Neillsville City Council Approves Retirement of Longtime Clerk-Treasurer

Thursday, September 11th, 2025 -- 11:01 AM

The Neillsville Common Council approved the retirement of the City’s longtime Clerk-Treasurer Rex Roehl at their meeting on Tuesday.

His retirement will be effective on April 30th of 2026. The Council did unanimously, but regretfully, approved his retirement after 42 years of service. Rex began his career with the city in 1984.

The Council also had a Public Hearing on the Conditional Use Permit to sell metal art at 19 Clay Street. The Planning Commission had recommended granting the Conditional Use Permit and one person contacted the City in opposition.

Council Member Clarrissa Rochester asked if the metal art was far enough from the street? Director of Public Works Luke Friemoth replied it was. The Council approved the Conditional Use Permit with one member voting against it.

The Council also discussed a donation regarding a fountain park bathroom donation. Council Member Rolly Gelhaus asked if the bathroom was handicapped accessible and up to code. Director of Public Works Friemoth replied yes.

The Council approved to accept the Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC) donation of the Fountain Park bathroom building valued at $76,913.29. Council Member Dan Clough stated that the bathroom was a joint project between NIC and the City, built on City land with donations and a WEDC grant.

The Council also had a discussion on an ordinance regarding twin homes. Council Member Gelhaus questioned why the proposal does not include 3 and 4-plexes.

Director of Public Works Friemoth stated they are considered multi-family in the ordinance and in order for people to get WHEDA funding this ordinance meets their affordability requirements. The Council approved the ordinance, with one member voting no.

Mayor Dewey Poeschel stated that since the Planning Commission declined the request to install a Cell Tower in the Industrial Park, no action was needed by the Council as that item was on Tuesday’s agenda.

City Clerk Roehl presented the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics – CARES funding for Wisconsin Airports in the amount of $13,000, which the Council accepted with member voting no.

City Clerk Roehl reported on receiving a $5,000 donation from Unity Bank for the Listeman Park expansion project, which the council accepted. City Clerk Roehl reported on receiving a $2,500 anonymous donation in memory of Martin and Susannah Feuerstein for the 1919 Case Steam Engine repair and maintenance and the fencing around it, which the council accepted.

The Council also heard a request from Chelsea Tyznik to keep eight (8) hen chickens at 210 E. Division Street, Lot 6. This lot is .15 acres in the Trailer Park. Director of Public Works Friemoth stated the Trailer Park owner is okay with her having chickens. Discussion followed on lot size, proximity to businesses and neighbors, and the landlord not living in the area. The Council denied the request.

Director of Public Works Friemoth presented Terry Stetzer’s, Public Works Operator, Retirement and Resignation, which the council approved, effective September 30th, and to thank him for his 28 years of service (1997-2025) to the City of Neillsville.

Chief of Police Jim Mankowski introduced Aiden Smrcka as the Police Department’s new intern. Chief of Police Mankowski reported on training, equipment purchases, the need to replace two squad cars, August parking enforcements, citations, warnings, office activities, officer activities, business patrols and contract policing. Chief of Police Mankowski recognized Police Officer Halle Fecker for two years of dedicated and honorable service.

City Clerk Roehl presented a thank you from School District Superintendent Corey Peterson for the donation of school supplies collected by the Neillsville EMS, Fire and Police Departments at their Public Safety Day.

Council Member Barb Petkovsek presented the August 26th meeting of the Grants Committee regarding reviewing and updating the list of grants in progress.

Council Member Petkovsek reported on the August 28, 2025 meeting of the Beautification Committee regarding:

• Discussion on the 2025 flowers;
• Discussion on the donations for flowers;
• Work on and referral of the 2026 Beautification budget to the Finance Committee;
• Discussion on the Fall decorations;
• Discussion on Winter decorations;
• Discussion on Military banners and brackets;
• Discussion on Xcel Energy painting their poles and requesting that the poles be painted antique bronze;
• And an update on the Murals project.

Mayor Poeschel reported on the September 4, 2025 meeting of the Planning Commission regarding:

• Discussion and recommendation to grant a Conditional Use Permit to sell metal art at 19 Clay Street, Stephen Stewart, owner and applicant;
• Discussion on and recommendation to accept the Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC) donation of the Fountain Park bathroom building valued at $76,913.29;
• Discussion on and recommendation to adopt the Twin Housing Ordinance updating definitions of a “Dwelling” and “Two Family Residential”;
• And discussion on and recommendation to decline the request to install a Cell Tower in the Industrial Park.

Council Member Rochester reported on the September 4, 2025 meeting of the Neillsville Community Fire Hall Board regarding:

• Payment of bills;
• Current activities;
• Discussion on and approval of the Firemen’s Club request to use the Fire Hall for their annual Steak Feed fundraiser;
• And work on and approval of the 2026 operating and capital budgets.

Council Member Rochester reported on the September 8, 2025 meeting of the Airport Commission regarding discussion on and referral of the 2026 Airport budgets to the Finance Committee.

City Clerk Roehl presented the September 9, 2025 meeting of the Economic Development Commission regarding work on and referral of the 2026 Economic Development budget to the Finance Committee.

Council Member Clough reported on the September 9, 2025 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding:

• Current activities;
• Discussion on and acceptance of a High Zone Water Tower Service Agreement for water tower maintenance with Utility Service Group at a cost of $322,048.00 over 10 years;
• And discussion on and approval to purchase a High Zone Water Tower mixer with installation and control panel from Water Service Group at a cost of $27,900.

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