Minutes

Special Town Board Meeting

Wednesday, 8-26-2026
5:30 PM

Jon called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM
in attendance: Jon Tanis, Bob Strand, Jake Hintz, Jorja Boiley

 

This Special Meeting addresses the proposed massive power grid that is proposed to connect grids from the Wisconsin/Illinois border to Richland Center, WI. The final route for the grid has not been officially determined; however, it will most likely affect the Town of Whitewater.

 

During the opportunity for public comment Joe Staller, Board member from the Town of Richmond, shared an extensive amount of information regarding the project. All of the information he shared can be read at a link to the Richmond Township website:

https://townofrichmond-walworthwi.gov

 

Ultimately the Public Service Commission has the authority to approve the project. The state legislature does not have the power to approve or block the project. Joe indicated that defeating the project will be most effective through communication from individuals in the community who will be affected by the placement of the towers. He cautioned that the reasons presented should not be an aesthetic viewpoint, but a loss of the land for managing their own property.

 

In addition to Joe’s information, Brienne Brown, representative from District 43, offered additional information. She also emphasized that the best deterrent is communication from the general public. She did mention that the grid system cannot interfere with any solar farms.  She plans to work with the DNR and to meet with individual land owners.

 

Concerns raised address wetland preservation, natural wildlife, well placement, noise and radiation emissions.

 

If approved the project finish time is 2034. If Public Service Commission approves the project there might be eminent domain issues.

 

 

After the discussion concluded, Jon made a motion to accept Resolution 2026-8 that addresses the concerns from the Town of Whitewater regarding the project and unequivocally states that the Town Board is against this project, Jake seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Jake made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jon, the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM

 

Respectfully submitted by Jorja Boiley, Clerk-Treasurer