Committee of the Whole Meeting

__________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 14th, 2020 Mayor Greg Kubarski called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020. Committee members present at the time the meeting was called to order were: Liz Parish, Garth Hitselberger, Pat Moen, Darrow Novy, Rick Hanke, Mark Lankey and Tom Hotek. Randy Seeley was absent. Others present included: City Administrator Adam Sonntag, Police Chief Pat Clark, Terry Revels and Nicolette Nauman of the Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise. Mayor Kubarski asked if this meeting received proper public notice to which Administrator Sonntag confirmed that the meeting did receive proper notice. A motion was made by Hanke, second by Moen, to approve the December 10th, 2019 Committee of a Whole meeting minutes. Motion carried. Registered Public Comment – None. Safety and Welfare Chief Clark provided the Police Chief’s report, which included 129 calls for service in December. Chief Clark provided the year end police department report with a comparison of call volumes going back to 2016. The report included 1600 incidents for 2019, which was a large increase from the previous years. Chief Clark discussed the number increased number of criminal cases, Vernon County assist calls, and calls to the school. Chief Clark discussed applying for a COPS grant to add a third officer in the department. Chief Clark discussed opportunities to work with the school to have a School Resource Officer (SRO) and the large caseload in 2019 as reasoning for another officer. Sonntag discussed budget impacts and the responsibilities of the SRO. The Committee discussed the current staffing levels and working with the school. After discussion, the Committee recommended Chief Clark apply for a COPS grant. Chief Clark reported the old Expedition squad could be traded in for $9,000. The Committee recommended trading it in, which would lower the purchase price of the new squad. The Committee reviewed a request for surveying services to annex a portion of the airport property into the city limits. With no other items, the Committee moved to the Improvement and Services report. Improvement and Services City Hall • 123 Mechanic Street • P.O. Box 447 • Hillsboro, Wisconsin 54634 Phone: (608) 489-2521 • Fax: (608) 489-3905 • www.hillsborowi.com Sonntag provided an update on the dam project, including concrete work being completed by Valentine’s Day. Sonntag discussed a change order that changes the faceplate of the dam gates. Mayor Kubarski stated the change was necessary to prevent debris from getting caught. The Committee recommended approval of pay application #3 for $109,000. The Committee reviewed letters between the city and the Town of Hillsboro regarding potential road damage during the dredging project. Sonntag state the town was satisfied with plans for Ridge Rd. after the pre-construction meeting. Novy questioned issues with dredging quantities. Sonntag explained the drone survey provided some inaccurate elevations that lead to a discrepancy. Sonntag stated the city is looking at adjusting priorities and pool depths to fit the budget and remove as much material as possible. Novy questioned what happens if the weather doesn’t allow for dredging activities. Sonntag stated the city would work with the contractor to find a solution if dredging is delayed. The Committee was provided an update on the WWTP Upgrade, including the CWF funding. Sonntag stated the discontinuance of right-of-way for Salsbery Circle needs to be redone with the proper legal description. The Committee recommended approval of the resolution. Sonntag provided an update a waterworks notices of non-compliance, copper testing, and PSC simplified rate case. With no other items, the Committee moved on to Finance and Personnel. Finance and Personnel After reviewing the monthly bills, the Committee recommended moving the bills on to the Council agenda. Sonntag provided an Administrator’s report, which included an article about the WisDOT MLS grant program. The Committee reviewed project summary for the train restoration project. Hanke stated the trains should be as visible as possible. Mayor Kubarski supported the ideas of putting them on the old rail property. Novy discussed contacts with hauling and train companies. The Committee recommended starting a fundraiser. The Committee reviewed UTV purchase proposals from Hillsboro Equipment and Clark Powersports. Hanke questioned about an extended warranty for the John Deere. The Committee discussed both machines and options and recommended working with Hillsboro Equipment to purchase the John Deere. The Committee discussed partnering with the Viroqua Chamber and Main Street to help with tourism promotion and community development. Parish stated past efforts for chambers have failed. Moen liked the ideas of offering more community gatherings. The Committee recommended working out an agreement. New Business – None. With no other items, a motion was made by Hanke, second by Hotek, to adjourn at 8:52 p.m. Motion carried. City Hall • 123 Mechanic Street • P.O. Box 447 • Hillsboro, Wisconsin 54634 Phone: (608) 489-2521 • Fax: (608) 489-3905 • www.hillsborowi.com