Neillsville City Council Discusses Issue With Two Council Members on City's Library Board
Friday, August 21st, 2020 -- 9:06 AM
-The Neillsville City Council discussed an issue regarding two council members on the city’s Library Board.Neillsville Mayor Diane Murphy stated that Council Member Harnisch discovered that state law does not allow two council members to be on the Library Board at the same time. The City Attorney contacted the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the mayor has the discretion on which council member stays. Julie Counsell had been appointed by former Mayor Glassbrenner before they knew they could not have two members. Mayor Murphy’s decision is that Counsell remains on the Library Board and Harnisch is to step down. Council Member Harnisch stated that he respectfully disagrees with Mayor Murphy as he was appointed to fill the council member position held by former Council Member Jerry Quicker. Mayor Murphy stated it was a misunderstanding and the decision has been made. Harnisch stated it is his opinion that the legal member has been booted off. Mayor Murphy then presented a letter of resignation from Nancy Kopp, a Library Board member. Mayor Murphy stated while reviewing the Library Board ordinance it was discovered that board members had to be from the city or adjourning towns.
Pine Valley is the only one. Kopp has moved out to the Town of Hewett, so the council accepted Nancy Kopp’s resignation as member of the Library Board and thanked her for her 12 years of service to the City of Neillsville. Mayor Murphy then recommended Logan Grap as a member of the Library Board. The council accepted the recommendation and appointed Logan Grap as a member of the Library Board. Finally, Mayor Murphy presented a request for use of the Gazebo for a Women’s Suffrage Centennial Celebration from Mina Ozturk. Mayor Murphy stated that the city could allow the use, but would not be doing the decorating. The council approved allowing the use of the Gazebo for an organized event on August 26th, but they would be responsible for decoration and take down and that anything (flower, etc.) that is already there can’t be removed.
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