Jose C Trejo

The committee discussed the utility connections for the Mine & Museum, noting the water service is shut off while electric remains active. The Street Department reported on tree removal progress, winter salt supply, and pothole repairs, along with a brief discussion on the snow removal budget. Updates on electric utility mapping and conference attendance were provided. A project extension to move electrical service underground to Union Street was reviewed and recommended to the City Council for approval. The Water Utility reported on the status of PSC reports, meter replacements, and upcoming DNR well inspections.

The council conducted a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit application for 303 W. Water Street, which was subsequently approved. Other key discussions included the 2026 Infrastructure Improvements project, specifically addressing water and sewer main replacements and funding sources; the Proposed WWTF Clarifier #2 project; and the upcoming Shullsburg School District referendum. The council passed resolutions regarding the purchase of property for industrial park expansion and the intent to levy special assessments for sidewalk improvements. Additional actions involved authorizing a land lease for the industrial park, accepting financial assistance for the museum building reconstruction, approving the repurposing of museum materials for cold storage, and updating pool rules and lifeguard policies. Executive sessions were held to discuss industrial park property acquisition, seasonal employment wages, and litigation strategy.

The Common Council meeting addressed several operational and developmental items. Key discussions included reviewing and renewing the EMC Insurance policy for property and inland marine coverage, which noted a premium decrease of approximately 5% and automatic deductible increases. Bids received for the demolition of the Badger Mine & Museum building were rejected, with the suggestion to explore repurposing the structure for cold storage. The Council approved a Special Event Application and Temporary "Class B" Wine License for an event scheduled for March 7, 2026. Additionally, a Fair Housing Proclamation for January 19-24, 2026, was approved, as well as a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the Lafayette County Housing Authority for Silver Lane Apartments, effective January 1, 2026. The Council authorized an expenditure of approximately $20,000 more than originally planned to extend electric utility service underground to Union Street concurrently with planned 2026 work. The Municipal Fee Schedule was updated to include a $20.00 non-sufficient fund fee. Following a closed session regarding 2026 Seasonal Employment Positions, the Council decided to change the Park Director position to non-seasonal and hired Dave Turpin for the role. Another closed session addressed the purchase of public property, resulting in an open session motion to proceed with the purchase of 0.32 acres from Diedrich Farms -- ILWI LLC for Industrial Park expansion.

Key discussions during the regular meeting included departmental comments requesting a schedule for sewer line cleaning and an update on the Water Street Sidewalk project, which requires repair sections to be put out for bid. The Council addressed billing inquiries, confirming FEMA grant reimbursement for a generator expense and following up on a donor contribution for the Veteran's Memorial work. The Council passed Resolution 2025-29 appointing election inspectors for a two-year term starting January 1, 2026. They also approved the Badger Park Field Agreement with Fever Baseball, contingent upon field availability and a review of insurance requirements with legal counsel. Further actions included approving Resolution #2025-30 authorizing the demolition of the Badger Mine & Museum Building, approving the 2025 Audit Engagement Agreement with Johnson Block CPA, and approving the early termination of the contract with The Sweeney Group consulting services. Finally, the Council confirmed year-end gifts for employees, extending them to include the senior meal program site manager and volunteer drivers, before entering a closed session to discuss strategy regarding the Water Street Property Zoning Violation litigation.

The sessions included a Public Hearing regarding the amendment of the zoning map to rezone a specific parcel from R-5 Multi-Family Residential District to PUD -- Planned Unit Development District. The subsequent regular Common Council Meeting addressed committee reports, including updates on the Highway 11 bridge project completion and electrical work on the tie yard parking lot. The council approved bills for multiple municipal funds, formally approved Ordinance No. 327 enacting the rezoning discussed during the hearing, and approved a Certified Survey Map dedicating a portion of Heller Court to the city for public street purposes. Actions taken during closed sessions included authorizing legal counsel to make a counter offer regarding a Water Street Property Zoning Violation, approving 2026 Employment Contracts with Union Employees and the City Clerk, approving an insurance settlement for the Museum building, and approving the purchase of property for the Industrial Park project. Additionally, the council approved infrastructure improvement grants and contracts, authorized proceeding with a Safe Drinking Water Grant application, approved a maintenance contract, authorized borrowing for general fund purposes, and passed an ordinance reducing the frequency of Fire Inspections. The council also approved a bulk mailing letter for the Badger Park Fundraising Campaign and set the Burning Ground Seasonal Closing Date.