Menomonie City Council approves purchases, hears annual police report

City of Menomonie 800 Wilson Ave 1 st Floor

Pledge of Allegiance

1. Roll Call & Special Recognitions

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Public Hearings

4. Public Comments

5. Unfinished Business

6. New Business

a. Proposed Ordinance 2024-03, an Ordinance annexation a portion of 650th Avenue (also known as Eagle Point Road) from the Town of Red Cedar, possible introduction, possible waiver of first reading, possible waiver of second reading and possible adoption

The ordinance was approved after waiving the first and second readings. 

b. Proposed Ordinance 2024-04, an Ordinance amending Title 10 Farming regulations, possible introduction and referral to Plan Commission

This amendment clarifies the definitions of farming and livestock.  The ordinance change would not include domestic animals.  It was approved and referred to the Plan Commission. 

c. Consideration of Cedar Corporation Task Order for Lakebank Trail Feasibility Study – discussion and possible action

This is a task order to do a trail feasibility study with Cedar Corporation at a cost of $18,000.  Doing this would make it possible to receive grant funds to actually complete the project. This is a project behind Crescent St. and there are details in the attached packet. 

d. Consideration of Inspections Department purchase of pickup truck with ARPA funds – discussion and possible action

The inspections department currently uses a used police cruiser that is wearing out. The recommended choice from the bids was the bid for a Chevy Colorado pickup truck from Keyes Chevrolet for $38,000. Details on the purchase are in the attached packet. The purchase was approved unanimously.

e. Consideration of Community Services Department purchase of half-ton pickup truck from Northtown Ford – discussion and possible action. 

The purchase was approved in January 2023. When the truck was finally delivered the price had increased, so it was re-bid.  This is a Ford F150 from Northtown Ford at $41,494. The purchase was approved unanimously.

f. Consideration of Fire Department purchase of Fitness Equipment with ARPA funds – discussion and possible action

This is a replacement of fitness equipment at both fire stations. The purchase is for $29.025.53. The purchase was approved unanimously.

g. Consideration Police Department purchase of Flock Camera System with ARPA funds – discussion and possible action

These are cameras used to record traffic video and record license plate information. The data is retained for 30 days and is then deleted. There were several questions in regard to privacy issues but the purchase was approved by all members except for councilperson Erdman, who voted no. 

h. Menomonie Police Department Annual Report Presentation by Chief Hollister – discussion (no action).

The report is included in the attached packet. The police chief's report is also presented in the video. The department is fully staffed for the first time in 5-6 years. 

i. Special Event Permit for The bEAT (Stepping Stones) – discussion and possible action

This is a live music and food event on July 6. It was approved by voice vote. 

j. Change Order #8 for Stepping Stones – discussion and possible action

This should be the final change order for the Cairn House. It was approved unanimously. 

k. 2024 Joint Electronics Collection Event Agreement – discussion and possible action

This will be a joint collection event for the city and towns of Red Cedar and Menomonie. This was approved unanimously. 

l. Resolution Providing for the Prepayment and Redemption of a Portion of the Outstanding $3,070,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2015B

This is an early payoff on a bond for TID 12 which would allow the city to close TID 12 and move money into the affordable housing account. This will save approximately $11,000 in interest. The resolution was approved unanimously. 

7. Budget Transfers

There was a request for a budget transfer of $1500 to purchase lockers. Because the department is now fully staffed there is a need for more lockers. The transfer was approved unanimously. 

8. Mayor’s Report

9. Communications and Miscellaneous Business

The mayor and administrator attended meetings in Madison last week to discuss small housing options. The city has some interested vendors. 

They also attended an Urban Alliance meeting and also met with the Madison mayor to discuss options for housing that are being promoted in Madison.

They also spoke to the Department of Health Services about the opioid settlement dollars. They requested money for Project Hope for education and support. 

They also spoke to the Governor's chief of staff about rural health care and the damages caused by the closing of Prevea and HSHS. 

10. Claims

The claims list was approved unanimously

 11. Licenses

a. Normal license list

The license list was approved. 

12. Closed

13. Return to Open Session

14. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM. 

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