City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM JUNE 25, 2019 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. Chair Quicker presented Director of Public Works Flynn’s report on one burial at the Cemetery, equipment maintenance, mowing and trimming Cemetery and parks, preparing ballfields, Schuster Park South restroom has blockwork completed and doors and windows are framed in, the doors are on order, trimming and pruning trees, maintaining street lighting, filling potholes, hauling brush and compost, the Sewer Department is doing lift station maintenance and has started installing new manholes and sewer main on Willow Street from E. Sixth Street to E. Seventh Street, street sweeping, opening storm drains, repaired the guard rail on the southwest corner of Grand Avenue and W. Fourth Street, installed new ATV signs at the entrances to the City and removed some no ATV signs, started on Willow Street construction (surveying, We Energies is upgrading their gas lines and the City is upgrading their sewer lines), saw cutting bad spots on roads in preparation for new asphalt paving and replacing 100 feet of curb and gutter in front of Unity Bank which had become a tripping hazard. Motion Neville, second Counsell, that Water Bills Nos. 153 to 182 in the amount of $115,119.37 and Sewer Bills Nos. 110 to 132 in the amount of $64,016.13 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Glassbrenner, to adjourn. All Aye. _____________________________________ Jerry L. Quicker, Chair ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM JUNE 25, 2019 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Glassbrenner presiding. On roll call: all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Council Member Quicker reported on the June 11, 2019 meeting of the Library Board regarding discussion on and approval of the purchasing of three 17 SEER Air Conditioning units from Custom Heating and Cooling for a total of $12,845. Council Member Quicker reported on the June 12, 2019 meeting of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners regarding: 1) current activities and 2) discussion on and recommendation to allow the transfer and reconveyance from Dorothy Larsen of Graves 1 and 2, Lot 44, Division AA, Map of 1969, to the City of Neillsville at the original purchase price of $300 each – total $600. Mayor Glassbrenner reported on the June 12, 2019 meeting of the Commission on Economic Development regarding discussion on the development of an incentive program to encourage new residential housing in Neillsville. Mayor Glassbrenner reported on the June 13, 2019 meeting of the Police and Fire Commission regarding a closed session for interviewing candidates for Chief of Police – the meeting adjourned in closed session. Council Member Neville reported on the June 13 and 20, 2019 meetings of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) financial report, 2) Miss Neillsville update, 3) discussion on kid’s games and signage, 4) golf outing update, 5) discussion on beer brands and volunteers, 6) the 2019 pottery piece is in; 7) updates on signage, golf outing and volunteers, 8) sponsoring the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event on Thursday, July 11th, 9) discussion with Gary Beil on Mormon Loggers activities for 2019 and future ‘Rock Swap’ event, 10) the new Schuster Park South restroom will be completed for the 2019 event, however, the pathway lighting will not be installed. Mayor Glassbrenner reported on the June 20, 2019 meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding: 1) Election of Officers – Harold Eddy, Chair, Wayne Wegner, Vice-Chair, Charles Glassbrenner, Secretary and Rex R. Roehl, Treasurer, 2) payment of bills, 3) current activities – refinishing the bench by the radio area, fixing the flag pole, cleaning and painting, 4) appointed building committee and insurance committee members and 5) approved insurance renewal without terrorism amendment. Council Member Quicker reported on the June 25, 2019 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills. Mayor Glassbrenner declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Mayor Glassbrenner asked if there were any questions on the Board of Cemetery Commissioners item. Motion Clough, second Counsell, to accept the recommendation to allow the transfer and reconveyance from Dorothy Larsen of Graves 1 and 2, Lot 44, Division AA, Map of 1969, to the City of Neillsville at the original purchase price of $300 each – total $600. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety (BOTS) Enforcement/Safety Grant in the amount of $3,984 for a laptop. Motion Quicker, second Neville, to accept and appropriate the $3,984 Wis DOT BOTS Enforcement/Safety Grant funds to Account No. 52100 Police Department Administration. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented a request from the Heritage Days Committee to extend the hours at Schuster Park under ordinance Section 7-8-4(a) and (c) to 1:00 A.M. on Friday, July 12, 2019 and Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Schuster Park for the Heritage Days event. Motion Neville, second Quicker, to approve the request under ordinance Section 7-8-4 (a) and (c) from the Heritage Days Committee to extend the closing hours to 1:00 A.M. and the noise hours to 12:30 A.M. to allow the bands to play on Friday, July 12, 2019 and Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Schuster Park for the Heritage Days event. All Aye. Mayor Glassbrenner stated the next agenda item is a Resolution to Support Development of a Non-Motorized Recreational Trail from Neillsville through Granton to Chili. Anyone wishing to speak on this issue should do so one time, go to the podium and state your name. Deanna Heiman, Vice-President, Neillsville Improvement Corporation, (NIC), stated that NIC was formed in 1989 during the repaving of ST HWY 73 through downtown with the goal to stimulate and strengthen the community and tourist trade. NIC was involved in development of the Town Square Park and Gazebo, Library expansion, three kiosk installations, geocaching locations and fully supports this resolution. This large scale project is listed in both the City’s Strategic Plan and Recreation Plan and NIC is willing to assist the City. Joye Eichten, Village Clerk-Treasurer, Village of Granton, on behalf of and with full support of the Village Board, agree the trail project will support both family and community involvement. Joe Hinchcliff, N3324 Shiners Road, Humbird, stated that he is not in favor of the bike trail. The City’s jurisdiction ends at the city limits, then it’s in the rural area. There is a lot of legalities along the way that need to be addressed. Jon Counsell, 603 East Street, Neillsville, presented a what is at stake background information letter sent to Xcel Energy with 80 signatures objecting to the trail project impact on the rural farming community. A trail is a trail and you cannot grow crops on it. Counsell stated that he had looked at the possibility of a trail a number of years ago, but it was about 35 years too late to work out. You will not be able to get into or out of Granton, because of landowners, and you also cannot get into Chili. You can buy land and call it a trail, but know what you are getting yourself into. When you factor in the development cost of $40,000 to $50,000 per mile you are talking $600,000 to $700,000. There are 19 bridges needed at $50,000 per bridge ($950,000). You are now looking at a multi-million dollar project. Where is the money going to come from. The time has passed and it is no longer a viable project. Julie Reineck, N3780 CTY HWY K, Granton, stated she is one of the landowners with an impassable spot. It is not all sunshine and rainbows. There are problems that arise with Rails to Trails. Bill Comstock, W4412 Ridge Road, Neillsville, stated that he has a big concern about the liability to landowners adjoining the proposed trail. He has been told that liability is unlikely, but there is liability if a child is involved. A child is anyone under 18. There are ponds and other things along the trail that a child can be investigating – the property owner may become liable. Mayor Glassbrenner called for further appearances, there being none, the Council only will discuss the resolution. City Attorney Wachsmuth read the following resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 597 CITY OF NEILLSVILLE RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF A NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL TRAIL FROM NEILLSVILLE THROUGH GRANTON TO CHILI WHEREAS, the City of Neillsville 2033 Comprehensive Plan includes the following sections related to the development of a biking/hiking trail on the old railroad grade adjacent to O’Neill Creek: Section 5.24: Includes a recommendation to “Investigate reuse of the vacated railroad right-of-way for the trail/bikeway,” Section 4.11 Requests the City “Work with Xcel Energy and landowners to develop a biking/hiking trail on the old railroad grade adjacent to O’Neill Creek.” Section 4.6 Recognizes the old railroad grade adjacent to O’Neill Creek as part of the Trail Interstate System identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; and, Section 4.9 Acknowledges trail funding programs through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Section 5.10 Reinforces the importance of civic organizations by stating, “Coordination with these groups with regard to planning or implementing programs should be considered and utilized whenever possible because of the guidance, funding, support and volunteer efforts the groups may provide. Civic organizations provide local governments a cost effective way to leverage tax dollars for community projects.” Section 7.5 Identifies the Neillsville Improvement Corporation as a local non- profit organization qualified to assist with economic development activities; and, WHEREAS, Recommendation Item 6 of the City of Neillsville Outdoor Recreation Plan located within the Clark County Outdoor Recreational Plan 2016-2021 (Pg. 91) builds upon the aforementioned recommendation by stating, “As suggested in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, partner with Xcel Energy, landowners, and community organizations to form an ad- hoc group to explore, plan, and take the leadership role to: Establish and develop a non- motorized walking/biking trail along O’Neill Creek then east to Granton and/or Chili.”; and, WHEREAS, the trail would convey bicyclists and pedestrians into downtown Neillsville, create economic growth, expand recreational offerings, promote physical health, foster a positive relationship with neighboring communities, and improve the overall quality of life in the area; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Neillsville does hereby proclaim its support of this recreational trail, and supports the Neillsville Improvement Corporation in its efforts to facilitate the process of design, engineering, construction, and grant procurement. ____________________________________ Charles Glassbrenner, Mayor ____________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk Council Member Counsell asked where does the trail go within the City. Council Member Clough stated there are three possibilities: 1) the old Legion Hall / Fountain Park area 2) a piece of privately owned land in the area 3) a piece of County owned land below the parking lot Council Member Clough stated it is early in the planning process. NIC is asking for the City’s support of what NIC is trying to do in planning and working on the project. Based on his past experience, the entire project will cost between $600,000 and $800,000 to build. Xcel will still hold an easement on the trail, 98% of the trail is currently owned by Xcel and 2% is privately held. Council Member Clough stated that NIC is trying to get partners for the project during the planning phase. There are no County or City dollars involved. Partnerships between government and non-profits will help with future grant opportunities. This is a feasible project, they have talked with landowners, now they are talking with adjacent landowners. City Attorney Wachsmuth questioned the need for a Resolution, since it is already in the City’s comprehensive plan. Council Member Clough stated co-signers are needed on grants. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated at a co-signer usually means dollar involvement. The Resolution does not say the City is not committed for funding. Council Member Clough stated that it is early in the process and we need to know the issues. Council Member Counsell stated that she has talked to people in her Ward and there is not a lot of people in support of the trail. We have other trails in the area-Listeman Arboretum and Levis Mounds. This doesn’t add a lot to what we have. At the NIC informational meeting, people had questions and NIC representatives refused to talk to them. Council Member Clough stated that it was an informational presentation with handouts available. You can’t talk in generalizations, we need to sit down and talk individual specifics and how it can be solved. NIC is trying to do an economic development project, there are thousands of these trails across the country and many of the problems suggested have not been proven. There are five active agricultural operations on the trail and we are planning on going around all five. Motion Clough, Council Member Counsell stated as President of NIC Clough should not be making the motion or voting on it. Counsell stated she would be abstaining because her property is involved. Council Member Clough stated that he has no monetary interest it. Motion Clough, second Quicker, that Resolution No. 597 be adopted. On roll call: Council Member Clough-Aye, Council Member Quicker-Aye, Council Member Neville-Aye, Council Member Counsell-Abstained, Council Member Weiers-Aye. 4-Aye, 0-Nay, 1-Abstained. Motion carried. Council Member Neville expressed disappointment that the pathway lights in Schuster Park will not be installed for the Heritage Days event 2019 even though funding was received in November, 2018 for it. Council Member Weiers stated the Beautification Committee’s banner design contest is underway with the contest submission deadline of July 1, 2019 fast approaching. City Clerk Roehl presented a Letter of Appreciation from Dave Harnisch, Richard Schleifer and Bob Petkovsek for the Council approving ATV/UTV ordinance changes; an invitation to Cummins 100-Year Anniversary in Neillsville, Friday, July 19, 2019; and the donation of two Leopold benches from the Aktion Club of Clark County and Neillsville Kiwanis Club. Temporary Class “B” Retailer’s License (Beer Only) Application: Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent for 1109 Prospect Street (Cliff’s Park) for July 13, 2019 – Heritage Days Volleyball event. Motion Quicker, second Counsell, to grant. Council Member Neville-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Soda Water License Application: Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent, for 1109 Prospect Street (Cliff’s Park) for July 13, 2019 - Heritage Days Volleyball event . Motion Clough, second Counsell, to grant. Council Member Neville-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Stephanie J. Beelman, Julie K. Boyer, Megan M. Boe, James W. Chadwick, Matthew L. Coulthard, Alison S. Dickinson, Meredith J. Donahue, Brian T. Eddy, Melanie M. Galen, Kaleb K. Grap, Logan K. Grap, Hunter J. Hand, Jennifer L. Hart, Dixie M. Hensler, Jenna N. Hilke, Alexandra R. Kind, Catherine A. Kleckner, Jodi N. Koepp, Nicholas M. Kuhn, Tamara A. Mallory, Linda L. Polzin, Wendy L. Proffitt, Jason J. Raine, MeKenna M. Ruzic, Mike L. Smock, Alexander B. Thums, Janel M. Thur, Ashley M. Trojan, Annette S. Vanderhoof, Constance J. Vanderhoof, Gregory M. Vanderhoof, Brandon L. Wampole, Amie L. Young, Dallas A. Zickert Motion Neville, second Quicker, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Motion Quicker, second Clough, that City Bills Nos. 576 to 633 in the amount of $510,477.30 be paid. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Counsell, to adjourn. All Aye. ___________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Mayor ___________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************