Committee of the Whole

CITY OF AMERY COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PROCEEDINGS March 22nd, 2022 The Committee of the Whole of the City of Amery met on Tuesday – March 22nd, 2022 at City Hall and via Zoom. Council President, Chad Leonard called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Present: Council President, Chad Leonard; and Alderpersons, Tim Strohbusch; Rick Van Blaricom; and Eric Elkin. Absent: Alderperson, Sarah Flanum; and Mayor Paul Isakson. Staff Present: City Administrator, Patty Bjorklund; City Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Administrative Assistant, Taylor Larson; Police Chief, Tom Marson; Interim Fire Chief, Chuck Frohn; Library Director, Rachel Thomas; and Public Works Director, Jeff Mahoney. Staff Absent: None Others Present: Larry Stelter, County Board Rep. – Fran Duncanson, and County Board Candidate – Denise L’Allier-Pray. Public Comment – Public comments were heard from County Rep. Duncanson who wanted to thank the people of Amery for their support during her term. Denise L’Allier-Pray wanted to introduce herself to the Council before the April 5th election.. Department Head Reports – Reports were heard from Administrator, Bjorklund; Clerk-Treasurer, Jansen; Chief, Marson; Interim Chief, Frohn; Director, Thomas; and Director, Mahoney. Potential Stormwater Easements – Public Works Director, Mahoney requested this item to start the conversation and to seek guidance as to what to do regarding the persistent issues near Broadway and Keller. Currently he would like to get into the creek area between Broadway and Bridge St. to clear obstructions and other things restricting the flow but is not sure he is able to due to the lack of an easement in the area. No action was taken at this time, however, Alderperson Strohbusch expressed that he thinks it would be a good idea to start a conversation with an engineering firm to see how this issue could be resolved. Bike Racks for North Entrance of City Center – This item was requested by Library Director, Thomas; who noted the need for bike racks after they were extremely busy during Spring Break. The bike racks that were at the old Library did not get moved to the new location. Public Works Director, Mahoney; stated that he would call the condo association and see if the City could have the old bike racks for the new location. Alderperson, Strohbusch; stated that he was not in favor of this and would prefer to see new ones placed at the entrances. Motion by Strohbusch; seconded by Elkin; to have Administrator, Bjorklund; and Director, Mahoney; find and install new bike racks at the City Center. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. City Fireworks Discussion – City Administrator, Bjorklund; wanted this on the agenda to inform the Council that the price for the fireworks had increased by about $2200. Motion by Elkin; seconded by Van Blaricom; to go into closed session at 5:38 P.M. under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)c – Potential Police Sergeant Position. Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. E – Police Union Negotiations. Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Roll Call Vote Ayes – Strohbusch, Van Blaricom, Leonard, Elkin Nays – None Motion Carried. Motion by Strohbusch; seconded by Elkin to reconvene into Open Session at 5:57 P.M. 1 Roll Call Vote Ayes – Strohbusch, Van Blaricom, Leonard, Elkin Nays – None Motion Carried. Motion by Strohbusch; seconded by Elkin; to adjourn at 5:57 P.M. Ayes – 3 Nays – 0 Motion Carried Respectfully Submitted, Ben Jansen, MPA Clerk-Treasurer March 23rd, 2022 2