Park-Rec/Tourism/City Properties/Cemetery Committee Meeting

PARK-REC/TOURISM/CITY PROPERTIES/CEMETERY COMMITTEE MEETING September 17, 2025 – 4:30 PM Council Chambers, 42 N. Main Street Minutes prepared by: Christine Williamson Call to Order • Meeting called to order at 4:30 PM by Christine Williamson. Roll Call • Present: Christine Williamson, Scott Feraro, Stephen Qualy • Others Present: Mayor Ben Adank, Sandy Schmitt, Mike Adank and Rosemary Binkley Pledge of Allegiance • Recited by all attendees. Approval of Minutes • Motion by Stephen, second by Scott to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2025, Park/Rec Committee meeting. Motion carried; minutes approved. OLD BUSINESS: Historical Society Update A restructuring meeting was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Historical Society. New officers were elected, with terms ending June 30, 2026: • President – Sandy Schmitt • Vice President – John Schlesselman • Secretary – Christine Williamson • Treasurer – Ann Bohri • At-Large Member – Mike Adank Sandy Schmitt has requested a key to the Historical Society building and will hold office hours every Friday at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. for a one-hour period. Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Historical Society. NEW BUSINESS: Urban Planning Resource Scott met with Matthew Haffner from UW–Eau Claire to discuss urban planning resources. • Motion: To recommend that the Council, at its October 2025 meeting, accept the proposal not to exceed $15,000 for urban planning services for the City of Fountain City. • Made by: Scott/Seconded by: Stephen • Result: Motion carried. Next Step: This item will be added to the 2026 budget. Flower Planter Area by City Fountain The committee discussed options for improving and maintaining the flower planter area near the city fountain. This project will be incorporated into the Urban Planning Resource initiative. An additional option is to partner with C-FC/FFA students who may be interested in assisting with ongoing maintenance. In the interim, the Public Works crew will weed-whip the area to improve visibility and ensure traffic safety. Drone Video Footage for Fountain City Website Kevin with was here to shoot some drone footage for Pumpkins & Pistons in the Park on 9/13/25. We need a list of any questions from Kevin that he may need answered before project starts. Next Step: Obtain estimate and finalize video schedule. Overflow Boat Parking Lot The Public Works crew will be requested to construct a shoulder area to improve the slope into the adjacent grass, thereby reducing the risk of tripping or ankle injuries. A similar concern has been identified at the basketball court area and will be addressed accordingly. Rental Properties The committee discussed the possibility of placing a cap on the number of short-term vacation rentals (e.g., Airbnb) in Fountain City. According to AirDNA data, there are currently 45 such rentals operating in the area. Implementing a cap would help align with the goals of the Beautification Ordinance #71 and provide several community benefits, including: • Neighborhood Preservation – Protects the character of single-family neighborhoods and prevents over-commercialization of residential areas. • Housing Availability – Ensures more homes remain available for long-term residents rather than being converted to short-term rentals. • Community Stability – Supports stronger neighborhood ties by reducing frequent turnover of temporary guests. • Infrastructure Protection – Limits potential strain on utilities, parking, and public services. • Quality of Life – Helps minimize noise, traffic, and congestion often associated with higher concentrations of vacation rentals. • Regulatory Compliance – Addresses concerns that many rental properties are not properly licensed, permitted, or inspected by Health and Human Services, creating potential safety and oversight issues. • Property Values – Protects and enhances long-term property values for homeowners. Old Fire Station The committee discussed potential future uses for the old fire station. The Historical Society expressed interest in the building due to limited space at their current location. Rosemary Binkley suggested the possibility of repurposing the space as a theater or for other educational uses that may benefit local schools. The property will be included in the Urban Planning Resource Project for further consideration. Welcome Packet Michele Klein and Christine presented initial ideas for creating a welcome packet for new residents of Fountain City. The packet will include maps and other useful resources, and development will continue as additional materials are gathered. Adjournment • Motion to adjourn by Stephen, second by Scott. • Motion carried; meeting adjourned at 5:09 PM.