Neillsville City Council Discusses Employment Matters

Thursday, February 25th, 2021 -- 11:10 AM

The Neillsville City Council discussed employment matters at their meeting.

The council approved to accept the recommendation to hire Austin Zank for the Full-time Fourth Operator position at $16.70 per hour on the Step Program effective on or after March 1st.

They also approved to accept the recommendation to hire Helenia Rivas for the Other Part-time Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position at $15.00 per hour effective on or after February 24th.

City Clerk Rex Roehl then presented a letter from Mark Brown, Associated Appraisal Consulting, Inc. stating that after careful consideration, they have decided that interior inspections will not be possible due to COVID related challenges for the 2021 assessment year.

They have proposed three Addendums for the Council’s consideration including an Exterior Only Inspection, an Optional Payment Agreement, and a Property Record Questionnaire.

Discussion followed on the Property Record Questionnaire.  Council Member Dan Clough stated the purpose of a reassessment is to get updated numbers, the intent is to get as close to actual as possible.  Some people will fill it out and half is better than none.

Council Member Julie Counsell stated they’re asking people to fill it out to raise their own taxes.  Mayor Diane Murphy stated a lot of older people don’t have computers to download the form.

City Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth stated that they will be mailed a form by the assessor, which can be mailed back or, if they prefer, go on-line to type it and email it back.  It was stated there is a telephone number on the form to call for assistance or questions.

The council unanimously approved the Exterior Only Inspections and Optional Payment Agreement and approved the Property Record Questionnaire with 3 voting yes and 2 voting no.

The council then heard the Committee Reports.  Council Member Dave Harnisch reported on the February 17th meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding Egland Enterprises, LLC, 534 and 538 Hewett Street having withdrawn their Certificate of Appropriateness; and having contacted Dean Glaze on denial of his Historic Preservation Grant request.

They also had a discussion on the Historic Preservation Office – 2020 Certified Local Government Annual Report; discussion on and assignment of final status for the 2020 Action Plan; discussion on the 2021 Action Plan; discussion on funds; discussion on and authorization to proceed with the listing of the “Merchants Hotel property”, 105 W. Seventh Street on the City of Neillsville Local Registry of Historic Properties.

Mayor Murphy reported on the February 18th meeting of the Police and Fire Commission regarding a closed session on candidates for Other Part-time Police Officer positions.  The meeting adjourned in closed session.

Mayor Murphy also reported on the February 18th meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding a closed session to interview candidates for Heavy Equipment Operator/Water and Wastewater Maintenance position and hiring recommendation for the Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position.

They reconvened into open session with the recommendation to hire Austin Zank for the Full-time Fourth Heavy Equipment Operator/Water and Wastewater Maintenance position at $16.70 per hour on the Step Program effective on or after March 1st and the recommendation to hire Helenia Rivas for the Other Part-time Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position at $15.00 per hour effective on or after February 24th.

Mayor Murphy also reported on the February 18th meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding discussion on and hiring of the Richie Yurkovich Band to play in the downtown tent on Sunday, July 11th after the parade and discussion on and hiring of the Zor Shriners at a cost of $425 to participate in the parade on July 11th.

They also had a discussion on parade Grand Marshalls and discussion on various other Heritage Days events. Council Member Clough reported on the February 23rd meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities and payment of bills.

Chief of Police Jim Mankowski reported on January 2021 complaints, citations, warnings, business checks, and department plans for 2021.  Council Member Clough asked how the parking passes were working out.  Chief of Police Mankowski stated that there has been no problem and that copies of the ordinance were included with the passes.  Council Member Clough also reminded everyone that Winter Carnival is going on this weekend.

Finally, during the appearances portion of the meeting, resident Jon Counsell stated Mayor Murphy released a statement, after a show of support by citizens and the Police and Fire Commission dismissed the complaints against the Chief of Police Mankowski, referencing a February 11th 2021 meeting with Mayor Murphy, City Attorney Wachsmuth, Chief of Police Mankowski and his attorney. This meeting was not authorized by the Police and Fire Commission or the Common Council. This meeting was cancelled and Mayor Murphy stated she has hired a personal attorney. After voting in the February 16, 2021 Primary Election, Counsell stepped next door to the Police Department and a meeting was just ending there with Mayor Murphy, City Attorney Wachsmuth, Chief Mankowski and his attorney. This meeting wasn’t going to take place, so what is going on?  No minutes.  No record of the meeting.  What is the perception?  Where is the transparency?  What was the purpose?  Does the Mayor have a personal attorney or is the City Attorney her personal attorney?  Citizens and Council Members should find out why there was a meeting and what the subject was.

And resident Jerilyn St. Amand thanked Jon Counsell for speaking up, something is going on and transparency is needed, she made an open records request and was denied everything she requested.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.