Published by the Village of Union Grove - October 2021
Trick-or-Treating in Union Grove will be on Sunday, October 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please be extra cautious of pedestrians crossing the road during trick-or-treating times.
Leaf and Yard Waste Collections
Fall leaf collection service by Union Grove Public Works will start in mid-October and conclude the week before Thanksgiving (subject to change due to weather). Rake leaves to the edge of the road for pick-up. Please set out leaves only, as branches and other matter can damage the leaf collection equipment. Never rake leaves or other yard debris into the storm sewer.

Yard waste collection from Johns Disposal continues on the second and fourth Fridays of the month through November. Place clippings, leaves and garden debris in marked reusable containers or compostable bags (not plastic bags). Brush must be less than 6" in diameter and 4' in length, bundled together and weighing no more than 50 lbs. For more information on yard waste and other Johns Disposal collections, click here.
Industrial Park Construction Updates
The Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements project is in the home stretch, with paving work now started on Industrial Park Dr. Paving is expected to be completed this month on Industrial Park Dr., Yok St. and 10th Ave. The project is scheduled for final completion by November 20. We are grateful to all of the businesses, their employees, and residents within the project area who have dealt with the construction activity for most of the summer. For any questions on the project, please contact Village Engineer Gary Vogel, at (262) 206-9236.
Public Hearing on ATV's/UTV's and Golf Carts
About 50 community members were in attendance for a public hearing on September 27 regarding the requested use of ATV's, UTV's and/or golf carts on Village roads. Wisconsin statutes currently prohibit the use of these vehicles on the road, unless the Village Board were to adopt an ordinance to allow them. The Board heard input from a variety of perspectives, and we would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussion all while being respectful to one another's views and concerns.

After the hearing, there was a consensus among Village Board members to instruct staff to draft a resolution to place two advisory (non-binding) referendum questions on the next spring ballot – one question regarding support for allowing ATVs and UTVs on Village roads, and a separate referendum question regarding support for allowing golf carts on the roads. The resolution is expected to be considered by the Board at its next regular meeting on October 11.
Village Board Revises Sign Regulations
On September 13, the Village Board adopted an ordinance that revises the Village's sign regulations and relaxes the permitting process for downtown businesses. The ordinance was adopted after a public hearing was held by the Plan Commission earlier that evening.

The adopted ordinance eliminates the downtown-specific sign requirements that were established to limit light, colors, size and location of signs. Downtown businesses are now subject to the same sign regulations that apply to the rest of the Village and no longer are required to get approved from the Community Development Authority on signage.

The ordinance also makes the following changes to the Village-wide sign requirements:

  • Increases the size of ground signs from 25 square feet per face on the property line to 32 square feet and allows a maximum size of 40 square feet when the sign is five feet or more from the property line; any sign over 40 square feet requires approval from the Plan Commission.
  • Increases the size of window signs from a limit of 25% of the window area to 50% of the glass area; it also allows perforated window decals to take up to 100% of the glass area.
  • Removes the fee requirement for temporary banners requiring a permit.

For more information, click here to view the updated sign regulations chart.
Village Seeks Proposals for Pop-Up Beer Garden Services
The Village of Union Grove is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or companies to operate a "pop-up" beer garden on one or more dates in 2022 within the Union Grove park system. With proper oversight and management, the Village believes the events will attract more people to enjoy the Village's park system and help enhance a sense of community. A percentage of sales will be used to help offset future parks and recreation expenses.

Organizers have an opportunity to submit a proposal that may include food, music and other activities. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: (1) experience and qualifications (local vendors preferred), (2) demonstrating an understanding of desired services, (3) proposed approach to the project, and (4) financial offer. Prospective organizers must provide all proper supplies, equipment and staffing, comply with all laws and regulations, and meet insurance requirements.

Proposals will be accepted through October 29, 2021. To download the RFP document, click here.
A ribbon-cutting for The Residences at Dunham Grove was held on September 21. Representatives from the Village, Greater Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, Racine County Economic Development Corporation and Pre/3 were all on hand to recognize the official opening and welcome new residents to the community.
Automatic Payment Option for Utility Bills
Just a reminder that the Village offers automatic payments for your quarterly water and sewer bills. Payments can be deducted directly from your financial institution of your choice. By paying your Utility bill each quarter through automatic payments you will:

  • Save on the cost of checks, stamps, and envelopes.
  • Avoid late payments.
  • Assure payments are made even when you are out of town.
  • Save time spent writing and mailing checks…No more running to the post office!

Sign up for automatic payments by completing the form and submitting it to the Village Offices. After signing up, you will continue to receive your utility bills but the postcard will indicate you are signed up for automatic payments and do not pay. Your quarterly utility payment will be automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date indicated on the postcard bill. For any questions please contact Village Treasurer Kerry Bennett at (262) 878-1818.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board held regular meetings on September 13 and September 27. Following is a recap of actions that took place:

September 13 Regular Meeting:
  • Approved a Representation and Fee Agreement with Knuteson, Hinkston & Rosenberg, S.C. for prosecution services.
  • Approved Ordinance 2021-08, amending sections of the Village sign regulations.
  • Approved a request of Paul Miller, Jr. (Owner & Applicant) for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on tax keys #186-03-21-32-004-030, #186-03-21-32-047-000, #186-03-21-32-047-001 and #186-03-21-32-003-020, with the existing parcels to be combined via lot-line adjustment into three parcels.
  • Approved the replacement and relocation of the Municipal Center dropbox.
  • Approved 2021 Trick-or-Treating date and times.
  • Approved Pay Request #2 submitted by DK Contractors in the amount of $672,904.39 for the Industrial Park Infrastructure Improvements Project.

September 27 Regular Meeting:
  • Held a public hearing on the topic of ATV's, UTV's and golf carts on Village roads and instructed staff to prepare a resolution for advisory referendum questions.
  • Approved the Village of Union Grove Premium Payment and Opt-Out Plan, establishing a health insurance opt-out incentive.
  • Approved issuing a request for proposals for pop-up beer garden related services.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are currently being held in-person at the Union Grove Municipal Center in the second floor Village Board Room. Teleconference call-in numbers and access codes will be posted on meeting agendas when a call-in option is available. Meeting dates and times are subject to change.

  • October 4 - Plan Commission (Cancelled)
  • October 11 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • October 11 - Recreation & Parks Committee (after Village Board)
  • October 12 - Finance Committee (6 p.m.)
  • October 13 - Library Board (5 p.m. at the library)
  • October 13 - Fire Commission (6 p.m. at the fire station)
  • October 18 - Water, Wastewater, Storm Water & Streets (6 p.m.)
  • October 19 - Administration Committee (6 p.m.)
  • October 19 - Personnel Committee (6:30 p.m.)
  • October 25 - Village Board (6 p.m.)

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