Committee of the Whole Meeting

__________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11th, 2020 Mayor Greg Kubarski called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020. Committee members present at the time the meeting was called to order were: Liz Parish, Garth Hitselberger, Pat Moen, Darrow Novy, Rick Hanke, Randy Seeley and Tom Hotek. Mark Lankey was absent. Others present included: City Administrator Adam Sonntag, Police Officer Rachel Franklin, 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 Hitselberger, to approve the January 14th, 2020 Committee of a Whole meeting minutes. Motion carried. Registered Public Comment – None. Safety and Welfare Officer Franklin provided the Police Chief’s report, which included 183 calls for service in January. Officer Franklin reported the department was working with the school district to apply for the COPS grant. Parish asked about the recent car break- ins to which Officer Franklin stated a suspect had been identified. Hanke asked about an officer complaint in the Chief’s report to which Franklin reported the complaint was unfounded. The Committee discussed the tabled action to annex a portion of the airport property into the city. Novy discussed pushing the survey cost on a club that has limited money and will be holding events that have an impact on the community. The Committee discussed who should be responsible for the annexation cost. Hanke recommended the city take on the cost to move it forward. After discussion, the Committee recommended moving the annexation forward at the full expense of the city. The Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the city’s alcohol beverage licensing ordinances. Sonntag stated Attorney Alan Harvey prepared the ordinance and discussed some of the main points of change. Hitselberger questioned some of the proposed changes, including the demerit points, license qualifications, and inspections. Novy stated some of the proposed changes clarify issues for the council. Sonntag discussed adding sections on beer and wine walks and for cider- only licenses. The Committee discussed the process to approve the new ordinance. Hitselberger requested the draft ordinance be provided to license holders. After City Hall • 123 Mechanic Street • P.O. Box 447 • Hillsboro, Wisconsin 54634 Phone: (608) 489-2521 • Fax: (608) 489-3905 • www.hillsborowi.com discussion, Mayor Kubarski recommended council members review the proposed ordinance and discuss any changes in March. With no other items, the Committee moved to the Improvement and Services report. Improvement and Services Sonntag provided an update on the dam project, including approval of pay application #4, an insurance payment and the winter construction shut down. The Committee discussed the dredging project progress. Novy questioned whether additional rock hauling was going to be paid by the city. Sonntag discussed pay application #2 and progress to date. The Committee was provided an update on the WWTP Upgrade, including bidding in March. Sonntag stated the Salsbery Circle lot grading was completed and under budget. Sonntag discussed the need to approve a new site plan for the housing project and provided an update on the discontinuation of the right of way. Novy discussed possible shallow power and gas lines. The Committee reviewed a recent waterworks notice of non-compliance for corrosion control treatment. Sonntag discussed communication issues with the DNR and the level of distrust in the department’s handling of the utility. The Committee reviewed a list of surplus public works equipment that will be put up for sale. Revels discussed the need to repair the loader, including the bucket, bushings, pins, and tires. Mayor Kubarski discussed past engine issues and the priority to replace the loader before another engine failure. Novy discussed the age of the loader and bucket. The Committee recommended repairing the loader. 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 update in the website upgrade. The Committee discussed the train restoration project. Mayor Kubarski stated there is a donor interested in spearheading the project. Mayor Kubarski requested the council nail down a location for the trains. Hitselberger discussed the possible locations and questioned if both trains need to be in the same location. Seeley supported the trains being placed at the old railroad property. After discussion, the Committee recommended fundraising to the project and Mayor Kubarski requested the Council decide on a location. Sonntag provided an update on the partnership with the Viroqua Chamber and Main Street to help with tourism promotion and community development. Representatives from the VCMS will be present at the Council meeting. City Hall • 123 Mechanic Street • P.O. Box 447 • Hillsboro, Wisconsin 54634 Phone: (608) 489-2521 • Fax: (608) 489-3905 • www.hillsborowi.com New Business – None. With no other items, a motion was made by Hotek, second by Hanke, to adjourn at 8:58 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