City Council

OFFICIAL COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin, was held in open session on May 15th, 2023, and called to order by Council Mayor Knaack at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The following members were present: Luther, Burstad, Yonko, McCullough, Schwebs, Gentz, Solberg, Schlough, Erdman, and Sommerfeld. Sutherland was absent. MOTION was made by Erdman, seconded by Schlough, and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2023 council meeting. PUBLIC HEARING – None PUBLIC COMMENTS – Paul Gerrard, representing Gerrard Development, was present to address any questions regarding agenda item 6(E). Leslie Norris spoke against agenda item 6(K). Leslie has concerns about the density of the proposed development and the effect it will have on her outdoor massage therapy business. Jeremy Wagner, representing Covia, was present to address any questions regarding agenda item 6(I). Joan Pougiales spoke against agenda item 6(K). Joan has concerns about the density of the proposed development. MOTION was made by Schlough, seconded by Erdman, and carried unanimously to extend temporary trailer storage for Stepping Stones of Dunn County, Inc for 90 days. MOTION was made by Erdman, seconded by Solberg, and carried unanimously to waive the rules to allow Amy Gjestson to address the Council. MOTION was made by Erdman, seconded by Solberg, and carried unanimously to approve Amy Gjestson to serve as Treasurer/Comptroller effective June 1, 2023. MOTION was made by Burstad, seconded by Yonko, and carried unanimously to lease additional office space in the lower level at 800 Wilson Ave to ReforMedicine. MOTION was made by Schwebs, seconded by Burstad, and carried unanimously to extend the current lease with Beton-Stahl at 800 Wilson Ave for seven years. MOTION made by Solberg, seconded by Yonko, and carried unanimously to approve the offer to purchase to Habitat for Humanity for 1232 and 1240 Brickyard Rd with a closing date by June 30, 2023. MOTION made by Solberg, seconded by McCullough, and carried unanimously to approve the offer to purchase to Habitat for Humanity for 1220 and 1224 Brickyard Rd with a closing date by December 31, 2023. MOTION made by Solberg, seconded by Erdman, and carried unanimously to approve the offer to purchase to Habitat for Humanity for 1202 and 1208 Brickyard Rd with a closing date by June 30, 2024. MOTION made by Solberg, seconded by Gentz, and carried unanimously on a roll call vote to approve the developer agreement with Gerrard Development, LLC for a residential housing development west of 21st St East and south of Tower Ridge Avenue. MOTION made by Burstad, seconded by Schwebs, and carried unanimously on a roll call vote to award the Well #8 Chemical Room bid in the amount of $417,000 to Springlake Contracting, Inc. MOTION made by Yonko, seconded by Schwebs, and carried unanimously on a roll call vote to purchase 30 Axon Taser7 devices in the amount of $79,000. RESOLUTION – MOTION made by Sommerfeld, seconded by Erdman, and carried unanimously to adopt the 2024 Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste resolution to apply for and partner with the surrounding towns on 2024 Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste event. MOTION by Erdman, seconded by Solberg, and carried unanimously to allow Jeremy Wagner and Jamie Swenson, representing Covia, to address the Council. MOTION by Burstad, seconded by Luther, and carried unanimously to approve waiver to allow excavation within 100 feet of the property line in the northwest corner of the Covia sand mind. MOTION by Sommerfeld, seconded by Schwebs, and carried unanimously on a roll call vote to contract with Cedar Corp for $8,200 for a certified survey map and wetland delineation for City-owned lands in the Stout Technology and Business Park. MOTION by Erdman, seconded by Luther, and carried unanimously to deny the proposed zoning ordinance amendment for the vacant property west of Estover Terrace from R-1 Single Family Residential District to R-3 Multiple Family Residential District. MOTION by Solberg, seconded by McCullough, and carried unanimously to approve the recommended appointments and re-appointments to the following boards: Tourism: Jessica Sather – term expires April 2024 Grady Richartz – term expires April 2024 Jon Krupke – term expires April 2024 Recreation Advisory Board: Carla Kieffer – term expires April 2025 Sherry Gibbs – term expires April 2025 Community Development Commission: Mary Eide – term expires October 2025 Board of Review: John Sobota – term expires April 2024 Board of Zoning Appeals: Steve Lindberg – term expires April 2026 Bob Schultz – term expires April 2026 Historic Preservation: Carl Rudenborg – term expires April 2026 John Sobota – term expires April 2026 BUDGET TRANSFERS – None MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Knaack reports that he recently visited the Police and Fire Departments to visit with staff and thank them for their service to the community. The Community Services Department recently planted 32 trees with about 80 more trees to be planted in the fall. The City partnered with UW-Stout on a successful Spring Move Out event. The Recreation Department reports that 343 children have signed up for T-ball, pitch ball and softball. The new City website will be launching on June 5. Schofield notes that several leaks have been found at the Wakanda Waterpark and they are working to repair prior to the swimming season. Water main flushing will begin in the Tech Park this week and proceed clockwise through the City. Atkinson provided an update on the water rate case. The City has hired Ehlers to assist in the case and the PSC is recommending a 15% increase in water rates. A public hearing with the PSC will occur in early June and then will come to Council for approval. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS – Administrator Atkinson announced that the Police Department recently received a $30,000 grant from Mayo Hometown Health for mentoring services for Project Hope. Schwebs brought attention to the lighting at a new downtown tobacco shop. Erdman raised the question of whether to open the Solid Waste Site for additional hours to accommodate the large number of students moving out. Yonko praised Hines for collaborating with UW-Stout capstone student projects. Solberg raised the question regarding junk and nuisance properties. Kowieski shared the process of notifying and citing property owners for nuisances. Luther provided an address to Kowieski to follow up regarding indoor furniture at the curb. CLAIMS - MOTION was made by Solberg, seconded by Burstad, and carried unanimously on roll call vote to approve payment of the following claims: May 15th, 2023 Claims CDW Gov $18,544.94 Drug Test Midwest LLC $370.00 WIPFLI $24,388.58 Total $43,303.52 2023 Parking Utility Claims Total Invoice City Treasurer $874.83 IPS Group $2,144.95 Total $3,019.78 LICENSES – MOTION made by Erdman, seconded by Yonko, and carried to approve the following licenses: SECONDHAND ARTICLE: Town & Country Antiques (630 S. Broadway) – moving from 244 Main St. E. MOTION to adjourn was made by Gentz, seconded by McCullough, and carried unanimously. Megen Hines, Acting Clerk