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Neillsville City Council Discusses Grant for the Library, Reservation Form for O'Neill Ice Arena, and More

Friday, March 3rd, 2023 -- 12:01 PM

The Neillsville City Council discussed a grant for the library.

The Council approved allowing Library Director Janay Ziebell to apply for a story book trail grant. Also, Director of Public Works Luke Friemoth stated the O’Neill Ice Arena Hockey Facility Reservation Form was developed by an Ad Hoc Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board and recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Board.

It addresses facility availability, rental rates, security deposit, electronic entry code, facility policies, etc. Council Member Barb Petkovsek asked about the use of alcohol at the facility and whether the City or renter had the liability if something were to happen.

City Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth stated that the City has recreational immunity, but anyone can sue. Chief of Police Jim Mankowski stated that if alcohol is an issue the Police Department should be informed.

Council Member Julie Counsell stated that it is good to see that this facility will be available for more use and the City will be receiving funds to help cover facility costs. The Council approved the arena reservation form.

Director of Public Works Friemoth reported on the Addendum to Property Use Agreement for O’Neill Ice Arena. The Parks and Recreation Board has tabled this item as they are awaiting a map of the facility.

Mayor Dewey Poeschel stated that he would like to see Ordinance Sec. 2-4-13 Block Grant Committee updated to remove the “federal block grant” language and written so that any grant in the City can be handled, as well as, reducing the number of committee members to five. City Attorney Wachsmuth stated that she is working on a draft which takes all references to “Block” out and replacing it with “any and all” grants.

The Council also heard the various committee reports. Council Member Dan Clough reported on the February 15th meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding:

  • Discussion on the 2023 Historic Preservation Commission Action Plan;
  • Discussion on grant and loan assistance sources and contact information for historic property owners;
  • Reported that the Common Council has approved allowing unused annual budget funds to become non-lapsing funds at year end with certain conditions;
  • Discussed historic properties in need of repair; WI Association of Historic Preservation Commission membership dues have been processed;
  • The Annual report to the WI Historic Preservation Society will be submitted;
  • And reviewed funds on hand.

Council Member Joe Neville reported on the February 16th meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding:

  • Financial report;
  • Discussion on tent rental;
  • Discussion on park set up;
  • Discussion with Chief of Police Mankowski on security, signage and fencing;
  • And discussion on signage for 2023 Neillsville Heritage Days.

Council Member Neville also reported on the February 27th meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding:

  • Current activities of the Recreation Department;
  • Current activities of the Parks Department;
  • Presentation by and discussion with Library Director Janay Ziebell on applying for a grant to put a story book trail along the blacktop sidewalk in Schuster Park;
  • Recommendation to allow Library Director Ziebell to apply for a story book trail grant;
  • Discussion on replacing the tennis court with a pickleball court in Listeman Park-waiting on quotes;
  • Tabled the request for use of 30% Room Tax-Parks and Recreation funds for a pickleball court in Listeman Park;
  • Discussion on and recommendation to approve an O’Neill Ice Arena Reservation Form;
  • Discussion on and tabled an Addendum to the Property Use Agreement for the O’Neill Ice Arena with the Clark County Youth Hockey Association;
  • And discussion on an additional baseball field at Listeman Park.

Finally, Council Member Dan Clough reported on the February 28th meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding:

  • Current activities;
  • And payment of bills.

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