Joe Eichsteadt

The key topics for discussion and potential action include the Airport Manager's report, consideration of sponsor-only funding for Terminal Design, a new hangar lease for Greg Steinhorst, decisions regarding new runway end indicator lights, and a review of the Snow Removal Policy. The commission will also review financial statements and address future agenda items and correspondence.

The Common Council meeting involved confirming mayoral appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission, including reappointments and new members. A report from the Planning Commission included public hearings and subsequent approvals for a Comprehensive Plan amendment and a zoning reclassification for 473 Griffith Avenue, as well as the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for vehicle sales and rental at 510 25th Avenue North. Furthermore, rezoning approvals were granted for two parcels to a Conservancy district to facilitate a solar power plant construction, contingent upon related CUP approval. The Council also approved the discontinuation (vacation) of a portion of 8th Avenue North and an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding driveways. Actions from the Finance and Property Committee included the disallowance of a claim, issuing requests for proposals for assessment services, approving a resolution consenting to a Taxable Revenue Bonds issuance, approving check numbers for audit, and approving the purchase of land parcels for Water Works and Lighting Commission purposes. Actions from the Public Works Committee included approving a revised draft ordinance concerning ATV/UTV use on certain roadways, removing two-hour parking restrictions on specified street segments, setting 2026 degradation fees, and reviewing updates on the 8th St S DOT Project.

The meeting commenced with student representative reports, detailing high school spirit week activities and upcoming Valentine's dance, as well as updates on girls' and boys' basketball records and participation in sports entertainment marketing class projects. The board recognized several DPI proclamations for SkillsUSA Week, Career and Technical Education Month (February 2018), and FBLA Week. Administrative reports covered a staff in-service day focusing on wellness, responsive classroom, restorative practices, and CTE catch-up. The Tech Ed department reported on various grant awards (WICPA Accounting, CTE Incentive, Perkins, Tech Prep, Youth Apprenticeship) and highlighted increases in student participation in apprenticeships, FBLA, MOS certification, and SkillsUSA, noting upgrades to department technology including a 3D printer and CNC router, and community projects like the butterfly house and buddy benches. They also announced forthcoming adult education courses in woodworking. The elementary activities included a themed Winter Olympics event with torch relay, skating with the River Kings hockey team, and plans for students to try curling linked to a science unit on force and motion, with student-made medals planned for the closing ceremonies. Curriculum discussion focused on evaluating the K-2 English Language Arts curriculum, with strong interest in the 'Super Kids' program based on positive results elsewhere, and plans for further evaluation. New business included the approval of coaching staff appointments for varsity baseball and assistant softball, an increase in teacher contract to split 8th-grade English into two sections, approval of the YMCA 4K contract with updated terms, approval of the 2018-2019 CESA 5 service contract which covers specialized services like school psychologist and speech/language instructor, and designation of a board representative for the CESA 5 annual convention.

The committee discussed policy regarding longevity pay for union employees, noting the current policy is obsolete as there are no more union employees, necessitating a new policy. A key agenda item involved discussing and approving a general wage increase of 3% for former DPW (Department of Public Works) personnel. The committee also addressed recruitment services for hiring a Human Resources Director, discussing a hybrid approach involving an external recruitment firm and internal HR capacity. Furthermore, the committee considered approving the conversion of two seasonal engineering technician positions into one full-time design engineer position to avoid utilizing external consultants for normal road reconstruction designs, projecting both cost savings and increased production value. Discussions also covered the departmental goal of achieving a two-year ahead schedule for project plans, which has been challenging due to staffing limitations and the difficulty in retaining qualified seasonal technicians. There was a discussion about procedural compliance concerning new position creation policies and budget deadlines.

The Public Works Committee meeting covered several operational and planning topics. Discussions included updates on the airport taxiway B West construction, painting and crack filling of tennis courts for pickleball play, and vandalism issues at Robinson Park where surveillance cameras were updated. Pavement rehabilitation and grading work at Robinson Park, including corrections to the shelter building area, and the status of the Meade Field splash pad were reviewed. For streets, underground work on one project was complete, and attention shifted to infrastructure work on Washington Avenue. Chip seal work covering 144,000 square yards was reported as complete, extending pavement service life. A lift station on 1st Street was commissioned. The wastewater utility is looking to update its camera system due to equipment issues. Progress on the Westside loop station engineering design was noted, with plans to seek Clean Water Fund principal forgiveness. City officials toured two aquatic centers to learn about design and operations for future consideration. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the Wisconsin DOT's decision to remove the 2nd Avenue South project from the six-year plan, causing political and financial concerns due to prior city investment in design and real estate acquisition. The committee recommended drafting a letter to state officials regarding the impact of this indefinite delay. The review of proposed 2018 public works capital projects totaled an estimated $5.9 million, covering reconstruction, sidewalk outlay, traffic control, storm sewer utility, riverfront work, and highway rehabilitation, noting this level is not sustainable.