Published by the Village of Union Grove - April 2020
Message from Mike Aimone, Village President
While the coronavirus outbreak has caused many disruptions to our society, it has been encouraging to see the great community spirit in Union Grove - whether it be the support for local businesses, the positive messages people are leaving in sidewalk chalk or residents putting bears and hearts in their windows for children to find. Let's all continue to do our part to follow safer-at-home requirements and to support local businesses during these difficult times, as you are able to.

Remember, if you are having financial hardships we will be working with you on agreeable payment schedules for community services and court fines. Although the municipal center is currently closed, Village staff is available to help at (262) 818-1818. The Village Board will be reviewing a possible small business loan program using proceeds from a recently closed fund. We will continue to post updates on the Village's COVID-19 webpage.

Thank you to our first responders, doctors and medical professionals for your efforts and sacrifices during this unprecedented time.
Spring Election on April 7
The spring election is set to take place on Tuesday, April 7. Electors are urged to cast an absentee ballot to avoid gatherings on election day. There is still time to submit an absentee ballot using the "drive-up" voting available now at the municipal center parking lot. Voter registration is also available. Below is the remaining schedule for drive-up voting:

  • Wednesday, April 1 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 2 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 3 - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please remember to bring a valid Photo ID to cast an absentee ballot and bring a proof of residence if you need to register. Thank you to the residents who have come forward to help administer this safer voting option. For more election information, click here.
Village Selected for $1 Million State Grant
On March 4, Governor Evers announced that Union Grove was selected to receive a $1 million grant for infrastructure improvements! The funding will be used to repair roads that are in poor condition, while providing improved sidewalk and bicycle access on York St., Industrial Park Dr. and 10th Ave. The work is scheduled to occur in 2021 according to the Village’s capital plan.

In what was a very competitive process, the Village was one of 33 infrastructure projects that were funded of the 461 total eligible applications filed by cities and villages. Additionally, $1 million represented the highest grant amount awarded. For more information, click here .
Reminder to Not Flush Wipes into the Toilet
With the recent shortage of toilet paper in the stores, more people are using wipes, paper towel and other products and flushing them into the toilet. This is creating problems with clogs in the sewer system, which could lead to sewer backups and costly damages.

To help protect your home and your neighbors' homes from back-ups, never flush products other than toilet paper in the toilet. Even so-called "flushable" wipes have been known to cause clogs and should not be flushed. Please help spread the word to family members and friends on this problem!
Yard Waste & Brush Collections
Curbside Yard Waste pick-up from Johns Disposal started on Friday, March 27 and will continue on the last Friday of each month through November. Place clippings, leaves, and garden debris in compostable bags or 32-gallon or smaller bins weighing less than 50 lbs. Brush must be less than 6″ in diameter and 4′ in lengths, bundled together, and weighing no more than 50 lbs. Stack bundles no more than 4′ high and 10′ long; limit of one pile this size per pickup. Remember to s et yard waste out before 6 a.m. on collection days.

Brush Collections by Union Grove DPW take place the last full week of each month, from April through November. B rush collections are for branches with a maximum 6″ in diameter with a preferred length of at least 6 ft. (although branches as short as 4 ft. will still be collected). Please place brush near the curb in neatly stacked piles with the ends facing the road.
Entertainment Stage Updates
Bower Design & Construction raised the roof on the entertainment stage ("The Pavilion at School Yard Park") this past week. Construction is still progressing toward completion this spring. We look forward to having a grand opening event and community dedication in the future (details will be posted at a later time).

Thank you to all of the project sponsors thus far who are helping make the project a reality, including: Racine County , Union Grove Kiwanis Club , Union Grove Lions Club , VFW Post 7924 Kansasville , CTE Custom Truck & Equipment , Community State Bank  
and The Granary Townhomes. For more info, visit the project webpage .
Today is National Census Day!
Today, April 1st, is nationwide Census Day. All households should have received a census in the mail around mid-March with a request to complete the survey by today. It is currently estimated that 47% of Union Grove households have responded to the census, which is slightly higher than the state average, but it means many people still need to respond! The census can be completed online, by telephone or by mail. For information on how to respond online, click here .

It is important to participate in the 2020 Census because you are letting the U.S. government know how many people are living in Union Grove. The government uses this figure to determine how much federal money to give each state and how many representatives can go to Congress. By making yourself count, you are helping improve your community by ensuring your community and state have the appropriate number of representatives and money to provide resources and services for you and your neighbors. It is free, confidential and safe. To learn more about the 2020 Census and how to get involved locally, visit RacineCountyCounts.org .
Land Use Planning Updates
Plan Commission met on March 2 and heard a report from Village Planner Craig Huebner recapping the feedback received at the land use planning public workshop on January 29. Mr. Huebner also provided initial recommendations for the new 2050 Future Land Use Map for Union Grove. Plan Commissioners gave input for additional revisions to the land use map, and an updated draft is expected to be reviewed by the Plan Commission at their next meeting on Monday, May 4 at 6 p.m. For more information about this project, visit uniongrove.net/landuseplan.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board held a regular meeting on March 9. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the meeting on March 23 was cancelled. Following is a recap of Village Board actions that took place:

March 9 Regular Meeting:
  • Granted an extension for an unsafe structure located at 1450 11th Ave. #69.
  • Approved Entertainment Stage Reservation and Use Policies.
  • Approved Ordinance 20-03 regarding noise and decibel limits for events in School Yard Park with a Special Event Permit.
  • Approved revisions to the School Yard Park reservation fee schedule.
  • Approved an Entertainment Stage dedication and planning for a grand opening event on July 25, 2020.
  • Approved a waiver allowing for the creation of an irregular lot shape, proposed at 18426 Durand Ave. (Grove Concrete), subject to obtaining necessary zoning approvals.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, meetings are 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.

  • April 6 - Plan Commission (Cancelled)
  • April 8 - Library Board (5 p.m.)
  • April 8 - Fire Commission (6 p.m.)
  • April 13 - Village Board (6 p.m.)
  • April 20 - Water, Wastewater, Storm Water & Streets (6 p.m.)
  • April 21 - Community Development Authority (6 p.m.)
  • April 23 - Recreation & Parks Committee (6 p.m.)
  • April 27 - Village Board (6 p.m.)

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