The Boyd Village Board approved a utility easement request from WE Energies at its regular April board meeting on Monday, April 13.
The easement passed by the board via Resolution 2026-01 allows WE Energies to route underground lines around existing infrastructure at Lotz Park, the narrow corridor approximately 15 feet wide affecting a small portion near the T-ball field.
The request is largely driven by practical constraints at the Park, as existing stormwater features and other underground utilities make a direct route difficult, prompting WE Energies to adjust its alignment slightly to the south.
The infrastructure associated with the easement on the corner of Oshkosh and Patten Streets is expected to be entirely underground, minimizing visual impact. Although the footprint of the easement is relatively small, trustees still reviewed the proposal carefully to ensure it would not disrupt ongoing or future park improvements.
Questions were raised about the proximity of the easement to existing features, including fencing near the ball field, though no significant conflicts were identified. The board ultimately found no major issues with the proposal and moved forward with approval, the motion passing unanimously following a roll call vote.
Beyond the immediate approval, the discussion also prompted broader consideration of utility planning within the park. Village President Bob Geist raised the possibility of coordinating additional infrastructure improvements while WE Energies is already working in the area.
Specifically, Geist suggested exploring whether natural gas service could be extended to the park’s concession stand during the project. While no formal action was taken on that idea, board members acknowledged it could be a cost-effective opportunity if feasible.
“I’m not saying we have to use it,” Geist said, “but I don’t know if they would put a service there.”
The concept sparked a brief discussion about current energy use at the concession stand, which relies on propane tanks that are filled seasonally. It was noted that natural gas could offer long-term savings, with existing arrangements for propane service deemed cost-effective.
No decision was made on pursuing additional utility connections.
As for the easement with WE Energies, disruption is likely to be minimal, though residents visiting the park may notice some temporary activity related to installation.
Also in news from Boyd, the board heard a recap of the Patten Street meeting from Trustee Michael Eslinger, also approving new appointments from Geist for village commissions with incoming trustee Eric Pilgrim, taking the place of Casey Dorn.
“So the changes because Casey’s leaving, I’m putting Josh in finance and claims,” Geist said. “Eric is going to do park, health, and sanitation. Eric’s going to be on the fire board. Eric’s going to be on business development, Board of Review. Everyone’s on the Board of Review. Other than that, I don’t think anything really changed.”