Beautification Committee
Regular MeetingRandom Lake, WI · July 14, 2026
Agenda
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Agenda
Joint Beautification/Lake, Parks, and Recreation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
5:30 pm
LOCATION OF MEETING: 96 RUSSELL DR
NOTICE: Pursuant to the requirements of Section 19.84, Wis Stats., notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Village of Random
Lake, at which a quorum of the Village Board may attend in order to gather information about a subject which they have decision
making responsibility. The meeting will be held at the above noted date, time. Notice of the Village Board Quorum (Chairperson to
announce the following if a quorum of the Village Board is in attendance at the meeting: Please let the minutes reflect that a
quorum of the Village Board are present and that the Village Board members may be making comments if the rules are suspended to
allow them to do so.)
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tyq-wxtj-eek
Or dial: (US) +1 321-529-7641 PIN: 545 144 104#
Agenda
All meetings are open to the public and public comment is allowed on all agenda items during the time of the
agenda item being discussed.
1. Call to Order, Roll Call
2. Discussion and Possible Action on the following:
a. Recommendation to the Village Board related to the June 9, 2026, meeting minutes.
b. Banners
c. Project Awareness Booth Volunteers
d. Fundraisers
e. Triangle Park Design
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f. CORP Survey
g. Chamber of Commerce Updates
h. Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement Program
3. Discussion on future agenda items.
4. Adjourn.
Items on the Agenda may be taken out of order as listed. Posted to all village posting locations on 07/13/2026.
WI Open Meeting Law (Wis. Stat. 19.83(2) and 19.84(2)) In general, the open meetings law grants citizens the right to attend and observe open session meetings
of governmental bodies but does not require a governmental body to allow members of the public to speak or actively participate in the body’s meeting. A
governmental body is free to determine for itself whether and to what extent it will allow citizen participation at its meetings.
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Joint Beautification/Lake, Parks, and
Recreation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
5:30 pm
LOCATION OF MEETING: 96 RUSSELL DR
Meeting Minutes
1. Call to Order, Roll Call: Co-Chairman Fuller called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Members present
included Chuck Mueller, Warren Dutter, Blaine Werner, and Rachel Fuller. Village staff present included
Clerk/Treasurer Stephanie Waala.
Let it be known that there was a quorum of the village board as President Duane Urbanski was present.
2. Discussion and Possible Action on the following:
a. Recommendation to the Village Board related to the May 19, 2026, meeting minutes.
Member Werner made a motion to approve as submitted, motion was seconded by Member Mueller.
Motion carried 4-0.
b. Library Bay Boardwalk and Walkways Concept Plans
Brandon Fuller, Vierbicher Engineer, presented to the committees two concepts for different
locations and styles of paths. Option one showed an ADA switchback path on the southern part of
the property, the boardwalk constructed of wood and asphalt, and the gateway path as brick.
Option two showed the ADA switchback path on the northern part of the property, the boardwalk
as all wood, and the gateway path as concrete. Input from committee and public members present
included:
• Stamped concrete for gateway
• No ADA switchback at all
• Sidewalk on Lake Dr.
• Stairs down to the boardwalk from the gateway
• Wood boardwalk only from the piers to the gateway stairs and asphalt boardwalk from the
gateway stairs to the fishing pier
Engineer Flunker informed the committees that the next step would be to present these designs to
the public to which Co-chairman Fuller informed the committees that this can be done at the June
23rd Workshop.
d. Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP)
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i. Values, Mission Statement, and Goals
Karen Schmitz in formed the committees that she typed up some information from the
input of the previous meetings. Co-chairman Fuller informed the committees that the
goals and objectives were presented and edited which will help guide the CORP. A
park-by-park matrix was also created to show park/sites, key issues identified,
opportunities identified, and recommended actions.
ii. Survey Update
Lydia Bernhoft, Bay Lake Regional Planning Commission Environmental Planner,
informed the committees that seventeen responses have been entered into the survey
and a majority of them live in Random Lake.
iii. Workshop/Outreach Details
Planner Bernhoft informed the committees that a flyer has been created and updated for
the upcoming workshop.
c. Jacoby Memorial Park
Co-chairman Fuller informed the committees that the perimeter trees have been planted.
d. Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP)
i. Values, Mission Statement, and Goals
ii. Survey Update
iii. Workshop/Outreach Details
Item moved to earlier in the agenda.
e. Request of Joanne Ansay, Free Library Box
Mrs. Ansay informed the committees that she has put a library box on her property but will be removing it so
she would like to put it over by the Orth Dr property. Member Mueller informed the committee that it can be
located by the mailboxes at the entry to the subdivision.
Member Muller made a motion to approve as submitted and to be designed by the painter, motion was
seconded by Member Werner. Motion carried 4-0.
f. Chamber of Commerce
i. Wayfinding Map
John Rassel informed the committees that he will get the errors corrected before printing and
inputting the village logo and slogan. Additionally, there will be a QR code to link updates to the
map.
Final locations of boards will be presented to the Plan Commission at their July 13th meeting.
ii. Bathroom Message Boards
Mr. Rassel informed the committees that the display boards have been installed and the chamber
will be sending over information to include on the boards.
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iii. Parking Passes
Clerk Waala informed the committees that the new passes are in use and an example was
presented and passed around.
g. Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement Program Application
Co-chairman Fuller presented to the committees the updates after input from the last meeting and review of the
WEDC Vibrant Spaces Grant.
h. Memorial Park
Mrs. Schmitz informed the committees that Otter Creek is creating a new design to go with the extension of
the park on the Bentert St side.
3. Discussion on future agenda items.
Habitat for Humanity
Globe Lanes murals
4. Adjourned at 7:56 pm.
Items on the Agenda may be taken out of order as listed. Created by Stephanie Waala on 06/25/2026.
WI Open Meeting Law (Wis. Stat. 19.83(2) and 19.84(2)) In general, the open meetings law grants citizens the right to attend and observe open session
meetings of governmental bodies but does not require a governmental body to allow members of the public to speak or actively participate in the body’s
meeting. A governmental body is free to determine for itself whether and to what extent it will allow citizen participation at its meetings.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CREATION OF THE RANDOM LAKE
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PLAN
VILLAGE OF RANDOM LAKE, WISCONSIN
WHEREAS, Article VIII of the Wisconsin constitution authorizes the governing board to
adopt a written policy for the expenditures of funds for a public purpose; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Random Lake has placed the Random Lake Downtown
Business Improvement Selection Committee under the “supervision and control” of the five-
member governing body and granted the Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement
Selection Committee all powers which may be “necessary or convenient” to enable the Random
Lake Downtown Business Improvement Selection Committee to perform and carry out the duties
and responsibilities now existing or which may be imposed upon it by law; and
WHEREAS, the “public purpose doctrine” permits a governmental entity to expend
public funds only if the primary purpose of the expenditure is public and the expenditure directly
relates to the governmental purposes for which the entity was created; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and necessary for the Board of Trustees of the Village of
Random Lake to adopt and establish a written policy governing expenditures of proceeds from
donations and fundraising activities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Trustees of the Village of
Random Lake, in order to “support local businesses and property owners enhancements to the
appearance, accessibility, and overall vitality of downtown”, authorizes the expenditures of funds
from the proceeds from donations and fundraising activites.
Adopted this 20th day of July 2026.
Village Board, Village of Random Lake
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
By: _____________________________
Duane Urbanski, President
ATTEST:
By: ____________________________
Stephanie Waala
Clerk/Treasurer
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Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement
Program
Program Purpose
The Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement Program is a $100,000 initiative
designed to support local businesses and property owners in enhancing the appearance,
accessibility, and overall vitality of downtown. Through reimbursable grants of up to $10,000, the
program helps fund exterior improvements such as facades, signage, lighting, landscaping, and
ADA access upgrades.
By encouraging private investment and prioritizing high-impact, shovel-ready projects, this
program aims to strengthen the visual character of downtown, attract visitors, and support
long-term economic growth in the Random Lake business community.
Funding Structure
● Total Program Funding: $100,000 (Chamber of Commerce)
● Administrative Support: Village of Random Lake (staff time and program oversight)
● Maximum Grant Per Business: $10,000
● Minimum Match Requirement: 25% of grant request amount (required)
● Preferred Match: 50% or greater (projects with higher private investment will be
prioritized)
● Reimbursement Model: Funds reimbursed after project completion
○ Invoice Required
Estimated Businesses Assisted: 10+
Eligible Applicants
● For-Profit Commercial & Mixed Use property owners
● Business owners (including tenants) (with written permission from the Commercial &
Mixed Use property owners)
● Excludes Non-Profit organizations & building owners
Awards per Applicant
No more than one grant per fiscal year. Previous awardees must wait at least one fiscal year
between Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement Program awards.
Eligible Projects
● Exterior Improvements
● Facade renovation
● Painting, masonry repair
● Windows and doors
● Awnings
● Signage
● Exterior lighting
● Outdoor seating
● Landscaping improvements
● ADA Access
Funded improvements must be visible from public streets, sidewalks, or pedestrian areas -
unless completing an ADA Access project.
Project Priorities
● Improve the visual character of downtown
● Improve accessibility of our businesses downtown
● Preference will be given to businesses that are active Chamber of Commerce members
Program Area
Eligibility will be limited to businesses located within the designated downtown commercial
corridor.
● 1st St (Allen St -> Butler St)
● 2nd St (Allen St -> Butler St)
● 3rd St (Allen St -> Butler St)
● Allen St (1st St -> 2nd St)
● Bentert St
● Carroll St (1st -> 5th St)
Map For Reference, Not Boundaries
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of the following individuals:
● Chamber of Commerce Liaison
● Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
● Village Beautification Committee Member
● Village Beautification Committee Member
● Village Beautification Committee Member
Funding decisions will include, but not limit the scoring to the following:
1. Project impact to the visual aesthetics of downtown
2. Financial readiness (Total Budget / Funding)
3. How will the community benefit from this project?
4. Shovel Readiness
5. Alignment with downtown revitalization goals
6. Private Investment (Match Money)
7. How does this align with your business’s long term goals?
Timelines
Once a completed application is received (and accepted as complete by the selection
committee), costs incurred on and after the acceptance date may be considered eligible as
match, assuming the grant is awarded. Project elements completed prior to that date will not be
eligible for match or reimbursement, but prior progress does not impact the eligibility for funding
of the space. Provided sufficient costs remain after the acceptance date to support both match
and funding, projects may still apply. The project must be completed no later than one year from
the date of signing the Grant Agreement. Extensions may be authorized subject to sufficient
justification.
Required Completion Documents
● Applicants must provide before photos and final completion photos.
● Summary of the project, including tasks completed
**Changes to originally approved applications will need to be reviewed by the
group for additional approval. The Village/Chamber reserves the right to deny
reimbursement if the project was not completed in accordance with approved
plans.
Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement
Program Application
Name of Applicant: _______________________________________ Date: ____________
Project Address: ____________________________________________________________
Applicant Email: __________________________________ Phone: _____________________
Name of Business: ____________________________________________________________
Length of time the business has been in business: ___________________________________
Property Owner Name: ____________________________ Phone: _____________________
Estimated Project Start Date: _____________ Estimated Project Finish Date: _____________
Grant Request Amount: _________________ Business Match Amount: __________________
Total Project Cost: ___________________
Project Description: ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Project Impact to the Visual Aesthetics of Downtown: _________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
How will the community benefit from this project? _____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
How does this align with your business’s long term goals? ______________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
How will you fund the difference between the Grant Request Amount + Business Match Amount
and the Total Project Cost, if applicable? We want to ensure you have the remaining funds lined
up to complete the project if awarded the grant.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
If awarded the grant, could you start the project the next day? (Ie. Is this project shovel ready?)
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Application Checklist
___ Completed application
___ Written consent from the property owner, if applicable
___ Completed budget and cost estimates.
___ Photos and plans for the space (pictures of the amenities to be installed or project
renderings)
___ Approved building permit and design concepts
I certify by my signature that I have received, read and understand the conditions of the
application and agree to abide by the guidelines as stated on this form. I agree that failure to
follow these guidelines may result in termination of this application and potential request of
funds to be returned.
__________________________________________ ____________________
Signature of Applicant Date
Village Use Only:
Plan Commission Review Date, if applicable: ___________ Application Review Date: _______________
Approval/Denial Approval Amount: _____________________
Final Inspection by Committee Date: _____________
Approval # ___________________________ Date Dispersed: ______________________
FAQ’s, Application Checklist, & Instructions
Project Selection
Project elements:
1) Are alley improvements eligible?
Answer: Yes, if the alley is visible from the sidewalks and streets. In addition, all property
owners surrounding the alley must provide written statements signifying they are in support of
the project.
2) Is a project to replace the roof of my building eligible?
Answer: It depends. If the roof is visible from the streets and sidewalks. If you have a flat roof,
then no, it is not eligible.
3) Are streetscaping elements eligible?
Answer: Landscaping and public amenities within a defined space are eligible. Streetscaping or
amenities for an entire corridor are also eligible.
4) Is fencing an eligible expense?
Answer: Yes. If it beautifies the exterior of the building.
5) Can the grant be used to renovate the inside and outside of a building?
Answer: The only interior renovations allowed inside of buildings are the construction (and
renovation) to improve ADA accessibility. Other renovations to the interior are not eligible.
6) Would a PA or speaker system be eligible?
Answer: Yes, as long as it's used for the purpose of adding ambiance to the exterior of the
building.
Project Selection Continued
Project location:
1) My space is outside the designated program area. Can I still apply?
Answer: It depends. The purpose of this program is to beautify the area of Random Lake
designated as “Downtown”. So if the project is visible from the commercial corridor, it could be
considered.
Project Logistics and Funding
Applicants:
1) Can previous Random Lake Downtown Business Improvement Program grant recipients
apply?
Answer: Applicants may receive one award every fiscal year.
2) Are non-profit organization tenants or building owners eligible to apply?
Answer: No. This program’s focus is making grants available to small for-profit businesses in the
commercial district, who otherwise do not have many grant opportunities. Non-profit
organizations have access to many other grant opportunities.
6) How do we find out who to contact at our local municipality?
Answer: Contact your Village Clerk and they will provide you with the appropriate community
contact information.
Funding:
7) Do I have to have all ‘match sources’ secured at the time of application?
Answer: At the time of application, the decision board will look to have 80% of total project
funding secured, the remaining should have a strong plan in place to get funding commitments
secured.
8) The program will allow a total of two (2) draw requests for the project. Grant funds will be
disbursed on a pro-rata basis to match the amount of matching funds identified with the draw(s).
9) Is ongoing maintenance of the building eligible?
Answer: No, but we encourage applicants to have a plan to maintain their project/installation
and to address that plan in their application.
10) Can donated goods or services be used as match for the grant? Answer: No, but the
value/impact of the donations should be summarized in the narrative.
Grant Application and Process
1) How long do we have to complete the project?
Answer: Project must start after the application is accepted as complete by the village.
Contracts will be for one year.
2) Is the project design expected to be final by the time of application?
Answer: Yes, but a final representation of the project needs to be provided with the application
to have an accurate budget, and stakeholder/partner consensus regarding the project and
process must be very well defined within the application.
3) If we are planning to start some of the project before we submit an application, can we still
apply?
Answer: Yes, once a completed application is received (and accepted as complete by the
village), costs incurred on and after the acceptance date may be considered eligible as match,
assuming the grant is awarded. Project elements completed prior to that date will not be eligible
for match or reimbursement, but prior progress does not impact the eligibility for funding of the
space. Provided sufficient costs remain after the acceptance date to support both match and
funding, projects may still apply.
4) Can your project be out to bid, but just not have started yet?
Answer: Yes.
5) Is a project eligible to apply that already has site work started?
Answer: Yes, but the date the application is accepted as complete by the Village is the “start
date” for the project. Only after the “start date” will expenses be considered grant and match
eligible.
Reference & Inspiration Materials
1. Empty Storefront Opportunities:
https://wedc.org/vacant-storefronts-turning-negatives-into-opportunities/
2. Storefront Setups:
https://wedc.org/storefront-display-and-retail-merchandising-best-practices/
3. Outdoor Dining: https://wedc.org/ingredients-of-vibrant-outdoor-dining/
4. Signage: https://wedc.org/signs-of-the-times/
5. General Information:
a. https://wedc.org/5-lessons-from-my-year-on-main-street/
b. https://wedc.org/top-10-characteristics-of-a-thriving-downtown/
c. https://wedc.org/top-10-ways-for-small-businesses-to-engage-with-downtown-eve
nts/
6. Historical Information:
a. https://wedc.org/effective-design-review-in-historic-districts/
b. https://wedc.org/ten-ways-to-mess-up-your-historic-building/
c. https://wedc.org/small-deal-historic-tax-credit-projects-in-wisconsin/
Examples of other programs:
i. Port Washington
1. Facade Grant:
https://downtownport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PWMS-Fa
cade-Grant-Program.docx-2.pdf
2. Sign Grant:
https://www.visitportwashington.com/i/f/Sign%20and%20Fac_ade
%20Grant%20Program-draft3.pdf
3. Main Street Grant:
https://downtownport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Main
-Street-Grant-Program-Final.docx.pdf
ii. Door County
1. Small Business Façade and Property Improvement Program:
https://livedoorcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Program-G
uidelines_4.30.25-2.pdf -
https://livedoorcounty.org/door-county-small-business-facade-and-
property-improvement-program/#start
iii. Cedarburg:
1. Facade Improvement:
https://www.ci.cedarburg.wi.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4241/f/pages/faca
de_improvement_program_0.pdf
iv. City of Ashland: Offers 50/50 matching grants of up to $20,000 for facade
and signage improvements in its downtown.
v. City of Beaver Dam: Provides up to $20,000 in matching grants for
exterior renovations of commercial properties in its Downtown
Redevelopment District.
vi. City of Milwaukee: Operates several programs, including a city-wide
program that offers matching grants of up to $5,000 for facade projects in
designated commercial corridors.
vii. City of Neenah: Runs a Commercial Building Exterior Improvement
Program with matching grants of up to $10,000.
viii. City of West Allis: Funds a Commercial Façade Improvement Program
using CDBG funds. Eligibility is based on location.
ix. City of West Bend: The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID)
runs a matching grant program for up to 50% of façade project costs.
x. More:https://wedc.org/governor-evers-wedc-announce-more-than-1-5-milli
on-in-grants-to-support-small-businesses-across-wisconsin/
xi. Plymouth Application:
https://www.sheboygancountyedc.com/assets/Resources/5166ed98ac/Ply
mouthFacade.pdf