City Council Meeting - August 5, 2026

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: August 5, 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 (July 1, 2026), City Council (July 15, 2026), Plan Commission (July 23, 2026), Finance Committee (July 14, 2026), Public Safety (July 14, 2026) 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: July 30, 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 Hearing: Rezoning Request from SMK Holdings LLC for 1101 Cornwall Ave PID 201-00776-2000 to change from C2 – Central Business District to I-1 – Light Industrial 2 Proclamation Recognizing the 2025-2026 Amery Royalty Court 3 Public Comment 4 Swearing In of Officer Patrick Schultz 5 Appointment of Fire Chief 6 Decision on Rezoning Request from SMK Holdings LLC for 1101 Cornwall Ave PID 201-00776-2000 to change from C2 – Central Business District to I-1 – Light Industrial and adoption of Ordinance 08-2026 Amending the Zoning Map 7 Ordinance 09-2026 creating Chapter 360 of the Municipal Code regarding Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles on City Streets 8 Ordinance 10-2026 amending section 180-5 of the Municipal Code to require bicycle helmets for riders under the age of 16 9 Department Head Reports –City Administrator, Clerk-Treasurer, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Library Director, and Director of Public Works 10 Council Comment 11 Adjournment. PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING/CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AMERY Notice is hereby given the City of Amery Common Council will be reviewing a zoning change to amend the following parcel from C-2 Central Business to I-1 Light Industrial. The request is made by SMK Holdings LLC, who wish to rezone the property to make the business a conforming use and allow for the construction of a lean-to and an outbuilding on the property. Parcel #: 201-00776-2000 – 1101 Cornwall Ave, Amery, WI 54001 This notice shall serve as formal notice of a Public Hearing that will take place on August 5, 2026 @ 5:00 PM and is given this 21st day of July, 2026 in the City of Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin signed by: Taylor Larson, City Clerk-Treasurer Published in the Amery Free Press – July 21, 2026 and July 28, 2026 Posted: Thursday, July 16, 2026. Proclamation Recognizing City of Amery Queen’s Court August 5, 2026 Whereas; The Amery Queen’s Court having been crowned for the 2025-2026 years. Whereas; They will have successors crowned at the Amery Fall Festival in September 2026. Whereas; The City of Amery Common council recognizes the Amery Queen Court’s dedication to the City of Amery as true ambassadors of the area. Whereas; The City of Amery Common Council will now recognize at their first monthly Regular City Council Meeting in August as Amery Queen’s Court Day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Van Blaricom, Mayor of the City of Amery, on behalf of the common Council, the citizens of Amery, and city staff wish to recognize Miss Amery, Addison Gould; First Princess – Cassandra Tiry; Second Princess – Mia Byrnes; Third Princess & Miss Congeniality – Ryann Mizejewski; and Little Miss Amery – Marlee Gille express our heartfelt appreciation for your dedication to our community. IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of Amery, State of Wisconsin to be affixed this 5th day of August in the year 2026. Rick Van Blaricom, Mayor City of Amery Wisconsin 104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486 Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870 TO: The Common Council of the City of Amery FROM: Taylor Larson, Clerk-Treasurer DATE: July 30, 2026 RE: Rezoning Request for 201-00776-2000 and Ordinance 08-2026 Background: The City of Amery received a rezoning request from SMK Holdings LLC to rezone a property from C-2 Central Business to I-1 Light Industrial. The property is located at 1101 Cornwall Ave, Amery, WI 54001 PID 201-00776-2000. The current business operating on the property is operating as a nonconforming use. The owner would like to build two new structures on the property to expand operations and cannot do so on a nonconforming property. The use and lot conform with the I-1 Light Industrial district. This property has other Light Industrial properties located near it, so it is not spot zoning. Plan Commission reviewed the request at their July meeting and recommend forwarding the request to Council. Fiscal Impact: There would be no cost to the City for this Rezoning. 104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486 Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870 Recommendation: Staff and Plan Commission recommend that the Common Council approve the rezoning request pending no major opposition with probable cause during the Public Hearing and adopt the proposed ordinance 08-2026 which would formally rezone the property. - . • 1/l,.(!,n I .....-=:'. ··-- - 1887 0 City of Amery ? qd ,a 4 /"LG �-l-U,l'f)� 7tH q3 City of Amery 104 Maple St W, Suite A Amery, WI 54001 Phone: (715)268-7486 REZONING REQUEST APPLICATION - $200 Fee Owner's Name: Applicant Name (If different than owner): 1. 2. Contact Phone # (list both owner/applicant if different): Do you own any of the real estate adjacent to the area proposed to be changed, if so, give address and legal description of the real estate? fi) Q Give the address and legal description of the real estate you wish to rezone: 3. The property described in #2 above is presently zoned: 4. I wish to rezone the property to: CITY OF AMERY COMMON COUNCIL POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN ORDINANCE NO. 08-2026 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP FOR THE CITY OF AMERY, POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN The Common Council of the City of Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin do ordain as follows: WHEREAS, the City of Amery Plan Commission has recommended to the Common Council for amendment to the Zoning Map; and WHEREAS, The City of Amery Common Council has conducted a public hearing relating to the amendment to the Zoning Map for the relative property. THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Amery do ordain the following: 1. 1101 Cornwall Ave, Parcel number 201-00776-2000 zoned (C-2) Central Business District to (I-1) Light Industrial District Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon 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 DATE: July 23, 2026 RE: Ordinance No. 09-2026: Golf Cart and Low-Speed Vehicle Operation on City Streets (Chapter 360) Summary: Staff requests Council adoption of Ordinance No. 09-2026, which creates Chapter 360 of the Amery Municipal Code authorizing golf cart and low -speed vehicle (LSV) operation on City streets. The ordinance establishes permitted routes, operator requirements, insurance and registration requirements, hours of o peration, required equipment, and rules of the road for each vehicle type. Following Public Safety Committee review, the Council directed staff to prepare the attached ordinance for formal consideration. Background: Residents have expressed interest in using golf carts and LSVs for local transportation within the City. The Common Council discussed the matter and referred it to the Public Safety Committee with a generally affirmative outlook. The Committee reviewed proposed operating conditions over two meetings and provided direction on the ordinance framework, insurance language, and the golf cart local registration program. Golf carts and LSVs are legally distinct vehicle categories under Wisconsin law. Golf carts are authorized under Wis. Stat. § 349.18 and are limited to City-jurisdiction streets with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less; they are not permitted on state or county trunk highways. LSVs are authorized under Wis. Stat. § 349.26, are titled and registered through WisDOT as motor vehicles, and may operate on streets and highways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, including state and county highways. The ordinance addresses both vehicle types in a single chapter while maintaining the distinct statutory requirements applicable to each. Key provisions of the ordinance include: a 16 -year minimum operator age with a valid driver’s license required for both vehicle types; liability insurance required for golf carts with proof to be carried at all times; operation limited to sunrise through s unset; golf carts required to display a slow -moving vehicle emblem and functioning headlights and rear lights; LSVs required to meet federal motor vehicle safety lighting standards; and a local golf cart registration program at $10.00 per five -year registration period. Staff reviewed comparable ordinances from the Village of North Hudson, the City of Delafield, the Village of Reedsville, and the City of Oconto in developing this draft. The ordinance has been reviewed by City Attorney Bakke Norman prior to Council consideration. Fiscal Impact: No direct expenditure is required to implement this ordinance. The golf cart registration program will generate a modest fee revenue stream; at $10.00 per five -year period, annual revenue will depend on the number of carts registered and is not projected to be material. Registration administration will be handled by the City Clerk’s office within existing staffing. Enforcement falls within the existing responsibilities of the Amery Police Department. No signage costs are anticipated, as the ordinance permits operation on all qualifying streets without designated route signage. 104 Maple Street W., Suite A Office: 715.268.7486 Amery, WI 54001 Fax: 715.268.4870 Recommendation: Staff recommends the Council adopt Ordinance No. 09-2026 creating Chapter 360 of the Amery Municipal Code, authorizing golf cart and low -speed vehicle operation on City streets subject to the conditions contained therein. CITY OF AMERY CITY COUNCIL POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN ORDINANCE NO. 09-2026 AN ORDINANCE CREATING CHAPTER 360 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMERY REGARDING GOLF CART AND LOW-SPEED VEHICLE OPERATION ON CITY STREETS The Common Council of the City of Amery do ordain as follows: Section 1. Chapter 360 of the Municipal Code of the City of Amery is hereby created to read as follows: § 360-1. Purpose and Intent. The City of Amery adopts the following regulations governing the operation of golf carts and low- speed vehicles on City streets to protect public safety while providing residents with expanded local transportation options. Golf carts and low -speed vehicles are legally distinct vehicle categories under Wisconsin law and are subject to different authorization statutes, registration requirements, and permissible road access. This chapter addresses each vehicle type accordingly. § 360-2. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings stated: A. Golf Cart. A motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for use on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes, has a maximum attainable speed of 20 miles per hour or less, and is not a low-speed vehicle as defined in Wis. Stat. § 340.01(27h). B. Low-Speed Vehicle. A motor vehicle that meets the definition in Wis. Stat. § 340.01(27h), including all vehicles built to federal motor vehicle safety standards under 49 CFR 571.500, with a maximum speed greater than 20 but not exceeding 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface, a gross vehicle weight rating under 3,000 pounds, and a 17-digit VIN. A low- speed vehicle is not a golf cart. C. Operator. Any person who operates or is in physical control of a golf cart or low -speed vehicle on a public street. D. Permitted Route. Any City-jurisdiction street or highway on which operation is authorized under this chapter. § 360-3. Statutory Authority. Golf cart operation under this chapter is authorized pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 349.18. Low -speed vehicle operation under this chapter is authorized pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 349.26. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of those statut es apply to all operations authorized herein. § 360-4. Permitted Routes. A. Golf Carts. Golf carts may be operated on City-jurisdiction streets with a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less within the corporate limits of the City of Amery. Golf carts may not be operated on state trunk highways or connecting highways, exce pt that a golf cart may cross a state trunk or connecting highway at an intersection where the crossing connects two permitted routes and the City has provided funding for crossing signs as required by Wis. Stat. § 349.18. B. Low-Speed Vehicles. Low-speed vehicles may be operated on any street or highway with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less located within the territorial boundaries of the City of Amery, including state and county highways, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 349.26. C. Route Modification. The Chief of Police or Director of Public Works may temporarily close or modify any permitted route due to hazardous conditions, special events, or other public safety concerns. The City Council may by resolution permanently restrict or close any route under this chapter. § 360-5. Operator Requirements. The following requirements apply to all operators of golf carts and low -speed vehicles on permitted routes: A. Age and Licensing. No person may operate a golf cart or low-speed vehicle on a permitted route unless that person is at least 16 years of age and holds a valid Wisconsin driver's license or probationary driver's license. The operator shall have their licen se in their possession at all times while operating. B. Traffic Laws. All operators shall obey all applicable traffic laws governing motor vehicles, all applicable City of Amery ordinances, and all state statutes applicable to the operation of vehicles on public roadways. C. Intoxicated Operation. No person may operate a golf cart or low-speed vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or controlled substance as prohibited by Wis. Stat. § 346.63. § 360-6. Insurance Requirements. A. Golf Carts. The operator of a golf cart must carry liability insurance covering the golf cart and must have proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times while operating on a permitted route. Proof of insurance must be presented upon request by a law enforcement officer. B. Low-Speed Vehicles. Low-speed vehicles must be insured as required by Wisconsin law applicable to motor vehicles. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented upon request by a law enforcement officer. § 360-7. Registration. A. Golf Cart Local Registration. Every golf cart operated on a permitted route under this chapter must be registered with the City of Amery. Registration is valid for five years from the date of issuance. The registration fee is $10.00 per five-year registration period. B. Application. The owner of a golf cart shall apply for registration with the City Clerk or designee on a form prescribed by the City. The application shall include the owner's name and address, a description of the golf cart including make, model, and color. C. Registration Permit. Upon approval of a completed application and payment of the required fee, the City shall issue a registration permit. The registration permit or a legible copy shall be carried in the golf cart at all times and presented upon request b y a law enforcement officer. D. Display. A registration sticker or decal issued by the City shall be affixed to the golf cart in a location visible from the rear of the vehicle. E. Transfer and Renewal. Registration is not transferable to a new owner. Upon sale or transfer of a golf cart, the new owner must obtain a new City registration prior to operating the golf cart on a permitted route. Registrations must be renewed prior to expiration. F. Low-Speed Vehicles. Low -speed vehicles are titled and registered with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as motor vehicles. No local registration under this section is required for low-speed vehicles. § 360-8. Hours of Operation. Golf carts and low-speed vehicles may be operated on permitted routes only between sunrise and sunset. Operation after sunset is prohibited under this chapter. § 360-9. Required Equipment and Lighting. A. Golf Carts. Every golf cart operated on a permitted route shall be equipped with: 1. A slow -moving vehicle (SMV) emblem mounted on the rear of the vehicle as required by Wis. Stat. § 347.26. 2. Functioning headlights visible from at least 500 feet to the front. 3. Functioning red taillights or rear lights visible from at least 500 feet to the rear. 4. A functioning brake system adequate to stop and control the vehicle. 5. A rearview mirror. B. Low-Speed Vehicles. Every low -speed vehicle operated on a permitted route shall be equipped with all lighting and safety equipment required by federal motor vehicle safety standards applicable to low -speed vehicles under 49 CFR 571.500, including headlamps , stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, and windshield. All required equipment must be maintained in working order. C. Passengers. The number of passengers in any golf cart or low-speed vehicle may not exceed the manufacturer's designed seating capacity. No person may ride on the exterior of any golf cart or low-speed vehicle while it is in motion. § 360-10. Rules of Operation. A. Lane Position. All operators shall ride on the far right side of the roadway, except when making a left turn or when the rightmost lane is designated for a different movement. B. Speed. No operator shall exceed the posted speed limit. Golf carts may not exceed 20 miles per hour regardless of the posted speed limit. Low-speed vehicles may not exceed 25 miles per hour regardless of the posted speed limit. C. Yielding. Operators shall yield the right -of-way to all conventional vehicle traffic and to all pedestrians at all times. D. Single File. All operators shall travel single file on public streets. E. Prohibited Areas. Operation is prohibited on any sidewalk, designated bicycle lane, public park, or gravel shoulder of any street right-of-way, except that an operator may cross these areas at a designated crossing point. F. Towing. No golf cart or low -speed vehicle may tow any trailer, wagon, person, or other vehicle on a public street. § 360-11. Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a forfeiture of not less than $50.00 and not more than $200.00 for each violation, plus costs of prosecution. Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate offense. Viola tions involving operation without registration, operation without insurance, or operation by an unlicensed person shall be subject to the maximum forfeiture. § 360-12. Severability. If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of its provisions to other persons or circumstances are not affected. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication as provided by law. Adopted this _____ day of _____________, 2026. _______________________________ Mayor, City of Amery ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk Published: _____________________ 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 DATE: July 23, 2026 RE: Ordinance No. 10-2026: Bicycle Helmet Requirement for Riders Under Age 16 Summary: Staff requests Council adoption of Ordinance No. 10-2026, which amends Section 180-5 of the Amery Municipal Code to require riders under the age of 16 to wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle on any public street, alley, bicycle lane, or bikeway within the City. The ordinance adds a new subsection L to the existing general bicycle regulations and does not alter any other provision of Chapter 180. Background: The Public Safety Committee undertook a broader review of personal transportation vehicle regulations, including golf carts, low-speed vehicles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters. As part of that review, the Committee identified that Chapter 180 of the Amery Municipal Code contains no helmet requirement for any age group. Wisconsin state law likewise imposes no helmet requirement for cyclists of any age on public roads. The Committee directed staff to prepare a targeted ordinance amendment adding a minor helmet requirement as the sole change to Chapter 180 at this time. The age threshold of 16 is consistent with the age lines already present in Chapter 180 and with the majority of Wisconsin municipalities that have adopted minor helmet requirements. A universal adult requirement was not recommended; without a traffic stop mechanism, adult -only enforcement is impractical and no comparable Wisconsin municipality of similar size has adopted one. The ordinance places enforcement responsibility for minor violations on the parent or guardian who authorized or knowingly permitted the violation rather than on the minor, consistent with the parental responsibility framework in existing § 180-5(A). A law enforcement officer may issue a warning in lieu of a citation. The helmet must meet CPSC or ASTM safety standards and be properly fitted and fastened while the bicycle is in motion. Fiscal Impact: No direct expenditure is required to implement this ordinance. Enforcement falls within the existing responsibilities of the Amery Police Department. The maximum forfeiture of $25.00 for violations is modest and reflects the primarily educational intent of the provision. No material forfeiture revenue is anticipated. Recommendation: Staff recommends the Council adopt Ordinance No. 10-2026 amending Section 180-5 of the Amery Municipal Code to add a bicycle helmet requirement for riders under the age of 16. CITY OF AMERY CITY COUNCIL POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN ORDINANCE NO. 10-2026 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 180-5 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF AMERY TO REQUIRE BICYCLE HELMETS FOR RIDERS UNDER THE AGE OF 16 The Common Council of the City of Amery do ordain as follows: Section 1. Section 180 -5 of the Municipal Code of the City of Amery is hereby amended by adding the following subsection L to read as follows: § 180-5 General bicycle regulations (L). Helmet Requirement for Minors. 1. No person under the age of 16 shall operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle upon any public street, alley, bicycle lane, or bikeway within the City of Amery without wearing a protective bicycle helmet that meets the safety standards of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The helmet shall be properly fitted and fastened securely on the rider's head while the bicycle is in motion. 2. The parent or guardian of any minor under the age of 16 shall not authorize or knowingly permit that minor to violate subsection L(a) of this section. 3. A violation of this subsection shall be subject to a forfeiture of not more than $25.00. No forfeiture may be assessed against a minor; forfeitures for violations by a minor shall be assessed against the parent or guardian who authorized or knowingly permitted the violation. A law enforcement officer may, in lieu of issuing a citation, provide a verbal or written warning. Section 2. All other provisions of Chapter 180 of the Municipal Code of the City of Amery remain in full force and effect and are not amended by this ordinance. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication as provided by law. Adopted this _____ day of _____________, 2026. _______________________________ Mayor, City of Amery ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk Published: _____________________