Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Altoona Community Development Committee met on October 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. The committee reviewed the role of the committee, discussed potential changes to approval thresholds, and considered a single Community Development Block Grant application. A quorum was present with Chairperson Dale Stuber, Eric Fisher, Dan Liebham, and Mark Willer (via phone) attending; Lynn Soly was absent. Staff present included Finance Director Tina Nelson (via phone), Utility Account Manager Lori Prudlich, Deputy Clerk Julie Oliver, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (November 11, 2020): The committee approved the minutes from the November 11, 2020 meeting. Prior to approval, Mark Willer asked about a threshold for committee approval of dollar amounts, which Tina Nelson noted she would follow up on. The minutes were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Review Role of the Altoona Community Development Committee: Tina Nelson explained that the committee's remaining funds (originally from a prior community development grant) are now primarily used for deferred special assessments. She noted that the pool is small and no additional special assessments are expected until 2028. Nelson indicated she would work on a policy to allow staff to approve loans under a certain dollar threshold (potentially $15,000) without a committee meeting, to reduce the need for meetings. No formal action was taken. - Community Development Block Grant Request (Applicant 26-01): The committee considered a single application for a deferred special assessment loan of $7,028.60, related to the 2026 street reconstruction project. Tina Nelson verified the applicant met income eligibility guidelines (based on annual HUD income guidelines). The loan is structured as a no-interest mortgage lien, payable upon sale of the property. Nelson reported the city currently has $17,700 in cash/investments for the program and seven outstanding loans totaling $59,257.69. She recommended approval. Key Outcomes - Approval of 2020 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Mark Willer, seconded by Dan Liebham; carried unanimously. - Approval of CDBG Loan (Applicant 26-01): Motion by an unidentified member, seconded by Eric Fisher; carried unanimously. The loan of $7,028.60 was approved for the 2026 street reconstruction project special assessment. - No Further Action: No miscellaneous business was discussed. The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:11 PM (based on transcript reference to "at 11").

The City Council of Altoona, Wisconsin, convened on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The agenda covered a public hearing on zoning code amendments, the approval of the final plat for Phase 2 of Whitetail Woods, the approval of a tennis program recognition board, and updates on regional affordable housing challenges. Public comment raised safety concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters on city paths. Consent Calendar - A proclamation recognizing Crash Responder Safety Week (November 2-6, 2026) was approved. - The Mayoral appointment of Rebecca Flaten to the Knollwood Restrictive Covenant Review Committee was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Strubb (resident of 1616 Hong Street) expressed safety concerns regarding electric bicycles and scooters using the pedestrian track near his home. He requested a pedestrian-only zone at that specific location (requiring only two signs) due to high speeds and the risk to children. He also reported nearly being hit five times in two weeks at a nearby roundabout, urging for better enforcement of yield signs. - Mayor's Response: Mayor Pratt acknowledged the e-bike/scooter issue is evolving and stated the police department is actively revisiting the existing ordinance to address the emerging issues. Discussion Items - Zoning Code Amendments (New Business 1 & 2): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented amendments to Title 19 of the municipal code. The primary change updates the sign ordinance to allow sponsorship signage on city properties (e.g., ballparks, events) to be governed by contract rather than the temporary sign ordinance. A public hearing was held with no public comment. Ordinance 10A-26 was subsequently approved. - Whitetail Woods Phase 2 Final Plat (New Business 3): Mayor Pratt recused himself. Planning Director Greenwell presented the final plat for the second phase, consisting of 23 lots on 24 acres, primarily single-family homes, consistent with the previously approved 172-lot preliminary plat. Council discussed the park plan (including pickleball courts and trails), lot widths, and the plat approval process. The plat was approved. - Tennis Program Records Board (New Business 4): Parks & Recreation Director Chad Durka presented a request for a records board and state championship banner at the Altoona City Park tennis courts. The board is intended to recognize the achievements of both the boys and girls tennis programs. The request was approved. Key Outcomes - Approved Unanimously: - Consent Agenda items (CRSW Proclamation, Knollwood Committee Appointment). - Ordinance 10A-26 amending the zoning code. - Final Plat for Whitetail Woods Phase 2. - Installation of tennis program records board and banner. - Reports & Updates: - A federal grant application for park lighting and bathroom facilities was forwarded to the National Park Service; it is one of only five applications from the state to advance to this stage. - Sewer contract negotiations with Eau Claire are ongoing and considered to be close to resolution. - Council heard that affordable housing was the dominant topic at recent municipal conferences in Appleton and Eau Claire. - A Brewers watch party at "The Yard" was announced for the following weekend. - Community Recognitions: - The Council recognized the Fire and Police departments for their high-volume emergency response on Highway 53. - The Council acknowledged the recent passing of community member Lee Haremza and expressed condolences to his family. - Councilperson Zilmer shared a personal story about a family medical emergency to highlight the importance of recognizing stroke and aneurysm symptoms.

The Budget Committee of the City of Altoona, Wisconsin, met on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 3:30 PM. The meeting focused on reviewing the proposed 2027 budgets for the Library and the General Fund. Finance Director Tina Nelson and Library Committee member Stella Pagonis led the presentations, with the goal of maintaining a 5.0 equalized mill rate. Library Budget - Stella Pagonis presented the 2027 library budget, noting a proposed $7,000 decrease in the city levy contribution to $380,000, offset by increases in county library aid and Act 150 revenue. - Library usage is surging, with over 1,000 children registered in the summer reading program, book club attendance rising from 8 to 35, and 300 children attending a petting zoo event. - Key challenges include significant space constraints, such as a lack of quiet reading space and limited community room availability. - A discussion was held regarding the library closing on certain city holidays (e.g., Columbus Day). Staff explained these days have low patron usage and provide valuable time for staff to complete projects like weeding and restocking books. General Fund Budget and Levy - Tina Nelson presented the 2027 General Fund budget of $9.19 million, a 2.64% increase from 2026. - Net new construction dropped sharply to 1.57%, the lowest since 2000, constraining the levy limit. - Revenue losses include the Expenditure Restraint Program ($46,000), highway aids, and cable franchise fees. Susie Zilmer questioned the decline in cable fees; Tina Nelson attributed it to cord-cutting and decreased Charter revenue not fully offset by TDS revenue. - Expense increases are concentrated in Public Safety (up $147,000) and General Government (up $110,000, partly due to reclassifying staff time). Staffing adjustments repurposed a vacant EMS coordinator position to fund paid-on-call fire shifts and a full-time administrative assistant. - The total proposed local levy is $7,044,328, supporting a $5.00 equalized mill rate. - Property assessments increased residential values by 11.26% and commercial by 8.36%. A typical $250,000 home will see a local levy increase of $45.76. - Councilmember Timothy Lima voiced concerns about spending and valuation sustainability. Staff responded that the expenditure increase is modest (2.6%) and the city maintains reserves. Key Outcomes - Guidance: The committee concurred to proceed with the proposed budget framework and 5.0 mill rate. No specific adjustments were ordered. - Schedule: The next meeting is November 5, 2026. Final adoption and public hearing are scheduled for December 3, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM.

The Altoona Plan Commission held its regular meeting on October 13, 2026, in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. Chairperson Sue Rowe presided in the absence of Mayor Brendan Pratt. Members present were Ryan Looty, Nicholas Hog, Dean Roth, Bill Hepner, and Matthew Beeren (by phone); Planning Director Taylor Greenwald, Deputy Clerk Julie Oliver, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer were also present. The commission acted on two new-business items, recommending City Council approval of the Phase 2 Whitetail Woods final plat and of proposed amendments to Title 19 of the Altoona Municipal Code. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period; the period was closed with no testimony. Minutes Approval - The commission approved the minutes of the September 8, 2026, regular Plan Commission meeting on a voice vote. New Business – Whitetail Woods Phase 2 Final Plat - Planning Director Taylor Greenwald clarified that staff fully complied with state notice requirements: the required 10-day notice applies to the City Council meeting, not the Plan Commission, and notice was provided 10 days in advance. - The full Whitetail Woods subdivision has 172 lots on approximately 60 acres. Phase 2 would plat 23 currently vacant lots on 24 acres, with single-family housing to the north, west, and east and railroad/vacant land to the south. The lots are single-family and twin-home lots under the updated R2 zoning. - Staff explained the two-step preliminary/final plat process and why phases are reviewed separately. The Phase 2 final plat aligns with the preliminary plat approved July 11, 2024, and outlots are reserved for future phases. - Commissioners discussed difficulties visualizing Phase 2 boundaries in the packet; staff identified the bolded area on the plat and offered to assist members with future materials. - Commissioner Sue Rowe asked that the outlots intended for city dedication be labeled dedicated to the City to help the real property lister track ownership; staff noted the request. - Staff recommended approval with conditions. A motion to recommend City Council approval of the Phase 2 final plat, with the staff conditions, was seconded and carried unanimously. New Business – Title 19 Zoning Amendments - Staff presented proposed adjustments to Title 19, including carrying over old sign-code language permitting contracted advertisements/sponsorships on city property such as ballparks; allowing the Planning Director to approve minor landscape-standard tweaks; exempting areas like Hillcrest from certain accessory structure placement rules; and cleanup language for multifamily design standards and driveway width maximums. - Commissioners described the changes as straightforward cleanup. A motion to recommend City Council approval of the zoning amendments was seconded and carried unanimously. Miscellaneous Business & Communications - Greenwald encouraged commissioners to complete the city parks survey; about 50 responses had been received, and postcards were arriving with utility bills to encourage more participation. - A regional recreation planning session facilitated by Visit Eau Claire was announced for Thursday in the city community room; staff said it was scheduled for 4:30–6 p.m. and offered to share details. Key Outcomes - Recommended City Council approval of the Phase 2 Whitetail Woods final plat (motion carried unanimously). - Recommended City Council approval of the Title 19 zoning amendments (motion carried unanimously). - Approved the September 8, 2026, Plan Commission minutes. - Note: The agenda lists the City Council discussion/public hearing for both items as October 22, 2026; one spoken reference in the transcript says October 2, 2026. The agenda and staff materials indicate October 22, 2026.

The Altoona Common Council met Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided, with City Clerk Cindy Bauer recording. All council members except Susan Rowell were present, along with City Attorney Sam Bach Hansen, City Administrator Michael Golott, Assistant City Administrator Roy Atkinson, and Fire Chief Mark Renderman. The council approved the consent agenda and several new business items, the largest being a $1,190,021 purchase of a 2026 Pierce Rescue/Engine. Consent Calendar - September 10, 2026 Regular Council Minutes: Approved by voice vote. - 2027 Special Charge for Recycling: Approved. - Resolution 9B-26: Approved, authorizing the City Engineer/Public Works Director or their designee to apply for the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Grant and/or Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant programs. A council member spoke in support, calling the urban forestry grant important to the city. Public Comments & Testimony - Joanne, an Altoona resident and member of GROH (Grassroots Organizing in Western Wisconsin), said outside interests are using misinformation and legal challenges to undermine confidence in Wisconsin elections. She asked each council member to consider signing a GROH pledge for elected officials and urged the council to consider a resolution expressing support for and faith in local clerks and poll workers. No formal action was taken on the request. Reports and Proclamation - Mayor Pratt read a proclamation recognizing the Altoona Ski Sprites as the 2026 Division II National Show Ski Tournament Champions after their first-place finish on August 2, 2026, in Love Park, Illinois. Ski Sprites President Duncan Reedy accepted, thanking the city and noting the team's partnership with Altoona since 2008/2009. - City staff reported on progress with the City of Eau Claire sewer contract and promoted upcoming events, including the River Prairie Ginormous Pumpkin Festival, a September 29 data center event, and a final Wednesday night concert. Discussion Items - Discover Wisconsin Video Project Contribution: Dave, who presented the proposal, described a partnership between Eau Claire County, the City of Eau Claire, the Chamber, and other sponsors to produce a social-media promotional video supporting economic development and the region's expected growth. He stated Eau Claire County is projected to grow roughly 13.5% to 14.5% over the next 25 years, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Wisconsin. The City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire County were each contributing $20,000, the Chamber $5,000, and the city was asked for a $5,000 contribution; other sponsors were also being solicited. Council approved the contribution. - Assistant City Administrator Reclassification: City Administrator Golott requested reclassification of the Assistant City Administrator position from exempt Grade P to exempt Grade Q, following a September 22, 2026 Personnel Committee discussion and a compensation study by Cottingham Butler. He described the position as difficult to hire and important to succession planning, saying he hoped Roy Atkinson would become the next city administrator. Council approved the reclassification. - 2026 Pierce Rescue/Engine Purchase: Fire Chief Mark Renderman explained that the department found an available demo truck, allowing it to replace an engine and a rescue truck with one apparatus and reduce the fleet sooner than originally planned. The truck has about 12,000 miles, a 2,000-gallon-per-minute pump, additional storage, a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, a five-year powertrain warranty, and a $75,000 discount if purchased by the end of September. The purchase would be funded through 20-year bonding; one replaced truck was estimated to resell for $65,000 to $95,000. Council approved the purchase and authorized a budget amendment. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 10, 2026 meeting minutes. - Approved the 2027 special charge for recycling and Resolution 9B-26. - Approved a $5,000 contribution to the Eau Claire County Discover Wisconsin video project. - Approved reclassifying the Assistant City Administrator position from exempt Grade P to exempt Grade Q. - Approved the purchase of the 2026 Pierce Rescue/Engine from Reliant Fire Apparatus for $1,190,021 and authorized staff to amend the budget. The motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote. - The tennis program records board/state championship banner item was removed from the agenda and scheduled for the October 22, 2026 Council meeting.

The Altoona Budget Committee met on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 3:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall to review the proposed 2027 budgets for the water, sewer, and stormwater utilities. Mayor Brendan Pratt and committee members Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Bruce Thielen, Matthew Buren, and Susie Zilmer were present; Susan Rowe and Mark Willer were absent. City Administrator Mike Golott, Finance Director Tina Nelson, Director of Public Works Scott Quick, and City Engineer Christian Hubert presented a joint overview of the enterprise funds. Overview of Enterprise Funds - The water, sewer, and stormwater utilities operate as separate enterprise funds with revenues generated from user fees rather than tax revenues. - Water rates are set by the Public Service Commission (PSC), while sewer and stormwater rates are set by the city. - Depreciation is recorded as a non-cash expense, and accounting differs from the general fund. Water Utility - Customer Growth: Water accounts increased from 3,495 in 2020 to 4,131 in 2026 (an 18.2% increase). This growth has led to over 440 utility transfers annually and an increased workload. - Meter Replacement and AMI System: Staff installed 337 meters this year. The AMI system now reads 4,583 meters in 30 seconds via tower; only 698 meters remain on the drive-by reading route, which should be converted within two years. - H2O Analytics Portal: The customer portal went live, allowing residents to monitor usage and set alerts. One example: a vacant house with a water heater leak was caught early, saving 45,000 gallons. - Cross-Connection Inspections and Lead/Copper Inventory: Combined with meter changes, staff collect data on pipe materials. The number of unknown galvanized services is under 200. A letter campaign will target remaining properties. - Capital Projects: - Well 10 ($1.6 million) is in the design phase; plans are with the DNR. Construction expected late 2027. It will add 200 gallons per minute capacity, ensuring compliance with DNR requirements when the largest well is offline. - Galvanized service replacement program: 6 replacements completed this year, goal of 30. The cost is about $3,000 per replacement, currently fully covered by grants. Contractors use trenchless methods. - Annual meter replacement program decreased as the city catches up, offset by galvanized service work. - Financial Summary: Charges for services budgeted at $1.9 million in 2026 and $2.1 million in 2027. The last rate case was in 2024. The utility currently qualifies for a simplified rate case, and the committee expressed support for pursuing it to avoid a large rate increase later. Sewer Utility - Contract Negotiations with Eau Claire: After two years of discussions, the city and Eau Claire have agreed on major points for a new sewer treatment contract. Key provisions include: a predictable rate structure, a 20-year repayment plan for a $20 million headworks project at the treatment plant (Eau Claire will bond, Altoona will contribute), and confirmation that Altoona's 15.777% capacity is permanently reserved. - Future Capital Obligations: Altoona may be assessed a portion of costs for future repairs to the regional interceptor line (e.g., the 93 interceptor). A framework was agreed upon to allocate costs based on proportionate wastewater flow. These long-term obligations will be planned for through bonding. - Capital Projects: No major sewer street projects in 2027; the next major project is in 2028. - Financial Summary: Charges for services are increasing. Borrowing will occur in 2027. Payments to Eau Claire are expected to be lower than originally budgeted due to the new agreement. Stormwater Utility - Rate Schedule: A five-year rate increase schedule was previously approved. The new rates will be included in the annual fee schedule to ensure revenues match expenses and rebuild reserves. - Capital Projects: Budget includes $162,000 for equipment: an off-road tractor with attachments and a dump truck ($210,000 total, split with other funds). The dump truck replaces an older unit. - Financial Summary: Charges for services include the recommended rate increase. Borrowing will occur in 2027. Reserves of $279,000 will be applied. Operations costs were adjusted to reflect less time spent on the rate case. Key Outcomes - The committee indicated support for a resolution to pursue a simplified rate case for the water utility, allowing a small rate increase rather than a larger one in the future. - The sewer contract negotiations are at an advanced stage; staff will finalize details and bring a final agreement to council. - The stormwater rate increases will be formally adopted in the upcoming fee schedule. - The next budget committee meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2026, to review the library and general fund budgets. - The meeting adjourned at 5:22 PM.

The Personnel Committee met in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall (1303 Lynn Avenue) at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Present were Mayor Brendan Pratt, members Tim Lima, Matthew Beeran, Bruce Thielen, and Terry Magnuson; Dion Sonsala arrived after roll call and was noted present during new business. Also present were Director of Administrative Services Betsy Bowley and City Clerk Cindy Bower (the agenda lists the clerk as Cindy Bauer). Consent Calendar - The committee approved the September 8, 2026 Personnel Committee meeting minutes. The motion carried with one abstention from the member who was not present at the prior meeting. Discussion Items - Assistant City Administrator reclassification from Grade P to Grade Q. Betsy Bowley presented the request, saying the role has evolved into a key executive leadership position with responsibilities for organization-wide operations, personnel and policy matters, strategic plan implementation, major projects, intergovernmental coordination, and department leadership support, as well as leadership continuity in the absence of the City Administrator. - Bowley stated that an independent market analysis by Cottingham and Butler evaluated comparable positions and determined that Grade Q is the appropriate classification. The Grade Q wage range is $106,620.80 to $137,092, placing the position just below the police chief, public works director, and city engineer/assistant public works director. - Several committee members questioned the rationale for the change, asking whether it was intended primarily to increase the current Assistant City Administrator's pay before an anticipated leadership transition, how the employee would be slotted in the new range, and whether the change would set a workable precedent for future reclassifications. - The committee heard that the employee would not automatically become City Administrator; that position would be opened to the market. Members discussed the 11-step wage progression, noting the employee is currently at step nine in Grade P with an annual salary of approximately $117,166. - Bowley said no wage increase was being proposed as part of the reclassification; the action would only move the position's classification. Members also discussed a previous citywide wage study that found nearly all city positions were 10% below market and resulted in across-the-board 10% raises. - One member suggested the employee should be slotted at least one step above his current salary, and noted the City Administrator would request the step. Others expressed support for the reclassification as a justified market-based adjustment. Miscellaneous Business - A member reported that a city job posting appeared to list different dollar amounts in the title versus the description and said they would provide a screenshot to the City Clerk. Key Outcomes - The Personnel Committee voted to recommend the reclassification of the Assistant City Administrator position from exempt Grade P to exempt Grade Q. - The recommendation will be considered at the September 24, 2026 Common Council meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

The Ad Hoc Knollwood Restrictive Covenant Review Committee met on September 21, 2026, at 12:45 P.M. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, Wisconsin. Present were Mayor Brendan Pratt, Committee Members Michael Peterson, Joanne Applebaugh, and Taylor Greenwell, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. One committee vacancy remained. A quorum was present. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the minutes of the August 22, 2024, Ad Hoc Knollwood Restrictive Covenant Review Committee meeting. Discussion Items - Jordyn Rose submitted a fence application for property located at 1520 Knollwood Trail (parcel 201223309100). The proposal was for a five-foot-tall vinyl fence on the east side of the property. The fence was described as compliant with the zoning code and not located on the property line; the closest point was approximately 17 feet away. Committee members commented that the materials matched the house and landscape and would fit well in the wooded area. A motion to approve the fence was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - City Clerk Cindy Bauer encouraged committee members to complete the city’s comprehensive resident park survey, available on the city’s website, to comment on the park system. - Mayor Brendan Pratt noted that an applicant had expressed interest in serving on the committee, and that the applicant could be considered at the October Common Council meeting if he so recommended. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 22, 2024, meeting minutes. - Approved Jordyn Rose’s fence application for 1520 Knollwood Trail. - Direct follow-up via email regarding the building permit. - Referred the potential committee applicant to the October Common Council meeting for consideration. - Adjourned the meeting.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included reports from department heads, approval of a consent agenda item, a tourism update, financial report approval, preliminary plat approval, a license agreement for a storage building, an amendment to the Safe Steps program, and a position reclassification. All agenda items were approved. Consent Calendar - Proclamation recognizing Ski Sprites: The Council approved a proclamation honoring the Altoona Ski Sprites as the 2026 Division II National Show Ski Tournament Champions. The team earned first place in overall team competition and several individual categories, and two members are invited to Team USA training camp. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation period. Reports - Economic Development: Assistant City Administrator Roy Atkinson reported on several initiatives, including the opening of a new disc golf course, a listening session for the destination master plan on October 15th, upcoming innovation grants, and a meeting with EDC regarding an 80-acre parcel. He presented at Eggs and Issues on August 28th. - Parks and Recreation: Julian Emerson and Chad Durkup provided updates: a five-year parks plan survey is online until November 31st; Highland Park is nearly complete with fencing installed; the fall concert series at River Prairie Park runs Wednesdays in September. Additionally, a $5,000 grant from Union Pacific was received for downtown placemaking, and a federal grant opportunity for field lighting and a concessions building is being pursued. - Grant/Housing: Taylor Greenwell reported progress on the Safe Steps program, with nine people now talking to contractors. He is seeking additional funding sources. Also, a federal grant bid for lighting and concessions was submitted. - Police: Chief Bachin noted positive feedback on the Flock removal announcement; no further questions were received. Discussion Items - Tourism Report (New Business Item 1): Kenzie Havelcheck from Visit Eau Claire presented the quarterly report. Summer was record-breaking with increased room tax and average daily rate. Highlights: Altoona pages on VisitEauClaire.com had 78,000+ sessions; partner referrals increased 62% to over 9,800; a summer digital ad campaign generated 4,700 arrivals and an estimated $1.5 million economic impact. Upcoming events include the Midwest Travel Journalist Association visit, Economic Development Summit, and Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference. A destination master plan process is underway with a community engagement session on October 15th. - Resolution 9A-26 (New Business Item 2): The Council discussed and approved a resolution authorizing the closing of books for 2025 and accepting the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The Finance Committee had recommended approval. Motion carried unanimously. - Preliminary Plat – The Villas (New Business Item 3): Staff presented a proposal for a 30-lot preliminary plat at 1710 Whitetail Way to convert existing rental townhomes to for-sale units by adding zero lot lines. The site plan and buildings are already approved and partially constructed. The developer, Jeff Stockburger (represented by Mark Erickson), noted high interest in purchase. The Plan Commission had unanimously recommended approval. The Council approved the preliminary plat as conditioned. - AYSB Building Agreement (New Business Item 4): The Council considered a license agreement allowing Altoona Youth Softball/Baseball (AYSB) to construct a 20x40 foot storage building in Cinder City Park. Staff explained the distinction between a license and a lease, emphasizing flexibility for the city. AYSB will be responsible for maintenance and insurance. The building is valued at $50-70,000. The Council approved the license agreement. - Safe Steps Amendment (New Business Item 5): Taylor Greenwell proposed an amendment to add a loan option for removal of dead or hazardous trees on homeowners' property. City forester Scott Quick would determine eligibility. Estimated cost per tree is $1,500-$3,000. The Council approved the amendment. - City Clerk Reclassification (New Business Item 6): The Council approved reclassification of the City Clerk position from Exempt Grade J to Exempt Grade L, effective for the next city clerk hire, following a market analysis by Cottingham Butler. This is in preparation for Clerk Cindy Bauer's retirement on November 30, 2026. Key Outcomes - All new business items were approved unanimously. - The city clerk position will be reclassified to Grade L for the next hire. - The Safe Steps program will now include hazardous tree removal loans. - AYSB received a license to build a storage building in Cinder City Park. - The preliminary plat for The Villas (30 lots at Whitetail Way) was approved. Miscellaneous Business - Council members noted deteriorating black coating on street lights along River Prairie and Oakleaf Way; staff will follow up on warranty. - An update on a potential fire engine purchase: Chief looked at a used quint priced around $1.2 million, but no purchase yet. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:13 PM.