Neillsville City Council Update

Friday, May 31st, 2024 -- 8:58 AM

The Neillsville City Council approved a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce regarding use of the Heritage Days tent for the upcoming Dairy Breakfast.

President of the Council Bill Neville presented a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce to use the Heritage Days tent for the June Dairy Breakfast on the Terry and Becky Byrne’s Family Dairy Farm on Sunday, June 9, 2024 and that the City crew assist with the set up and take down of the tent-they intend to reimburse the City of the use of these resources. Director of Public Works Luke Friemoth stated that the Chamber has four or five volunteers to help with the setup and only need two people from the City crew. President of the Council Neville stated that the Chamber is willing to reimburse the City for the labor costs plus mileage since it is not within the City. Council Member Petkovsek stated they don’t want to set a precedent, but they did approve the request. City Clerk Rex Roehl presented the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Vibrant Spaces Grant for the O’Neill Creek Trail Head project payment of $31,567.73. The item was approved, but Council Member Julie Counsell voted against it stating the trail passes by her property and not all the property owners along the trail want it. Later in the meeting, Council Member Dan Clough stated that he disagrees with Council Member Counsell as five adjacent property owners are for it. Council Member Counsell disagreed stating that Xcel Energy has agreements with two landowners for land use and those property owners will not let the trail go through. City Clerk Roehl presented the 2024 Recycling Grant funds received from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $9,943.54, which is a slight increase over 2023’s $9,919.26. The Council approved accepting the grant. City Clerk reported on receiving donations from the Marquerite Listeman Foundation for the Recreation Department Kidz Program ($1,000), a Youth Trip ($500), and Mind Over Miles Walking Club ($1,500). The Council accepted the donations and thanked the Listeman Foundation. City Clerk Roehl reported on receiving donations from the Listeman/Naedler Foundation for the 4th of July Fireworks ($3,500), Heritage Days ($2,000), the second of a three-year pledge for a new fire truck ($50,000) and the Recreation Department Basketball program ($3,000). The Council accepted the donations and thanked the Listeman/Naedler Foundation.

City Clerk Roehl reported that the Clark County Highway Department will be hosting an open house on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at the new Clark County Highway facility, 511 W. South Street, Loyal, WI and that the 2023 Locally Assessed Form PA-551 Personal Property Value Report has been filed. This is the result of the 2023 WI ACT 12 exempting personal property from taxation. The values removed from the Assessment Roll are $1,548,700 from non-TID parcels and $365,700 from TID (Tax Incremental District) parcels-total$1,914,400. This is being replaced with a Personal Property Aid payment from the State. President of the Council Neville presented the May 13, 2024 meeting of the Police and Fire Commission regarding: 1) a closed session to interview a candidate for the Other Part-time Police Officer position, 2) reconvening into open session and 3) authorized the hiring of Adam Olson on a part-time basis with a one-year probationary period, pending a successful background check and physical. Council Member Clarissa Rochester reported on the May 16, 2024 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding: 1) discussion on set up in Schuster Park, 2) an update on kid’s games and 3) discussion on the event poster. President of the Council Neville reported on the May 20, 2024 meeting of the Board of Review regarding: 1) examination of the City’s 2024 Assessment Roll for errors and omissions and to hear any assessment objections and 2) no property owners appeared in objection to their assessments. Council Member Petkovsek presented the May 21, 2024 meeting of the Grants Committee regarding reviewed and updating the list of grants in progress. Council Member Dan Clough reported on the May 22, 2024 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding: 1) discussion on and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 411 State Street for roof replacement with a change of materials and 2) discussion on the 2024 Historic Preservation Commission action plan-steps for submission of the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant in the Spring of 2025, finalizing the self-guided (QR Code) Cemetery tour, and contractors list. Council Member Petkovsek reported on the May 23, 2024 meeting of the Beautification Committee regarding: 1) discussion on and approval of donation costs for replacement benches, picnic tables and gliders at various City parks as the items cost plus plaque cost plus 20%, 2) discussion on donation letters, 3) discussion on and approved accepting a donation from the family of Francis Barlow, 4) planting of the downtown flowers and 5) a thank you to the “The Rec-Ing Crew” for their help with planting the flowers. Council Member Clough reported on the May 28, 2024 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding: 1) current activities and 2) payment of bills.

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