City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM DECEMBER 26, 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 one burial at the Cemetery, tree trimming, snow and ice removal, salting and sanding, equipment maintenance, shop maintenance and cleaning, hauling brush and compost, Water Department – daily testing and well rounds, meter reading, meter change outs and radio installations, hydrant inspections and winterizations, water main valve exercising, Sewer Department – daily testing and lift station rounds, lift station maintenance and inspections, completing monthly DNR reports, pumped out scum tank, the garbage company will pick up bulk items, but you have to call and make arrangements, the water meter change outs are about 60% complete, the hold up has been getting the radio reads, the DOT maintains the stop and go lights and bills the City for the cost, the DOT pays for any upgrades, the town square clock runs slow and is analog, a new digital clock would be about $3,500.00. Motion Neville, second Petkovesk, that the Water Bills Nos. 352 to 387 in the amount of $38,167.98 and Sewer Bills Nos. 202 to 221 in the amount of $22,700.83 be paid. All Aye. Motion Poeschel, second Rochester, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM DECEMBER 26, 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 Rochester reported on the December 14, 2023 meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding: 1) payment of bills, 2) current activities and 3) approved payment of the 2024 operating and capital budget support payment by March 31, 2024. All Aye Council Member Clough reported on the December 26, 2023 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of the bills. Mayor Poeschel declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Margaret Gelhaus stated that she has a request before the Council tonight to expand the numbers of animals allowed on her property. They were living in Baltimore when they made an offer to purchase the Lloyd Street property, the former owners and Director of Public Works David Flynn, made the request on their behalf on November 13, 2018 and she did not know that cows were not included. They love living here and Retirement Community residents love watching their animals. Jerilyn St. Amand stated that she would rather listen to the sounds of farm animals than the trucks, she enjoys Gelhaus’ farm animals. Mayor Poeschel presented an amendment request to keep “common farm animals” at 1209 Lloyd Street under Sec. 10-1-22 from Rolly and Margaret Gelhaus. Mayor Poeschel read a letter from Chief of Police Mankowski supporting Gelhaus’ request to allow cattle on their property, they have also discussed the fencing measures. Council Member Counsell stated we know you have cattle; do you have a bull? Gelhaus replied they have a Highlander bull, Jacob’s sheep, chickens, two draft horses, two ponies and a donkey. Council member Rochester stated the animals have gotten out, what about the fencing. Gelhaus stated the animals are in the barn now and a new fence is in the works, the animals can be very devious, we are doing what we can to keep them in. Council Member Rochester asked what the repercussions are when they get out multiple times. Council Member Counsell stated that they have been cited, the big thing is the fence. Gelhaus stated the animals have not gotten out recently and when they do, they usually go to the apple trees. City Clerk Roehl presented the November 13, 2018 motion granting the permissions to have chickens, horses, donkey and pot-bellied pigs subject to review. Council Member Clough stated that “common farm animals” should be more specific, the review language needs to be in the motion and large acreage. Gelhaus stated they would like to add sheep, cattle and ducks and they have 28.66 acres. Council Member Petkovsek stated she was contacted by a constituent who supports allowing the animals. Motion Clough, second Counsell, to grant Rolly and Margaret Gelhaus permission for 1209 Lloyd Street to have non-commercial chickens, horses, ponies, donkeys, pot-bellied pigs, sheep, cattle and ducks, subject to review if complaints are received or excess numbers of animals occur, because of the large acreage and location of the property. All Aye. Council Member Clough stated that he was contacted by a citizen regarding the alleyway between Huron Street and Center Street and the use of the City Hall basement for the Recreation Department Toddlers/Child Play program and if an elevator is required. Mayor Poeschel stated that the alley in question is being looked into, the Recreation Director has checked on the Toddler/Child Play program with the attorney, insurance and it was approved by the Common Council. Mayor Poeschel read a letter from Jerilyn St. Amand thanking the Beautification Committee for all the time, effort and manual labor that goes into decorating the City for the different seasons. Hotel/Motel Room Tax Permit Applications: Pray’s Golden Gaits, LLC, Bonnie Thunstrom and Joe Hastings, Agents, 319 State Street Shivaa WI, Inc. Super 8, Vishnubhai G. Chaudhari, Agent, 1000 E. Division Street Motion Counsell, second Neville, to grant all the listed permits. All Aye. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Keegan A Dickerson Motion Clough, second Rochester, to grant. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Clough, that the City Bills Nos. 1180 to 1226 in the amount of $143,666.30 and TIF District No. 4 Account Bills Nos. 18 and 19 in the amount of $1,122.47 be paid. All Aye. Motion Petkovsek, second Rochester, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************