City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM DECEMBER 22, 2020 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Clough presiding. On roll call: all members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on two burials at the Cemetery, Gross Motors donated security lights to the Parks Department, the electrical, plumbing and drywall are done, the office painted and the flooring installed by Cemetery Sexton Barth, the boiler is up and running, garage doors are in and the contractor should meet the deadline at the new Cemetery building, filling pot holes, burnt the brush pile, equipment maintenance, salted the main roads, hospital and school routes, hauling brush and compost, the Water Department – meter changeouts and installed radio readouts, finished meter reading, working inventory, daily testing and maintenance, monthly Bac-T samples collected and safe, the Sewer Department – lift station and plant maintenance, daily testing, lining of sewer main on Clay Street in preparation for the new hospital usage, 2021 Safety Grant Program reimbursement up to $1,035 for safety items, the new hospital has crossed our water main with an open trench above it. Motion Neville, second Counsell, to adjourn. All Aye. ___________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM DECEMBER 22, 2020 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Murphy presiding. On roll call: all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Mayor Murphy reported on December 10, 2020 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding: 1) discussion on and recommendation to accept the Police Union Contract 2021 - 2022 as negotiated, 2) discussion on and recommendation that Police Secretary Jill Kyle receive a $500 lump sum payment for working during COVID-19 with payment coming out of the Police Department Overtime budget, 3) a closed session per Section 19.85(1)(c) of Wis. Stats. to consider employment, promotion, compensation, performance or evaluation of public employees over which the City of Neillsville has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, specifically, wages, benefits and conditions of employment in regard to reviews and interviews: Director of Public Works position, Water Foreman position, Utility Operator #1 position, Utility Operator #2 position, Public Works Operator positions, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer position and Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position, 4) reconvening into open session with recommendations, 5) recommendation that Luke Friemoth’s hiring as Director of Public Works, upon review, be confirmed finalized, 6) recommendation to transfer Kyle Friemoth to the Water Foreman position effective January 1, 2021 at $23.46 per hour ($23.21 + $ .25 differential), 7) recommendation to transfer John Schoen to the Utility Operator #1 position effective January 1, 2021 at $20.45 per hour ($20.20 + $ .25 differential), 8) recommendation to transfer Matthew Thoma to the Utility Operator #2 position effective January 1, 2021 at $20.45 per hour ($20.20 + $ .25 differential), 9) recommendation that the Vacant Public Works Operator position be advertised with wages based on qualifications and licensing, 10) recommendation to transfer Michelle Grap to the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer position effective January 1, 2021 at $18.00 per hour and 11) recommendation that the Vacant Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position be advertised with wages based on qualifications. Council Member Neville reported on the December 17, 2020 meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding: 1) payment of bills, 2) discussion on mud jacking the building wall crack – will watch through the Winter and review in the Spring and 3) approved payment of the 2021 operating and capital budget support payments by March 31, 2021. Mayor Murphy reported on the December 21, 2020 Police and Fire Commission regarding: 1) sixteen people appearing in support of Police Chief Mankowski and 2) a closed session per Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(b) for the purpose of considering the demotion, dismissal, licensing, discipline or tenure of a public employee or a person licensed by a board or commission in regard to complaints against the Police Chief and his probationary period – the meeting adjourned in closed session. Council Member Counsell stated all sixteen people who appeared were there in support of Police Chief Mankowski. Council Member Clough reported on the December 22, 2020 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills. Mayor Murphy declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Dave Flynn, retired Director of Public Works, stated that he is glad to see Chief of Police Mankowski is being recognized with a ‘Certificate of Commendation and Expression of Appreciation’. It is good to see credit given, where credit is due, it takes a lot to gain the respect of the general public. Jerilyn St Amand stated that she appreciates what the police do and that the impact of Chief Mankowski is felt. Why do ex-officers get their complaints heard, but nothing is done for others. What is the process for filing a claim. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated the process of filing a complaint depends on the type of complaint. St Amand thanked Council Members Clough and Counsell for showing up at the Police and Fire Commission meeting. Jon Counsell, retired Clark County Judge, stated that the comments heard are reflective of what was said at last nights Police and Fire Commission meeting. The most interesting part is the expression of change for the better under Chief Mankowski and his officers. Past officers brought fear of retaliation and intimidation. Under Chief Mankowski, you hear the terms – friendly, willing to work with people, he gets the job done without being mean. With people now coming forward about their fears of the past, it should tell how much has changed for the better and will continue forward under Chief Mankowski. Chief Mankowski’s outreach and connection with the community proves it. Irving Schutte stated yesterday’s Police and Fire Commission meeting included a very diverse group of citizens in support of Chief Mankowski. Mankowski has engaged our community – officers walk about, they get to know people and people get to know them, they are not afraid of each other, and that is important. Council Member Harnisch stated that he was not comfortable in attending the Police and Fire Commission meeting, because of the COVID-19 virus, but he is in support of Chief Mankowski. Mayor Murphy asked if there were any questions on the Personnel Committee items (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11). Council Member Counsell asked if there were any major changes to the Police Union Contract. City Attorney Wachsmuth replied, no major changes – the contract is for two years instead of the previous three years and wage increases each year. Motion Clough, second Neville, to accept the recommendation to accept the Police Union Contract 2021 – 2022 as negotiated. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept the recommendation that Police Secretary Jill Kyle receive a $500 lump sum payment for working during COVID-19 with payment coming out of the Police Department Overtime budget. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Clough, to accept the recommendation that Luke Friemoth’s hiring as Director of Public Works, upon review, be confirmed and finalized. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Clough, to accept the recommendation to transfer Kyle Friemoth to the Water Foreman position effective January 1, 2021 at $23.46 per hour ($23.21 + $ .25 differential). All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept the recommendation to transfer John Schoen to the Utility Operator #1 position effective January 1, 2021 at $20.45 per hour ($20.20 = $ .25 differential). All Aye. Motion Clough second Counsell, to accept the recommendation to transfer Matthew Thoma to the Utility Operator #2 position effective January 1, 2021 at $20.45 per hour ($20.20 + $ .25 differential). All Aye. Motion Neville, second Clough, to accept the recommendation that the Vacant Public Works Operator position be advertised with wages based on qualifications and licensing. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Perrine, to accept the recommendation to transfer Michelle Grap to the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer position effective January 1, 2021 at $18.00 per hour. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept the recommendation that the Vacant Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position be advertised with wages based on qualifications. All Aye. Council Member Counsell stated that she had a commendation and expression of appreciation to the Neillsville Police Department, it’s officers and in particular Chief James Mankowski for their efforts in 2020 placed on the agenda. Council Member Counsell read the following: Certificate of Commendation and Expression of Appreciation to the Neillsville Police Department, its Officers and Staff, and Chief James Mankowski Whereas, 2020 presented difficulties in the form of Covid-19 virus response, exposure and illness; and,  Whereas, 2020 has presented difficulties in staffing levels to the City of Neillsville Police Department due to officer resignations and turnover; and, Whereas, 2020 has stretched the resources and staff of the City of Neillsville Police Department to extreme limits; NOW THEREFORE BE IT DECLARED that the City of Neillsville Common Council does hereby express its appreciation to the City of Neillsville Police Department and commend its officers and staff for their extraordinary and heroic efforts in meeting the ongoing needs of all City of Neillsville Residents and Businesses in the face of Covid-19 adversity and other difficulties of 2020; and, BE IT FURTHER DECLARED that the City of Neillsville Common Council does hereby express its appreciation to City of Neillsville Police Chief James Mankowski for his exceptional leadership, skills and devotion to duty in managing the City of Neillsville Police Department to benefit all City of Neillsville Residents and Businesses in the face of Covid-19 adversity and other difficulties of 2020. Motion Neville, second Clough, to approve the Certificate of Commendation as presented. All Aye. Council Member Neville thanked Council Member Counsell for putting this on the agenda, as we must continue to support the Chief and his officers. We know the problems we have had and it is important everyone gets due process. Council Member Harnisch stated that he requested that an initial discussion on virtual Common Council meetings be placed on the agenda. Council Member Harnisch reported on contacting Clark County personnel who have run virtual meetings for the County, researched information on Zoom costs, suggested Council Members research more on their own, the City uses Bauernfeind for IT services, the City Attorney has provided a Department of Justice Advisory on open meetings, it is something to consider for illness or weather or maybe as a combination hybrid. Council Member Clough asked if Council Member Harnish was proposing something. Council Member Harnisch stated not at this time. Mayor Murphy stated that a lot of people watch the Council meetings from home and they don’t have a computer. The DOJ Advisory states it may be particularly burdensome or infeasible for some individuals, the deaf or hearing impaired. We have to look at all aspects. Council Member Harnisch stated everyone should think it over and put it on the next agenda. Council Member Counsell stated that there are a lot of different types of equipment out there, the City does not have an IT Department, the public will be the biggest problem. Council Member Harnisch stated you have to provide a contact number and link, many people have smart phones and can listen in. Council Member Clough stated he listened in on the County Board meeting on his phone, but the County still had some people on location. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that the court system has had a higher amount of participation, because people don’t have to travel, but you have both some who only appear in person and some who prefer not to travel. Mayor Murphy stated that some County Board Members have difficulty understanding each other and others. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that she is very frustrated lately. She has had people walk up to her and ask about something they should have no information about, things in closed session are not supposed to be let out in public. Don’t tell anyone, your spouse, co-worker, friends, etc. Things should never come out until properly brought out. Council Member Counsell stated things are in closed session for a reason. Appointment of Successor Agent: American Legion Post 73, Joely C. Walter, Agent, 6 Boon Boulevard Motion Neville, second, Clough, to grant. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Clough, that City Bills Nos. 1191 to 1254 in the amount of $477,914.13 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. ___________________________________ Diane L. Murphy, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************