Committee of the Whole Minutes 05052026

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM New Holstein City Hall, 2110 Washington Street, 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, Becca Mosier, Dan Watson, Kathy Schroeder, Paula Oakley, Norm Propson, and Brad Hess . Also present, City Administrator Scott Depies , Public Works Director Jason Meyer , Police Chief Fischer, Fire Chief Craig Carey , Emergency Management Director Russ Thiel , and Police Captain Schroeder. GUESTS: None APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: A motion was made Propson, seconded by Watson, and carried to approve the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Oakley, seconded by Schroeder, and carried to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. CITIZEN COMMENT: None. FINANCE AND PURCHASING: Administrator Depies reported that funds related to the promissory note are scheduled to be received on May 13, 2026, which aligns with planned payments for the public works truck and fire truck. PROTECTIONS OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY: a. Chief Fischer reported that the Police Department handled 235 incidents during the past month, with overall call volume slightly below normal. Officers continued community policing efforts through attendance at school and park events . Additionally, as the end of the school year approaches, School Resource Officers provided presentations on alcohol use, drug use, harassment, and bullying. Chief Fischer noted increased complaints regarding vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians and noncompliance with stopping for crossing guards. As a result, the crossing guard ha s been equipped with a body camera for the remainder of the school year. He also reported that 110 pounds of medication were collected during Drug Take Back Day on April 25, that ordinance enforcement related to lawns and property maintenance will increase with the spring season, and that Officer Mark Meyers has begun field training following his recent swearing-in. b. Chief Carey reported that the Fire Department responded to four calls in April, including a chimney fire on Irish Road, a faulty detector activation, a shed fire on HH, and an EMS assist. He also reported that members participated in community outreach during the Easter egg hunt on April 4. Chief Carey advised that personnel will travel on May 17 to retrieve the new fire truck, which is expected to be placed into service around June 1. Committee of the Whole May 5, 2026 2 c. Emergency Management Director Thiel reported that he contacted Wisconsin Emergency Management regarding a previously submitted grant application and confirmed that the City has been placed back on the list for consideration, with award status pending. d. No Municipal Court report was received CITY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: a. Director Meyer reported that during April, Public Works installed banners, mowed city lawns, swept streets, prepared and painted nine soccer fields, and removed stumps and trees. He reported receiving approximately $700 in scrap metal revenue and noted unusually heavy use during the recent refuse event. PERSONNEL: a. None OLD BUSINESS: a. None NEW BUSINESS: a. Discussion—Revision of Ordinance 9.04(3)(c) Yard Waste, Brush and Branches Administrator Depies and Director Meyer reviewed concerns regarding increased and repeated dumping at the City’s compost site. The volume of brush and branches has increased significantly since the fall, with Public Works having removed piles for disposal three times already this spring, and the site is currently full. Discussion focused on maintaining access for City residents while reducing disposal costs. Topics included enforcement challenges, resource impacts, and regional changes resulting from restricted access at neighboring facilities. By consensus, staff was directed to prepare a revised ordinance limiting use of the site to City residents only, removing contractor access, and clarifying enforcement authority. By consensus, staff was also directed to review options for improving surveillance cameras, updating signage, and communicating potential changes to affected contractors. No motion was made. MISCELLANEOUS: None FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Scott Depies City Administrator