Published by the Village of Union Grove - September 2019
In observance of Labor Day, all Village offices will be closed on Monday, September 2 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 3. Note that garbage and recycling collections will be delayed until Wednesday this week. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Take the Village-Wide Survey!
Union Grove residents are asked to give their feedback in a community survey, by taking the survey  online  OR returning the hard copy survey found in the Fall 2019 issue of Village Voice (expected to be mailed out during the first week of September). The deadline for completing, or returning, the survey to Village Hall is Monday, September 30, 2019. Only one response per household, please (online OR hard copy).

The survey questions involve a variety of topics, ranging from perceptions about Village services, to attitudes about quality-of-life type of issues. The survey is estimated to take 5-10 minutes. Survey responses are anonymous and no personal information will be collected or distributed as part of the survey. Your input will help serve as a guide to the Village Board in future decision processes!

Chamber of Commerce Seeks an Executive Director
The Greater Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for its Executive Director opening. The position was most recently held by Jennifer Ditscheit, who served in the position for six years before pursuing a new opportunity. We thank Jennifer for all of her contributions to Union Grove! To view the Executive Director job posting, click here. For any questions, contact the Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors at info@uniongrovechamber.org.
Village Receives Donation For New Christmas Tree
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Union Grove for making a $1,500 donation to replace the Christmas tree in Village Square Park on Main St. The donation will be used to be purchase a new pine tree to serve as the ceremonial Christmas tree for the annual “Christmas Comes to Union Grove” tree lighting ceremony in November. The existing tree, which is diseased, is expected to be removed soon and the new tree will be planted later this month!
Electronics Recycling Event on October 12th
Mark your calendar for the next opportunity to dispose of old electronics! The Village of Union Grove is once again partnering with Midwest Computer Recycling to hold an electronics recycling event on Saturday, October 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Union Grove Wastewater Treatment Plant (3710 67th Dr.). Please see the following list of items that are accepted and have disposal fees:

  • Items accepted: Computers, Monitors, Circuit Boards, Laptops, Servers, Printers, Keyboards, Mice, Cables and all related accessories. Electrical equipment, Stereos, VCR’s, DVD Players, Power Tools, Telephones, Cell phones, Small Appliances, Exercise Equipment and all related accessories.

  • Items with a disposal fee: TVs ($20), Microwaves ($5), Old Tube Type Monitors ($10) and Exercise Equipment ($5).

  • Items that will not be accepted: Household batteries, anything with freon, large appliances and light bulbs.

For questions, contact Midwest Computer Recycling at (847) 582-1730.
We are very pleased to have the help of Justin Craig, a third-year student in the Technology Program at Shepherds College. Justin is assisting with the Village's document management project, which involves digitizing historical records so information can be more readily available to staff (and the public). Thanks for all your help, Justin!
Village Staff Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following Village and Library staff members with a recent or upcoming service anniversary:

  • 30 years - Donna Daley, Librarian, December 5
  • 11 years - Jeff Swantz, DPW Laborer/Mechanic, October 1
  • 5 years - Chad Hansen, DPW Laborer, November 19
  • 1 year - Olivia Weippert, Library Shelver, November 1
Village Sets 2020 Budget Calendar
The 2020 Village Budget process kicked off with a Finance Committee meeting on August 1. The Committee reviewed 2019 year-to-date figures and projections for the current year. The Committee discussed budget priorities and recommended a capital improvement plan policy, which lays the framework for new five-year capital plans for costly infrastructure improvements, park upgrades and large equipment purchases. The Committee established the following budget timeline:

  • August 1 – September 30: Staff prepare budget materials and Standing Committees discuss corresponding budgets.
  • Mid-September - Finance Committee reviews initial budget draft. 
  • Mid-October - Finance Committee reviews second budget draft.
  • October 21 - Village Board reviews draft budget.
  • October 25 - Village Clerk publishes budget summary and public hearing notice (State statutes require posting at least 15 days before public hearing).
  • November 11 - Public hearing on 2020 Budget / Proposed Village Board adoption of budget.
Lower Credit Card Fees at Village Hall
The Village has changed credit card vendors to GovPayNet and is now able to offer debit and credit card payments at a lower transaction fee of 2.65% (compared to fees typically between 5-7% with Official Payments). Debit and credit card payments can be made online for utility bills, court fines and property taxes. Payments at Village Hall can be accepted by debit and credit card for most other transactions as well, including permits and sports registrations. GovPayNet is also expected to soon offer an E-check option with a flat fee of $1.50 per transaction. Please contact Village Hall at 262-878-1818 for any questions.
Update on Development Projects
  • On August 26, the Joint Review Board took final steps to approve the creation of Tax Incremental Financing District (TID) #6. The new TID will help fund public infrastructure needed to facilitate the Dunham Grove development, as well as future potential growth in the southeast corner of the Village. Although the TID could have a statutory life of 20 years, current projections indicate the TID could close in 13 years if the Dunham Grove project proceeds according to schedule. Dunham Grove alone is expected to generate $35 million in future tax base, along with $1.1 million (total) in water and sewer connection fees, and impact fees for parks, fire department and library.

  • A Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting event will be held at The Granary Townhomes on Thursday, September 5 at 2 p.m.

For more information, visit the  Current Development Projects webpage.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board held regular meetings on August 12 and 26. Following is a recap of Village Board actions taken at these meetings:

August 12 Regular Meeting:
  • Approved two operator licenses.
  • Approved Pay Request #2 to Willkomm Excavating & Grading in the amount of $71,414.82 for the 10th Ave. and State St. infrastructure project.
  • Reviewed the 2020 Budget Calendar.
  • Approved a capital improvement plan policy.
  • Approved a purchasing policy.
  • Approved a final plat application for the Residences at Dunham Grove.
  • Approved an amended development agreement for the Residences at Dunham Grove.
  • Approved Resolution 2019-13, revising the TID #6 revenue bond amount.
  • Approved Ordinance 2019-04 and 2019-05, amending the Village Code to reflect the comp. plan and rezoning changes relating to the Dunham Grove development.
  • Denied a request to install privacy slats on a Village-owned fence at Leider Park along 804 High St.

August 26 Regular Meeting:
  • Approved Pay Request #3 to Willkomm Excavating & Grading in the amount of $261,831.55 for the 10th Ave. and State St. infrastructure project.
  • Approved 2019 trick-or-treating times for Thursday, October 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Approved the closure of certain roads for Super Saturday on September 7, 2019.
  • Approved the waiving of fees for public works personnel costs relating to traffic control for the Fall Harvest Fest Days parade on September 14, 2019.
  • Approved a temporary "Class B" alcohol license application submitted by Union Grove Kiwanis Club for Super Saturday on September 7, 2019.
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.

  • September 3 - Plan Commission (6 p.m.)
  • September 9 - Building Board (5:30 p.m.)
  • September 9 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • September 10 - Entertainment Stage Design & Bidding Cmte. (6 p.m.)
  • September 11 - Library Board (5 p.m. at the library)
  • September 11 - Fire Commission (6 p.m. at the fire station)
  • September 12 - Recreation & Parks Committee (6 p.m.)
  • September 16 - Water, Wastewater, Storm Water & Streets (6 p.m.)
  • September 17 - Community Development Authority (6 p.m.)
  • September 23 - Village Board (6 p.m.)

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