City Council

COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM OCTOBER 25, 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. Council President Glassbrenner reported on the October 12, 2016 meeting of the Finance Committee regarding: 1) work on the 2017 budget, 2) adoption of a wage schedule for 2017, 3) reviewed the major areas of revenues and expenditure changes, and 4) recommendation of budget categories and levy amount of the 2017 budget to the Common Council for Public Hearing on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 7:15 P.M. Total budget $3,391,097 – Proposed Levy including Tax Incremental Districts $1,119,817 – an increase of $20,213. Council Member Neville reported the October 13, 2016 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) financial report, 2) discussion on food vendors, bands, games and activities for 2017. Council Member Quicker reported on the October 25, 2016 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills. Council President Glassbrenner declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. City Clerk Roehl presented a $3,600 donation from Cummins Filtration, Inc. for Recreation Department Uniforms. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept and appropriate $3,600 to Account No. 55300 Recreation Department Administration and to thank Cummins Filtration for their donation. All Aye. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that with the flooding in September, the Governor requested a federal disaster declaration. The State has received this Presidential declaration for Clark County. Funding would be 75% federal, 12 ½% state and 12 ½% local – if our applications are approved. The potential properties are: Larry Nauertz, 823 Grand Avenue; Betty Hansen, 822 Grand Avenue and Jane Emling, owner/ Benjamin Nelson, renter, 810 Grand Avenue. Flynn stated these property owners and John Ross, Clark County Emergency Management Director are present tonight to hear about the Section 404 – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and answer questions. The City has to file for the grant, individuals cannot. There is a very short pre-application deadline (October 31, 2016) in which to file. A couple of these properties are on FEMA’s list because of past flooding occurrences. John Ross stated that the City would have to acquire the property and do the demolition. The City would retain ownership and turn it into green space as public property, it could not be sold. Council Member Counsell asked what the cost would end up being, do the property owners have to be paid market value, plus the cost of demolition and is there a cost to apply. Flynn replied that there is no cost to apply other than his time involved. The City could be on the hook for the full 12 ½% of acquisition and demolition costs. Ross stated that it does not need to be entirely cash; there is an in-kind match option (if the City were to do part of the demolition). The first step is to get the pre-application filed and see if the State is interested. If the State is, then a second round with a more formal application is filed. City Attorney Wachsmith asked if the City were accepted – can you turn it down. Ross replied “yes”, by not filing the second application or signing it if approved. Council President Glassbrenner asked if the property owners could pay the 12 ½%. Ross stated he would have to check if the program allows for that. The City can apply as individual projects or as a group. Discussion continued. Motion Neville, second Clough, to authorize the filing of Section 404 - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program pre-applications for the three properties involved. All Aye. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that with the Presidential declaration the City can apply for the FEMA Public Assistance Program. The City had three or four sites that had damage. If they allow us to combine the costs we may qualify to get some of our money back, if not, individually the costs are not enough. Motion Counsell, second Quicker, to authorize the filing of a Request for Public Assistance – FEMA Public Assistance Program Application. All Aye. Chief of Police Klueckmann presented the Police and Fire Commission’s Officer candidate, Lane Schuld, to fill the vacant Police Officer position beginning November 1, 2016. All Aye. Motion Quicker, second Clough, to accept the Police and Fire Commission’s recommendation to hire Lane Schuld as a police officer beginning November 1, 2016. Council President Glassbrenner presented the resignation of Carrie Converse from the Tourism Committee. Motion Neville, second Counsell, to accept the resignation of Carrier Converse from the Tourism Committee and to thank her for her service to the City of Neillsville. All Aye. Council President Glassbrenner presented Mayor Mabie’s recommendation to appoint Amber Vine (2017) as member of the Tourism Committee. Motion Quicker, second Counsell, to accept Mayor Mabie’s recommendation and appoint Amber Vine (2017) as a member of the Tourism Committee. All Aye. Council President Glassbrenner reported on a meeting of the Memorial Medical Center Finance Committee. The third quarter was not the best, due to equipment problems and a nurse shortage (having to hire nursing help from an organization). October has been rebounding and they are looking at an improved fourth quarter. Temporary Class “B” Retailer’s License (Beer Only) Application: Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jana L. Schmitz, Agent, for the Thirsty Bookwork main sales floor for November 15, 2016 – Business After 5 event. Motion Quicker, second Neville, to grant. Council Member Clough abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Motion Neville, second Clough, that City Bills Nos. 1056 to 1112 in the amount of $454,732.60 and CDBG Housing Escrow Account Bill No. 14 in the amount of $225.00 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. _____________________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Council President __________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk