Mark Wilfuer

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and authorization for the payment of invoices totaling $765,157.27 from October 2015. Two public hearings were held concerning the vacation of the remaining portion of the North end of Division Street and the 2016 City Budget, both concluding without participant discussion. Key actions taken by the Board of Public Works included approving a Professional Services Agreement with OMNNI Associates for road work, authorizing a Highway Improvement Project agreement with a 50% cost share to the City, approving a bid for Sanitary Lateral Televising, and approving the purchase of a 2015 Pelican Street Sweeper. The Council adopted Ordinance No. 1319, which changes traffic flow direction on Lincoln Court Alley, and adopted Resolution No. 1300 to vacate the specified portion of the North end of Division Street. Under Finance & Personnel, the 2016 City Budget was adopted via Ordinance No. 1320, and an amendment to the Full Revaluation Contract with Keystone Appraisal Group was approved to change the term from one to two years. The Revolving Loan Fund Loan Review Committee approved a loan of $70,000 to Hilker Warehousing LLC, pending other financing approvals. Reports and updates were provided by the City Administrator regarding a recent Job Fair, the City Attorney on loan documentation and the Sign Ordinance review, the Director of Public Works on leaf and brush pickup schedule, and the Director of Parks & Recreation regarding the upcoming Winter/Spring Program Guide.

Key discussions included citizen comments and board consideration regarding the removal of traffic islands on Cedarhurst Drive, with a note that snow removal policies would be discussed further in September. The Board approved the installation of an additional catch basin on Southridge Drive to address persistent water issues for residents. Progress updates were provided on the Wastewater "Headworks" Project, which is reportedly on schedule. The Board recommended that the City Council approve the cost estimate to remove and crush concrete from the Downtown Riverfront Property for use on the Wyman Street Project. An investigation was initiated regarding a sewer complaint and temporary installation issues at a property on Wyman Street. The status of the Wyman Street Reconstruction Project was reported as progressing well, with upcoming concrete crushing operations. The Board also discussed adopting a policy for mandatory replacement of private sanitary sewer laterals when new mains are installed, tabling the decision until August. Finally, consideration was given to putting cost-saving measures, such as a 4-day workweek, on the agenda for the next meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included determining dedicated private parking stalls for State Farm Insurance at Loss Park, with a recommendation made to the City Attorney to prepare documentation for six dedicated stalls on the west side of the building. The Board also discussed the potential purchase of a new sewer cleaning machine, noting that funding might require payments across two fiscal years. Updates were provided on Wastewater Treatment Plant issues, including monitoring odors and investigating a significant discrepancy in sanitary flow readings from Saputo. The Board approved the resolution approving the 2008 DNR Compliance Maintenance Annual Report, which indicated the plant received an 'A' grade. Additionally, the lowest proposal for sewer televising services was approved, and permission was granted to use quantities from the new sidewalk bid for necessary rehabilitation sidewalk work. An update on the Beacon Avenue project, including progress on sewer and water main replacement, was also provided. A moment of silence was requested for the passing of Alderman Bill Kopitzke.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda following roll call. Key discussion points centered on wastewater treatment plant operations, specifically highlighting the successful hygiene testing and proficiency passing, which is critical for DNR certification and avoiding expensive contractor testing. The board also discussed the receipt of notification from the DNR regarding the intent to apply for clean water funding. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of proposed bike lanes and pedestrian trails on Mill Street and Beacon Avenue, in conjunction with 2027 utility work and 2028 county reconstruction efforts. Concerns were raised regarding the loss of on-street parking, potential safety hazards due to high traffic volumes and e-bike usage on Mill Street, and the disconnected nature of the proposed segment. The funding implications of adopting a multimodal scenario, where the county might cover a larger portion (75/25 split instead of 50/50) of the asphalt costs associated with the bike lane area, were reviewed. The board decided to investigate resident buy-in for the bike lane proposal further.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new Community Development Director. Key agenda items included the review and recommendation for approval of a simple lot line adjustment (CSM) for properties at 1601 Warner Allen Road and 1100 West Cameron Street, with no issues found beyond minor technical corrections. A conceptual review was conducted for a proposed 19-unit townhome development by Bener Breezewood Builder LLC, which necessitates a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a rezoning to a higher density residential district to accommodate the proposed 'missing middle housing' density. Discussions covered site access, green space utilization, parking requirements, and unit size approximations. The commission also noted an upcoming administrative Comprehensive Plan Amendment related to the recent adoption of a new zoning code.