Published by the Village of Union Grove - June 2019
Upcoming Summer Events!
Summer is upon us, which means great local events like car shows, 4th of July Parade and the Racine County Fair. You can stay informed about community events by visiting one of the event calendars on the Village website or the Chamber of Commerce website. Graham Public Library also offers an online listing of its upcoming programs. You can submit an event to the Village's community calendar by emailing info@uniongrove.net (events on the Village calendar are non-commercial and open to the general public).
2019 Property Assessments
It's about that time of year for the Village Assessor to complete the assessment roll which will be used for computing property tax bills this fall. If the assessor has made a change to your property's assessment in 2019, you should have received an assessment notice in May.

Although Open Book has already taken place on May 30 and May 31, property owners can still contact the Village Assessor, Jim Henke, with any questions at 262-498-7473 or  jhenke4737@gmail.com . If you disagree with your property's assessment you can make arrangements to appear before the Board of Review, which will meet on Thursday, June 27 at 5 p.m. at the Union Grove Municipal Center. Note that arrangements must be made with the Village Clerk at least 48 hours before the meeting to appear before the Board of Review. For information on how to appeal an assessment and for other related information, contact Village Hall or see the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s  Guide for Property Owners .
Entertainment Stage Project Updates
On May 13, the Village Board approved School Yard Park as the future site of the new entertainment stage! The process of deciding the location took several weeks, as a site selection committee narrowed its choices to Leider Park and School Yard Park, and then submitted a recommendation of Leider Park. However, based on additional factors like parking and walkability, the Board ultimately decided on a location at School Yard Park, just southeast of the concession stand. A chart was prepared by Trustee Ryan Johnson comparing the two parks and a memo from staff was also considered in the decision. The other project subcommittees are now working on recommendations for the stage design, additional fundraising and stage use/rules. The Village has received a $100,000 grant from Racine County for the project. For more information, visit the project webpage .

Other Park Improvements
The entertainment stage project has brought to light other improvements desired in Village parks. A Park Upgrade Special Committee has been created to identify park priorities and funding options. Please send any suggestions to Village Administrator Mike Hawes at mhawes@uniongrove.net who will submit comments to the committee members.
Lawn Maintenance Reminders
  • Village ordinance requires lawns to be kept below 9 inches in height. If grass gets above this height, the Village can have the lawn mowed and billed to the property owner. Residents are also responsible for maintaining lawns in public right-of-way areas adjacent to their property.

  • Sec. 86-36 of the Village Code states that grass clippings and other yard waste cannot be disposed into the street. Not only does it present a nuisance, but it can cause unnecessary blockages in the storm sewer. The resident or property owner can be fined and/or billed for the removal of grass clippings or yard waste disposed in the streets. Thank you for your cooperation!
Fall Soccer Leagues
Registration is opening for fall youth soccer leagues for kids entering Pre-K up to 6th grade. The cost is $65 per child registered between June 4 and July 6. The fee increases to $75 for children registered between July 9 and July 13. Register at Village Hall during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), by leaving it in the Village Hall drop-box or by mail to: Village of Union Grove, 925 15th Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182. Forms are available at Village Hall or online by clicking here . Games will be scheduled on Saturdays in September and October. For questions, contact Katie Svendsen, at 262-898-4558 or recreation@uniongrove.net.
Rummage Sales Reminders
If you are considering having a rummage sale, please keep the following ordinances requirements in mind:

  • No person or party can hold rummage sales totaling more than 9 days (whether or not consecutive) in any calendar year.

  • Rummage sales cannot be held outside of the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on any day.

  • Only personal property can be sold at rummage sales.

The above rules do not apply to sales on non-residential property or for produce stands, juvenile beverage stands and single article sales such as a car, boat, snowmobile, etc.
Board of Zoning Appeals Openings
The Village of Union Grove is seeking residents interested in serving on the Board of Zoning Appeals, which currently has two open seats for regular positions and up to two open alternate seats. Although the Board of Zoning Appeals only meets on an as-needed basis, it serves an important role of reviewing appeals relating to zoning and building code decisions. To apply, submit an application to Village Hall at 925 15th Ave., or for questions, contact Village Clerk Bradley Calder at 262-878-1818 or bcalder@uniongrove.net.
Updates on Development Projects
The Residences at Dunham Grove
On May 13, the Village Board conditionally approved an application for a preliminary subdivision plat following a recommendation by the Plan Commission on May 6. The approval is subject to the applicant receiving approval for a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning and planned unit development, which are scheduled to be considered by the Plan Commission on June 3. If approved, the developer (Pre/3) hopes to break ground in 2019. Phase 1 of the project would be constructed in 2020 and would be comprised of 23 single-family homes and 10 multi-family buildings. Phase 2 would be constructed at a future time and would include the remaining 40 single-family homes.

For more information, visit the Current Development Projects webpage.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board held a regular meeting on May 13 (the second regular meeting of the month was cancelled in observance of Memorial Day). Following is a recap of Village Board actions taken at the meeting:

  • Approved School Yard Park (southeast of the concession stand) as the location for the entertainment stage.
  • Conditionally approved the Preliminary Plat for the proposed Dunham Grove (Pre/3) residential development.
  • Approved appointments to Village Committees, Board and Commissions.
  • Approved Resolution 2019-05, awarding the sale of $1,080,000 General Obligation Community Development Bonds for the Granary project (TID#5).
  • Approved a request from Relay for Life to post purple bows downtown as part of the “Paint it Purple” campaign.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule
Meetings will be held at Union Grove Municipal Center, 925 15th Ave., unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change.

  • June 3 - Joint Review Board (4:30 p.m.)
  • June 3 - Plan Commission (6 p.m.)
  • June 4 - Entertainment Stage Rules/Governance Committee (6 p.m.)
  • June 5 - Park Upgrade Committee (6 p.m.)
  • June 10 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • June 11 - Entertainment Stage Fundraising/Events Committee (6 p.m.)
  • June 12 - Library Board (5 p.m.)
  • June 12 - Fire Commission (at fire station) (6 p.m.)
  • June 17 - Water, Wastewater, Stormwater & Streets Committee (6 p.m.)
  • June 18 - Community Development Authority (6 p.m.)
  • June 24 - Administration Committee (5 p.m.)
  • June 24 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • June 25 - Police Commission (5:30 p.m.)
  • June 27 - Board of Review (5 p.m.)

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