Common Council

Common Council Minutes The Common Council met at the City of Nekoosa Office Location: Council Chambers, 951 Market St. Nekoosa, WI 54457 Time: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Daniel J. Carlson. The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Kallee Dhein. Roll Call Aldermen Present: Alan Marcoux, Larry Krubsack, Brian Lytner, Mike Kumm, Daniel Downing, Anthony Carlson, Brad Hamilton, and Garett Kuhn Also in attendance was, Mike Hartje – Fire Chief, Shawn Woods – Police Chief, Terry Fancher, Dennis Fenske, Joseph Krcmar, Heather Sairs, Tim Bovee, Bob Rowe, Jacob Steadman, Kolton Kissinger, Adam Coole, George Kantz, Logan Otto, and Kolton Kessler Attendance via Zoom: Nick Abts – City Attorney, Darla Allen – Library Director, and Bobbi Hertzberg - Treasurer Citizen Comment Bob Rowe mentioned concern over the deteriorating roads at the cemetery. Mayor Carlson noted Mr. Rowe’s concern and acknowledged that it is already on the Public Works radar, but that funds need to be figured out for improvements to happen. Approval of Previous Common Council Minutes – April 15th, 2025 Alan Marcoux noted the error on the agenda, that the April 8th meeting minutes were approved in the April 15th meetings. Therefore, the April 15th meetings minutes needed to be approved at this meeting. A motion was made to approve the minutes of the previous Common Council meetings on April 15th, 2025, as written. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Garett Kuhn Motion carried unanimously. Committee Reports Property Recreation and Human Affairs A motion was made to approve the minutes of the Property Recreation and Human Affairs Committee report of May 6th, 2025 to be accepted as written. Motion by: Mike Kumm Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Motion carried unanimously. Meeting Minutes: 1. Recommend allowing Jami Williams to have a farmers market along Park St.  2. Recommend allowing Culpepper & Merriweather circus to have a one-day event. 3. Recommend Midwest Fest, June 21st, 2025 as in the past. 4. Discussed rental policy on the Kautzer Park building. 5. Recommend Arbor Day proclamation, May 13th, 2025. Respectfully submitted, Brad Hamilton, Secretary Motion that Item 1,2,3, and 5 of the Public Safety Committee Meeting be adopted for action. Motion by: Mike Kumm Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Public Works A motion was made to approve the minutes of the Public Works Committee report of May 6th, 2025 to be accepted as written. Motion by: Larry Krubsack Seconded by: Garett Kuhn Motion carried unanimously. Meeting Minutes: 1. Recommend approving Vierbicher to complete survey staking and inspection services for the 2nd St. road construction project at a cost not to exceed $25,750.00. 2. Recommend change order to replace storm sewer on 2nd St. from Patton to Vilas Ave. at a cost of approximately $15,000.00. This is in budget to be paid out of TIF 3. 3. Discussion on an update to the Fishing Pier project at the Jim Freeman boat landing. 4. Recommend approval of a 2nd driveway to the lot at 933 W. 3rd St. 5. Recommend hiring Lauren Exteriors for the replacement of the asphalt shingle roofs under an insurance claim for the following Public Works buildings; Salt Storage Shed, Waste Water (WW) Control Building, WW Degridder building, WW Chemical building, Water Well #4 building, Water Filtration Plant building, Community Center, Community Center Shed, and Community Center Sign Shed. At a price of $154,954.98 to be covered 100% by the insurance company. 6. Discussion/update of the title search for the triangle property located immediately north of the wastewater plant. Respectfully submitted, Anthony Carlson, Secretary Motion that Items 1,2,4, and 5 of the Public Works Committee Meeting be adopted for action. Motion by: Larry Krubsack Seconded by: Garett Kuhn Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Ways & Means A motion was made to approve the minutes of the Ways & Means Committee report of May 13th, 2025 be accepted as written. Motion by: Daniel Downing Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Motion carried unanimously. Meeting Minutes: 1.) Audited all bills 2.) Recommend beverage operator’s license to Christopher Lee Hovorka. Respectfully submitted, Brad Hamilton, Secretary Motion that Items 1 and 2 of the Ways and Means Committee Meeting be adopted for action. Motion by: Daniel Downing Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Old Business No old business items were brought forward for discussion. New Business Discussion and possible action on The Insurance Center presentation. The Insurance Center proposed becoming the agent of record for the city's employee insurance policies, offering better resources and service for the employees. The representatives highlighted their experience of working with municipalities and their focus on employee education and support. Council members and city staff discussed the potential benefits, including improved communication, online enrollment systems, and personalized meetings for employees. Motion to submit an agent of record switch for employee benefits from Spectrum Insurance – Lisa Reiter to The Insurance Center -Colton Kissinger. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Anthony Carlson Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Recognition for Shawn Woods as a recipient of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. George Kantz from the Wisconsin Employer Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented the Patriot Award to Police Chief Shawn Woods. The award recognized Chief Woods' support of employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve Forces. Logan Otto, a patrolman and Marine Corps Reservist, nominated Chief Woods for the award. Discussion and possible action on Board of Appeals appointments – Jacob Steadman and Jennifer Hovorka. Jacob Steadman and Jennifer Hovorka were selected to be on the Board of Appeals. Motion to accept Jacob Steadman and Jennifer Hovorka on the Board of Appeals. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Anthony Carlson Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion and possible action on Ordinance No.633 – Regulating Speed Limits when children are present. Chief Woods explained that this ordinance was originally passed in May 2023 but was never published or uploaded to the city's ordinance repository. The council discussed the need to formally adopt the ordinance to make it enforceable. Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 633. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Larry Krubsack Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion and possible action on Ordinance No.634 – Updating the B-2 District Zoning Code. The City Clerk explained that this ordinance update was needed to allow single-family dwellings in the B-2 district. Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 634. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Anthony Carlson Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion and possible action on the Kautzer building rental contract. The council discussed the temporary contract, rental fees, and policies for the Kautzer Building. They agreed on a $100 per day rental fee and a $150 refundable security/cleaning deposit. The council also discussed the need for a more comprehensive online booking system in the future. Motion to adopt the temporary rental contract and the $100 rental fee and the $150 security deposit. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Anthony Carlson Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion and possible action on the Wood County Economic Development Funding Application. The City Clerk presented potential ideas for the Wood County Economic Development Funding Application, including a gazebo for outdoor wedding ceremonies at the community center, shelters in Freeman Park, and a playground on the side lot of the community center. Council members suggested additional ideas, such as improvements to the bike path. The application deadline is July 11, 2025. The council agreed to discuss the matter further at the June Property Recreation committee meeting to decide on a specific project for the application. Discussion and possible action on creating a fee schedule. Fire Chief Mike Hartje proposed adding a fee for non-medical lift assists at healthcare facilities, particularly targeting frequent calls from places like Nekoosa Court. The proposed fee structure would allow three free lift assists per rolling calendar year, with a $100 fee for the fourth call, increasing for subsequent calls. The council discussed the need for a comprehensive review of the city's fee schedule. They agreed to have the City Clerk, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Public Works Director work together to develop an updated fee schedule for future approval. Discussion and possible action on approving the minutes of the CDBG Public Hearing for the Fairview Lane grant application. Motion to adopt the CDBG Public Hearing minutes. Motion by: Anthony Carlson Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion and possible action on Resolution No. 2025-05-13-1 for the CDBG Fairview Lane application – updated version. The City Clerk explained that an updated resolution was needed due to an inaccurate percentage in the original resolution passed according to Scott Jennings at Vierbicher. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-05-13-1. Motion by: Anthony Carlson Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of all Department Reports A motion was made to approve the various monthly reports from the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Fire Department, Community Center, Airport Commission, and Charles & JoAnn Lester Library. Motion by: Anthony Carlson Seconded by: Garrett Kuhn Motion carried unanimously. Audit Bill List / Approval of Bills Pooled Cash: Check #63453-63617 payments from 04/16/2025-05/13/2025 Total Expenditure from all Funds = $ 459,446.00 Payroll: Check #56209-56225 Voucher #V13361- V13428 payments from 04/09/2025 – 05/13/2025 Total: $99,419.02 A motion was made to approve the bills for the month. Motion by: Brad Hamilton Seconded by: Anthony Carlson Roll call vote: 8 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously. Adjournment A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. Motion by: Anthony Carlson Seconded by: Brad Hamilton Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:59pm