City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Clough presiding. On roll call: Council Member Neville absent, all other members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on three burials at the Cemetery, lawn mowing and weed trimming, mulching leaves, brush mowing, working on the 2022 budget, patching potholes, tarring the airport runways, tarring streets, hauling brush, Water Department-daily testing and maintenance, utility locates, meter reading, high/low meter reading checks, changing out meters, assisting Street Department, Sewer Department–testing and lab work, lift station maintenance, repaired the sludge tank blower starter, general plant maintenance, a couple of park restrooms were vandalized last Thursday. Motion Murphy, second Counsell, that Water Bills Nos. 208 to 228 in the amount of $90,932.70 and Sewer Bills Nos. 158 to 176 in the amount of $69,608.89 be paid. All Aye. Motion Perrine, second Harnisch, to adjourn. All Aye. ________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair _________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Murphy presiding. On roll call: Council Member Neville absent, all other members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meetings were declared approved. Mayor Murphy reported on the September 14, 2021 meeting of the Finance Committee regarding: 1) discussion on the budget process and directions to the department heads and committees, 2) discussion on the Personnel Committee recommendations for non-union employee wages and benefits for 2022 and setting the budget meeting schedule. Council Member Harnisch reported on the September 15, 2021 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding: 1) discussion on the Historic Property Evaluation of Significance Form and nomination of property to the City of Neillsville Local Registry of Historic Places for the Merchants Hotel property, 105 W. Seventh Street, 2) the recommendation to place the Merchants Hotel property, 105 W. Seventh Street, on the City of Neillsville Local Registry of Historic Properties, 3) discussion on the Clark County Jail Museum options for evaluating scope of work and funding, 4) work on and referral of the proposed 2022 Historic Preservation budget to the Finance Committee and 5) discussion on funds. Mayor Murphy reported on the September 16, 2021 meeting of the Commission on Economic Development regarding: 1) work on and referral of the proposed 2022 Economic Development budget to the Finance Committee, 2) discussion on future residential development and 3) discussion on the City’s housing grant program for new residential construction. City Attorney Wachsmuth presented the September 16, 2021 meeting of Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding: 1) payment of bills, 2) discussion and approval for the Firemen’s Club to use the Fire Hall for their annual steak feed fundraiser and 3) work on and approval of 2022 operating and capital budgets. City Attorney Wachsmuth presented the September 17, 2021 meeting of the Adjourned Board of Review regarding: 1) examination of the City’s 2021 Assessment Roll for errors and omissions and to hear assessment objections and 2) no property owners appeared in objection to their assessments. Council Member Counsell reported on the September 21, 2021 meeting of the Library Board regarding: 1) librarians’ reports, 2) discussion on pandemic protocols, 3) work on and referral of the 2022 Library budget to the Finance Committee, 4) discussion on and authorization to exceed the Equipment budget line in order to purchase a replacement printer for up to $1,200, 5) discussion on and approval for the Library Director and Children’s Librarian to attend the Wisconsin Library Association conference in Green Bay on November 16 to 19, 2021, 6) reviewed the bills and 7) updates on donation and carryover funds. Council Member Perrine reported on the September 22, 2021 meeting of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners regarding: 1) a presentation by Sierra Strangfeld, Smiling for Samuel, Inc., of a project proposal for an Infant Loss Memorial to be built in the Neillsville Cemetery, 2) discussion on and recommendation to approve the Infant Loss Memorial project as presented, 3) current activities and 4) work on and referral of the 2022 Cemetery budget to the Finance Committee. Council Member Perrine reported on the September 22, 2021 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding: 1) current activities of the Parks Department, 2) current activities of the Recreation Department, 3) work on and referral of the proposed 2022 Recreation Department budget to the Finance Committee and 4) work on and referral of the proposed 2022 Parks Department budget to the Finance Committee. City Clerk Roehl reported on the September 28, 2021 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding: 1) a closed session on reviewing applications and interviewing candidates for the City Custodian position and 2) reconvening into open session with the recommendation to hire Cheryl Meihak for the Other Part-time City Custodian position at $12.00 per hour effective on or after October 1, 2021 with a one-year probation period. Council Member Clough reported on the September 28, 2021 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. Mayor Murphy asked if there were any questions on the Historic Preservation Commission item (2). Natalie Erpenbach, Historic Preservation Commission Chair, presented the Historic Preservation Property Evaluation of Significance Form and nomination of property to the City of Neillsville Local Registry of Historic Places for the Merchants Hotel property, 105 W. Seventh Street. Erpenbach stated the process was started by a former owner and then withdrawn. The historical significance has not changed, it has a deep history, including the move across O’Neill Creek from the northside. An addition to the West was added, it does need work, the listing gives the City options. The goal and charge of the Historic Preservation Commission is to protect and preserve historical properties. The building could be sold and demolished without our input. Listing opens the possibility of State and National funding, if pursued. We have to use common sense, look at and review options. Council Member Counsell stated by law you cannot stop a demolition, it still can be torn down. Why not proceed with State/National listing – that’s where the money is. Erpenbach stated that the owners could continue. Council Member Clough stated the listing is another tool in the toolbox – another designation to help save the building. Mayor Murphy asked if someone buys the building, how long do they have to do something. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated if the building is unsafe the City has to push the issue, it is not within the Historic Preservation Commission realm to do so, the owners have to preserve the outside façade, it has nothing to do with the inside. Council Member Counsell stated that the are tax credits and money for the inside too. City Attorney Wachsmuth asked if the owners are behind this designation. Erpenbach stated they were for it in the past and are not opposed. Mayor Murphy asked if the City’s hands are tied if someone buys it and it sits for two years, then the City makes the hard decision to tear it down. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated not tied, but more difficult. Erpenback stated the Historic Preservation Commission could issue a “Demolition Certificate”. The City Council has the final say. Council Member Harnisch stated that the Historic Preservation Commission has talked on this detail for several meetings, and a plaque on the building may help the sale or find an investor. Motion Clough, second Harnisch, to accept the recommendation to place the Merchants Hotel property, 105 W. Seventh Street, on the City of Neillsville Local Registry of Historic Properties. All Aye. Mayor asked if there were any questions on the Board of Cemetery Commissioners item (2). Sierra Strangfeld and Caitlyn Genteman, Smiling for Samuel, Inc., presented a project proposal for an Infant Loss Memorial to be built in the Neillsville Cemetery. After talking with Cemetery Sexton Regan Barth, a 20’ x 57’ space on the northwest side across the road from the round flower bed, in an unplattable unusable space was chosen. The space would consist of a 20’ x 20’ circular paved concrete area, with a 50”h x 34”w x 66”d Infant Loss Memorial Statue, one to three memorial benches and a brick walkway 37’ long by 4’ wide composed of paver bricks. The paver bricks would be available in three sizes, engraved with epoxy filled font – sold as a fundraiser. The project would be done in a phased approach – 1) fundraising for the Memorial Monument, 2) fundraising for the location work and 3) construction. The Cemetery Board has approved and we are asking for the City Council’s approval Council Member Counsell asked what the time frame is. Strangfeld stated the sculpture will take eight to twelve months – Spring of 2023. Genteman stated an 18 to 24 month turn around. Council Member Clough asked if they were asking the City to donate the plots or if they were going to buy them. Strangfeld stated we are open to either option, but prefer the City to donate them, since they are not usable anyway. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated since the lots are not platted, they can’t be sold, it would be more of a donation of location. Council Member Harnisch asked if there was any other monument around. Strangfeld stated Marshfield has a little arch. Council Member Clough stated the City can donate the land so they can move forward. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated you can make it available to them. Motion Clough, to make available the equivalent to 10 plots and approve the Infant Loss Memorial project to move forward. Council Member Harnisch stated that he does not know this organization and would abstain. City Attorney Wachsmuth asked the reason for abstaining. Council Member Harnisch stated he doesn’t want to vote, as he is unfamiliar with the group. Council Member Counsell asked about the time period. Council Member Clough amended his motion. Motion Clough, second Perrine, to make available the equivalent to 10 plots and approve the Infant Loss Memorial project to move forward with project completion to be within up to five years. On roll call: Council Member Clough – Aye, Council Member Perrine – Aye, Council Member Harnisch – Present, Council Member Neville – Absent, Council Member Counsell – Aye. 3 – Aye, 1 – Present, 1 – Absent. Motion carried. Mayor Murphy asked if there were any questions on the Personnel Committee item (2). Motion Counsell, second Perrine, to accept the recommendation to hire Cheryl Meihak for the Other Part-time City Custodian position at $12.00 per hour effective on or after October 1, 2021 with a one-year probation period. All Aye. Mayor Murphy read Erik Backlund’s Letter of Resignation as an Other Part-time Police Officer effective September 30, 2021. Motion Counsell, second Clough, to accept Erik Backlund’s resignation as presented and thank him for his service to the City of Neillsville. All Aye. City Attorney Wachsmuth read the following resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 615 RESOLUTION TO REDISTRICT WARDS WITHING THE CITY OF NEILLSVILLE, UNDER WISCONSIN STATUTES SECTION 5.15 WHEREAS, the 2020 census changes the population of certain wards in the City of Neillsville; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to redistrict the wards to create new boundaries of the wards of the City of Neillsville to meet the new census; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following wards created by the City of Neillsville are as follows: WARD 1. Ward 1 shall consist of that part of the City of Neillsville lying North and East of the following described lines: Commencing where the East boundary line of the City of Neillsville intersects with East 15th Street, thence West along the center of East 15th Street to the center of Bruley Street, thence South along the center of Bruley Street to the center of 12th Street, thence West along the center of 12th Street to the center of Hewett Street, thence South along the center of Hewett Street to the center of West 10th Street, thence West along the center of West 10th Street to the center of Prospect Street, thence North along the center of Prospect Street to the center of West 14th Street, thence West along the center of  West 14th Street to the center of Grand Avenue, thence North along the center of Grand Avenue to the center of the Black River, thence along the center of the Black River to the North city limits. WARD 2. Ward 2 shall be that area lying South and East of the following lines: Commencing at a point where East 5th Street intersects the East boundary line for the City of Neillsville, thence West along the center of East 5th Street to the center of Grand Avenue, thence South along the center of Grand Avenue to the South city limits. WARD 3. Ward 3 shall be that area lying South and West of the following lines: Commencing at a point where Grand Avenue intersects the South boundary line for the City of Neillsville, thence North along the center of Grand Avenue to the center of West 4th Street, thence West along the center of West 4th Street to the center of Sunset Place, thence North along the center of Sunset Place to the center of West 5th Street, thence West along the center of West 5th Street to the center of the Black River, thence Southeast along the center of the Black River to the South boundary line of the city limits. WARD 4. Ward 4 shall be that area encompassed withing the following described area: Commencing where the West boundary line of the City of Neillsville intersects with West 5th Street, thence East along the center of West 5th Street to the center of Sunset Place, thence South along the center of Sunset Place to the center of West 4th Street, thence East on the center of West 4th Street to the center of Grand Avenue, thence North along the center line of Grand Avenue to the center line of 5th Street, thence East along the center line of West 5th Street to the center line of Hewett Street, thence North along the center line of Hewett Street to the center line of West 10th Street, thence West along the center of West 10th Street to the center of Prospect Street, thence North along the center of Prospect Street to the center of West 14th Street , thence West along the center of West 14th Street to the center of Grand Avenue, thence North along the center of Grand Avenue to the center of the Black River, thence Southwest along the center of the Black River to the center of West 5th Street. WARD 5. Ward 5 shall be that area encompassed within the following described area: Commencing at a point where the center of East 15th Street intersects the East City limits, thence West along the center of East 15th Street to the center of Bruley Street, thence South along the center of Bruley Street to the center of East 12th Street, thence Northwest along the center of East 12th Street to the center of Hewett Street, thence South along the center of Hewett to the center of East 5th Street, thence East along the center of East 5th Street to the East boundary line of the City limits, thence following the East boundary line of the City limits North to the center of 15th Street. The polling place for each ward, 1 through 5, shall be the City Hall building. A copy of this resolution shall be filed with the County Clerk within five days of its passage. Introduced, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Common Council held on September 28, 2021. CITY OF NEILLSVILLE: By:___________________________ Diane L. Murphy, Mayor By:___________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk-Treasurer Motion Clough, second Harnisch, that Resolution No. 615 be adopted. All Aye. Council Member Clough reported that the DNR grant application was filed for two programs. The Recreation Trails Program grant was not received; however, we were notified that we were tentatively selected to receive the Stewardship Aids for Acquisition and Development of Local Parks grant in the amount of $50,000. Council Member Counsell asked what the grant covers. Council Member Clough stated the park area and seven-tenths of a mile of trail. The next step is the formal paperwork to accept the grant, work stipulations, doing the work and submitting for reimbursement. Clough requested a picture with the Common Council Members and Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC) Board Members attending the meeting. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Madelyn J. Koprek and Mindy M. Stangland Motion Harnisch, second Clough, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Motion Harnisch, second Clough, that City Bills Nos. 866 to 903 in the amount of $208,845.18 be paid. All Aye. Motion Counsell, second Harnisch, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Diane L. Murphy, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 8:00 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in special session, Chair Clough presiding. On roll call: Council Member Neville absent, all other Members present. Chair Clough announced a closed session per Sec. 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting of other specified public business, as long a s competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session, and may reconvene into open session. Motion Murphy, second Perrine, to invite City Attorney Wachsmuth, Director of Public Works Friemoth and City Clerk-Treasurer Roehl to remain for the closed session. All Aye. Motion Murphy, second Perrine, to go into closed session per Sec. 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchase of public properties, the investing of public funds, or the conducting of other specified public business, as long as competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session, and may reconvene into open session. On roll call: All Aye. ___________________________________ Diane L. Murphy, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk