Committee of the Whole — Minutes

______________________________________________________________________________ City Council Committee of the Whole Minutes Tuesday, August 11, 2026 The City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Mayor Zach Bender on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Mayor Bender asked for affirmation of proper public notice to which City Administrator, Cory Isaacs confirmed the meeting did receive proper public notice. Roll call was taken with Alderpersons Julie Erickson, Leanne Beyer, Tom Hotek, Mark Lankey, Pat Moen, Darrow Novy, and Elizabeth Parish present. Randy Seeley arrived at 7:04 PM. Others in attendance were City Administrator Cory Isaacs, Police Officer Elizabeth (Betsie) Nachtigal, City Treasurer Lisa Johnson, Sentry-Enterprise Editor Nicolette Nauman, Public Works Employee Mike Burch, and Greg Kubarski. Motion by Parish, second by Novy to approve July 14, 2026, the City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes. Motion carried. There was no registered comment. Safety and Welfare Committee Officer Nachtigal presented the committee with the Hillsboro Police Chief’s Report. For the month of July 2026, the Hillsboro Police Department responded to 259 calls. The police department has been receiving complaints regarding people sleeping in their cars overnight in the city park(s). It was advised to explore park signage, specifically stating parks close after 10:00 PM. Officer Brandon Kiel is working on school zone signs and placement of those. The construction on the police department’s interview room is in the drywall phase. Officer Nachtigal is working with the Hillsboro School District on a presentation on responses regarding child maltreatment disclosures. Alderperson Erickson requested explanation on “School Walk-Through” from the police chief’s report. Officer Nachtigal replied the Hillsboro Police Department performs daily walk-throughs at the Hillsboro Elementary and Middle/High Schools during the school year. Improvement and Services Committee Minutes prepared by Treasurer Johnson City Administrator Cory Isaacs updated the committee the pool is currently closed. The closure is related to a pool pump failure. Actions were taken to see what a new pump would cost verses trying to repair the old pump. A quote for a new pump is estimated at $8000. Isaacs found a repair person with Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells but after reviewing the age of the pump and lack of available parts, that was not an option. The pool also experienced chlorination issues in the pump room that were resolved. It was determined the pool was going to remain closed and refunds were issued to Swim Lessons Session 2 participants who requested it. Alderperson Novy suggested Lakeshore Electric from LaCrosse, WI as a resource for pool pump issues. Complaints were also received regarding the splash pad not in service this year due to mechanical issues. Isaacs will work on a list of pool repairs/updates and will apply to next year’s pool budget. Isaacs updated the approved alleys for repair are completed along with the emulsion patching. Public works employee Mike Burch stated there were six yards of emulsion waste after street sweeping. Chip sealing will begin tomorrow. Tree removal will begin with Tree Sixty Tree Service this September. Alderperson Beyer reiterated the completion of work is to be completed within six weeks of the start date or the 10% penalty applies. Mayor Bender stated it will be handled. Alderperson Beyer also stated there are complaints regarding high weeds in the streets. The City will address the issue. Alderperson Novy questioned when the next water tower inspection is to be conducted. Treasurer Johnson will review. Finance and Personnel Committee The committee reviewed the monthly bills. Alderperson Beyer questioned bills from Tim Cram (dba Cram’s Computer Service) and Johnson stated the billings were from the hall server repair. The total bill is split between General, Water, and Sewer Funds. Beyer stated the need for encryption protection to which the City will explore options. Motion by Alderperson Lankey, second by Alderperson Beyer to move into Closed Session at 7:20 PM pursuant to Sec. 19.85 (1) (C) Wisconsin Statutes sanctions the use of closed sessions when a governmental body is considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation for any public employee-city administrator evaluation. Motion carried. Motion by Alderperson Beyer, second by Moen at 8:47 PM to return to open session. Motion carried. Motion by Alderperson Lankey, second by Alderperson Hotek at 8:47 PM to adjourn. Motion carried.