Common Council - Regular Meeting

Recording in progress.

Recording stopped.

Somebody borrowed my notebook. For the girls? There is not. It was in the fall. She's currently in track. Did she do that last year? Yes. Reporting in progress. Okay, I'd like to call Pastor Walker from First Baptist Church to come on up and give the invocation.

Heavenly Father, we come before you this evening and we thank you for giving this government a good for social order and mutual support. Thank you for the efforts of each person present in maintaining the good and limiting evil in our city. We pray that you allow a sense of mutual respect, cooperation, and insight to be present this evening. Lord, your friend Augustine taught us that cities are united by shared loves. Allow us to identify and celebrate these common loves. And we ask that each person speaking today would do so motivated by the common good. We ask that Watertown would be a place of freedom and prosperity and safety for all people of goodwill. Oh Lord, we pray that your spirit provide illumination to every heart here to be wise. We need your spirit for wisdom, so that the decisions made might find solutions to thorny problems while uniting our community together in mutual respect and friendship. We ask that you would please protect the police, the firefighters, and EMTs that serve Watertown. We thank you for the bravery and fortitude you have granted them, and again ask that you would protect them from harm as they work to serve others. Finally, Lord, we thank you for the personal sacrifice of time and effort that each person has made here to serve the city of Watertown. Might they be blessed as they use your wisdom to fulfill their calling. And we pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Amen. Thank you, Pastor Walker. I'd like to call tonight's Common Council meeting to order. It's 7.03 p.m. here on Tuesday, May 19th. Megan, you take the roll, please.

Thank you. Can you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God,

Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you for setting the agenda. Minutes have come of council meeting held on May 5th.

Mr. Mayor, I'll move that we approve the minutes as written. Okay, a motion by Berg.

Second. Second by Molenhauer. Okay. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Next, we have comments and suggestions from citizens present. Members of the public who wish to address the council must register their request in writing before the meeting begins. Each individual who requests to address the council will be permitted up to three minutes for their comments. Okay, under reports, we have licensing board minutes from April 9th, park, recreation, and forestry minutes from April 20th, senior center advisory board minutes from April 21st, site plan review minutes from April 27th, planning commission minutes from April 27th, finance committee minutes from April 27th, public safety and welfare minutes from May 6th, public works commission minutes from May 12th, and tourism minutes from May 14th. Okay. Move on to communication recommendations. Employee recognitions. I'd like to first acknowledge Corey Schultz and the fire department for his five years of service. Our judge, Mark Sweet, has his 10-year anniversary, and he was unable to make it today. But I want to say a few words about Mr. Sweet. This is with great respect and appreciation that we recognize Mark Sweet for his decade of dedicated service as municipal judge for the city of Watertown. Over the past 10 years, Judge Sweet has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and the rule of law. His steady leadership in the courtroom has ensured that justice is administered thoughtfully and impartially, reflecting the highest ideals of public service. Through his work, he has helped maintain trust in the local judicial system and contributed to the well-being and order of the community. Beyond his formal responsibilities, Judge Sweet's tenure has been marked by a genuine dedication to the people of Watertown. He has approached each case with diligence and respect, recognizing the real lives and circumstances behind every matter brought before him. His professionalism, sound judgment, and compassion have left a lasting impact on the court, the city, and all those he has served. He has been instrumental in working with our youth and acted as a teacher and mentor to so many members of our community. As you honor his 10 years on the bench, we express our gratitude for his contributions and commend him for a career defined by integrity, service, and a deep commitment to justice. Next, I'd like to call Lisa Famularo up for her five-year. I'll need it later anyway, I think. It's like you're the media person or something. It is with sincere appreciation that we recognize Lisa Famularo for five years of dedicated service to the Watertown community as media director. Throughout her tenure, Lisa has played an essential role in strengthening communication between the city and its residents, ensuring that information is shared clearly, accurately, and with a spirit of transparency. Her work has helped foster trust, engagement, and a stronger sense of connection across the Watertown area. Lisa's leadership and professionalism has been evident in every aspect of her role. Whether managing public messaging, coordinating with city departments, or guiding the city's presence across media platforms, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. Her ability to navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving media landscape has ensured that Watertown remains responsive, informed, and forward-looking. Beyond her technical expertise, Lisa has brought a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her work. She has been a steady and reliable voice, especially during times when clear communication mattered most. Her dedication has not only enhanced the city's outreach efforts, but has also set a high standard for public service. As we mark this milestone, we extend our gratitude to Lisa Famularo for her five years of service. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on Watertown, and her efforts will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

Thank you.

I think I messaged you most on a weekend back and forth besides both chiefs, I think, but a lot of times, and a lot of work you just did even with the flooding we had. So you do an outstanding job. Thank you.

Thank you.

Ten years?

Five.

Five. Thank you.

Nice job. Had to get that posted. Coming up first, I think. Coming up, Mr. Wetzel.

I hear congratulations in order for your wife, too. It is. I remember your son going to school, you know, in the backyard when I first moved in, too. Jane was one. He's 32 now, is that your youngest? 31. Yeah. They're 30 years apart. Yeah. Jane was one when we moved in. Okay. It's with deep appreciation we recognize Mr. Bob Lettsall for his six years of dedicated service as an alderman for the city of Watertown. I know you have 11 total. During his time in office, Bob has exemplified the true spirit of public service, working diligently to represent his constituents and to strengthen the community he calls home. His commitment to thoughtful decision-making and responsible leadership has played an important role in guiding the city forward. Throughout his tenure, Bob has been a steady and dependable voice on the council. He approached each issue with care, balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and the long-term vision for Watertown. Whether addressing local concerns, supporting community initiatives, or helping navigate complex challenges, He has consistently demonstrated integrity, fairness, and a genuine dedication to doing what is best for the city of Watertown. Bob's impact extends beyond policy and meetings. He has built meaningful relationships within the community, earning the respect of colleagues and residents alike. His willingness to listen, engage, and collaborate has helped foster a sense of unity and trust, qualities that are essential in local government. The City of Watertown wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to Bob Wetzel for his contributions to Watertown. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting mark on the community, and his efforts will continue to be felt for years to come. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in the next chapter ahead. All your grandkids. in recognition of your years of dedicated service to city watertown and citizens 8th district april 2020 through april 2026 presented by the mayor and the common council there is no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service condoleezza rice

Thanks, Mrs. Maxwell.

Thanks, John, Bob.

OK, I think that's it. Hey, one more. Mr. Bars, come on up. For six years, Dan Bartz has served the residents of Watertown with dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the community. His time as an alderman has been marked by thoughtful leadership, a willingness to listen, and a steady focus on what is best for the city as a whole. Whether addressing everyday concerns or long-term priorities, he approached each responsibility with care and a strong sense of civic duty. Throughout his service, Dan earned the respect of colleagues and constituents alike by being approachable and dependable. He understood that effective leadership requires both vision and collaboration, and he consistently worked to bring people together in pursuit of common goals. His efforts helped strengthen the fabric of the community and ensure that the voices of residents were heard and valued in the decision-making process. Whether at neighborhood functions, community celebrations, or public meetings, he made a consistent effort to listen, participate, and support the many organizations and volunteers that helped make Watertown a strong and vibrant place to live. that wants to show up and be part of the community to help build trust and strengthen the connection between local government and its residences. Watertown is better for his contributions. Dan Bartsley is behind a legacy of commitment and public service that reflects the very best of local leadership. His work has made a meaningful difference and his dedication will not be forgotten.

They're similar, but okay.

Distinguished Service Award presented to Alderperson Dan Bartz. In recognition of your years of dedicated service to the City of Watertown and its citizens, 4th District April 2020 through April 2026, presented by the Mayor and the Common Council, there is no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service. Condoleezza Rice.

Nice job, Dan.

Okay. Sorry. New business review and take action committee appointments. Mr. Mayor, I would move for the approval of your appointments. Okay. Motion by Smith. Second by Lampe. Okay. I believe a roll call, I believe.

Smith.

Aye.

Arnett.

Aye.

Hasse. Aye. Moldenhauer. Aye. Davis.

Aye.

Lampe. Aye. Burke?

Aye.

Nteki? Aye. Lenke?

Aye.

Motion carried.

Thank you. Next under miscellaneous business, we have the payroll summary April 15th through April 28th. Paid invoices report from April of 2026. Cash investments from April 30th.

Okay.

Move on to licenses. Review and take action applications for temporary Class B beer licenses from Watertown Cardinals Baseball Organization Incorporated for home game versus Lebanon Whitetails on June 26th of 2026 from 4 to 11 p.m. Home game versus Farmington Flames on July 12th, 2026 from 10 to 5 p.m. Home game versus Johnson Creek Pioneers on August 1st, 2026, 10 to 5 p.m. Located at Washington Park, 635 South 12th Street. Mr. Mayor. Mr. Blanke. I'll move approval of the license. Okay. We'll try Blanke for approval.

I'll second.

Second by the techie. Okay. Any discussion on that? Okay. Thank you. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Next, B, review and take action applications for temporary Class B beer licenses from Watertown Rotary Club of Water for Watertown Concert Series on May 30th, 2026 and June 20th, 2026 during hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. located at Benson Family Town Square at 1 West Main Street. Mr. Molenhauer.

Mr. Mayor. Thank you.

Motion by Molenhauer. Second by Lampe. Questions, comments on that? Okay. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Next we have one ordinance. Ordinance 26-15. Ordinance to amend section 428-7 special event definitions and 420-7 special event exceptions. Sponsored by Alder Davis and the Public Safety and Welfare Committee on its first reading. Ms. Davis.

Ordinance 26-15. Okay.

Motion by Davis. Second. Second. Thank you. Okay. Questions, comments on that?

Mr. Mayor?

Yes, Mr. Berg.

I'm just asking, what initiated the requirement or the need for these subtractions or changes in the ordinance? Why?

I can answer that one. City staff was having some difficulties trying to clearly determine when somebody needs to get a special event permit and fill out an application. So with these changes, we're just looking to clarify that process and who specifically needs to go through the special event ordinance.

Okay.

Any other questions? Megan.

Davis? Aye. Lampe? Aye. Burke?

Aye.

Ntukie? Aye. Blanke? Aye. Smith?

Aye.

Arnett?

Aye.

Hasse? Aye. Moldenhauer?

Aye.

Motion carried.

Okay, thank you. Next 12 resolutions, we have Exhibit 9862, Resolution for Wastewater Utility 2025 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report, sponsored by Alder and Nett and the Public Works Commission. Motion by Lampe.

I'll second it.

Seconded by Berg. Okay. Questions, comments on that? Mr. Lampe, go ahead.

Mayor, I have a couple of questions and I might end up directing these to Alder or Nat or someone else who's familiar with these. Three things I wanted to look at on here. One is within the resolution itself, there is a mention of an appeal or an understanding for capacity re-rating. Is that something that is part of the normal annual process, or is that an extraordinary process?

That is an extraordinary process, not something that is normal.

Okay. Does that pertain to the influent issue related on page 80, or is there something beyond that?

It is directly related to that. And it's actually the state staff's recommendation that we include that in the resolution to give us that option.

Okay. The last question I have is on the items that are listed on page 98 in the packet regarding potential capital investments. Is that, did the sum total of theirs more or less replace existing capacity or do they add to our current capacity?

That's reflective of the existing facilities plan. It does not represent anything new in terms of new proposals.

Okay. Thank you.

Okay. Anything else?

Okay.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Opposed? Okay. Thank you. Next, we have Exhibit 9863, Resolution to Approve State Municipal Financial Agreement between Wisconsin Department of Transportation and City of Watertown for 2033, excuse me, 2033 West Main Street Reconstruction Project, sponsored by myself and the Finance Committee. Mr. Smith.

I move for the adoption of Exhibit 9863.

Okay, motion by Smith.

Second.

Second by Haas. Okay. questions, comments on that. Mr. Burr, go ahead.

Yeah, just to make a little bit of a comment on the cost, but also the timing. I know we're trying to do our Main Street on the reconstruction in 2028, and I understood that they were trying to move the timetable up on the section of Main Street on the east side of town. I thought it was 2030. It might be an earlier date. Now I'm not sure, but But now I'm looking at this one here, and they're saying 2033. So is there an ability to adjust those dates, or are those hard and fast? Are we just committing to that timeline? And then you look at the cost. Now, I didn't see on here the length of street that we have on Main Street from where they're showing Welsh Road going to Church Street. Is there a distance that you're aware of that is going to be included?

So this section here is to go from Church Street all the way down to Walsh Road by Farm Fleet. That's what I mentioned, yeah. Yeah, okay.

But is it 1.2? What is the distance of that piece of Main Street that they're looking to do? Do you have that?

I don't have the mileage. Andrew, come on up ahead.

It's on page 111 actually in the packet. At the top of Exhibit A, it's 1.6 miles.

1.6, okay. All right. But if you look at the dollar amount here, and I know these are estimates. These aren't actually bona fide cost yet. They have to be, you know, contracted out for bids, and then we will have a better idea of our cost. But the $6 million on that number for that portion of 1.6 miles, you're telling me, And then we have our cost for the Main Street, and we have the portion that's going to be for the east side of our Main Street there. Those are, I mean, they're big numbers. I know we amortize that. Is that typically done with, is that eight years or 20 years? Eight. Eight years. Yeah. Yeah, it's going to really, the three of them projects together are going to have some impact on our debt service levy for sure. when it's all played out. But at this point, you're just asking for the approval, and why would we be against it? I would just encourage, ideally, the timeline to not maybe have six years from, seven years from now. But if we can do timelines earlier, it'd be better. But I know that it's up to the state. Yes. Mr. Mayor?

If I may. Yeah, go ahead, Mr. Mayor. Regarding the timing, we are not in control of that timeline. It is primarily driven by the state. And then another thing I'd like to highlight on the costs is that for this particular project, more than half of the cost is water, main, and sewer. It is not roadway work. And just please know that falls in a different fund within our budget than the normal traditional debt fund that you would speak of.

So just want to highlight that. I mean, entire Main Street would be almost fully reconstructed by 2033, right? All the way through town, east to west side. You want to add anything, Mr. Beyer?

That's correct. And this SMFA approval would kick off the design process with the state. The scoped items and that summary of cost table are preliminary in nature and are intended to be fine-tuned as we work through the design. So this will likely be coming back in a couple of years to Common Council for additional review.

But just to follow up on the point being made about the timing, our Main Street had different dates that were picked for being completed and being started. And it's been, uh, it's, it's gone back and forth between 26, 28, 29. It's it's at that date has not been a fixed date. It's changed a little bit. So we have at least the possibility of that date being looked at. Uh, if there's a way to be adjusted, I'm just encouraging that if it can be.

Yeah, I think as Mr. Arnett said, we had no control over the timing on that. It's not our road. So, um, I think you asked about the east section of Maine too. I think you were talking about the further part. Is that 29 or is that 30?

Sure. So broad overview, downtown Main Street between Church and Market is scheduled for 2028. Construction from Market to Irene Street, so right around Tivoli Island, is scheduled for 2030. And then this segment would kind of finish up the Main Street roadway work through town, scheduled for 2033. So, 28, 2030, and then 2033.

Okay, thank you. Mr. Mr. go ahead. Just 1 thing that caught my eye and this, I guess goes more to what the state's scope of the project was on page 113 terms of conditions to see it says, uh, Compensable utility adjustment and railroad for railroad force work necessitated for the project. Is it the intent of this project to also reconstruct that underpass? Um, by quick trip and high off the street.

It's unclear at this time, the extent of the work at the railroad overpass that area was flagged due to flooding concerns with our state reps, but without getting into the design, we won't know, um, what the railroad will scope for that overpass structure. But we'll continue to push it. We understand its condition. When we see this again after the design, that's when we'll start to know more about that.

Yes. But it's not on the front end.

Okay. Thank you. Yep.

Okay.

Okay. Roll call on this one, I believe.

Smith.

Aye.

Arnett.

Aye.

Hasse. Aye. Moldenhauer.

Aye.

Davis. Aye. Lampe. Aye. Berg.

Aye.

Nitteki? Aye. Blanke? Aye. Motion carried.

Okay, thank you. Next, Exhibit 9864, Resolution to Approve Wisconsin Department of Transportation Functional Classification Map, sponsored by Alderman Arnett and the Public Works Commission.

Fine, I'll move 9864.

Okay, motion by Arnett. Second by Lampe. Okay, questions, comments on that?

Mr. Blanke. One question. When I looked at the map, I happened to notice that Highway Q and Highway K are colored. However, in the legend for the map, there is no color that matches that. It's sort of an off orange. Is that simply an error on the map or is there some intent on that?

Does it look like the major collector there? Or is it just a different shade?

It almost looks like the orange. If you look at Highway L, where it crosses Highway 16, it appears as though it's almost like a brown, whereas the rest of the rural roads are gray. Is it just a mistake, or perhaps I'm seeing something that's not there?

We can see clarification from the state on those two roadways. What it appears that it could be is roadways within the city's urban boundary are bolded and perhaps these lines are not bolded. It's speculating, but we can confirm with the state.

Yeah, that's all. Thank you. Good. Okay. Anything else on that? Thank you, Mr. Beyer. Okay. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed? Okay. Thank you. D, Exhibit 9865, resolution to accept bid from Watertown Daily Times for publication of council proceedings and city advertisements and designate official city newspaper. Sponsored by myself and the Finance Committee. Mr. Lampe. I just stumbled. Okay. Motion. Motion by Lampe. Second by Berg. Okay.

Okay. Comments on that? Mr. Berg, go ahead. Yep. I am all in favor of us having obviously our council proceedings covered and included along with our city advertising. I know the school board made a little bit of controversy because of their saying no to the Daily Times for some of their agenda and their proceedings being covered. But I'm obviously on the side of wanting that. I'm curious, though, on any increase that might be. Is there any change from the previous year?

It actually decreased.

A decrease. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Anything else?

Okay.

Lampy.

Aye.

Burke.

Aye.

Nattucki.

Aye.

Blanke.

Aye.

Smith.

Aye.

Arnett.

Aye.

Hasse? Aye. Moldenhauer?

Aye.

Davis?

Aye.

Motion carried.

Okay, thank you. E, Exhibit 9866, Resolution to Waive Prohibition of Golf Cart Operation under Wisconsin Statute Section 349.18 and 410-11 of the Largely Invincible Code on May 25, 2026, sponsored by myself. This came up kind of quick, so I was putting it in front of the council. We're not really putting it on a committee, but Mr. Molenhauer. I'll move. Thank you, Mr. Molenhauer.

I'll second that.

Thank you, Ms. Davis. Kind of a special day. Okay. Questions on it? Mr. Lampe, go ahead.

Mayor, I'm a little puzzled on the necessity of this. It seems that other events, parades, Riverfest, typically we've run all sorts of carts up and down in an area where the street is closed without necessarily naming the vehicles before. Is... What's bringing the need to have this resolution at this time?

Chief and I talked about that. The section of River Drive by the National Armory is usually closed off to traffic. So with Boomer Street, but also a road that's not usually traffic on the south side of Boomer, just that road hasn't been used, so it's being opened up that day. It's kind of just a unique situation and also helpful in case there's... I don't know, we have... helicopters going, it's going to be landing the airport too. So they're actually closing part of the airport up.

Okay. So to clarify, this also covers a street that is not closed by the special event permit?

So if you look at, well, yeah, it's part of the airport. So that section of river drives here on Boomer Street going south, that road was closed years ago. There's a gate there, so that's going to be opened up. We haven't decommissioned it yet. That road's not been used. The pavement's still there. Okay. It's a unique situation, so I just thought we'd take it. Best way to do it. Thank you for the clarification. Sure. It's a closed road that we're opening back up just for that day. Okay. Any more questions on that? Okay. All those in favor say aye.

Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Okay.

F, Exhibit 9867, Resolution to Authorize Execution of a Contract for Senior Center Elevator Modernization. Sponsored by myself and the Finance Committee. Mr. Smith?

Mr. Mayor, I would move for the adoption of Exhibit 9867.

Okay. Motion by Smith. I'll second. Second by Anatecky. Thank you. Okay. Questions, comments on F?

Smith?

Aye.

Arnett?

Aye.

Hasse?

Aye.

Moldenhauer?

Aye.

Davis? Aye. Lampe?

Aye.

Burke?

Aye.

Ntukie? Aye. Blanke? Aye. Motion carried.

Okay, thank you. Next, 13, comments and suggestions from citizens present. Each individual request to address the council will be permitted up to three minutes for their comments and must fill out the sign-in sheet provided. Members wishing to speak during the public comment section may speak on agenda items only. Okay, I'm seeing none. Well then, that brings up to our last item, adjournment. We'll wait for a while. Ms. Davis? I'll take this as a motion. Second by Blanke, okay. All right, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Thank you. It's 737.

So those two rows.