Economic Development, Tourism & Community Assets — Minutes

PARK-REC/TOURISM/CITY PROPERTIES/CEMETERY COMMITTEE MEETING April 14, 2026 – 5:00 PM Council Chambers, 42 N. Main Street Minutes prepared by: Christine Williamson Call to Order • Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM by Christine Williamson. Roll Call • Present: Christine Williamson, Scott Feraro, Stephen Qualy, Mayor Ben Adank • Others Present: Janet Alcamo, Rosemary Binkley, Linda Stennes, Samantha Justin/PYAA Pledge of Allegiance • Recited by all attendees. CITIZEN COMMENT: • Linda Stennes emphasized the importance of highlighting the area’s natural springs as a feature to incorporate into the UW–Eau Claire Urban Planning project. Approval of Minutes • Motion by Scott, second by Christine to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2026, Park/Rec Committee meeting. Motion carried; minutes approved. OLD BUSINESS: Water Fountain Donation Proposal A proposal was presented to donate a new bronze, monumental 11’25” “Lady with Jar” tiered fountain to the City of Fountain City. Schaffner’s Plumbing provided an estimated cost of approximately $350 for installation of electrical pumps and water lines to make the fountain operational. Next Step: Obtain bids for installation and utility hookups. Responsible Party: Park & Rec Chairperson Timeline: Pending review by the Urban Planning Commission KIMO’S Portable Toilets – 2026 festivals and events contract Three bids were obtained for portable toilet services for the 2026 season: Affordable Septic at $400 per month, Arcade Portables at $260 per month plus a one-time fee of $15.60, and Kimo’s at $420 per month plus a one-time fee of $50. After review, it was decided to accept the lowest bid from Arcade Portables. Marcia will contact Arcade Portables to notify them and coordinate setup for the 2026 season. Portable toilets will be located at both the upper and lower boat launch areas. Next Steps: Marcia will contact Arcade Portables to notify them and coordinate setup for the 2026 season. Responsible Party: Marcia Timeline: As soon as possible. PYAA Ballfield Maintenance Samantha Justin from PYAA informed the committee that new lime was applied to the ballfield by Brady Krause at a cost of $800. PYAA requested that the city split the expense with PYAA. The committee agreed, noting that sharing the cost would help maintain a positive working relationship. Samantha also shared that the first practice is scheduled for April 27, 2026. She requested the access code for the concession stand building. During the 2026 season, the ballfield will be used by 8U baseball, as well as 12U and 14U softball teams. PYAA is planning fundraising efforts to purchase shade canopies for next season. Samantha also noted that a new net will be needed at an estimated cost of $2,000. Next Steps: Marcia will issue a check to PYAA in the amount of $400 to cover the committee’s portion of the ballfield lime expense. Responsible Party: Marcia Timeline: Immediately Burt Surveying Waterfront Property & Upriver to Determine City Ownership Burt Surveying anticipates completing the lower boat landing survey by the end of May. The project is currently estimated to be 2–3 weeks out before work can begin, with the survey itself expected to take an additional 1–2 weeks to complete. Christine contacted Burt Surveying on April 13, 2026, and received a rough cost estimate of $3,000–$5,000, depending on the amount of work involved. Next Steps: Burt Surveying to begin and complete the boat landing survey. Responsible Parties: City Clerk, Marcia to order the survey and Burt Surveying to complete the survey. Timeline: Survey work expected to begin within 2–3 weeks of April 13, 2026 • Survey anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2026 NEW BUSINESS: Library Board Evaluation Criteria and Appointment Process Scott emailed the first round of preliminary questions on April 21, 2026, to assess nominees’ interest in serving on the Library Board versus volunteering at the library. The nomination list will be narrowed down to five candidates as part of the evaluation and appointment process. Candidate nominations received were Kathryn Jargo, Linda Stennes, Jane Cyrus, Cathy Kafer, Ruth Ann Torstenson, Dave Kriesel, Ed Lagacy, Emily Mork, Jen Tepovich, Janet Alcamo, Anna Mae Elmhorst, Doris Killian, Lida Arneson, and Gwen Katula. Next Step: Preliminary questions have been emailed out by Scott on 4/21/2026 Responsible Party: Scott Timeline: Immediately Auditorium Grand Opening and Halloween Masquerade Ball Discussion regarding the Auditorium Grand Opening and Halloween Masquerade Ball remains a work in progress. Since Halloween falls on a Saturday evening in 2026, the timing is considered ideal for the event. Planning efforts will continue to evolve, and community members are encouraged to share ideas and suggestions for the celebration. Next Steps: • Secure an event permit for the auditorium • Continue developing event plans and gathering community input Responsible Parties: Committee members and event organizers Timeline: Ongoing, with event planning to continue throughout 2026 leading up to Halloween. Proposed Public Space Planning Scott will work with Cole Crider and Matt Haffner from UW–Eau Claire to present an Urban Planning presentation in the auditorium following the May 13, 2026, Council meeting. Refreshments will be provided. Next Step: Presentation will be added to the May 13, 2026 Council Meeting Agenda. Responsible Party: City Clerk, Marcia, and Scott Timeline: Immediately Cabbage Patch Nursery 2026 Price Increase of $1/Per Flower Pot Christine contacted Brian Hovey at Cabbage Patch Nursery in Wabasha, Minnesota, to verify 2026 pricing for the perpetual flower pots at Fountain City Public Cemetery. She was informed that pricing will increase by $1 per pot for the 2026 season. Although the increase does not fully cover the rising costs of supplies and materials, the nursery expressed appreciation for the continued business relationship. The 2025 rate was $34.70 per pot/planter. The cemetery currently maintains 171 flower pots. Next Step: Pots will be delivered prior to Memorial Day weekend. Responsible Party: Brian Hovey/Cabbage Patch Nursery Timeline: Immediately Adopt-A-Planter Program The committee decided not to place the majority of the planters this season due to the State Highway 35 road construction and resurfacing project, as there is concern about potential damage if the planters are in the way of construction activities. A limited number of planters will still be placed for the 2026 season at the following locations: the ballpark, the Corner Store, the Historical Society, and City Hall. Boat Dock Installation for the 2026 Season The lower boat docks have been installed for the 2026 season. Installation of the upper docks is scheduled to take place in early May 2026. Adjournment • Motion to adjourn by Christine, second by Scott. • Motion carried; meeting adjourned at 5:42 PM.