Common Council Meeting

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 23, 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 September 23, 2025, by Mayor Teske at 6:31 p.m. Members present were Jim Allaby, Leanna Hagen, Kayla Thomas, Barb Hoilien, Vivian Gabower, and Mary Bender. Also present were Mayor Darryl Teske, City Administrator Daron Haugh, Director of Public Works 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 Hoilien, seconded by Hagen, to approve the September 9, 2025 minutes. Motion carried by voice vote. 4. Public Hearing: Mayor Teske opened the public hearing regarding Slama Equipment Conditional Use Permit to Install an Interstate Sign. No members of the public were in attendance. 5. Close Public Hearing: Motion by Hagen, seconded by Allaby, to close the public hearing. Motion carried by voice vote. Public hearing was closed at 6:33 p.m. 6. Slama Equipment Conditional Use Permit to Install an Interstate Sign: Motion by Allaby, seconded by Hoilien, to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Slama to install an interstate sign. Motion carried by voice vote. 7. Second Reading and Action Regarding Ordinance 2025-2078 Amending Mauston- Lemonweir Extraterritorial Zoning Map: Motion by Thomas, seconded by Hagen, to approve Ordinance 2025-2078. Motion carried by voice vote. 8. Citizens Address to the Council: None 9. Reports from Committees, Boards, and Commissions Mauston Area Ambulance: The 2026 budget was approved, reflecting a minimal increase for residents, which will be included in their water bills next year. Greater Mauston Tourism Association: (GMTA) approved the Christmas Tree Fundraiser. Trees will be decorated and displayed to help spruce up Riverside Park. Mauston High School is donating their time to cut the boards. Lights must be battery-operated or solar-powered; business and organizations may add decorations. Trees will be distributed beginning October 11, with setup planned for early November. Holiday Parade: No updates at this time  Veterans Memorial Project: Enough donations have been received to order the granite. Other: It was noted that citizens have observed the city lights are now brighter due to the replacement of fixtures with LEDs, and as a result, residents feel safer and more secure 10. Public Works Committee Report a. Update on Waste Water Treatment Plant Project - A new blower has been added, and the aeration system has been repaired and is operating as intended. Paving is scheduled for next week, and lawn restoration has been completed. Building reroofing is finished. Utilities for the South Side project will begin work on Monday, September 29, 2025, with the project scheduled for completion the first week of November. One issue noted involved a disturbance of a nearby soybean field. 11. Finance and Purchasing Committee Report a. Vouchers: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Gabower, to approve the vouchers in the amount of $529,464.27. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. b. Mauston Police Vehicle Replacement Quote from Ewald Automotive Group: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Gabower to approve the quote in the Amount of $47,532.00. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. It was noted that the vehicle will be utilized for the next 6 – 7 years. c. Pay App #1 to Market & Johnson for the Library Renovation: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Gabower, to approve Pay App #1 in the Amount of $31,080.45. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 12. Police Chief's Report Chief Zilisch reviewed the August report. The K9 unit continues regular training – Ongoing Officer training includes firearms qualifications. Mental health awareness badges have been received and will be incorporated into the regular rotation. 13. City Council Report Alderperson Thomas shared that residents have raised concerns about bed bugs within the community. She noted that the issue is frustrating and unsettling for those affected; bed bugs are not considered a public health hazard, as they do not carry disease. Discussion acknowledged the lack of clear case law and limited regulatory authority, which makes addressing the problem more challenging. 14. Mayor's Report Mayor Teske, City Administrator Daron Haugh, and Police Chief Mike Zilisch attended the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Annual Conference, where they connected with leaders from across  the state. The conference emphasized practical solutions, collaboration, and inspiration for municipal service and community well-being. Key topics of discussion included: Public Safety Service Models: Evolving approaches to service delivery were reviewed, including options for joint EMS services and opportunities for resource sharing between municipalities. Participants also addressed challenges with current reimbursement structures and expressed support for reforms to EMS funding, including proposals to increase Medicaid reimbursement for EMS calls. Reimagining Public Safety: Municipal leaders were encouraged to think beyond traditional crime statistics and consider new measures of success that reflect community well-being, equity, and holistic safety outcomes. Mayor Teske noted that the meeting provided valuable insight into statewide challenges and opportunities, emphasizing collaboration and advocacy as key strategies for addressing public safety needs. a. Mayoral Appointments: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Bender, to approve the mayoral appointments as presented. Motion carried by voice vote. Kayla Thomas to the Personnel and Negotiating Committee Jim Allaby to the Public Works Committee Leanna Hagen to the Finance and Purchasing Committee 15. City Administrator's Report a. Special Council Meeting on September 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Regarding Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 6 Project Plan Creation: Meeting date and time were confirmed. 16. Adjourn: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Allaby, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. __________________________________ _________________________________ Chair Date