City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Clough presiding. On roll call: Council Member Counsell absent, all other members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on seven burials at the Cemetery, lawn mowing and weed trimming, weed spraying, brush mowing, working on the 2022 budget, patching potholes, removed fountain from O’Neill Creek, clearing off dam, working on leaf vac, hauling brush, hauling black dirt from the Xcel Energy construction site in the Industrial Park, Water Department-daily testing and maintenance, utility locates, exercising water main valves, meter reading, updating controls on sulfur tanks, Sewer Department–testing and lab work, lift station maintenance, getting quotes to repair sludge mixer, preparing for Fall sludge hauling and filing reports with the DNR, submitted annual phosphorus progress report to the DNR and an electronics recycling event will be held on October 15, 2021 from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Clark Recycling Center. Motion Perrine, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. ________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair _________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Murphy presiding. On roll call: Council Member Counsell absent, all other members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meetings were declared approved. City Clerk Roehl reported on the August 30, 2021 meeting of the Police and Fire Commission regarding: 1) a closed session on reviewing Firefighter candidates and 2) reconvening into open session to hire Lathum Schleis, Samantha Featherston, Clint Hannasch and Cody Kallian as Firefighters, subject to a one-year probation period. Council Member Harnisch reported on the August 30, September 2 and 10, 2021 meetings of the Beautification Committee regarding: 1) discussion on the Prock Park dedication on September 2, 2021 at 2:00 P.M., 2) discussion on Fall and Winter decorations, 3) discussion on landscaping at the new City Hall, 4) discussion on landscaping at the Neillsville Library, 5) discussion on 2022 plants and flowers, 6) authorized sending a letter to Amos and Barb Yoder vacating the 2022 contract, 7) discussion on recognizing Kathy Turner for her years on the Beautification Committee, 8) discussion on a new sign for the tree in the Town Square, 9) authorized a new sign and post recognizing the Pierce Family for donating the tree in the Town Square, 10) work on and referral of the proposed 2022 Beautification budget to the Finance Committee; 11) the dedication ceremony at Prock Park; 12) discussion with Matt Miller, Eason Horticultural Resources (EHR), on flower pots and baskets, 13) discussion on funds, 14) discussion on and authorized getting quotes from Matt Miller (EHR) to replace forty baskets, 15) discussion on 2022 flowers and 16) discussion on flower pots for the new City Hall. Council Member Neville reported on the September 8, 2021 meeting of Heritage Days Committee regarding work on and referral of the 2022 Heritage Days budget to the Finance Committee. Mayor Murphy reported on the September 9, 2021 meeting of the Property Committee-City Hall and Police Department regarding 1) insulation work is done, 2) HVAC work is done, the cooling system needed addition of work and coolant, 3) plumbing fixes are done, 4) electrical fixes are done, automatic switches are in process, 5) Stratford Sign Company has received the down payment and are working on the City Hall monument sign, 6) Kuhn’s Decorating will be doing the carpet tile installation, 7) Russell’s has completed the tile installation in the vault and IT room, 8) Erickson Construction has installed the cabinets and countertops and waiting on the flooring installation to finish, 9) TDS is set to install the telephones, 10) Charter has replaced the incorrect modem and waiting on the flooring installation to finish to set up equipment, 11) Ray’s Electric is cabling the office areas, 12) Audio Architects won’t come in until everyone else is done and cleaned up, 13) the Beautification Committee has requested the purchase of larger pots for flowers and has been pruning and weeding around the new City Hall location, 14) authorized the purchase of three larger pots for flowers, 15) still working on directional signage, tables and chairs and 16) discussion on Police Department needs at the old City Hall building. Council Member Neville reported on the September 9, 2021 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding 1) a closed session on reviewing and interviewing candidates for the City Custodian position and non-union employees wages and benefits, 2) reconvening into open session, 3) the recommendation to the Finance Committee a 2% increase in wages for all non -union employees across the board and 4) the recommendation to hire Barb Boyer as an Other Part-time employee for IT services at $20 per hour effective September 16, 2021. Council Member Neville reported on the September 9, 2021 meeting of the Airport Commission regarding work on and referral of the proposed 2022 Airport operating and capital budgets to the Finance Committee. Mayor Murphy reported on the September 9, 2021 meeting of the Planning Commission regarding 1) discussion on the Roger Heineck property, 1004 E. Second Street (Parcel No. 261.1399.000), extends 50 feet into E. Second Street right-of-way and the owner wants to deed that portion to the City, 2) the recommendation to accept the portion of the Heineck property extended into the right-of-way of E. Second Street, 3) discussion on the Gary Nauertz request for possible purchase or easement on right-of-way westward extension of W. Tenth Street and 4) the recommendation to abandon and deed the right-of-way to Gary Nauertz provided he covers all associated legal fees and costs. Council Member Clough reported on the September 14, 2021 meeting of the Commission of Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities. Mayor Murphy declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Jerilyn St. Amand reported that both President Biden and Governor Evers has ordered the flags lowered to half staff at the end of August, however none of the City flags were lowered. Mayor Murphy presented Michelle Pickett a plaque thanking her for her 14 1/3 years of service as a Parks & Recreation Board Member (2007-2021). Mayor Murphy asked if there were any questions on the Personnel Committee item (4). Motion Neville, second Clough, to accept the recommendation to hire Barb Boyer as an Other Part-time employee for IT services at $20 per hour effective September 16, 2021. All Aye. Mayor Murphy asked if there were any questions on the Planning Commission items (2 and 4). Motion Perrine, second Clough, to accept the recommendation to accept the portion of the Roger Heineck property at 1004 E. Second Street (Parcel No. 261.1399.000) extended into the right-of-way of E. Second Street. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl stated there is a statutory process for the abandonment of a proposed right- of-way. A motion is need to proceed with the process. Motion Neville, second Perrine, to proceed with the process to abandon the right-of-way westward extension of W. Tenth Street. All Aye. Mayor Murphy read the following resolution as part of the Planning Commission report. City of Neillsville Planning Commission Resolution # 614 Creation of Tax Incremental District Number Four, City of Neillsville in Clark County WHEREAS, the City of Neillsville (the “City”) has determined that the use of Tax Incremental Financing is required to promote and encourage orderly growth and development within the City; and WHEREAS, Tax Incremental District Number Four (TID #4) is proposed to be created by the City as a district in need of development and redevelopment in accordance with the provisions of Wisconsin Statutes Section 66.11005 (the “Tax Increment Financing Law”); and WHEREAS, the City Planning Commission has prepared a Project Plan for TID #4 that includes: a. A statement listing the kind, number, and location of all proposed public works or improvements within TID #4, or to the extent provided in Wisconsin Statutes Sections 66.1105(2)(f)1.k. and 66.1105(2)(f)1.n., outside the District; b. An economic feasibility study; c. A detailed list of estimated project costs; d. A description of the methods of financing of all estimated project costs and the time when the related costs or monetary obligations are to be incurred; e. A map showing existing uses and conditions of real property in TID #4; f. A map showing proposed improvements and uses in TID #4; g. Proposed changes of zoning ordinances, master plan, map, building codes, and City ordinances; h. A list of estimated non-project costs; i. A statement of the proposed plan for relocation of any persons to be displaced; j. A statement indicating how the District promotes the orderly development of the City; k. An opinion of the City Attorney or of an attorney retained by the City advising that the Project Plan is complete and complies with Wisconsin Statutes Section 66.1105(4)(f); and WHEREAS, prior to its publication, a copy of the notice of public hearing was sent to the chief executives of Clark County, the Neillsville Area School District, and the Chippewa Valley Technical College in accordance with the procedures specified in the Tax Increment Financing Law; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the procedures specified in the Tax Increment Financing Law, the City Planning Commission on August 19, 2021, held a public hearing concerning the Project Plan, boundaries, and proposed creation of TID #4, providing interested parties a reasonable opportunity to express their view thereon; and WHEREAS, after said public hearing, the City Planning Commission designated the boundaries of TID #4, adopted the Project Plan, and recommended to the Common Council that it create TID #4 and approve the Project Plan.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Neillsville that: 1. TID #4 shall be named “Tax Incremental District Number Four, City of Neillsville in Clark County” and the boundary for TID #4 is hereby established and designated as specified in Exhibit A of this Resolution. 2. TID #4 is created effective January 1, 2021. 3. The Common Council finds and declares that: (a) Not less than 50% by area of the real property within TID #4 is suitable for mixed-use development consisting of commercial and residential uses. (b) Not more than 35% by area of the real property within TID #4 is proposed for newly platted residential use and no newly platted residential development is proposed within the Project Plan for which the density or design requirements within Wisconsin Statutes 66.1105(2)(f)3 apply. (c) Based upon the findings as stated in 3(a) and 3(b) above, TID #4 is declared to be a mixed-use district within the meaning of Wisconsin Statutes 66.1105(2)(cm). (d) The project costs identified in the Project Plan relate directly to promoting mixed-used residential and commercial development and redevelopment within TID #4 and are consistent with the purpose for which TID #4 is created. (e) The planned improvements are likely to enhance significantly the value of substantially all of the other real property within TID #4. (f) The Project Plan for TID #4 is feasible and is consistent with the City of Neillsville Comprehensive Plan. (g) All property within TID #4 was within the boundaries of the City of Neillsville as of January 1, 2004, and the boundaries of TID #4 include only whole units of contiguous property as are assessed for general property tax purposes. (h) The equalized value of taxable property in TID #4 plus the value increment of all other existing tax incremental districts within the City does not exceed 12% of the total equalized value of taxable property within the City. (i) The City estimates that less than 35% of the territory within TID #4 will be devoted to retail business at the end of TID #4’s maximum expenditure period, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Section 66.1105(5)(b). 4. The Project Plan for “Tax Incremental District Number Four, City of Neillsville in Clark County” (attached as Exhibit B) is hereby approved and adopted. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Neillsville hereby approves the creation of Tax Incremental District Number Four, City of Neillsville in Clark County. ADOPTED this 14th day of September, 2021. Diane L. Murphy, Mayor Rex R. Roehl, Clerk/Treasurer Motion Clough, second Perrine, that Resolution No. 614 be adopted. All Aye. Mayor Murphy presented a request from the Neillsville Fire Department to close W. Eight Street from Grand Avenue to Hewett Street and West Street from W. Eighth Street to the rear parking lot of the Brickyard Bar & Grill for their steak feed fundraiser on October 2, 2021 from approximately 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Motion Neville, second Harnisch, to grant the Neillsville Fire Department request to close W. Eighth Street from Grand Avenue to Hewett Street and West Street from W. Eighth Street to the rear parking lot of the Brickyard Bar & Grill for the steak feed fundraiser on October 2, 2021 from approximately 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl reported on receiving the following donations from the Listeman Foundation: Christmas Decorations $1,000 Water Fountain for O’Neill Creek $8,600 Motion Perrine, second Harnisch, to accept and appropriate $1,000 to Account No. 55360 Christmas Decorations and $8,600 to Account No. 57620 Parks Outlay, and to thank the Listeman Foundation for their donation. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl opened and read the following proposals for a $550,000 loan to finance the purchase and remodeling of the former BMO Bank building/property at 106 W. Division Street for a new City Hall. Citizens State Bank – 2.30%, ten-year repayment Associated Bank – 2.82%, ten-year repayment Unity Bank – 2.83%, ten-year repayment Motion Neville, second Clough, to accept the Citizens State Bank proposal for financing the $550,000 City Hall building loan at 2.30% with no fees and ten-year repayment. All Aye. Chief of Police Mankowski reported on LGBTQ+ training, personnel opening, August citations, warnings, complaints, business checks and activity hours. Council Member Clough reported that the DNR grant application that was filed was for two programs. The Recreational Trails Program grant was not received; however, we are still in the running for the Stewardship Local Assistance or Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund grant. City Clerk Roehl received a letter from Clark County stating the Clark Count Tentative Supervisory District Plan was adopted on September 9, 2021. The City of Neillsville has until October 18, 2021 to adjust it ward boundaries and pass a resolution adjusting those boundaries. The City of Neillsville retains its two County Supervisors; therefore we will have three smaller wards and two larger wards to maintain the City’s five ward setup. City Clerk Roehl reported on the Federal Mask Requirement for our taxi service, since the City receives federal funds. The Federal orders are not affected by the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision of March 31, 2021. City Clerk Roehl presented a letter from James D. Mohr proposing that the City consider a designated walking trail from the City to the new hospital. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Madison R. Betlaf, Charles J. Neuendorf and Penelope K. Wesbrook Motion Harnisch, second Clough, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Clough, that City Bills Nos. 815 to 865 in the amount of $109,775.16 be paid. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Perrine, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Diane L. Murphy, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk