City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM, CITY HALL AUGUST 27, 2024 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Mayor Poeschel presiding. On roll call: Council Member Clough 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, mowing and weed trimming, spraying weeds, working on Prock Park bridge decking, fixed two water breaks in the Cemetery lines, laying sidewalk at Willow Street and E. Second Street, rough shaping W. Second Street after pulverizing , milling and hauling materials out of W. Fifth Street, curb and gutter repairs, street sweeping, Water Department-daily testing and well rounds, installing meters and radio reads, assisted Reigel Plumbing on the Gross Motors body shop water tie in, repaired air leaks in filter plant actuators, Sewer Department-daily testing and lift station rounds, lift station maintenance and inspections, replaced Sand Lane lift station relay, working with contractors to cap off old sewer line at the Armory. Discussion on the sidewalk to the School. Motion Neville, second Counsell, that Water Bills Nos. 217 to 242 in the amount of $35,802.13 and Sewer Bills Nos.140 to 158 in the amount of $24,934.14 be paid. All Aye. Motion Rochester, second Petkovsek, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM AUGUST 27, 2024 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Poeschel presiding. On roll call: Council Member Clough absent, all other members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meetings were declared approved. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the August 20, 2024 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding: 1) a closed session on contract negotiations with the Neillsville Police Association, 2) reconvening into open session and 3) recommendation to approve the tentative agreement with the Neillsville Police Union. Council Member Rochester reported on the August 21, 2024 meeting of the Airport Commission regarding: 1) discussion on and recommendation to approve the 2020 Entitlement Funding Transfer to the Marshfield Airport and 2) discussion on and referral of the 2025 Airport budget to the Finance Committee. Mayor Poeschel reported on the August 27, 2024 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. Mayor Poeschel asked if there were any question on the Personnel Committee item (3). Council Member Petkovsek stated that the Tentative Agreement includes a market adjustment for wages, changes to sick leave and uniform allowance, created a sergeant position and is for two years 2025 to 2026. Motion Neville, second Rochester, to accept the recommendation to approve the tentative agreement with the Neillsville Police Union. All Aye. Mayor Poeschel asked if there were any question on the Airport Commission item (1). Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept the recommendation to approve the 2020 Entitlement Funding Transfer to the Marshfield Airport. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl presented the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics-CARES Funding for Wisconsin Airports in the amount of $1,647.81. This is the final payment of the $30,000 grant. Motion Petkovsek, second Rochester, to accept and appropriate the $1,647.81 CARES funding for Wisconsin Airports to Account No. 57350 Airport Outlay. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl stated the Beautification Committee has collected $150.00 in donations for hanging baskets/decorations from area businesses and individuals. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept and appropriate $150.00 in donations for hanging baskets/decorations to Account No. 55340 Celebrations and to thank the businesses and individuals for help in beautifying our City. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl reported receiving a $300.00 donation from the Neillsville Kiwanis Club for flowers in the Sniteman Town Square flower garden. Motion Neville, second Petkovsek, to accept and appropriate $300.00 to Account No. 55340 Celebrations and to thank the Neillsville Kiwanis Club for help in beautifying our City. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl reported receiving a $1,000.00 donation from the Listeman Foundation for Christmas decorations. Motion Rochester, second Counsell, to accept and appropriate $1,000.00 to Account No. 55360 Christmas Decorations and to thank the Listeman Foundation for its donation. All Aye. Mayor Poeschel presented a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce to close West Street from W. Fifth Street to W. Sixth Street from 12:01 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 for the Autumn Harvest Fest event. Motion Neville, second Rochester, to grant the request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce to close West Street from W. Fifth Street to W. Sixth Street from 12:01 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. on Saturday, October 12, 2024 for the Autumn Harvest Fest event. All Aye. Mayor Poeschel presented a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce to close the lower municipal parking lot on West Street from Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 8:00 A.M. until Monday, October 14, 2024 and extend the hours until 11:59 P.M. for the band to play on Saturday, October 12, 2024 and use the Heritage Days tent, tables and chairs for the Autumn Harvest event. Motion Neville, second Rochester, to grant the request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce to close the lower municipal parking lot on West Street from Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 8:00 A.M. until Monday, October 14, 2024 and extend the hours until 11:59 P.M. for the band to play on Saturday, October 12, 2024 and use the Heritage Days tent, tables and chairs for the Autumn Harvest event. All Aye. Mayor Poeschel presented a request from the Neillsville Fire Department 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 Pub & Grub for their steak feed fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Motion Counsell, second Rochester, to grant the request from the Neillsville Fire Department 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 Pub & Grub for their steak feed fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. All Aye. Mayor Poeschel presented the following resolution adapted from the City of Black River Falls, WI. RESOLUTION NO. 629 A RESOLUTION ADVOCATING FOR AN INPATIENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FACILITY FOR NORTHERN WISCONSIN WHEREAS, Northern Wisconsin has limited resources when it comes to in-patient crisis care for individuals with mental illness and WHEREAS recent closures of facilities place a higher burden on the facilities that remain and WHEREAS local law enforcement is tasked with providing transportation for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and they often spend hours waiting for facilities to respond to requests for in-patient beds and WHEREAS a significant number of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis end up being transported by law enforcement to the State facility in Winnebago and WHEREAS the great distance traveled puts a financial strain on counties and local municipal law enforcement agencies, not to mention the emotional strain experienced by the individuals being transported for several hours, often in handcuffs, and WHEREAS the City of Neillsville would like to work with other municipalities and counties in the Northern part of the State to lobby for State funding to establish an in-patient crisis facility to serve this underserved area and NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective upon passage by the Neillsville Common Council. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Neillsville Common Council urges the State Legislature and the Governor to provide funding (either another State facility or subsidies for private, not-for-profit organizations) to establish an in-patient acute behavioral health unit to serve the northern counties; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk-Treasurer is directed to send this Resolution to the Governor, State Legislators and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. ___________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ______________________ Rex R. Roehl, City Clerk Motin Rochester, second Neville, that Resolution No. 629 be adopted. All Aye. 7:15 P.M. – Mayor Poeschel declared the Public Hearing on Discontinuing the Anney North of E. Second Street (Miller Street) in the City of Neillsville, Clark County, WI pursuant to § 66.1005 Wis. Stats. now open. Mayor Poeschel read the following resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 630 RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING ALLEY NORTH OF EAST 2ND STREET IN THECITY OF NEILLSVILLE, CLARK COUNTY, WISCONSIN WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Neillsville declares that the public interest requires that the alley north of East 2nd Street, in the City of Neillsville ought to be discontinued and vacated, being fully described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto; WHEREAS, this Resolution was introduced before the City Council of the City of Neillsville on July 9, 2024, Notice of Pendency of Application to Vacate the above- described property was filed with the Register of Deeds for Clark County on July 18, 2024; Notice of Hearing was duly published in the Clark County Press, a copy of said Notice was served more than 30 days prior to the hearing in the manner prescribed by law on the owners of all of the frontage of the lots and lands abutting upon the portion of said street to be discontinued or a waiver of notice thereof was received; and a public hearing was held before the City Council of the City of Neillsville on August 27, 2024, at 7:15 P.M.; and WHEREAS, no sufficient written objection to the said discontinuance and vacation has been filed with the Clerk; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in the City Council by § 66.1003, Wis. Stats., BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Neillsville that the alley north of East 2nd Street above described be, and the same hereby are vacated and discontinued, since the public interest requires it. ___________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor _____________________ Rex R. Roehl, City Clerk Mayor Poeschel called three times for appearances – there being none. 7:18 P.M. – Mayor Poeschel declared the public hearing closed. Motion Counsell, second Neville, that Resolution No. 630 be adopted. All Aye. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Adrien K. Giles, Brooke M. Moldenhauer, Sheri E. Smith, Donna L. Pagenkopf, Gayle C. Urban Motion Petkovsek, second Rochester, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Rochester, that City Bills Nos. 757 to 821 in the amount of $437,021.03 be paid. All Aye. 7:20 P.M. – Mayor Poeschel declared the Public Hearing on Discontinuing the Alley East of E. Second Street and Southeast of Willow Street in the City of Neillsville, Clark County, WI pursuant to § 66.1005 Wis. Stats. now open. Mayor Poeschel read the following resolution. RESOLUTION NO. 631 RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING ALLEY EAST OF EAST 6TH STREET AND SOUTHEAST OF WILLOW STREET IN THE CITY OF NEILLSVILLE, CLARK COUNTY, WISCONSIN  WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Neillsville declares that the public interest requires that the alley east of East 6th Street and Southeast of Willow Street, in the City of Neillsville ought to be discontinued and vacated, being fully described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto; WHEREAS, this Resolution was introduced before the City Council of the City of Neillsville on July 9, 2024, Notice of Pendency of Application to Vacate the above- described property was filed with the Register of Deeds for Clark County on July 18, 2024; Notice of Hearing was duly published in the Clark County Press, a copy of said Notice was served more than 30 days prior to the hearing in the manner prescribed by law on the owners of all of the frontage of the lots and lands abutting upon the portion of said street to be discontinued or a waiver of notice thereof was received; and a public hearing was held before the City Council of the City of Neillsville on August 27, 2024, at 7:15 P.M.; and WHEREAS, no sufficient written objection to the said discontinuance and vacation has been filed with the Clerk; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in the City Council by § 66.1003, Wis. Stats., BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Neillsville that the alley east of East 6th Street and Southeast of Willow Street above described be, and the same hereby are vacated and discontinued, since the public interest requires it. ___________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor _____________________ Rex R. Roehl, City Clerk Mayor Poeschel called three times for appearances-there being none. 7:23 P.M. – Mayor Poeschel declared the public hearing closed. Motion Petkovsek, second Rochester, that Resolution No. 631 be adopted. All Aye. Motion Petkovsek, second Rochester, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************