City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM FEBRUARY 28, 2023 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Clough presiding. On roll call: Council Member Perrine absent, all other members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on one burial at the Cemetery, snow plowing, salting, prepping for Winter Carnival, shop maintenance equipment maintenance, pothole patching, repaired salt shed garage door opener, Water Department-daily testing and well rounds, removing snow from around fire hydrants, snow removal, inspected filter vessels- one is down for repairs, Sewer Department-daily testing and rounds, snow removal, lift station rounds checking heaters and plant winter maintenance. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on receiving a $663 scholarship for a UW Madison online course-“Municipal Engineering Fundamentals for Non-Engineers”. This course runs Friday mornings during April and May. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported that the City of Neillsville Water Department received Water Fluoridation Quality Awards for 2018, 2019 and 2020 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Public Health Oral Health Unit for consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout 2018, 2019 and 2020. Motion Neville, second Counsell, that Water Bills Nos. 31 to 61 in the amount of $33,269.23 and Sewer Bills Nos. 22 to 42 in the amount of $39,957.11 be paid. All Aye. Motion Poeschel, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. ________________________________ Daniel Clough, Chair _________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM FEBRUARY 28, 2023 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Poeschel presiding. On roll call: Council Member Perrine absent, all other members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Council Member Clough reported on the February 15, 2023 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding: 1) discussion on the 2023 Historic Preservation Commission Action Plan, 2) discussion on grant and loan assistance sources and contact information for historic property owners, 3) reported that the Common Council has approved allowing unused annual budget funds to become non-lapsing funds at year end with certain conditions, 4) discussed historic properties in need of repair, 5) WI Association of Historic Preservation Commission membership dues have been processed, 6) the Annual report to the WI Historic Preservation Society will be submitted and 7) reviewed funds on hand. Council Member Neville reported on the February 16, 2023 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) financial report, 2) discussion on tent rental, 3) discussion on park set up, 4) discussion with Chief of Police Mankowski on security, signage and fencing and 5) discussion on signage for 2023 Neillsville Heritage Days. Council Member Neville reported on the February 27, 2023 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding: 1) current activities of the Recreation Department, 2) current activities of the Parks Department, 3) presentation by and discussion with Library Director Janay Ziebell on applying for a grant to put a story book trail along the blacktop sidewalk in Schuster Park, 4) recommendation to allow Library Director Ziebell to apply for a story book trail grant, 5) discussion on replacing the tennis court with a pickleball court in Listeman Park-waiting on quotes, 6) tabled the request for use of 30% Room Tax-Parks and Recreation funds for a pickleball court in Listeman Park, 7) discussion on and recommendation to approve an O’Neill Ice Arena Reservation Form, 8) discussion on and tabled an Addendum to the Property Use Agreement for the O’Neill Ice Arena with the Clark County Youth Hockey Association and 9) discussion on an additional baseball field at Listeman Park. Council Member Clough reported on the February 28, 2023 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills. Mayor Poeschel declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. William Bratcher stated that he is running for the new Clark County Circuit Court Branch 2 Judge position. Bratcher presented his background, values, experience and areas of legal practice. His focus as judge would be to disrupt the cycle of domestic violence. Mayor Poeschel asked if there were any questions on the Parks and Recreation Board items (4 and 7). Motion Petkovsek, second Counsell, to accept the recommendation to allow Library Director Janay Ziebell to apply for a story book trail grant. All Aye. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated the O’Neill Ice Arena Hockey Facility Reservation Form was developed by an Ad Hoc Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board and recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Board. It addresses facility availability, rental rates, security deposit, electronic entry code, facility policies, etc. Council Member Petkovsek asked about the use of alcohol at the facility and whether the City or renter had the liability if something were to happen. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that the City has recreational immunity, but anyone can sue. Chief of Police Mankowski stated that if alcohol is an issue the Police Department should be informed. Council Member Counsell stated that it is good to see that this facility will be available for more use and the City will be receiving funds to help cover facility costs. Motion Clough, second Neville, to accept the recommendation to approve the O’Neill Ice Arena Reservation Form. All Aye. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on the Addendum to Property Use Agreement for O’Neill Ice Arena. The Parks and Recreation Board has tabled this item as they are awaiting a map of the facility. Mayor Poeschel stated that he would like to see Ordinance Sec. 2-4-13 Block Grant Committee updated to remove the “federal block grant” language and written so that any grant in the City can be handled, as well as, reducing the number of committee members to five. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that she is working on a draft which takes all references to “Block” out and replacing it with “any and all” grants. Motion Clough, second Neville, that City Bills Nos. 166 to 217 in the amount of $931,996.37 be paid. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Counsell, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************