Menomonie City Council adopts 7.645 million dollar tax levy

Video of the meeting will be available later this evening.

7 PM City Council Chambers

Pledge of Allegiance

1. Roll Call & Special Recognitions

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Public Hearings

There were no speakers in the hearing.

a. Proposed ordinance establishing the 2024 General Fund Operating Budget and Tax Levy

4. Public Comments

5. Unfinished Business

a. See 3A above – discussion and possible ordinance adoption

Eric Anderson presented the options for tax structure for the next year. Maintaining the tax levels of last year would produce a very small contingency fund. Also the changes in assessed values required and adjustment in the mill rate. This data is in the council packet attached below. Anderson recommended taking the second option (b) which would produce a reasonable $249,715 contingency fund. The mayor agreed that this was probably the best choice.

This is a tax levy of 7.645 million dollars.

A motion was made to adopt that tax level. The tax levy was passed unanimously.

6. New Business

a. Review of City Hall Phase III HVAC Temperature Controls Energy Efficiency Upgrades (PSC EIGP Grant) bids – discussion and possible action.

The council accepted the low bid of $219,050 to do upgrades to the CIty Hall HVAC upgrades. The contract was awarded to  The Jamar Company dba Martingale Mechanical.

b. Proposed rate increases for the Wakanda Waterpark punch cards for the 2024 season – discussion and possible action

This proposal raises the rate for the punch card to track more closely to the single-use admission. Fewer than 10 punch cards were sold last year. The 11-round punch card would increase from $45 to $50. The increase was approved by the council.

c. Proposed resolution to assign funds from TID 12 to the Affordable Housing Fund – discussion and possible action

This is approximately $800,000 to be used for affordable housing. The transfer was approved unanimously.

d. Business Improvement District (Main Street of Menomonie, Inc.) 2024 operating plan – discussion and possible action

The operating plan is in the meeting packet attached below.  The plan was approved unanimously.

e. Proposed Level B hazardous materials agreement with Dunn County – discussion and possible motion approving

Dunn County contracts with the city to provide handling of Level B hazardous materials in the entire county. The county will pay $2000 for this service in 2023 with increases over the years covered in the agreement. The five-year agreement was approved unanimously.

f. Proposed Wakanda Waterpark Pool Improvements Rebid – discussion and possible action

Changes have been made to the planned improvements because the bids came in at an unaffordable level. Changes were made to lower the costs, saving approximately $500,000.  Changes were made to the plan to save $673,000, including dropping the provision for a splash pad in the future. The redesigned plan may come in at up to $2 million, which is still $400,000 over the initial projections. The change was approved to be put out for bid.

g. Appointment to the Parking Commission – discussion and possible action

Becca Schoenborn was appointed to the Parking Commission.

7. Budget Transfers

8. Mayor’s Report

The city is discussing having more solar panels.

Winter Daze is Dec. 7.

Lights are going in at Wolske Bay. Test lighting will take place Thanksgiving evening.

9. Communications and Miscellaneous Business

More budgeting information will be discussed at the upcoming council meeting, along with liability insurance and an enterprise software suite. 

City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday.

10. Claims

11. Licenses

a. Normal license list

12. Closed

a. Motion to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(g) for the purposes of conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved. i. Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Issues 13. Return to Open Session a. Motion to reconvene in open session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(2). b. City may take action on items under discussion in closed session and/or report action taken in closed session, if any. 14. Adjourn “PUBLIC ACCESS” NOTE: Members of the public may continue to view City Council meetings via Zoom Teleconference /Video Conference or, over the internet by going to https://zoom.us/join (URL for Zoom meeting), or by calling 1 312 626 6799. The Access Code for the meeting is 853 2209 2723. Please note: this is for viewing purposes ONLY. If you wish to participate, you must appear in person at the meeting. NOTE: Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. For additional information or to request the service, contact the City Clerk or the City Administrator at 232- 2221.