Mark Johnson

Key discussions included the 2026 Water Rate Study, where the Council approved moving forward with Phase 2 of the Conventional Rate Case Application. The Financial Assurance Plan for Hi-Crush Whitehall, LLC's mine reclamation was updated, resulting in a reduction of the Letter of Credit held by the City of Whitehall to four million dollars. An Agreement for Professional Services with Ayres Associates for the 2026 Street Projects, covering portions of Sheila Boulevard, Lee Street, and Sandra Street, was approved. An update on the Water Treatment Project indicated receipt of necessary approvals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission. A Supplemental Agreement with SEH, Inc. for the Booster Station Chemical Feed Replacement Project was approved. A public hearing was held regarding a zoning change from Non-Metallic Mining (NM) to Agriculture (A) for specified parcels, which the Council subsequently approved. Updates were provided on the property at 18529 Blair Street, and a State/Municipal Financial Agreement concerning State Road 121 resurfacing in 2031 was approved. The session included two closed sessions: one regarding the termination of probationary police personnel and another for reviewing applicants for part-time police officers and the Chief of Police position, resulting in the hiring of two part-time officers.

The key discussion topic involved the consideration of a zoning change application. Specifically, the hearing addressed a request to change the zoning classification from Non-Metallic Mining (NM) to Agriculture (A) for two parcels owned by The Mine View, LLC. No members of the public provided comments regarding the proposed zoning modification.

The proceedings began with a Closed Session to interview a candidate for the position of Police Chief. Upon returning to open session, the Council unanimously voted to offer the Police Chief position to Eduardo Hernandez, contingent upon a successful background check and psychological evaluation. The offered starting wage was $39.00 per hour, increasing to $40.00 per hour after six months, and included a one-year probationary period. Discussions regarding K9 Luke as part of the Whitehall Police Department were also noted as part of the offer terms.

The City Council meeting agenda includes several significant items. Discussions and potential actions cover the 2026 Water Rate Study Phase 2, including consideration of submitting a Conventional Water Rate Case Application to the Public Service Commission. The Council will consider approving Amendment No. 3 to the Supplemental Agreement with SEH, Inc. for Water Treatment Plant Project bidding services. Another item involves approving an Engagement Agreement with Quarles & Brady LLP as Bond Counsel for the proposed issuance of Water System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026. Further considerations include the approval of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plan prepared by SEH, Inc. for submittal to the Department of Natural Resources, and the approval/termination of Tax Increment Districts #2 and #3. The agenda also lists consideration for approving an agreement with the Trempealeau County Humane Society for animal shelter services, an update regarding a property at 18529 Blair Street possibly being a public nuisance, and approval for posting Sergeant and Police Officer positions within the Police Department.

The Special Common Council meeting included a presentation by the Administrator regarding Police Department wage and benefit comparisons with other communities. The Council entered a Closed Session for wage negotiations for Whitehall Police Department officers, reconvening afterward. Upon returning to open session, the Council approved a wage increase for Officer Nicole Lindquist. The Council then entered a second Closed Session concerning wage and benefit negotiations with potential Police Chief Hernandez. Following this, the Council approved extending an employment offer to potential Police Chief Hernandez, contingent upon a psychological evaluation, detailing salary, uniform allowance, probationary terms, and the trial basis for K9 Luke.