Published by the Village of Union Grove - May 2020
Our Future will be Determined by our Strength Today, and Union Grove is Strong

I know our current situation isn’t easy, and I appreciate how everyone is coming together. While I can’t even begin to imagine all the decisions, changes, and hardships that this pandemic has inflicted on all of you, I can share with you some of the things we have been working on at Village Hall.

  • Village Meetings are being conducted by conference call with the public welcome to join. All agendas can be found on the Village website with the phone number and access codes.
  • Spring Election offered drive through voting for two weeks prior, along with in person voting available on Election Day at Village Hall.  
  • We have a plan in place to re-open the Village Hall when the time is right. Look for updates on our COVID-19 webpage.
  • Our team at Village Hall has been working remotely.
  • Our DPW and Utility employees have been working staggering shifts to limit exposure to keep our community operating.

What an incredible community we live in. Even in challenging times we continue to witness good deeds, support of our small business and each other and an aura of determination in Union Grove. We are in this together – and I know we’ll come out even stronger on the other side. #UGStrong

Respectfully,
Mike Aimone
Union Grove Village President
Spring Election Results
A total of 1,264 ballots were counted in the Spring Election on April 7, representing a 46.8% turnout of registered voters in Union Grove. Congratulations to Gordon Svendsen and Ryan Johnson who were re-elected to the Village Board, and to Adam Graf who was elected to Trustee position #4, previously held by Tim Mallach. To view the full local election results,  click here .

We would like to extend our appreciation to the 10 dedicated individuals who stepped up to serve our community during this very challenging election period. Please see our  open thank you letter  to these poll workers. There are still two more elections this year - the Partisan Primary on August 11 and the General Election on November 3. If you are interested in helping as a poll worker, please contact Village Clerk Brad Calder at bcalder@uniongrove.net.
DOT Highway 45 Construction Starting
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has started a road resurfacing project on Highway 45, between 16th Ave. in Union G rove and Highway 50 in Bristol. WisDOT is preparing to close the section of road in Union Grove beginning on Monday, May 4. During construction, the corridor will be closed to through traffic and detour route will be provided. Local access will be maintained during construction. Construction will involve pavement repair, cross culvert replacement, shoulder widening and asphalt pavement resurfacing. For more information about this project, click here .

Traffic to and from I-94 is also currently impacted by WisDOT projects on Highways 11 and 20. Visit https://511wi.gov for updated maps and project information.
Recreation Department Updates
Recreation & Parks Committee met on April 23 to discuss the status of this year's Coach Pitch, T-Ball and Girls Fastpitch Softball leagues. The Committee reviewed different options and decided to meet again on May 28 and make a determination on the status of the leagues at that time. No practices or other activities will take place until that determination is made. Look for updates on the Recreation Department Facebook page and in the June 1 E-News.

Other Recreation Updates:

  • Spring Dodgeball leagues were cancelled and refund checks were mailed out on April 24. Thanks to everyone who had signed up, and we hope you will join us when it is offered again in the future!

  • The Racine Family YMCA's Union Grove Day Camp has extended its free registration. To register go to www.ymcaracine.org. For questions please call Katie 262-898-4558 or ksvendsen@ymcaracine.org.
Village-wide Assessment Update Postponed
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village-wide interim market re-assessment planned for 2020 will not take place this year. Similar to a normal maintenance year, assessment adjustments will be concentrated on any new construction for residential and commercial, as well as certain residential properties that need to be adjusted. Also, commercial properties will be reviewed and some increases in assessed value related to condition and current market values will be addressed. Property assessment notices are scheduled to be sent out at the end of May with the proper instructions to call or e-mail to discuss with the Village Assessor. If you do not receive a Notice of Assessment, your 2020 property assessment remained unchanged. Note your 2020 assessment is based on the value as of January 1, 2020.
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
Applications are still being accepted for the Union Grove Small Business Relief Program. The purpose of this program is to assist businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 and support business retention until the economy stabilizes. This program is now available with 0% interest, three-month deferral, and up to $5,000 for businesses in Union Grove. The structure was intentionally created to provide an expedited application and disbursement process. Learn more about this program and other local, state and federal relief programs by visiting the Business Lending Partners website at   blp504.org/covid-19 .

Two local websites have extensive information for businesses - you can also learn about which businesses are currently open (and need our support!):

  • Greater Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 website provides status updates about local businesses and restaurants, financial resources and human resource related information.

  • Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) business resource website has comprehensive information about financial resources, business strategies (including a listing of open businesses), talent resources and public health/safety guidance.
Library Offering Curbside Holds Pickup
Graham Public Library remains closed to the public; however, the library is offering Curbside Holds Pickup Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Place your holds through the SHARE catalog , by email to uniongrovelibrary@uniongrove.lib.wi.us or call at 262-878-2910. At this time, only items owned by Graham PL can be placed on hold. Once your request is processed, the library will give you a call to arrange your pickup. Some folks have asked how to return their materials. To maintain proper sanitary conditions, all books must be returned to the drop box on the Main Street porch. Please hold on to DVDs and other AV material until the library opens.

If you are looking for some fun activities for the kids, visit the library's Facebook page . Every Tuesday Ms. Kathy posts a Story Time video, and she posts STEAM and craft projects throughout the week. For adults, the library has OverDrive e-books and e-audiobooks, Flipster digital magazines, online learning through Gale Courses, and many research databases. You can find these resources on the library website. Looking ahead, the library will have an exciting new initiative for children and their families this summer! Be on the watch for more information.
Leider Park Playground Upgrades
On April 13, the Village Board approved the purchase of new playground equipment at Leider Park. The new equipment will be installed this summer and will include two slides, swings, climbers and a handring bridge. The project will involve removing the existing outdated equipment from the park – please note the park gate will be closed while some of this work is in progress. The project will be funded by initial impact fees collected from the new Dunham Grove development. For more information on this project, click here .
Land Use Planning Updates
Plan Commission is scheduled to meet on May 4 at 6 p.m. and will review an updated draft of the 205 0 Land Use Plan map. The meeting will be held via public teleconference, with a call-in number of (872) 240-3311 and an access code of 267-519-621. The updated draft map contains revisions discussed by the Plan Commission on March 2. To view the current draft, click here . For more information about this project, visit uniongrove.net/landuseplan .
Vision 2030 Statements and Strategic Goals
On April 27, the Village Board approved updated vision statements and strategic goals to help guide the direction of the Village organization over the next 10 years. Updates were made to existing 2020 vision statements, and five new goals were developed based on the results from the  2019 Community Survey:

  1. Deliver quality municipal services in an efficient manner with an emphasis on customer service excellence.
  2. Provide safe, functional, well-maintained and cost-effective public infrastructure and recreation amenities.
  3. Protect the safety and security of residents, businesses, employees and visitors.
  4. Foster a strong sense of community and maintain the Village’s “small town” character.
  5. Encourage an attractive environment for business and commerce.

The complete visions statements are published at uniongrove.net/vision2030. Village staff will be working with the Board to identify specific initiatives for furthering these goals and incorporating this information into the annual budget process. Look for progress updates on the webpage.
Cross-Connection Control Reminders
Property owners are reminded to be aware of potential cross-connection hazards that could contaminate your drinking water. Helpful tips are provided on the Village's cross-connection brochure for homeowners, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

Do's
  • Keep the ends of hoses clear of all possible contaminants.
  • Make sure dishwashers are installed with proper "air gap" device.
  • Verify and install a simple hose bibb vacuum breaker on all threaded faucets around the home.
  • Make sure water treatment devices such as water softeners have the proper "air gap" which is a minimum of one inch above any drain.

Don'ts
  • Submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs, sinks or ponds.
  • Use spray attachments without a backflow prevention device.
  • Connect waste pipes from water softeners or other treatment systems directly to the sewer or submerged drain pipe. Always be sure there is a one inch "air gap" separation.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board held a special meeting on April 6 and held regular meetings on April 13 and April 27. Following is a recap of Village Board actions that took place:

April 6 Special Meeting:
  • Approved the creation of a small business relief program for Union Grove administered by Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC).

April 13 Regular Meeting:
  • Requested a summary mold report for 1450 11th Ave. #69 (Fonk) due by the Village Board meeting on May 11 or the Village would pursue a raze order.
  • Approved Resolution 2020-07, closing Tax Incremental District #3.
  • Heard a report from the village assessor indicating that the interim market reassessment will not be proceeding in 2020 due to COVID-19.
  • Approved Resolution 2020-08, updating the Village Fee Schedule to add items that were not previously on the schedule but not to increase any fees at this time.
  • Approved the purchase of playground equipment for Leider Park from Boland Recreation in the amount of $31,450 funded by park impact fees.
  • Approved Resolution 2020-06, ratifying the emergency proclamation approved by the Village President pertaining to COVID-19.
  • Heard a report from the Village Administrator regarding Vision and Strategic Goals and COVID-19 related updates.

April 27 Regular Meeting:
  • Approved assignments and appointments to Village Committees, Boards and Commissions.
  • Approved an agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for weights and measures inspection services.
  • Approved Ordinance 2020-04, creating a Weights and Measures Program in compliance with state statutes.
  • Approved Resolution 2020-09, authorizing and approving a $725,000 loan for a fire truck from the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.
  • Approved 2030 Vision Statement and Strategic Goals.
  • Discussed staff preparations relating to the re-opening of the Municipal Center.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, meetings are currently being held via public teleconference, unless otherwise noted. Teleconference call-in numbers and access codes will be posted on meeting agendas. Meeting dates and times are subject to change.

  • May 4 - Plan Commission (6 p.m.)
  • May 11 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • May 13 - Library Board (5 p.m.)
  • May 13 - Fire Commission (6 p.m.)
  • May 18 - Water, Wastewater, Storm Water & Streets (6 p.m.)
  • May 19 - Community Development Authority (6 p.m.)
  • May 25 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • May 28 - Recreation & Parks Committee (6 p.m.)

Visit the Village Meetings webpage for meeting agendas, which are posted at least 24 hours before the meeting time.