City Council Meeting — Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 14, 2026 7:00 P.M. Council President Sue Troxel called the Regular meeting of the Augusta City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Jason TePaske (via phone) council members Lisa Fugett, Brian Abley, Dawn Harper, and Brian Leslin. Also present were Scott Williamson, Kasandra Thompson, and Cynthia Anderegg. Absent: Gordon O’Brien, and Leslie LaRose. Pledge of Allegiance Acknowledgement of Proper Posting A notice of the meeting and an agenda was posted at the three public places, and the local newspaper was notified. Approval of Agenda Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes Motion by Leslin seconded by Abley to approve the minutes for the March 10, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting. Motion carried. Public Comment Cory Gutshall addressed the Council regarding concerns about semi-truck parking along Industrial Drive. He noted that refrigerated trucks frequently cycle on and off throughout the night, creating noise that is audible from his residence. He requested that refrigerated trucks not be permitted to park near the corner of Bush Brothers Drive. David Hall also expressed concerns related to semi-truck parking. He stated that if a future parking lot site is considered, the impact of refrigerated units—particularly noise and proximity to residential areas—should be taken into account. Approval of Department Reports Motion by Leslin seconded by Abley to receive the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried. Motion by Fugett seconded by Leslin to receive the Police Department Report. Motion carried. Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to receive the Senior Center Monthly Report. Motion carried. Motion by Fugett seconded by Leslin to receive the Library Report. Motion carried. Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to receive the Public Works Department Report. Motion carried. The Augusta Bridge Creek Fire Department submitted the Minutes from the February 11th and March 11th meetings. Committee Reports • Joint City Improvement Committee and Recreation Committee met on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 pm. They discussed Earth Day clean up event. Students from the Augusta Junior High School will be working at the city parks and cleaning around town. • The students from the Wildland school will be helping paint a mural on the city shop building on N. Stone St.. • Motion by Fugett seconded by Leslin to add the discussion on the “Welcome to Augusta” sign permit to the next city council agenda. Motion carried. Introduction of Eau Claire County Administrator, Jon Johnson - discuss opportunities for communication and collaboration between the County and local municipalities. Informational only. Eau Claire County Administrator Jon Johnson addressed the Council regarding opportunities to strengthen communication and collaboration between the County and local municipalities. He invited Council members to contact him and County staff with questions or to discuss potential partnerships. He also noted that the County plans to conduct a housing assessment study this year with assistance from the Regional Planning Commission. Consider request from Ace Sommerfield for access across City property for fishing Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to approve public access across posted City property, contingent upon submission of a Land Access Permit application and issuance of an annual permit by the Public Works Superintendent. The following conditions shall apply: • The permit holder shall use the property for recreational purposes only, as specified. • All applicable Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations for fishing and outdoor use shall be followed. • No damage shall be caused to land, fences, or structures. • Motorized vehicles are prohibited; access is limited to foot traffic only. • All trash must be removed, and the property shall be left in good condition. • Guests are not permitted without prior written authorization. • All posted signs and property boundaries shall be respected. • Restricted areas identified by the City or landowners shall be avoided. • Camping is prohibited. • Campfires are prohibited. • Access is limited to the hours of dawn to dusk. • Use shall be confined to the designated walking path along the Eau Claire River waterway. Motion carried. Community Events - Licenses & Permits a. Approve 2026 Parade permits – Carol Peuse Motion by Fugett seconded by Abley to approve the parade permits for the Memorial Day parade on May 25th and the Bean & Bacon Day Parade on July 5th, 2026. Motion carried. b. Consider the following Street Privilege Permit Applications: i. Closure of the first block of S. Spring Street (July 5, 2026 - Bean Bacon Days Motion by Abley seconded by Leslin to Table until the 5/12/26 regular City Council meeting. Motion carried. The applications were not submitted in time for the council meeting. ii. Closure of one block of Buckman Street from N. Stone Street up to but not including the westmost entrance of the Buckman Street municipal parking lot (July 3, 2026, 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm - Burnout Competition) Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to approve the closure of one block of Buckman Street on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm for the burnout competition. Motion carried. iii. Fireworks Street Event permit Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to approve the closure of N. Stone Street (County Road G) from Lincoln Street to Washington Street on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm for the fireworks display, contingent upon final approval of the assembly permit by the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department for the closure of County Road G. Motion carried. Infrastructure & Utilities a. Consider retaining Quarles & Brady as bond counsel for Spring Street Sewer Lift Station project - Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 (Clean Water Fund Loan) Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to retaining Quarles & Brady as bond counsel for Spring Street Sewer Lift Station project - Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 (Clean Water Fund Loan) Roll call vote: Ward 1, yes; Ward 2, yes; Ward 3, yes; Ward 4, yes; Ward 5, yes. Motion carried. b. Consider water tower repainting maintenance project and project services proposals Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to approve the proposal from Kelly Mulhern from Badger State Inspection, LLC water tower repainting maintenance project and project services project. Roll call vote: Ward 1, yes; Ward 2, yes; Ward 3, yes; Ward 4, yes; Ward 5, yes. Motion carried. Ordinances & Resolutions a. Consider repeal and recreation of Chapter 5: Fire Department (Second Reading) Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to waive the second reading. Motion carried Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to repeal and recreation of Chapter 5: Fire Department Ordinance. Motion carried. b. Consider amendments to Chapter 11: Licenses and Permits (First Reading) Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to Table until the May meeting. Motion carried c. Consider amendments to Chapter 2: Officials, 2.08 Board of Review (First Reading) Motion by Fugett seconded by Harper to waive the first reading. Motion carried d. Consider adopting updated Municipal Court costs per 2025 Wisconsin Act 113. Motion by Leslin seconded by Fugett to adopt Resolution #2026-0413A to increase Municipal Court costs to $48. Roll call vote: Ward 1, yes; Ward 2, yes; Ward 3, yes; Ward 4, yes; Ward 5, yes. Motion carried. Approve picnic license applications - Augusta Athletics 2026 Season Motion by Leslin seconded by Harper to approve the Augusta Athletics picnic license applications for the 2026 season. Motion carried. Approve Bartender license Applications Motion by Leslin seconded by Harper to approve the bartender license applications for Katlyn Moyle and Aberham Mahran. Motion carried. Announce and discuss upcoming meetings and events a. Augusta Plan Commission – April 20th at 6:45 pm b. City Council Re-Organizational Meeting – April 21st at 7:00 pm c. Senior Center Advisory Board meeting – April 28th at 10:30 am d. Open Book – Bowmar Appraisal – May 6th at 10:00 am - Virtual meeting e. Augusta Industrial Development Corp - May 11th at 6:00 pm f. City Council Meeting – May 12th at 7:00 pm g. Board of Review – May 13th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm h. Joint City Improvement & Recreation Committees – June 3rd at 6:00 pm Adjournment Motion by Leslin seconded by Harper to adjourn the meeting. Cynthia Anderegg, City Clerk-Treasurer