Neillsville City Council Approves New Recreation Director

Friday, October 25th, 2024 -- 11:00 AM

The Neillsville City Council approved the City’s new Recreation Director at their meeting on Tuesday.

The Council accepted the recommendation to hire Nolan Matson as Recreation Director, at a wage of $50,000 per year with a 2.5% increase at the completion of his one-year probationary period starting November 1st.

City Clerk Rex Roehl reported on receiving a $10,000 donation from Gross Motors, Inc. for Cliff’s Park, which the Council accepted. The Council also approved a request from the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce for use of the Sniteman Town Square Park and Gazebo for the official “Tree Lighting/Santa’s Coming to Town” event on Friday, December 6th.

Deanna Heiman, Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC), provided an update on the O’Neill Creek Trail project. NIC was founded 35 years ago, growing from a handful of members to a current membership of 64.

The organization’s purpose is to identify community improvement projects, secure funding and manage projects. In the past NIC has done the vintage lamp posts on Hewett Street, Gazebo and brick walkway in Sniteman Town Square Park, donated land for the Public Library expansion and three information kiosks around town.

Heiman stated that in 2014, NIC partnered with the UW Extension for a plaque making exercise, viewing public spaces, meetings and discussion on ideas for improvements. The concept of a bike trail on the former railroad bed rose to the top of the priority list.

Northern States Power (NSP) had purchased the railroad bed in 1980 when rail operation ceased. In 2020, NIC purchased four parcels from NSP and two parcels from a private landowner.

Heiman stated now four years later, grants were received from the DNR’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Vibrant Spaces Grant with the City Council’s support. The project plan was engineered by MSA Professional Services of Marshfield.

The physical changes made to the landscape required obtaining three DNR permits, an Army Corp of Engineers permit, a Department of Transportation permit and a City permit. There has been tremendous support from foundations, local businesses and individual donors as well as countless volunteer hours.

Heiman stated that the trailhead is complete, with Opelt Park dedicated to the legacy of Carl and Millie Opelt, converting the greenspace into the City’s first fully handicap accessible park, with rubberized surface, large inclusive playscape and adult fitness stations,

A covered swing for wheelchair-bound individuals, the Neillsville Lions Club constructed a pavilion, the Southern bank of O’Neill Creek was lined with rip rap and wide stone steps leading down to the water for fishing and kayaking access, a large restroom with ADA compliant electric door openers and a water fountain.

Heiman stated directly across from the restroom is a sloping paved entrance to O’Neill Creek Trail with the familiar metal Grand Avenue Bridge-like arch. The first portion of the trail extends from the trailhead to Willow Street and is completely open.

The second portion of the trail extends from Willow Street to East Street and is also accessible, making the entire ¾ mile trail accessible to walkers and bikers. Heiman stated the City’s 2021-2041 Long Range Comprehensive Plan is 240 pages.

Twenty-nine of these pages references trails within or connecting the City. Fourteen pages reference this O’Neill Creek Trail specifically. There are many goals in the City’s long range plan.

Heiman presented a slide show of the O’Neill Creek Trailhead and Opelt Park development. Council Member Petkovsek stated that NIC and those involved did an awesome job.

Chief of Police Jim Mankowski reported on:

• Homecoming activities,
• He attended the Department of Justice First Line Supervisor Course,
• Purchase of a squad car/office computer,
• Squad car maintenance,
• September parking enforcement,
• Citations, warnings,
• Incidents,
• Office activity,
• Officer activity,
• Business patrols,
• And Town of Mentor contract policing.

City Clerk Roehl stated the auditors have been here this week working on the Tax Incremental District No. 2 close out audit. The Council also heard the various Committee Reports from the past couple weeks.

Council Member Clarissa Rochester reported on the October 15, 2024 meeting of the Heritage Days Committee regarding:

• Discussion on and approval to book the Bear Creek Band for Thursday night, July 10, 2025;
• Discussion on and approval to book the Jack Damage and Kalliah & Black Water Bands for Saturday night, July 12, 2025;
• Discussion on Grand Marshall, kid’s games, parade letters and sponsor letters;
• And discussion on and approved adding a Truck Show on Saturday, July 12, 2025 on Boon Boulevard.

Council Member Bill Neville reported on the October 21, 2024 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding:

• A closed session on the Recreation Director position;
• Reconvening into open session;
• And the recommendation to hire Nolan Matson as Recreation Director, at a wage of $50,000 per year with a 2.5% increase at the completion of his one-year probationary period.

Council Member Dan Clough reported on the October 22, 2024 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.