Eric M. Atkinson

The Council held a public hearing regarding the rezoning of lands along Nicholas Drive, which resulted in the adoption of an ordinance. The Council approved the issuance of requests for qualifications for an affordable housing development project on Nicholas Drive. Several special event applications were authorized, including pickleball tournaments, a church festival, and a concert. The Mayor provided reports concerning local mural projects, rental inspections, and upcoming public reviews for zoning and building registration. Additionally, the Council acknowledged the receipt of a joint EMS grant and approved various payment claims and license renewals. The session concluded with the authorization to file a summons and complaint regarding a public nuisance at a residential property following a closed session discussion.

The Commission held a meeting to discuss departmental staffing updates. Following a closed session held in accordance with Wisconsin statutes, the Commission directed the Chief to extend offers of conditional employment to two candidates and authorized placing two additional individuals on an eligibility list for future consideration.

The board discussed developments regarding the UW-Stout campus exterior and approved editorial updates for the Urban Forestry Board welcome packet. A field trip was planned for the following month to observe urban forestry practices. The board reviewed the functionality of the DNR's Trillion Trees map, noting recent tree-planting initiatives. Several items were added to the future agenda, including the exploration of carbon credits for city forests, the planning of a public education event, and a review of landscape ordinances and tree management strategies. The city forester provided an update on recent spring planting and tree losses due to storms.

The commission reviewed and approved a Certificate of Appropriateness application for façade renovations at LumberJax BakeHouse and Café, including brick and mortar repairs, window replacements, and repainting. Additionally, a new chairperson was appointed for the commission. A subsequent memorandum regarding a supplemental application for knee-wall cladding using mortarless architectural stone was also reviewed for the same property.

The commission reviewed first-quarter room tax data and received Chamber reports. Discussions included information regarding an upcoming tourism conference, a proposal to create gift baskets for local hotels to enhance communication, and a review of important upcoming community events including university move-in dates and homecoming.