Committee of the Whole

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