City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM JULY 28, 2015 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Quicker presiding. On roll call: all members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Director of Public Works Flynn reported on two burials at the Cemetery, equipment maintenance, mowing and weed eating cemetery and parks, trash pickup, watering flowers, cleaning Listeman Arboretum trails, mowing residential lots, hauling brush and compost, working on street lighting, cleaning storm drains, street sweeping, cleaning up brush and trees after storm damage, painting lines, replaced a galvanized culvert that was collapsing across E. Fifteenth Street, repaired a storm water ditch at the end of W. Fourth Street, street patching is 95% complete, replaced sidewalk, curb and gutter from W. Fifth Street water break, repaired a water break on River Road (we had been looking for a leak as our daily flows were up, now that the leak was fixed, flows are back to normal), and a letter from Luke Hilgers, Merchants Hotel, 105 W. Seventh Street, owner, regarding his plans for maintenance of the roof, mold issues, windows, boiler issue, brick exterior, roaches and routine maintenance. Director of Public Works Flynn presented the “City of Neillsville Utility Plan” for water and sewer billing collections. This policy incorporates the recent landlord and tenant law changes made by the state legislature for utility bills, responsibility for payment, collection schedule, delinquent bill service disconnection process and deferred payment agreement. Discussion followed. Motion Glassbrenner, second Clough, to recommend to the Common Council the adoption of the “City of Neillsville Utility Policy” as amended. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Mabie, that the Water bills Nos. 146 to 172 in the amount of $59,823.58 and Sewer bills Nos. 150 to 176 in the amount of $109,429.25 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________________ Jerry L. Quicker, Chair ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM JULY 28, 2015 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Mabie presiding. On roll call: all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Counsell Member Counsell reported on the July 15, 2015 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding: 1) discussion on the Historic Architectural Tour brochures, 2) discussed the 2016 historic calendar and 3) the 2015 note cards are finished and ready for pickup. Counsell Member Quicker reported on the July 28, 2015 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities, 2) the recommendation to adopt the “City of Neillsville Utility Policy” as amended and 3) payment of bills. Mayor Mabie declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Mayor Mabie asked if there were any questions on the Commission on Public Works/Utilities item (2). Motion Quicker, second Counsell, to accept the recommendation to adopt the “City of Neillsville Utility Policy” as amended. All Aye. Mayor Mabie announced that the next item is the James and Dawn Voss appeal of a “Certificate of Appropriateness” denial by Historic Preservation Commission on June 24, 2015. City Attorney Wachsmuth read the Voss’ written appeal as filed with the City Clerk. James Voss stated that their letter covered everything unless there were questions. Voss showed a picture of the window. Council Member Glassbrenner stated that you were contacted about your error. James Voss stated that Dawn Voss appeared at the April Historic Preservation Commission meeting to explain the need for the window and no action was taken. At the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting in May it was determined we needed to submit a request for a “Certificate of Appropriateness”, which was denied at the June Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Glassbrenner stated the request was submitted as if the work had not been done, this was done as requested, why was it denied. Council Member Counsell, Historic Preservation Commission chair, stated that the Voss’ request was handled based on what the Commission would have done if the request was filed appropriately. The Commission would have liked to see the window on either the south or west side instead of where it was put, concern for the mold issue, and if granting a “Certificate of Appropriateness” after the fact would set a precedent. The Commission was trying to follow the ordinance. This is one more change to the house which would not allow it on the state and national historic registers. Council Member Clough stated that the Voss’ should have applied and they won’t do it again without following the rules. Under Ordinance Section 1-3-5 shall approve unless the change adversely affects the external appearance. Denise Clough, Tuft’s Museum Board member, showed two pictures of the window. The Tuft’s Museum Board does not feel the window addition changes or affects the appearance. An oversight was made when the change was not requested. The Tuft’s Mansion is still an asset to the City and Historic Preservation serves as a support and stimulus. Mayor Mabie stated that the double hung window looks like it fits in. Council Member Counsell stated that it is a matter of opinion, the Commission is trying to work within the ordinance. Council Member Glassbrenner stated that he has a problem here – the Voss’ were told what to do, they did what the Commission wanted and it was denied. Council Member Counsell stated that the Commission followed the ordinance process and that the first meeting was only a discussion. James Voss stated in addition to addressing the mold issue, as a business the window provides a visual to the front of the property, allowing someone inside to see if someone is entering the property. Mayor Mabie stated that he appreciates the fact that the Historic Preservation Commission tried to follow the ordinance, the Council has heard the appeal and should repeal the denial and grant the Voss’ a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for the window addition. Council Member Counsell stated that this is the next step, the Council has the final say. Council Member Glassbrenner stated that once you get on the historic register, there is no way to get off. Council Member Counsell stated that there is nothing in the ordinance. Council Member Clough stated another public hearing could be held. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that the Council has to determine if the window addition is detrimental or not, it is not about keeping the property on the historic register. Motion Glassbrenner, to give the Voss’ a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for the window addition at 26 Hewett Street. Mayor Mabie called for further appearances. Bob Bell asked if anyone checked on the mold issue. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that the Council cannot address the interior mold issue, only the exterior window. Tim Rueth stated that the Tufts Museum is housed within the building, it is not on the state or national register because of the front porch addition in 1908 which does not follow the original architectural style of the house. We also apologize for not knowing the procedures. Second Clough. 4-Aye, 1-Nay, Motion carried. Paul Steffeck, Ag Commercial Loan officer for Unity Bank of Augusta introduced himself. City Attorney Wachsmuth read the following resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 580 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING A NEW PUBLIC DEPOSITORY IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Neillsville that the City Clerk-Treasurer transfer all deposit relationships currently with Nicolet National Bank to Unity Bank. The public monies received by him shall be deposited in a public depository under Chapter 34 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which Unity Bank qualifies as. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, President of the Council, City Clerk-Treasurer, and the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer be authorized to sign checks and transact business on behalf of the City of Neillsville. ____________________________________ Steven J. Mabie, Mayor ____________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk Motion Clough, second Neville, that Resolution No. 580 be adopted. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented the Security Health Plan contract renewal notice for 2015-2016. The Family actives plan premium is going from $1,846.41 to $1,866.72 per month – a 1.1% increase. The Singles active plan premium is going from $852.57 to $861.95 per month – a 1.1% increase. The Medicare retirees single plan premium is going from $484.48 to $543.97 per month – a 12.28% increase. Motion Neville, second Quicker, to approve the health insurance contract renewals with Security Health Plan as presented. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented the Agreement with West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) for the TIF District #2 Project Plan Amendment at a cost not to exceed $5,775. Motion Counsell, Second Clough, to approve the Agreement with WCWRPC for the TIF District #2 Project Plan Amendment at a cost not to exceed $5,775. All Aye. Council Member Neville read a thank you from Brad and Judy Lindner, Grand Marshalls for the 2015 Heritage Days parade. Council Member Glassbrenner reported on attending a Memorial Medical Center Finance Committee meeting everything is looking good and heading in the right direction. Mayor Mabie reminded everyone of the 31st Annual Highground bicycle ride this weekend, July 31st to August 2nd, 2015. They are looking for your support. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Taylor J. Reil, Kelly A. Kolkacz and Ashley M Trogan Motion Clough, second Neville, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Motion Quicker, second Counsell, that City bills No. 752 to 789 in the amount of $119,093.61 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________________ Steven J. Mabie, Mayor ____________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************