Rotary President Goals

Liz discussed her goals for making the Rotary president role more accessible to members who are still working and may not be retired. Her aim is to reduce some of the administrative rigor associated with the position and make the transition easier for future presidents. The idea is to be better prepared in advance through the “football” or transition process so that incoming presidents can be onboarded more easily and spend less time learning administrative responsibilities.

Upcoming Rotary Activities and Announcements

The Rotary Club will meet at the Library at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, to stain the library fence. Members are encouraged to bring a brush, although additional brushes will be available. The library will also be busy that day with activities related to the Big Read, so Rotary’s presence will provide good visibility within the community.

Rotary has also decided to cover the cost for members who attended the Ed Futa presentation. Anyone who previously provided money toward that event can see Peggy to receive a reimbursement.

The club welcomed Gabe Altenbernd, the new Mount Horeb Village Administrator, as the guest speaker. The Happy Bucks portion of the meeting was missed by Aubree, the note-taker, so those comments were not included in these notes.

Speaker: Gabe Altenbernd, Village Administrator

Gabe Altenbernd, Mount Horeb’s new Village Administrator, has been in the position for approximately two months. He previously served as Village Administrator in Belleville and held communications and management positions in Cottage Grove, Monona, Kansas City, and other municipalities. He has a master’s degree in public administration and extensive local government experience. Gabe and his wife have a three-month-old daughter and family connections in the Mount Horeb community.

Village Priorities and Financial Planning
Gabe explained that the Village Administrator oversees day-to-day operations, works with department heads, and serves as staff to the elected Village Board. He sees his role primarily as working “on the business” rather than “in the business,” with an emphasis on long-term planning and helping the board make informed policy decisions.

His immediate focus has been the village’s financial situation, including an approximately $700,000 general fund deficit. Gabe is exploring sustainable revenue options and ways to better separate ongoing operating expenses from capital projects. With approximately 65 full-time employees and limited staffing, significant cuts could directly affect community services.

Gabe’s longer-term priority is developing a strategic plan for Mount Horeb. The village’s comprehensive plan guides development, but a strategic plan is needed to establish a broader vision for the community over the next 10 to 15 years, including growth, services, staffing, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Lucken Park, Development, and Infrastructure
The Lucken property remains a significant long-term project, with approximately half envisioned for park space and half for housing. Moving forward will require annexation, right-of-way access, utility and sewer planning, and CARPC review of environmental and stormwater considerations. The project is expected to be phased, and the timing and final configuration remain subject to planning, approvals, and funding.

The overall park vision is estimated at approximately $14.5 million, with a fundraising goal of about $6.5 million. Current planning is focused primarily on outdoor facilities, while future phases may include additional recreational and environmental amenities such as trails, bikeability, gardens, and other community features.

Gabe emphasized the principle that “growth pays for growth.” His approach is to plan for future infrastructure without constructing expensive improvements before they are needed, with developers contributing to infrastructure costs associated with new development. This is intended to prevent existing residents from carrying the financial burden of infrastructure built in anticipation of growth that may not occur.

Gabe encouraged residents to participate in village government by attending board and committee meetings, communicating directly with elected officials, and asking questions rather than relying solely on information shared through social media. He noted that the Village Board is the primary policy-making body, while committees and commissions generally carry out the board’s direction.

Community input will be especially important as the village develops its strategic plan and considers future services and budget priorities. Gabe noted that understanding what residents value most can help guide difficult decisions about services, staffing, development, and spending.

Overall, Gabe’s initial priorities are to address the village’s financial challenges, understand departmental and staffing needs, develop a long-term strategic plan, and carefully manage future growth and infrastructure. His approach emphasizes responsible planning, sustainable finances, clear communication, and ensuring that development helps pay for the infrastructure it requires.