Menomonie approves new enterprise software and kayak rental system

CITY OF MENOMONIE
COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 PM
Monday – December 18, 2023

Pledge of Allegiance

1. Roll Call & Special Recognitions

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Public Hearings

4. Public Comments

Several citizens spoke in support of the city protecting groundwater and private wells and in support of Neil Koch's presentation.

5. Unfinished Business

6. New Business

a. School District of the Menomonie Area Referendum Presentation by Dr. Joseph Zydowsky –
discussion only (No Action)

The slides from Dr. Zydowsky's presentation are in the council packet attached below. The link to further information about the referendum appears below this story. 

b. Presentation by Neil Koch regarding private wells and septic systems – discussion only (No
Action)

Mr. Koch laid out the issues caused by the proliferation of septic systems in housing developments in the city. He recommended banning septic systems in the city to save the municipal water supply. Contamination can come both from septic systems and agricultural applications of septic waste. Nitrates and PFAS contamination are a serious potential problem. 

c. Change Order #7 for Stepping Stones – discussion and possible action.

This change order is a reduction in cost of $5983.56.

It was approved unanimously.

d. Consideration of Liability Insurance carrier – discussion and possible motion approving

Due to increases in cost there is a recommendation to change livability insurance carriers from EMC insurance to CIC insurance. This would save approximately $60,000 to $130,000 per year. Information on the insurance policies is included in the packet attached below.

The new policy was approved unanimously.

e. Consideration of Enterprise Financial Solution – discussion and possible motion approving

The proposal is to change to using Civic Systems software as a financial solution. This is a much more modern software package and will have much lower yearly maintenance costs than the current Avenu/Peachtree system. It is hoped to make the transition to the new software by the third quarter of 2024. The purchase will be made from ARPA funds and will cost $188,900 for the first year and a maintenance cost of $35,805 after the first year.

The software purchase was approved unanimously.

f. Appointments of 2024/2025 Election Inspectors – discussion and possible motion of
appointment

The lists of election inspectors are from both political parties and there is also a list of unaffiliated inspectors.

The electors were appointed.

g. Consideration of Agreement with Rent.Fun for Kayak Rental Kiosk at Lakeside Park –
discussion and possible action.

This proposal is for an automated kiosk for kayak rentals. The unit would be a 4-kayak rental. Kayaks could be rented through a phone app. There would be a 5-year contract for the unit. The unit will cost $18,000 and the city will receive 50% of the rental fees. The recommended fee will be $25 for two hours. Details are available in the packet. The arrangement was approved unanimously contingent on legal review of the contract and insurance issues. 

h. Consideration of Updated Lease Agreement with Christmas Miracle, Inc. – discussion and possible action.

This continues the agreement for the Christmas Miracle site and allows the city to do more maintenance work in the future. The motion was approved unanimously. 

7. Budget Transfers

A budget transfer was requested for the purchase of six ADA-compliant voting booths. There was also a request to hire a consultant for legal training for employees.  The transfers were approved unanimously.

8. Mayor’s Report

Wakanda Wonderland and Wolske Bay are both up and running.  There will be ice skating soon at Wolske Bay. 

9. Communications and Miscellaneous Business

The Federal Rail Association proposal is moving forward and they have approved 8 potential rail corridors for a planning study. 

Crosswalk signs will be installed by the Kwik Trip on 12th and Broadway where the temporary signs are currently in place. 

Approximately 7300 people attended the holiday parade.

a. January City Council Meetings will be on January 8 and January 22.

b. January Plan Commission Meeting will be on January 29.

10. Claims -  were approved unanimously

11. Licenses

a. Normal license list

licenses were approved.

12. Closed

13. Return to Open Session

14. Adjourn - Adjourned at 8:48 PM.

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