Development News for Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

City Council Tables DORA Discussion Amidst Safety, Enforcement, and Economic Concerns

The City Council discussed the implementation of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Input from the Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership survey indicated mixed sentiment. Police Chief concerns included potential increases in public intoxication, disorderly conduct, public disturbance, enforcement challenges regarding boundaries and minors, and increased trash. He also noted logistical and staffing strains on the police department. Thelma expressed concern that a DORA could undercut revenue from their street festivals, which rely on refreshment sales. Council members discussed the geographical suitability, potential impact on businesses not participating, and the need for clearly defined boundaries. Some council members felt it was a 'moot point' without citizen demand and that existing special event permits sufficed. Others believed it could spark interest downtown and increase foot traffic. Ultimately, the council decided to table the discussion for future revisit if public interest arises, citing the need for better definition and acknowledging the concerns of Thelma regarding their event revenue.

City Council Declares Surplus Property at 28 East Bank Street After Prior Representations Revealed

The City Council considered a resolution declaring a property at 28 East Bank Street as surplus. The Planning Commission had initially recommended denial due to a lack of background information. However, subsequent information revealed that the city had made prior representations to Mr. Craig Wilson about eventually selling this property to him. Given this new information and ongoing renovations, Councilmember Mullen proposed rejecting the Planning Commission's denial and declaring the property surplus, authorizing staff to execute the decision. The motion passed unanimously. This action pertains to a small corner of the parcel with a concrete building, while the rest of the property remains in city hands.

Winter Parking Restrictions Under Review; Council Leans Towards Maintaining Current Rules

The council received an update on winter parking restrictions, which are in effect from November 15th to March 15th, restricting parking on one side of the street from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. to facilitate winter operations. A resident complaint prompted a review by the Advisory Parking and Traffic committee. Potential adjustments, such as delaying the start time to 10 p.m. or 9 p.m., were discussed, but concerns were raised about inconveniencing residents who adhere to the current schedule or the impact on narrow roads. The committee and staff are still exploring options, but currently recommend keeping the restrictions as is, with ongoing efforts to find potential solutions. Council members expressed varied opinions, with many agreeing that the current system is a necessary compromise and well-advertised, while some suggested exploring options like reducing ticket fines or implementing a warning system. The police department was commended for its initial grace period during the enforcement of these restrictions.

City Council Approves Sewer Service Area Amendment for Senior Living Facility

The City Council considered a resolution to amend the sewer service area of the City of Fond du Lac Metropolitan Planning Organization to include a property east of 151 north of 23. This property was previously thought to be in a conservancy area and thus excluded from the sewer service area update in 2018. The property has since been rezoned and a special use permit was granted in March for a senior living facility. The amendment is necessary to legally include the property in the MPO's sewer service area, and the city has sufficient capacity at the wastewater treatment plant to serve it. The Planning Commission and city staff recommended approval.