Common Council Meeting

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM 303 Mansion Street Mauston, WI 1. Call to Order/Roll Call: The Common Council Meeting was called to order on August 26, 2025, by Mayor Teske at 6:30 p.m. Members present were Jim Allaby, Leanna Hagen, Rick Noe, Kayla Thomas, Barb Hoilien, and Vivian Gabower. Absent was Mary Bender. Also present were City Administrator Daron Haugh, Public Works Director Rob Nelson, Police Chief Mike Zilisch, and Deputy Clerk Carole Wolff. 2. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Teske led the Pledge of Allegiance 3. Minutes: Motion by Noe, seconded by Hagen, to approve the August 12, 2025 minutes. Motion carried by voice vote. 4. Citizens Address to the Council: None 5. Reports from Committees, Boards, and Commissions: Haugh attended the Ambulance Commission Meeting, where the 2026 budget was presented, reflecting a 1% cost increase for services for the City of Mauston and a 5% overall increase for the MAAA. Hagen reported on GMTA funding support of $41,600.00 toward the Veterans Park Memorial down payment for the monument. 6. Municipal Court Report: Judge Taake reviewed and discussed the second quarter statistics and noted that Courtney Ray is doing an outstanding job as the newly appointed Court Clerk. 7. Ordinance, Licenses, and Permits Committee Report a. First Reading of Ordinance 2025-2079 Amending Chapter 36 Traffic and Vehicles Article IV Sec. 36-122(a)(4): No Parking Areas was presented. 8. Public Works Committee Report a. Motion by Noe, seconded by Thomas, to approve the purchase of the Bad Boy Maverick lawnmower for the Cemetery for $6,018.99 from Jay’s of Mauston. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. b. Motion by Noe, seconded by Thomas, to approve Change Order No 1 for A-1 Excavating for the East Side Utility Extension Project, resulting in a project savings of $7,204.96. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. c. Motion by Noe, seconded by Thomas, to approve Pay App #2 to A-1 Excavating, LLC for $52,502.00. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.  d. Director of Public Works Rob Nelson reported that the recent PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) testing for the City of Mauston came back with satisfactory results, showing no concerns at this time. He also noted that the Jones Park fence is installed. 9. Finance and Purchasing Committee Report a. Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Gabower, to approve the vouchers in the amount of $2,047,020.09. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 10. Police Chief's Report: The Council reviewed the Police Chief’s July 2025 report. 11. City Council Report: Alderperson Thomas noted that August 26 marks Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States. She emphasized that the contributions and leadership of women are especially meaningful in Mauston, where the City Council is now composed of mostly women, reflecting progress and positive impact of women in local government. 12. Mayor's Report: Mayor Teske commented on the recent City of Mauston Employee & Family Picnic, noting that the event was highly successful. He highlighted the improvement in employee morale and camaraderie, attributing it to City Administrator Daron Haugh’s strong connection with staff and efforts to foster a positive workplace culture. a. Motion by Noe, seconded by Hagen, to appoint Vivian Gabower to the Finance and Purchasing Committee. Motion carried by voice vote. 13. City Administrator's Report a. 2026 Health Insurance Rates was presented noting that further analysis is underway to determine the actual financial impact on the city’s budget and on employees. It was highlighted that the state imposes limits on the amount an employer can contribute to health insurance plans. Haugh is working to assess these changes and their implications for the city’s health insurance offerings. b. Motion by Noe, seconded by Thomas, authorizing City Administrator Haugh to purchase the vacant land on Water Street from Alliant Energy for $5,500.00. Haugh noted that title transfer and minor legal fees will be additional. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 14. Closed Session: Motion made by Noe, seconded by Thomas, to go into closed session, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e). Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote at 7:01 p.m. a. Mastermold Development 15. Reconvene in Open Session: Motion by Noe, seconded by Allaby, to reconvene in open session. Motion carried at 7:19 p.m. 16. Discussion and Action as a Result of Closed Session Matters: Motion by Noe, seconded by Gabower, to have City Administrator Haugh proceed as discussed in closed session. 17. Adjourn: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Thomas, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. ___________________________________ _____________________________ Chair Date