City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you for joining. We'll let the people in the meeting know that you're here. I I agree. Come on.

My name Power. Sorry. Let's start. Ready?

Good to go. All right. Got that there. Okay. Good evening everybody. Two mayors for the price of one.

Okay, we're at a common council meeting here. We'll give that a minute. It's not going to work. Test test. Okay. All right. Let's do it again. Good evening everybody. You are at a common council meeting for the city of Wasa. It is Tuesday, April 14th, 2026. It is 6:43 p.m. Was city hall council chambers. I will call the meeting to order. Please join me for the pledge of

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.

With clerk, call the role, please. There are 11 voting members. First up is proclamations. We have two, but one the first one listed is the mayor's monarch proclamation. This is was presented to us to uh to submit for a program that we're going to sign up for from the s uh sustainability and energy committee. and Alder Lukans has the honor of reading it tonight.

Thank you, Mayor Denny. Um and and I do want to thank Mayor Denny for um his willingness to submit this pledge. Um every year I um have gotten requests from residents to um participate in the mayor's monarch pledge. And I also am very excited about this because it's something that um I've been personally um interested in. So uh the mayor's monarch proclamation whereas the monarch butterfly is an iconic North American species whose migration ranks among the most extraordinary phenomena in the natural world. And whereas monarch butterfly populations have declined sharply with less than 1% of the western population remaining and the eastern population decreasing by over 90% in the past two decades due to habitat loss making their conservation a critical environmental concern. And whereas cities, towns, and villages play a critical role in creating habitat for the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, supporting healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and food production. And whereas residents of the city of Wasa can make a difference for monarch butterflies by planting native milkweed and nectar plants to provide habitat for monarchs and pollinators in locations where people live, work, learn, play, and worship. Whereas the National Wildlife Federation's Mayor's Monarch pledge encourages local leaders to take specific actionable steps to restore habitat and educate residents. And whereas the city of Wasa is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing our public green spaces to serve as native habitats. And whereas I, Doug Denny, mayor of the city of Wasa, Wisconsin,

have officially signed the National Wildlife Federation's Mayor's Monarch Pledge and officially commit to the following meaningful actions throughout the next year to to protect the monarch butterfly. Incorporate monarchs into our Earth Day and Pollinator Week proclamations. launch or maintain a public communication effort in city of Austin newsletters to encourage residents to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods and educate about available alternatives to the use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals in the community that are harmful to pollinators. Engage with developers and planners to identify opportunities to create monarch habitat. Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator friendly demonstration garden at city hall or another prominent community location. Display educational signage at Monarch Gardens, City Hall, and Pollinator Habitat Beyond Monarch Demonstration Gardens, including Scoffield Park, and integrate Monarch Butterfly Conservation into the city's sustainability plan, and urge residents and comm community members to support this initiative by creating and preserving pollinator friendly habitats signed this 14th day of April, 2026. So again, Mayor Denny, thank you. Thank you so very much.

Thank you, Alder Lukans. Uh, one, just to enter into the record, we did this on Saturday uh for the week of the young child at Monk Botanical Gardens. They have a preschool there uh for 3 through 5 where 80% of the curriculum is is conducted outdoors. It's a really unique uh opportunity for people in the area to to have children in no screen environments, no phone environments, outdoors, climbing trees and that kind of thing. So we we did this on Saturday for the kickoff of that out at Monk Gardens at the preschool. I'm just going to summarize. It's a proclamation. Whereas this Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and other local organizations in conjunction with the National Association of Education of Young Children are celebrating the week of the young child April se 11th through the 17th and whereas we must recognize the vital work performed by early care education and professionals and gratitude for their important services and support efforts uh to see that they are missed that so Therefore, be it resolved that I, Doug Denny, mayor of the city of Wasa, do hereby proclaim April 11th through 17th, 2026 as week of the young child. And Monk Gardens is pretty pretty looking pretty good right now. If you want to place to go on the weekend, up next is u comments and suggestions. Do we have some pre-registered? We do. So, we'll read the public comment statement. The city of Wasau recognizes the value of public comment on local issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on city matters. Please identify yourself by name and state your address. Each statement made by a participant should be limited to three minutes. Direct all comments to the chair, not to members of

staff or not to members, council members or other participants. People addressing the council shall not disrupt the orderly course of business. The chair values civil discourse and may interrupt, terminate, or prohibit public comment that do not adhere to these rules. Orlando Alonso Orlando Alonso, 1015 Brown Street. Uh, thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. And, uh, I'm I'm good with the butterflies. It's only been a short week since the election, a short week since the contentious tax levy squeaked by. How this tax hike was fear-mongered, misrepresented, and unethically advertised by the city as a public referendum. Well, I guess that's a discussion for another day. But the taxpayers would like to know, did you really come here today to spend all of that 1.4 4 million and much much more in your first meeting back. Are you truly increasing our debt burden by another 10 a.5 million right here and now? Are you shamelessly spending suspending the rules to accomplish this heist before the new council members are sworn in? Why can't this wait another meeting? What happened to ethics? What happened to what our council president likes to refer to as optics? Council, are you proud of this agenda? What do you call it? The trash the taxpayer Tuesday agenda. I don't particularly like vaccines, but is this the keen winners might win vaccine? For review, item 24109B 957,000 revised carryover project funds for 2025 to 2026.

Item TW 1109E710 lead service line replacement costs. We're well over 1.4 million with just those two items. But there's many, many more. Do I continue? No. I think I'll spare the audience. But not before I mention 260411, what I like to call a $10 million plus home equity loan that our C council members want us taxpayers to cosign. Our finance department has exhausted every money gimmick known to municipal finance. They might refer to this as a general obligation bond, but we know what it is. It's just more debt. Finally, let me offer an observation and close with the suggestion. The observation, we're in a financial mess. are two times the national average property tax, our meager population growth, our decline de declining K through2 enrollment are proof enough. But it's not because we have a few extra firemen or that a few cops or DPW employees are getting raises. It's because you and your economic development and planning directors terrible decisionmaking. This is a department where big taxpayer money goes to die. suggestion. Sell every property the city owns and doesn't use. Get the hell out of the real estate business and start to consider the taxpayer, not just the tax consumer in decision making. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay. Item five is consent agenda. There's one item on the consent agenda that has been asked to be pulled and we'll be pulling 26-04 and that's a resolution from Infrastructure and Facilities Committee

approving the utility easement with Beacon Resources LLC at 731 North First Street. So, Cody, you have that one pulled. Okay, so we have that one pulled. Are we all clear? We're voting for everything but that item. Okay. So, we entertain a motion from Watson. Second from Neil. Seeing no comments, you may vote.

Motion passes 9 to one. Something doesn't add up there. Oh, sorry. Is that a motion passes 10 to one?

Okay. So, we'll take that first item is 260404. And again, that's a resolution from Infrastructure and Facilities Committee approving the utility easement with Beacon Resources LLC at 7:31 North First Street. would entertain a motion from Hanky, second from Watson. Any discussion? I'm looking for my speakers here. Seeing none, you may vote. Terry. Terry. So waiting on yours, dude. Did you click save? Motion passes 9 to2. Okay. Up next item six, confirming appointments of the mayor of city of Wasau to the Wasa Arts Commission and the airport committee. Entertain a motion Watson. Martin second discussion. Seeing none, you may vote.

Motion passes 11 to zero. Next item is 260409. It's a resolution from the finance committee approving alleged claim for recovery of unlawful tax for Green Acres at Greenwood Hills LLC outlot one. Entertain a motion from Martins. Second from Lukans. Alder Martins. Yeah, just um u clarifi you know just a reminder on on this particular item because there is a certain process that we follow with um claims for recovery unlawful tax that uh to go through the process motions are given in the affirmative but then to deny the claim so that it can continue through the process we would all vote no if you if you wish to deny the claim. All right, I'm seeing Martins's up here three times. Any other comments? Okay, with a motion and a second on that resolution approving approving alleged claim for recovery of unlawful tax for Greenwood Hills. You may vote.

You may vote. Motion fails 11 to Z or 0 to 11. All right. Next item is uh file 25-1109C is a resolution from the finance committee adopting budget modification to transfer a combined total of 494,000 to the recycling fund, airport fund and parking fund. Motion from Rasmus and second from Neil. Seeing no comments, you may vote. Motion passes nine to zero. We're missing

9 to2. Thank you. All right, everybody see the votes up here now. We got that fixed. That looking good. Looking better. All right. Up next is suspension of the rules. Item seven uh for rule 1D, transmission of committee business to council. would entertain a motion. Watson motion second from Martins's requires a twothirds vote. You may vote Motion passes 8 to three. So first item under suspension of the rules is item uh file number 25-1109B. It's a resolution from the finance committee adopting 2026 budget modification for the carryover of funds from 2025 to 2026. Motion from Watson, second from Rasmusen. Questions, comments, you hold on, hold on, hold on. Hanky, sorry I didn't hit my button. Um, I was just wondering this went before finance, I guess. What was what was the vote on on these next items if and I guess I would like those if they became before finance tonight. Thanks.

I did.

So, carryover pass uh from finance earlier tonight, five to zero and it Yeah. I'll I'll reread it here. It's it's file 25-1109B. It's the resolution from finance adopting a 2026 budget mod for the carryover of funds from 2025 to 2026. Okay. Are you do you have that one up, Terry? Okay, let's let's go to Mike Martins first.

Okay. Yeah, this was um we had this at our uh council I think at the previous council meeting, but there was also an amendment at tonight's council meeting uh because there was one of one of the items was was missed, but um it was it was passed unanimously uh 5 to zero at finance. What this does is it just carries over unspent money from 2025 for projects that were not completed that were budgeted in 2025 but have not been completed in 2025 but will be completed in 2026. Sometimes the project timeline doesn't align to our budgetary timeline. So we need to carry over the funds so that the project can be completed. But this is this is this is money this is monies that have already been committed to projects that have taken place in 20 that have started in 2025 but have not finished. So it's not it's not new it's not new spending. It's it's just um the uh the transfer of funds from one budget cycle to the next.

Thank you.

Okay. Clear. Anyone else? Seeing none. All right. Now, I will have you vote. Motion passes 10 to one. Next up is file 25-1109E. It's a resolution from the finance committee adopting 2025 budget modification for the Wasaw Waterworks for 2025 lead service line replacement project to cover costs not funded by the Wisconsin DNR subsidized loan. Motion from Lukans, second from Watson. Comments, questions? Seeing none. Alder Watson.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, I guess I wanted to just mention I think this went five or was it four? It went 5-0. Um, but I I liked it cuz we also got a new well, it was different from the packet and it it shared some of the expense instead of borrowing. It's um we're using some as a budget transfer and some as a water utility shortfall. So, I liked the sources and I hope you all do as well. Um, I still though do want to shout to the state um and the DNR to say, "Hey, you know, maybe think about what um our fine uh director Eric has sent to you about giving us some of that money back for those um publicity public facing sides." So, it would be nice if they could up that a little cuz I think the outreach does help us immensely. Um, but I'm glad that we could find a place and a way to get this paid for. So, thank you.

And I would add Director Lynman has been battling literally um the rules change and we've had some challenges with that. All right. Any further?

All right. You may vote. Motion passes 11 to zero. Up next is file 26-0306 resolution from the finance committee adopting the 2025 budget modification for Wasau Metroide for Wasa area transit feasibility study. Motion from Watson, second from Griner. And that passed at finance.

That passed five to zero at finance. Five to zero for the record. Alder Watson. Oh, I'm on the I got to go to the next one here. Stand by. Alder Neil, thank you. I just kind of like to maybe hear some uh justification for the feasibility study. Why do we need it? Uh why is this beyond our ability to, you know, consider pros and cons ourselves? Not that I'm against it. I'm just want to kind of hear more about the that would support this. So, we have Director Ron Chunky here. Ron.

Yeah. Um so this feasibility study was started um I I believe we we were determining somewhere 2022 2023 somewhere in that range. Um it was uh it's our our bus barn currently as at full capacity every if you come to the bus garage at at 6:30 you'll see that you can't pull another vehicle into the barn. It's completely full. If there was any expansion of routes ever to be done there would be no way. It's so tight that we've even had new vehicles get hit by buses just because they turned and the back of the bus moved and hits a vehicle that's sitting there. Um so the the the size of the building is getting to the point where it's not enough. Um the grant is available. We did pass this a year ago, but it was the the all the paperwork was done, the RFP was done incorrectly and it and this feasibility study was done and approved by the council for over $99,000 uh with the $20,000 out of pocket for the city. Um we redid the RFP. We went through the work. Wisto extended the grant again. They gave us more time to to get after it. Um and and then uh the uh MO helped us. Wisto helped us to get it back to the table. Uh we were able to run out an RFP in a different manner following the guidelines you're supposed to and the grant the cost went down to $47,200. Uh we've done everything we can. Our our building's at the nearing the end of its life. Um and even our mechanical area is it's only got two stalls for the buses when they're being repaired. Um there's been a large focus. Even the media put something out about electric buses. This really doesn't have anything to do with electric buses. that has to do with the future of Metro Ride and whether or not we would ever be able to expand in our current facility. It's not possible.

All right, Mr. Martins.

Yeah, thank you. Um, yeah. Um, and Director Renshanki did a really good job of kind of summarizing, you know, our need of this feasibility study. Uh it it has been a long time in in in in making and uh the Wisconsin Department of Transportation was gracious to extend the grant pro process, you know, to extend the deadlines for us so that we could resubmit and get get a grant in at less money and a less of a matching share for the city. I think a $47,000 grant with an $8,000 match with the city is is money well spent to help with the the future of of Metro Ride. It's something that is, you know, transit is something that's needed in our in our community. Uh this grant will help us chart a a course, a new a direction uh that Metro Ride needs to go. Um be it whatever type of you know lo you know you know motive um the mode of locomotion that the that the that the bus the transit buses will run themselves. Who knows if it's going to be you know what what what what's going to power them. But um that that's not that's not the point of the feasibility study. The feasibility study is on how we can move the transit department forward. Alder Watson. Oh.

Um, and just to sort of thank you, Mayor, just to sort of piggyback on what Alder Martin said, it's al and I think Alder Melaney said this at the finance meeting and it sort of was powerful to me like this can sort of start the work um about expanding. And I think we've been clamoring for expansion for a long time. Like we want to reach, you know, more of our neighbors and like we have to figure out how to get there, right? Um cuz to be a place that people want to move to and live, we need better public transportation, right? And I'm not saying that our stuff isn't great. Um but I am saying like we can improve and that's what this is about. And if we only have eight grand public match to it like that that's costing us, I think this is a great opportunity. So thank you.

Thank you, Alder Tierney. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I do have another question for the transit director. runs. Yeah. In this feasibility study, what will they be addressing? Because I mean, if your building is full, your building is full.

Correct. So, in the study, there is um I I believe there's four plans that they're going to lay out. Um whether the current site is um able to be upgraded or expanded in any way, which we don't believe that there's enough land to do that, and also where the location is. Um I believe it's in a flood plane. There's some questions there. So, we have some real questions about our current location being possible. So, then it lays out that I I believe in the um the proposal three more locations that they would bid out and give us plans on three other areas that um uh DPW would then help us find land that might be available within the city that we could potentially um build a new facility in and a possibility also with connecting with uh the same land that DPW finds if we could find land that size. I know that's been a challenge. These are all whatifs and but they'll give us proposals on three different uh locations. I believe that was correct if Yes. Okay. Yes. Architect is here as well. So,

okay. Thank you. Okay. We noticed a little error in in the resolution. It does say adopting a 2025 budget modification. That should be 2026 budget modification. So we could without objection make that change or if we need an amendment, we could do that. So without objection, we'll read this in. We will correct it. It should say 2025. Uh it says that 2026. Thank you. Uh, Alder Larson.

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm curious. Could I ask uh what are the the possible three parcels that the city is looking at for the transit?

We had not made any plans on any parcels that I'm aware of. Um um of course not making excuses, but this kind of was started a long time ago. We went through a few transit directors and I picked up where it left off and got it moving. Um but uh our plan would be then to connect the architect with uh um Eric and then see what parcels were possible or even available if there are any. Um but there is nothing specific picked out. There's some ideas but uh I have not been part of that. the previous transit director had mentioned some stuff but I don't know the accuracy of that. I would I would be starting with the architect and with DPW to figure that out. Okay. Thank you.

I mean there's there's possibility that the existing site is could be used, repurposed or modified or added onto. So all part of the feasibility study. Anything else? Seeing none, you may vote 2026 budget modification. By the way, this requires a twothirds vote

and that passes 8 to three. Up next is file 26-0410. It's a resolution from the finance committee approving fixedpric product and services maintenance support agreement with GMV Synchromatics Corp. for the CAD AVL at Metro. And for the record, that passed 5 to zero in finance. Motion from Lucans, second from Hanky. Got to look hard over there.

Mr. Martins.

Okay. Again, um we had a good discussion on this item at um at finance. Um CAD AVL. CAD is computerated de dispatch. AVL is automatic vehicle locator. Uh that's important to to recognize because um what first off what this uh what this um does is provides equipment and services so that we can um dispatch our buses, locate our buses on a map um know the route, you know, know where they are on the routes and um have um um comply to ADA uh requirements where um as the boat is as the as the as the bus is transversing through the route, it it it annunciates its location to the passengers and provide safety features for both the passenger and and the drivers uh with in in regards to its location. Um it can also provide um amenities to the to passengers by by passengers knowing where the bus is located via an app so they know when the bus is going to arrive uh either at um at at it at its stop. Um this is a grant funded program and this is 100% grant-f funded for three years. So for the equipment and three years of service is is completely provided by the by the grant after three years. Uh we can decide how much you know how much of this program we want to keep. you know, we can um you might be a you might be able to get the cost down, the continuing cost uh down or to a lower level depending on on the the level of features that we're going to be uh using or whatnot. But this gets us into auto vehicle location, which is um according to our transit director, WASA is one of the last transit systems in the state of Wisconsin that doesn't use AVL to track its buses.

Thank you. Seeing no further questions, you may vote. Uh that passes 11 to zero. Up next is file 25-10. It's a resolution from finance committee approving of and particip participating in the sixth amendment defendants national opioid settlement agreement. And that passed five to zero at finance tonight. Motion from Lucan, second from Watson. And I got to get on the next item here. Seeing no comments, questions, you may vote. Motion passes 11 to zero.

Okay. The next item we're going to be skipping because it did not go through the HR committee yesterday. Okay. Okay, the next item is 25-0520. It's a resolution from the human resources committee approving the 2026 summer hours program uh because the HR committee was cancelled and we are under it did not get referred uh from the committee and it is on the under suspension of the rules. So if you would desire we can take this up otherwise it would go to the next HR committee meeting. Okay, seeing no motion on that, Watson. Motions to approve. Second from Lucans. Discussion on that. Okay. So, the resolution is approving the 2026 summer hour program. It did not come through a committee, but it it is here. It was on the agenda, so legally we are allowed to to take it up if you want.

It's the same hours as last summer. So for clarification, it would be the same program that they did last year, which was uh roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day. But is is it in the packet? Let's tee it up here. So, it's to allow City Hall to be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday the 25th through Monday, September 7th, 2026, 7:15 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and then Friday 7:15 to 12:15 p.m. So, we would be uh closed in the afternoon of Fridays. Alder Watson,

I don't really mean to talk, but Marian sort of answered my question. So, this was what was in effect last year. Y um so I am totally happy making the motion to approve this, take a little work off the HR committee. So, I Yeah, thank you, Alder Molaney.

I'm not going to support this. Um I was going to I had talked to the HR director and I had asked for um another plan. It it's going to be summer hours, but my suggestion at the time was that we do one later night instead of all 7:15 in the morning. Do what the county does and have I don't even know. I'm going to call you. You have that. You know what you came up with? I'm going to ask her to come up. But that was what was going to be we were going to present both plans and um one was kind of mimicking what the county does. Go ahead.

Yes, thank you. We were going to um mimic what county does and have a Tuesday um open later hours. And this came also as a result from the citizen uh survey that Caitlyn had put out where feedback was they would appreciate having a later night. And this also um you know the feedback that I read and I have this for the next HR meeting that we were going to have. Um, also people who do work like banker's hours said having a late night anyway would benefit them regardless of what happens on the Friday because not everybody can get here between 8 and 4:30. So, um, having the hours at 7:15 is beneficial for those who have to work somewhere at 8:00 and then being open one night, um, especially on a Tuesday when we, you know, might have meetings, um, is beneficial for those who might have to work until 5:00 and can't get out at 4:30. So, um, it seemed to alleviate a lot of concerns from many citizens and this was a citizen feedback survey. It wasn't an employee feedback survey. So, that's what I was going to present for next month. Thank you. Answers. Go ahead.

Yeah. So, I I guess that's what I I don't want to just pass this as is because we the HR committee worked very hard on this. Um staff worked very hard on getting those um feedback from our our citizens. And I think that if we ignore that, that's really not good. So, if we're going to just do it as the 715, I'm not going to support it. I would rather it go back to HR committee and um talk about it or if we can amendment amend it on the floor that we have that uh one late night on Tuesday when uh city halls open anyway you you know we have so that's why it seemed to really mesh well.

That was going to be the suggestion that the directors came up with is the late night on Tuesday. So are you offering an amendment, Becky? Yeah, I guess I I don't have the exact language, but I could offer amendment to um approve the summer hours with hours of 7:15 uh start time except on Tuesday. And do you have the time? 6:30. Uh and Tuesday, they would start and um end at 6:30 or 6, I think. I don't know. I'm sorry. That's

right. So, we would then uh would we have to adjust to make sure we we are we we are running the full 40 hours for the each uh Yeah, it's 42.5 hours still open. Okay. So, can we get read that back for Cody to enter for Tuesday? So, all the rest of the days are the same except for Tuesday, correct? And those hours it would be 7:15 to 6 was it? Could I withdraw my motion and just back to HR?

Yeah, I don't remember. We've worked through so many iterations of this that would work well for you we should start at 7:15 on a late Tuesday. They would be working long hours. So that's why I really would like this back to HR. Um, we canot. Yeah, I have the updated packet information, but it's upstairs in my office. Can I change my motion to a refer back to HR instead of approve? You can withdraw your emotion if your seconder agrees. And she does. So, so we have a motion then to refer back to HR and we do have time before Memorial Day to implement. I'll second that motion.

Second from Larson. We had a couple in the queue. Anyone still want to add on to that? Okay. So, with a motion to send this back to HR as is to uh refine the hours so that we can have a late Tuesday. So, is everyone clear? We're going to send this back to HR to get it where we were would have done it on Monday if had we had the meeting Sorry, my screen was frozen for a second. You may vote. Motion passes 11 to zero. All right, we learned something new today about suspension of the rules. All right, next up is file 26-0411, resolution authorizing the issuance and establishing parameters for the sale of not to exceed 10 10,560,000 general obligation premisy notes series 2026A past finance 4 to 1. Motion from Watson, second from Rasmmanson.

Martins. Okay, you were pointing. Okay, gotcha. All right, you got that? Let me get my thing up here. Alder Rasmusen.

Thank you. Um, I think it's important to recognize that, um, we've used the same type of parameters resolution for a long time. Um it is really helpful I guess in the borrowing because it really allows um Ellers to find the most opportune time to execute that borrowing when rates are the most favorable um for um selling that debt for us. Um this is actually our annual borrowing for um projects that are in our 2026 budget um that will allow those projects. Um a number of those have to go out for bid. Contracts have to be awarded and we know in Wisconsin that our construction and work season is really short. Um sometimes we struggle to get projects done um before the snow flies and before the asphalt plant closes. So the sooner we get all of these um gears lined up and turning um the more productive work season we will have. So I'm glad to see this coming forward sooner. There's been times where um we've hit this at all different times, but I think getting it through in the spring um and getting everything lined up so it's funded properly is important. So hopefully we'll all support this and get it moving. Mr. Martins. Hey,

thank you, Mayor. And I' I'd just like to remind everybody too that um while this is this is general obligation borrowing, it is debt. Um two things. Number one, um we are borrowing in 2026 we're borrowing 10,500,000 and we're retiring 12,600,000. So, our debt allocation is actually going down uh this year. And the second thing is is that um this we've already committed to this borrowing back in November when we signed on to the 2026 budget. So, this is not this is not something new. That's something out of the ordinary. This is part of the process. One of the items of our our budget process is that um we said back in November, we're going to take on this level of debt and now we're at the point where we need to bond for that debt, take out the to sign our name on the actual paperwork. So that's that's where we're at um with with this. Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing no further comments or questions, you may vote. Motion passes 9 to2. Any comments? I'm going to I'm going to skip the announcements. Uh any comments from citizens uh for public comment here because we're going to go to some awards for a second. We we'll give you an opportunity, Tom. We're with it with the announcements.

Seeing none from from citizens. So, we've got an opportunity here to uh farewell a few folks and let's do that right now. Okay, we're going to do these. Can you hear me? youngest to oldest or newest, however you want to term that. First up, we have Aaron Grryer. Aaron Grryer took a different route to get here. Was appointed kind of on a squirly vote at the time if I recall. But uh nonetheless uh here he is filled in for for uh our district 5 with with the passing of Gary Gelman. And Alder Grinder was he hit the ground running was up here talking to staff members, talking to the mayor, talking to everybody he could to learn about uh what it's like to be on council. And I I thank you Erin for your effort. and I'd like to present on the behalf of the city. Uh the city gratefully recognizes district 5 alderperson Aaron Grryer for your distinguished public service. You have met a variety of complex challenges to advance the growth and revitalization of the city while contributing to the well-being and prosperity of Wasau citizens, the electorate electorate city council staff and employees. Thank you for your wisdom, insight, and dedication. during your year of service to the city

of Wasau and its people. 2025 to 2026 presented by Doug Denny, mayor, city of Wasa.

And the floor is yours, sir.

You can do it from there. Where are we?

Prefer to be front and center, but it's okay. Um, so thank you everyone, all the other alters, specifically Lisa. You were a wonderful reference, provided tons of information. Mayor Denny, all the staff, everyone was more than welcoming, more than accommodating for me coming in here so late in the game, being so green, which I still kind of am. Um, but it's it's been it's been rough as everyone understands. There's a lot that you have to process. There's a lot of outside information along with inside information. And having to navigate between both of those at any given time can be kind of difficult cuz sometimes you have to not necessarily vote on how you would want, but for the betterment of your constituents, which is it's politics, right? So, that being said, I've learned a lot and I don't think I'll be going away forever. I might be making a swing back at some point. We'll see. So, thank you everyone. It's been an honor and thank you again.

Up next, the youngest kid on the golf team, uh, Alder Chad Hanky, District 11, older person. Uh, Chad has been here since 2022 to 2026. Uh Chad got involved in just about anything we asked him to do. He took up uh task forces with the solar array uh and just solid performer and has some uh family issues or not issues. He's got a family he's raising and he's he's going to take care of that business because that's important. Chad,

thank you. Floor is yours, sir.

Uh, thank you. I did prepare some things actually. So, I'd like to start with uh thanks to all the staff that helped me uh learn how to get things done, correct correct process to follow. Um, can't believe it's been four years. It's always important to remember the past and to take stock of what happened uh what has happened. It's easier to remember to do things when you come to milestones. So, personally, the last four years has been dramatic. Um, if you follow the news, most of the time it feels like city issues are always dramatic. Uh, you seldom read about what uh we get done. Um, you only read about how the city is screwing things up. So, I'd like to take some time and I got a list of things we've done over the last four years. So, bear with me. Uh, the new city buses are ordered. Uh, the skate park, we designed and built that in the last four years. Marathon Park splash pad is getting updated. That reconstruction should be done this year. Um, new floors installed at station 3. Um, we got accredited with the commission on accreditation of ambulance services. Um, firefighting staffing from 62 to 74, which will hopefully help us maintain that level two rating. Uh, community care paramed uh position, two new ambulances with a third expected this year. cubicles installed at station one and three. Uh the fire apprenticeship program is launched and and working really well. We sold and replaced a ladder truck for a profit which I don't know how we did that and that went off without a hitch. Um all while service calls uh have increased to over 7200 a year. Uh business campus trail um improvements out on 72nd Avenue. drinking water treatment facility. Uh the filters were installed. Able storm water lift station, Cherry Street lift station, Stewart Avenue, 72nd Avenue, 48th Avenue, all reconstructed.

Wastewater treatment, uh screening improvements, taking care and managing the downtown mall area. Um while that's getting redeveloped, uh we removed an old parking ramp, uh 14.64 64 miles of asphalt overlay, 6.39 miles of street reconstruction, 1.2 million for sidewalk repairs, 2 million for concrete street repairs, half a million for steel coating, 2,137 lead lines replaced with another over thousand scheduled for this year. Uh we approved the funding for the solar array project. I'm really excited to see that take off this year. uh community outreach specialists got into the budget and um hopefully staffed full full uh for years to come. Uh safe funded officers, we were able to get them into the budget and not have them part of the referendum. We added downtown officers uh fence around the parking lot at the Grand Avenue public safety building. The city ran the shelter to fill the gap in services. Um, Riverview Terrace and Riverview Towers. CDA manages those. I've been on that board for all four years. They've been at or near 100% capacity most of the time. Um, multiple downtown crosswalks improved to meet ADA requirements. The YMCA um landing success expansion that's going crazy. Uh, that Greyel building plans are coming to fruition. Um, sixplex on 8th Avenue now. apartments. The Waterview Apartments are going um up. Westside Commons are done. 700 Grand Avenue going up. Foundry on Third are up. Uh expansion of the river bike trails along the river. Really excited for that and I hope we keep doing that. And then uh all events ran downtown um require a lot of city work. I didn't realize that until I got in this

position. Just every little event that goes on requires something from the city. and most are all are eligible most are eligible for funding and most take advantage of it. So I'm sure I missed some items. Uh sorry for that ahead of time. Um so with all that I'd like to say Alice and I aren't leaving. Um we'll be around the city. Uh we just got a new priority. So say hello when you run into us out in out in the city. to the new council and city staff like to wish you good luck and ask that we keep investing in Wasa to keep it attractive and and a fun a fun city to live in. So, thank you. Thank you, Chad. That was only four years. Good work. Thanks, Chad. City of Wasau gratefully recognizes district 6 alder person Becky Melhaney. Becky has served from 20 2016 to 2026 the second longest serving alder sitting here today 10 years great accomplishment. Uh I had an opportunity to sit two doors down from me in district 4 when Becky was the council president. Got a lot of help getting started as a new person. Um lately we've had a lot of late night meetings that we've had to attend and commiserated on. But uh at the end of the day uh you've got 10 great years here Becky. Thank you for your service. Really appreciate your help.

And the floor is yours, ma'am. Okay.

Chad said he can't believe it's been four. It's been 10. That's a long time. I when I started this position, I thought maybe four and then when you get into it, there's other things you want to have done. And I sincerely thank everyone. It overall has been a very positive experience. I want to thank the residents of district 6. It has been my utmost privilege to be your representative and I only hope for great things to be in that district um to continue and get good representation. I also um hope that there are some pet things I like. I really want transit to to get better. Um it's been 10 years and it's a slog. A lot of people don't understand how much it really means to people with disabilities and people that um rely on that and can't get to stores and things like that. Um that's a big population in Wasa and so I I just hope that we have a good rudder and keep moving ahead um and talk our municipalities into doing that. We just heard tonight in in finance that we had without even the the school kids, we had 200,000 ridership last year. This isn't um this isn't a dying bus system. So that's that's I I just thank everybody. It was a hard decision to end, but my family said that's enough. And as Chad said, um it's been it's been a tough two years here. And so I am looking forward to having some evenings off and uh but I'll be watching. Thank you.

Thank you, Becky. And Becky, as long as I can remember, chaired the transit commission. And so somebody's going to have to step up for transit. So I hope you put that on your wish list. Thank you. Okay. Last but certainly not least, our longest serving member. City of Wasau gratefully recognizes District 7 older person Lisa Rasmmanson. And Lisa's was first elected in 2008 to 2026 18 years on council. Has been council president numerous times. Has chaired virtually every committee in the city if I'm not mistaken. been on all

has been on all committees at some point in her career and uh 18 years worth. We're going to give you a lot of time. Thank you for that.

Thank Thank you, mayor. Um it truly has been my honor to serve um this community and District 7 um for 18 years. Um, a number of you may have seen the op-ed that I had written and placed in the pilot last week um, as a thank you to our community, to our district, to our staff. Um, I have been blessed um, to hold this position as long as I have. Um, rarely um, do you see in local government that someone can hold a seat for 18 years. Um, I feel like it's a lot of good work has gotten done in that time. Um, you know, it's it's sometimes feels like projects are slowgoing, but um, Lassa truly is a municipality that has something to celebrate every day, and I think it's important that people take time to notice those things. Um, in my oped, I talked about focusing on what makes Wasa special and dwelling less on negative things. Um, I do believe that we have a very bright future ahead. Um, I think that, um, our next council certainly will have, um, the ability and the opportunity, um, to, uh, move this city forward, um, and engage in some some honest problem solving. Um, there certainly is lots of work ahead. Uh, it is not easy work. Uh, it takes a ton of time. It takes a lot of commitment. Um, when I started in 2008, my son was three years old. Um, without a strong family support system and my spouse, I would not have made it. Um that said, um he graduates from college in a couple weeks and that's how long we've been at this together as a family. Um I will say that I I he probably cannot remember a time um when city council was not a part of our household. And so I too am looking forward to some open Tuesday nights to do different things. Um I have lots of books that I've purchased that I've not had time to finish reading. Um so there's there's many things that I'm looking forward to as well. um with summer coming on, lots of great events in the community, so I will see all of you out and about at things like that.

Um but we have done a lot of good work. Um we have a fantastic staff and without them I they taught me everything I know. Um both staff members um and department heads, current and past, um have taught me a lot of things and in that time I've gotten to make great friends. I've gotten to meet a lot of great neighbors. Um, I did a little bit of a recap of our achievements list in my oped that's still available on the pilot. So, I'll spare you my list. Um, it is a lengthy list, but um, Wasa is a very different place. If you drove around and lived here in 2008 and you recognize where we have gone since then, um, there has been so much growth and so many positive things. And, uh, you know, we have a lot to be grateful for here. We have a great community. um and our community is um is one that I think will continue to shine and uh just proud to have been able to serve. So, thank you everyone for that.

Thank you, Lisa. Take the rest of the week off, would you? I think Lisa has one committee meeting left. Two two more on Monday. Two on Monday. Two on Monday. public public health and safety and liquor license review supplement. Liquor license review. Okay. So, and then it's then you can turn your computer. Okay. All right. Alders, final opportunity. Let's start with Alder Lukans.

I um I just want to say one thing quickly. It's just um thank you for uh the community's continuing support. Uh I see um we're going to have some uh bright new faces on the council this next term. I'm excited for that. Um and I'm looking very hopeful that we can get a lot accomplished in these next two years. I'm looking I'm really looking forward to um collaboration, new collaborations. So um that's um let's as as Lisa says, let's keep working hard to keep moving forward. Thank you, Mike. Alder Kelly. Oh, Alder Lukans, go ahead. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. Um, I was thinking announcement like other announcements. Anyway, um, all of you, Lisa, Chad, Aaron, we didn't get to work together really long, but it was wonderful. And Becky, um, thank you to all of you because I have, um, learned a lot from you, enjoyed working with you. Um, so I wish you the best and I hope that we continue to see you. Um, and the same I would extend to the new committee that's uh that will be joining us. I looking forward to working together. Um, and you know hopefully we can move many projects that are in the works right now forward along with new projects. Thank you.

Thank you, Alder Killian. Um, I have a tendency to get weepy. And the last time I talked Oh, don't shake your head. The last time I talked about these people leaving council and I'm going to do it again because I really have developed an attachment. So, um, we're going to miss you and thank you, Mr. Neil, thank you, Terry.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, yeah, I want also want to further acknowledge our departing alders. Um, you know, uh, the new council is going to have to like work harder and smarter with uh the loss of our two senior alders. I mean what they've brought to the table here in terms of institutional knowledge and passion and hard work uh it just it's you can't even measure it. It's just it's just incredible. So that is going to be sorely missed and we'll all have to do a better job to make up for that loss. I also really you know I'm sad to see our two youngest leaving the nest here. Um, we need that perspective on council and I really hope to see them in the future again and I kind of feel I might. So that's it. Thank you.

Thank you. District 9 8. Sorry. I guess it would be me. Um, going around the horn here. You all rock. Thanks. Mic drop. That's it. Vicki,

I want to thank all four of you for your time, your personal time that you put in on this. It's not just sitting at a table here once a week or once every two weeks here and plus the countless committees. There's a lot of reading. There's a lot of research and um you all took the time to do that and to offer very good um reasons for why you felt things should be either agreed upon or disagreed upon. I have talked to get advice and knowledge and um clarification to I think all of you and um and um it was very helpful being a new older coming in here to get that help. Um, I will truly miss you. Truly. Besides your expertise, you're all very good people and it was a blessing for me to work with all of you. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Larson. Oh, me. If you got something, you don't have option.

I just want to echo what Alder Neil said. I mean, because when you're losing 28 years of experience, you know, there's we're all going to have to step up and and I especially want to say u uh thank you to Becky and to Lisa for for stepping up and being our council president and and taking on a responsibility. I've been here oh this will be starting my fourth term and you were two times and you're council president I mean many hours on the phone learning a lot of stuff from you and and and I appreciate that and and I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart and Aaron it's it's been nice chatting with you I mean down at the Y and stuff and it's it's kind of you didn't even get your feet wet and you're already gone but you know I wish you nothing but the best you know and and I hear you're still on county board, so I I wish you the best there. And and for you, Chad, it's been my honor to be sitting next to you for these past four years. And I and I wish you nothing but the best in the future, too. And we'll be in contact. And I also want to say uh thank you to the citizens of District 10 for continuing to support me because I support you. Thank you.

Thank you. Any announcements that didn't get made yet, Hanky? Nope. Okay. We do have cake that in the lobby, a little farewell cake. Uh Michelle Vancra took care of for us tonight. So please join us there afterward. Uh we have uh up next would be a motion to adjurnn. I will make the motion to adjurnn. Hanky, second from Rasmusen. All in favor? I

have a good week. retirement on my so I didn't know what to do. Thank you. County Board election.