City Council Meeting - February 4, 2026
City of Amery · Polk County · meeting of Feb 4, 2026 · Agendas
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City of Amery
COMMON COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
The City of Amery does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.
NOTE: Upon reasonable notice, the City of Amery will accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through aids or services. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Clerk-Treasurer’s office at
(715) 268-3410 by Noon the previous day so that arrangements can be made.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.84, Notice is hereby given to the public that a meeting of the Common Council of the City of Amery will be held on:
February 4, 2026 at Amery City Hall - 104 Maple St. W, Amery, WI at 5:00 PM.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Adoption of Agenda
Consent Agenda Items:
Minutes – City Council (January 07, 2026), City Council (January 21, 2026), Plan Commission (January 22, 2026), Airport
Commission (June 12, 2025)
Ordinance 02-2026 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 294 of the City of Amery Code of Ordinances Regulating Mobile Food
Establishments
Items under the consent agenda may be acted upon by one motion. If in the judgment of any Council Member, a consent agenda
item needs discussion, the item can be removed and discussed.
*Although the public may speak on any item that is not included on this agenda as a “Public Hearing or Forum” the Council will not respond or discuss the
issue brought forward at this time. In accordance with open meeting laws the Council must notice an item on the agenda to take action on that matter. Your
comments will be considered and may be placed on a future agenda for further discussion. Any person wishing to submit a public comment digitally may
email them to Cityhall@amerywi.gov until noon of the day of the meeting. Although your comments will be presented to the Council they may or may not
be read aloud or discussed during the meeting. The Public Comment Portion will be limited to 3 minutes total per speaker with the total duration to be at
the Chair’s discretion. The council may act on any item that is noticed on the agenda.
Taylor Larson
Clerk/Treasurer
**Posted: January 29, 2026 on the City Website (www.amerywi.gov); and at Amery City Hall, Amery Public Library, and the
Amery Police Department.
Order of
Items Agenda Item
1 Public Comment
2 Department Head Reports –City Administrator, Clerk-Treasurer, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Library Director, and
Director of Public Works
3 Resolution 1-2026 Utilizing TID 9 Funds for Snow Removal Equipment Purchase
4 Resolution 2-2026 Amending the Annual Budget for the Purchase of Snow Removal Equipment
5 Fire Department Bylaws Update
6 Nuisance Tenant Ordinance Discussion
7 Council Comment
8 Adjournment.
CITY OF AMERY
CITY COUNCIL
POLK COUNTY , WISCONSIN
ORDINANCE NO. 2-2026
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 294 OF THE CITY OF AMERY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGULATING
MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Amery has the authority to amend the City's municipal
code; and
WHEREAS, the regulation of Mobile Food Establishments is necessary to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of the public, residents, and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council believes that the issuance of permits allowing the sale of food to the
general public from mobile establishments is in the public interest when properly regulated; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council deems it advisable to create a new chapter of the municipal code to
license and regulate mobile food establishments within the City of Amery.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Amery, Wisconsin, does ordain as follows:
Section 1: Definitions
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
• Mobile Food Establishment (MFE): A restaurant or retail food establishment where ready-to-eat
food is cooked, served, or sold from a movable vehicle, trailer, or cart which periodically or
continuously changes location.
• Mobile Food Vendor: The owner, agent, or employee of a Mobile Food Establishment.
• Service Base: A licensed establishment where an MFE is serviced, cleaned, and supplied, and
where food may be stored or prepared.
Section 2: Permit Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a Mobile Food Establishment within the City of Amery
without first obtaining a valid Mobile Food Establishment Permit from the City Clerk. Each MFE unit shall
be permitted separately.
Section 3: Exemptions
The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to an MFE operating as a caterer for a private event
where the vendor is paid directly by the event host and does not receive direct payment from the
general public. Mobile Food Vendors operating for a licensed special event will be exempt from requiring
a permit and will be subject to the operating requirements of Chapter 264.7.
Section 4: Application for Permit
Any person desiring to operate an MFE shall make a written application to the City Clerk on a form
provided by the City. The application shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Applicant Information: The full legal name, address, and phone number of the applicant and any
corporate officers.
2. Vehicle Information: A description of the MFE, including its make, model, year, VIN, and license
plate number. A copy of the current vehicle registration must be provided.
3. Required Permits and Licenses:
o A valid copy of all necessary permits required by the State of Wisconsin or Polk County
for food service operations.
o A valid Wisconsin Department of Revenue Seller's Permit.
4. Business Plan: A narrative that addresses proposed location(s), hours of operation, and plans for
waste disposal.
5. Property Owner Permission: Written and signed permission from the owner of any private
property where the MFE will operate.
6. Photographs: Current photographs of the MFE showing all four sides.
7. Fire Safety: Proof of a current, passing fire safety inspection from any fire department.
8. Insurance and Indemnification:
o A signed Hold Harmless Agreement, on a form provided by the City, indemnifying the
City from any claims arising from the vendor's operations.
Section 5: Application Review
All applications shall be reviewed by the City Clerk and may be referred to other city departments,
including Police, Fire, and Public Works.
Section 6: Permit Fee, Duration, and Conditions
• Fee: The fee for an MFE Permit shall be set by the Common Council in the City's official fee
schedule. The Common Council may establish a reduced fee for vendors who operate a licensed,
permanent food establishment within the City of Amery. MFEs operated by non-profit
organizations will be exempt from the permit fee.
• Duration: Permits shall be valid for one calendar year, expiring on December 31.
• Non-Transferable: A permit is non-transferable between persons or vehicles.
Section 7: General Operating Requirements
1. Compliance: All permits must be conspicuously displayed on the MFE.
2. Location Restrictions:
o MFEs may operate on private property within a commercial zone with the property
owner's written permission. Operation in a residentially zoned district is prohibited.
o MFEs shall not operate on public property, streets, or rights-of-way, unless as part of a
City-approved special event.
o An MFE shall not be located within 200 feet of a primary entrance of a business selling
the same or similar food products during its hours of operation, unless written
permission from that business owner is provided.
3. Hours of Operation: Permitted hours of operation shall be between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The Common Council may, by resolution, designate a specific district with extended hours of
operation.
4. Waste Disposal: The vendor must provide their own trash receptacles and remove all waste
from the site. Vendors are required to maintain the area around their site and to ensure that
waste is spread about. Use of public trash receptacles is prohibited, except receptacles put out
during a special event.
5. Safety and Nuisance:
o The MFE shall not obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or vehicular traffic. Service must be
conducted from the curbside.
o No amplified music, noisemakers, or flashing lights are permitted.
o Power must be self-contained. Connection to public utilities is prohibited, and power
cords may not be extended across public rights-of-way.
o All equipment, including signage, must be contained within or permanently affixed to
the vehicle. No external or portable seating is permitted.
Section 8: Enforcement and Revocation
• Enforcement: This chapter shall be enforced by the Amery Police Department and other
authorized City staff. The City shall have the authority to remove or cause the removal of any
MFE found in violation of this chapter, with any towing and storage charges being the
responsibility of the vendor.
• Revocation: A permit may be suspended or revoked by the City for violations of this chapter or
for conducting business in a manner that endangers public health or safety.
Section 9: Violations and Penalties
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a forfeiture as set forth in the
City's Schedule of Fees and Forfeitures. Each day a violation exists constitutes a separate offense.
Section 10: Severability
If any provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, such finding shall not affect
the validity of the remaining provisions.
Section 11: Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication as provided by law.
Adopted by the Common Council on __________, 2026.
CITY OF AMERY
By:
________________________________
Rick Van Blaricom
Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Taylor Larson
City Clerk-Treasurer
Published: __________________, 2026
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
TO: The Common Council of Amery
FROM: Alex Mansfield, City Administrator; Taylor Larson Clerk-Treasurer
DATE: 1/29/2026
RE: Resolutions 1-2026 & 2-2026 Authorizing TID 9 Funding and Amending the 2026 Budget
Summary: At its January 21st meeting, the Common Council provided direction to proceed with two
resolutions appropriating Tax Increment District (TID) No. 9 funds and amending the 2026 budget for the
purchase of snow removal equipment intended to improve downtown curb, bumpout, and pedestrian
crossing maintenance. This memo documents that direction and provides staff’s supporting rationale.
Background: Downtown snow accumulation along curb extensions, bumpouts, and pedestrian crossings
has created ongoing maintenance and accessibility challenges due to limitations of full-size plow
equipment and daytime parking constraints. Following discussion at the January 21st Common Council
meeting, Council directed staff to move forward with resolutions authorizing the use of TID No. 9 funds
and a corresponding 2026 budget amendment to purchase specialized snow removal equipment focused
on downtown conditions.
Staff is recommending TID No. 9 as the funding source because the proposed equipment purchase is
intended solely to address snow removal, safety, and accessibility issues within the downtown district.
The equipment will support improved pedestrian access, visibility, and business connectivity, which are
consistent with the purposes of the TID.
Fiscal Impact: The proposed action authorizes the expenditure of TID No. 9 funds for the purchase of
snow removal equipment and associated accessories, with a corresponding amendment to the 2026
adopted budget.
An expenditure of $12,500 will be added to TID 9 account no. 495-00-53410-350 Operating Supplies &
Expenditures and to the General Fund account no. 100-00-53414-340-000 Snow Removal Operating
Supplies & Expenditures to facilitate this purchase.
Recommendation: Staff recommends adoption of the resolutions authorizing the appropriation of TID
No. 9 funds and amending the 2026 budget to allow for the purchase of downtown-focused snow
removal equipment, consistent with Common Council direction provided at the January 21st meeting.
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
Resolution No. 1-2026
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF TAX INCREMENT DISTRICT NO. 9 FUNDS FOR
DOWNTOWN SNOW MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Amery operates Tax Increment District No. 9 (TID 9) to support downtown infrastructure, access,
and economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, downtown winter maintenance presents recurring challenges related to snow accumulation along curbs,
bump outs, and pedestrian crossings, which impact accessibility, safety, and business access; and
WHEREAS, staff has identified the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or utility task vehicle (UTV), equipped with a
snow plow and liquid deicer sprayer, as an effective and operationally feasible solution to address these challenges; and
WHEREAS, the proposed equipment will be used to improve snow and ice removal within the public right-of-way in the
downtown area, including curb lines, pedestrian ramps, and crossings located within TID 9; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stat. §66.1105, tax increment funds may be expended on project costs related to public
infrastructure, transportation improvements, and activities that enhance access, safety, and economic functionality
within a tax incremental district; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council finds that the proposed expenditure qualifies as an eligible TID project cost and is
consistent with the goals and intent of TID 9.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin, that:
1. The use of Tax Increment District No. 9 funds, in an amount not to exceed $12,500 is hereby authorized for the
purchase of:
o Winterization equipment for a UTV
o A snow plow attachment;
o A liquid deicer/brine sprayer; and
o An initial supply of liquid deicer or brine.
2. The equipment shall be used for downtown snow and ice management activities within the public right-of-way
and other eligible areas of TID 9.
3. City staff are authorized to proceed with procurement in accordance with applicable purchasing policies.
Adopted this ___ day of _______, 2026
BY THE AMERY COMMON COUNCIL:
__________________________
Rick Van Blaricom, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Taylor Larson, City Clerk-Treasurer
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
Resolution No. 2-2026
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE
PURCHASE OF DOWNTOWN SNOW MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Amery has identified the need to purchase equipment to improve
downtown snow and ice removal operations; and
WHEREAS, funding for this purchase was not specifically appropriated in the adopted annual
budget; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has authorized the use of Tax Increment District No. 9 funds
for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, Wis. Stat. §65.90 permits the Common Council to amend the City budget as
necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Amery, Polk
County, Wisconsin, that:
1. The City’s annual budget is hereby amended to increase expenditures in Public Works
Snow & Ice Operating Supplies and Expense account 100-00-53414-340-000 in the
amount of $12,500 for the purchase of downtown snow management equipment.
2. The budget amendment shall be funded through a corresponding allocation from Tax
Increment District No. 9 Operating Supplies and Expenses account number 495-00-
53410-350-000.
3. The City Clerk-Treasurer is authorized and directed to make the necessary accounting
entries to implement this budget amendment.
Adopted this ___ day of _______, 2026.
BY THE AMERY COMMON COUNCIL:
__________________________
Rick Van Blaricom, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Taylor Larson, City Clerk-Treasurer
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
TO: The Common Council of Amery
FROM: Alex Mansfield, City Administrator; Chuck Frohn, Fire Chief
DATE: 1/29/2026
RE: Amery Fire Department Bylaws Update
Summary: The Amery Fire Department is submitting a comprehensive revision of its bylaws for City
Council approval. These updates, the first since 2007, aim to modernize leadership selection, increase
organizational flexibility, and clearly define the professional obligations of all department members.
Background: The existing bylaws have not been updated in nearly two decades. The proposed 2026
revisions address several critical areas to align the department with modern Wisconsin fire service
standards:
• Professional Officer Selection: The department is transitioning from an annual election system to
a merit-based appointment process. This includes formal vacancy postings, interviews, and
tactical simulations to ensure competency.
• Flexible Qualifications: While maintaining high standards—such as five years of service for Chief
or Assistant Chief roles—the new bylaws allow the Chief discretion to determine specific
requirements via Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This ensures the department can adapt
to changing professional needs without requiring constant bylaw amendments.
• Simplified Governance: The document streamlines department leadership into a clear hierarchy
involving a Chief, Assistant Chiefs, Captains, and specialized officers. It also establishes a rotating
two-year schedule for evaluating operational officer positions.
• Clarified Member Obligations: The revisions explicitly outline expectations for attendance (10
hours per quarter), physical health, and professional conduct. New sections also address modern
necessities, such as a formal social media and HIPAA-compliant public relations policy.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Bylaws be referred to the Fire Commission for review and
for the Common Council to approve the bylaws revision at the February 18th Council Meeting.
BYLAWS OF THE AMERY FIRE
DEPARTMENT
Revision Date: January 2026
Section 1: Fire Department Organization
1.1 Name and Purpose
The Amery Fire Department exists to prevent and extinguish fires within the City of Amery and
contracted towns. The Amery Fire Department is a department of the City of Amery and is
guided by these bylaws and its operating and administrative standard operating procedures
(SOPs). The department also provides rescue, extrication, disaster mitigation, and emergency
medical first response services.
1.2 Leadership Structure
Department leadership consists of a Chief, two Assistant Chiefs, a Safety Officer, four Captains,
and an Emergency Medical Officer.
• Chief: Appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Amery City Council.
• Operational Officers: Assistant Chiefs and Captains will be appointed by the Chief via a
merit-based interview process to ensure professional competency.
• Secretary: Appointed by the Chief after an interview process.
• Treasurer: Appointed by the Chief after an interview process.
Section 2: Officer Qualifications and Selection Process
2.1 General Requirements
• To hold the office of Chief or Assistant Chief, a member must have at least five years of
department service. Assistant Chiefs must have held the position of captain for at least
three years prior to consideration as an assistant chief.
• Officers must ordinarily spend their time within the City of Amery or the contracted
service area; those living or working outside the City or service area must apply to the
Chief for a variance.
• Position specific requirements for officers will be determined by Department SOPs and
are subject to change at the Chief’s discretion.
2.2 Appointment Process for Assistant Chiefs and Captains
This process replaces the previous annual election system to align with professional Wisconsin
fire standards:
• Notice of Vacancy: The Chief will post a vacancy notice for 14 days. Operational officer
positions will be evaluated and opened to applications on a rotating two-year basis.
Year 1 Positions Year 2 Positions
1st Assistant Chief 2nd Assistant Chief
2 Captains 2 Captains
Secretary/Treasurer EMS Captain
• Application: Interested members must submit a written request outlining qualifications,
training, and a paragraph detailing their goals for the position.
• Review Committee: The Chief will convene a review committee (which may include the
Chief, a City representative, and an external fire officer) to evaluate applicants.
• Interview and Assessment: Candidates will undergo a formal interview and, where
applicable, a tactical simulation.
• Final Appointment: The Chief will appoint the candidate best meeting the criteria,
following the interview and a 3-day period for written member comments.
2.3 Rank-Specific Duties
• Fire Chief: Responsible for the comprehensive management of the Department,
including overseeing personnel and discipline, commanding firefighting operations,
maintaining equipment and records, enforcing fire safety laws, and managing the annual
budget and administrative duties.
• Assistant Chiefs: Function as mid-level management in command of multiple company
operations. They are responsible for all equipment and personnel and function in place of
the Chief when necessary.
• Captains: Act as first-level management in direct command of company operations and
interior fire suppression. They are responsible for conducting monthly training exercises.
• Safety Officer: Defined by Wisconsin Administrative Code Comm 30.05, the Safety
Officer chairs the Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSHC) and submits an
annual report.
• EMS Captain: Manages all first responder operations, training, and quality control.
Responsible for WARDs reporting to the State of Wisconsin. They must maintain
HIPAA compliance regarding patient information.
• Secretary: Responsible for taking department meeting minutes, maintaining department
records, and alarm data.
• Treasurer: Responsible for managing volunteer funds and departmental payroll.
Section 3: Membership Standards
3.1 Employment Standards
• Applications: Must be submitted on a standard department application and considered
regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin.
• Character: Applicants must be of good moral character and have no felony convictions
(reviewed case-by-case). Applicants must pass a standard background check.
• Physical Health: Members must pass a physical by a licensed health professional. They
must have no health problems (cardiac, respiratory, etc.) that bar them from performing
firefighting duties.
• Residency: Members must live or work in the Amery Fire Protection area.
• Attendance: Members must attend a minimum of 10 hours of Department activity per
quarter of the year.
3.2 Probation and Training
• Probation: New employees are on probation for 18 months and may be terminated
without recourse.
• Certification: Members must pass the Wisconsin Entry-Level firefighting courses Parts
A and B with a grade of 70 or better within 18 months, pending class availability.
Structural firefighting (inside attack) is only permitted after completion of this training.
EMR members must complete first responder classes within 18 months and maintain an
up-to-date license. EMR members are only able to respond to calls after obtaining their
license.
Section 4: Operations, Conduct, and Public Relations
4.1 Safe Operations
• Substance Use: No member will drive apparatus or handle equipment if they have
consumed alcohol within the previous eight hours or are under the influence of any drug.
Members may not have any patient contact if a substance has been consumed within the
previous eight hours.
• Driving: Only members who have completed an approved Emergency Vehicle
Operations course and have written approval from the Chief or an Officer may drive
apparatus during emergencies.
• Equipment: No equipment may be taken from the fire hall without prior approval,
except in the event of an emergency call.
4.2 Social Media and Public Relations Policy
This policy ensures that all members represent the department professionally and comply with
state and federal privacy laws.
• Confidentiality (HIPAA): Members are strictly prohibited from sharing any patient
information, medical details, or identifiable scene data on personal social media accounts.
• Scene Photography: No photos or videos of emergency scenes, victims, or department
operations may be taken or posted without express permission from the Incident
Commander or Chief.
• Representing the Department: Members will not post content that appears to represent
the official position of the Amery Fire Department unless authorized.
• Professionalism: Posts that contain harassment, discriminatory language, or that bring
discredit to the department are subject to the disciplinary process.
Section 5: Discipline and Oversight
5.1 Performance Review
The Chief will conduct annual performance evaluations for all officers. Failure to meet standards
or address identified concerns may result in required training or removal from the position.
5.2 Progressive Discipline
Discipline follows a standardized three-step process. The process may be altered on a case-by-
case basis at the Fire Chief’s discretion.
1. Letter of Reprimand: Accompanied by corrective training.
2. Suspension: A period of 10 to 60 days for continued behavior or safety issues.
3. Dismissal: Termination of membership. Dismissed employees have the right to appeal to
the Amery Common Council.
Section 6: Administration and Health
6.1 Meetings and Governance
• Regular Meetings: Held the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM.
• Quorum: 50% of membership is required to conduct department business.
• Amendments: Bylaw changes require a two-thirds majority vote by the department and
final approval by the City Council.
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
TO: The Common Council of Amery
FROM: Alex Mansfield, City Administrator and Dan Peters, Police Chief
DATE: 1/28/2026
RE: Update to Chapter 313 Regarding Chronic Rental Nuisances and Problematic Renters
Summary: This proposal modernizes the City’s existing nuisance code to specifically address
"problematic renters" by shifting accountability to property owners (landlords). The ordinance mandates
the use of a Crime-Free Lease Addendum and establishes a collaborative abatement process between
the Police Department and landlords. This shift ensures that the City can effectively address properties
that "substantially annoy, injure or endanger the comfort, health, repose or safety of the public".
Background: The City of Amery currently prohibits any person from maintaining or permitting a public
nuisance. Under existing Section 313-7, a property can be declared a criminal activity nuisance if two or
more specified violations—such as drug activity, disorderly conduct, or noise—occur within a 12-month
period. Current definitions explicitly include "Rental Units," defined as any dwelling unit not occupied by
the owner and leased to a third party.
While the current framework allows for enforcement, the proposed update draws on small-city
precedents (Barron, Rice Lake, and Neenah) to make the process more proactive for rental situations:
• Mandatory Addendum: Requires landlords to include language in leases identifying nuisance
activity as a material breach, facilitating faster evictions under state law.
• Structured Abatement: Formally requires owners to meet with the Chief of Police to implement
a written plan to prevent further nuisance activity once a property is flagged.
• Appeals Process: Maintains the existing right for owners to appeal a nuisance declaration to the
Zoning Board of Appeals if they can prove they took prompt action to abate the issue.
Fiscal Impact: The proposed updates are designed to be revenue-neutral for the City by utilizing existing
cost-recovery mechanisms.
• Administrative Charges: The code already provides for an administrative charge of $100 plus
175% of the Police Chief’s hourly wage for the time required to abate a nuisance.
• Cost Recovery: If these costs are not paid as a debt, they are assessed against the real estate as a
special charge.
• Taxpayer Relief: By charging for repeated police responses to problematic rental units, the City
reduces the financial burden on the general taxpayer for policing chronic nuisance locations.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Common Council adopt the consolidated "Chronic Rental
Nuisance" language into Section 313-7 and approve the mandatory Crime-Free Lease Addendum. This
provides the Police Department with the necessary tools to address "disorderly houses" and premises
where laws are "openly, continuously, repeatedly and intentionally violated".
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
Proposed Replacement: § 313-7. Chronic Rental Nuisances & Landlord Accountability
A. Purpose. To reduce the burden on City resources caused by repeated "problematic renters" and to
ensure that owners of Rental Units take active measures to manage tenant behavior that threatens
public peace, health, or safety.
B. Chronic Nuisance Threshold. A Rental Unit is declared a Chronic Nuisance Property if three (3) or more
separate Nuisance Activities occur within any twelve-month period or if two or more criminal incidents
occur within 180 days.
C. Landlord Responsibility & Mandatory Addendum.
1. Crime-Free Lease Addendum: Every residential lease for a Rental Unit in the City shall include an
addendum making criminal or nuisance activity by a tenant or guest a material breach and
grounds for termination of tenancy.
2. Notification: Upon the second documented Nuisance Activity at a Rental Unit, the Chief of Police
shall notify the owner of record. The owner is then required to respond within ten (10) days to
propose an Abatement Plan.
D. Required Abatement Measures. the City may require the landlord to take specific actions, including
but not limited to:
1. Serving a 5-Day No-Cure Eviction Notice (per Wis. Stat. § 704.17(3m)) if the nuisance involves
drugs or violence.
2. Implementing mandatory tenant background checks.
3. Installing improved lighting or security systems.
E. Cost Recovery and Penalties.
1. Service Fees: If a landlord fails to implement an approved Abatement Plan or if a third nuisance
occurs, the owner shall be billed for the actual cost of every subsequent police response ($100
administrative fee plus 175% of the Police Chief's hourly wage).
2. Special Assessment: Any unpaid costs shall be assessed against the real estate as a special charge
on the property tax roll.
3. Rental License Review: For properties with persistent violations, the City may seek an injunction
or license revocation to prohibit the rental of the unit for a period of up to one year.
104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486
Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870
Crime-Free / Nuisance-Free Lease Addendum
In consideration of the execution or renewal of a lease of the Rental Unit identified in the lease,
Owner/Manager and Resident agree as follows:
1. Prohibited Criminal & Nuisance Activity Resident, any member of the resident’s household, or a guest
or other person under the resident’s control shall not engage in, facilitate, or permit any Criminal Activity
Nuisance as defined in Amery City Code § 313-7. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
• Crimes Against Public Peace/Safety: Engaging in disorderly conduct, illegal use of firearms, or
fireworks violations.
• Controlled Substances: Any violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Wis. Stat. Ch.
961).
• Property & Health Crimes: Theft, damage to property, or the illegal storage of junked/discarded
property.
• Alcohol Violations: Providing alcohol to juveniles or the unlicensed sale of liquor.
• Noise & Animal Nuisances: Habitual barking/howling or loud, discordant noises that annoy or
disturb the neighborhood.
2. Material Breach of Lease The parties agree that a single violation of any provision of this addendum
shall constitute a material breach of the lease and "good cause" for termination of tenancy.
3. Eviction Authority Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 704.17(3m), the Owner/Manager may serve a 5-Day Notice
to Vacate with No Right to Cure if the Resident or their guest engages in any criminal activity that
threatens the health or safety of other residents or persons in the immediate vicinity.
4. Duty to Abate Resident acknowledges that under Amery City Code § 313-7, the City may declare the
property a "Nuisance Property" after two or more violations occur within a twelve-month period.
Resident agrees to indemnify the Owner for any abatement costs or administrative fees ($100 plus 175%
of the Police Chief's hourly wage) assessed by the City resulting from Resident's conduct.
5. Police Cooperation Resident authorizes the Owner/Manager to use police department records and
reports as reliable evidence in any judicial eviction proceeding.
Source: City of Amery website. First collected Oct 19, 2026.