Tim Hayden

The committee authorized the hiring of a Plant Maintenance Operator and approved the reclassification of the Assistant Media Coordinator position alongside necessary budget adjustments. The meeting included the approval of a significant equipment purchase for the Fire Department, a breathing air compressor, and authorization to apply for a DNR Forest Fire Protection Grant. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved a budget transfer for a part-time clerk position and selected a consulting firm to provide construction staking services for the 2019 Annual Street Program.

The commission reviewed and approved an amendment to the agreement for the processing of recyclables. The board discussed potential grant funding for a shared use path on Hospital Drive and decided to proceed with grant applications. Sidewalk repair notices were authorized for several properties following investigations of defective conditions. Additionally, the commission approved a materials testing contract for 2019 street projects, authorized the relocation and upgrade of an LED street light, and approved the final change order for the 2019 watermain and sanitary sewer construction project. A request for a sewer charge credit due to a toilet tank leak was also considered and approved.

The committee discussed traffic concerns on W. Milwaukee Street involving heavy truck traffic and potential route adjustments, ultimately agreeing to work with the Police Department to request voluntary cooperation from trucking firms. Additionally, the committee approved the application of yellow curb paint at the intersection of Western Avenue and S. 12th Street and other nearby intersections to address safety and parking violations. Finally, the committee reviewed the city's pavement marking policy and directed the City Engineering department to prepare a recommended policy for parking clearances near schools, parks, and other high-traffic areas for future discussion.

The Plan Commission meeting addressed several variance requests and zoning code amendments. Approvals were granted for a fence height variance at 529 Hall Street, a preliminary Certified Survey Map for 1513 and 1517 Neenah Street, and a driveway extension variance at 307 College Avenue. The commission reviewed proposed zoning amendments regarding Central Business District signage and maximum fence height standards, setting public hearing dates for both. Additionally, the commission discussed setting these public hearings for an upcoming Common Council meeting.

The committee discussed and tabled a proposal regarding the installation of tracer wire for robotic lawnmowers, pending further information. Requests for new stop signs at two intersections were denied based on crash data and street classification. The committee requested an evaluation of visibility standards at a specific intersection. Additionally, several ordinance revisions were approved, including updates to recreational fire permits, the creation of citation authority for the Code Compliance Officer, and expanded inspection authority for commercial properties.