Utilities Minutes 03/09/2026

1 March 9, 2026 UTILITIES COMMITTEE 8:30 a.m. Chairperson Larry Grisen called the meeting to order with the following members present: Randy Brommer and David Earney. Also present: Mayor Richard Champeny, Foreman Joe Wick, Calvin Loewenhagen, Bernie Bartz, and Clerk-Treasurer Sharaya Reed. Others present: Jeff Brenden from Scott Construction, Inc., Fred Brown from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC., Dan Wundrow from Rural Water, and Jared Cyrus from Cyrus Lawn & Landscaping. Agenda Item 3: Citizen comments on posted agenda items None. Agenda Item 4: Sidewalks/Stairs/Retaining Walls a. Bid opening for retaining wall Phase 2 and acceptance/rejection Only one bid was received. The bid was from Cyrus Lawn & Landscaping. Jared Cyrus explained the bids. The one is for dirt work after the concrete. It is based on a 8” high top curb of concrete. The other bid is for a steel 3 rail system. The bid for the railing job is $105,160.00. Discussed options of fencing. Chain link vs. others. Still need a figure from Craig Turnbell on concrete. Motion by Brommer seconded by Earney to table the matter until next month’s meeting on April 13th to meet with Cyrus Landscaping and Turnbell to finalize matters. All members voting yes. b. Spring/Summer projects planned for sidewalks/stairs/retaining walls Foreman Wick said now that it is starting to warm up they will start grinding sidewalks pretty soon. c. Other sidewalk/stairs/retaining wall concerns Brommer brought up the sidewalk weed ordinance. With the upcoming spring he wants to make sure that our Ordinance Officer stays on top of it. A reminder slip of the sidewalk weed ordinance will be put in the sewer/water bills that will be going out in mail. Agenda Item 7: Streets a. Bid opening for chip sealing on Riverview Drive and acceptance/rejection recommendation to council 2 Two bids were received. Fahrner bid received with certificate of liability insurance and total bid amount of $77,385. There is an option of vacuuming excess chips for $1,750. Cost per sweeping is $175. Scott bid received with certificate of liability insurance and total bid amount of $85,869. Sweeping is $2,900. Motion by Earney seconded by Brommer to go with Fahrner’s bid of $77,385 for the full length of Riverview Dr. as discussed. All members voting yes by roll call vote. Motion by Brommer seconded by Earney to accept Fahrner’s sweeping bid at $1,750. All members voting yes. Agenda Item 5: Water a. Auditor discussion on fire service charges to taxes Eric Davidson appeared by Zoom to recap the discussion over the rate increase proposal. The public fire protection charge is an expense in the general fund for $48,174. Some or all can switch to be billed to the users. Whatever is charged can be picked up on the levy limit. The user would see the charge as a separate charge on their utility bill. Discussion over the hybrid option for splitting the fee between tax payers and utility bills. Dan Wundrow brought up the option of billing standby rates. These are plots of land or lots that have the service going through them, but not hooked up. Motion by Grisen seconded by Brommer to pass along the public fire protection charge information to the full council for the amount of $48,174 to appear quarterly on the utilities bill. All members voting yes by roll call vote. b. Dan Wundrow, WI Rural Water, presentation on water system needs Discussion over water temperatures and issues and the flushing plan. c. Water Valve location-Calvin Loewenhagen Discussion with Calvin about using Diamond Maps to locate some water valves. Agenda Item 6: Sewer and Wastewater a. Call Shawn Welte for updates on chemical building project and WPDES permitting Shawn Welte gave an update on the status of the project plans. b. City purchase of chemical metering pumps, chemical storage tank and safety equipment for building project 3 Motion by Earney seconded by Brommer to preapproval up to $1,000 on the tank, $1,700 for the eye wash, grand total $6,000 for equipment as discussed. All members voting yes by roll call vote. Agenda Item 7: Streets b. Street light failure i. Electrical vs. Solar ii. Costs Looking at options. c. Request for trash cans near businesses on Main Street Discussed options. Maybe Chamber to look at. Maybe the businesses can sponsor a can. d. Inventory Progress update from Michaela Michalea still working on updates. Agenda Item 8: Lawn mower bid review-Joe Wick Joe presented the options. Motion by Brommer seconded by Earney to refer the Plainview tractor proposal to full Council agreeing with the Services recommendation. All members voting yes. Agenda Item 9: Citizen comments on non-posted agenda items None. Motion by Earney seconded by Brommer to adjourn. All members voting yes.