Robert Garske

The committee meeting covered several significant topics, including a presentation on the Department of Natural Resources' shoreline restoration guidelines for the former Wolf River Lumber site, focusing on erosion control and habitat enhancement. Discussions addressed retaining a minimized river frontage easement for a proposed trail, while exploring options for the removal or demolition of the former Mentzel home due to asbestos concerns. Key policy approvals included the updated naming rights policy and the sponsorship program. Furthermore, the committee decided to discontinue discussions with the School District regarding the operation and ownership of the community pool. Other items included approving the installation of an exhaust fan in the Riverside Park shelter for a local club event and implementing a usage fee for the swim club similar to other youth organizations. The location for the Fall Family Fest 2007 was confirmed as Hatten Park.

The Common Council meeting included the adoption of the agenda and the authorization for payment of March 2014 invoices totaling $60,010.45. A special presentation recognized the City's 21st receipt of the Tree City USA Award from the WI DNR. The Board of Public Works reviewed minutes and accepted the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting parking on both sides of East Ridge Drive within a specified segment. The Finance Personnel committee approved the purchase of a new plow dump truck using unassigned fund balance and authorized paperwork to gift property and a utility easement contingent upon apartment development. Various beverage operator and class licenses were granted. The Parks and Recreation committee adopted the Concussion Management Plan. Reports were presented by department officers, including the announcement of the yearly Council Reorganizational Meeting date and the reading of Arbor Day and International Migratory Bird Day Proclamations. Updates were provided regarding office relocations, water main repairs, hydrant flushing schedules, and the start of spring yard waste pickup. The Council entered and exited closed session to evaluate the City Administrator. A resolution was passed designating public depositories and authorizing withdrawal methods for city monies, including the use of facsimile signatures.

Key discussions included the review of a statutory demand from American Transmission Company (ATC) for an additional easement, leading to a motion to authorize an expert appraiser review and postpone a decision until December. The committee analyzed proposals for marketing Industrial Park lands, recommending a sequence of 2-year contracts beginning with Bomier Properties. Progress on the Downtown revitalization site was reviewed, covering Trail work, floodplain mapping, design standards, and potential riverwall/docking facilities. The committee determined that proceeding with a site assessment for the Old River Road landfill was not in the city's best interest, favoring development via special permit; this topic will be revisited in February. Discussions also involved elected officials' compensation, leading to a survey request and a decision to establish the Municipal Judge's salary post-election. The committee entered a closed session to consider property acquisition, ultimately authorizing the Administrator to contract with a buyer's agent. Finance, Budget, and Economic Development reports were also reviewed.

The Finance & Personnel Committee meeting focused on several critical financial and legislative items. The committee reviewed refunding options for the 1999 Redevelopment Authority debt, which financed the Northeast New London Business Center, and recommended refinancing to the Council to realize interest savings. Additionally, the committee recommended Council approval for funding specific projects stemming from the debt refinancing discussion: a road project in the industrial park ($132,514), demolition work at the former Simmons site ($165,940), and public projects including potential railroad property purchase ($90,000). Legislative discussions included amending the ordinance on carrying weapons to mirror state statute, and recommending an ordinance amending restrictions on the use of facsimile firearms for second reading by the City Council. The committee also reviewed the Draft Offer to Purchase for the former Simmons property and selected Heartland Business Systems as the City's technology consultants following a review of RFPs.

The Board of Public Works meeting agenda included public input, discussion regarding bike lanes for Mill Street and Beacon Avenue, consideration of the Omro Sludge Agreement, and discussion on non-standard warning signs, including a request for a "Deaf Child Area" sign. The Director's report detailed upcoming utility work planning and submitting reimbursement paperwork. The meeting notice also referenced the approval of previous minutes from February 2nd, 2026, and February 18th, 2026.