Susan Leahy

The meeting agenda includes reports and review of invoices from the First Responders and the Fire Chief, as well as an EMS report. The commission will also address business items related to the Fire and Rescue District.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and meditation. Key discussions included an introduction from the Chamber of Commerce Director and an update on the Playground Pals fundraising efforts. The committee received minutes from several boards and commissions, including the Fire Commission, Plan Commission, and Park & Recreation. Oral reports were provided by committee members and department heads covering the Police Department, Public Works, and Fire Commission. Topics for discussion included an update on special event fees, a request to table the discussion regarding City Park Signage, a proposal for temporarily closing the City Clerk Office on Wednesdays for administrative efficiency, and a discussion favoring the pursuit of goose population control issues. Reports for December 2025 and January 2026 were received, as was correspondence regarding city signs and short-term rental rules.

The meeting included the approval of the Park & Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update. The Council adopted several ordinances, including one annexing four vacant lots on Forest Avenue (Ordinance #867-2026.01) and another creating a Special Event Ordinance (Ordinance #868-2026-01). Budgets for 2026 (Capital, Special, TIF, Sewer, and Water Utility Funds) were also adopted via Ordinance #869-2026.01. Key resolutions involved authorizing Water System Revenue Bonds (Resolution #1364-2026.01), rescinding 2025 property tax for a specific parcel (Resolution #1365-2026.01), approving a Certified Survey Map for Frederick Caruso (Resolution #1366-2026.01), and authorizing a grant application to the WEDC for the Thrasher Opera House Pocket Park Project (Resolution #1367-2026.01). Additionally, the Council approved a temporary resolution adjusting City Hall office hours, a utility easement with Carol Shores LLC, the final payment for the Park Drive Boat Launch project, an engineering and permitting agreement with MSA for chemical feeders, a Memorandum of Understanding for WisVote Services, a park reservation, a street closure permit, a gym reservation, and the payment of general bills.

The agenda focuses on a public hearing and subsequent consideration of a variance application for Meiborg Properties located at 589 Commercial Ave. The request involves the removal of an existing building positioned 10 feet from the south property line and its replacement with a new structure at the same 10-foot setback. The session includes presentations from the appellant and the Zoning Administrator, public commentary, and rebuttals before final Board consideration.

The committee meeting focused on municipal matters including an update regarding the first-floor ordinance, which requires clarification within the Zoning Ordinance by separating commercial districts. The committee voted to recommend a specific map including the two Canal Street Boat launch lots to the Plan Commission for the designation of a Downtown District. The Chairman expressed an intent to finalize the first-floor ordinance before the committee is disbanded.