City Council

COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM FEBRUARY 9, 2016 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Council President Glassbrenner presiding. On roll call: Mayor Mabie absent, all other members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Fire Chief Matt Meyer reported that the Fire Department is in need of new firefighters. Three firefighters left the department the first of the year, full staff is 30 firefighters, we are now down to 25 firefighters. This makes it hard to fully staff a run. We have advertised in the paper, put out a sign by the fire hall, did a brochure and talked with people with no responses. We are asking for help to get the word out. The firefighter has to live or work within the fire district, attend 60 hours of training and participate in a practice live burn. No experience is needed, but you have to want to do it. It is very rewarding to help others in their worst time of need. Fire chief Meyer reported on the rescue van progress. We had a vendor presentation at the fire hall, and did a tour of area fire departments (to look at their rescue vans, equipment carried and setup), there will be another vendor presentation coming up. The build time is about nine months from order date. We are trying to look ahead as to what we may want in the future as this rescue van will serve us for the next 30 years. Council Member Counsell reported on the February 1, 2016 meeting of the Economic Development Commission regarding : 1) discussion on marketing opportunities with the Midwest Living magazine and 2) the recommendation to contribute $3,500.00 for marketing advertising in the Midwest Living magazine. Council President Glassbrenner reported on the February 2, 2016 meeting of the Planning Commission regarding discussion on and recommendation to approve the zoning amendment for Parcels Nos. 261.0596.000 and 261.1145.000 (the former United Methodist Church, 201 and 205 E. Fourth Street) rezoning it from Residential (R-1) to General Commercial (CG), Linda Garrett and Sarah Holets, Star Orange 5,LLC owners and applicants. 7:15 P.M. – Council President Glassbrenner declared the Public Hearing on a Zoning Amendment from Residential (R-1) to General Commercial (CG) for Parcels Nos. 261.0596.000 and 261.1145.000 (the former United Methodist Church, 201 and 205 E. Fourth Street) rezoning it from Residential (R-1) to General Commercial (CG), Linda Garrett and Sarah Holets, Star Orange 5,LLC owners and applicants, now open. Director of Public Works Flynn reported on notification of neighbors, public hearing notice in the paper and that the applicant has met the requirements for a zoning amendment. Linda Garrett, owner, stated the plans are to convert the church to an art cultural center, support has been received from throughout the whole county. This will be the first art center in Clark County, and it will draw people into Neillsville and Clark County. The grand opening is planned for May 7, 2016. Council President Glassbrenner read the February 2, 2016 Planning Commission minutes recommending approval of the zoning amendment. Council President Glassbrenner called for appearances. Ned Carlson, 209 E. Fourth Street, appeared in support of the amendment. Julie Counsell, property owner at 132 E. Fourth Street, appeared in support of the amendment. Council President Glassbrenner called three times for appearances, there being no further appearances. 7:25 P.M. – The Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion Clough, second Quicker, to accept the recommendation to approve a Zoning Amendment for Parcels Nos. 261.0596.000 and 261.1145.000 rezoning them from Residential (R-1) to Commercial General (CG). All Aye. Council President Glassbrenner reported on the February 2, 2016 meeting of Personnel Committee regarding a closed session to review applications received for both the Water/Sewer operator position and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer position – the meeting adjourned in closed session. Council Member Neville reported on the February 4, 2016 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) discussion with beer vendors and prices, and 2) discussion on sponsorships, kid’s games and events and food vendors. Council Member Quicker reported on the February 9, 2016 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities. Council President Glassbrenner declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Council President Glassbrenner asked if there were any questions on the Economic Development Commission item (2). Motion Counsell, second Clough, to accept the recommendation to contribute $3,500 for marketing advertising in Midwest Living magazine. All Aye. City attorney Wachsmuth reported that she is working on the $50,000 Economic Development Grant Agreement with John and Jenny Chadwick, Riverside Assisted Living project. Combination Cigarette and Soda Water License Application: Cenergy, LLC, Mega Holiday #3738, Mike Buck, Agent, 318 E. Division Street. Motion Quicker, second Clough, to grant. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Quicker, that City bills Nos.145 to 193 in the amount of $547,825.89 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell second Quicker, to adjourn. All Aye. _____________________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Council President ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk