Impact while occupying an elected role
Inside Village Hall
Highlights of collaborative Village Board actions centered on the Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, Municipal Code Ordinances, and Comprehensive Plan during my Village Trustee terms (Elected 04/19/2022 - 04/15/2024 / Re-elected 04/16/2024 - 04/20/2026).
Public meetings streamed on Village's Facebook page.
2024 in Action
Taxing Decisions
Bellevue’s 2025 Draft Operating Budget
Bellevue’s 2025 Draft Operating Budget
After a public hearing and a thorough review process, the Village Board approved the 2025 Operating Budget and 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at its November 13, 2024, meeting. The adoption passed with a 4-1 vote, with Trustee Kaster dissenting.
Bellevue’s 2025 Draft Operating Budget
Bellevue’s 2025 Draft Operating Budget
Bellevue’s 2025 Draft Operating Budget
The 2025 budget proposes a 15.3-cent increase in the property tax rate, raising it from $3.14 to $3.2929 per $1,000 of assessed value—resulting in a 4.89% increase in the mill rate. For the average homeowner, this equates to an estimated $46 increase on a property valued at $300,000. This tax increase primarily supports key infrastructure projects and essential services funded by levy-supported debt.
Warrants on the Rise
Tackling Overgrown Ditches
Tackling Overgrown Ditches
At the Bellevue Village Board meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, The Honorable Judge Ron Metzler and Municipal Court Clerk Pam Cornelius provided an informative presentation on the status of citation collections and enforcement. Chapter 23 of the Municipal Code governs the Municipal Court.
Tackling Overgrown Ditches
Tackling Overgrown Ditches
Tackling Overgrown Ditches
At the regular meeting on Wednesday, August 29, 2024, the Village Board amended Municipal Code § 326-3 regarding public nuisances affecting public health. This amendment, reflected in Ordinance No. O-2025-05, specifically targets the maintenance of long grass, weeds, and overall property upkeep.
2024 in Action
Next Chapter for Bethel Park
Budget Projections and Staffing Vision
Budget Projections and Staffing Vision
The Village is planning an expansion of Bethel Park in 2025, which includes the addition of a new 1.5-acre medium size multi-use grass field and a covered gazebo structure (CIP Project PRF22).
Budget Projections and Staffing Vision
Budget Projections and Staffing Vision
Budget Projections and Staffing Vision
Village Administrator Ben Krumenauer provided a detailed presentation on the 2024 budget update, projected revenues for the 2025 General Budget, and future staffing considerations.
Short-Term Rental Regulations Enhanced
Budget Projections and Staffing Vision
Short-Term Rental Regulations Enhanced
The item, identified as ZOA 2024-0001, involved a proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Ordinance No. O-2024-04). The amendment primarily addresses transient residential uses and aims to streamline the Bellevue approval process for short-term home rentals during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Early Orders Approved
Allouez Avenue Overhaul
Short-Term Rental Regulations Enhanced
The Village Board preauthorized the purchase of two replacement vehicles for 2025. This early approval of CIP Project PS24-01 and CIP Project VOM 14-002 aims to ensure timely delivery and maintain operational efficiency for both the Bellevue Police and Public Works departments.
Allouez Avenue Overhaul
Allouez Avenue Overhaul
Allouez Avenue Overhaul
The road reconstruction project on Allouez Avenue will begin May 20 and is scheduled to finish by August 9. This project, identified as Bellevue CIP Project PW19-01 / WisDOT Project 4516-10-71, will cover the section between Main Street (US 141) and Hazen Road.
On the Dais - Year 2
Allouez Avenue Overhaul
Allouez Avenue Overhaul
Having completed my second year as an elected Village Trustee, I want to reflect on the Village Board's impact on our community over the past 12 months.
Leafing Through Options
From Lift Station to Gravity Main
From Lift Station to Gravity Main
In a unanimous decision, the Bellevue Village Board took a significant step toward addressing residents' concerns about leaf collection by adding a Municipal Curbside Bagged Leaf Collection Program to the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
From Lift Station to Gravity Main
From Lift Station to Gravity Main
From Lift Station to Gravity Main
Jossart Brothers Inc. was awarded Contract D24 at the Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Bellevue Village Board meeting. Contract D24 focuses on abandoning the sanitary lift station located on Creekwood Drive near Saybrook Circle. With its abandonment, all associated maintenance and operational expenses will be resolved.
Tech Upgrade
From Lift Station to Gravity Main
Reconditioning, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction
The project, totaling $18,934.86, is part of the 2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), specifically the Information Technology project IT42 - Park Key Fob System Integration. The aim of the initiative is to consolidate Bellevue's Access Control System (ACS) into a unified framework, integrating separate systems currently in place across four park locations.
Reconditioning, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction
Reconditioning, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction
Reconditioning, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction
At the Village Board meeting held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, decisions were made regarding 2024 infrastructure enhancement projects crucial for the community. The focus was on the Verlin Road Reconditioning (CIP Project PW23-01), East River Trail Paving (CIP Project PRF30), and DeBroux Park Pickleball Courts (CIP Project PRF35).
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
Reconditioning, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction
Key Step in a Long-Term Vision
Mandated by the Wisconsin Administrative Code, every municipal water supplier must develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program. At the February 14, 2024 Village Board meeting, the board unanimously approved a two-year commercial and residential Cross Connection Services Agreement with HydroCorp.
Key Step in a Long-Term Vision
Reconditioning, Resurfacing, and Reconstruction
Key Step in a Long-Term Vision
Known as CIP Project (BG03), this initiative targets the existing Village Hall/Public Safety Building at 3100 Eaton Road. The project aims to modernize and expand the administrative offices, ensuring they can accommodate future growth. The total project estimate is well under the initial budget, resulting in substantial savings for the community.
2023 in Action
Investing in Tomorrow
Village's 2024 Fiscal Landscape
Village's 2024 Fiscal Landscape
In a significant move towards the enhancement of community infrastructure, the Bellevue Village Board, with a 4-1 vote, recently approved an amendment to the agreement with SEH for the architectural and structural blueprint development of the Village Hall expansion project (CIP Project BG03)
Village's 2024 Fiscal Landscape
Village's 2024 Fiscal Landscape
Village's 2024 Fiscal Landscape
With a 4-1 vote, the Village Board adopted the presented budget resolution, projecting an annual impact of $1,099 on a $350K home. The mill rate comparison showed an 11-cent increase, equivalent to a 3.62% rise. Each 1-cent on the tax rate was highlighted to bring in approximately $15,734.10 in revenue.
Enhancing Business Districts
Village's 2024 Fiscal Landscape
Enhancing Business Districts
In a move to shape the future of the Village of Bellevue, the Village Board has recently approved a series of Zoning Ordinance Amendments, marking a significant step towards enhancing the local landscape and ensuring the harmonious development of businesses and properties in the area.
Expanding Services
Stormwater Management Update
Enhancing Business Districts
The Village Board unanimously voted to approve the Commercial Curbside Brush Pickup Policy and Resolution V-38-2023, thereby adding a new dimension to Bellevue's already comprehensive yard waste management services. (Municipal Code Chapter 391 Solid Waste and Recycling)
Stormwater Management Update
Stormwater Management Update
Stormwater Management Update
At the Village Board meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, Joe Pingel, P.E., a Stormwater Engineer with Cedar Corporation, took the stage to provide a comprehensive update on the stormwater quality section of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. (Municipal Code Chapter 400 Stormwater Management).
Designing Tomorrow
Stormwater Management Update
Stormwater Management Update
In an affirmation of progress, the Village Hall expansion project secured a 4-1 approval during the Bellevue Village Board meeting on August 9, 2023. The green light marked a pivotal step toward the continuation of CIP Project BG03 while staying within the outlined financial and timeline parameters presented for construction in early 2024 and occupancy in mid-2025.
Financial Health Check
Financial Health Check
Financial Health Check
In a recent Village Board meeting held on July 26, 2023, an executive audit summary of the draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ended 2022 was presented by KerberRose, a Certified Public Accounting Firm.
2023 in Action
Evolving with time
Wheel tax continues to roll
Evolving with time
The Village of Bellevue took a step towards regulatory clarity and potential development opportunities on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, as the Village Board unanimously approved amendments to the Municipal Code Chapter 165 Alcohol Beverages §165-5 License Restrictions. T
Life extension
Wheel tax continues to roll
Evolving with time
One of the pressing issues facing the 51-year-old Community Center facility is the presence of roof leaks. To address this problem, the village allocated $17,000 in the 2023 Fiscal Year Operating Budget under Buildings & Grounds Capital Equipment specifically for roof repairs.
Wheel tax continues to roll
Wheel tax continues to roll
Rejected bid for DeBroux Park project
The 4-1 vote at the June 28, 2023, regular meeting authorized the municipal vehicle registration fee extension through 2025. This action is an Ordinance Update to Chapter 49 Finance and Taxation, Article III Section 18 Municipal Vehicle Registration Fee of the Village of Bellevue Municipal Code.
Rejected bid for DeBroux Park project
Rejected bid for DeBroux Park project
Rejected bid for DeBroux Park project
The Village Board unanimously rejected the sole bid it received to build new pickleball and tennis courts at DeBroux Park (CIP Project PRF35) due to higher-than-expected project bid costs at the Wednesday, May 24, 2024, Bellevue Village Board meeting.
Inside look of next phase
Rejected bid for DeBroux Park project
Inside look of next phase
The next pillar project for the Village is the relocation of the village administrative offices to an expansion site connected to the Village Hall at 3100 Eaton Road. (CIP Project BG03)
On the dais - Year 1
Rejected bid for DeBroux Park project
Inside look of next phase
As I complete my first year as Village Trustee (Elected Term 04/19/2022 - 04/18/2024), I paused & reflected on the impact of your Village Board over the past 12 months.
Improved field of view
Smoothing out the corners
Improved field of view
The village-wide video security camera project for $44,800.88 was awarded to Martin Systems, Inc. at the Wednesday, March 22, 2023, regular Village Board meeting. (CIP Project IT40)
BIL in Bellevue
Smoothing out the corners
Improved field of view
Approval allowed President Soukup to sign the State Municipal Agreement (SMA) for each project, resulting in the State supporting up to 80% of project construction funds for CIP project PW23-04 and CIP project PW23-05.
Smoothing out the corners
Smoothing out the corners
Smoothing out the corners
The Village Board approved the Final Resolutions for Special Assessments with a 3-2 vote after pivoting to a proclaimed equitable revision to the Corner Lot Credit calculation for these specific residentially zoned road projects.
Wheel alignment
Adoption of Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
Smoothing out the corners
A special meeting was held Monday, February 13, 2023, to ensure village board members and staff are comfortable and aligned with the steps and procedures for distribution of 2023 Road Paving Project (CIP PW20-03) expenses.
CIP BG03 takes a step
Adoption of Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
Adoption of Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) received 4-1 approval by the Bellevue Village Board, on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, to provide the design and engineering services to advance the buildout of an office expansion at 3100 Eaton Road (CIP Project BG03).
Adoption of Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
Adoption of Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
Adoption of Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
Unanimous approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043, at the Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Bellevue Village Board meeting (2022 Operating Budget - Community Development - Planning & Zoning - Contracted Services).
2022 in Action
DeBroux Pickleball courts approved
DeBroux Pickleball courts approved
DeBroux Pickleball courts approved
DeBroux Tennis Court Replacement (CIP Project PRF35) is part of the Village Board approved CIP for 2023.
Bellevue budget approved
DeBroux Pickleball courts approved
DeBroux Pickleball courts approved
After the public hearing, and a brief board discussion, the Village Board approved the 2023 Budget and 2023-2027 CIP, as presented, with a 4-1 vote.
All the way around
DeBroux Pickleball courts approved
Tennis court revitalization
The Josten Playground Accessibility Path (CIP Project LS23) that encircles the playground area is complete!
Tennis court revitalization
Tennis court revitalization
Tennis court revitalization
Contractors have begun the Josten Park Tennis Court Renovation project (CIP Project PRF31).
Construction noise nearby
Tennis court revitalization
Construction noise nearby
Activity (CIP Project TID #1-001) will notably include the extension of Costco Way south past Landmark Boulevard and the extension of Town Hall Road west from Lime Kiln Road (CTH V) to Monroe Road (CTH GV).
Brace for impact
Tennis court revitalization
Construction noise nearby
The Village Board unanimously approved spending $3,800 to develop a fully engineered plan for a bracing system for the existing salt shed in the DPW yard (CIP Project PW10), located at 1811 Allouez Avenue, at the Wednesday, May 11, 2022, regular board meeting.
Welcome to Josten Park
Welcome to Josten Park
Welcome to Josten Park
I was excited to see the new sign installed this morning at Josten Park! A 2021 storm tipped over and damaged the prior sign.
Interested in serving?
Serving on the Village Board is an excellent opportunity to contribute to your community's governance and make a positive impact on the development of Bellevue.
The Village Board of Bellevue consists of five members: a Village President and four Village Trustees. Together, they are responsible for managing and overseeing Village property, finances, streets, utilities, and public services. The Village President is elected every three years, while the Village Trustees are elected in alternating years.
As a member of the Village Board, you will serve as part of the legislative branch of the Village government. It's important to note that the Board does not have executive powers, as those responsibilities are carried out by the Village Administrator, who serves under the Board's direction. In simple terms, you will be guiding the village, not running the village.
If you're interested in running for a position on the Village Board, elections are held during the April Spring election. The Village President receives an annual compensation of $9,785, while the Village Trustees receive a fixed annual compensation of $6,500.
To be considered as a candidate and have your name placed on the April ballot, you need to complete a few necessary steps. These include filing a Campaign Registration Statement (CF-1), a Declaration of Candidacy (EL-162), and Nomination Papers (EL-169). It's crucial to submit all forms by 5 pm on the first Tuesday of the New Year. If you choose to fax or email the forms, the original documents must be postmarked no later than the first Tuesday of the New Year.
What's the time commitment?
Your time commitment is valued by the residents and taxpayers you represent, although mostly unseen.
Time as a Policy Board: There are 22 regular Village Board meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. There is only 1 regular meeting in November and December. The board meetings vary in length and the agenda packet is made available 5 days prior for review. There are 2 fixed workshop meeting dates: the CIP (3rd Monday of August) and the Budget (1st Monday in October), and the duration of the workshops hover around 5 hours each. There may be additional special meeting dates needed.
Time as a Resident Connection: You may be contacted by residents, who may share their opinions, or request assistance. When individual Board members receive citizen complaints, these should be referred to the administration staff for investigation and resolution immediately. A vast majority of complaints concern enforcement issues, which must ultimately be addressed by the staff. The Administrative staff enforces zoning, ordinances, basic services, personnel matters, etc., and through the separation of duties, the Village Board establishes the rules and policies by which the staff function.
Roles of Elected Officials in Villages
VILLAGE PRESIDENT (WIS. STAT. § 61.24) - Statutory Authority/Duties
- Serves/votes as trustee; no veto authority.
- Presiding officer at board meetings.
- Signs all ordinances, rules, bylaws, regulations, commissions, licenses and permits adopted or authorized by the board and all orders drawn on treasury, except as provided by Wis. Stat. § 66.0607.
- Maintains peace and good order; sees that ordinances are faithfully obeyed.
- In case of disturbance, riot, or other apparent necessity, appoints special marshals.
- Charge over village jail, if applicable.
- Represents village at events - e.g., ribbon cutting ceremonies -- and often serves as point of contact for board (these are non-statutory duties; only if desired).
- Appoints persons to various boards and commissions (sometimes subject to board approval).
- Miscellaneous statutory duties in specific circumstances (e.g., § 165.55; § 80.48(3) and (4)).
- Exercises powers by Proclamation of Emergency when emergency conditions prevent board from meeting (§ 323.14 – actions subject to board ratification, alteration, modification or repeal).
VILLAGE BOARD (WIS. STAT. § 61.34) - Statutory Authority/Duties
- Management and control of village property, finances, highways, streets, navigable waters, and the public service.
- Power to act for the government and good order of village, for its commercial benefit and for health, safety, welfare and convenience of public.
- Carries out powers by license, regulation, suppression, borrowing, taxation, special assessment, appropriation, fine, imprisonment, and other necessary or convenient means.
TRUSTEES (INDIVIDUALLY) - Statutory Authority/Duties
- NONE!
- Trustees have no individual statutory authority or duties because the village board’s power is collective.
- Although trustees have no individual authority, trustees may function as a liaison between the village board and constituents or, in their individual capacity, communicate with constituents (e.g., listening sessions, newsletters, etc.).
Bellevue, as a Village, is governed by Chapter 61 of the Wisconsin State Legislature.
Campaign Registration Statement (CF-1)
This form must be filed with the Bellevue Clerk’s Office as soon as you decide to become a candidate for office and before any funds are collected or spent.
Declaration of Candidacy (EL -162)
This form must be filed with the Bellevue Clerk no later than the deadline for filing nomination papers or the candidate's name will not appear on the ballot. This form must be sworn to and signed in the presence of notary or person authorized to administer oaths.
Nomination Papers (EL-169)
Nomination papers may be circulated any time after December 1 of the current year. You will be required to obtain a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 100 signatures for each office pursued.
Local Candidate Help
Candidate forms may be obtained from the Bellevue Village Clerk, at the Bellevue Village Offices, 2828 Allouez Avenue, or found at https://elections.wi.gov/forms.
Attribution/Disclaimer Requirements
Attribution statements, commonly referred to as disclaimers, are statements required to be placed on any communication containing express advocacy in order to identify the person(s) who paid for and/or authorized the communication. WIS. STAT. § 11.1303(2).
Express advocacy is a communication which clearly identifies a candidate and clearly relates to the election or defeat of the candidate. Common terms include 'Vote for', 'Elect', 'Support', 'Cast your ballot for', 'Smith for... (an elective office)', 'Vote Against', 'Defeat', 'Reject', and 'Cast your ballot against'. (§ 11.0101(11))
Every printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, lawn sign, sample ballot, television or radio advertisement, or other communication requires an attribution.
- Example: Paid for by Mary Smith for Governor
- Example: Paid for by Citizens for Government, Authorized by Mary Smith for Governor
- Example: Paid for by Citizens for Government, Not Authorized by Any Candidate or Candidate's Agent or Committee
- Example: Paid for by John Smith, Not Authorized by Any Candidate or Candidate's Agent or Committee
- Example: Paid for by John Smith
Attribution statements do not apply to communications containing express advocacy printed on small items, which would normally require a disclaimer, but cannot be conveniently printed, including text messages, social media communications, and certain small advertisements on mobile phones. WIS. STAT. § 11.1303(2)(f).
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