City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM AUGUST 11, 2016 6:00 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Quicker presiding. On roll call: Council Member Neville absent, all other 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, picking up trash, mowing and weed whacking, cleaning pavilions, picking up branches after the storm, trimming weeds and brush along bridges, mowing residential lots, watering flowers, preparing ball fields, the part-time summer workers are returning to school, replaced the hydraulic ram seals on the boom truck, hauling brush and compost, cleaning storm sewers, street sweeping, cleaning brush and debris off the fountain, about 50% of the digging up of E. Fifteenth Street from Hewett Street to Bruley Street is done, 120 feet of curb and gutter, a driveway approach and sidewalk are done, since the job vacancies ads never made it into the Clark County Press the application deadline was extended to August 19, 2016, Well No. 2 rehabilitation and replacement of two booster pumps are complete. Chair Quicker read the August 3, 2016 Personnel Committee recommendation that Jeremy Boon be hired as the Wastewater Operator/Utilities Foreman at a wage of $19.75 per hour plus 50¢ more per hour per license test passed effective August 16, 2016. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that while Boon is not licensed, he will be taking over, the DNR office in Black River is aware of this and willing to work with Boon and the City. Motion Counsell, second Mabie, to accept the Personnel Committee recommendation and recommend to the Common Council that Jeremy Boon be hired as the Wastewater Operator/Utilities Foreman at a wage of $19.75 per hour plus 50¢ more per hour per license test passed effective August 16, 2016. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Clough, to adjourn. All Aye. _____________________________________ Jerry L. Quicker, Chair ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM AUGUST 11, 2016 6:15 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Mabie presiding. On roll call: Council Member Neville absent, all other members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meetings were declared approved. Mayor Mabie presented the minutes of the August 1, 2016 meeting of the Grants Committee regarding: 1) discussion on and recommendation to confirm the denial of a housing loan to Applicant #2015-02-NR, because of the large negative balance, 2) discussion on and recommendation to confirm the approval of a housing loan to Applicant #2015-03-ER in the amount of $13,555 for a roof, 3) discussion on and recommendation to confirm the approval of a housing loan to Applicant #2016-01-ER in the amount of $3,490 for a ramp, 4) discussion on and recommendation to approve a housing loan to Applicant #2016-02-NR in the amount of $22,116 for window replacements, electrical work, bad paint issues and closing costs, 5) discussion on and recommendation to deny a housing loan to Applicant #2016-03-NR and 6) discussion on and confirmation of the Common Council’s July 26, 2016 action to grant the request for the CDBG Housing Loan #04-NR-11-06 to Jeremy Pozega and Heather Gilbert at 209 W. Tenth Street be written down by an amount not to exceed $2,500 and that the City be given a closing statement assuring the City that the owners/sellers receive no money in their pockets because of the write down. Mayor Mabie reported on the August 3, 2016 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding: 1) discussion on and approval to advertise the vacant Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position with applications due by August 24, 2016 or until filled, 2) a closed session regarding Public Works employees, 3) reconvening into open session, 4) recommendation to the Commission on Public Works/Utilities that Jeremy Boon be hired as the Wastewater Operator/Utilities Forman at a wage rate of $19.75 per hour plus 50¢ more per hour per license test passed effective August 16, 2016 and 5) to recommend to advertise the vacant Heavy Equipment/Water and Wastewater Maintenance position. Council Member Glassbrenner reported on the August 11, 2016 meeting of the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee regarding review, discussion and recommendation to take part in the joint United Communities of Clark County Contract with Advanced Disposal for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection and Disposal Services, and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract, (the bid price is $9.40 per month per household with a two percent annual rate increase for a three year contract.) Council Member Quicker reported on the August 11, 2016 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) the recommendation that Jeremy Boon be hired as the Wastewater Operator/Utilities Foreman at a wage rate of $19.75 per hour plus 50¢ more per hour per license test passed effective August 16, 2016. Mayor Mabie declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Mayor Mabie presented a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce for use of the Sniteman Town Square Park (Gazebo) for the Autumn Harvest Celebration on Sunday, October 9, 2016 and to close Hewett Street from Division Street to Eighth Street for safety reason which was tabled from the last meeting. Council Member Clough stated that after discussions with the Police Chief, Director of Public Works Flynn and the Chamber of Commerce, the request has been revised to close Hewett Street from the north side of Fourth Street to Sixth Street. The children’s parade will be on the sidewalk. Motion Glassbrenner, second Clough, to grant the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce request for use of the Sniteman Town Square Park (Gazebo) on Sunday, October 9, 2016 and to close (block off) Hewett Street from the north side of Fourth Street to Sixth Street for safety reasons. All Aye. Mayor Mabie asked if there were any questions on the Grants Committee items (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Motion Quicker, second Counsell, to accept the recommendation to confirm the denial of, housing loan to Applicant #2015-02-NR, because of the large negative balance. All Aye. Motion Clough, second Glassbrenner, to accept the recommendation to confirm the approval of a housing loan to Applicant #2015-03-ER in the amount of $13,555 for a roof. All Aye. Motion Clough, second Quicker, to accept the recommendation to confirm the approval of a housing loan to Applicant #2016-01-ER in the amount of $3,490 for a ramp. All Aye. Motion Glassbrenner, second Clough, to accept the recommendation to confirm the approval of a housing loan to Applicant #2016-02-NR in the amount of $22,116 for window replacements, electrical work, lead paint issues and closing costs. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Clough to accept the recommendation to confirm the denial of a housing loan to Applicant #2016-03-NR. All Aye. Mayor Mabie asked if there were any questions on the Personnel Committee item (5). Motion Counsell, second Clough to accept the recommendation to advertise the vacant Heavy Equipment/Water and Wastewater maintenance position until August 19, 2016 or until filled. All Aye. Mayor Mabie asked if there were any question on the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee item. Motion Counsell, second Quicker, to accept the recommendation to take part in the joint United Communities of Clark County Contract with Advanced Disposal for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection and Disposal Services, and authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. All Aye. Mayor Mabie asked if there were any questions on the Commission on Public Works/Utilities item (2). Motion Quicker, second Clough, to accept the recommendation that Jeremy Boon be hired as the Wastewater Operator/Utilities Foreman at a wage rate of $19.75 per hour plus 50¢ more per hour per license test passed effective August 16, 2016. All Aye. Mayor Mabie presented the Connect Communities Committee item from July 25, 2016 – “Downtown Revolution” campaign sponsor participation in the Chamber Autumn Harvest Festival in the amount of $800. Motion Clough, second Glassbrenner, to approve the Connect Communities Committee “Downtown Revolution” campaign sponsor participation in the Chamber Autumn Harvest Festival in the amount of $800. All Aye. Mayor Mabie read Library Board Member Kory Poeschel’s resignation form the Library Board. Motion Clough, second Counsell to accept Library Board Member Kory Poeschel’s resignation from the Library Board and to thank her for her service to the City. All Aye. Mayor Mabie stated that there are two vacant Library Board Member positions and he is nominating Linda Garrett-Holets and Tracey Steffen. Motion Quicker, second Clough to accept the Mayor’s nomination and appoint Linda Garrett-Holets (2018) and Tracey Steffen (2019) as members of the Library Board to fill the unexpired terms of Mary Jurgaitis and Kory Poeschel respectively. All Aye. Mayor Mabie read Assistant Librarian Fran Barlow’s Letter of Resignation. Motion Counsell, second Glassbrenner, to accept Assistant Librarian Fran Barlow’s Letter of Resignation effective August 31, 2016 and to thank her for her nineteen years (1997-2016) of service to the City. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented a $100 donation from Tony Trunkel for the Police Department Canine Fund. Motion Quicker, second Clough, to accept and appropriate the $100 to Account No. 52100 Police Department Administration and to thank Mr. Trunkel for his donation to the City. All Aye. Mayor Mabie stated the next agenda item is the CC Sniteman Town Square Park Christmas/Holiday tree. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that he and the Council Members were overwhelmed with the outpouring of public opinion. The Beautification Committee was brainstorming at the Committee level. They had not taken any action. All he said at the last meeting was if they were to take the tree down, he would like to do it, so there would be enough time to clean up the site. There was a suggestion for a fountain. These were brainstorming suggestions, before you criticize, bring in your opinion, we would like your input, please get involved. Flynn stated that we know the majority of the people want the tree to stay. The tree was donated 12 to 15 years ago by the Jan Pierce family in honor of his parents when the two old pine trees at the Library were removed. It is really rare that a tree of it’s size has kept it’s shape. Someday it will have to come down. Before you criticize, get involved and help instead of kicking. Mayor Mabie stated that the passion that has been shown surprised all of us. The tree is large and beautiful – maybe because of tapping into City water. One of the concerns was the sprinkler system infrastructure in the park. Jan Pierce, W5025 Carlyle Road, presented petitions with over 500 signatures on them. Pierce stated other options for decorating would be projection lighting or flood lights. There are people who would pay for a tree of that size and take it down on their own time. Motion Glassbrenner, not to cut down the tree, but keep an eye on it. City Attorney Wachsmuth suggested letting the issue die without motion. If a motion is made a reversal in the future would be needed. Council Member Glassbrenner withdrew his motion. Merlyn Kroll, 312 Oak Street, stated that he liked the idea of getting in other trees for Christmas. Leaving the snow laying on the branches – what could make a better scene. Ned Carlson, 209 E. Fourth Street, stated that trees are special and if issues arise, let the public know ahead of time. Lois Oldham, 608 W. Fifth Street, stated the tree makes the Town Square. Flynn stated that this started out as a brainstorming session for future things to be done. With the size of the tree, it could end up at the State Capital someday. Flynn stated that the public should be aware that about 60 ash trees will be coming down because of the emerald ash borer. Merlyn Kroll complimented the Council Members and everyone serving on the City Committees for their work in making the City what it is. Kroll stated that when his son died, his father-in-law planted a tree in his honor and his daughter planted a tree which they enjoy today. The pine trees are what brought the people here in the first place. Jerilyn St.Amand, 221 Sunset Place, asked if the Beautification Committee could do something about the flies in the windows of a closed business on Hewett Street. Flynn replied that the City cannot go into private property. St.Amand complimented the Police Department for their work stating that they are not paid enough for what they do. Mayor Mabie stated that our hands are tied by the State levy limit. City Clerk Roehl presented the Security Health Plan contract renewal notice for 2016-2017. The Family actives plan premium is going from $1,866.72 to $1,877.92 per month – a 0.6% increase. The Single actives plan premium is going from $861.95 to $867.12 per month – a 0.6% increase. The Medicare retirees single plan premium is going from $543.97 to $752.30 per month – a 38.3% increase. Mayor Mabie stated that the City is looking at a proposal from the WEA Trust which is about $400 cheaper for a family plan. The proposal would not start until January 1st. Coverage would still be needed for October through December. Discussion followed on retiree’s coverage, premium increase for retirees on Security Health, lack of interest on WEA Trust proposal to take on the retirees, area providers on WEA Trust network, notification of premium increase to employees and retirees, etc. Motion Counsell, second Glassbrenner, to accept the health insurance contract renewal with Security Health Plan as presented, but to continue to shop the health insurance with a decision to cancel or continue to be made later. All Aye. Chief of Police Klueckmann reported that Police Officer Jacob Aumann has submitted his resignation by the end of this year. Chief of Police Klueckmann reported on July, 2016 complaints, citations, warnings and investigations. Thirty applications for the vacant Police Officer position have been received and two testing dates have been set up. With Aumann’s resignation, we will be looking for two new officers. Council Member Glassbrenner reported on attending a Clark County Transportation Committee meeting. City ridership is down during the summer months, but overall things are going well. Council Member Clough reported that the Mormon Historical Marker has been placed at the Arboretum Highway 10 entrance and that Kiosks have been installed by the Gazebo and WCCN Chatty Belle. City Clerk Roehl presented an email from Rebecca Rosandick, Clark County Health Department, regarding Neillsville’s 2016 tobacco compliance checks. Twelve out of thirteen retailers refused to sell cigarettes to minors. These retailers should be appreciated. Chief of Police Klueckmann stated that Cenex had failed the check. Temporary Class “B Retailer’s License (Beer & Wine) Applications: Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Shelley M. Janke, Agent, for the CART Center, 201 E. Fourth Street, for September 8, 2016 – Mingle event. Motion Counsell, second Glassbrenner, to grant. Council Member Quicker abstained. All other members – Aye. Motion carried. Clark Cultural Art Center, Inc., Linda A. Garrett, Agent, for the CART Center, 201 E. Fourth Street, for August 18, 2016 – Open Mic event. Motion Clough, second Quicker, to grant. All Aye. Soda Water License Application: Clark Cultural Art Center, Inc., Linda A. Garrett, Agent, 201 E. Fourth Street. Motion Quicker, second Clough, to grant. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Glassbrenner, that the City Bills Nos. 803 to 849 in the amount of $137,281.73 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Clough, to adjourn. All Aye. _____________________________________ Steven J. Mabie, Mayor __________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk