Common Council Meeting

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM 303 Mansion Street Mauston, WI 1. Call to Order/Roll Call: The Common Council meeting was called to order on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 6:35 p.m. by Mayor Darryl Teske. Members present were Jim Allaby, Leanna Hagen, Kayla Thomas, Barb Hoilien, Mary Bender, and Casey Radcliff. Also present were City Administrator Daron Haugh, Director of Public Works Rob Nelson, Library Director Bridget Christenson, and Deputy Clerk Carole Wolff. 2. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Teske led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Minutes: Motion by Thomas, seconded by Hagen, to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2025, meeting. Motion carried by voice vote. 4. Citizens Address to the Council: None. 5. Reports from Committees, Boards, and Commissions a. 2025 Annual Update - Hatch Public Library: Library Director Bridget Christenson reported that approximately 20,000 participants in 2025 through circulation, programs, meetings, and group activities. She noted continued high space utilization and demand for eBooks, streaming services, internet access, training, and community programs. Christenson provided a construction update, noting completion is anticipated by the end of March. She explained that $160,000 of the project increase includes replacement of the 25-year-old upstairs carpet, scheduled for replacement in mid-March. 6. Public Works Committee Report a. Parks Mower Purchase: Motion by Hagen, seconded by Allaby, to approve the purchase of a Parks mower from the Equipment Replacement Fund (ERF) per the 5-year Capital Plan, in the amount of $25,008.83, from Slama Equipment. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. b. Termination of Sewer Charges: Motion by Thomas, seconded by Allaby, to approve termination of sewer charges for the property located at 930 E. State Street. Motion carried by voice vote. c. Director of Public Works: Nelson reported demolition is underway at 306 Bluff Street. He also reported a water main break at Lincoln Street and Gateway Avenue that occurred prior to Christmas, which was repaired by City crews with concrete restoration completed by Gerke before the holiday. Despite recent warm weather, the Ice Fishing Tournament scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, remains on schedule with continued ice monitoring. Nelson also  provided a 2025 cemetery activity update, noting 22 cremations, 15 full burials (including five in the columbarium), and six columbarium spaces sold. 7. Finance and Purchasing Committee Report a. 2025 Vouchers: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Radcliff, to approve the 2025 vouchers in the Amount of $1,490,706.70. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. b. 2026 Vouchers: Motion by Gabower, seconded by Hoilien, to approve the 2026 vouchers in the amount of $1,749,943.22. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. c. 2026 Fee Schedule: Haugh reviewed the 2026 Fee Schedule noting minimal changes from 2025, with increases primarily limited to equipment rental rates. Motion by Gabower, seconded by Radcliff, to approve the 2026 fee schedule as presented. Motion carried by voice vote. d. City Hall and Police Department Generator Installation: Motion by Gabower, seconded by Hoilien, to approve the generator installation quote from Wolter, Inc., funded through the Building Maintenance Equipment Replacement Fund (ERF) in the Amount of $78,304.00. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Haugh noted no additional vendor responses and confirmed that Wolter previously completed the Fire Department generator installation. e. Library Renovation - Change Order #1: Motion by Gabower, seconded by Thomas, to approve Change Order #1 increasing the Library Renovation Project contract by $197,831.89. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Haugh clarified that $160,719.89 of the increase is covered by additional grant funding, with the remaining balance funded through the library’s certificate of deposit (CD). The City will pay the full amount and receive 100% reimbursement. 8. Fire Chief's Report: Assistant Fire Chief Nelson reviewed the December 2025 report, noting a quiet. He discussed a January 6, 2026, structure fire on Larson Road, where the fire was contained to the garage; 22 firefighters responded and the Red Cross assisted the occupant. Nelson reported that the new brush truck is fully outfitted pending the skid unit and the new command truck has arrived with lighting installation pending. The Fire Department Association approved the purchase of new tires and rims for the existing brush truck using fundraiser funds. He also reported five new recruits added in the past year, including two in the past month, who will begin entry-level firefighter classes in February. Alderperson Bender inquired about Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for firefighters; Haugh confirmed compliance. 9. City Council Report: Alderperson Allaby discussed proactive ordinance enforcement. Alderperson Thomas suggested improved coordination between alderpersons and ward-assigned officers. The Council requested a monthly enforcement summary from the Police Chief. Alderperson Bender raised safety concerns regarding the crosswalk near Mauston Plumbing and asked about lighting options. 10. Mayor's Report a. Recognition of Bridget Christenson - 20 Years of Service. Mayor Teske recognized Christenson’s dedication and her role in making the library a welcoming community resource. b. Certified Survey Map (CSM): Motion by Hagen, seconded by Allaby, to approve the CSM for the sale of land to Mastermold. Motion carried by voice vote. 11. City Administrator's Report a. Resolution 2026-01: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Thomas, to approve Resolution 2026-01 conveying property at 300 Pine St.to Jay’s Holdings, LLC for $1.00. Haugh noted that Jay’s Holdings will assume all raze costs with project completion anticipated by July 31,2026. Motion carried by voice vote. b. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Counsel Agreement: Motion by Hoilien, seconded by Thomas, to approve the EMS Counsel Agreement to evaluate municipal service costs in the amount of $9,200.00. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. 12. Adjourn: Motion by Hagen, seconded by Allaby, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. ___________________________________ _____________________________ Chair Date