Special Council Meeting — Minutes

Special City Council Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 6:30 P.M. Mayor Jason TePaske called the Special meeting of the Augusta City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. Present were council members Sue Troxel, Lisa Fugett, Brian Abley, and Brian Leslin. Also present were Gordon O’Brien, Scott Williamson, Kasandra Thompson, and Cynthia Anderegg. Absent: Dawn Harper and Leslie LaRose. Approval of Agenda Motion by Leslin seconded by Troxel to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Picnic License Application Motion by Troxel seconded by Fugett to approve the picnic license application from the Augusta-Bridge Creek Fire Department for “Brooks Battle Against Breast Cancer” benefit. Motion carried. The event will be held on October 24, 2026 at the Augusta-Bridge Creek Fire Hall. “Welcome to Augusta” Sign Permit Application The Council reviewed the sign permit application submitted by the Augusta Area Historical Society for the proposed “Welcome to Augusta” sign. Motion by Troxel seconded by Fugett to approve the sign permit application as submitted. Motion carried. Chapter 11 – Licenses and Permits: High-Risk Dogs (Second Reading) The Council considered the Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding amendments to Chapter 11, Licenses and Permits, relating to the regulation, licensing, and control of high-risk dogs. This item was presented for a second reading. Motion by Fugett seconded by Leslin to waive the second reading. Motion carried. Motion by Leslin seconded by Troxel to amend the proposed ordinance regarding the regulation, licensing, and control of high-risk dogs. Roll call vote: Ward 1, yes; Ward 2, yes; Ward 3, yes; Ward 4, Absent; Ward 5, yes. Motion carried. Ordinance No. 11.05(11)(d) Chapter 10.04 – Control of Weeds and Grasses The Council discussed the Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding amending Chapter 10.04 concerning enforcement of the City’s weed and grass control requirements in response to complaints of noncompliance with City mowing requirements. The Finance Committee recommended maintaining the ordinance as currently written, without amendments. Motion by Fugett seconded by Troxel to accept the Finance Committee’s recommendation to maintain Chapter 10.04 as currently written. Motion carried. Liability Insurance Renewal – 2026–2027 The Council reviewed the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Mutual Insurance liability insurance renewal quote for the 2026–2027 policy year. The prior-year premium for 2025 was $24,954, compared with the 2026 renewal quote of $27,499, an increase of $2,545. Motion by Troxel seconded by Fugett to approve the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Mutual Insurance renewal quote for $27,499 for the 2026–2027 policy year. Roll call vote: Ward 1, yes; Ward 2, yes; Ward 3, yes; Ward 4, Absent; Ward 5, yes. Motion carried. 2027 Budget Discussion – General Fund, Sewer Fund, and Water Fund a. Review of Estimated Revenues The Council reviewed estimated revenues for the proposed 2027 General Fund, Sewer Fund, and Water Fund budgets. The anticipated General Fund Revenues for the 2027 Budget. Shared Revenue: $553,517.73; Levy Limit: $471,985; Supplemental Municipal Aid: $110,721.12; Personal Property Tax Aid: $2,762.20. General Transportation aid estimate will be posted in October. Exempt Computer aids (General Fund) $1,543. The Senior Center aid requests from Eau Claire County are as follows: ADRC Title III-C: $7,758.00, and County Senior Center aid: $34,000 (these numbers have not been awarded by the county at this time). b. Department Needs The Council discussed departmental needs and anticipated expenditures for the 2027 budget year. The Council will review the Capital Improvement Plan and the one-year Addendum. c. Sewer Rate Increase The Council discussed sewer utility rates in relation to the 15-year sewer rate plan adopted in 2025. The discussion included a proposed 3% increase to sewer volume charges and Residential Equivalency Unit (REU) charges. The Council would like more data concerning different rates and the effect on long term debt. The matter was discussed without formal action. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Abley seconded by Leslin to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned. Submitted by Cynthia Anderegg, City Clerk-Treasurer