Common Council Meeting

Common Council Meeting Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 6:00 PM Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83293572322?pwd=jX54LaxWgjLVL6EVbNytae1nnkCUcj.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID:832 9357 2322 Passcode: 828277 Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number: (262) 473-0108. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Council President Singer called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. ROLL CALL PRESENT Council President Patrick Singer Councilmember Michael M.Smith Councilmember Orin O.Smith Councilmember Steven Sahyun Councilmember Brian Schanen Councilmember Neil Hicks City Manager, John Weidl City Attorney, Tim Brovold Public Works, Director Brad Marquardt City Clerk, Heather Boehm ABSENT Councilmember Greg Majkrzak PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Common Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 2 APPROVAL OF AGENDA A councilmember can choose to remove an item from the agenda or rearrange its order; however, introducing new items to the agenda is not allowed. Any proposed changes require a motion, a second, and approval from the Council to be implemented. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting even if no changes are being made at that meeting. Item CS 30 and item 32 was added within the 72hr notice time period. Motion to remove items CS 30 and item 32 from the agenda made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Hicks. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Motion to approve the agenda with moving items 13, 14 and 15 from staff reports and add them to the consent agenda made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember M.Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks GUEST SPEAKER 1. A representative from Bethel House is here to present 2024 data about community members who are facing homelessness or who are unhoused. Angeline Doman from Bethel House spoke about 2024 data on community members who are homeless or unhoused. Jessie Dugan from Bethel House spoke about 2024 data on community members who are homeless or unhoused. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the Consent Agenda will be approved together unless any council members requests that an item be removed for individual consideration. Motion to approve the consent agenda made by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Hicks. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks 2. Approval of the Common Council Minutes from May 6, 2025. 3. Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes from April 8, 2025. 4. Alcohol Licensing Committee meeting minutes from March 18, 2025. 5. Landmarks Commission meeting minutes from April 2, 2025. 6. Plan and Architectural Review Commission meeting Minutes from April 14, 2025. 7. Public Arts Commission meeting Minutes from April 3, 2025. 8. Proposed artwork on traffic signal control boxes. Common Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 3 9. Approval of a driveway over 35 feet for Lavelle Industries, 1215 Universal Boulevard. 10. April 2025 Financials CITY MANAGER REPORT 11. City Manager Report. City Manager John Weidl gave his bi-monthly update of City events and accomplishments, including reports from the following departments: Public Works, IT, Police Department, Fire Department, Library, Park & Rec, Media Services, and Human Resources. STAFF REPORTS 12. Response to questions asked at the May 6, 2025 Common Council meeting regarding the SRO at WWUSD schools-Finance Finance Director, Rachelle Blitch spoke about the SRO public comment questions. 13. Spring Splash After-action Report- PD This item was moved to the Consent Agenda. 14. ATV/UTV update- PD This item was moved to the Consent Agenda. 15. Speed Data-Walworth Ave/Prince St- PD This item was moved to the Consent Agenda. HEARING OF CITIZEN COMMENTS No formal Council action will be taken during this meeting although issues raised may become a part of a future agenda. Participants are allotted a three minute speaking period. Specific items listed on the agenda may not be discussed at this time; however, citizens are invited to speak to those specific issues at the time the Council discusses that particular item. To make a comment during this period, or during any agenda item: On a computer or handheld device, locate the controls on your computer to raise your hand. You may need to move your mouse to see these controls. On a traditional telephone, dial *6 to unmute your phone and dial *9 to raise your hand. ORDINANCES First Reading 16. Ordinance 2025-O-17 an Ordinance amending Subsection 11.12.011 – STOP SIGNS by adding stop signs on Walworth Avenue at Prince Street.-Public Works Motion to approve Ordinance 2025-O-17 made by Councilmember Schanen. There wasn't a Second. Motion failed. Councilmember Sahyun asked for Staff to look into alternative options and look more into this in the future. Common Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 4 17. Ordinance 2025-O-18 an ordinance amending Chapter 2.08.010 Meetings to change the time of Common Council Meetings from 6:30 pm start time to 6:00pm start time. - City Clerk Motion to approve Ordinance 2025-O-18 made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Second Reading 18. Ordinance 2025-O-14 an amending Ordinance 5.20.030 Pertaining to Enforcement of Gaming Machines- PD Motion to approve the seconding reading of Ordinance 2025-O-14 made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks 19. Ordinance 2025-O-15 an Ordinance amending 2.62.020 Whitewater Transparency Enhancement to require Class 1 & 2 Hearing Notices to be posted on the City's Social Media Page.- Finance Motion to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2025-O-15 made by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Hicks. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks CONSIDERATIONS 20. Discussion and Possible Action regarding whether or not to submit a RFP for the WUSD School Resource Officer-City Manager and PD City Manager, Joh Weidl spoke about the RFP for the SRO. Police Chief Meyer spoke about the RFP for the SRO. Motion to move that the City of Whitewater decline to submit a response to the School District’s SRO Request for Proposals and instead reaffirm the City’s April 15th offer of a 120-day contract extension. Be it further moved that the City submit a revised draft agreement for School Resource Officer services and request a joint meeting between representatives of the City Council, School Board, Chief of Police, and legal counsel and with participation from the District Attorney as offered, specifically to facilitate discussion on investigation protocols and parental notification procedures where legal and safety considerations may limit disclosure. The purpose of this joint meeting shall be to address the following: 1. Standardized protocols for incident investigation and reporting, 2. A revised evaluation and feedback submission process that includes formal documentation and continued written input from building administrators, Common Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 5 3. Expectations for SRO backfill coverage during training, court appearances, or other absences, including the potential deputization or addition of a second full-time SRO. made by Council President Singer, Seconded by Councilmember M. Smith .Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Chuck Mills commented on the RFP for the SRO. 21. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Renewal of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License- Municipal Code Enforcement Allison Schwark spoke about the Renewal of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License. Councilmember Schanen spoke on the Renewal of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License. Motion to approve Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park license made by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Hicks. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Jim Elder of Open Management spoke about the Renewal of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License. 22. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the future of the Starin Park Water Tower- Neighborhood Services Pat Blackmer spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Councilmember Hicks spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Director of Public Works, Brad Marquardt spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Council President Singer spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Lynn Binnie spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Carol Cartwright spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Chris Strauss spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Larry Kachel spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Jill Gerber spoke on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. Motion to extend the deadline to 12.31.2025 made by Councilmember M.Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Sahyun. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Motion to amend and at 5 and 6 into the motion made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Sahyun. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks 23. Discussion and Possible Action regarding adding stop signs on Peck Street at the Whiton Street intersection. -Public Works Common Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 6 Motion to direct City staff to bring an ordinance to the next council meeting made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Voting Nay: Councilmember M.Smith 24. Councilmember Requests for Future Agenda Items or Committee items. Questions Councilmember Hicks, bring item number 16 to DPW. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 25. More information on the survey capabilities- Smith Q2 26. Results of the Telephony RFP- June 3, 2025 27. Resolution to form Whitewater Lakes District. June 3, 2025 28. Alcohol Licensing renewals- June 3, 2025 CLOSED SESSION Adjourn to Closed Session, TO RECONVENE, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19.85(1)(d): Except as provided in s. 304.06(1)(eg) and by rule promulgated under s. 304.06(1)(em), considering specific applications of probation, extended supervision or parole, or considering strategy from crime detection or prevention. Also, Closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding strategy and legal considerations related to potential violations of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and Wisconsin Public Records Law involving the School District’s handling of the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract process. The Council will reconvene in open session. Items to be discussed CS-29. Police Department Updates on Strategies for Crime Detection or Prevention. Motion to go into Closed Session at 7:38pm made by Council President Singer, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Present in the Closed Session: Council Members City Manager John Weidl Police Chief Meyer CS-30. Confer with legal counsel regarding strategy and legal considerations related to potential violations of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and Wisconsin Public Records Law involving the School District’s handling of the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract process. CONSIDERATIONS Common Council Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025 Page 7 31. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Police Department Updates on Strategies for Crime Detection or Prevention.- PD Motion to come back into Open Session at 8:18pm made by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Sahyun. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks No action was taken. 32. Discussion and Possible action regarding confer with legal counsel regarding strategy and legal considerations related to potential violations of the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and Wisconsin Public Records Law involving the School District’s handling of the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract process.- City Manager ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 8:20pm made by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember M.Smith, Councilmember O.Smith, Councilmember Sahyun, Councilmember Schanen, Councilmember Hicks Anyone requiring special arrangements is asked to call the Office of the City Manager / City Clerk (262-473-0102) at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 2023-2025 City of Whitewater's 5 strategic goals: Build single-family homes, Communicate with the community without the newspaper, Support a thriving business community, Recruitment and retention efforts with a focus on diversity, and Prioritization of expenditures with available resources.