Action Items From Neillsville City Council Meeting

Saturday, August 27th, 2022 -- 8:26 AM

The Neillsville City Council discussed several action items at its meeting this past week.

The Dog Ordinance Committee made some changes to the ordinance and the council approved the changes. The Council also had a Public Hearing on the Conditional Use Permit for a retail nursery and garden north of the W. Seventh Street and Forest Street intersection. Director of Public Works Luke Friemoth presented the application, public notice of public hearing was in the paper, and area landowners were notified. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated that the Planning Commission at its August 16th meeting discussed and recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. During the appearance, one resident stated that she has concerns about increased traffic, children playing in the street, the unmarked intersection at W. Seventh Street and Forest Street and parking on the street, if no parking lot is available. Donna Pavlac, the owner applying for the permit, stated that her business has been set up for two years without problems. That traffic is minimal as she sells shrubs, perennials and vegetables. She has no problems if a stop sign is needed; she would pay for it. She also has plans for a parking lot. Council Member Julie Counsell asked if she would be advertising more and if she intends to increase her stock. Pavlac replied she intends to keep advertising on Facebook and in the newspaper. The majority of her business is from the community and her stock will remain about the same. As action on this item was not listed on the agenda it will take place at the next meeting. The Council then had a Public Hearing on the Conditional Use Permit to sell pumpkins, gourds and squash at 211 Grand Avenue. Director of Public Works Friemoth presented the application, public notice of this public hearing was in the paper and area landowners were notified. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated that the Planning Commission at its August 16th meeting discussed and recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Council Member Counsel asked if there was a time frame for the sale. Director of Public Works Friemoth replied September and October. The Council approved this Conditional Use Permit. The Council then held another Public Hearing on the Zoning Amendment from Single Family Residential to Highway Commercial at 335 W. Division Street. Director of Public Works Friemoth presented the application, public notice of this public hearing was in the paper and area landowners were notified. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated that the Planning Commission at its August 16th meeting discussed and recommended approval of the Zoning Amendment. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated that he was contacted by one of the neighbors regarding how property values would be affected. The Council did approve the Zoning Amendment.

The Council also approved two donations from the Listeman Foundation. One was for $9,000 for police tactical gear and the other was for $1,000 for Christmas decorations. The Council also approved the amended ordinance regarding ownership of rights of interment in the City Cemetery regarding vaults and mausoleums. City Clerk Rex Roehl stated work on the 2023 City Budget begins in September, so the various committees need to meet and work on their proposals. Council Member Joe Neville thanked the members of the Dog Ordinance Committee for all their hard work on updating the ordinance. Council Member Counsell thanked the Listeman Foundation for their continued support for the City. The Council then heard the various committee reports. Mayor Poeschel reported on the August 16th meeting of the Planning Commission. This was the meeting that approved the various conditional use permits and zoning amendments that were approved during the Common Council meeting. Council Member Barb Petkovsek reported on the August 17th meeting of the Beautification Committee regarding: 1) discussion on the Town Square Park Gazebo repair, painting and railings, 2) discussion on and recommendation to take the Kranzations Metal Design and More, LLC arch for over the rock and plaques in Prock Park proposal to the appropriate committee, 3) discussion on Fall and Christmas decorations, 4) discussion on banners and costs, 5) Summer banners-Maggie Gelhaus was directed to bring a proposal from the American Legion and VFW, 6) Winter banners-accepted the proposal from JBC Screenprinting for the 15 oz. heavy duty scrim vinyl double sided banners at $101 each and to ask Chris Keller to use the design that she created on the summer banners-keeping the gazebo, removing the clock and working in a winter theme, 7) discussion on new bench options for the Town Square Park, 8) discussion on weed spraying on Main Street and 9) trimming a tree by the Library. Council Member Neville reported on the August 18, 2022 meeting of the Dog Ordinance Committee regarding the dog ordinance that was approved during the council meeting. Council Member Dan Clough reported on the August 23rd meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills.

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