City Council Meeting Packets

COLUMBUS COMMON COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING – 2024 BUDGET TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 – 6:15 PM 1. Roll Call 2. Notice of Open Meeting 3. Public Information Meeting on the proposed 2024 Budget Overview for the City of Columbus 4. Adjourn COLUMBUS COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 – 6:30 PM COLUMBUS CITY HALL 1. Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Notice of Open Meeting 4. Approve Agenda 5. Correspondence & Communications Consent Agenda 1. Council & Committee of the Whole Minutes – 9/5/23 2. Approve Operator Licenses for 2023-2025 Licensing Period 3. Consider Mayoral Appointments (Utility Commission expire 10/1) New Business 1. Consider & take action on motion to amend the motion adopted by the Common Council on September 2, 2023 concerning the ordering of a Police squad 2. Consider & take action on Resolution #9-23 Dodge County Library Tax Exemption – 2024 3. Consider & take action on Resolution #10-23 Columbia County Library Tax Exemption – 2024 4. Consider & take action on refuse collection carts 5. Consider & take action on refuse bulk option 6. Consider & take action on possible override of Mayoral veto of motion to adopt Resolution #8-23 7. Consider & take action on claims in the amount of $ 326,383.44 8. Report of City Officers – City Administrator, Mayor 9. Adjourn  COLUMBUS COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 1. Roll Call: Mayor Hammer called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Present: Mayor Hammer, Council President Roelke, Alders: Finkler, Motiff, Reid, Steiner; Staff: Swartz, Goebel, Atty Johnson, City Administrator Wilson, members of Columbus Fire Dept. Excused: Gray. 2. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Hammer led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Notice of Open Meeting: Noted as posted. 4. Approve Agenda: Motion by Finkler, second by Motiff to approve the agenda with correction: Resolution #10-23 should be Resolution #8-23. Carried voice vote. 5. Correspondence & Communications: Fire Chief Hazeltine recognized 4 retired members of the Columbus Fire Dept. Mayor Hammer read and award each with a proclamation for the service: Christopher Orange, Marty Powers, Ryan Rostad, Sue Groh. Consent Agenda: Motion by Motiff, second by Roelke to approve consent agenda. Carried voice vote. Council & Committee of the Whole Minutes – 8/22/23, Approve Operator Licenses for 2023-2025 Licensing Period: Sarah Chase, Denise Husom New Business 1. Consider & take action on disposal of 2017 Ford Police squad: Motion by Motiff, second by Finkler to approve the disposal of the 2017 Ford Police squad via online auction. Carried voice vote. 2. Consider & take action on ordering Police squad: Motion by Motiff, second by Reid to allow the order of a new squad. Carried voice vote. 3. Consider & take action on Beautification Committee request to paint garbage cans: Motion by Roelke, second by Steiner to approve the request with the Beautification Committee setting the parameters and theme. Roll call vote carried 3-2 with Motiff & Reid voting No and Roelke, Steiner, Finkler voting Yes. 4. Consider & take action on Beautification Committee request to fundraise to paint a mural: Motion by Finkler, second by Roelke to approve request to begin fundraising for a mural. Carried voice vote. 5. Consider & take action on SAFEbuilt Contract amendment: Motion by Steiner, second by Motiff to approve the contract amendment to include zoning applications. Carried voice vote. 6. Consider & take action on Resolution #8-23 authorizing the Mayor & Clerk to sign all documents necessary to complete the sale of parcels 1090.B & 1090.C to CBC DT LLC: Motion by Motiff, second by Steiner to approve Resolution 8-23 authorizing signatures to complete the sale of parcels 1090.B & 1090.C. City Attorney Johnson stated he notified buyers the request for a second extension was turned down, they are prepared to closed today, have received all the documents to close and appear to be in order, Mayor & Clerk need to sign them to complete the deal. He stated the property is not sold until the documents are signed and payment is received; closing takes place September 6. Alder Steiner expressed concern the City could be open to liability if they do not move forward. Atty Johnson recommended moving forward with the sale. Roll call carried 3-2 with Motiff, Roelke, Steiner voting Yes and Reid & Finkler voting No. 7. Consider & take action on claims in the amount of $ 342,087.54: Motion by Motiff, second by Reid to approve the claims. Roll call vote unanimous.  Page 2 – Common Council – 9/5/23 8. Report of City Officers – Interim City Administrator: Next week is official last week; will be working with new City Administrator Lisa Wilson for a few days and be on call if needed; will attend 9/19 meeting to discuss budget. Mayor: attended the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Chief Executive Officers workshop last week and it was a great experience. 9. Adjourn: Motion by Finkler, second by Steiner to adjourn at 7:06 pm. Carried voice vote. Submitted by: Pat Goebel, City Clerk  COLUMBUS COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 1. Roll Call: Council President Roelke called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. Present: Council President Roelke, Mayor Hammer, Alders Finkler, Motiff, Reid, Steiner; Staff: Swartz, Goebel, City Attorney Johnson, City Administrator Lisa Wilson. 2. Notice of Open Meeting: Noted as posted. 3. Approve Agenda: Motion by Finkler, second by Motiff to approve agenda. Carried voice vote. 4. Citizen Comments: Roelke read a statement from Shelly Albright; it was requested to include in the minutes: Good Evening I am writing because I do not know if I can make it to the meeting tomorrow. Attached is information I found about the Alder at Large. I was not able to find that much, I wonder if the City Admin or League would have some more detailed information? I will mention, I do keep going back and forth on the ability for residents with a "social agenda” use this as a loop hole to get multiple members of their group on Council more easily. But I guess, if people have a will, they will find a way. The reason I think that having Alders at large could be a positive change for City elections, because it will open up the election to more residents and with any luck a better selection of Candidates. Columbus politics have been a bit boring in the past and at times a district wouldn't have anyone running, Katie Ryan is the most recent candidate that ended up running as a write in because no one else in her district stepped up. Since her time on Council we have had at least one person running in each district and in District 3 we have had multiple candidates run in past elections. For note: I am in favor of going to three Alders being at large (one election cycle). I do think six would get messy and allow for more a chance of abuse in the process. In my opinion if any of the districts don’t have anyone willing to step up, why can't those spots be open to other civic minded residents, in different districts run for those seats. Plus, these Alders are considered to represent all residents in Columbus. I know when I was on Council, I was willing to discuss any topic with any resident and I know that the League training says all Alders represent everyone. But I am not sure all Columbus Alders feel the same way. I would appreciate it if this email could make it in the minutes, if that requires an Alder to reference it or read it during the COW. I would ask Council President Roelke to take care of this. Thank you. Shelly Albright 120 East Prairie St. 5. Committee / Commission Minutes: Place on file: Beautification 7/18/23, CUC 7/10/23, 7/20/23, Library Board 7/18/23, PFC 7/26/23; Hillside Cemetery by laws, August 2023 6. Review Resolution for Columbia County Library Tax Exemption – 2024: Forward to 9/19 Regular meeting. 7. Review Resolution for Dodge County Library Tax Exemption – 2024: Forward to 9/19 Regular meeting. 8. Discuss refuse collection cart options: Discussion to purchase old carts from Columbia County or purchase new with LRS. Consensus to get new carts and forward to 9/19 Regular meeting. Discussion to add a 1-item monthly bulk pickup in addition to the dumpster at DPW. Consensus to forward to 9/19 Regular meeting to discuss. 9. Discuss Council member-at-large vs by district: Discussed pros & cons of at-large representation, district representation, candidates from only one portion of the City, and concerns if its a good fit for Columbus. Consensus to bring it back for further discussion after budget season is finished. 10. Adjourn: Motion by Finkler, second by Motiff to adjourn at 7:58 pm. Carried voice vote. Submitted by: Pat Goebel, City Clerk  2023 AGENDA ITEM Council Meeting date: September 19, 2023 ITEM: Operator Licenses SUBMITTED BY: Pat Goebel, Clerk DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER: Request approval for the following operator licenses: Stacy A. Kelly Robert M. Poffenberger LIST ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED: ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Request approval of operator licenses  2023 AGENDA ITEM Committee of the Whole Meeting date: Council Meeting date: September 19, 2023 ITEM: Mayoral Appointments to Columbus Utility Commission____ SUMBITTED BY: Mayor Hammer Alder Molly Finkler Brooke Andler, term to expire 2028 LIST ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED: ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve Mayoral appointments  2023 AGENDA ITEM Committee of the Whole Meeting date: ______________________________ Council Meeting date: September 19, 2023 ITEM: Request council to consider the amending of the September 5, 2023 action relating to purchase of new police squad. Chief Dennis Weiner SUBMITTED BY: _________________________________________________ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER: See attached memo. LIST ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED: Attached. ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Consider and take action on motion to amend the motion adopted by the Common Council on September 5, 2023 concerning the ordering of a 2024 police squad.  COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT 159 S. Ludington St. Columbus, WI. 53925 920-623-5919 (Main) 920-623-5930 (Fax) TO: Columbus City Council FROM: Chief Dennis Weiner RE: Ordering of new squad DATE: September 13, 2023 On August 22, 2023 I came before the council to request approval to order a new police squad prior to 2024 budget approval. This was due to the upcoming release of the 2024 pricing, including a substantial increase in cost being expected by all manufacturers, and the limited ordering window period coming up. I would most likely not be possible for me to get a concrete cost and come back for the approvals in time to get our order in early. I expressed my preference at the meeting for a Ford for fleet and equipment consistency, but also stated Chevrolet and Dodge were potential options. Ford has been backlogged making squads the last 2 years and have been inconsistent with delivery. They also arbitrarily canceled orders that were in for that year, carrying them into the following, creating a bigger backlog. That is the purpose of this agenda item, to request amending the action specifying the purchase of a Ford so I can consider others when the time comes. I was out of the office and did not learn of this until watching the council meeting. My request is simple, amend the action of the September 5, 2023 meeting to allow me to order a 2024 squad car, not specifying the brand, Pricing, timeline, confidence in delivery and other factors will be used by me to make a decision in our best interest. I will be at the September 19, 2023 meeting to discuss further or answer any questions as needed. Thank you www.cityofcolumbuswi.com Dennis R. Weiner – Chief of Police  RESOLUTION 9-23 ______________ REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM DODGE COUNTY LIBRARY TAX per WI STATUTES 43.64(2)(b) The Dodge County Board levies a county library tax and Section 43.64(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes provides that such units of government which expend an amount equal to that which would be levied by the County Board for library purposes may apply for exemption for this tax. The City of Columbus hereby requests exemption from the above cited tax levy for the year 2024. This municipality supports a public library at a rate equal to or greater than the Dodge County levy for Library Services. _____________________________________________ Mayor Signature _____________________________________________ Municipal Clerk Signature Date: Estimated Municipal Library Appropriation 0 $_______________________ Please submit to the County Clerk prior to November 1, 2023. Karen J. Gibson Dodge County Clerk 127 E. Oak Street Juneau WI 53039 920-386-3601 clerk@co.dodge.wi.us  Dodge County Wis Stat 43.64(2) Library Exemption Calculations Budget Year 2024 Municipality 2022 EQ Value Exempted Levied 2023 EQ Value 2023 Budget Min Reqd Levy 2023 Budget Municipalities Municipalities 2024 Budget Levy Rate 2024 Budget T-Ashippun 364,793,600 364,793,600 393,792,900 T-Beaver Dam 459,900,200 459,900,200 512,493,800 T-Burnett 98,412,000 98,412,000 105,729,700 T-Calamus 129,649,300 129,649,300 151,335,000 T-Chester 71,413,700 71,413,700 79,468,000 T-Clyman 93,793,200 93,793,200 100,102,700 T-Elba 141,151,800 141,151,800 167,462,100 T-Emmet 193,350,600 193,350,600 202,351,700 T-Fox Lake 306,911,700 306,911,700 387,027,300 T-Herman 137,858,300 137,858,300 156,057,300 T-Hubbard 267,155,600 267,155,600 311,704,900 T-Hustisford 210,482,000 (210,482,000) 0 219,282,700 0.000261100 57,255 T-Lebanon 175,769,900 175,769,900 203,366,800 T-Leroy 110,257,100 110,257,100 133,959,000 T-Lomira 168,435,000 168,435,000 180,483,600 T-Lowell 146,669,200 146,669,200 170,045,700 T-Oak Grove 132,687,500 132,687,500 140,629,700 T-Portland 138,863,400 138,863,400 167,090,300 T-Rubicon 304,524,600 304,524,600 353,711,700 T-Shields 68,145,900 68,145,900 80,385,300 T-Theresa 118,836,400 (118,836,400) 0 125,935,900 0.000261100 32,882 T-Trenton 161,801,700 161,801,700 170,759,900 T-Westford 200,952,400 200,952,400 228,785,200 T-Williamstown 49,600 0 49,600 55,500 V-Brownsville 97,069,500 (97,069,500) 0 114,791,600 0.000261100 29,972 V-Clyman 27,905,000 27,905,000 31,845,900 V-Hustisford 97,939,500 (97,939,500) 0 110,118,300 0.000261100 28,752 V-Iron Ridge 67,985,800 (67,985,800) 0 81,692,300 0.000261100 21,330 V-Kekoskee 112,543,400 112,543,400 128,841,100 V-Lomira 194,728,900 (194,728,900) 0 224,602,400 0.000261100 58,644 V-Lowell 19,353,400 19,353,400 22,208,800 V-Neosho 55,456,100 55,456,100 64,757,800 V-Randolph 98,325,900 (98,325,900) 0 120,641,400 0.000261100 31,499 V-Reeseville 41,940,700 (41,940,700) 0 44,413,000 0.000261100 11,596 V-Theresa 76,589,500 (76,589,500) 0 79,342,700 0.000261100 20,716 C-Beaver Dam 1,498,565,200 (1,498,565,200) 0 1,648,324,700 0.000261100 430,377 C-Columbus 0 0 0 0 C-Fox Lake 108,671,300 (108,671,300) 0 120,766,800 0.000261100 31,532 C-Hartford 60,051,700 (60,051,700) 0 66,558,400 0.000261100 17,378 C-Horicon 289,935,600 (289,935,600) 0 311,541,100 0.000261100 81,343 C-Juneau 151,982,300 (151,982,300) 0 164,094,000 0.000261100 42,845 C-Mayville 480,651,700 (480,651,700) 0 520,292,800 0.000261100 135,848 C-Watertown 663,449,900 (663,449,900) 0 767,669,100 0.000261100 200,438 C-Waupun 284,285,100 (284,285,100) 0 319,540,600 0.000261100 83,432 Dodge County 8,629,295,200 (4,541,491,000) 4,087,804,200 9,684,059,500 1,315,840 Total library levy for 2023 budget year 1,067,324 Applicable municipalities equalized value (2022 EQ value for 2023 budget) 4,087,804,200 County Library tax rate for budget year 2023 (non-mill rate) 0.000261100 C:\Users\pgoebel\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\X2D8RNX4\Amt for Exemption calculations budget year 2024.xlsx Data 8/22/2023,4:27 PM  RESOLUTION #10-23 EXEMPTING THE MUNICIPALITY FROM PAYING COLUMBIA COUNTY LIBRARY TAX - 2024 WHEREAS, The Columbia County Board levies a county library tax; WHEREAS, Section 43.64(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes provides such units of government which levy a tax for public library service and appropriate and expend for a library fund as defined by s.43.52 (1) during the year for which the county tax levy is made a sum at least equal to the county library tax rate in the prior year multiplied by the equalized valuation of property in the city or village for the current year, may apply for exemption from this tax; and WHEREAS, The City of Columbus does levy a library tax in excess of the amount calculated in accordance with 43.64(2)(b), NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Columbus be exempted from the payment of any county library tax as provided in Section 43.64(2)(b) inasmuch as it will expend for its own library fund for 2024 an amount in excess of that calculated in accordance with 43.64(2)(b). Exemption from the payment of said county library tax shall not preclude the City of Columbus participation in county library service in all other respects; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that confirmed copies of the Resolution be forwarded by the City of Columbus to the Portage Public Library and to the Columbia County Clerk no later than September 29, 2023. Dated this ______ day of September, 2023 CITY OF COLUMBUS _____________________________ Joseph Hammer, Mayor _____________________________ Patricia Goebel, City Clerk  Columbia County Library Tax Exemption Calculations for 2024 2022 Equalized 2023 Equalized 2024 Needed 2023 Requested Municipalities that pay Value Reduced Municipalities Value Reduced Appropriation Appropriation county library tax by TID with libraries by TID from Municipality from Municipality Arlington (town) $ 125,591,700 Cambria $ 74,401,100 $12,097 $63,153 Caledonia $ 300,469,700 Columbus $ 608,125,600 * $98,877 $290,000 Columbus (town) $ 108,681,600 Lodi $ 399,225,300 $64,911 $133,000 Courtland $ 66,117,400 Pardeeville $ 207,020,100 $33,660 $87,500 Dekorra $ 513,499,800 Portage $ 930,469,800 $151,288 $589,571 Fort Winnebago $ 106,584,100 Poynette $ 280,344,100 $45,582 $150,704 Fountain Prairie $ 126,833,100 Randolph $ 164,051,600 * $26,674 $124,400 Hampden $ 89,941,300 Rio $ 95,439,100 $15,518 $98,233 Leeds $ 105,863,900 Wisconsin Dells**$ 480,267,300 * $78,088 $230,009 Lewiston $ 170,723,300 Wyocena $ 61,470,700 $9,995 $22,500 Lodi (town) $ 701,699,700 Lowville $ 131,529,200 *Columbus and Randolph have residents in both Columbia and Dodge counties. Marcellon $ 129,046,200 Wisconsin Dells is a joint library and has residents in Columbia, Sauk, Juneau, and Newport $ 91,547,400 Adams counties. The equalized values from the appropriate counties have been added Otsego $ 95,722,100 to result in these figures above. See below for the Columbia County portions only: Pacific $ 387,339,300 Randolph (town) $ 103,387,900 Municipality Columbia County Scott $ 79,034,100 Columbus $ 608,125,600 *** $98,877 Springvale $ 77,751,700 Wisconsin Dells $ 342,888,900 $55,751 West Point $ 518,483,000 Randolph $ 43,410,200 $7,058 Wyocena (town) $ 259,044,500 Arlington (village) $ 94,284,900 ***2023 Dodge County equalized value for Columbus = 0 Doylestown (village) $ 18,401,400 Fall River (village) $ 197,804,100 The tax levy rate is determined by dividing the 2023 Columbia County library budget by Friesland (village) $ 25,428,800 the 2022 equalized value of those municipalities that pay the county library tax. The 2023 equalized value of those municipalities with libraries is then multiplied by that tax levy rate to determine the municipal appropriation needed in order to exempt from the TOTAL: $4,624,810,200 county library tax in 2024. The 2023 municipal library appropriations (taken from information provided on the library's 2022 Annual Report ) are provided as an indication 2023 Columbia County of the municipality's current level of support. Library Budget Total $751,963 Tax Levy Rate 0.000162593 Wisconsin Statutes s43.64 (2)(b) **Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton are a joint library. Due to Act 20, the municipalities that fund joint libraries have a second method they can use to determine the necessary level at which they need to fund the library in order to exempt from county library tax. Per 43.64(2)(c)(2), a municipality in a joint library may appropriate an amount that is not less than the average of the last three years. Wis. Dells (Adams) $ 43,516,600 Wis. Dells (Juneau) $ 420,000 Wis. Dells (Sauk) $ 93,441,800 Randolph (Dodge) $ 120,641,400 Columbus (Dodge) $0 08/15/2023 Tracie Miller, South Central Library System  2023 AGENDA ITEM Committee of the Whole Meeting: September 5, 2023 _____________________________________ Council Meeting Date: _______________________________________________ 2024 Refuse Collection contract ITEM: _____________________________________________________________ Chris Swartz, Interim City Administrator SUBMITTED BY: ____________________________________________________ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER: The City Council approved the proposal for refuse and recycling from LRS, Janesville Wisconsin. There remains some decisions regarding the contract that the Council needs to consider. 1. Refuse and recycling carts. ➢ Currently the carts we utilize are leased from Columbia County. Columbia County proposal is to charge the City $56,000 to purchase the carts from them or $.48 per household over the five year contract. ➢ The proposal from LRS, to lease their carts is $1.10 per household per month or $126,390 over the five year contract. Comparing the two on the surface, the monthly charge for buying carts from the county saves the customer $37.20 over the five year contract or $7.54 per year ➢ $1.10 (per household) X 5 (years of contract per household) = $66.00 ➢ $.48 (per household)x 5(years of contract per household) = $28.80 However, leasing carts from LRS provides for brand new carts with free replacement of broken carts. Purchasing the existing carts from Columbia County which are as old as up to seven years require that the city pay for broken carts. In analyzing this additional costs, staff found an annual replacement cost of 6% of the 3, 830 carts would take away any savings from purchasing the carts outright from the county. However a more conservative lost rate of 3% would yield a five year cost of $34,470; added to the $56,000, the total cart cost would be $90,470, or $.78 per household(the amount we would recommend to charge the refuse/recycling customer or $3.84 per year. In conclusion, the estimated difference between leasing the carts from LRS and purchasing existing carts from Columbia County is .32 a month or $19.20 over the five year contract, Staff is asking for the Council to provide direction as to which option they would prefer. Total refuse/recycling cost per household with new carts would be $205.80 in 2024 Total refuse/recycling cost per household with existing carts would be $201.96 in 2024. 2. Annual Bulk Item Pick-up The proposal has an option for $.95 a year per month per household to provide pick up of one bulk item per month per household or $11.40 per year. The contract includes an annual front yard bulk pick up, and there is an opportunity for residents to drop bulk items at the DPW garage during business owners. This would be an additional service. Adding this to the total 2024 cost would be $217.20 with new carts and $213.36 with Columbia County carts. Please let me know if you have any questions in this regard.