John Schoen

The Joint Committee of the Whole reviewed and made recommendations regarding several budgetary and administrative matters. Key items discussed included the library levy, which the committee recommended for acceptance by the council. Discussions also covered the 2026 non-represented wages, which the committee recommended for council approval, and setting the overall tax levy, which the committee also recommended for council approval. Furthermore, the committee recommended approval of the proposed 2026 Water Utility Budget and the proposed 2026 Sewer Utility Budget to the Utility Board. Approval was also recommended to the council for the proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Budget. The committee reviewed and recommended approval of the payment in lieu of taxes amount from the Water Utility to the General Fund. Finally, library board appointments for the Muehl Public Library were reviewed and recommended for acceptance by the council. The City Administrator noted that he is named in court for a judicial review concerning a dangerous dog.

The Joint Committee of the Whole reviewed several items for recommendation to the council. Discussions included the final approval of the Idlewild Estates Planned Unit Development Site Plan Application. The committee recommended creating Seymour Municipal Code 34-54 Clean Fill Site Regulations with no fee requirement for permits. They also reviewed and recommended approval of an ordinance allowing remote meeting attendance for council members. Further, an ordinance requiring a maintenance agreement for utility employees performing annual service work on private water systems was summarized and recommended for approval. The committee reviewed the need for Biosolids Tank replacement/repair, pending a determination on whether it qualifies as an emergency repair. January Finance Reports were reviewed, and a motion to approve the payment of bills was carried. Departmental updates included the Police Chief reporting a change in policy development contractors and the receipt of new rifles, and the City Administrator noting upcoming events such as the Board of Review, a joint meeting with the ECRWPC for comprehensive recreation plan updates, and the initiation of a Capital Improvement Plan creation process during 2026.

The meeting agenda was approved following the removal of the Utility Board meeting item. Key resolutions addressed during the session included the approval of the Site Plan for Idlewild Estates Senior Living Multi-Family Planned Unit Development (Resolution NO RE 2026-105). Furthermore, the Council approved the use of Unassigned Fund Balance for an Access Control Panel for Fire/EMS (Resolution NO RE 2026-106) and approved the Payment of Bills (Resolution NO RE 2026-107). The session concluded with adjournment.

The Council meeting involved the approval of the agenda and prior meeting minutes from December 15, 2025. Key actions included the approval of several resolutions: Resolution NO RE 2026-101 concerning the Emergency Medical Services & Ambulance Transportation Joint Response 'Intercept' Billing/Reimbursement/Revenue Sharing Agreement with Gold Cross Ambulance; Resolution NO RE 2026-102 for the Payment of Bills; Resolution NO RE 2026-103 declaring a 2018 Kubota Utility Terrain Vehicle and Attachments as excess equipment; and Resolution NO RE 2026-104 granting a Temporary Class "B" License to Outagamie Speedway.

The Joint Committee of the Whole reviewed the August Finance Reports and recommended the payment of bills for approval by the council. Key discussion points included the development of a Special Event Permit Policy, where the committee directed city staff to draft an ordinance and create guidelines for special events and street use, following a previous discussion about liability insurance requirements. The committee also recommended amending the capital budgets for the Fire and Rescue departments to cover carpet replacement at their building. Updates from the City Administrator covered ongoing work on capital and operating budget requests, progress on development agreements with Lexington Homes and Mainline Estates, LLC (for a Senior Living Development), and an upcoming Plan Commission meeting to review a subdivision site plan. The Police Chief reported on ongoing investigation into park damage, and the Director of Public Works noted that Morrow Street has been paved.