City Council - Regular Meeting

All right. Being 6:30, I'd like to call the January 20th common council meeting to order. Can we stand for the pledge of allegiance? To the flag of the United States of America to the stands and justice for all. Chad, was the roll call taken? Yes. Thank you. All right. I'm looking for a motion. I move to adopt the agenda.

Second. Motion made by Mr. Bared, seconded by Mr. Bau. Uh, any additions or corrections? All in favor signify by saying I opposed. Motion carried. Looking for a motion for the meeting minutes. Move to approve the motion uh move to approve the minutes of December 16th and January 6 common council meeting. Second.

Motion made by Mr. Fcher and second by Mr. Dorsy for the adoption of the December 16th, 2025 and January 6th, [clears throat] 2026 common council meetings. Any additions or corrections? All in favor signify by saying I. Opposed. Motion [snorts] carried. Mr. Dorsey, let's pay some bills. Make a motion for the authorization to pay the bills in the amount of $885,881.32. Second.

Motion made by Mr. Dorsey, seconded by Mr. for Shay to pay the bills in amount of $88,881.32. Any further discussion? Please cast your balance.

Motion carried. Eight. and one abstension. Motion carried. Next, we got a special request from the Shama Club change the city name to New Dublin for the week of March 16th through the 21st. Melissa, thank you for having me here tonight. And top of the evening to the Where's Mayor Mark? He's in Florida.

Oh, okay. See, I had said to Mayor Mark, council men and women, I'm Melissa Monroy representing the Shamrock Club of New Dublin, and I'm here to talk just a wee bit about the activities we've been working on during the past year. First of all, thank you to our city's park and rec department for their assistance, especially filming the events during the week. And a huge thank you to the street department placing street barriers that keep pedestrians safe. Adding the Irish flags up and down Pearl and Northwater streets. Hauling a set of bleachers out of storage to set along the parade route. Setting detour signs. And that's just some of the many jobs this necessary city department does in the background. Next time you see one of them out plowing snow, waving, say, "Thank you. We'd be in rough shape without you." I gave each of you a pin that depicts the theme for 2026. Our theme is where the wolf flows, shamrocks grow. After coming up with a theme each year, we asked club member Janet Gala to design a button. She did a great job again this year. The theme, this year's theme not only reflects the importance of the wolf in our community, but also recognizes the similarity between New London, Wisconsin, and our sister city, Kilaloo, in County Clare, Ireland. Kilaloo also has a famous river flowing through it, the River Shannon, about which many poems and songs have been composed. I'm hoping to hear some of them in the

annual night of Irish entertainment which will be Thursday, March 19th at our high school. There will be Irish dancing and bag pike music in the show. Let me give you just a quick overview of our week's events. Monday, March 16, leprechauns will be spotted around the city changing street signs and visiting school children and others. I just met someone here who has never lived through this before, so he's going to be surprised to see the leprechauns. Tuesday is Hooligan Day where tasty Irish food is offered in local restaurants and pubs and featuring music at Pups Pub in Northport Tuesday evening. On Wednesday evening, Shamrock Club members and others join in singing the old Irish songs to residents of St. Joseph and the Washington Center. Thursday is the beforementioned Irish entertainment show at the high school. This is where the 2026 Irish royalty is introduced. We are proud to have former police chief Jeff Schlleer as our grand marshal and the dynamic couple Bob and Shelley Ley will serve as our Irish man and rose. The children the Irish Latin lass will be selected closer to St. Patrick's Day after the children have submitted poems for the poetry contest. Friday is the ka which is a Gaelic word meaning Irish dance party. It's held at Crystal Falls. We will have a live live music and a kaye caller to teach dance steps pretty much like a square dance caller.

And this brings us to Saturday, March 21, the Grand Parade, where our streets will be filled with visitors from near and far. Each event during the week is paid for by the Shamrock Club and free for all to attend. Every event is family friendly. On Saturday, we do need to charge admission to the entertainment temp downtown. It's very expensive to get this tanton and to heat it. This brings me to the reason for coming to you tonight. I hope you will grant my request to change our city's name temporarily from New London to New Dublin. I want to point out the fact that we may be the only city in the world to change her name in recognition of the thousands of Irish immigrants that flooded into our country's port cities during the years of 1840 1850. Because of the freedom of speech exercised in our country, we are permitted to do this where else but in the United States of America. Please consider changing our name for the dates March 16 through and including March 21, 2026. And thank you for your time this evening.

Thank you, Miss Mar. I move to change name of the city from New London to New Dublin for the week of March 16 to 20, 2026. Second.

Motion made by Mr. Barington, seconded by Miss Croy to change New London's city's name to New Dublin for the week of March 16th through the 21st, 2026. Any discussion, please cast your ballot. Carry 90. Thank you, Miss Mar. And we will wish for 70 degrees and sunny. How's that sound? We only have that one year. Thank you very much. Thank you. Public comment.

Seeing any public comment one last time for public comment, we will close the public comment section. Next, we move into standing and special committees. Board of Public Works. Mr. Bington, there was no me meeting for public works this month. Thank you very much, Mr. Bington. Finance and personnel. Mr. Dorsey, I'd like to We had no meeting to consider the approval of the monthly license list as approved by the police department. Second.

Motion made by Mr. Dorsy, second by Mr. Fcher to approve the monthly license list recommended by for approval by the police department. Any further discussion? Please cast your ballot. Motion carried 90. That's all I have. Your honor. Thank you, Mr. Dorsy. Moving on to parks and recreation. Mr. Bau.

Thank you, your honor. Park and rec committee met on Tuesday, January 6th. The meeting was called to order at 5:15. Motion was made to approve the and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion was carried by all 130. Motion made to second to approve the November 4th, 2025 meeting minutes. That motion was made and second and also carried 130. Public input, there was none. I introduced a new student member Ethan Byer for park and rec committee school representative consider approving new addition to Northport Snow Riders route within the city limits. Director Soul introduced Dan Wiler, a representative from the Northport Snow Rider Snowmobile Club. They are seeking approval from the committee to cross some property owned by the city in New London Long Spur Road. This is a non-funded club trail that would have access to a local business and possible future extension to connect to the state Newton Blackmore Trail. Motion was made and seconded to approve the new addition to the Northport Snow Riders route within the city limits. That motion was carried by all 130. An Eagle Scout presentation. Director Salt introduced null Schubert, Eagle Scout with a proposed project improvement Allen baseball field by updating the dugouts. Motion made in second to accept the donation project proposed by Eagle Scout. That motion also carried 130. Consider and approve an agreement with Alpaca County Mu site facility use. Director Saul recommended renewing the annual agreement with the Waka County Department of Health and Human Services and the city of New London for a continued use of the Washington Center. That motion was also approved and

seconded to approve the agreement with WPAC County Congregate Meal Site Use. That motion also carried 130. Consider an ordinance creating section 12.40 40 the municipal code for regulating and permitting public art. Director Soul noted that this change and murals will be included with the public art rather than signage. This will allow additional sculptures throughout the city as well. That motion was approved and seconded to create ordinance section 12.40 of the municipal code for regulating and permitting public art. That motion also carried 130. Director's report was included in the agenda packet and was reviewed by the committee. Additional comments, notes as follows. Snow removal, Tree City USA application submitted, fee schedules updates. Chairman's report, there was none. Future agenda items, tennis court plan. The next park and rec committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 5:15. Being no further meet, Any further meeting to discuss? Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:39. That motion was carried but for all. I would look for consider approval of a new addition to the Northport Snow Riders route within the city limits.

I'll second. It's not on the agenda. That's We don't have to do that. Correct. That was done at committee. That's not committ agenda tonight. All right. Sorry about that. That's all right. I would look for the director souls introduced with a proposed project improvement for the Allen baseball field by updating the dugouts. Motion made by Mr. Second.

Seconded by Mr. Roberts uh to accept the donation of Dugouts improvements at the Allen Field baseball diamond in Hatton Park as a Eagle Scouts project. Any discussion? Please cast your ballots. Motion carried 90. I would look for a motion to consider an approval agreement for the El Paso County meal site facility use. Second. Motion made by Mr. Bau, second Mr. Shay to approve an agreement with Apaka County for meal site facility use. Any discussion, please cast your balance.

It also carried 90. And I would look for approval of an ordinance creating section 12.40 of the municipal code for regulating and the permitting of public art in second reading. Motion made by Mr. BAW. First reading. First reading. First reading. I say second. Yep. Okay. First reading. First reading. Motion made by Mr. Bau. Second.

Second of Mr. Dorsey to approve an ordinance creating section 12-04 of the missile code for regulating and permitting of public art. This is the first reading. Any discussion? Please cast your balance. I also carry 90. That's all I have your honor. Thank you, Mr. Bau. Moving along the planning commission, Mr. Richie.

December 18th, 2025 minute or planning commission meetings called to order at 5:15. Motion was made and seconded to adopt the agenda. Carried by all October 30th, 2025 minutes were reviewed. Motion was made and seconded. to accept the minutes. That was carried by all. The planning commission chair opened the public comment portion of the agenda and no one responded after uh comment public comment was closed. First action item was discussed as possible action on a site plan proposal for Hilker Warehousing LLC located at 405 West Wolf River Avenue. After some discussion about elevation from the flood plan view a motion was made to approve site plan proposal. Motion was made and seconded carried by all. Meeting was handed over to Ben Rule. Ben is a lead person representing Vandy Wall and Associates. provided presentation of the public hearing, draft, zoning ordinance, and zoning map, including a summary of the public open house on November 17th, 2025. Public hearing was was open. There was no comments. After three queries, Chad stated that there were no submitted comments from the public. The planning commission was then given the opportunity to discuss further and provide comments and suggestions. None were offered and the planning commission chair closed the public hearing.

Motion was made to recon recommend be resolution of the draft zoning ordinance to the city council for adoption. The motion was made and seconded. Motion was passed unanimously. Then a motion was made to recommend a resolution of the draft zoning map to the city council for adoption. The motion was made and seconded carried by all. On agenda item, none to report at this time. A motion was made to adjurnn and seconded carried by all. The meeting was adjourned at 5:38.

Okay. I'm looking for a motion to approve. We got to go over the presentation of the presentation and recap of zoning code rewrite process. Yep. Next is a presentation and recap of the zoning code rewrite process. Chad?

Yep. Thanks everyone. Um first of all um we have Ben Roar from Bandwall and Associates with us on Zoom tonight um to kind of give a recap of the zoning code um rewrite process. Unfortunately, Ben has lost his voice. So I'm going to pinch hit and just kind of go through his presentation. He is with us on Zoom. If we have any questions, we can ask him and he will um put in this chat any of the comments that he needs for us. But u Ben is with us and um if we have any questions for him, but I'm going to pinch it again like I said just kind of go through this is the same presentation simulated what um we had at the plan commission meeting if you attended the plan commission meeting. So I'm just going to go over this at the high level and recap this whole process especially if anybody online um hasn't kept up with us during this process. So on the screen you can kind of see that we started this kickoff in 2024 where we identified that we wanted to update our zoning code and there's just a kind of a listing there of uh events between 2024 and 2025 leading into 2026. And where we are tonight is at the city council meeting and we are looking at the first readings for the new zoning ordinances and of the code and ordinance for the zoning map which uh we will have tonight. A little history. Uh, New London obviously has had zoning in place for many decades. The last major rewrite was in 1994. Amendments have taken place over that time and that resulted in u inconsistencies. We had areas where it was [snorts] contradiction between different sections. Just when you have so many different amendments over time, it gets kind of messy. So, we identified that we really wanted to update it and simplify what the zoning uh ordinance um included. So we started with a recommendation um to look at the uh code and some of the reasons for that uh were also identified in our comprehensive plan. We wanted to increase areas that allowed for the middle missing styled housing. We've talked about that in the comprehensive plan rewrite process. We

also talked about that in our zoning process of the rewrite. We really want to make sure that we have a very diverse amount of housing opportunities uh for different uh levels of uh availability income for uh our community. Um we also want to identify adequate and appropriately zoned lands to attract new business and job growth. We are seeing that today especially because of that highway 15 project. So, this really kind of it gets us in a really good state for being in a good position um for that potential growth that we um are seeing and we anticipate to continue to see and we want to make sure that uh everything reflected correctly with our land use policies and future land use map that's in the comprehensive plan because the comprehensive plan and the zoning uh need to uh correlate and um make sure they don't conflict with each other. So, a couple other things with the pro the uh project. We wanted to make sure we, you know, identified that this did complement our comprehensive plan. We also wanted to modernize the ordinances and make sure it's and it regulations and make sure that uh it's easy to read, it's userfriendly, it's flexible and predictable. And one of the things that we really enjoyed through this process is in the new code there, it's simplified. There's many new diagrams and uh tables in the code that did a really good job of simplifying it and making it user friendly not only for staff but the public if they want to go into the code and and and see what uh the setbacks are for their house and the garage or accessory structures and things like that. Meeting summaries. Here's a little breakdown of um the process. So, as the council and plan commission knows, we uh started with some listening sessions right at the beginning. um kind of wanted to kind of get an idea of where we were going down um with this process. But then each of the meetings um staff and our consultant got together and we looked at different sections of the code and broke it all brought different [clears throat] meeting different information back to different meetings with the plan commission. Um reviewed

those different sections that you can see listed on the table right here. Um and just kind of gave a good summary of what we did throughout this process to get to where we are today. Um we did have a the full draft review at the last plan commission meeting along with a public hearing. There's another slide talks about that. But again, tonight we are at the first council reading for the uh new ordinances for the code and the uh zoning map. Uh we did have several public input opportunities throughout the process. So we had a public open house on November 17th. We had about 15 or 20 attendees come for that. So, it was a great opportunity for the public to come in, ask questions, view the materials, and uh get good feedback back and forth of not only and we took some of that information and made tweaks um to the code and the maps based on that public input openhouse. So, that was really beneficial there. We also had a website set up that had everything laid out throughout the entire process. talked about every meeting like all those meetings I just identified before um and gave updates about what sections of the code we're working on and um every meeting that the plan commission uh did review this information. The link for that direct video is on our website yet today. So if anybody wants to know about fencing and the discussion that we had about that, you can go to the website um and find that video that the plan commission talks specifically about that um that process and that topic. Um and then we also had the public hearings and uh we had a public hearing at the the last plan commission meeting. Unfortunately uh nobody did come at that meeting to uh providing additional comment other than what we had at the public open house. So again we are tonight here to talk about the uh first reading of the um zoning ordinances and then we anticipate a second reading and adoption at our February actually I think it's February 18th um is the meeting the Wednesday if that's what the Wednesday is. I know that was really quick, but I know you guys have been involved in the process right uh from the start. Many of

you came to the last plan commission meeting um and was involved in that discussion. Are there any questions at this point? Seeing no questions for Mr. Hearth. Uh thank you Chad. Yep. Bernie, back to you. Okay. Consider an approval of an ordinance repeal and re enacting chapter 17 of the new London municipal code. First reading. Motion made by Mr. Richie. Second.

Second Mr. Dorsy to approve an ordinance repealing and reacting chapter 17 of the New London Municipal Code. This is the first reading. Any further discussion? Please cast your balance. Motion carried 90. Okay. I'm considering approval of an ordinance repeal and reacting of official zoning map of the city of New London. First reading. Motion made by Mr. Richie. Second. Was that second?

Second by Mr. Bington to approve an ordinance repealing and reacting an official zoning map of the city of New London. This is the first reading. Any further discussion? Please cast your ballots. Motion carried 90.

That's all I have. Okay. Thanks, Mr. Richie. Next, we'll move on to economic development kitty committee. Miss Croy, thank you. Um, [clears throat] the November meeting was held on December 2nd in tandem with the parks and reccks meeting. Therefore, there was no actual December meeting um in 2025. And that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. President.

Okay. Thank you, Miss Croy. Let's move on to capital projects and commit committee. Um there will be no minutes because the minutes were read and we had action was taken at a special uh council meeting immediately following. Let's move on to our various meeting minutes and reports will stand as read in your packet. Reports of officers on recent events and announcements to the public from mayor rescheduling the regular February council meeting to Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. Motion is needed to consider moving the February council meeting to Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. This change was initially prompted by the possibility of a spring primary election scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th. Although an election is no longer required in New London due to an absence of candidates on the ballot, the meeting date still needs to be changed. Several timesensitive notices for the public hearing and approval of the zoning code were required to be published before the city was notified that no February election would be necessary. Looking for a motion.

I make the motion to change it to Wednesday, February 18th. Motion made by Mr. Bau. Second. Second by Mr. Barington to move the February council meeting to Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. Any discussion? The time be 5 6:15. Also, time the meeting would still be the same. 6:30.

Should be 6:30. Yep. Same time. Any further discussion? Please cast your ballot. Motion carry 90. Next, we'll move on to city administrator, Mr. Thank you, Aud. Um, as council president H [clears throat] just mentioned, there is no spring primary election in New London on February 17th. Other municipalities may have elections, so those in the public may see election day coverages in in the news. However, New London does not have any candidates requiring the spring primary. Um, so the next election in New London will be in April. Um, secondly, we are continuing to accept tax payments in the front office at the municipal building throughout the end of this month. Um, after that, tax payments will be shifted to be paid at the county. As a reminder, you can stop by the municipal building to pay your taxes. Um, obtain your dog license, purchase your annual boat launch pass, and or get your gate pass for your for the brush drop off site all in one trip. So, you can come to this build building and do that. And then lastly, I would like to introduce Austin Deb. Austin is in attendance this evening and as of today has accepted our offer to serve as the city's new community development director. Uh Austin will be overseeing the building and zoning department and will work with residents and contractors on development projects, zoning permits, review, uh certified survey maps, wetland and shoreline zoning, plant reviews, and much more. Anything else that I put on his plate, right? Yep, that's good. His role be will be here to help to ensure that permits, applications, and development projects continue to move forward in a timely manner as the city experiences additional growth. So Austin, welcome to our team.

That's all I have. Thank you. I'd like to also personally welcome you, Austin. Get on board and we'll see how we go. Right. All right. Thank you. Let's move on to the chief of police, Chief Wilson. Thank you, Mr. H. I want to recognize Officer Ben Kee for three years of service completed. And also, if you've been following our Facebook or the city's Facebook, our web page, the Code Red alert system is no longer in service through Aaka County. They discontinued that service. It's been replaced by a Motorola rave. It's a much friendlier application for the end users. So, if there's any questions, you can contact the police department. Otherwise, there's to sign up with that online. That's all I have.

Thank you, Chief Wilson. Um, next we'll move on the director of public works, Mr. Garski.

Thank you, your honor. Um, I have one service anniversary, uh, Mary Mason. She is facility custodian, three years of service. And with this long uh cold snap ahead of us, there is going to be slippery areas in town. Um salt has little to no effect in these temperatures. We did add abrasives in in key areas, but we don't like to apply too much sand because it fills the storm system. Um you'll notice once temperatures do start to rise out of the teens and 20s, you'll see the residual start uh salt start to work and start to clear up the streets. So take care when travel. That is all I have here.

Thank you, Mr. Garski. Moving on to director of park and recreation, Miss Soul.

Thank you, President H. Dr. or sorry, daddy daughter dance is right around the corner, so please get your tickets. The dance theme this year is walk the red carpet on February 14th. Doors open at 5:00 pm with dancing or derves, a mirror booth, and so much more. Tickets can be purchased online or at our office at 9828521. Um, we also have some open gym available. Um, first off, new this year is the pickle ball open gym on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It's $5 to enter and you do need to bring your own equipment, but we offer the space for you to enjoy. It's also just open gym season. Um, the Washington Center gym is open for kids Fridays 6 to 900 p.m. and Saturdays [clears throat] 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturdays 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. That cost is also $5 at the door. The gym is available for indoor walking um for free Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and then from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Um, we just ask that you bring a clean pair of shoes to change into when you do that. Um, and then over at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, winter session two of swimming lessons will be open for registration Friday or sorry, February 9th for the session running February 16th through March 19th. You can register online or by calling the Aquatic and Fitness Center at 9828524. That's all I have for you. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Soul. Last but not least, let's move on the utility manager, Mr. Basset. Thank you, your honor. Um, like to report the electric department finished the electric reconstruction for the Highway 54 DOT project. And I'd also like to thank the police department for assisting in that when they removed the wires over the highway. And then last, I have a service anniversary for Andy Chandler, uh, 13 years of service, and he's our electric supervisor for the utilities. That's all I have tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. it. Uh down for motion for adjournment. Move to adjourn. Second.

Was a second. Motion made by Mr. Barington, second by Mr. Richie for adjournment. Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. We are adjourned. Thank you guys.