CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN Tuesday September 16, 2025 (A complete set of minutes is on file in the Clerk's Office) 1. Call to Order Mayor Zacher called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Roll call indicated that all alderpersons were present: 3. Pledge of Allegiance and Silent Prayer in Lieu of Invocation Mayor Zacher invited all present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent prayer in lieu of an invocation. 4. Reading of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on August 19, 2025 It was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Penzkover to dispense with a reading and accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. 5. Consider for confirmation Mayor Zacher's Appointments to various Committees, Commissions and Boards Mayor Zacher made the following appointment: Historic Preservation Commission Marygrace Schliesman, 1631 Norton St., is appointed as a regular member, to replace Jackie Bredl Dietrich, for a term expiring 2/1/2026. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Veneman to approve Mayor Zacher's appointments as presented. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: 6. Consider a Resolution that the City of Wisconsin Rapids be exempted from the payment of any county library tax as provided in Section 43.64(2)(b), Wis. Stats. It was moved by Austin, seconded by Timm to approve a Resolution that the City of Wisconsin Rapids be exempted from the payment of any county library tax as provided in Section 43.64(2)(b), Wis. Stats. Motion carried, 7 ayes and 1 nay. Resolution No. 29 (2025) 7. Consider the appointment of a municipal judge to temporarily fill the vacancy which will be created due to the retirement of Judge Peter Kastenholz, to serve from October 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, with a Special Election being held on April 7, 2026, to fill the vacancy beginning May 1, 2026. Cattanach nominated Aaron Vruwink; Timm nominated Stephen Walczak. As there were no further nominations, Mayor Zacher asked for unanimous consent to close nominations and proceed to a vote on the two nominees. No objection was made and nominations were closed. A vote was taken which resulted in 4 votes for Stephen Walczak and 2 votes for Aaron Vruwink, with 2 abstentions, resulting in the appointment of Stephen Walczak as Municipal Judge to serve from October 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, with a Special Election being held on April 7, 2026, to fill the vacancy beginning May 1, 2026: 8. The Planning Commission met at 4:00 p.m. on September 8, 2025 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. It was also streamed live on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Facebook page and broadcast live on Charter Cable Channel 985 and Solarus HD Cable Channel 3. Members present in the Chambers consisted of Chairperson Matt Zacher, Jeff Marutz, Lee Thao, Steve Shiferl, Katy Bailey and Ryan Austin. Eric Daven joined the meeting via Zoom after item #1. Also attending were Community Development Director Kyle Kearns, Associate Planner Lizebeth Edwardsen, Alderperson Dennis Polach, and others as listed on the meeting sign-in sheet. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. 1. Approval of the report from the August 4, 2025, Planning Commission meeting Motion by Thao to approve the report from the August 4, 2025, Planning Commission meeting; second by Marutz. Motion carried (6 – 0) 2. Request from Stephen & Laura Nelson for a special exception to exceed the maximum number of parking spaces on a lot in the Mixed Use Commercial (B-5) District, and to exceed the maximum amount of parking in front of a principal building at an unaddressed parcel on the southeast corner of Peach Street and 24th Street South (Parcel ID 3410788). Lizebeth Edwardsen provided background information and a synopsis of the requests. Approval was recommended with the conditions outlined in the staff report. Eric Daven joined the Planning Commission meeting. Motion by Austin to approve the requests to exceed the maximum number of parking spaces on a lot in the Mixed Use Commercial (B-5) District, and to exceed the maximum amount of parking in front of a principal building at an unaddressed parcel on the southeast corner of Peach Street and 24th Street South (Parcel ID 3410788), subject to the following conditions: 1) Community Development Department shall have the authority to approve minor modifications to the plan Second by Bailey. Motion carried (7–0) 3. Request from Badger Land Survey, LLC for a Certified Survey Map to combine two lots at 631 19th St S (Parcel ID 3406337 & 3406335) and dedicate right-of-way along 20th Street South. Ms. Edwardsen provided a summary of the request. Approval was recommended Motion by Marutz to approve the request for a Certified Survey Map to combine two lots at 631 19th St S (Parcel ID 3406337 & 3406335) and dedicate right-of-way along 20th Street South; second by Thao. Motion carried (7–0) 4. Request from Badger Land Survey, LLC for a Certified Survey Map to alter lot lines and access lot 1 via easement and private road at 4330 8th Street South (Parcel ID's 3414150 & 3414152). Kyle Kearns provided background information and a summary of the request. Approval was recommended. Motion by Austin to approve the request for a Certified Survey Map to alter lot lines and access lot 1 via easement and private road at 4330 8th Street South (Parcel ID's 3414150 & 3414152); second by Marutz. Motion carried (7–0) 5. Request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids for a public hearing and action to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, Division 3 – General Standards, pertaining to driveways. Mr. Kearns provided a synopsis of the request, referencing the ordinance amendment submitted by Alderperson Austin. Staff did not recommend the approval as it does not support the City Ordinance as written. Ryan Austin provided his comments. Mr. Shiferl had questions about existing gravel driveways and auxiliary parking areas, to which Kyle Kearns responded. He also asked about enforcement and Mr. Austin replied, outlining his proposed amendments. Mr. Thao added his comments and his concerns with the proposal. Public hearing opened at 4:32 p.m. Speaking against: Kevin Fangman, 710 3rd St S Speaking in favor: none Public hearing closed at 4:34 p.m. Motion by Shiferl to approve the original request previously presented by Staff to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, Division 3 – General Standards, pertaining to driveways: Motion was then subsequently withdrawn by Shiferl. Motion by Austin to approve the request to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, Division 3 – General Standards, pertaining to driveways with the following amendments to the ordinance presented: 1) Setback: Side yard setback would be allowed up to the lot line if containment edging or fencing is in place 2) Surface material: Gravel must be clean, uniformly graded material and suitable for vehicle use. 3) Containment: Containment edging should not be mandatory unless there is a documented, on-going issue. 4) Maintenance: Homeowners are responsible for keeping gravel driveways in good condition free of ruts, washouts, or migration. 5) Concrete apron or hard surface apron at the road should be required to prevent gravel up to the City right-of-way. 6) Owner responsibility: Property owner should be trusted to assess their own site condition, soil, slope, drainage and choose an appropriate installation method. Second by Marutz. Motion carried (4–3); Shiferl, Zacher and Thao against. Ordinance No. MC 1401 6. Request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids for a public hearing and action to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 Division 16 Expansion of A Nonconforming Building and Article 19 Nonconformities to modify the review procedure for expansion of a nonconforming building Kyle Kearns provided a summary of the request. Approval was recommended. Public hearing opened at 4:49 p.m. Speaking in favor: Elizabeth Whalen, 211 15th Ave N Speaking against: none Public hearing closed at 4:50 p.m. Motion by Austin to approve the request to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 Division 16 Expansion of A Nonconforming Building and Article 19 Nonconformities to modify the review procedure for expansion of a nonconforming building; second by Thao. Motion carried (7–0). Ordinance No. MC 1402 7. Adjourn Motion by Zacher to adjourn the meeting at 4:51 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 4:51 p.m. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Penzkover to approve and adopt the actions of the Commission. Motion carried, 6 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 abstention. 9. Consider for Adoption the Actions of the Standing Committees of the Common Council, as follows: A. The Finance and Property Committee met at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in the First Floor Conference Room at City Hall. All members of the Finance and Property Committee were present. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Cattanach called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Consider a referral from the Public Works department to approve a proposal to replace Beaver B5/2000 Natural Gas fired power washer It was moved by Veneman, seconded by Timm to approve the purchase of a Beaver B5/2000 Natural Gas fired power washer in an amount of $11,195. Motion carried, 3-0. 3. Consider for approval a Temporary Retail Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverages License for Assumption Catholic Schools, 445 Chestnut Street, for a Barn Dance event to be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Veneman to approve a Temporary Retail Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverages License for Assumption Catholic Schools, 445 Chestnut Street, for a Barn Dance event to be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., contingent on the applicant submitting the newly required Department of Revenue paperwork prior to the Common Council meeting to be held on September 16, 2025. Motion carried, 3-0. 4. Consider a Resolution Authorizing and Approving of the City's Participation in the Proposed Settlement of Opioid-Related Claims Against Purdue Pharma/Sacklers, as well as that of Nine Other Defendants, and Directing the City Attorney and/or the Mayor to Execute the Documents Necessary to Effectuate the City's Participation in the Settlement. This item was considered after item #7. It was moved by Veneman, seconded by Timm to approve a Resolution Authorizing and Approving of the City's Participation in the Proposed Settlement of Opioid-Related Claims Against Purdue Pharma/Sacklers, as well as that of Nine Other Defendants, and Directing the City Attorney and/or the Mayor to Execute the Documents Necessary to Effectuate the City's Participation in the Settlement. Motion carried, 3-0. Resolution No. 30 (2025) 5. 2026 Budget update Finance Director Tim Desorcy gave an update on the 2026 Budget process. No action was taken on this item. 6. Audit of the bills It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Veneman to approve checks number 26886 to 27257 in the amount of $7,074,055.55. Motion carried, 3-0. 7. Set next meeting date The next regular meeting of the Finance and Property Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. At 5:34 p.m., Chairperson Cattanach called a recess until 5:45 p.m. to allow Attorney Schill to be in attendance. No discussion or action took place during the recess. At 5:45 p.m., Chairperson Cattanach called the meeting back to order. 8. In open session, the Committee may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". It was moved by Timm, seconded by Veneman to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried 3-0, and the Committee entered into closed session. In closed session, the Committee will discuss negotiation and strategy regarding a Pre-Negotiation Agreement and a Lease and Service Agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. for installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. In closed session, the Committee discussed negotiation and strategy regarding a Pre-Negotiation Agreement and a Lease and Service Agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. for installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. No action was taken on this item. 9. The Committee may adjourn in closed session, or may return to open session. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned in closed session at 6:49 p.m. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Palmquist to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee, holding out item #5 for separate vote. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: Regarding item #5, it was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Cattanach to discuss and consider the 2026 budget at special Finance and Property Committee budget meetings. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: B. The Public Works Committee met on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Others attending are listed on the sign-in sheet. 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. 2. Review Engineering & Street Department Monthly Activity Report The reports were reviewed. 3. Review the 2025 Construction Project Status Report. The report was reviewed. 4. Discuss the creation and development of a city-wide master sidewalk plan. The conceptual summary was reviewed and ordinance changes were discussed along with adding the map document as a GIS map and addressing homeowner's ability to install their own sidewalk. Motion by Palmquist to revise Chapter 6 Streets and Sidewalks to include the items outlined in the master sidewalk plan conceptual summary, second by Penzkover. Motion carried 3-0. 5. Review Review and consider the proposal from LinqThingz for the Predictive Mobility project funded through the WI DOT's CRP program. Palmquist asked about ongoing costs associated with the installation. A 3-year warranty on all equipment and software is included with the installation along with all maintenance, updates, and support. Additional information will be provided prior to Council on the renewal of the warranty contract at the end of the initial 3-year period. Motion by Austin to award of the Predictive Mobility project to LinqThingz, second by Palmquist. Motion carried 3-0. 6. Review Referral List Referral List was reviewed and it is requested to add the agenda item history of each item. And any items that are on the list that have not already been addressed should be placed on the October agenda. 7. Set Next Meeting Date The next regular meeting was set for October 9th, 2025 at 5pm. 8. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 5:32 PM. It was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Penzkover to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee, holding out item #5 for separate vote. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: Regarding item #5, it was moved by Penzkover, seconded by Timm to send this item back to the Public Works Committee for further consideration. Motion carried, 6 ayes and 2 nays: C. The Human Resources Committee held a meeting on Monday September 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 444 W. Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids. All committee members were present. Also in attendance were Alderpersons Timm and Veneman, Mayor Zacher, Julie Timm, Kevin Fangman, Public Works Superintendent Paul Vollert, and Human Resources Manager Ryan Hartman. 1. Call to order. Chairperson Pluess called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Discuss and consider for approval the creation of an additional full-time position and the elimination of two Limited Term Employee positions in the Street Department, to be part of the 2026 budget. (See attached Requisition and supporting materials) Motion by Cattanach seconded by Pluess to approve the creation of an additional full-time position and the elimination of two Limited Term Employee positions in the Street Department, to be part of the 2026 budget. Motion carried 3-0. 3. Health insurance update. Update provided. No action taken. 4. The Commission will vote to go into closed session pursuant to Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility." In closed session, the Commission will: Consider granting extended sick leave to an employee pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. Motion by Polach, seconded by Cattanach to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. Motion carried with all members voting in the affirmative. In closed session the Committee considered granting extended sick leave to an employee pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement 5. The Committee will return to open session. Motion by Pluess, seconded by Polach to return to open session. Motion carried 3-0. 6. The Committee may take action on the sick leave request. Motion by Pluess seconded by Polach to grant extended sick leave to an employee pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. Motion carried 3-0. 7. Adjournment. Chairperson Pluess adjourned the meeting at 5:46 p.m. It was moved by Pluess, seconded by Polach to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: 10. Reports of Other Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Department Reports: a. McMillan Memorial Library Board of Trustees held on July 16, 2025 b. Park and Recreation Commission held on September 8, 2025 Department Reports for August 2025 c. Engineering Department d. Public Works Department e. Wastewater Treatment Plant f. Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department g. Wisconsin Rapids Police Department No action was taken on this item. The reports will be placed on file. 11. Referrals to Committees a. Alderperson Pluess made a referral regarding EMS service contracts with surrounding communities b. Alderperson Palmquist made a referral to the Legislative Committee regarding revisions to Chapter 2 regarding referrals c. Alderperson Palmquist made a referral to the Public Works Committee regarding revisions to the ATV/UTV ordinance 12. In open session, the Council may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". It was moved by Austin, seconded by Timm to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays, and the Council entered into closed session: In closed session, the Council may discuss a referral from Mayor Zacher to consider the previous EMS agreements referral that was considered by the Finance and Property Committee but not taken up by the Council, and the Committee may then discuss negotiations and strategy regarding the renewals of emergency medical service agreements with Biron, Town of Port Edwards, Nekoosa, Cranmoor, and the Ho-Chunk Casino, which will expire on December 31, 2025 In closed session the Council discussed a referral from Mayor Zacher to consider the previous EMS agreements referral that was considered by the Finance and Property Committee but not taken up by the Council, and the Council discussed negotiations and strategy regarding the renewals of emergency medical service agreements with Biron, Town of Port Edwards, Nekoosa, Cranmoor, and the Ho-Chunk Casino, which will expire on December 31, 2025. Alderperson Pluess left the meeting during closed session at 7:48 p.m. No action was taken on this item. 13. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned in closed session at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer M. Gossick, City Clerk WNAXLP October 6 2025 LWIX0383038