Emma Sanders

The Council conducted its organizational meeting, which included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly re-elected officials. Key actions included the election of a Council President, the establishment of the meeting schedule for the Common Council and Committee of the Whole, the designation of an official city newspaper, the formal adoption of a resolution for public depositories and withdrawal of city funds, and the approval of various Mayoral appointments to local boards, committees, and commissions.

The board discussed and approved funding applications for exterior building improvements at 313 E Main Street and 309-311 E Main Street. Updates were provided regarding the Waupun Business Alliance, including a planned community job fair, and the City Administrator reported on the Main Street designation project, upcoming community events like the Spring Wine Walk, and updates on back alley infrastructure bids and Carver Flats ribbon-cutting. Additionally, the board reviewed financial statements and outstanding grant applications.

The board discussed the amendment of parking limitations related to handicap stalls following the relocation of the community center. Significant consideration was given to the Alley Reconstruction Project, encompassing both N. Mill St. to N. Madison St. and N. Madison St. to Fond Du Lac St., with the review and recommendation of the low responsive bid from Kopplin & Kinas, Inc. totaling $1,741,299.60. Additionally, the department report for March provided an overview of various maintenance and operational activities.

The commission reviewed year-to-date financial reports and received operational updates from the General Manager, Electric Superintendent, and Treatment Facilities Superintendent. Key topics included the implementation of an outage management system, progress on infrastructure projects, maintenance activities, and the reporting of algal byproduct production. The 2025 financial statement audit was presented, resulting in an unmodified opinion. Additionally, the commission received an educational presentation on utility financing via revenue bonds, approved 2026 budget amendments for electric, water, and sewer funds, and authorized the solicitation of bids for high-side breakers.

The board discussed the closure of the Waupun Public Library Special Fund account and the termination of manual checking procedures. Key agenda items included the acceptance of a gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the authorization of expense payments, and the librarian's monthly report covering budget, statistics, and staffing updates. Furthermore, the board recognized a member's service, reviewed a new KPI dashboard framework, discussed employment practice liability insurance, approved a job description for the Library Director, and adopted a standardized hiring timeline and process for the vacancy.