City Council - Regular Meeting

like to call the uh common council meeting to order. Tuesday, March 17th, 2026. Pledge of allegiance. Algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty andice for all. Roll call been taken. Yes. Thank you. Next, I'm looking for a motion for the agenda. So move your honor. Second.

Motion made by Mr. Barington. Second by Mr. Roberts to pro to uh approve the agenda as presented. Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carried. We have one correction. One thing to note, we found an error that will be corrected in the minutes for March 4th. The minutes in your packet reflected a unanimous vote for the facade grant. It should actually be a seven yes, zero, no, and two abstain vote with FHA and Robert abstaining. Can I get a motion for these corrected minutes?

So move second by Mr. Bington, second by Mr. Dorsey to approve the minutes with the correction. Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carried. Mr. Dorsy, we pay some bills. Mr. Make a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $1,338,504. Second. Motion made by Mr. Dorsy, second Mr. Fashe to pay the bills in the amount of $1,338,9504. Any further discussion? Cast your ballot.

I'm actually gonna have everybody sign in again first because Belinda just walked in. So, I'm just starting it over to get her all set up. Thank you. Okay. Cash your balance.

Mr. Roberts carried. Uh 90. Um public comment. Do we have any public comment? One last time for public comment. Seeing none, we'll move on. Let's go to standing of special committees. Board of Public Works, Mr. Bington. Board of Public Works met on Monday, March 2nd, 2026. Motion was made to approve the agenda. Carried by all. The next was public input. There was none. Wastewater treatment plant notes were enclosed in the packet. The next was a discussion on bike lanes for Mill Street and Beacon Avenue. Director Garski informed the committee that he met with out of county about the 2027 2028 Mill Street and Beacon Avenue construction project. Audi County identifies Mill and Beacon as a potential bicycle route that in the future could connect with trails within a game county. Bike lanes would not change the footprint of the roadway, but parking would no longer be allowed on these streets. There would be a financial benefit of 25% for a portion of the roadway construction if bike lanes were allowed. Older persons added to the discussion after much consideration decided that the proposed bike claims would not be optional for safety reasons and the financial benefit would not be significant enough. Direction was given not to pursue.

The next was to consider an agreement with Amro for sledge disposal. The OMRO agreement was reviewed in the packet. The agreement would allow the city of Omro to continue to bring their standardized sludge to the wastewater treatment plant for treatment. The agreement would last until December 31st, 2029 with the ability to adjust the road rates annually if needed. Motion made and seconded to bring that to council car 8 to zero. connects with discussion on non-standard street warning street warning signs. A resident requested signage relating to an area where a deaf child resides. Current code does not reference clearly this type of sign placement for blind, deaf or autistic child area. The non-standard warning signs are not part of the MUTC. It was found that most communities do not allow non-standard signs to be installed. One community has a form that the request of the sign the requesttor of the sign fills out. That form is reviewed by a committee and approved or denied. Alterpersons had a thorough discussion related to non-standard warning signs. Direction was given to look into the policy allowing non-standard warning signs by committee review at the cost of request. The motion was taken. Director's report. Director's memo was included in the agenda packet and was reviewed by the board. anniversaries. Then Hannadale

wastewater treatment operator number two, five years of service. Mil Street construction project is moving forward with preparation to begin. Borings will be done soon. North Street LRIP reimbursement should arrive soon. Any cost savings from this project can be put toward another approved project to use future grant amount. Highway 45 and 54 projects this year that are led and run by the state will start soon. A public information meeting will be held at March 15 that was moved to uh Thursday night. The sled will be available for the 26 27 winter season. Wastewater treatment plants for are in the future agenda items. Date and time of the next meeting will be determined. No further discussion. Minute was cancelled at 6:15. I make a motion to consider approvement agreement with wastewater treatment services for the city of Omro.

Motion made by Mr. Bington. I'll second it. Second by Mr. Richie to approve the agreement wastewater services with the city of Armoro. Any discussion, cast your ballot. The motion to zero. And that is all I have tonight.

Thank you, Mr. Bington. Let's move on. Finance and personnel. Mr. Dorsey. Mr. Honor. Finance and personnel committee met Wednesday, March 11th. Meeting was called to order at 5:15. Motion made to approve the minutes. There's no public comment. Presented an annual B&G association contract for continuous monitoring of the CDGB small cities R housing program. Purpose of contract is to monitor the loans that were taken out by New London residents prior to the department of administration re regionalizing that process. Motion was made, seconded to recommend a council approval of the contract. Minister Herth led a discussion on how the committee would like the city to approach a future wage study, whether that be an internal or external. The last formal wage study was completed internally in 2022, implemented in 2023. Historically, historically, the wage studies were completed every four years. In the past year, the city has had a number of employees leave for higher paying opportunities. City understands the pressure of the job market that continues to be very competitive and managing limited ability to increase revenue, but the city has to maintain a competitive wage to attract and retain qualified staff. There's a general consensus to use an outside consultant to properly reflect both the external municipal job market and the internal pay quality. Committee requested administrator Hort to begin the process to explain to obtain quotes for an outside consultant and bring it back that information to a future finance committee meeting. Financial reports were reviewed. Director's report was discussed. Uh be no business. Motion is made to adjourn at 553.

Make a motion for the approval of a contract with B&G Associate for administrating the city's CDBG small cities housing program. Second. Motion made by Mr. Dorsy, second by Mr. Roberts to approve the contract with B&G Associates for administering the city's CDBG small cities housing program. Any further discussion? Please cast your ballot. That motion carried 8 to zero. Sorry about that one abstension. Mr. Fisher, sorry about that 7 to1 extension. Make a motion to approve the monthly license list recommended for approval by the police department.

Second. Motion made by Mr. Dorsy, second by Mr. Roberts to approve the license list as recommended by approval for approval by the police department and presented in your packets. Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. I opposed. Motion carried 8 Z. That's all I have, your honor. Thank you, Mr. Dorsy. Park and Rex, Mr. Bsaw. There was no park and w committing meeting in March. So there are no minutes. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Bau. Let's move on. Let's move on to planning commission. Mr. Richie,

planning commission met February 26th. Meeting was called to order at 5:15. Motion made second and approve the agenda. Motion was made seconded to approve the minutes of January 22nd's meeting. There was no public comment. The committee development director Austin Dave pres whatever presented the proposed CSM for reveal staff recommendations is to approve the purpose CSM with no conditions after discussing mayor and stinger move to approve the CSM. Motion carry 100. Committee development director Austin presented a proposed development for review based on a staff Allen analyst. The proposed development would require the compensation plan amendment and the sequence reasons. The purpose development falls under the missing metal category of housing which is listed as a need in the city's comprehensive plan. The floor was open for discussion. No action was taken on the item. Upcoming agenda items. Committee Development Director Austin informed the planning commission that there will be a future comprehensive plan amendment to review which will update the city's comprehensive plan to reflect a new zoning code. Next meeting date tenantly March 26th

meeting was adjourned at 5:30. Um, consider an approval for an ordinance amendment the future land use map in the city's 2040 comprehensive plan. Second reading. Motion made by Mr. Richie. Second. Second. Second by Mr. Bau to approve the ordinance amending the future land use map in the city's 2040 comprehensive plan. This is a second reading. Any further discussion? Please cast your ballot. Motion carried 8 Z. That's all I have, your honor.

Thank you, Mr. Richie. Moving on to economic development committee. Miss Croy,

thank you. Um, the economic development committee met on Wednesday, March 4th. We um called the meeting to order at 5:15. The agenda was approved as presented, carried by all. The minutes were reviewed and approved as presented. There was no public comment. A discussion took place regarding the renewal of improvement program for 2026. A recap and the results for the 2025 program were provided. In 2025, $35,8489 was awarded in grant funds resulting in property owner investments that exceeded $173,715. The committee considered renewing the program, but also expanding it to other businesses outside of the downtown zone. A motion was made to renew the building facade improvement program with a 2026 budget of $55,000, including a change allowing facade grants to be available to all City of New London businesses following the initial application round. This motion carried, 10 in favor, zero against, two abstensions. The chamber director's business LA's Family Restaurant and Bar is opening in the former downtown family restaurant location at 1601 North Sho Street. Aspen Wit and Franklin Realy and Company is opening at 103 West Northwater Street. The new SCS

W Apartments are expected to start leasing in April of 2026. Sherwood Auto has relocated to the former Ford building at N3605 Riverrun Lane. Amazing Low Prices at 210 Wisconsin Street is hosting a going up business sale. There was a verbal offer for the sale of the newer side of the Grand Cinema Theater and that has been cancelled. So the facility is still the chamber has partnered with the small business development centers from Stevens Point and Oshkosh and have started three consulting services on the third Thursday of each month. Contact the chamber for more information or to schedule a an appointment. Administrator Hurt reported that conversations continue with developers regarding residential housing developments. He also provided an update on conversations with several engineering consulting firms for the Downtown Placemaking projects and provided a copy of the Waka County Economic Development Corporation's 2025 highlights report. Future agenda items were reviewed. The state of Wisconsin downtown reports was published by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and that was included in the agenda packet. The committee was asked to read the report and prepare for follow-up vision and discussion at next month's meeting. The next economic development committee committee meeting is anticipated to be held March 24th. Motion was made to adjourn at 5:48 p.m. and was carried by all

and that is all I have.

Thank you, Miss Croy. Next, we'll move on to capital projects and commit committee. I will read that meeting was called the order 556. Motion remain adopted the agenda carry 90 park and rec director Miss Soul explained the need for emergency replacement of the sauna heating unit in the woman's locker room area at the aquatic and fitness center. The control sensor for the temperature malfunction and the unit must be replaced as it is obsolete. Also of concern is the sauna has high uses and is currently a deterrent for patrons who are using the facility. There was discussion on replacement of the heating unit in the men's locker room area. Also at the same time, Ginger stated that the lead time to get a new unit was minimal as a unit is local. Motion was made and seconded to approve that. Finance director Ratkkey and Chief Wil will Wiler continued discussion from the February committee meeting on replacement of the fire department pumper estimated cost at $1.3 million. An article from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities magazine addressed several concerns that raised at at the February meeting, including the high cost replacement fire equipment, extended lead times for receiving equipment, and the challenges Wisconsin communities face in financing such purchases. The article also highlighted the no frills approach to ordering equipment, as well as a possible option to refurbish existing equipment. Staff addressed questions considering the points listed above due the cost the city will need Incorporate the purchase into future bonding cycle. Raki noted that the first step is for the finance committee to approve a resolution authorizing the advance expenditure of funds ahead of the next bond insurance allowing for specification process to begin. Racker will present a resolution

to to for the fire pumper at the next finance committee meeting for consideration. Chief Wiler, Chief Wiler was directed to obtain quotes from several different fire truck manufacturers for cost comparison. The next capital improvement and committee will be held as an asne basis. Meeting was adjourned 625. I'd like to make a motion to approve replacement of the women's saw and equipment at thequatics and fitness center. Estimated cost 6,300. Second.

Motion made by myself, seconded by Mr. Roberts. to approve the replacement of the women's sauna equipment at thequatics and fitness center. Estimated cost 6,300. Any further discussion? Is that just for one or is that two of them?

That's just for one of them. Any further discussion? Please cast your ballot. Motion carried seven with one no. Moving on to various meeting minutes and reports will stand as read in your packet. Next, we'll move on to report of offer, sir, and recent events and announcements. I have a proclamation to read from the tree city USA. Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for planting of trees. And whereas this holiday is called Arbor Day was the first observed in the planting of more than 1 million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and is and the world. And whereas trees can be the solution for combating climate change by reducing erosion of their precious top soil by wind, water, cutting heat and cooling costs, monitoring the temperature, and cleaning the air, producing lifegiving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees wherever they are planted are source of joy and renewal. Now therefore, uh, John Hass is, uh, council president of the city of New London. I do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 Arbor Day in the city of New London. And I urge all citizens who celebrate Arbor Day to support the efforts and protect our

trees and woodlands. And further, I will urge all citizens to plant trees and enhance our community and promote well-being for the future. Let's move on to uh city administrator, Mr. Worth.

Thank you, your honor. Uh first of all, a schedule update. The Wisconsin DOT uh was intending on holding their public information meeting yesterday regarding the 2026 reconstruction project of high US Highway 45 and Wisconsin Highway 54. Obviously, that meeting was canceled because of the weather. Um, but they are rescheduling it to be held this Thursday, March 19th, here in the council chambers at the New London Municipal Building starting at six o'clock. So, it's just been pushed uh to this Thursday. Next, as reported in the economic development committee meeting minutes, uh the city did renew the business facade grant program for 2026. Applications and information on the program can be found on the city's website. And new this year is that after the first round of awards for the downtown businesses, the program opens up to commercial businesses citywide. So, anyone can apply, but downtown businesses will be considered in the first initial round and those initial applications are due April 17th. If anybody has any questions about that, come contact me here in the office. Um, third is that residents may have started receiving letters from our assessor regarding the re-evaluation process planned for this summer in 2026. Uh we've started a page on our city's website to host information on the process and we'll provide updates to the city website and Facebook page as time goes on and there's going to be opportunity for questions and and comments throughout the process. But if anybody has any questions on that process, you can contact me as well. And then lastly, I am happy to introduce Carolyn Layman. Sorry Caroline, I didn't see you before the meeting to give you a heads up. Uh but Carolyn is our new city clerk. So we welcome her to um our team. um she starts her new career on Monday and we're excited to bring Carolyn on. So, thank you um for coming. That's all I have, your honor.

Thank you, Mr. Hort. Move on. The chief of police, Chief Wilson.

Thank you, your honor. Um police department's been busy and making plans, ensuring everybody will have a safe Irish Fest celebration on Saturday and the rest of the week. Some anniversaries that I want to recognize. Officer Harlo has completed 20 years of service. Officer Shrader has completed 15 years of service. And officer Crealt completed six years of service. And if I thank you to the street department and their work last couple of days with the snow event, they're extremely helpful to law enforcement and first responders through different medical events that law enforcement by themselves wouldn't have been able to get out to. So, I know they were beneficial in helping the county get to a medical call involving a child. Uh the sheriff reached out specifically to thank our street department for that work. So, thank you. That's all I have, your honor.

Thank you, Chief. Uh, next, Director of Public Works, Mr. Garski.

Uh, thank you, your honor. Um, segue to that. Uh, if you haven't noticed, we got a wee bit of snow. So, some of the notes that I took down um things that happened through the actual storm event uh Sunday, Monday, uh New London responded with five street personnel, the city mechanic, three park personnel, the aquatic program supervisor who carries a CDL. Um most of that staff put in 32 hours in that two-day span. Um, today was another long day. Uh, I did not include that, but it was a 12 plus hour to do uh some cleanup and and start the removal process uh downtown. Um, I want to thank the crew for all the hard work and the stress that comes with it in the long hours. Um, also thank the the PD with uh um uh helping us out uh getting cars off the street. Um, and I also want to take this time to thank council. Uh, you're wondering what for. I've been here going on four full years and um, through that I've asked for pieces of equipment and things like the greater when you're looking at a $400,000 expense. Um, that's a lot to chew off on a on a capital budget and for for this council to approve objects like that or equipment like that, the plow and wing setup for our loaders. Um, it's essential for events like this. Um, I know they don't get used every day. It's not an everyday piece of equipment, but without it, um, that 30ome year old grater we had would have been a drift

ornament until it thought out because there's no way it would have got through what we went through. Um, it's it's essential to have the necessary equipment to do our job and I appreciate that the approvals on the things we've asked for. Um, also as I've heard before, council that the streets are narrow. Um, remember that all streets must be passable. So if you're parking on a street, try to stagger your park. Uh, we will not go out and try to knock these banks down. One, they're frozen place. Two, it wasn't on purpose to to try to narrow up the streets like the type of snow that we encountered that heavy wet snow. Once we went through it once, it it pro it had like a slippery layer that it had on the surface of the asphalt. So, the tendencies of the truck or even the grater for that fact would want to kick it to the side instead of sending it over. Um, I do not want to go out and try to kick it back with little result and and filling people's driveways. I don't want to do that. Um, we're in March. Hopefully, Mother Nature will help us out, get this melted down and and we can carry on. Um, and that's all I have tonight.

Thank you, Mr. Garski. Uh, moving on to Director of Parks and Recreation, Miss Soul. Thank you, your honor. Well, even though it doesn't look like spring, the park and recck department is preparing for our spring pump programming. On March 28th at 11:00 a.m., the dog park will be open for the great pump hunt. Easter eggs will be scattered throughout the park filled with puppy treats, and you may even see an Easter bunny. We do ask that all dogs wish to participate at to be at the park before 11:00 a.m. and on a leash. No dog will be admitted during the event without a leash. Once all eggs are picked up for dogs, um the dogs are free to go off leash and enjoy the park as normal. The park will be locked at normal closing time on March 27th and will not open until the event. Um then we have our babysitting class on April 1st. The class begins at 8 a.m. at the Washington Center North Room and will conclude at 3:30 p.m. Upon completion of this class, um, each participant will walk away with a CPR and AED certification as well as knowledge on how to safely stay at home by oneself or babysit others. Um, also all summer program registration is open, including um, Camp Hatton. Um, that can be found on our registration website. And then lastly, um our department is hiring for Camp Hatton counselors as well as summer class instructors. Please see our website under human resources employment opportunities for more information or you can call our office at 9828521. And that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Soul. Next, we'll move on the director of community development, Mr. Dee.

Thank you, honor. Looking back to February, our department issued 17 building permits, which was a slight uptick from January. We issued 15. As I've mentioned before, we do anticipate this number to continue to rise as we get into construction season. And with that being said, as we do eventually head into construction season, uh, weather depending, uh, I encourage any city council members, any residents to reach out with any questions, concerns, complaints that they may have because we're anticipating a busy summer when it comes to construction, whether that's residential, commercial, whatever it may be. We're here to help out. Next, if you go to our city website, you'll see some uh updates to the community development page um with some helpful links uh kind of a refreshed uh sort of look um with some information on there for people to look at uh if they have our questions and some content for our department as well. Uh that being said, that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. D. Next one, utility manager, Mr. Bestid. Thank you, your honor. uh extremely happy to report we had no issues or outages during the extreme storm event. Um also we consolidated our spring hydrant flushing down to two days. That'll take pre place April 20th and 21st this year if people are interested and want to mark their calendars. And then last I have Tony Burton has completed three years of service with New London Utilities. That's all I have tonight.

Thank you M Mr. Besset. Um I would like to take time to thank the plow drivers. Mr. Garzki, I understand snow that volume makes things very difficult and uh thank for all the hard hours, not only you, but everybody else involved in the process. Well done. Next, uh I'd like to wish everybody a happy St. Patrick's Day. Hopefully everybody shows up for the parade Saturday. Cross your fingers. Look like we're going to have a little bit good weather and I'm sure that the streets will be shaped up as best as we can when we get there. Be safe and enjoy everybody. Uh, seeing the more I look for a motion to adjurnn. So move. Second.

Motion made by Mr. Barington, seconded Mr. Roberts to adjurnn. Any further discussion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. You're thank everybody.