New Bremen council OKs issue despite objections

NEW BREMEN - Over the objections of two residents, village council members at Monday's meeting approved a resolution freezing property taxes for five years on new homes in certain areas.

The resolution affects new homes on Walnut Street, in the Cardinal Subdivision and in certain other areas. Council members hope Community Reinvestment Area No. 2 will increase the village's population and school enrollment. Before approval, council members amended the resolution to allow any new tax levies to be collected on the properties.

However, two residents strenuously objected to creating the reinvestment area and argued with council members for about 30 minutes. They feared the resolution would harm current homeowners' ability to sell their properties.

"If I ever sell, how will I sell my house when it's cheaper in the long run to buy new?" resident Craig Watcke asked. Other residents had told him they hated the idea, he added.

"If that's true, where are all those people?" council member Bob Parker countered. "I haven't had any phone calls about this. I've been seeing a positive reaction generally."

Other council members said public opinion tended to favor the plan and noted only two or three people had voiced concerns.

Watcke claimed reports of decreased new home construction were being exaggerated. He said the village's construction rate is 25 percent higher than Minster's.
Economic development director Angela Hamberg said since 1940, New Bremen has averaged an annual 11 percent home development growth rate. However, since 2010, the rate has been only 0.5 percent.
Hamberg said regardless of Minster's numbers, she believes the new CRA, which will be reviewed in two years, will help New Bremen return to its former development rate. Council members agreed with her.

Council members also,

• thanked councilman Craig Hoffman for his service. Hoffman is not seeking re-election when his term expires at the end of this year.

Interested candidates must collect 50 valid signatures by Aug. 5 to appear on the November ballot, mayor Jeff Pape said. He and council members will answer questions about the process for anyone interested in running, he added.

• heard second reading of a resolution regarding the Circle Drive reconstruction project. The $550,000 project will improve or reconstruct the street, sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

Council members also learned many attendees at a public meeting last week expressed concern about starting the reconstruction work so late in the year. The board agreed to seek bids in October or November to align better with contractor schedules.

• gave first reading of a resolution to enter into an agreement giving Diane Komminsk approval rights over proposed changes, modifications or additions to Komminsk Legacy Park in recognition of her donation.

Village solicitor Steve Smith voiced his opinion that Komminsk, who donated a large amount of money to improve the park, should be given a say in what goes into the park.   

"She's not buying that right. We're giving it to her," Smith said.

• learned village administrator Wayne York is seeking proposals for mowing at the new water well site. The current lease-holders require the site be mowed twice a year and do not allow chemical applications.

• gave first reading to a resolution to seek architectural proposals for new police/EMS, parks department and administrative buildings.