City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM MARCH 24 2020 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 three burials at the Cemetery, equipment maintenance, streets and sidewalks snow and ice removal, salting and sanding, trimming and pruning trees, chipping brush, maintaining street lighting, filling potholes, hauling brush and compost, burned brush pile, opened storm drains, started street sweeping in the downtown area and highways, the Sewer Department is doing lift station and plant maintenance, the Water Department is reading meters, meter change outs and adding radio readouts, Advanced Disposal is picking up trash in containers only-no bags separately. Jerilyn St. Amand, Sunset Place, stated that you can’t put another bag in a bag, you have to put it in a garbage can. This is a concern since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lives three days on plastics and with the garbage man handling these containers, he touches your garbage can and you can bring it into your house. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that Advanced Disposal is trying to protect its employees and still maintain collection services. Chair Quicker stated that Advanced Disposal’s policies are out of our control. City Attorney Waschsmuth suggested St. Amand contact Advanced Disposal directly with her concerns. St. Amand stated Advanced Disposal is not taking her calls. Motion Neville, second Weiers, that Water Bills Nos. 66 to 100 in the amount of $182,942.54 and Sewer Bills Nos. 52 to 71 in the amount of $163,506.11 be paid. All Aye. Motion Glassbrenner, second Quicker, to adjourn. All Aye. _____________________________________ Jerry L. Quicker, Chair ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM MARCH 24, 2020 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 March 17, 2020 meeting of the Library Board regarding: 1) librarians’ reports, 2) discussion on and approval of hiring Custom Home Repairs to repair the front steps and surrounding concrete for a price of $3,950.00 with Listeman Funds (Account No. 55110-900), 3) discussion on and approval of the Library Director and Assistants job description updates, 4) discussion on and approved filing the DPI annual report, 5) discussion on and approved to close the Library until further notice with limited curbside service upon request and staff will continue to work on other tasks for the foreseeable future, 6) payments of bills, 7) updates on donation and carryover funds and 8) all community events have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus National Health Emergency restrictions. Mayor Glassbrenner reported on the March 17, 2020 meeting of the Planning Commission regarding: 1) discussion on and recommendation to approve the Zoning Amendment on Parcels 261.0694.695, 261.0696.000, 261.0164.000 and 261.0166.000 formerly known as Memorial Hospital, Inc. and Country View, Inc., owners, and Mark Lisenby, Lisenby Properties, applicant from Single Family Residential (R-1) to Multi-Family Residential (R-2), 2) discussion on and recommendation to approve the abandonment of an alley located on the east side of Clay Street between Clay Street and Grand Avenue and an alley on the west side which dead ends to the west by the Clark County Highway Department building and 3) discussion on and recommendation to approve the construction of a new 100’ by 40’ Cemetery/Parks building. Council Member Clough reported on the March 18, 2020 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding: 1) discussion on and approval to use the new 2020 Application for Certificate of Appropriations form, 2) discussion on and approval to use the new 2020 Application for Demolishing a Historic Structure form, 3) discussion on a listing of historic properties, 4) discussion on an annual report of the Historic Preservation Commission’s yearly activities, 5) discussion on annual reporting to the Wisconsin Historical Society, 6) discussion on and approval of monthly Commission meeting on the third Wednesday each month, 7) discussion on and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement in the front of the building at 541 Hewett Street, Mark Lisenby, owner, 8) discussion on and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for an exterior sign replacement in front of the 1897 Clark County Jail Museum, Inc. building at 215 E. Fifth Street, Clark County, owner and 9) discussion on a Tour of Homes. Mayor Glassbrenner reported on the March 19, 2020 meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding: 1) payment of bills, 2) discussion on service door replacement, a roof leak and the building heaving causing a wall crack, 3) reviewed and accepted the 2019 Financial Statements. Council Member Quicker reported on the March 24, 2020 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills. Mayor Glassbrenner declared the report filed as presented with the City Clerk. 7:18 P.M. - Mayor Glassbrenner declared the Public Hearing on the Zoning Amendment from Single Family Residential (R-1) to Multi-Family Residential (R-2) for Parcel Nos. 261.0694.695, 261.0696.000, 261.0164.000 and 261.0166.000 known as Memorial Hospital, Inc. and Country View, Inc., 216 Sunset Place, d/b/a Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville, owner and Mark Lisenby, Lisenby Properties, applicant, now open. Mayor Glassbrenner stated that the Planning Commission at its March 17, 2020 meeting recommended approval of this Zoning Amendment as presented. Mayor Glassbrenner called for appearances. Jerilyn St. Amand, Sunset Place, stated that she has spoken to Lisenby, he is a very good landlord and this is a very good thing for the City. Director of Public Works Flynn stated that this public hearing was published in the Clark County Press and property owners within 300 feet have been notified. Flynn stated that due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Emergency Restrictions, Mark Lisenby is not present tonight, but he is available by telephone if needed. Flynn read a letter of support from Richard Schleifer. Flynn read a letter from Beth Darst, Darst Appraisal and owner of Black River Lodges, stating that the public hearing should have been cancelled in light of Governor Evers order that the public should stay home; that is lucky to find someone interested in the property; her concerns that if the zoning change is made, what stops it from being subsidized or lower scale housing, it will be new and fresh at first, but after a few years the situation may change, Neillsville is not high income area and they will rent to whomever is available, neighbors will have constantly changing people next door and this will affect the market ability and ultimately values of their homes. Flynn read a letter of support from Diane Renne. Renne stated that she has talked to Lisenby Properties-they plan to develop 40 apartment units (units will be either 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms). Flynn stated that Lisenby Properties contracts out for lawn care and snow removal services and has a regular maintenance crew. They also have no plans to go low income housing. Mayor Glassbrenner called three times for appearances, there being none. 7:25 P.M. - Mayor Glassbrenner declared the Zoning Amendment Public Hearing closed. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept the Planning Commission recommendation to approve the Zoning Amendment from Single Family Residential (R-1) to Multi-Family Residential (R-2) for Parcel Nos. 261.0694.695, 261.0696.000, 261.0164.000, 261.0166.000. All Aye. Mayor Glassbrenner asked if there were any questions on the Planning Commission (items 2 and 3). Motion Quicker, second Weiers, to accept the recommendation to abandon on alley located on the east side of Clay Street, between Clay Street and Grand Avenue, and an alley on the west side, which dead ends to the west, by the Clark County Highway Department building and begin the abandonment process. All Aye Motion Clough, second Weiers, to accept the recommendation to approve the construction of a new 100’ by 40’ Cemetery/Parks building. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl on behalf of Joy Palmer, CliftonLarsonAllen, presented the City, Water, Sewer, TIF District #2, TIF District #3, Special Revenue Funds and Other Governmental Funds 2019 Annual Audit Reports regarding: 1) the auditors’ report and opinion, 2) the City has $2.9 million in the General Funds with $1.9 million Unassigned Fund Balance, which is very good financial condition and very stable, 3) the Water utility shows a negative change in net position ($-36,883) and Sewer utility shows a positive change in net position ($51,578) with Rate of Returns (Water-<0.26>% and Sewer-1.15%) these were very close- over sight is needed to make sure the fluctuations are monitored and utility rates are updated and sufficient to cover increasing expenses and revenue changes, 4) TIF Districts #2 and #3 were reviewed-TIF Districts are large upfront investments ($2.1 million and $1.8 million respectively) recovered in future tax increments from the individual TIF Districts. The Council needs to be aware that TIF #2 has a deficit of $449,702 with 13 years remaining, the district was extended by the granting of distressed status in February 2016 by the State of Wisconsin, with a dissolution date of 2032. TIF #2 should payoff early. TIF #3 has 7 years of remaining life with a deficit of $614,964 which may not break even unless more development occurs, 5) risk disclosure on the City’s cash and investments were reviewed at years end-the majority (99%) was FDIC insured or collateralized-the remaining 1% was at Unity Bank under the State Deposit Guarantee Fund, which is not considered to be insured or collateralized, 6) reviewed the City’s long term debt-City statutory limit is $6.7 million with current borrowing of $1.6 million-with $5.1 million available, the City is in good financial shape, 7) GASB 68 and 71 statements regarding the City’s share of the Wisconsin Retirement Pension Plan, 8) the General Fund Budget Comparison was reviewed, 9) reviewed the Compiled Schedule Reports of long-term debt, non-lapsing funds, insurance, water and sewer rates of return-regulatory basis, 10) reviewed the City’s internal control structure-lack of separation of duties, preparation of financial statements and audit adjustments and 11) in conclusion the records are in very good working order, the staff was open and cooperative, the City had an overall good year, with good financial planning in place. Motion Quicker, second Neville, to accept and file the 2019 Annual Audit report as presented. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented a report on the City’s continuing appropriation accounts and their respective balances as of December 31, 2019. The following is a list of said accounts: Account No. 52100 Police Department Administration (K-9 Fund and Police Training), Account No. 53450 Parking Lots and Meters, Account No. 55110 Library (City and Foundation), Account No. 55250 Parks and Recreation-Room Tax 30%, Account No. 55340 Celebrations-July 4th, etc., Account No. 55360 Christmas Decorations, Account No. 56300 Planning (Historic Preservation), Account No. 56600 Urban Development, Account No. 56700 Economic Development Administration, Account No. 56750 Tourism Promotion-Room Tax 70%, Account No. 57140 Public Buildings, Account No. 57220 Public Safety-Fire Department Vehicles, Account No. 57320 Machinery and Equipment, Account No. 57330 Street Construction, Account No. 57332 Bridges and Culverts, Account No. 57350 Airport, Account No. 57620 Parks. Motion Counsell, second Clough, to carry forward to 2020 the continuing appropriations as presented. All Aye. City Attorney Wachsmuth read the following resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 602 RESOLUTION TO DISCONTINUE CLAY STREET ALLEYS PURSUANT TO §661.1003(4) WIS. STATS. WHEREAS, the City of Neillsville Common Council, on the 26th day of May, 2020, desires to vacate and discontinue the Clay Street alleys, as described below, in the City of Neillsville, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Neillsville will hold a hearing on the 26th day of May, 2020, which is a date not less than forty (40) days after the introduction of this resolution at the City Hall in the City of Neillsville, Wisconsin, with notice of the hearing and services to be provided to all interested landowners at least thirty (30) days prior to the hearing. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Neillsville Common Council will act on a resolution to discontinue and vacate the below noted alleys on the 26th day of May, 2020, at 7:15 p.m. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a lis pendens will be filed with the Register of Deeds, Clark County in the matter under §840.11, Wis. Stats. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk/Treasurer will publish a notice as to the hearing as a Class III notice in the official City newspaper. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the alleys to be discontinued and vacated are described as: The alley located in Block 47 of S. F. Hewett’s Addition to the City of Neillsville, between Clay Street and Grand Avenue. The alley located in that part of Lot 330 of the Assessment Plat of the City of Neillsville, West of Clay Street. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the public interest, the above noted alleys should be discontinued, and to that end the above noted notice and hearing procedure shall be followed to insure compliance with §66.1003(4) and §840.11, Wis. Stats.  ___________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Mayor _____________________ Rex R. Roehl, City Clerk Motion Quicker, second Cousell, that Resolution No. 602 be adopted. All Aye. City Attorney Wachsmuth read the following resolution stating that this is more about being prepared and being able to get assistance. RESOLUTION NO. 603 RESOLUTION DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY PURSUANT TO WIS. STATS. §323.11 WHEREAS, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is contagious, and at times fatal respiratory disease, with an extreme risk of person-to-person transmission and significantly affects the lives and health of citizens, as well as the economy, and is a disaster that impacts the health, safety and security of the public; and, WHEREAS, on 01/30/2020 the World Health Organization has designated COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern, and on 01/31/2020 the United States Health and Human Services Secretary has declared a public health emergency for the entire United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, on 03/11/2020 the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 outbreak to be a pandemic; and, WHEREAS, on 03/12/2020 the Governor of the State of Wisconsin declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19 through Executive Order #72; and, WHEREAS, on 03/13/2020 the President of the United States declared a national emergency with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic; and, WHEREAS, COVID-19 is likely to or is expected to impact the City of Neillsville; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stats. §323.11, it is necessary and expedient for the health, safety and welfare and good order of the City of Neillsville to proclaim that emergency conditions exist which has or is imminently likely to cause the City of Neillsville to extend, commit and exhaust its available resources; and, WHEREAS, the City of Neillsville may request state and federal assistance and advise the State of Wisconsin of its emergency conditions; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to §323.11 Wis. Stats., the Common Council for the City of Neillsville proclaims and declares: 1. That a public health state of emergency exists in the City of Neillsville; 2. That the City of Neillsville authorizes the emergency purchase of goods, materials and services; 3. That the City of Neillsville authorizes the closure or other appropriate restrictive limitations related to access by the public in and to all municipal buildings as determined by the Mayor of the City of Neillsville; 4. That the Neillsville Police Department shall have all necessary authority and power to enforce any emergency rules and restrictions declared by the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, the Clark County Board of Supervisors and/or the Neillsville Common Council or its Mayor;  5. That the City of Neillsville authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to assist and take all appropriate measures related to municipal employees in addressing and responding to this state of emergency; and, 6. That this declaration shall be implemented consistent with applicable laws and subject to the availability of existing monies for such purposes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this declaration shall take effect immediately and shall continue until the state of emergency from COVID-19 ceases, or until further resolution. ___________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Mayor _____________________ Rex R. Roehl, City Clerk Motion Quicker, second Clough, that Resolution No. 603 be adopted. All Aye. Council Member Weiers reported that all Recreation Department activities have been cancelled until further notice. Mayor Glassbrenner responded to the public hearing comment, that the public hearing should have been cancelled. The public hearing was legal, the Governor’s order was reviewed, comments have been accepted by telephone, email, regular mail and in person, with the Clerk’s office help the meeting room set up has been adjusted. Mayor Glassbrenner reported on representing the City of Neillsville at The Highground recognition banquet-the City received a recognition plaque for support of The Highground; attending the United Communities of Clark County meeting in Abbotsford for a presentation on residential TIF Districts; the Neillsville Tourism Commission me and disbursed about $23,000 in Room Tax funds from 2019. City Clerk Roehl presented the following notices in light of the COVID-19 pandemic: Neillsville Shared Ride Taxi-with discontinue multi passenger rides and riders will be asked to ride in the backseat; Advanced Disposal will not collect any trash or recycling not containerized and bulk item pick up is suspended until further notice. Tavern Operator’s License Application: Samantha L. McDonald Motion Clough, second Neville, to grant. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Clough, that City Bills Nos. 282 to 327 in the amount of $524,091.82 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Charles W. Glassbrenner, Mayor _______________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************