Neillsville City Council Approves Request for Private Well and Sewage Holding Tank

Friday, July 29th, 2022 -- 2:00 PM

The Neillsville City Council approved a request for a private well and sewage holding tank at a property at the end of town.

The Council approved the well and sewage tank as the city’s water and sewer lines end just before the property. However, the Council did say the owner would be subject to future connections if the City’s lines were extended, which the owner agreed too.

The Council also approved a resolution dealing with the special assessment regarding the installation of curb and gutter on Hewett Street, between W. Eighteenth Street and W. Nineteenth Street.

The Council also approved the Security Health Insurance contract renewal for 2022-2023. The Family active plan premium is remaining the same at $1,961.17 per month. The single active plan premium is remaining the same at $905.56 per month. The current deductibles are $6,000 family and $3,000 single.

The Council also approved the new ordinance dealing with the storage of combustible items, open burning, etc., which had been discussed at the past several Council meetings.

The Council also had a Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for a Bed and Breakfast at 118 Clay Street. Director of Public Works Luke Friemoth presented the application, public notice of this public hearing was in the Clark County Press, and area land owners were notified.

Director of Public Works Friemoth stated that the Planning Commission, at its July 19th meeting, discussed and recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. One resident was concerned that, as the property is for sale, the permit would transfer to the new owners, if it’s purchased. Friemoth stated that isn’t the case. Future owners would have to apply for a new permit.

The resident brought up some other questions regarding the property’s use as an Airbnb, it being a rental property, etc., but, in the end, the council closed the hearing and the permit was approved.

Chief of Police Jim Mankowski stated, as a follow up on the trailer park, he invited Nicole Egland, Property Manager for Live Oak Investments, LLC to the meeting tonight. Mankowski has met with Egland and has satisfied his concerns and believes they are heading in the right direction.

Egland stated that she is the tenants’ main point of contact, she is here and local. Council Member Julie Counsell asked about two of the trailers and a boat. Egland stated the lot has been abandoned and they are working on an “Abandonment to Landlord”.

Once the landlord gets the property and evaluation will be done to determine whether it will be fixed or removed. City Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth stated that Egland was the Property Manager for the previous owners; has something changed?

Egland stated that she has signed a management contract, so she is it. The previous owner had retained property management control. Ninety percent of the trailers are tenant owned. The landlord owns the others, which they have 100% control of.

She also stated Excel Plumbing has been working on a sewer backup. Council Member Counsell stated we want the trailer park to be a safe and good environment.

The Council then heard the various Committee Reports. Mayor Poeschel reported on the July 19th meeting of the Planning Commission regarding discussion on and recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit for a Bed and Breakfast at 118 Clay Street.

Council Member Dan Clough reported on the July 26th meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities, discussion on and recommendation to grant a request for private well and sewerage holding tank subject to future connection if the City’s water and sewer lines are extended, discussion on and recommendation that Resolution No. 618 be adopted, and payment of bills.

Also, at the beginning of the meeting, Chief of Police Mankowski presented two-year service recognitions to Police Officers Hunter Imm and Isaac Guyer.

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