Committee of the Whole

CITY OF AMERY COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PROCEEDINGS July 20th, 2022 The Committee of the Whole of the City of Amery met on Wednesday – July 20th, 2022 at City Hall. Council President, Sarah Flanum called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Present: Council President, Flanum; Mayor, Chad Leonard; and Alderpersons, Rick Van Blaricom; Mykaela Thompson; Mike Manor and Eric Elkin. Absent: None Staff Present: City Administrator, Patty Bjorklund; City Clerk-Treasurer, Ben Jansen; Police Chief, Tom Marson; Lieutenant, Jason Hickok; Interim Fire Chief, Chuck Frohn; Public Works Director, Jeff Mahoney. Staff Absent: None Others Present: Erik Henningsgard and Jeremiah Wendt – S.E.H; Dan Kegley – Building Inspector; Jen Tyman and Gail Tessman – Amery Community Center; Dick Waterman – Waterman’s Sanitation; Tim Strohbusch – Former Alderperson; and Members of the Public. Department Head Reports – Reports were heard from Administrator, Bjorklund; Clerk-Treasurer, Jansen; Chief, Marson; Interim Chief, Frohn; and Director, Mahoney. Administrator, Bjorklund also read Library Director, Rachel Thomas’ report. Amery Community Center Founder’s Day Discussion – Jen Tyman, Executive Director of the Amery Community Center, was present to give the public some information about the upcoming Founder’s Day Celebration. Recognition of former Council Member Tim Strohbusch – Mayor, Leonard took some time to thank Tim for his service to the City. Wastewater Treatment Plant Funding Discussion – Jeremiah Wendt from S.E.H. was present to explain the different avenues the City could take to finance the upcoming Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades. The most desirable one is to borrow the money from the Clean Water Fund at the state level. It is possible to get up to 2 million dollars in principal forgiveness through this program. Other options include CDBG funding and borrowing from the USDA Rural Development program. Another issue covered was the 500-foot setback that is recommended by the DNR. The City is concerned that this could hinder development in the City as several developers have expressed interest within that area. No action was required at this time so Council President, Flanum entertained a motion to table this discussion. Motion by Leonard, seconded by Manor, to table the Wastewater Treatment Plant discussion until the August Committee meeting. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. Waterman Sanitation Proposal/RFP for Services Discussion – Dick Waterman was present to discuss his new proposal for waste hauling services in Amery. He is asking of a $4 a month increase to help him cover rising fuel costs. His proposal would be a 24-month contract after which the City and Waterman’s would review. Both parties felt like a 10-year contract is too long and that something like a 4-5 year contract would be best for everyone. Motion by Manor, seconded by Elkin; to have Administrator, Bjorklund and Waterman’s work out a contract to bring back to the Council. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 5 Star Marketing & Distribution – 2023 Polk County Visitor Guide Advertisement Discussion – For several years now the City has had a full page spread in the Polk County visitor guide and this year’s price has not changed. Motion by Van Blaricom; seconded by Leonard; to forward the marketing proposal to Council. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Carried. 1 2023 Budget Discussion – Administrator, Bjorklund led the discussion with the suggestion that the City’s ARPA funds could be used to install electric vehicle charging stations at Soo Line Park or any other City park. Van Blaricom stated that he would rather not see charging stations in such high traffic areas. Another issue addressed was compensation for the City Council as Mayor Leonard felt that this should be increased. Public Comment – Jenny Pechia, a resident from Elm Street, addressed the Committee about her concerns with the condition of the beach at S. Twin Lake. Currently the lake is being choked out by milfoil and the beach is nearly unusable. She floated ideas such as a neighborhood watch to address the vandalism, a beach clean-up day, and the installation of boat sprayers at all the City boat launches. Motion by Leonard; seconded by Manor to go into Closed Session at 6:32 P.M. under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) – Potential Police Administrative Assistant Position, Potential Police Chief Position. Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. Roll Call Vote Ayes – Van Blaricom; Thompson, Flanum; Leonard; Manor; Elkin Nays – None Motion Carried. Motion by Leonard; seconded by Thompson to reconvene into Open Session at 6:55 P.M. Roll Call Vote Ayes – Van Blaricom; Thompson; Flanum; Leonard; Manor; Elkin. Nays – None Motion Carried. Motion by Van Blaricom; seconded by Elkin; to adjourn at 6:55 P.M. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion Carried Respectfully Submitted, Ben Jansen Clerk-Treasurer July 21st, 2022 2