Committee of the Whole Meeting

__________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 Mayor Greg Kubarski called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. Committee members present at the time the meeting was called to order were: Liz Parish, Garth Hitselberger, Pat Moen, Darrow Novy, Rick Hanke, and Randy Seeley. Tom Hotek and Mark Lankey were absent. Others present included: City Administrator Adam Sonntag and Nicolette Nauman of the HSE. 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 October 13, 2020 Committee of a Whole meeting minutes. Motion carried. Registered Public Comment – None. Safety and Welfare Chief Clark was not present to provide the Police Chief’s report. Chief Clark was not present to discuss police department policies. Sonntag provided an update on the Police Officer application process. Sonntag discussed the city’s ongoing plans regarding the COVID-19 response, including a request to be authorized to close city facilities and make changes to staff scheduling. The Committee discussed impact of COVID-19 on city operations and public safety and health response. Seeley questioned EMT staffing levels and unemployment for staff furloughs. Mayor Kubarski discussed the need to shift workers to areas of need. Sonntag discussed paying public works staff to stay home as a backup. After discussion, the Committee recommended allowing the Mayor and City Administrator make operational and staff changes to respond to COVID-19. Sonntag stated all CARES Act funding has been spent and the city is awaiting further federal/state response. With no other items, the Committee moved to the Improvement and Services report. Improvement and Services The Committee was provided an update on the Elm Ave. and FVM Trail projects. Sonntag stated the DNR inspected the Hillsboro Dam with no issues. There will be a pay application on the council agenda. City Hall • 123 Mechanic Street • P.O. Box 447 • Hillsboro, Wisconsin 54634 Phone: (608) 489-2521 • Fax: (608) 489-3905 • www.hillsborowi.com The Committee discussed burning the lakebed. Mayor Kubarski provided insight into discussions with the fire department to perform a control burn. Hitselberger didn’t support paying a firm to burn it. Hanke asked if another department would do it for less. Sonntag discussed the quote from Applied Ecological Services for $9,600 to burn it, DNR’s support to burn it, and the reasons why the fire department didn’t want to complete it this year. Seeley questioned the plans for the carp and fish stocking. After discussion, Novy motioned, Hanke seconded, to move the lakebed burn quote on the council meeting. Sonntag provided an update on the WWTP Upgrade, including plans for no pavement in 2020 and the ongoing dispute over certain bills. Novy discussed the need to drain water between the driveway and floodwall. Sonntag provided an update on the CTH FF Bridge Expansion project, including the road opening. Sonntag discussed a Notice of Violation from the DNR regarding treatment plant violations from high strength industrial waste, including issuing exceedance violations and performing a capacity study. The city is working on receiving quotes for the replacement John Deere end loader. Hanke asked about buying used. 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 election update. The Committee reviewed the 2021 budget, including an updated drafted and projected mill rate. Sonntag stated special charges and assessments will also be on the council agenda. The Committee reviewed the fee schedule. Hitselberger asked about the parking fee amount. Borrowing for the end loader will also be on the council agenda. The Committee received an update on the hospital land sale, including that it has been finalized. New Business – Seeley asked about a charge from Driftless WI. Hitselberger asked about reviewing the police department’s body camera policy. With no other items, a motion was made by Hanke, second by Moen to adjourn at 8:31 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