Common Council

AGENDA CITY OF WAUPUN COMMON COUNCIL Waupun City Hall – 201 E. Main Street, Waupun WI Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM VIRTUAL AND TELECONFERENCE ACCESS AVAILABLE Join Virtually: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81976994115?pwd=T0hORVFNTDFjMXV4ZGliV3A5eDI0UT09 Join Teleconference: 1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 819 7699 4115 Passcode: 697657 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION ROLL CALL--Mayor to excuse any absent members PUBLIC HEARING 1. Public Hearing – 2026 City of Waupun Budget and Tax Levy 2. Close Public Hearing on 2026 Budget and Tax Levy 3. Resolution Adopting 2026 Budget and Tax Levy PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS COUNCIL--State name, address, and subject of comments. (2 Minutes) 4. Jonathon VenHuizen - Fond Du Lac County Board Supervisor District 7 CONSIDERATION - ACTION 5. 2026 WisDOT Public Transit Assistance Program Operating Grant Application 6. Public Works On-Call Policy 7. Holiday Light Show Display Donation 8. License-Permit Applications, Expenses DISCUSSION - INFORMATION 9. WIS-DOT Planned US151 Improvement Project IDs: 1111-03-05/65; 1111-03-05/75; 1111-03-05/79 10. November-December 2025 Council Meetings due to Holidays CLOSED SESSION The Waupun Common Council will adjourn in closed session under Section 19.85 (1) (e) of the WI Statutes for (e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. 11. Emergency Response Services Contract OPEN SESSION The Waupun Common Council will reconvene in open session under Section 19.85(2) of the WI Statutes. ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information, contact the City Clerk at 920-324-7915.  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11-11-25 TITLE: Public Hearing – 2026 City of Waupun Budget and Tax Levy AGENDA SECTION: PUBLIC HEARING PRESENTER: Kathy Schlieve, City Administrator DEPARMTENT GOAL(S) SUPPORTED (if applicable) FISCAL IMPACT High Performance Government 2026 Budget ISSUE SUMMARY Staff will present the proposed 2026 budget during a public hearing. As outlined, the proposed budget is balanced, operates within levy limits, and meets expenditure restraint requirements set forth by the State of WI. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The information presented during the budget hearing is consistent with information presented at the final budget workshop on October 14, 2025. Staff recommends the budget as presented. ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2026 Budget Hearing Presentation 2. Proposed 2026 Budget RECOMMENDED MOTION: Motion to close the 2026 Budget hearing. CITY OF WAUPUN 2026 BUDGET HEARING 11/11/25 2026… the Year Innovation Meets Municipal Budgets Innovation Focused On… 1. Shared Service Agreements / Cost Reduction 2. Sustainable Service Delivery 3. Talent Acquisition and Retention 4. Debt Capacity Planning/Utilization 5. Technology Utilization 6. Quality of Life Issues 7. Community Engagement  October 14, 2025 • Final Budget Presentation October 14, 2025 BUDGET • Approve Notice for and Publication of Public Hearing October 20, 2025 PROCESS • Submit Budget Hearing Notice to Newspaper for Publication November 11, 2025 • Public Hearing • Budget Adoption • Certification of Tax Levy 2026 Budget Priorities  2026 Budget Summary Estimated Fund Balance Estimated Fund Balance Property Tax All Government and Proprietary Funds Combined 1/1/2026 Total Revenues Total Expenditures 12/31/2026 Contribution General Fund (100) $ 8,880,727 $ 7,338,360 $ 7,388,360 $ 8,880,727 $ 1,681,496 Trust Funds (200) 33,465 50 - 33,515 Library (210) 521,288 836,130 859,130 498,288 585,283 Grants and Donations (220) 787,459 100 6,000 781,559 Building Inspection (230) 53,153 109,000 102,313 59,840 Affordable Housing (250) 248,387 - - 248,387 Debt (300) 75,266 2,355,602 2,355,602 75,266 1,110,550 Capital Improvements (400) 1,510,441 470,013 554,762 1,425,692 340,000 Business Park (404) 1,080,589 31,237 10,000 1,101,826 Equipment Replacement (410) 530,282 285,930 554,762 247,745 280,930 Recycling (420) 159,250 168,742 159,832 168,160 Solid Waste (425) 81,673 442,572 441,302 82,943 Tourism (430) 58,332 70,000 70,000 58,332 Taxi (501) 105,561 183,000 162,946 125,615 45,000 Home/HCRI Housing (507) 154,153 10 - 154,163 CDBG Housing (509) 1,090,871 20 75,000 1,015,891 Stormwater (700) 993,794 592,500 612,567 973,727 TID 3 (405) 77,976 1,230,008 1,411,605 (103,621) TID 5 (401) (1,486,585) 505,416 386,100 (1,367,269) TID 6 (408) (199,665) 148,470 65,150 (116,345) TID 7 (407) (304,163) 75,484 161,988 (390,667) TID 8 (418) 241,391 226,936 94,229 374,098 TID 9 (418) (476,328) 1,412,844 1,967,873 (1,031,357) $ 14,217,317 $ 16,532,424 $ 17,453,226 $ 13,296,515 $ 4,043,259 2026 Levy Distribution Fund 100 – Fund 210 – Fund 300 – Fund 400 – Fund 410 – Fund 501 – General Fund Library Debt Capital Equipment Taxi $1,681,496 $585,283 $1,110,550 $340,000 $280,930 $45,000 = $4,043,259  2026 Assessed Tax Rate per $1,000 2024 2025 2026 Dodge County $6.15 $6.54 $5.33 6.3% -18.5% Fond du Lac $6.21 $6.60 $5.35 County 6.3% -18.9%  ESTIMATED IMPACT TO PROPERTY OWNERS Tax Year Tax Year City of Waupun – Dodge County Residents 2024 2025 Change % Change Average Home Value $153,122 $202,394 $49,272 32.18% Mill Rate (per $1K) $6.548 $5.331 ($1.22) (18.59%) City of Waupun Taxes $1,002 $1,078 $76 7.59% Tax Year Tax Year City of Waupun – Fond du Lac County Residents 2024 2025 Change % Change Average Home Value $187,785 $243,456 $55,671 29.66% Mill Rate (per $1K) $6.601 $5.356 ($1.25) (18.86%) City of Waupun Taxes $1,240 $1,304 $64 5.16% Levy Distribution 2025 Compared to 2026 Increase Percent Change 2025 2026 (Decrease) General Fund $1,710,797 $1,681,496 ($29,301) (1.7%) Debt Fund $806,980 $1,110,550 $303,570 38% Library Fund $575,277 $585,283 $10,006 1.7% Capital Fund $340,000 $340,000 $0 0% Equipment Fund $280,930 $280,930 $0 0% Taxi Fund $45,000 $45,000 $0 0% BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2026 General Fund Revenue INCREASES • Shared Revenue $113,000 • Fire Contract $74,000 • Com. Center Lease $42,000 Additional Revenue Sources remain stable. BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2026 General Fund Expenses INCREASES • Wages & Benefits $277,000 • Public Safety $193,000  BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2025 2026 BUDGET DEPARTMENT BUDGET BUDGET CHANGE BUDGET CHANGE KEY FACTORS GENERAL GOVERNMENT $ 675,965 $ 708,760 $ 32,795 Employee Retention/Recruitment, Insurance RECREATION 393,833 385,310 (8,523) Reallocation of expenses to other departments ASSESSOR 40,000 40,000 0 POLICE 180,558 218,661 38,103 IT, utilities, fuel, FIRE 99,038 114,919 15,881 IT, utilities, fuel PUBLIC WORKS 792,565 728,560 (64,005) Reallocation of expenses to other departments ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 21,895 21,895 0 TOTAL $2,203,854 $2,218,105 $ 14,251  BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2026 Capital Improvements Library Library Elevator Engineering $23,000 Shaler Drive $1,789,000 Alley 1,000,000 Public Works/Streets Mill and Overlay 241,762 Street Design/Engineering 115,000 Safety Building Design/Engineering 75,000 Sidewalk Program 50,000 2026 Fund Balance Applied = $141,762  BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2026 Equipment Replacement General Government Computer/Software $19,700 Police Equipment $205,550 Fire Computers/Gear $18,000 Public Works Equipment $310,617 Recreation Aquatic Center Equipment $14,600 2026 Fund Balance Applied = $287,537 COMMUNITY AFFORDABILITY COMPARISON Closing • Discussion • Resolution  2026 Annual Budget approved and adopted  Property tax in the amount of $4,043,259 levied as tax upon all taxable property in the city  City Clerk is authorized and directed to place this tax on the current tax roll • Recommended Motion  Motion to approve the Resolution adopting the 2026 budget and tax levy  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11-11-25 TITLE: Resolution Adopting 2026 Budget and Tax Levy AGENDA SECTION: PUBLIC HEARING PRESENTER: Kathy Schlieve, City Administrator DEPARMTENT GOAL(S) SUPPORTED (if applicable) FISCAL IMPACT High Performance Government 2026 Budget ISSUE SUMMARY We are seeking approval of a resolution to adopt the 2026 budget and tax levy. This approves a tax levy in the amount of $4,043,259.00 to fund the expenses of city government as contained in the 2026 annual budget summary and authorizes the City Clerk to place this tax on the current tax roll of the City of Waupun. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2026 Budget and adopt the resolution ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution Adopting 2026 Budget 2. 2026 Budget Summary RECOMMENDED MOTION: Motion to approve the resolution adopting the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy and to authorize the City Clerk to place this tax on the current tax roll of the City of Waupun.  COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF WAUPUN, WISCONSIN RESOLUTION NO. ___ RESOLUTION ADOPTING 2026 BUDGET AND TAX LEVY WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Waupun has reviewed the proposed revenues from all sources and the proposed expenditures for all purposes and has directed that the proposed budget be adjusted accordingly; WHEREAS, a public hearing on the 2026 Annual Budget was held on November 11, 2025 after due and proper notice of said hearing having been given in accordance with the provisions of Section 65.90, Wisconsin Statutes; WHEREAS, certain Resolutions relating to borrowing and levying irrepealable taxes sufficient to pay such borrowing have previously been adopted; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Waupun as follows: Section 1. That the 2026 Annual Budget be hereby approved and adopted; a summary of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference, hereafter referred to as “budget summary”. Section 2. A property tax in the amount of $4,043,259 to fund the expenses of city government as contained in the 2026 annual budget summary be hereby levied as a tax upon all taxable property in the City of Waupun. Dodge County $2,065,862.75 Fond du Lac County $1,977,396.25 Section 3. The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to place this tax on the current tax roll of the City of Waupun. This Resolution was adopted and approved by the Common Council of the City of Waupun on the ___ day of ______, 2025. _____________________________ Rohn W. Bishop, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ Angela J. Hull, City Clerk  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11/11/25 TITLE: 2026 WisDOT Public Transit Assistance Program Operating Grant Application AGENDA SECTION: CONSIDERATION-ACTION PRESENTER: Casey Langenfeld, Director of Finance DEPARTMENT GOAL(S) SUPPORTED (if applicable) FISCAL IMPACT SUMMARY: The 2026 grant application for state and federal aid for the shared-ride taxi program is due December 10, 2025. This is a request for approval to submit the application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve submission of the grant application. ATTACHMENTS: None RECOMMENDED MOTION: Motion to authorize the submission of the 2026 WI DOT Public Transit Program Operating Grant application  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11/11/25 TITLE: Public Works On-Call Policy AGENDA CONSIDERATION-ACTION SECTION: PRESENTER: Kathy Schlieve, City Administrator DEPARMTENT GOAL(S) SUPPORTED (if FISCAL IMPACT applicable) High Performance Government Budgeted for 2026 ISSUE SUMMARY: The purpose of this policy is to define the responsibilities and expectations of designated Public Works team leaders who serve in an on-call capacity. This program ensures that a qualified leader is continuously available to evaluate, coordinate, and direct after-hours response to public works emergencies or urgent service needs. This policy applies only to employees assigned to on-call leadership duty and is not intended for general employee call-ins or individual response assignments. This policy change is needed to better distribute workload while ensuring 24/7, 365 coverage. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: Public Works On-Call Policy RECOMMENDED MOTION: Motion to adopt the Public Works On-Call Policy Public Works On-Call Policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to define the responsibilities and expectations of designated Public Works team leaders who serve in an on-call capacity. This program ensures that a qualified leader is continuously available to evaluate, coordinate, and direct after-hours response to public works emergencies or urgent service needs. This policy applies only to employees assigned to on-call leadership duty and is not intended for general employee call-ins or individual response assignments. Scope On-call duty applies to non-exempt employees in leadership roles at the Foreman level or higher within the Public Works Division. On-call duty is a year-round responsibility. Each on-call assignment begins at the end of normal working hours and continues until the end of normal working hours on assigned days. A city-issued cell phone will be provided to the assigned on-call leader for use during their on-call period. On-call assignments are the responsibility of the Director of Public Works or their designee. Responsibilities The on-call leader serves as the primary point of contact for all after-hours public work needs. They are responsible for assessing situations, making response decisions, and directing staff as appropriate. Key responsibilities include:  Remain available and respond to calls.  Evaluate each call to determine the appropriate level of response.  When immediate action is required, respond to the scene, provide direction, and coordinate the efforts of responding employees. Response time must be within 30 minutes of initial call.  Determine when to request additional personnel, equipment, or contractor support to safely and efficiently address the issue.  Communicate with the Director of Public Works or their designee regarding significant events or incidents. Typical on-call response duties include:  Flood control and spill response  Emergency service assistance  Repair of damaged City infrastructure  Clearing traffic obstructions  Weather-related operations (snow, ice, storm damage, debris removal) While assigned to on-call, the individual shall monitor weather reports as needed to determine the need for public works response, including but not limited to flood conditions, debris removal, snow removal or deicing operations. If, in the best judgement of the individual, it is necessary to perform road condition inspections, these inspections will be considered reporting to work. During times of periodic inspections, the individual shall make the best use of their time and perform productive duties while not actively inspecting. Typically, these inspections may occur between the hours of 3:00 PM and 10:00 PM and between the hours of 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM the Police Department or Fond du Lac County Communication Center will call the on-call number to notify the responsible individual of hazardous conditions. Expectations of Leadership On-call leaders are expected to:  Exercise sound judgment in evaluating and prioritizing response needs.  Communicate clearly and promptly with team members, supervisors, and other departments.  Ensure safety of personnel and the public during all response activities.  Document actions taken, including incidents, staff call-ins, and materials used.  Maintain professionalism and represent the Department positively in all interactions. Compensation  Non-exempt employees assigned to on-call duty will receive a $20 daily stipend for each weekday of completed on-call service and will document this on their timecard prior to payroll submission.  When called in to work, employees will be compensated according to the Employee Handbook and applicable Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provisions, including overtime when eligible.  Receiving a call that does not require reporting to work does not constitute work time.  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11/11/25 TITLE: Holiday Light Show Display Donation AGENDA SECTION: CONSIDERATION-ACTION PRESENTER: Jeff Daane, Public Works Director DEPARMTENT GOAL(S) SUPPORTED (if applicable) FISCAL IMPACT Quality of Place $200 for Trailers ISSUE SUMMARY: In follow up to the October discussion on the holiday light show donation, staff have worked with Sam Vander Galien on storage. Sam has offered to sell the trailers to the City that hold the equipment for $100 per trailer. We would acquire 2 trailers. Accepting the donation would give the City another unique attribute to build quality of life and promote visitor attraction efforts. This is a generous donation and one that would otherwise be cost prohibitive to create this type of experience within the city. If acquired, next steps would be to formation of a committee to work on setup/operation of the display. This would be a 2026 initiative. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: RECOMMENDED MOTION: Motion to approve the purchase of two semi-trailers and to accept the holiday light display equipment from Sam’s Well Drilling as presented.  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11/11/2025 TITLE: License-Permit Applications, Expenses AGENDA SECTION: CONSIDERATION-ACTION PRESENTER: Angela Hull, Clerk FUTURE MEETINGS Date of Council/COW Meeting Meeting Tuesday, November 25, 2025 Committee of the Whole Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Common Council Tuesday, December 30, 2025 Committee of the Whole LICENSE/PERMIT APPLICATIONS Operator: Dawn Kling, Amber Heidtke Parade Permit: Waupun Downtown Promotions Inc. Christmas Parade – December 5, 2025 at 630pm Taxi Cab License Brown Cab Services Inc., Justin Running Agent Taxi Cab Driver’s License Brandan Kupisz, Joseph Donovan, Donna Donovan, William Donovan, Craig Rosenkranz, Steven Anderson Backyard Chicken Permit Avonelle Booth, John Feher, Courtney Loomans, Jennifer McLinn, Tracy Miller, Mark Roecker, Anairahe Rosenow, Ryan Vandeberg, Heather Gahan, Jacob Scanlon RECOMENDED MOTION: Motion to approve the license and permit applications and authorize payment of expenses  AGENDA SUMMARY SHEET MEETING DATE: 11/11/25 TITLE: WIS-DOT Planned US151 Improvement Project IDs: 1111-03-05/65; 1111-03-05/75; 1111-03- AGENDA SECTION: DISCUSSION-INFORMATION 05/79 PRESENTER: Jeff Daane, Public Works Director DEPARMTENT GOAL(S) SUPPORTED (if applicable) FISCAL IMPACT Quality of Place -- ISSUE SUMMARY: WIS-DOT is scheduling road repairs to US151 in 2028/2029. During the project, the DOT plans to install a fence along Shaler Dr, from Main St/STH 49 to Lincoln St. The fence would be installed in the DOT right of way. This is the only area of the city that has good visibility from US151. WIS-DOT has communicated that a more decorative fence could be installed at the City’s cost. Note that we have no idea what that cost would be at this time. A public information meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2025. We’re asking you to provide input as to any feedback/communication that you would like the City to send to WIS-DOT for further consideration as they plan the project. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENTS: Images of Gateway/Shaler Drive Map of Improvement Area RECOMMENDED MOTION:  31 MM 26 WILDLIFE REF 36 AW AW 49 1 6 Waupun 3 1 151 146 1 . 1 MM 4 2 Cr 26 FOX LAKE I F END PROJECT to M WILD Al 1111-03-75 144 Fox L. 68 SB STH SB WIS 49 49 FF HORICON Cr. TRENTON 142 CHESTER NATIONAL END PROJECT GOOSE 1111-03-79 1111-03-79 WILDLIFE NB STH NB WIS 49 49 Fox Lake C Atwater Mill C 36 31 Cr. C 36 31 CI BEGIN1 PROJECT 6 A 1 6 1 151 TRAIL 1111-03-75 SB 0.4 SB 0.4 MI MI N N OF STH WIS 33 26 Beaver 33 I BURNETT Dam A END PROJECT Lake 1111-03-65 W 136 BI 0.4 MI MI N N STH WIS 33 Burnett 0.4 G CP B 135 A WESTFORD Beaver B BEGIN PROJECT PROJECT 1111-03-79 Dam NB NB 0.4 0.4 MI MI N N OF OF WIS STH 33 I 33 E 36 36 BEGIN PROJECT E 31 1111-03-65 1111-03-65 132 1 0.5 Mi MI S CNW RR Crystal L. Rolling Minnesota 6 DE G 6 1 Prairie Jct. So. 33 Beaver Dam D Horicon DE 130 W 129 ALAMUS G A OAK GROVE 1111-03-05/65/75/79 Sun Sun Prairie Prairie - Fond Du Du Lac Lac Mi SS CNW 65: 0.5 Mi CNW RRRRto to 0.4 0.4 Mi Mi N STH WIS3333 75 (SB) & 79 (NB): 0.4 Mi N of WIS 33 to 75 (SB) $ 79(NB): 0.4 Mi N of STH 33 to STH 49WIS 49 US 151 USH 151 Dodge County Dodge County 0 1 2 Miles PROJECT LOCATION MAP Gateway Drive Shaler Drive North Lincoln St (proposed fencing area) Shaler Drive South of Lincoln St