City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM JUNE 13, 2023 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 four burials at the Cemetery, setting up volleyball courts, cleaning bathrooms, mowing and weed trimming, baseball field maintenance, street sweeping, pothole filling storm sewer repairs, spreading recycled blacktop on a few streets, cleaning catch basins, hauling brush, Water Department-daily testing and well rounds, utility locates, repaired curb stops on E. Ninth Street and Court Street, Well No. 1 rehab is finishing up, meter reading, Sewer Department-daily testing and lift station rounds, lift station maintenance, grounds maintenance, working on the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report, purchased a new used Ford Ranger to replace the Chevy Colorado, started the last two block of W. Fifth Street reconstruction project for TIF District No. 4 and Theresa Brandt gave the utility workers a pat on the back, as she was very appreciative of the job they did. Council Member Petkovsek stated she received a lot of good compliments on how nice the Cemetery looked for Memorial Day. Motion Poeschel, second W. Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. ________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair _________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM JUNE 13, 2023 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Poeschel presiding. On roll call: all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meetings were declared approved. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the May 24, 2023 meeting of the Beautification Committee regarding: 1) discussion on and approval of the donors list to send out donation letters for flowers and decorations, 2) discussion on military banners, 3) discussion on Gazebo repairs, 4) discussion on and approval to pay Over the Garden Gate/Master Gardeners for flowers at the Library, 5) discussion on improvements to Prock Park, 6) discussion on weeding schedule and 7) planting of downtown flowers and thanking “The Rec-ing Crew” and Parks Department for their help. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the May 25 and June 2, 2023 meetings of the Personnel Committee regarding: 1) discussion on whether the City Attorney position should continue as an employee position or go to a contracted position, 2) the recommendation to amend Ordinance SEC. 2-3-4 CITY ATTORNEY to a contracted position, 3) discussion on and recommendation to amend Ordinance SEC. 2-3-1X OFFICIALS to remove the City Attorney position; 4) a closed session to review applications and interview candidates for the Recreation Director position-adjourned in closed session. City Clerk Roehl reported on the June 13, 2023 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding: 5) discussion on and recommendation to accept the resignation of Assistant Clerk-Treasurer Debbie Winder effective June 23, 2023, 6) discussion on the Assistant Clerk-Treasurer’s job description and 7) discussion on and recommendation to advertise the Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position vacancy. Council Member Petkovsek and Council Member J. Neville jointly reported on the May 25, 2023 joint meeting of the Personnel Committee and Parks and Recreation Board regarding: 1) discussion on the Recreation Department operations during the vacancy, 2) both the Personnel Committee and Parks and Recreation Board approved having Recreation Director Judy Lindner set up a substitute to cover the month of July, if needed, 3) discussion on the hiring process under Ordinance SEC. 2-3-14 Recreation Director, under the Ordinance the Parks and Recreation Board appoints the Recreation Director, 4) the Parks and Recreation Board approved referring the hiring process and interviewing of the Recreation Director applicants to the Personnel Committee with J. Neville and Sue Voigt sitting in on the meeting, 5) discussion on and setting meeting dates, 6) the Personnel Committee adjourned, the Parks and Recreation Board continued and 7) discussion with Library Director Janay Ziebell on signage for the Story Book Trail in Schuster Park. Mayor Poeschel reported on the June 1, 2023 meeting of the Police and Fire Commission regarding a closed session to interview a candidate for the Other Part-time Police Officer position-adjourned in closed session. Council Member J. Neville reported on the June 5, 2023 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding a closed session to receive the Personnel Committee recommendation on candidates for the Recreation Director position-adjourned in closed session. Council Member J. Neville reported on the June 8, 2023 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) discussion on advertising and signs, 2) discussion on shirts, 3) discussion on golf outing, 4) discussion on and request to Council to extend Schuster Park hours and 5) discussion on and approved checking account signers. Council Member Clough reported on the June 13, 2023 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities. Mayor Poeschel declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Jack Miller stated there is an alleyway on Huron Street (backyards between Huron Street and Center Street) where the neighbors have trees, buildings and fences in the right-of-way. The City is aware of this, but it does not matter. If the City doesn’t want to open it, then close it up, give it to the property owners and collect taxes on the land. The City says he has to collect signatures on a petition to close the alley, but it should be the City’s responsibility not his. In this City it is who you are and who you know. Jack Miller stated that he wants to speak on a lot of stuff-like four wheelers, the Police Department doesn’t even have a decibel meter to monitor the noise level, they’re understaffed; this City has no sidewalks, people have to walk down the street, they planted trees down the side instead. Jerilyn St. Amand stated that the new benches in the Town Square look very nice. Heather Struensee stated that she is the organizer of the City-wide garage sale and she is here to support Crystal Frese’s request to park in the Gazebo parking lot to sell frozen Angus beef from her freezer truck during the City-wide garage sale days, she will need electricity. Mayor Poeschel called for further appearances. Mayor Poeschel asked if there were any questions on the Personnel Committee items (5 and 7). Motion Counsell, second W. Neville, to accept the recommendation to accept the resignation of Assistant Clerk-Treasurer Debbie Winder effective June 23, 2023 and to thank her for her service to the City of Neillsville. All Aye. Motion Petkovsek, second Clough, to accept the recommendation to advertise the Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position vacancy. All Aye. Mayor Poeschel presented a request from the Heritage Days Committee to extend the hours at Schuster Park under Ordinance Section 7-8-4(a) and (c) to 2:00 A.M. and the noise hours to 1:30 A.M. to allow the bands to play on Friday, July 7, 2023 and Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Schuster Park for the Heritage Days events. Motion J. Neville, second Clough, to approve the request under Ordinance Section 7-8-4(a) and (c) from the Heritage Days Committee to extend the closing hours to 2:00 A.M and noise hours to 1:30 A.M. to allow the bands to play on Friday, July 7, 2023 and Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Schuster Park for the Heritage Days events. All Aye. Council Member J. Neville presented a request on behalf of the Heritage Days Committee to close the following streets for Heritage Days events: Thursday, July 6, 2023 West Street-from W. Fifth Street to W. Sixth Street Friday, July 7, 2023 Boon Boulevard-from the North Legion Hall driveway to Lucille Lane Saturday, July 8, 2023 Willow Street-from Elm Street to Country Club Stairway  Sunday, July 9, 2023 West Street-from W. Fourth Street to W. Sixth Street W. Fifth Street-from Hewett Street to the Dollar Tree parking lot entrance W. Sixth Street-from Hewett Street to Grand Avenue Hewett Street-from Division Street to W. Eighth Street (parade route times) Motion Counsell, second Clough, to approve the request from the Heritage Days Committee for street closures as presented for the Heritage Days events. All Aye. City Attorney Wachsmuth read Ordinance No. 1074, stating that this ordinance effectively terminates the City Attorney as an employee and goes to contracted service, this cannot be done without cause. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that she is consenting to the termination of the City Attorney employee position and therefore will not be able to sue the City for it. ORDINANCE NO. 1074 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SEC. 2-3-40, CITY ATTORNEY The Common Council of the City of Neillsville does hereby ordain as follows: Section 2-3-4(a) is hereby repealed in its entirety. Subsection 2-3-4 (b) shall become subsection 2-3-4(a). This ordinance shall be effective upon September 30, 2023. __________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk Motion Counsell, second W. Neville, to adopt Ordinance No. 1074. All Aye. Council Member Petkovsek thanked Wachsmuth for all the years she served as City Attorney. City Attorney Wachsmuth read Ordinance No. 1075, stated this includes the language requested by the DNR. ORDINANCE NO. 1075 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SEC. 8-3-10 (am) SNOWMOBILE, ALL- TERRAN VEHICLES AND UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLES ROUTES AND TRAILS DESIGNATED. The Common Council of the City of Neillsville does hereby ordain as follows: Section 8-3-10(am) is amended to read: (am) ALL-TERRAIN AND UTILITY TERRAIN VEHICLE ROUTES DESIGNATED. (l) The City of Neillsville authorizes the operation of ATVs on all state and county roads within the City of Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin, boundary limits where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. __________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ___________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk Motion J. Neville, second Petkovsek, to adopt Ordinance No. 1075. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented the 2023 Recycling Grant funds received from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $9,919.26 (2022-$9,938.49). Motion J. Neville, second W. Neville, to accept and appropriate the $9,919.26 Recycling Grant funds to Account No. 53620 Refuse and Garbage Collection. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl reported that the Associated Bank loan has been closed and the proceeds received for the Public Works vehicles and equipment. Motion J. Neville, second W. Neville, to accept and appropriate $510,000 to Account No. 49100 Proceeds From Long-Term Debt (revenue account) and to Account No. 57320 Machinery and Equipment Outlay (expense account). All Aye. Mayor Poeschel presented a request from Crystal Frese to park a trailer in the Gazebo parking lot during the City-wide garage sale days for the sale of frozen Angus beef. City Clerk Roehl stated that she would be parked overnight and she knows that if she needs electricity the park fee is $30 per day. Motion J. Neville, second Counsell, to grant Crystal Frese’s request to park a freezer trailer in the Gazebo parking lot during the City-wide garage sale days. All Aye. Chief of Police Mankowski reported on training, interviewing a part-time police officer candidate, Police Officer Jason Wampole graduated from the Police Academy and has started field training, the department’s computer server needs to be replaced and has been ordered, a desktop computer also crashed and a replacement ordered, squad car maintenance, May parking enforcement, citations, warnings, incidents, office activities, calls, officer activities, business activities, citizen interactions, gave a safety presentation to the Girl Scout Group about social media, performed background checks on each City licensed bartenders and inspected licensed establishments. City Clerk Roehl presented an email from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce regarding issues with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on the Farmer’s Market. The DOR is claiming it is an organized event of the Chamber. The Chamber is not going to be responsible for the paperwork and monthly reporting requirements. Council Member Clough reported that the Opelt Park play structure has been installed, the fitness structure is about half done, concrete will be poured on Thursday and the rubberized surface put down in a couple of weeks. Please stay off the structures until everything is ready. Class “A” Retail Liquor License Application: Central Wisconsin Broadcasting, Inc., Pavilion Cheese & Gifts, J. Kevin Grap, Agent, 1201 E. Division Street Motion Cough, second Counsell, to grant. All Aye. Class “A” Retail Fermented Malt Beverages License Applications: Drescher Oil Company, LLC, Drescher Oil Company, Joel D. Raine, Agent, 210 W. Division Street Shivaa WI, Inc. Super 8 Motel, Vishnubhai G. Chaundhari, Agent, 1000 E. Division Street Motion J. Neville, second W. Neville, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. “Class A” Retail Liquor and Malt Beverages License Applications: Ameer Investment, Inc., I Mart Stores, Scott W. Hartung, Agent, 1 Hewett Street BMAA Enterprises, LLC, Russell’s of Neillsville, Justin W. Poeschel, Agent, 1008 E. Division Street Dolgencorp, LLC, Dollar General Store #16447, Crystal R. Lemke, Agent, 111 E. Division Street Hansen’s IGA, Inc., Hansen’s IGA, Merlin L. Hemp, Agent, 305 W. Fifth Street Kwik Trip, Inc., Kwik Trip #313, Amber A. Vine, Agent, 110 E. Division Street Motion Clough, second Petkovsek, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Class “B” Retail Fermented Malt Beverages License Applications: Clark Cultural Art Center, Inc., CART Center, Linda A. Holets, Agent, 201 E. Fourth Street Schmitty’s on Main, LLC, Schmitty’s on Main, Darla J. Harder, Agent, 436 Hewett Street Simply Creative, LLC, Simply Creative, LLC, Jodi L. Sampson, Agent, 518 Hewett Street Motion Counsell, second Clough, to grant all the listed licenses. Council Member Petkovsek-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. “Class B” Retail Fermented Malt Beverages and Intoxicating Liquor License Applications: All Season Sports n’ Archery, LLC, Apple Valley Bar & Restaurant, Diane L. Murphy, Agent, 415 W. U.S. HWY 10 American Legion Post 73, Dana L. Elmhorst, Agent, 6 Boon Boulevard Vicki C. Goussenkova, Glass House, 130 W. Fifth Street Victor E. Lindenman, Drippy Creek Saloon II, 133 W. Sixth Street Mary K. Mashin, Green Lantern, 231 W. Seventh Street Neillsville Country Club, Inc., Neillsville Country Club, Bradley C. Lindner, Agent, 603 E. Division Street Rooster Bar & Grill, LLC, Rooster Bar & Grill, Frank E. Donahue III, Agent, 709 Hewett Street Irving C. Schutte, Buck’s Creekside, 801 Hewett Street Strike Time Lanes, LLC, Strike Time Lanes, Michael R. Thomas, Agent, 11 S. Grand Avenue The Brickyard Bar-n-Grill, LLC, The Brickyard, Sharon K. Christopherson, Agent, 203 W. Seventh Street Motion W. Neville, second J. Neville, to grant all the listed licenses with the exception of Irving C. Schutte, Buck’s Creekside, 801 Hewett Street, which is granted subject to payment of liquor bills under Section 125.69(4)2.(b) of the Wis. Stats. All Aye. “Class C” Wine License Applications: Clark Cultural Art Center, Inc., CART Center, Linda A. Holets, Agent, 201 E. Fourth Street Schmitty’s on Main, LLC, Schmitty’s on Main, Darla J. Harder, Agent, 436 Hewett Street Simply Creative, LLC, Simply Creative, LLC, Jodi L. Sampson, Agent, 518 Hewett Street Motion Clough, second Counsell, to grant all the listed licenses. Council Member Petkovsek-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Combination Cigarette and Soda Water License Applications: Drescher Oil Company, LLC, Drescher Oil Company, Joel D. Raine, Agent, 210 W. Division Street Ameer Investment, Inc., I Mart Stores, Scott W. Hartung, Agent, 1 Hewett Street Dolgencorp, LLC, Dollar General Store #16447, Crystal R. Lemke, Agent, 111 E. Division Street Hansen’s IGA, Inc., Hansen’s IGA, Merlin L. Hemp, Agent, 305 W. Fifth Street Kwik Trip, Inc., Kwik Trip #313, Amber A. Vine, Agent, 110 E. Division Street American Legion Post 73, Dana L. Elmhorst, Agent, 6 Boon Boulevard The Brickyard Bar-n-Grill, LLC, The Brickyard, Sharon K. Christopherson, Agent, 203 W. Seventh Street Motion J. Neville, second Clough, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Soda Water License Applications: Central Wisconsin Broadcasting, Inc., Pavilion Cheese & Gifts, J. Kevin Grap, Agent, 1201 E. Division Street Shivaa WI, Inc. Super 8 Motel, Vishnubhai G. Chaundhari, Agent, 1000 E. Division Street BMAA Enterprises, LLC, Russell’s of Neillsville, Justin W. Poeschel, Agent, 1008 E. Division Street Clark Cultural Art Center, Inc., CART Center, Linda A. Holets, Agent, 201 E. Fourth Street Schmitty’s on Main, LLC, Schmitty’s on Main, Darla J. Harder, Agent, 436 Hewett Street Simply Creative, LLC, Simply Creative, LLC, Jodi L. Sampson, Agent, 518 Hewett Street All Season Sports n’ Archery, LLC, Apple Valley Bar & Restaurant, Diane L. Murphy, Agent, 415 W. U.S. HWY 10 Vicki C. Goussenkova, Glass House, 130 W. Fifth Street Victor E. Lindenman, Drippy Creek Saloon II, 133 W. Sixth Street Mary K. Mashin, Green Lantern, 231 W. Seventh Street Neillsville Country Club, Inc., Neillsville Country Club, Bradley C. Lindner, Agent, 603 E. Division Street Rooster Bar & Grill, LLC, Rooster Bar & Grill, Frank E. Donahue III, Agent, 709 Hewett Street Irving C. Schutte, Buck’s Creekside, 801 Hewett Street Strike Time Lanes, LLC, Strike Time Lanes, Michael R. Thomas, Agent, 11 S. Grand Avenue Becker’s A&W, Inc., Veronica A. Becker, Agent, 501 E. Division Street Cougar Enterprises, Inc., Hardee’s Restaurant, David D. Drosfe, Agent, 150 E. Division Street Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., Dollar Tree #06893, John R. Canfield, Agent, 238 W. Fifth Street Grit Nutrition, LLC, Grit Nutrition, Lindsey Stump, Agent, 534 Hewett Street Just Love Coffee Café, Lynda Lisenby, Agent, 216 Sunset Place Karl O. Maly, Karl’s #1 Stop Game Shop, 118 W. Sixth Street Lin Qin Feng, King House, 537 Hewett Street Nature’s Intentions, Inc., Dakota R. Wynn, Agent, 541 Hewett Street Osseo Subway, Inc., Neillsville Subway, Tammy J. Marty, Agent, 7 S. Grand Avenue PH Hospitality Group, LLC, Pizza Hut, Suzanne C. Roehl, Agent, 303 E. Division Street The Thirsty Bookworm, LLC, The Thirsty Bookworm, Daniel M. Clough, Agent, 508 Hewett Street Youth Hockey Association of Clark County, Debra A. Berg, Agent, for 1200 E. Fifteenth Street (O’Neill Ice Arena) Clark County Agricultural Society, Noreen L. Tyznik, Agent, for the Clark County Fairgrounds, 1120 E. Division Street Motion W. Neville, second J. Neville, to grant all the listed licenses. Council Members Clough and Petkovsek-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent, for 511 E. Division Street, (Schuster Park) for July 6, 7, 8, 9, 2023-Heritage Days Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent, for the parking lot on West Street, for July 6, 7, 8, 9, 2023-Heritage Days Downtown Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent, for 1109 Prospect Street, (Cliff’s Park) for July 6, 7, 8, 9, 2023-Heritage Days Volleyball Motorhead Mafia Car Club, Randy Fitzmaurice, Agent, 600 Block of West Street for July 15, 2023-Car and Bike show Motion Clough, second Petkovsek, to grant all the listed licenses. Council Member J. Neville-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Temporary Class “B” Retailer’s License (Beer Only) Applications: Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent, for 511 E. Division Street, (Schuster Park) for July 6, 7, 8, 9, 2023-Heritage Days Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jose L. Neville, Agent, for the parking lot on West Street, for July 6, 7, 8, 9, 2023-Heritage Days Downtown Clark County Agricultural Society, Noreen L. Tyznik, Agent, for the Clark County Fairgrounds, 1120 E. Division Street for August 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2023-Clark County Fair Motion Clough, second W. Neville, to grant all the listed licenses. Council Member J. Neville-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Temporary Amendment Request to “Class B” Retail Fermented Malt Beverages and Intoxicating Liquor License Application: American Legion Post 73, Dana L. Elmhorst, Agent, 6 Boon Boulevard-to add the east lawn to the license for the Heritage Days Mini-Rod event on July 7, 2023 Motion Clough, second W. Neville, to grant. All Aye. Mobile Home Park Application: Live Oak Investments, LLC, Park Place Mobile Home Court, Kevin Radman, Agent, 210 E. Division Street Motion W. Neville, second Clough, to grant. All Aye. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: 2022-2023: None 2023-2024: Natasha L. Amend, Dawn M. Arndt, Donna K. Atkinson, Jennifer L. Bacholl, Mary C. Barrett, Jaden K. Barth, Jennifer L. Barton, Nicole R. Beckley, Cassie W.D. Becks, Stephanie J. Beelman, Janine M. Bethea Joseph R. Bethea, Morgan N. Bethea, Riley W. Beyer, Megan M. Boe, Lisa A. Boyer, Kevin L. Brugger, Alan L. Buchholz, Jayden F. Bymers, Kaila M.L. Calkins, James A. Carney, James W. Chadwick, Diane M. Courtney, Penny L. Courtney, Nancy L. Curtin, Jacqueline L. Dayton, John H. Donahue, Meredith J. Donahue, Christine A. Drescher, Oliva J. Dupee, Brian T. Eddy, Dana L. Elmhorst, Jessica R. Elmhorst, Allison H. Erickson, Cassidy E. Galeka, Dominque C. Glassbrenner, Chelsie L. Gomez, Kaleb K. Grap, Logan K. Grap, Michelle R. Grap, Tammie R. Grap, Jennifer L. Hart, Mark D. Hemp, Brandon C. Hensiak, Brianna E. Hogan, Daryn J. Horn, Rodney E. Johnson, Michelle L. Kennedy, Nicholas A. King, Catherine A. Kleckner, Tina M. Knuth, Sandra K. Krause, Megan A. Kreitlow, Jessica L. Kriegel, Jordan A. Kuhn, Lauren C. Langreck, Judy S. Lindner, Raven A. Lisiecki, Riley B. Lynch, Tamara A. Mallory, Kenneth C. Marg, Carol L. Mashin, Marlin R. Mashin, Connie R. McDonald, Barbara L. Miller, Angela M. Montgomery, Karen S. Nelson, Kim M. Nelson, Charles J. Neuendorf, Kim L. Oldham, Devon S. Opelt, Stephanie M. Opelt, Linda L. Ormond, Tammy K. Ormond, Debra A. Perkl, Ryan J. Peters, Barbara A. Petkovsek, Linda L. Polzin, Juanito C. Quartullo, Reese G. Salaz, Gregory M. Sampson, John M. Schmidt, John E. Schoen, Alan J. Schoengarth, James R. Seefeldt III, Melissa L. Sidwell, Julie L. Simek, Karen S. Simm, Kristie L. Sischo, Betty J. Smith, Veronica I. Strickland, John C. Subke, Caroline A. Susa, Sarah A. Susa, Laurie L. Thurston, Timothy E. Tresemer, Bruce A. VandeBerg, Annette S. Vanderhoof, Greg M. Vanderhoof, Susan M. Wells, Robert J. Wilsmann, Amie L. Young, Stacey S. Zank, Darrin J. Zickert, Shari R. Zickert. Motion W. Neville, second Clough, to grant all the listed licenses. Council Member Petkovsek-Abstained. All other members-Aye. Motion carried. Motion Counsell, second J. Neville, that City Bills Nos. 517 to 580 in the amount of $354,496.90 and CDBG Housing Escrow Account Bill No. 8 in the amount of $90.00 be paid. All Aye. Motion J. Neville, second Clough, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************