Neillsville City Council Discusses Another Request Regarding Use of Heritage Days Tent

Thursday, August 8th, 2024 -- 9:00 AM

The Neillsville City Council had one item of old business on their agenda on Tuesday regarding the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce using the Heritage Days tent.

However, Mayor Dewey Poeschel stated that the Chamber of Commerce request to use the Heritage Days tent, tables and chairs for the “Business After 5” event on Tuesday, August 20, which was tabled at the last meeting, has now been withdrawn by the Chamber as they are now going another route.

The Council also approved to accept the recommendation to approve the Gross Motors Certified Surveyors Map (CSM) plat changes of the properties they own South of E. Division Street/U.S. HWY 10, reducing from nine parcels to three parcels.

The Council also approved to accept the recommendation to allow an easement for a future E. Division Street/U.S. HWY 10 driveway access for the newly platted CSM Lot 3.

Mayor Poeschel then stated that no action is required on the S.C. Swiderski Developer’s Agreement as S.C. Swiderski has withdrawn from the project.

Discussion was then held on the 3+ acres behind City Hall which could be separated off for development, but it will have to go to the Planning Commission.

The Council approved to accept the recommendation to regretfully accept Jessica Brown’s Letter of Resignation as Recreation Director effective August 16th and to thank her for her service to the City.

The Council then approved to accept the recommendation to authorize the filling of the Recreation Director position vacancy. Finally, the Council accepted the recommendation that Judy Lindner be hired to handle Recreation Department operations during the vacancy, not to exceed 25 hours per week at $28.00 per hour.

Mayor Poeschel then presented a request form the Hatfield Fire and Rescue, Inc. for the use of the Heritage Days tent for their street dance/raffle fundraiser on Saturday, September 14th. Council Member Dan Clough asked if we would loan the tent, would they set it up?

Mayor Poeschel questioned how often do we loan the tent out? Director of Public Works Luke Friemoth stated the requests are coming more often now. The concerns are it takes a lot of time to set up and take down involving two days. What about damages and liability?

Tim Schafer, Hatfield Fire and Rescue, stated they had booked the same band as Heritage Days did and they are inquiring about using it. They do not know how to set it up, as they have not seen it done.

Friemoth stated the tent was donated by Nelson Industries and they drill holes in the blacktop to set it up. Schafer stated their location is on bare ground. Friemoth stated that the stakes are only two feet long and he is not sure they would hold.

Council Member Julie Counsell stated they’re getting a lot of requests. They’re not an event company and can’t afford having the crew do this and there is the matter of liability. The Council denied the request. 

Chief of Police Jim Mankowski presented the League of Wisconsin Mutual Insurance Member Services Guide highlighting the Mental Health services. Chief of Police Mankowski reported on:

• Handling 11% more incidents in the first six months of 2024 compared to 2023;
• Two officers on duty Friday and Saturday nights;
• Purchase of a laptop;
• Squad car maintenance;
• July parking enforcement, citations, warnings, incidents, office activity, officer activity, business patrols;
• And Town of Mentor contract policing.

City Clerk Rex Roehl reported that the Wisconsin Air National Guard will be having military exercises from August 5th through August 18th. Equipment will be stationed at the Neillsville Municipal Airport. This equipment may look like portable missile launch sites.

The Council also reviewed a Tavern Operator’s License Application. Chief Mankowski stated that he talked with the City Attorney and, based on the individuals criminal offenses, they have no choice but to deny the license request.

Mankowski stated that the individual is working, but not selling alcohol. The individual was present at the meeting and stated that she has been working. When she is, the coolers are locked and a sign is posted stating no alcohol sales.

She knew with her felonies of the past there would be chances of no license. She has been gainfully employed for three years with no problems. Has enrolled in college to try furthering herself. She will probably have to find another job as the store keeps asking for her liquor license.

Mankowski stated he is willing to meet with her and the store manager. Council Member Barb Petkovsek asked if she had looked into the process to get a pardon. In the end, the Council denied the license.

Council Member Petkovsek reported on the July 23rd meeting of the Grants Committee regarding:

• Reviewing and updating the list of grants in progress.

Mayor Poeschel reported on the July 30th meeting of the Planning Commission regarding:

• Reviewed, discussion on and recommendation to approve the Gross Motors Certified Surveyors Map (CSM) plat changes of the properties they own South of E. Division Street/U.S. HWY 10, reducing from nine parcels to three parcels;
• Discussion on and recommendation to allow an easement for a future E. Division Street/U.S. HWY 10 driveway access for the newly platted CSM Lot No. 3;
• And discussion on and recommendation to approve the S.C. Swiderski Developer’s Agreement, with the added contingency of S.C. Swiderski securing financing for the project at an interest rate of 6.5%, or lower, no later than 18 months from the date of Agreement is signed by all parties and if said interest rate of 6.5%, or lower, is not obtained within the 18 month time period, the Developer’s Agreement would terminate, unless both parties agree to renegotiate to extend the Agreement.

Council Member Clarissa Rochester reported on the August 1st meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding:

• Financial report;
• Discussion on and approval to remove Amanda Mortenson as a checking account signer;
• Discussion on outstanding bills;
• Reviewed and discussion on the 2024 event;
• And discussion on 2025 event.

City Clerk Roehl reported on the August 6, 2024 meeting of the Personnel Committee regarding:

• Discussion on and recommendation to accept Jessica Brown’s Letter of Resignation as Recreation Director effective August 16th;
• Discussion on and recommendation to authorize the filling of the Recreation Director position vacancy;
• And discussion on and recommendation that Judy Lindner be hired to handle Recreation Department operations during the vacancy, not to exceed 25 hours per week at $28.00 per hour;
• And a closed session regarding discussion on contract negotiations with the Neillsville Police Department.

Council Member Clough reported on the August 6th meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities.

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