Gabe Haberkorn

The Common Council meeting included citizen input regarding a "Fill the Squad" event and a water tower matter. The consent agenda covered the November reports from various City Officials and Contract Service Providers, including Parks, Fire/EMS, Building Inspections, Public Works, Police, Library Board, Water & Light Utility Commission, Watertown Humane Society, and Cable TV. Key recommendations included the January 2026 Financial Statements and resolutions for a Fireman's Park Walking Trail Grant Application and a Police Department Grant for Body Wearable Cameras. A proclamation recognizing the retirement of Police Chief Sorenson and the subsequent appointment of a new Police Chief were also addressed. The Plan Commission's approvals regarding Certified Survey Maps for properties at 508 Washington St. and 477 W Madison St. were reviewed. New business included a Freeze Agreement for a lot on Portland Rd and recognition of Fire Department Officers.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the November 2025 monthly invoices and the preliminary December 2025 financial report. A budget line item change was approved to reallocate Paula Jacob's wages. The installation and filling of two new adult shelving units were reported. An action item regarding the ADA accessibility website update was tabled pending further information. The board approved setting August 5th as a closed date for staff in-service. New business involved the approval of the 2026 Contract for Jefferson County Library Services, approval for library staff, board members, and Friend board members to use library snow cone and popcorn equipment with a donation, and a discussion regarding Policy 418 WiFi Hotspot. The board decided to postpone the discussion of the Library Board Trustee Handbook Introduction and Chapter 1 until a new board member is present.

The meeting included a public hearing addressing the rezoning discussion from Commercial (C-1) to Residential (R-2). Key items in the regularly scheduled meeting involved New Business, specifically the approval of Resolution 2026-04 concerning a new CSM Map for 477 W Madison St, and the approval of a rezoning request affecting several properties on W Madison St, including Riverwalk Lot 1. The commission also reviewed future agenda items and adjourned.

The City of Waterloo Council meeting agenda for January 15, 2026, included several key items. The meeting planned to address citizen input, review summaries of recent commission and committee meetings, and handle consent agenda items, which comprised various December reports from City Officials and Contract Service Providers. Recommendations from boards included the Finance, Insurance and Personnel Committee presenting December 2025 Financial Statements and action items related to Water & Light. New business featured resolutions for new Library Board and WLOO Board Members, a minor land division proposal, and the Mill and Overlay Project for Van Buren Street and Taylor Street.

The Finance, Insurance & Personnel Committee meeting included several new business items. Key discussions involved the 2023 Department Head Reviews, specifically for the Fire Chief position. The committee was scheduled to review the City of Waterloo Organizational Chart and the January 2024 Financial Statements, covering payroll and general disbursements. Further items included a request for a payment extension from the Town of Waterloo concerning a prior radio purchase and a proposal from Jensen to replace two furnaces in the Municipal Building. The committee also planned to deliberate on the Van Holten's purchase agreement, which might involve a closed session.