Introduction
This Year in Review provides a comprehensive summary of the Village’s major projects, operational achievements, policy updates, and departmental progress over the past year. Significant advancements were made across development, infrastructure, financial management, and public safety, positioning the Village for continued success in the year ahead.
Major Development Projects
CE Wurzer – Ridge Road Development
- Multi-family development project.
- Purchase and Development Agreement completed; construction is underway.
- Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by June.
D&K Commercial / Auto Body Site Project
- Consolidated commercial development project.
- Full site plan approved by the Plan Commission in November.
- Project is moving into the next stages of development.
Osceola Bluffs / Gaughan Redevelopment Project
- Unified redevelopment effort including demolition, environmental cleanup, and long-term site planning.
- Dirt and brush removal completed; demolition commenced December 1.
- Coordination includes asbestos abatement, site fencing, and cleanup.
- Final TID and Development Agreement updates were approved earlier in 2025.
Raska Sewer – Industrial Park Relocation
- Raska Sewer relocated its business operations to Osceola.
- Construction of the new industrial park facility began in October and continues on schedule.
OMC Expansion
- OMC began a facility expansion supporting ongoing industrial growth in the Village.
Affordable Housing Partnership – Impact Seven
- New collaboration with Impact Seven to explore an affordable housing project.
- The Village plans to utilize Affordable Housing TID funds to support project feasibility and development.
Pinnacle Development (Whispering Acres) – South of the Airport (PUD)
- Project remains on hold.
- No current timeline for further action.
Infrastructure & Utilities
Monthly Utility Billing & Meter Replacement
- Transition to monthly utility billing approved and implemented.
- All aging water meters were replaced successfully, on time, and with minimal disruption.
- New meters support accurate, efficient monthly billing.
Bluff Water Tower Project
- Continued coordination with Trilogy.
- Project remains on schedule and moving into next phases.
Cascade Falls Project
- Awarded to Pember in April; construction began this spring.
- Anticipated completion in Spring 2026.
- Funded through WEDC and DNR Stewardship grants, along with Village CIP and TID resources.
- Project enhances the safety, aesthetics, and visitor experience at Cascade Falls.
Stormwater & Public Works Operations
- Stormwater basin repairs completed following winter thaw.
- Ice rink established and maintained throughout the season.
- Seasonal cleanup efforts remain ongoing.
Planning for Ridge Road and 3rd & River Street Projects
- Public input sessions held for 3rd & River Street project.
- Both projects scheduled to be bid in Winter 2026.
- Construction anticipated for Spring and Summer 2026.
Zoning & Planning
Residential Code Modernization
- Updated zoning standards to reduce minimum residential lot sizes.
- Changes align with the Comprehensive Plan and current housing needs.
Historic Preservation District – Public Art Code
- Adopted a new ordinance establishing guidelines for public art within the Historic Preservation District.
Sex Offender Residency Ordinance
- Adopted new regulations governing residency locations for registered sex offenders.
Planning Commission Operations
- The Commission will undertake a comprehensive review of Village Code Section 219 to ensure alignment with community needs and the Comprehensive Plan.
Public Safety & Police Department
- The Police Department is fully staffed.
- New officers sworn in this year: McCade Miller, Dalton Dodge, and Aaron Valeen.
- All have completed or will soon complete the Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
- Officer Tremblay transitioned into the School Resource Officer (SRO) position.
Finance & Administration
Annual Operating Budget
- The Village reduced its 2026 annual operating budget by 0.4%.
- The Village is projected to end 2025 under budget thanks to continued cost-saving efforts by staff.
Audit Coordination
- No significant findings in this year’s audit.
- While the general fund balance continues to grow, it has not yet reached recommended levels for municipalities of similar budget size.
Engineering Services RFP
- Following an RFP process, SEH and Engineer Erik Henningsgard were selected in January.
- Staff has been extremely satisfied with SEH’s performance and responsiveness.
Community & Public Engagement
- Verizon’s proposed tower near the baseball field is progressing with construction expected soon.
- Skate park use remained high throughout the year; the new Oaky Park and skate park lot has been a strong addition to the community.
- The Village held numerous well-attended public information sessions and will continue prioritizing transparent communication with residents.
Conclusion
The Village achieved substantial progress over the past year in development, infrastructure, staffing, policy modernization, and financial stewardship. Major redevelopment initiatives advanced, core services were strengthened, and public engagement remained a top priority. Staff looks forward to building on these accomplishments and continuing to move the Village forward in the coming year.