Neillsville City Council Hears Request From Kwik Trip

Friday, April 16th, 2021 -- 11:11 AM

The Neillsville City Council heard a request to allow Kwik Trip employees to use the parking lot at the new City Hall.

Council Member Julie Counsell presented a request from Amber Vine, Store Leader for the Neillsville Kwik Trip, for use of the parking lot behind the new City Hall, in the former BMO Harris Bank Building next door, temporarily for training new store employees.

A new store is opening in Marshfield at the end of July. They are helping train 30 to 40 co-workers on different shifts. Council Member Counsell stated that the City will not need the parking lot at this point, it is a good idea to support a local business, and these trainees will spend money in the City. 

Mayor Diane Murphy stated that Vine had contacted her and she told Vine that the Property Committee would have to meet on the request. Murphy expressed concerns about liability, insurance, and rental charges.

Council Member Counsell stated the Ad Hoc Committee is for the building and they could request a “Letter of Waiver” from them.  City Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth stated that signing a waiver doesn’t cover totally, it depends on what happens.

They should put a time frame on it, as things may change when the City actually moves into the building.  The onus is on Kwik Trip to get everyone to sign a waiver.  Council Member Joe Neville asked this be tabled for more information on waivers and time limit.

Mayor Murphy stated the next agenda item is when Council wants to receive nominations from the Mayor for committees, commissions, etc. including and additional information the Council would want.

Council Member Counsell stated that it would be nice to get the Mayor’s nominations ahead of time.  Last year, they received them the Friday before.  Council Member Counsell presented a chart showing Committee assignments and Committee Chair-ships of each member.

The Mayor is on 14 Committees and Chairs 11.  The Chair positions should be spread around.  Mayor Murphy stated a year ago when she was elected, she tried to even out the number of committees she is involved in and wants meetings setup on her schedule so she can be there.

She stated it’s her privilege as Mayor.  Council Member Neville stated it is not a privilege.  Council Member Counsell stated the Mayor has to share with the rest of them as others have jobs too and the Mayor is setting all the meetings.

When the Council reorganization meeting is held, they still have to agree with the Mayor’s nominations.  It is not set in stone and other people want to be on committees.

Discussion continued and a motion was made that the Mayor get draft nominations to the Council by the Friday before the annual meeting.  There was further discussion and the motion amended that the Mayor get draft nominations to the Council by the Friday before the annual meeting or as soon as possible, which was approved.

Mayor Murphy stated that the next agenda item is rolling over Police budget surplus into a non-lapsing fund for future use.  Council Member Counsell stated they have never had a Police Department budget with a surplus until last year and they should look to the future and create a non-lapsing fund for training, equipment and unexpected needs.  Council Member Dan Clough stated that this should be forwarded to the Finance Committee.

Council Member Counsell stated the next agenda item is getting a meeting scheduled for the newly formed Ad Hoc Building Committee.  Mayor Murphy stated that the City Hall and Police Department Property Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd at 1:00 P.M. The reason there has not been a meeting is that she and City staff have been working on various items to present at the meeting for the Committee to discuss.

The council then heard the various Committee Reports.  Council Member John Perrine reported on the March 25th meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding 2020/2021 Recreation Department activities, 2020/2021 Parks Department activities, discussion on the City of Neillsville Outdoor Recreation Plan, and discussion on and recommendations to the Planning Commission for updates to the various parks to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for 2033.

Mayor Murphy reported on the March 31st meeting of the Beautification Committee regarding discussion on the Christmas tree decorating, discussion on and approval of additional work at Prock Park (including flag pole replacement, a flower box around the sign, rock and signage), discussion on flower planting, discussion on the flower donation letter, discussion on a sign recognizing the Pierce Family tree donation in the Town Square Park, and discussion on committee member appointments.

Council Member Clough reported on the Commission on Public Work/Utilities regarding current activities and they reviewed the First Quarter 2021 Water and Sewer Financial Statements.

In other items, Council Member Clough reported that the Central Wisconsin Horse Sale will be April 14th-16th and the 100 Miles of Little Town Thrift Sales along US Hwy 10 from Ellsworth to Neillsville will be April 23rd-25th.

Mayor Murphy reported on attending The Highground Campaign Launch Event on April 8th presenting their new Welcome Center building plan and strategic plan; attending League of Wisconsin Municipalities zoom meetings with Sheila Nyberg of the Clark County Economic Development Corporation on the American Recovery Act, and the City of Neillsville will be getting $240,000 approximately over two years (2021-2022).

City Clerk Rex Roehl presented notice that Clark County will be activating outdoor warning sirens as part of the tornado and severe weather awareness week on Thursday, April 15th and the first Wednesday of the month during the summer; and he provided First Quarter City Financial Statements. 

Council Member Counsell presented a letter from Allan Hoesly stating his wish to continue serving on the Police and Fire Commission and Planning Commission and asking for re- appointment on both; and a letter from Diane Kren, Executive Director of the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, about rumors that the Chamber of Commerce will be moving into the new City Hall.

This was mentioned, but not discussed with the Chamber. The Chamber will stay at its present location in Unity Bank and only wishes to have a literature rack at the new City Hall.

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