Steven J. Boss

Key discussions and actions included approving a request to reserve parking stalls for a wedding scheduled for February 21, 2026. The Council also approved a conditional use permit for Larry and Tammi Johnson concerning an enclosure near Lake Hayward. Ordinance No. 574, the annexation ordinance for a vacant parcel belonging to WheyPro LLC, was approved and adopted. Furthermore, the 2026-2028 agreement between the City of Hayward and the Hayward Professional Police Association was ratified, and election inspectors for the 2026-2027 term were appointed. Other items addressed included reviewing reports from Police & Fire, Public Works, and Finance departments, authorizing the drafting of an ordinance regulating e-bikes and scooters, and moving forward with a rate case increase application. The meeting concluded with an executive session concerning employment matters.

The Council approved event requests and timelines for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation for its 2026 events, including specific street and lot closures. A donation of $1,700 from Deerfoot Lodge & Resort was accepted for the Shue's Pond Park Rehabilitation Project Fund. The petition for annexation of vacant land submitted by WheyPro LLC was approved via a roll call vote. The issuance of a Class B Fermented Malt Beverage and Class B Liquor license to Northwoods Lodging II LLC was approved. The 2026 non-represented employee Wages, Salaries, and Benefits structure was approved following a roll call vote. Various items were approved, including minutes from previous meetings, information regarding the need to replace Fire Engine One in four to five years, the sale of six tasers and three handguns, updates on property encroachment easements and the vacation of Nightingale Court, and approval of quotes for the 2026 mowing season and several lift station pump/valve replacements. The Council decided to move forward with the Railroad Street Reconstruction Project for the 2026-2027 cycle, seeking funding from state programs and considering a loan. The Finance committee report included approval for increases to the Meal Reimbursement Policy limits and authorization for payment of General Fund and Water & Sewer Fund checks, along with October account transfers. An operator's license was issued to Amanda M Gerken. An executive session was held to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of a public employee, with no action taken subsequently.

The meeting included two public hearings regarding the 2026 City of Hayward Budget and the 2026 City of Hayward Water & Sewer Utility Budget. Key discussion points for the general budget included a total amount decrease from the previous year, and a significant increase in the tax levy amount primarily due to final debt service payments for the 5th Street Project. The Water & Sewer Utility Budget incorporated estimated costs for the Railroad Street Reconstruction Project and a new gate for the wastewater treatment plant. Both budgets were subsequently approved by the City Council.

The meeting included a request to stage a canoe race at the city beach, approval of 2025 Christmas in Hayward event requests, and the approval and adoption of Ordinance No. 573 regarding the Annexation of Property for WheyPro LLC. Additionally, Resolution No. 25-04 was approved for the Collection of Real Property Taxes, as well as Resolution No. 25-05, which showed the City's support of the WI Forestry Revitalization Act. The council also addressed the fire department's purchase of a thermal imaging camera, an agreement regarding a building encroaching on the right of way, and the payment for maintenance performed on the Nyman Avenue Water Tower. Furthermore, the Business Improvement District was approved to obtain a credit card under the City of Hayward.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2026.