Neillsville City Council Approves Long List of Personnel Items

Thursday, December 24th, 2020 -- 10:00 AM

In other Neillsville City Council news, the council approved a long list of items from a Personnel Committee Meeting held on December 10th.

The council approved:

Accepting the Police Union Contract 2021-2022 as negotiated.

Approved Police Secretary Jill Kyle receiving a $500 lump sum payment for working during COVID-19 with payment coming out of the Police Department Overtime budget.

Approved that Luke Friemoth’s hiring as Director of Public Works, upon review, be confirmed and finalized.

Approved transfering Kyle Friemoth to the Water Foreman position effective January 1st at $23.46 per hour.

Approved to transfer John Schoen to the Utility Operator #1 position effective January 1st at $20.45 per hour.

Approved to transfer Matthew Thoma to the Utility Operator #2 position effective January 1st at $20.45 per hour.

Approved the Vacant Public Works Operator position be advertised with wages based on qualifications and licensing.

Approved transferring Michelle Grap to the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer position effective January 1st at $18.00 per hour.

And approved the Vacant Assistant Clerk-Treasurer position be advertised with wages based on qualifications.

The council also had a discussion on holding their meeting online.  Council Member Harnisch reported on contacting Clark County personnel who have run virtual meetings for the County, researched information on Zoom costs, and suggested Council Members research more on their own.

He stated the city uses Bauernfeind for IT services and the City Attorney has provided a Department of Justice Advisory on open meetings.  It was stated that it’s something to consider for illness or weather or maybe as a combination hybrid.

Council Member Harnish stated he wasn’t proposing anything at this time, but just wanted everyone to think it over and stated it should be placed on the next agenda.  They also discussed some issues with the idea and some benefits of the idea.

City Attorney Bonnie Wachsmuth also stated that she is very frustrated lately. She has had people walk up to her and ask about something they should have no information about, things discussed in closed sessions at meetings.

She stated things in closed session are not supposed to be let out in public.  She said don’t tell anyone including your spouse, co-worker, friends, etc. Things should never come out until properly brought out.

Finally, they heard a report from the Community Fire Hall Board Meeting held December 17th.  They had a discussion on mud jacking the building wall crack.  They will watch through the Winter and review in the Spring.

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