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.