Common Council

The Common Council for the City of New Lisbon met in regular session on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the New Lisbon Community room with the following members present: Mayor Mark Toelle, Alderperson Marv Newlun, Ken Southworth, Sheldon LaBudda, and Morgan Reichhoff. Also present: Director of Public Works Nick Wyss, City Clerk/Treasurer Lisa Vinz/Jen Pedersen, Fire Chief Joe Willard, and Police Chief Kyle Walker. A motion was made by Newlun, second by Reichhoff, to approve the City of New Lisbon meeting minutes from December 16, 2024. With a voice vote, all members present voted “aye.” Motion carried. A motion was made by Newlun, second by LaBudda, to approve the first pay application for the Police Facility in the amount of $235,364.83. With a roll call vote, LaBudda, Newlun, Southworth, and Reichhoff all voted “aye.” Motion carried. A motion was made by Reichoff, second by Newlun, to approve a petition for county aid for highway road construction with a 50-50 basis to match local and county funds for a total of $4,000.00. With a roll call vote, LaBudda, Newlun, Southworth, and Reichhoff all voted “aye.” Motion carried. A discussion regarding the sale of Parcel #292610764, the vacant lot behind McDonald’s, was discarded by all Council members present. Due to a number of complaints of motor vehicles ignoring stop signs on South Monroe Street near Heritage Park, possible solutions were discussed. A motion was made by Newlun, second by Reichoff, to relocate the flashing stop sign by Germantown Road and purchase a new TAPCO solar flashing stop sign for $2,200.00 to be placed on either side of the park. With a roll call vote, LaBudda, Newlun, Southworth, and Reichhoff all voted “aye.” Motion carried. Brian Kehrli, from MSA Engineering, presented possible alternatives for the 2026 E Liberty/E Peart Street road project. Extensive discussion ensued regarding the details of where to start and where to stop while being fiscally responsible. Income surveys were delivered to residences as part of a CDBG grant and must be reported by February 15th to the DOA to possibly receive a $1 million grant. Biddable design plans are required by May 1st for that grant application. A motion was made by LaBudda, second by Newlun, to proceed with MSA to engineer design plans for the full (10) blocks with alternates. With a roll call vote, LaBudda, Newlun, Southworth, and Reichhoff all voted “aye.” Motion carried. A motion by Newlun, second by Reichoff, was made to approve a Class B Beer and Liquor License for JSN Hospitality, LLC, known as Comfort Inn and Suites. With a voice vote, all members present voted “aye.” Motion carried. A motion by Newlun, second by Reichoff, was made to approve an Operator’s License for Lauren Tourdot for Dollar General. With a 4-0 voice vote, the motion carried. A motion by Newlun, second by Southworth, was made to approve an Operator’s License for Mariza Stites for Dollar General. With a 4-0 voice vote, the motion carried. Mayor Toelle read a heartfelt proclamation for Lisa Vinz, recognizing her 25 years of dedicated service to the City of New Lisbon as the Clerk/Treasurer, while other council members shared their gratitude for her knowledge and expertise. Nick Wyss, Public Works Director, shared that he is working with the DOT on Adams Street reconstruction and Hwy 80 project scheduled for 2029. Continued efforts are being made to work with the DNR and MSA to finalize the Dam project. A committee will be meeting with our attorney regarding the Employee Handbook on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. City Clerk/Treasurer Jen Pedersen and Lisa Vinz stated that there is a Spring Primary Election on February 18, a new CBRF opened on Hog Island Road, and the annual audit went well. Alderperson Reichoff requested a light to be installed at the dog park. Alderperson LaBudda stated that the generator repairs may be better than anticipated. A motion by Newlun, second by Reichhoff, was made to approve the authorization payment of $118,295.47 in monthly invoices. With a roll call vote, LaBudda, Newlun, Southworth, and Reichhoff voted “aye.” Motion carried. At 8:19 PM, Newlun made a motion, second by Southworth, to enter into closed session. At 9:04 PM, a motion to reconvene in open session was made by Southworth, second by Reichoff. A motion was made by Southworth, second by Reichoff, to approve Rebecca Weber to carry over 70 hours of vacation. With a 4-0 voice vote, the motion carried. Due to our health insurance policy, a second motion was made by LaBudda, and second by Newlun, to implement a policy to eliminate the health insurance premium coverage for an Employee Leave of Absence and extend Cobra insurance as an option. With a 4-0 voice vote, the motion carried. A motion to adjourn was made by Reichhoff, and second by Southworth at 9:07 PM.