Committee of the Whole Minutes 08192026

1 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes 08/19/2026 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Wednesday, August 19 2026, at 6:00 PM City Hall, 2110 Washington St, New Holstein, WI 53061 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Council President Woelfel. ROLL CALL: Roll call was taken by Depies . Present were Gene Woelfel, Ken Thede , Brad Hess, Becca Mosier, Dan Watson , Norm Propson , Paula Oakley , and Kathy Schroeder . Also present were City Administrator Scott Depies , Police Chief Eric Fisher, Police Captain Chuck Schroeder , Public Works Director Ja son Meyer, Fire Chief Crag Carey, and Emergency Management Director Russ Thiel GUESTS: None APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: A motion was made by Oakley, seconded by Watson, and carried to approve the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Propson, seconded by Mosier, and carried to approve the July 15, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes with the correction that Hess was present at Roll Call. CITIZEN INPUT: • None FINANCE AND PURCHASING: a. The monthly invoices and financial report for the month ending in July were presented . A motion was made by Watson, seconded by Thede, and carried to recommend to the Common Council approval of the invoices as presented and acceptance of the financial report as presented. PROTECTIONS OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY: a. Chief Fisher reported 409 incidents, 112 traffic stops, and 45 ordinance violations during July. The department increased traffic enforcement in preparation for the school year and remained fully staffed for more than one month. The monthly report and a report regarding Police Department activity at the Firemen’s Picnic were reviewed. b. Chief Carey reported 11 calls during July, including two structure fires, five fire alarms, an automobile accident, a burning complaint, and a fire involving a baler. The department also assisted the Neenah- Menasha area following severe weather, and participated in National Night Out. 2 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes 08/19/2026 c. Director Thiel reported that he would attend the Calumet County Emergency Management annual meeting on September 10, observe an emergency management tabletop exercise in Cleveland on October 12, and coordinate attendance at a public information officer class on October 22. d. The Municipal Court financial report for July was reviewed. The court collected $2,780.26 in fines and surcharges, of which $1,445.46 was retained by the municipality. CITY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: • Director Meyer reported that the department assisted with Airport Day and the Firemen’s Picnic, painted crosswalks and parking lots, completed curb and gutter work, installed catch basins and accessible ramps, and continued sidewalk replacement work. Meyer also reported cost savings from completing portions of the City’s road projects by utilizing City resources. RECREATION DIRECTORS: • None PERSONNEL: • None OLD BUSINESS: • None NEW BUSINESS: • Discussion/Action—2027 Wage Discussion Administrator Depies presented projected costs for potential employee wage increases for 2027 and reported that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue inflation figure would be used as a reference during budget preparation. The Committee discussed potential increases of 3% to 3.5% depending on inflation markers. Administrator Depies will provide updates as additional budget and insurance information becomes available. No action was taken. • Discussion/Action—FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Emergency Management Director Thiel, reported that the City was awarded a $29,153 FEMA grant to study stormwater issues in the County Road H and Plymouth Street area. The grant will fund 75% of eligible costs, with the City responsible for the remaining 25% and any costs exceeding the grant award. A motion was made by Mosier, seconded by Watson, and carried to recommend to the Common Council that the City proceed with the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant. • Discussion/Action—Conducting a Pro-Forma Review through Ehlers to Determine if TIF Assistance is Appropriate for the Northernstar Development Administrator Depies reported that Northernstar Development requested consideration of potential TIF assistance for the proposed apartment development on the former Tecumseh property. Ehlers, Inc., the City’s financial Advisors, would review the project financing, the developer’s need for assistance, and the financial capacity of the tax increment district to determine whether assistance was warranted and, if so, at what level. The estimated cost of the review was between $9,000 and $13,000 and would be paid from TIF funds. A motion was made by Hess, seconded by Propson, and carried to recommend to the Common Council approval of the pro-forma review through Ehlers. 3 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes 08/19/2026 • Application for Memorial Bench at Reineck Woods Administrator Depies presented a request from Don Bonlander to place a memorial bench near the sign at the southern entrance to Reineck Woods. The Committee discussed the proposed location, bench design, concrete requirements, tree preservation, and maintaining access for Public Works equipment. The item was tabled to allow staff to obtain additional information regarding the requested bench design, placement, and applicable City requirements. MISCELLANEOUS: • Administrator Depies recognized the passing of Alfred Lautenschlaeger, a longtime City employee, and reported that a card had been sent to his family. Depies also reported that the Wisconsin National Guard conducted medevac training at the New Holstein Municipal Airport and presented the City with a plaque of appreciation to be displayed at the airport. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Scott Depies, City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer