Neillsville City Council Hears From Owner of Lisenby Properties and Just Love Coffee Shop

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

The Neillsville City Council heard from the owner of Lisenby Properties and Just Love Coffee Shop in Neillsville at their meeting on Tuesday.

She stated the project was completed in July 2025. They currently have five units open or a 93% occupancy rate. They are in the process of converting from a construction loan to a regular mortgage loan.

Thirty percent of Just Love’s business comes from building residents. Just Love hosts events like mug painting and will be doing bingo. Lisenby stated that there have been conversations and accusations about drug dealers and users residing in the building and garbage bags flying all over.

One of their neighbors also told an FHA inspector they are a nuisance. She wanted to set the record straight. Additional dumpsters have been added and she thanked Police Chief Jim Mankowski for being there and he found no problem.

Chief Mankowski stated that he goes there for coffee or visits every day. He said they are a valued community member and, if they were a problem, they would be having a talk. He thanked them for what they do.

The Council discussed some items regarding the Clark County Airport. Discussion followed on the Clark County average of $120 per acre, state restrictions, the last time it was raised $80 on January 1, 2016, and five-year review versus three years.

The Council approved to accept the recommendation to lease the Airport agricultural land at $100 per acre with a 2% increase every year to be revisited in five years and to remove the language in Section 4.(c) “Waste grain and other crop residue which may attract wildlife shall be tilled under the soil within 48 hours of harvest”.

There was also a discussion on statewide hangar leases running from $6 to $2,001 most around the $200 to $350 range depending on available services. The City does not have fuel available onsite. The Council accepted the recommendation to raise the Airport hangar lease fee to $250 per year and review yearly.

Mayor Dewey Poeschel presented a request from Police Chief James Mankowski for carryover of 2025 unused vacation time due to Police staffing and scheduling challenges until July 1, 2026, which the Council approved.

City Clerk Rex Roehl presented the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Division of Emergency Management-Cybersecurity Grant-(Cycle 1-2nd Quarter, 2025) in the amount of $12,013.96, which the Council approved.

City Clerk Roehl presented the Neillsville Firemen’s donation of $20,624 towards the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs). The total cost for 20 SCBAs is $223,124. The City’s Capital projects borrowing will cover $202,500 of the cost and the Firemen are covering the balance. The Council approved the donation.

City Clerk Roehl reported that Citizens State Bank loan has been closed and Draw Down #1 for Capital projects will be received on December 10th. The Council approved to accept and appropriate $280,000 to the Proceeds from Long Term Debt Account. The Council also approved the polling place officials and voting registration deputies with two abstentions.

Chief of Police Mankowski reported on:

• Training,
• Squad car maintenance,
• November parking enforcement, citations, warnings, office activities, officer activities, officer assists, business patrols,
• And contract policing.

City Clerk Roehl reported that the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the Neillsville Market Place, 541 Hewett Street, will be Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The Council also heard the various committee reports. Council Member Clarissa Rochester reported on the December 3, 2025 meeting of the Airport Commission regarding:

• Discussion and recommendation to lease the Airport agricultural land at $100 per acre with a 2% increase every year, to be revisited in five years and to remove the language in Section 4.(c) “Waste grain and other crop residue which may attract wildlife shall be tilled under the soil within 48 hours of harvest”;
• And discussion and recommendation to raise the Airport hangar lease to $250 per year and review yearly.

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

• Payment of bills,
• Current activities,
• And approved payment of the 2026 operating and capital budget support payment by March 31, 2026.

Council Member Dan Clough reported on the December 9, 2025 meeting of the Commission on Public Works/Utilities regarding current activities.

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