Regular Meeting - Common Council — Minutes

COMMISSION ON PUBLIC WORKS/UTILITIES COUNCIL ROOM, CITY HALL SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 6:45 P.M. The Commission on Public Works/Utilities met in regular session, Chair Clough presiding. On roll call: all members present. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on one cremation and one full burial at the Cemetery, finished up the toy project at Listeman Park, painted the railing at the downtown parking lot, weed trimming and tree removal, hauled material for final grading and backfilled curb with black dirt for the street project, cutting and prepping patches throughout town, hauling brush and compost, Water Department-daily testing and well rounds, utility locates, scheduling meter change outs, shop maintenance, attended lead and copper pipe training, applied for funding for repair work to unknown lines, cross connection inspections are continuing, Sewer Department-daily testing and lift station rounds, lift station inspection and maintenance, measured manhole covers throughout town to raise so the road is smoother, and equipment maintenance. Director of Public Works Friemoth presented a consultant agreement with CBS Squared, Inc. for a Pilot Study for the treatment plant. Friemoth stated the building is 40 years old, and this study is needed for the DNR. John Strand, CBS Squared, Inc. engineer, presented information on what is done during a pilot study and test, they basically want to make sure the filter equipment can handle the worst-case scenario. Council Member Gelhaus asked what the cost for this is. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated it’s $7,900 for the engineering fee and $18,400 for the equipment rental and setup fee. Council Member Petkovsek asked what kind of timeline are we looking at. John Strand stated that depending on if everything needed for the study is available, about 30 to 60 days. Council Member Gelhaus asked how long the study would take. John Strand stated that it would take about 3 weeks. Council Member Clough asked if this was already in the budget. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated yes. Motion Poeschel, second Pavlac, to recommend to the Common Council to approve the contract agreement with CBS Squared, Inc. for a pilot study. All Aye. Motion Poeschel, second Neville, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Daniel M. Clough, Chair ________________________________ Debbie Winder, Clerk * * * * * * * * * * * * COMMON COUNCIL COUNCIL ROOM SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 7:00 P.M. The Common Council met in regular session, Mayor Poeschel presiding. On roll call: all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes of the previous meeting were declared approved. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the August 25, 2026 meeting of the Grants Committee regarding: 1) updates on Cybersecurity and Network Policies and Procedures, 2) updates on creating a housing loan program and activity so far, 3) updates on current grants in progress and applications to be submitted, 4) discussion on possible replacements for Brent Shoup as he will be moving and 5) discussed programs available for West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and possible ways to communicate these results. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the August 28, 2026 meeting of the Beautification Committee regarding: 1) review of summer flowers, 2) updates on donations received for baskets, 3) discussion on fall decorations, 4) discussion on winter decorations and donation of antique sleigh , 5) update on Kranzations order of two 6 ft tall metal reindeer, 6) update on military banners, 7) discussion with Neillsville Improvement Corporation, Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses to have a vibrant downtown and 8) work on and referral of the 2027 Beautification budget to the Finance Committee. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the September 1, 2026 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding: 1) a closed session regarding reviewing applications and interviewing candidates for the Heavy Equipment Operator / Water and Wastewater position, 2) reconvening into open session and 3) recommendation to hire Jacob Ratsch pending background check. Council Member Pavlac reported on the September 3, 2026 meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding: 1) treasurer’s report, 2) updates on the Fire Station’s roof, 3) discussion on and approval of the Firemen’s Club request to use the Fire Hall for their annual Steak Feed fundraiser and 4) work on and approval of the 2027 operating and capital budgets. Council Member Clough reported on the September 8, 2026 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) discussion on and recommendation to the Common Council to enter into a consultant agreement with CBS Squared, Inc. for a pilot study for the Water Treatment plant and 2) current activities. Mayor Poeschel declared all reports filed as presented with the City Clerk. Jerilyn St. Amand requested that Council Member Pavlac move her microphone closer as she is hard to hear even with sitting in the front row. St. Amand stated that the Police and Fire Department buildings need to be replaced and not to cut the budgets for these departments. St. Amand stated why are we not applying for grants for needs like this. Mayor Poeschel stated that the Personnel Committee item (1) has been removed from the agenda. Mayor Poeschel asked if there were any questions on the Commission on Public Works/Utilities item (1). Motion Clough, second Petkovsek, to accept the recommendation of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities to enter into a consultant agreement with CBS Squared, Inc. for a pilot study for the Water Treatment plant. All Aye. City Clerk Winder reported on receiving donations for the Beautification Committee for the hanging flower baskets and decorations in the amount of $2,100 from various businesses and residents in donations and to appropriate it to Account No. 55340 Celebrations. Motion Neville, second Clough, to accept the donations for the Beautification Committee and appropriate it to Account No. 55340 Celebrations. All Aye. Chief of Police Mankowski reported on trainings, squad car maintenance, parking enforcement, citations, warnings, office activity, officer activities, officer assists, business patrols and contract policing. Chief of Police Mankowski stated that the Ice Cream with a Cop event was a success. City Clerk Winder stated that Halloween Trick or Treating hours will be on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. City Clerk Winder also stated that the packets that are given to the Council members for the meetings will now be double sided in an effort to help reduce costs and keep equipment replacement or repair costs down. “Class B” Retail Fermented Malt Beverages and Intoxicating Liquor License Application: The Brickyard Bar & Grill, LLC, The Brickyard Bar & Grill, LLC, Sharon K. Christopherson, Agent, 203 W. Seventh Street City Clerk Winder stated that this license will be replacing the current license for the Brickyard and Christopherson knows that the original license must be surrendered to receive her license. Motion Clough, second Gelhaus, to grant subject to the surrender of the JD’s Brickyard Pub & Grub, LLC, Jessica L. Kriegel, Agent, license. All Aye. Combination Cigarette and Soda Water License Application: The Brickyard Bar & Grill, LLC, The Brickyard Bar & Grill, LLC, Sharon K. Christopherson, Agent, 203 W. Seventh Street Motion Neville, second Pavlac, to grant subject to the surrender of the JD’s Brickyard Pub & Grub, LLC, Jessica L. Kriegel, Agent, license. All Aye. Tavern Operator’s License Application: Britany A. Wagner Motion Petkovsek, second Neville, to grant the listed license. All Aye. Motion Clough, second Neville, that City Bills Nos. 814 to 846 in the amount of $111,311.971 be paid. All Aye. Motion Neville, second Petkovsek, to adjourn. All Aye. __________________________________ Duane G. Poeschel, Mayor ________________________________ Debbie Winder, Clerk * * * * * * * * * * * *