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1 CITY OF GILLETT COMMON COUNCIL Council Chambers – Municipal Building 150 N McKenzie Ave – Gillett, WI 54124 THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025 AT 6:00 PM MINUTES 1. Mayor Blaskowski called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll Call Present: Clerk Treasurer Chelsea Anderson, Mayor Jon Blaskowski, Alderpersons Nanette Mohr, Keri Hicks , Jerry Luther, Ashley VanStraten, Matt Young, David Bunker , Utility Operator Matt Wickman, Public Works Foreman Nate Anderson, Fire Chief Kurt Hicks, Police Chief Shane Breitenbach, Librarian Shannon Stoner City Attorney Robert Gagan, and Public Kelly Roberts, Resch Apartment Owner Tom Resch, Theresa Nelson, Chamber of Commerce Chris Byars, and Wendy DeGroot. 3. Clerk informs the Council that the Open Meeting Law has been complied with 4. Public Input: Tom Resch owns the apartments on Robin Hood Lane. The City of Gillett owns an e asement on property to add drainage. Drainage currently does not flow well. It floods the parking lot, damages the retaining wall, damages the garages, and it’s getting worse. The property was purchased with the current problem. The city is not responsible for adding drainage. The city did replace the pipe that the water drains into that flow to the road and under the road . Mayor and clerk were at the location looking over the issues with the owner. The owner wants a commitment from the city that it will get fixed. Theresa Nelson- lives at the apartments. Her garage h eaves up in winter, being in a wheelchair, she cannot get out of garage and is scared to park in her space because the cement heaves . Water sits and takes up two parking spots. Kelly Roberts, manager at apartment, stated she has a few concerns, she h eard low income apartments were going in the old nursing home. Tenants of the apartment are worried or fearing for what is to come with that. City stated the property has not been purchased by NewCap, they are applying for a grant for that location. NewCap will have an open house to discuss any concerns. Wendy DeGrtoot stated we have bears at the end of that side of the city and is scared for the residents. City has called the DNR and was told to take down bird feeders and remove food sources and they will move on. 5. Discussion & possible action on minutes from May 1 and Special May 21, 2025 Minutes MOTION: Luther/VanStraten Motion to approve minutes from May 1 and Special Council Meeting May 21, 2025 Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED 6. Library Report: Alderperson Keri Hicks Librarian Shannon Stoner: Library Director Report: Programming: Thursday, June 5, 5-6 pm: Community Market and Randy Peterson performing. Thursday, June 5, 5-6 pm: Randy Peterson & Community Market (5-7 pm) Sunday, June 8: 7 am-12 pm: Breakfast on the Farm Tuesday, June 10, 11:15 am-12:15 pm: Tape Resist Canvas Painting Friday, June 13, 10:30-11:30 am: Minerals in Art, Minerals as Art (Earthaven Museum) Friday, June 20, 11 am-12 pm: Oneida Cornhusk Flowers with Eliza Skenandore Tuesday, June 24 10:30-11:30 am: Travelogue: Québec Friday, June 27 4-5 pm: JR Aquatic Animal Rescue Planning for National Night Out is underway and will be at the Gillett Elementary school this year. 2 Gillett will participate in the “Jobpod” Pilot Program created by the partnership between NFLS, WI DWD, and Bay Area Workforce Development. It helps connect job seekers with libraries to provide them resources for their search. We already have the Job binder, and this will allow for us more resources to help job seekers in our area. JobPod can provide: Standard Operating Procedures Job Search Resources, including user guides for how to access JobPod marketing materials Laptop with Web Cam and Microsoft Office License WI Employment Law Treatise Community Resource Guide Support to help develop or strengthen your relationship with your local workforce development board For more information. Visit www.jobpodwi.org. There are 9 locations in the state. We would be the only pod in this area. We’re partnering with Annie’s Angels to give away backpacks with school supplies for local children in need. Last year Annie’s Angels helped 53 kids prepare for school. Annie’s Angels will be giving away backpacks on Monday, August 11 from 4-6 pm. If you would like to make a donation, contact Ann Schultz at 920-855-6409. Our new produce stand is built and is in the drive thru section of the Community Center. Lena and Gillett will be at Breakfast on the farm on Sunday, June 8. Our first Pop-Up Library will be placed at Desserted by Cheryl on Main Street. A Pop Up Library is a selection of books which people can read while out and about.... restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. While you’re waiting for your coffee and your meal, you can read a book from the library and return it to the box so someone else can use it. Pop Up libraries are a way to reach people who would otherwise not come to the library, expand literacy in the community, and promote the use of the library. We are hoping to put more of these pop ups in more local locations. Asked why its not at zippel park. Need gym for inclement weather. 7. Tourism & Marketing Commission/Gillett Area Chamber of Commerce: Chamber of Commerce Chris Byars stated the cleanup of the city was a great success. Thanked Public Works for chipping, leaf pickup, and the pickup of metal. New members joined the chamber. In conversations with TEDCOR, the chamber may purchase a sign near Cecil to promote our community. 8. Financial Report: Clerk Treasurer – Updated Monthly Check Register Provided MOTION: Luther/Bunker Motion to approve May City and Utility Check Registers. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED 9. Police Department Report: Police Chief Breitenbach –Written Report: From the Chief’s Desk. Gillett Police Department / 229 incidents / May 2025 Earlier this month members of the Shawano Area Freemasons donated a box filled with toys, dolls and games for children. The items will be distributed to children to help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety on emergency scenes. The Freemason members advised that I was free to share the items with other agencies including our local fire and EMS organizations. I wish to thank the Shawano Area Freemans for their continued support of our local first responders! 3 This past month our officers participated in low-light firearms range training co- hosted by the Oconto Falls Police Department and the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office. Later this month our department will be involved with a county-wide law enforcement spring tactical training day. These are two fine examples that demonstrate the kind of positive working environment that exist throughout the law enforcement community here in Oconto County. As the 2024-2025 Gillett School District academic year comes to an end, the positive impact of School Resource Officer Hull’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The school resource officer position has been renewed for the complete school year of 2025-2026! I wish to thank Gillett City Mayor Jon Blaskowski, Gillett School District Superintendent Dr. Nathan Hanson, the Gillett School Board, and the Gillett City Council for their continued support of this program! The preparation for the 2025 National Night Out Event continues. This year we will have a new hosting venue! Dr. Nathan Hanson has graciously offered the use of the Gillett School District Property for the event! Having the event at the school will alleviate some of the traffic/pedestrian issues plus it gives us an option to move the event indoors in the event of inclement weather. 10. Fire Department Report: Fire Chief Hicks a. Discussion on Training, Public Relations, and Incident Summary Report: 5 fire calls in May. 5/8 Fire call in Gillett, 5/12 Fire Call in Gillett, 5/13 Fire alarm Seneca, 5/17 Auto Aid Underhill, 5/30 MABAS call accident on Main Street Oconto Falls. b. Training: Training was set for outside on the ladder truck but with the storms, they trained in house, on hose advancement and search and rescue. We did the training in complete blackout conditions- no visuals, all on commands. Great training. Currently working on golf outing fundraiser prep. 11. Health, Protection and License Committee Report: Alderperson VanStraten – a. Discussion and Possible Action On Alcohol Licenses Class A Fermented Malt Beverage Pat’s Market, Inc. d/b/a Pat’s Market; Agent-Rachel Galland, 117 N McKenzie Ave, Gillett, WI 54124 Class A Liquor El Hidalguense Grocery Store, LLC 102 E Main St, Gillett WI 54124 Class B Fermented Malt Beverage La Mexicana- Agent Lorenzo Diaz- 109 E Main Street, Gillett WI 54124 Class B Fermented Malt Beverage & Class B Liquor Spirits of Gillett LLC; Agent-Kris Piaskowski, 145 N McKenzie Ave, Gillett, WI 54124 Sleepy Hollow Motel & Resort LLC d/b/a Sleepy Hollow Wildfire Trails; Agent-Laurie Wold, 5 State Hwy 22 E, Gillett, WI 54124 Thomas Fullerton d/b/a Fullerton’s Bar, 109 N Lake Ave, Gillett, WI 54124 Todd Druckrey d/b/a The Fifth Wheel, 206 East Railroad Street, Gillett, WI 54124 El Borracho Mexican Grill, LLC 100 N Lake Ave, Gillett WI 54124 Class A Fermented Malt Beverage & Class A Liquor GPM Southeast LLC. dba R Store #19; Agent-Rhonda Urlaub 200 N McKenzie Ave, Gillett, WI 54124 MOTION: Luther/Mohr Motion to approve the Alcohol Licenses as listed. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED 4 c. Discussion and Possible Action on Operator Licenses for Betty Jane Baranczyk, David Henrichs, Abigail Gutenberger, Linda Hougas, Jody Bierhals, Tina Monzingo, Lynn Wright, Christine Lopez Sanchez, Nancy Desjarlais, Jennifer Kumm, Zachary Bierhals, Jennifer McNabb, April Caldwell, Amanda Thorson, Maureen McArthur, Heather Moede, Nicholas Blumreich, Ashlie Woodke (Patzer), Clay Notz, William Burt, Dana Peterson, Kadence Swim, Heidi Weyker, Esther Verhagen, Haley Giese, Jane Winker, Patricia Randals, Bernard Piaskowski. And the owners of the establishments can serve; such as Laurie Wold, Kristine Piaskowski, Christine Lopez Sanchez, Angel Hernandez Boutista, Todd Druckrey, Tom Fullerton, Rachel Galland, Adriana Estrada Bilchis, Veronica Morales Cruz, Lorenzo Diaz Ibarra, Michelle Maier MOTION: Mohr/Hicks Motion to approve the Operators Licenses listed with the exception of Angel Hernandez Boutis ta, deny on basis of background check. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED b. Discussion and Possible Action on Home Occupation Permits for Jeff Hertwig Hertee’s Custom Printing, High Falls Metal Shop- Weston Jannush, Tammy Temple -Body Basics, Jon Ross Realty -Jon Gildemeister, Knight Owl -Jake Rowell, and SeeYaBye Rentals -Bryce Meyet. MOTION: Luther/Mohr Motion to approve Home Occupation Permits. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED c. Discussion and Possible Action on Roy Hubbard Parade Route and 4th of July Parade Route MOTION: Mohr/Hicks Motion to approve parade routes. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED d. Discussion & possible action on School Resource Officer Contract with Gillett School District MOTION: Hicks/Bunker Motion to approve School Recourse Officer Contract with Gillett School District. Voice Vote: 5 Voting Aye, Mohr abstains- MOTION CARRIED 12. Board of Public Works Committee Report: Public Works Foreman Nate Anderson stated month of May was very busy, finished cold patching, swept streets, new banners put up on Main Street for veterans, new flags went up, thermometer in the park for fundraising is up, fixed bathroom issues, cutting grass and keeping up on weed commissioner duties, helping utility, and chipped some trees/branches in the cemetery. 13. Utility Committee Report: Utility Operator Matt Wickman stated that we many meters tested in May and waiting for shipment of lift station pump. I did pass my first water test and received my first certificate, and my next test is in July. a. Discussion & possible action on Compliance Maintenance Annual Report MOTION: VanStraten/Bunker Motion to approve the CMAR. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED 5 14. Park and Cemetery Committee Report: Alderperson Luther a. Discussion & possible action on Resolution 11-2025 Adopting the Oconto County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan MOTION: Mohr/VanStraten Motion to approve resolution 11-2025 to Adopt the Oconto County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED 15. Finance and Personnel Committee Report: Alderperson Mohr- No Report. 16. Planning Committee Report: Alderperson Bunker -Committee approved a new home build on Main Street but after looking into the DNR requirements because it’s a brownfield, the DNR will not permit the owner to build over the site. 17. Clerk Treasurer’s Report: Clerk Treasurer - Clerk Anderson stated the 2024 Audit is complete. We will know at the end of July if we were chosen for the grant we applied for to help us with the new playground equipment. We are still about a month and a half away from starting our HWY 22 water and sewer road project, we are waiting for approval from the USDA. 18. Attorneys Report: Conway, Olejniczak, and Jerry S.C. Attorneys at Law- City Attorney Robert Gagan- prepared many different ordinances for Health Protection and Licensing to review, will look into the Robin Hood water issue. 19. Public Input: None 20. Mayor's Report: Mayor Blaskowski reported that him and his family participated in the City Clean Up Day. 21. Adjourn at 7:30 PM MOTION: Luther/VanStraten Motion to adjourn. Voice Vote: All Voting Aye - MOTION CARRIED Respectfully Submitted, Clerk Treasurer Chelsea Anderson 6