Portage Development News
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Committee of the Whole and Common Council June 11, 2026
Published: Jun 11, 2026
Council Agrees to Consolidate Agendas; Enters Closed Session for Personnel and Delinquent Account Matters
The council discussed the structure of their meetings, specifically the Committee of the Whole meeting held prior to the Common Council meeting. Some members expressed a preference for a combined agenda into a single meeting to improve efficiency and convenience for the public. The council agreed to combine the agendas for future meetings, with non-policy discussions placed at the end to accommodate public speakers. Additionally, the council entered into closed session to discuss the employment terms for a deputy public works director and to consider matters related to a delinquent water utility customer and potential impacts on the organization. [cite: 2633-2664, 2665-2703]
City Reports Positive Financial Outlook and Launches New Online Payment Portal
The Finance Director presented an update on the city's financial status, highlighting a positive impact on the fund balance for fiscal year 2025. This improvement is attributed to lower-than-expected police wages and benefits due to unfilled positions, along with higher revenues from fire contracted billing and interest earnings. The city also reduced deficits in other special funds. The city maintained its A+ stable credit rating. A new online payment portal, 'Community Connect,' was launched to replace the previous PSN system, aiming to streamline utility bill payments, offer paperless billing, and provide usage details. The portal will handle utility bills, but also other payments like dog/cat licenses and operator licenses, with a guest payment option available. The Fire Department has a concern regarding UTV vs. auto accidents, and the Police Department would bear the enforcement burden. [cite: 1351-1368, 1379-1386, 1387-1401, 1406-1425, 1427-1575, 1579-1590, 1603-1626, 1649-1651, 1657-1666, 1679-1684, 1745-1751, 1754-1761, 1766-1775, 1800-1843, 1919-1932, 1947-1957, 1973-1985, 1999-2001, 2002-2030, 2039-2040, 2041-2096, 2097-2113, 2114-2129, 2130-2132]
Community Input Sought for New Splash Pad; Boat House Ordinance Amended
The council discussed plans for an inclusive splash pad, seeking community input through a survey. Current issues with the existing splash pad include limited operating hours (10:30 AM - 6:30 PM), water usage concerns, sensor malfunctions causing continuous operation, and safety hazards like trip hazards from disused features and drain issues. While repairs have been made, long-term solutions are being considered, including rebuilding the splash pad. The proposed survey will gather feedback on usage frequency, desired features, and potential operating hours. The plan is to move forward with the survey in July, with results presented in August. The council also discussed an ordinance amendment for shoreland wetland zoning and boat houses, proposing to allow their construction as accessory structures, with specific height limits and zoning standards to apply. An amendment was proposed and approved to raise the maximum height for screens and pergolas on boat houses from 15 ft to 25 ft. [cite: 2115-2361, 2370-2502]
City Reports Strong Financial Performance for FY25, Launches New Payment Portal
The Finance Director presented the fiscal year 2025 financial report, indicating a positive impact on the fund balance due to lower-than-expected police wages and benefits (linked to unfilled positions) and higher revenues from fire contracted billing and interest earnings. Deficits in other special funds were also reduced. The city maintained its A+ stable credit rating. A new online payment portal, 'Community Connect,' was launched to replace the PSN system, aiming to streamline utility bill payments and other city payments. The portal will offer features like paperless billing, usage details, and autopay management. The report also detailed claims for May totaling $2,743,430.36 and the approval of the 2026 sidewalk improvement project contract. Additionally, a contract for water treatment plant softener repair and media replacement was awarded. The sewer rate increases for 2025-2027 were confirmed as necessary for the sewer project. [cite: 1351-1401, 1406-1575, 1887-1896, 1947-1998, 1999-2038]
City Council Decides Against Pursuing ATV/UTV Ordinance
The council discussed the potential to allow All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) within the city limits. While some residents and council members expressed support citing potential tourism and business benefits, concerns were raised regarding public safety, noise, enforcement, and the impact on roadways. The current limitations on connecting to regional trails due to road speed limits and state designations were highlighted. Staff presented an overview of potential ordinances, suggesting alignment with county hours of operation (5:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and allowing operation on all city roadways to simplify enforcement. The fire department expressed concerns about UTV vs. auto accidents, and the police department would bear the enforcement burden. The council ultimately indicated no desire to pursue an ordinance at this time. [cite: 171-201, 202-216, 219-227, 228-245, 252-292, 300-313, 314-321, 349-424, 431-438, 442-451, 454-473, 475-517, 518-551, 553-578, 579-595, 596-600]
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The Portage News archive
Audit Presentation June 25, 2026 5:30 p.m.
Plan Commission June 15, 2026
Plan Commission June 15, 2026
Public Information (E. Pleasant Reconstruction) - June 10, 2026
Plan Commission - May 18, 2026
Committee of the Whole/Common Council May 14, 2026 6:00 p.m.
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