Board of Public Works

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS A meeting of the Board of Public Works was called to order by Chair Thiele on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 6:00 P.M. Alders present: Antoine, DeCoster, Eggleston, Kilgas, Moore, Schell, Schumacher, and Thiele. Also present: Mayor Penterman, Attorney Greenwood, DPW/Eng. Neumeier, HR Director Hodge, Com. Enrich. and Rec. Dir. Vosters, Police Chief Graff, Fire Chief Carrel, Associate Planner Nelson, Fin. Dir. Van Rossum, Lib. Dir. Thiem- Menning, Street Superintendent Van Gompel, and interested citizens. 1. Correspondence – none. 2. Discussion Topics. a. Authorization to Seek Bids for Project 7-26 - Ann Street Utility Relay. The Engineering Department is completing plans with Kaukauna Utilities for a utility relay/construction project. The proposed project is on Ann Street, from Fieldcrest Drive to Crooks Avenue. The project will include replacement of sanitary sewer, water mains, private laterals from the main to the homes, temporary asphalt overlay, and restoration of the affected areas. Work would be restricted to summer months to limit any disturbance to school traffic. Additionally, it was determined in 2025 that the sanitary sewer main on Main Avenue between Henry Street and 17th Street was in critical condition warranting urgent replacement. That work would be included in this project to receive favorable pricing. Motion made by Moore, seconded by Kilgas to authorize the Engineering Department to seek bids for Project #7-26, Ann Street Utility Relay. All Ald. voted aye. Motion carried. b. CSM Review – KASD Site (STH 55/Morningside Drive). From Plan Commission Memo 1/8/2026: The Kaukauna Area School District (KASD), in collaboration with Point of Beginning, has submitted a final Certified Survey Map (CSM) for review. This CSM would combine parcels 323246800, 323246700, 323246600, 323246500, and 323246400 into three large parcels. This request to combine five parcels into three parcels is for the development of a new middle school. The layout includes land dedication for a roadway connection to Highway 55, which is consistent with previous planning efforts for the future extension of Speedway Lane through the property. Since submission of the preliminary CSM back in September, language has been added to require an updated traffic impact study prior to the development of any vacant lots. Additionally, utility easements have been added to the final document as requested. Alder Eggleston asked if there were still plans to add a pedestrian tunnel under the roadway. DPW/ Engineer Neumeier stated that the city has been working with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and a pedestrian tunnel will likely be included on the final design once the CSM is approved and the right of way is dedicated to the DOT. The DOT is working with the KASD on the design of the roundabout and pedestrian tunnel. Alder Thiele brought up concerns about how roundabout access on STH 55 and Morningside Drive has not been discussed at Plan Commission yet. Alder Thiele stated a suggested action, which would look at the safety of the pedestrians and the residents who have driveways near the STH 55 and Morningside Drive access point. Neumeier stated that pedestrian safety is part of the DOT design and review process. Motion made by Eggleston, seconded by Kilgas to recommend approval of the CSM to the Common Council with the following conditions: all conditions set by Plan Commission on 1/8/26 are met prior to approval. All Ald. voted aye. Motion carried. c. Recommendation to award proposal for Project 12-25 Inside the Park Place Sports Complex; design, bidding, and construction services. The Inside the Park Place development was planned to accommodate a large recreational facility for the City of Kaukauna. Staff have been meeting internally and starting discussions with outside groups to identify the needs we could address with this facility. Engineering Department worked with the Community Enrichment and Recreation Director and Street/Park Departments to send a request for proposals (RFP) for the design, bidding, and construction services. We received seven proposals from consultants or teams of consultants from around the region. Five staff members individually reviewed and scored proposals based on criteria in the RFP including: experience with similar recreational and public facility projects, experience with wetland, floodplain, and other DNR permitting, qualifications of the project team, understanding of the project scope and community needs, proposed methodology and timeline, cost-effectiveness and value, and references and past performance. Some alders had concerns working with Point of Beginning. It was brought up that Point of Beginning has had a lack of communication when it’s come to surveying and shutting a lane of STH 55 down without a permit. Motion made by Schell, seconded by Moore to authorize the Director of Public Works to enter into an agreement for Proposal 12-25, Inside the Park Place Sports Complex including design, bidding, and construction services with Point of Beginning, Inc. All Ald. Voted aye. Motion carried. d. Knowles- Nelson Grant – Resolution of Support. Community Enrichment and Recreation Director Vosters introduced the resolution of support for the Knowles-Nelson Grant. The Knowles-Nelson Grant has been around for around 30 years and protects Wisconsin’s land, water, and wildlife. The funding for this grant comes to an end in June 2026. The Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association asked all villages, cities, and townships to write a resolution of support to keep this funding for the next 10 years. Outagamie County has been a recipient of this stewardship program, and the City of Kaukauna has had at least 7 different opportunities to be a recipient of this program, with over $400,000 given to the city since 1996. Motion made by Antoine, seconded by Kilgas to approve the Resolution of Support and forward to the Legislative Committee. All Ald. Voted aye. Motion carried. e. Winter Salt Week and Salt Supply Update. DPW/Engineer Neumeier introduced the Winter Salt Week and gave a salt supply update. Wisconsin Salt Week is put on by Wisconsin Salt Wise, who promotes smart salting. Smart salting includes how to use salt wisely and reduce salt pollution in our lakes, streams, and drinking water. Street Superintendent Van Gompel stated the City of Kaukauna should have plenty of salt to get us through the remainder of this winter season. Van Gompel stated that to be salt wise, the street department is looking to use additives for their salt, which include clean stone chips and sand mix. These additives do not help the ice melt faster but do provide traction and reduce the amount of salt used, especially as salt alone is not very effective under 15 degrees. 3. Adjourn. Motion made by Antoine, seconded by DeCoster to adjourn. All Ald. voted aye. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm. Kayla Nessmann, Clerk