Common Council

CITY OF DARLINGTON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OCTOBER 7, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Mayor Mike McDermott at 7:00 PM. Present at roll call were: John Sonsalla, Steve Pickett, Kerry Black, Joe Boll, and Dave Roelli. Absent: Cindy Corley. Also present were: Jesse Westerman, Dan Dreessens with Delta 3 Engineering, Inc., Attorney Stauffacher, Jeff McCarthy, and Amy Johnson. Motion by Pickett, seconded by Roelli, the meeting notice and agenda were properly posted. Motion carried. Motion by Pickett, seconded by Sonsalla, to approve the minutes of previous meetings. Motion carried. Under unfinished or deferred business, discussion was held concerning the following recommendations from the Finance and Personnel Committee: • Approve the recommendation for the Assistant Water Operator/Department of Public Works Position. The Committee is recommending not filling the position at this time. After discussion and consideration, motion by Roelli, seconded by Black, to approve the recommendation from the Finance and Personnel Committee as presented. All ayes. Motion carried. Under new business, discussion was held concerning a revocable occupancy permit request from Wisconsin Whey Protein, Inc. to construct employee parking south of Christensen Drive. Copies of the proposed parking area and a draft Revocable Occupancy Permit were included in the agenda packets. Dan Dreessens attended the meeting to present the request and answer any questions. Mr. Dreessens stated that the reason for this request is that the location that Wisconsin Whey Protein, Inc. would like to construct the employee parking is in the City’s right-of-way. The company will be responsible for all maintenance and snow removal of the parking area. The parking area will feature HMA pavement, curb & gutter, and a double yellow pavement marking will be placed at the centerline of Christensen Drive along the length of the parking area. The City has the right to terminate the permit upon 60 days written notice to the occupant. After discussion, motion by Roelli, seconded by Boll, to approve the revocable occupancy permit request from Wisconsin Whey Protein, Inc. as presented. Motion carried. Discussion was then held concerning the following recommendation from the Plan Commission: • Zoning change request from Larry Burns for his property located at 1040 Main Street, Darlington, WI 53530, parcel 216.0296.2000. The Plan Commission is recommending a zoning change from Residential District to the Highway Business District. After discussion and consideration, motion by Roelli, seconded by Sonsalla, to accept the Plan Commission recommendation and approve the zoning change for Larry Burns for his property located at 1235 Main Street, Darlington, WI 53530 as presented. Motion carried. Discussion was also held concerning the proposed Lease Agreement with Energy Services, Inc., for spaces on the second floor of the Municipal Building. A copy of the proposed lease agreement was included in the agenda packets. Energy Services, Inc. would like to lease four office spaces totaling 894.5 sq. ft. The proposed lease will be month-to-month at $2.00 per sq. ft., or $1,789.00 per month. After discussion and consideration, motion by Pickett, seconded by Black, to lease rooms 202, 207, 242, and 243 on the second floor of the Municipal Building to Energy Services, Inc. for $1,789.00 per month. Motion carried. Dan Dreessens then left the meeting.  Discussion was then held regarding a change order request from Macemon and Sons, Inc. for the work completed at 123 East River Street for the Demolition/Restoration Project. The net total change is an addition of $16,100.00 to the original contract amount, increasing the total contract price to $74,350.00. Several questions were asked by those present. After discussion and consideration, motion by Boll, seconded by Sonsalla, to only approve the portion of the change order for removal of the foundation wall and footings for $7,850.00, increasing the total contract price to $66,100.00. Ayes: Black, Boll, Roelli, and Sonsalla. Nay: Pickett. Motion carried. Mayor McDermott reported on the Police Committee meeting held prior to this meeting. Minutes from the Library Board meeting held on September 22, 2025, were included in the packet. Alderperson Joe Boll and Wellness Center Director Danni Havens reported on the Parks and Recreation meeting held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Jesse Westerman asked what the Chamber can do to help with volunteers for the Park and Recreation Department. Adopt-a-Pot for the Holidays was a success last year and Westerman will present it to the Chamber Board. There being no further business for this meeting, motion by Roelli, seconded by Pickett, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 PM. Motion carried. CITY OF DARLINGTON Amy L. Johnson, Clerk-Treasurer