Menomonie City Council does not agree to purchase downtown buildings

CITY OF MENOMONIE COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Menomonie City Hall 800 Wilson Avenue
1st Floor, City Council Chambers 7:00pm
Monday – October 20, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance

1. Roll Call

The following members were present: Sutherland, Yonko, Pickard, Schwebs, Solberg, Brennan, Erdman, Sommerfeld, Crowe and Gentz. Luther was absent. The mayor was absent, so Mary Solberg, president of the council, served in his place but retained her right to vote as a council member.

2. Recognition – Jacqueline Dotseth

The mayor is at Jacqueline Dotseth’s celebration of life. A moment of silence was held for Jacqueline (“Jackie”) Dotseth. Jackie passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Jackie served on the City Council from April 1978 to April 1985, including two terms as Council Vice President and a one term as Council President.

3. Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Erdman, seconded by Brennan, and carried unanimously to approve the Minutes from the October 6, 2025, City Council Meeting.

4. Public Comments (other agenda items only).

Darrin Witucki stated he was at the meeting on behalf of the Library. The library became aware of a grant to install a solar facility. Half of the costs will be paid for through the grant, and the rest will come from the library foundation. The library is only looking for support from the city. Will save $336,279 in electric costs over 25 years.

Mike Jax, representing ConAgra Foods spoke next. He stated he was at the meeting regarding agenda item 5a – the Dissolved Air Flotation Project for ConAgra. The Company agrees with the city on the project.

5. New Business:
   1. Award of ConAgra Dissolved Air Flotation Construction Contract – discussion and possible action.

The project was first discussed In December of 2024. The purpose of the project is to control fats, oils and grease (FOG) from ConAgra wastewater before it reaches the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Company has two existing equalization tanks. A building will be constructed next to the tanks to hold the FOG system. ConAgra has agreed to reimburse the City for 100% of the cost to design, construct and operate the Dissolved Air Flotation system. Cedar Corporation solicited bids for the city. Wastewater Superintendent Sterk said 5 bids were received. The City estimated that the project costs would be higher. The lowest bid was submitted by RJ Jurowski. This contractor previously did work at the main sewage plant. Thus, the city has experience already with this contractor and believes they are reputable. A driveway to the back side of the plant needs to be transferred to the city in conjunction with the project. This has not been completed yet.

Councilman Erdman asked how long the system will last. It is projected to last between 40 to 50 years, but the pumps will need to be replaced every 10 years. 

Councilman Crowe asked if this would help with the phosphorus issue. David Schofield, Director of Public Works said it would help to some degree as it would allow the sand to do its job of removing phosphorus better. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. Councilwoman Pickard asked when the city would receive funding from ConAgra. ConAgra will pay invoices submitted by the city within 60 days of receipt. The City may need some interim financing to cover costs. Councilman Erdman asked about the design of the system. Cedar Corp only facilitated the bidding process. ConAgra used Mead and Hunt to design the system. ConAgra has worked with Mead and Hunt throughout the country. Mead and Hunt specialize in wastewater treatment facilities and is ConAgra’s preferred contractor for wastewater treatment. ConAgra is very confident in their work. A motion was made by Councilwoman Brennan to award the ConAgra DAF Construction Contract to R.J. Jurowski Construction at a cost of $3,388,320.00, contingent upon recording of the land transfer. Schwebs seconded the motion. All Council members voted aye on a roll call vote.

2. Consider Engineering Task Order for Heller Road and Oak Avenue Sidewalk – discussion and possible action.

Public Works Director Schofield presented the memorandum. This work will be funded by TID #14, which is nearing the end of its Expenditure Period (September 7, 2026). Oak Avenue and Heller Road have no sidewalks currently. Councilman Erdman asked if there would be sidewalks on both sides of the street. Mr. Schofield said that no decisions have been made yet on whether one or both sides of the street would have sidewalks. Approval means that Cedar Corporation can prepare an Engineering Task Order. This project will use 2025 funds. A motion was made by Brennan to approve the Engineering Task Order with Cedar Corporation for Heller Road and Oak Avenue Sidewalk at a cost of $9,750. Councilman Gentz seconded it. All Council members voted aye in a roll call vote.

3. Consider Agreement between the City of Menomonie and Dunn County for Dunn County to act as the City’s agent for the billing and collection of general property taxes, special assessments, and special charges beginning November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026 – discussion and possible action.

Administrator Atkinson presented the agreement. County will do the work for around $10,000. It is the same agreement that the City and County have been operating under for years. Councilman Crowe made a motion to Approve the Tax Collection Agreement with Dunn County for the period from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. Councilwoman Yonko seconded it. It was a roll call vote with all council members voting aye.

4. Resolution 2025-16 regarding Support for Proposed Roof-Mounted Solar Project at Menomonie Public Library – discussion and possible action.

Library Director Jolene Sterk stated the Library will apply for a WisDOA grant that will pay 50% of the cost of installing a roof mounted solar system, with the other 50% coming from library foundation. No City of Menomonie funds will be used for the project. The library must be awarded the grant before the project will proceed. Olson Solar prepared the grant proposal. It does not mean they will be awarded the construction contract. The library will use a public bidding process. Councilwoman Brennan appreciates all the projects done recently at the library. A motion was made by Brennan and seconded by Erdman to approve Resolution 2025-16, regarding Support for Proposed Roof-Mounted Solar Project at Menomonie Public Library. All voted aye.

5. Special Event Request for Winterlude Market, City Land adjacent to Brewery Nonic on December 6, 2025.

The City Administrator explained that this market happens every year and it needs a special event request approved because part of the market occurs on city property. No street closures have been requested. City Staff recommend approval. A motion was made by Brennan and seconded by Erdman to approve the Special Event Request for Winterlude Market on City-owned land west of Brewery Nonic on December 6, 2025. All voted Aye.

6. Review of 2026 Budget – discussion only (no action)

The budget as it currently exists was Included in the meeting packet. The state has not provided shared revenue information yet. The budget includes the costs of the 3 fire fighter positions. The budget currently shows a ½ million-dollar shortfall. The goal is to have the budget passed at the second meeting in November. The levy limit is 2.1% higher than last year but there is not a lot of wiggle room. There are several areas needing discussions. Reductions were included for areas where the Administrator knew were not going to need the money. Some line items were combined making it easier to move money within those spending areas but still fit within chart of accounts.

The costs of having an additional building inspector for rental properties was not included. Those costs would be $600,000. Revenues may help offset some of the expenses. A temporary position was moved to the Mayor’s office from finance. Keeping the position is a $100,000 increase. Brennan requested the additional building inspector position be included in the budget. 

It was asked if there will still be a $179,000 mortgage cost if a new police station is built. There will be a $2 million per year extra cost with a new police station but no more $179,000 mortgage. The amount shown for workman’s compensation is the insurance costs and not the cost of any workman’s compensation claims. The city has had low worker’s compensation cost claims in recent years. Brennan asked about rezoning. The Administrator said that should be tied in with the comprehensive plan and will cost about $200,000. 

6. Budget Transfers

The Finance Department has proposed an intra-fund budget transfer for the purchase of a coin counter. It will allow the finance department to process coins much faster. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Budget Transfer. It was a roll call vote with all voting aye.

7. Mayor’s Report

Mary Solberg read the Mayor’s report. The mayor spoke at the boys and girls club, visited nursing homes and was at fleet farm with his quartet.

8. Communications and Miscellaneous Business

Councilwoman Pickard reminded everyone that it is domestic violence awareness month. Everyone should eat at Applebee’s on Thursday evening as 10% of funds will go to Bridget to Hope. WI ranks 7th in the country for domestic violence mortality. Other events coming up include the High school football game, the Fall Frolic on Saturday as well as activities for Stout homecoming. Empty Bowls went well last week. Point Comfort Road project looking good. Councilwoman Brennan provided housing committee update. There is a meeting tomorrow. The Committee plans to recognize landlords that are doing a good job. The ordinance is in process. It will allow for rental inspections, retaliation protection for renters with concerns and cover other areas as well.

9. Claims

Erdman made a motion to approve the revised claims list as presented. It was seconded by Brennan. It was a roll call vote with all approving.

10. Licenses
    1. Normal license list – discussion and possible action

A motion was made to approve the list as presented by Pickard and seconded by Gentz. All voted aye.

11. Closed Session
    1. Motion to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session.

Solberg made a motion to go into closed session, and it was seconded by Erdman.

1. Discuss/consider possible offers to purchase for 228 Main Street East, 230 Main Street East, and 244 Main Street East.
2. Return to Open Session
   1. Motion to reconvene in open session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(2).
   2. City may take action on items under discussion in closed session and/or report action taken in closed session, if any.

Motion was made and seconded to gather further information on purchase for 228 Main Street East, 230 Main Street East, and 244 Main Street East. It was a tie vote. No action will be taken. Note that the tie was possible because one council member was absent making the vote 5-5, and the mayor was not present to break the tie. 

13. Move to Adjourn by Gentz. Seconded by Brennan.