $124,640.37 from OACF Renovation Fund to reimburse City of Ripon
• Discussion of public-facing library policies
• Discussion and possible approval of travel to Association of Rural & Small Libraries Conference

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing an application for work at 120 Watson St in Ripon's Historic Downtown District. The applicant must submit photographs, material samples, and electronic plan sets. The project will be checked against city building codes and the Historic Downtown Ripon Design Manual, which provides flexible design guidelines rather than strict requirements.

• Application for 120 Watson St
• Photographs of existing conditions required
• Material samples required
• Electronic plan sets to be submitted
• Review against Historic Downtown Ripon Design Manual

Ripon Area Fire District

The Ripon Area Fire District Board will consider new fees for lift-assist calls and filling swimming pools, review legal expenses, and discuss hiring and equipment updates. The meeting includes a closed session for employee matters.

• Discussion of charging for lift assists — possible action item
• Discussion of filling swimming pools — possible action item
• Discussion of legal expenses — action item
• Update on new engine and fire inspections
• Hires and donations — action items

Ripon Area Fire District Year

The Ripon Area Fire District Board met and approved routine items including the agenda, minutes, treasurer's report, a new hire, and donated equipment. They discussed legal expenses and authorized release of work products to a member. No action was taken on charging for lift assists or filling swimming pools, which were only discussed.

• Approved new hire (no name or position specified)
• Accepted donated items: IT cabinet, brushes, gas meter, SCBA bottle filling station, refrigerator, coffee maker
• Authorized release of work products by Von Briesen to Member Dretske
• Discussed but took no action on charging for lift assists and filling swimming pools
• Adjourned to closed session and later directed president to act on closed-session discussion

Park Recreation Committee

The Park and Recreation Committee will discuss signage for the Mindfulness Walk and receive updates on Selfridge Park and concrete bag boards. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a director's report.

• Discussion of Mindfulness Walk Signage
• Update on Selfridge Park
• Update on Concrete Bag Boards

Ripon Area Fire District

The Ripon Area Fire District Board is meeting to conduct interviews for the Fire Chief position. The board will adjourn into closed session under Wisconsin statute to discuss employment and performance evaluation data related to the interviews. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Closed session under § 19.85(1)(c) for Fire Chief interviews
• Meeting at Fire Station, 515 Aspen Street

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission will discuss and review a zoning code update presented by Vierbicher. The meeting also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and a call to order.

• Zoning code update discussion and review with Vierbicher
• Approval of April 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• No project updates or future agenda items listed

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on an appeal by Next Generation Construction LLC of a stop work order issued for a new single-family home at 209 Stone Hill Ct. The order was issued because the structure's side yard setback may be less than the required 6 feet. The applicant argues that damaged lot corner markers caused the discrepancy. The Board may affirm, modify, or overturn the enforcement action.

• Appeal of stop work order for side yard setback at 209 Stone Hill Ct. (parcel RIP-16-14-99-SR-030-00)
• Survey shows north side setback at 5 ft 3 in, south side at 7 ft 6 in; required minimum is 6 ft
• Building permit CR 26-2-26 issued Feb 20, 2026, with $3,517.59 in fees
• Applicant: Next Generation Construction LLC, Beloit, WI