City Council

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM, CITY HALL OCTOBER 22, 2024 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 two burials at the Cemetery, mowing and mulching leaves, equipment maintenance, brush mowing, set up tent for Autumn Harvest, started leaf pickup, hauling brush, finishing street patches, street sweeping, shoulder work on Fairground Avenue, Water Department-daily testing and well rounds, placed new generator for booster plant, utility locates, large meter testing, adding hydrant and valve information to Diamond Maps, Sewer Department-daily testing and lift station rounds, lift station maintenance and inspections, sludge hauling and field application and plant maintenance. Mayor Poeschel asked for an update on the second ballfield at Listeman Park. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated the field dirt work is done, the playing field has been hydroseeded and is being watered, the fence is all up, the drainage field dirt work has to be done yet, the pile of rocks has to be removed and the park toys which were removed will be repaired and repainted over the winter. Council Member Counsell stated a lot of fill was brought in – what is the plan for erosion control. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated they will be working on it so it is not so steep and then it will be seeded down. Council Member Petkovsek thanked the Parks and Public Works crews for their work on Prock Park. Motion Counsell, second Rochester, that Water Bills Nos. 270 to 301 in the amount of $47,430.27 and Sewer Bills Nos. 175 to 193 in the amount of $23,500.85 be paid. All Aye. Motion Petkovsek, second Poeschel, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************ COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM OCTOBER 22, 2024 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 October 15, 2024 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) discussion on and approval to book the Bear Creek Band for Thursday night, July 10, 2025, 2) discussion on and approval to book the Jack Damage and Kalliah & Black Water Bands for Saturday night, July 12, 2025, 3) discussion on Grand Marshall, kid’s games, parade letters and sponsor letters and 4) discussion on and approved adding a Truck Show on Saturday, July 12, 2025 on Boon Boulevard. Council Member Neville reported on the October 21, 2024 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding: 1) a closed session on the Recreation Director position, 2) reconvening into open session and 3) the recommendation to hire Nolan Matson as Recreation Director, at a wage of $50,000 per year with a 2.5% increase at the completion of his one-year probationary period. Council Member Clough reported on the October 22, 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. Chief of Police Mankowski presented Police Officer Halle Fecker the Police Department On-Target Award for helping a stranded motorist and calling a mechanic, she represented the Police Department and City well. Mayor Poeschel asked if there were any questions on the Parks and Recreation Board item (3). Motion Clough, second Rochester, to accept the recommendation to hire Nolan Matson as Recreation Director, at a wage of $50,000 per year with a 2.5% increase at the completion of his one-year probationary period starting November 1, 2024. All Aye. City Clerk Roehl reported on receiving a $10,000 donation from Gross Motors, Inc. for Cliff’s Park. Motion Counsell, second Neville, to accept and appropriate $10,000 to Account No. 57620 Parks Outlay and to thank Gross Motors, Inc. for its donation. Mayor Poeschel presented a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce for use of the C.C. Sniteman Town Square Park and Gazebo for the official “Tree Lighting/Santa’s Coming to Town” event on Friday, December 6, 2024. Motion Petkovsek, second Counsell, to grant the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce for use of the C.C. Sniteman Town Square Park and Gazebo for the official “Tree Lighting/Santa’s Coming to Town” event on Friday, December 6, 2024. All Aye. Deanna Heiman, Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC), provided an update on the O’Neill Creek Trail project. NIC was founded 35 years ago, growing from a handful of members to a current membership of 64. The organization’s purpose is to identify community improvement projects, secure funding and manage projects. In the past NIC has done the vintage lamp posts on Hewett Street, Gazebo and brick walkway in Sniteman Town Square Park, donated land for the Public Library expansion and three information kiosks around town. Heiman stated that in 2014, NIC partnered with the UW Extension for a plaque making exercise, viewing public spaces, meetings and discussion on ideas for improvements. The concept of a bike trail on the former railroad bed rose to the top of the priority list. Northern States Power (NSP) had purchased the railroad bed in 1980 when rail operation ceased. In 2020, NIC purchased four parcels from NSP and two parcels from a private landowner. Heiman stated now four years later, grants were received from the DNR’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Vibrant Spaces Grant with the City Council’s support. The project plan was engineered by MSA Professional Services of Marshfield. The physical changes made to the landscape required obtaining three DNR permits, an Army Corp of Engineers permit, a Department of Transportation permit and a City permit. There has been tremendous support from foundations, local businesses and individual donors as well as countless volunteer hours. Heiman stated that the trailhead is complete, with Opelt Park dedicated to the legacy of Carl and Millie Opelt, converting the greenspace into the City’s first fully handicap accessible park, with rubberized surface, large inclusive playscape and adult fitness stations, a covered swing for wheelchair-bound individuals, the Neillsville Lions Club constructed a pavilion, the Southern bank of O’Neill Creek was lined with rip rap and wide stone steps leading down to the water for fishing and kayaking access, a large restroom with ADA compliant electric door openers and a water fountain. Heiman stated directly across from the restroom is a sloping paved entrance to O’Neill Creek Trail with the familiar metal Grand Avenue Bridge-like arch. The first portion of the trail extends from the trailhead to Willow Street and is completely open. The second portion of the trail extends from Willow Street to East Street and is also accessible, making the entire ¾ mile trail accessible to walkers and bikers. Heiman stated the City’s 2021-2041 Long Range Comprehensive Plan is 240 pages. Twenty-nine of these pages references trails within or connecting the City. Fourteen pages reference this O’Neill Creek Trail specifically. There are many goals in the City’s long range plan. Heiman presented a slide show of the O’Neill Creek Trailhead and Opelt Park development. Council Member Petkovsek stated that NIC and those involved did an awesome job. Chief of Police Mankowski reported on Homecoming activities, he attended the Department of Justice First Line Supervisor Course, purchase of a squad car/office computer, squad car maintenance, September parking enforcement, citations, warnings, incidents, office activity, officer activity, business patrols and Town of Mentor contract policing. City Clerk Roehl stated the auditors have been here this week working on the Tax Incremental District No. 2 close out audit. Tavern Operator’s License Applications: Sarah A. Susa and Diane M. Waldhauser Motion Neville, second Counsell, to grant all the listed licenses. All Aye. Motion Clough, second Neville, that City Bills Nos. 957 to 995 in the amount of $141,332.30 be paid. All Aye. Motion Petkovsek, second Rochester, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Rex R. Roehl, Clerk ************