City of Richland Center

The meeting addressed various departmental reports, including ongoing snow removal, personnel updates such as the hiring of a new crew member and a staff transfer, and planning for Tree City USA renewal. Key action items included recommending the renewal of the landfill monitoring services agreement with MiTech Services, Inc. for 2026, and forwarding a proposal for accepting a non-monetary donation to blacktop a trail segment, contingent upon naming it the "Dale Bender Community Wellness Trail." The committee also directed staff to develop options for a formal policy or fee structure regarding the private use of city barricades. Furthermore, draft ordinances and associated resolutions for amending chapters related to weed/grass control and sidewalk snow/ice removal, including proposed forfeiture schedules and administrative fees, were forwarded for Finance Committee review. The committee also reviewed the 2025 Street Rating Project Report results.

The agenda for the meeting included roll call to determine quorum and proper notice, Treasurer's Report and investment of utility funds review, monthly bills review for Electric, Water, and Sewer departments, and reports from Safety, Water Superintendent, WWTP Superintendent, and Electric Superintendent/Utility Manager. The agenda also contained sections for correspondence and public comments on items not listed.

Key discussion items included updates on the successful 2025 Rotary Lights in the Park event, noting that bridge lighting and lanterns might remain up for winter park users, despite the theft of three speakers. Maintenance requests included grading on a trail near the footbridge. The board considered approval for discount pool passes for the Brewer Public Library for the upcoming season. The board also reviewed and recommended approval for the 2027-28 Richland County Meal Site Rental Agreement, which details facility use for serving meals to eligible seniors. Additionally, approval was sought for the Hornet Summer Volleyball Junior League Sanctioned Recreation Group, allowing 4th-8th grade girls participation. Monthly reports covered budget details, recreation activities such as skate shed repurposing and planning for Spring/Summer schedules, updates on Diamond Jo Casino trips, and concerns regarding snowy/icy city sidewalks.

The agenda included a motion to enter a closed session to discuss a citizen complaint against a Police Officer of the Richland Center Police Department, followed by consideration to vote in open session on any related matters. The Chief of Police report covered the monthly reports for November 2025, December 2025, and January 2026. During the meeting, a concern was raised regarding traffic safety at the intersection of Covered Bridge Rd and Hwy 14, prompting a plan to explore changing the road section to a School Zone with a lower speed limit. The Chief also provided a financial report and an update on the K-9 account.

The committee approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting and forwarded the Public Works Payment Approval Report totaling $119,055.25 to the Finance Committee. Department reports covered ongoing snow removal, Finley Hamblin's hiring, Tree City USA renewal, and transition to a unified team model within the DPW. Key discussions included the MSA 2025 Street Rating Project Report, which showed that a funding increase to $250K per year would eliminate the maintenance backlog. The committee recommended approving a landfill monitoring services agreement renewal with MiTech Services, Inc. for 2026, not to exceed $11,000.00. Furthermore, the committee recommended forwarding a naming request for the 'Dale Bender Community Wellness Trail' and acceptance of a non-monetary donation for its blacktopping to the Finance Committee and Common Council. The committee also directed staff to explore options for a formal policy or fee system regarding the private use of public barricades. Finally, the committee forwarded draft ordinances and resolutions related to amending Chapter 321 (Weeds, Grasses and Brush control) and Chapter 606 (Snow and Ice removal from Public Sidewalks) to the Finance Committee.