Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Altoona Common Council met in regular session on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. Roll call established a quorum with Councilmembers Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Matthew Beerin, Caitlin Leopold, and Susan Rowe present. Staff present included City Administrator Michael Golott, Assistant City Administrator Rory Atkinson, City Attorney Sam Bach Hansen, Police Chief Kelly Bachin, Fire Chief Mark Renderman, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. The council heard one public comment, approved routine and administrative items, and completed its 2025 fee, union contract, technology contract, and staffing actions. Public Comments & Testimony - Randall Walmer of 250 Cottagewood Lane, Altoona, spoke during the citizen participation period. He said he was offering concluding remarks about the Otter Creek Landing parcel, rezoned from R1 to Planned Community Development (PCD) in August 2023. Walmer said GRIP, the developer, is now renting units rather than selling owner-occupied homes, with several units rented and none sold. He said the earlier planning and council presentations described twin homes platted for ownership, a target market of first-time homeowners, young professionals, and working families, a target sale price of $350,000, and a GRIP letterhead that mentioned owner-occupied housing 11 times and never mentioned rentals. He asked whether the council could have added a sales-only condition and whether councilmembers would have voted differently if rentals had been disclosed. He said he felt misled and that the community would have objected. - City Administrator Michael Golott responded that state statute prohibits municipalities from prohibiting rentals of private property, so a sales-only condition would not be lawful. Staff and councilmembers acknowledged they had heard the same ownership-focused presentations. They stated the developer says he intends to sell but is renting in the meantime because of bills and the seasonal housing market; some leases include an option to buy. One councilmember said his vote would not have changed; another said the council took the proposal at face value to encourage housing development. Another councilmember noted R1 did not meet the future land use or comprehensive plan, which called for denser development there. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the November 21, 2024 regular council meeting. - Approved the consent agenda item: the annual application from Hillcrest Estates LLC for the 2025 Manufactured Homes/Manufactured Home Communities license for Hillcrest Estates. Staff reported no changes and the same fees and reports. A councilmember asked whether resolving the water situation could allow development of remaining lots; staff responded yes. The motion carried. Department Head Reports - Mayor Pratt reported recent health care developments: Spirus is building in Chippewa Falls, a health cooperative is planning to build in Lake Hallie, and UW-Eau Claire received a $20 million grant for a rural health innovation initiative involving microsites and telemedicine. He said he would share information about an upcoming informational meeting. A councilmember asked about taxpayer funding for these facilities; the Mayor said the funding picture was unclear and offered to provide details. - Fire Chief Mark Renderman reported that November had fewer than 100 fire/EMS calls, with 1,468 calls year-to-date, and that the water tender tanker truck is ahead of schedule, with delivery expected in January. - Police Chief Kelly Bachin reported the building project is on its final punch list, the fitness center floor is expected to be installed the following Monday, the project remains within its grant budget, and the fitness center will be available to council members with a waiver. - Parks and administrative staff reported winter programming preparations, including the Crocodile Curl rink, Jelly Bean hill climb, and fat tire bike race. Staff also worked on an RFP for container park vinyl graphics/art funded by a WEDC grant that must be spent by year-end; proposals are expected to be brought to the next council meeting. The last batch of old city documents that met retention was removed from City Hall. The Mayor noted the Christmas tree lighting on Sunday had good turnout. New Business - Resolution 12A-24, adopting Wisconsin Department of Transportation Equipment Rates, was approved. Staff described it as an annual administrative item that allows the city to rent equipment to other jurisdictions or private contractors when needed. Motion carried. - Ordinance 12A-24, amending Chapter 3.08, Addendum A, the City Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2025, was approved. Changes remove community room rental rates, incorporate the new WisDOT equipment rates, and increase River Prairie room and outdoor venue fees following a market survey by Dave Kramer and Company. As one example, the all-day River Prairie room rate would rise from $1,250 to $2,000, with higher rate tiers rising to $3,000 and $4,000 for premium days. Staff said the city would still be significantly below other area venues. Motion carried. - The Teamsters Union Contract for Public Works/Parks Maintenance Department and Clerical employees, for January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, was approved. Staff explained that Act 10 requires union contracts to expire and be reviewed annually and that the action updates the salary schedule; the only required bargaining item is starting salary for each category. Motion carried. - A contract for file management software and back-scanning of city files was awarded to EO Johnson. Staff said the project would digitize approximately one-fifth of the city's physical files, apply uniform metadata for keyword search, integrate with the Workhorse financial software, improve FOIA document retrieval, and free up space. The staff presentation cited a quoted total of $60,808, matching the city's remaining ARPA funds, which must be obligated by the end of 2024. The motion, however, stated the amount as $60,880; the transcript does not resolve the discrepancy. The City Administrator confirmed the funding would come from ARPA funds and would exhaust the remaining balance. Motion carried. - Job descriptions were approved for the proposed Grants and Housing Program Manager, Investigations Sergeant, and Utility and Accounting part-time positions. All three positions were previously approved through the budget process. The Personnel Committee reviewed the descriptions and changed the Grants and Housing Program Manager description so that five years of experience is preferred but not required. Motion carried. Key Outcomes - Minutes and consent agenda approved. - Resolution 12A-24 and Ordinance 12A-24 adopted. - Teamsters contract approved for calendar year 2025. - EO Johnson contract awarded for document management and back-scanning; the amount discrepancy between $60,808 and $60,880 remains unresolved in the transcript. - Three new job descriptions approved. - All motions were adopted by voice vote with no audible opposition. - No miscellaneous business was brought forward. The council adjourned at 6:38 p.m. after a motion to adjourn carried.

The Personnel Committee of the City of Altoona met on December 5, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Members present: Mayor Brendan Pratt, Dale Stuber, Timothy Lima, Matthew Bieran, Terry Magnuson, and new member Dion Sansala. Staff present: Assistant City Administrator Rory Atkinson, Police Chief Kelly Bakken, Utility Accounts Manager Laurie Pudlich, Director of Administrative Services Betsy Bowley, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. The committee approved the December 14, 2023 meeting minutes (Stuber abstained) and recommended City Council approval of three new position descriptions. Consent Calendar - Approved the December 14, 2023 Personnel Committee meeting minutes (motion by Lima, second by Bieran; Stuber abstained). Discussion Items 1. Grants and Housing Program Manager - Assistant City Administrator Rory Atkinson presented the job description for this new position, which will be under his direction. The role involves researching and securing grant funding, overseeing grant processes, and managing the city's affordable housing program. The salary range is low $70s to low $80s (Grade K). Discussion included adjusting the experience requirement: originally requiring five years of grant writing experience, the committee agreed to change it to "preferred but not required" to avoid deterring qualified candidates. The position is funded through the 2025 budget, primarily from affordable housing program funds from a TID closure. Motion by Lima, second by Stuber to recommend approval with the change; motion carried unanimously. 2. Investigations Sergeant - Police Chief Kelly Bakken presented the job description for an internal hire. This sergeant will oversee investigations (investigator and school resource officer), handle internal affairs functions such as use-of-force reviews, and take on-call shifts to relieve patrol sergeants. The salary is Grade N, same as patrol sergeants. The position was funded in the budget and will be filled internally, with the goal of having it filled by January 1, 2025. Motion by Lima, second by Bieran to recommend approval; motion carried unanimously. 3. Utility and Accounting Part-Time Position - Utility Accounts Manager Laurie Pudlich presented the job description. This part-time position (20 hours per week, Grade G: $22.72–$29.21 per hour) will assist with interim utility billing (now over 4,100 accounts), new account setup, auditing, general finance support, payroll, dual controls required by auditors, and front desk coverage. It is part of succession planning for upcoming retirements. Two years of experience in finance, office administration, bookkeeping, or accounting is required. The position was approved in the budget. Motion by Bieran, second by Lima to recommend approval; motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - The committee recommended City Council approval of all three position descriptions (with the minor change to the Grants and Housing Program Manager experience requirement). - The committee plans to convene in the first quarter of 2025 for policy changes to the personnel manual. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 4:25 PM.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. in City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2025 city budget, approval of the budget, consideration of a utility connection waiver, and awarding of an engineering design contract. Citizens raised concerns about a housing development and a nuisance property. Consent Calendar - Approved the appointment of Council Member Susan Rowe to the Altoona Housing Authority Committee and Dale Stuber to the Personnel Committee to fill vacancies. - Approved the minutes of the November 7, 2024 regular council meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident (Otter Creek Landing): The speaker detailed how he lost $35,000 in assessed home value due to the Otter Creek Landing development. He asserted that the developer and city represented the units as owner-occupied twin homes but they have become rentals managed by Riverbend Rentals. He expressed frustration that the city did not disclose the possibility of rentals and that all units are now rented out. He stated his intention to continue raising the issue. - Anonymous Resident (Sheffield) – 819 Harlem Street: The speaker complained about a dilapidated property next door that has not been addressed for five years. He described a confrontation with a community service officer who demanded ID when he asked for a business card. He alleged retaliation from the officer and police regarding dog tags and other issues. He expressed dissatisfaction with the police department and mayor for not responding to his complaints. Police Chief Kelly Bachin responded that the department’s complaint process begins with a lieutenant, and that Lieutenant Kelly attempted to contact the speaker but received no return call. The mayor stated the property is a known concern and promised follow-up. Discussion Items - 2025 City Budget Presentation and Public Hearing: Finance Director Tina Nelson presented the 2025 budget. Key points: 2024 was a revaluation year; residential assessed values increased 13.52% on average, commercial 19.3%. The city’s total levy is $4.8 million, with an equalized mill rate of $5.40 per thousand and assessed mill rate of $5.47 per thousand. For a typical residential property that rose from $320,000 to $363,000, city taxes are flat, and combined with county and school district levies, the overall tax bill decreases by $148 (Altoona School District) or $6.41 (Eau Claire School District). Commercial properties face an increase. No public comments were made during the hearing. - Resolution 11A-24 – 2025 Budget Approval: The council moved to approve the 2025 City of Altoona budget, including the library budget. The motion carried. - Don and Kim Bauer – Utility Connection Waiver Request (503 Bartlett Avenue): The Bauers requested a waiver to avoid connecting to city water and sewer. They were assessed $27,500 five years ago when water/sewer was extended due to the new school, but they were not notified of the requirement to connect. A recent 90-day notice demands connection, with costs estimated between $13,000 and $30,000. They stated their well and septic are new and functional, and they cannot afford the connection. Council members expressed sympathy, noting the city failed to notify them for five years. No motion was made; the council agreed to have staff review possible ordinance changes or a deferral and return with options. - Awarding Engineering Design for 7th Street West Project: The city received two proposals (SEH at $82,100, Ayers at $85,000). Staff recommended SEH. The project includes surveying, design, and LRIP compliance for partial grant funding. The original estimate was $106,000; savings come from city handling construction inspection. Safety improvements for the school zone and crosswalks were noted. The council approved the contract to SEH for $82,100. Key Outcomes - Budget Approved: Resolution 11A-24 approving the 2025 city budget (including library) passed unanimously. - Engineering Design Awarded: The 7th Street West design contract was awarded to SEH for $82,100. - Bauer Connection Waiver Tabled: No immediate decision; staff will research options to modify the ordinance or grant a deferral, considering the city’s five-year oversight. - Council Member Rowe suggested exploring a rental property registration ordinance to hold landlords accountable for property conditions, to be discussed with Police Chief Bachin.

The Altoona Budget Committee met at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall to review the final 2025 proposed budgets and the 2025 mill rate. Mayor Brendan Pratt, Councilmembers Timothy Lima, Matthew Beerin, and Susan Rowe were present; Councilmembers Caitlin Leopold and Dale Stewart were absent. Finance Director Tina Nelson presented the budget materials, and the committee unanimously recommended the final 2025 budget rates to the Common Council. Discussion Items - 2025 Budget and Mill Rate: Nelson reported that the 2025 proposed assessed mill rate is 5.47 and the equalized mill rate is 5.40. The total tax levy for the four tax levy funds is approximately $4.8 million. The committee had previously agreed to keep the average residential property tax bill flat, which allowed an additional $146,560 in levy. - Market Update: The 2024 market update showed residential property values increased by an average of 13.52% and commercial property values increased by 19.03%. The city's assessed value is at 98.63% of equalized value. - Tax Levy Funds: The General Fund budget is $8.5 million with a $3.1 million tax levy. Nelson noted intergovernmental revenues include state shared revenue and the new sales tax distribution; the city received roughly $300,000 more last year and expects about $7,000 more this year, while transportation aid decreased. The Library Fund requested slightly less than the prior year because county revenues increased and some expenses decreased. The Debt Service Fund pays all debt payments; next year's debt payments will drop significantly because the city is paying $4.5 million in tax increment district debt. Capital projects are funded through borrowing, not a capital tax levy. - Tax Increment Districts: TID No. 3 (River Prairie) was created in 2001, has a current value of $392,555,700, and its final revenue collection year is 2025. After paying all debts, the city estimates $5.2 million will be left for distribution to taxing jurisdictions, with the City of Altoona estimated to receive 34.54% (about $1.7 million) in 2026. TID No. 3 covers approximately 29.81% of the city. The city must adopt a resolution before April 15, 2025, to close the TID and extend it for one year to deposit $6.2 million into the new Affordable Housing Fund. - TID No. 4: Current value is $34,942,900. It helped pay $1.5 million for Wells 8 and 9 and the U.S. Highway 12 project. It could close in 2028, two years before its 2029 deadline. - Affordable Housing Fund: The new fund (835) currently has $241,000 and is budgeted to receive $6.2 million from TID No. 3. The budget also funds half of a new full-time position to develop affordable housing programs and support grant writing, with the other half allocated from utilities and the General Fund. - Utilities: The city now has more than 4,000 utility billing accounts. The water utility completed a rate case approved June 17, 2024, with a 7.7% rate of return, and Wells 8 and 9 came online. The sewer utility sends waste to the City of Eau Claire; the 2025 rate will increase 16%, from $523 to $606, and is budgeted without increasing customer sewer rates. Finance Director Nelson said city staff disagree with Eau Claire's rate methodology and have sent a letter; if unresolved, the process moves to manager meetings and then mediation. Members noted the city currently pays for 16% capacity while average flow is about 0.6 million gallons per day against 1.8 million gallons per day of capacity. The stormwater utility's rates have not been raised for some time, and staff will review accounts and rates in 2025 to ensure cost recovery. - Capital Projects and Staffing: The 2025 General Fund capital program remains around $1 million per year for street work. The Seventh Street West reconstruction project totals $789,000, with $205,000 in grant funds; extra savings were shifted to pavement preservation. The budget includes $55,000 for a shade structure and multi-purpose surface at the Container Park, with construction planned for spring. The budget adds a full-time police supervisor position, a full-time affordable housing and grants coordinator, a part-time utility and accounting position, upgrades the building inspector to building official, and uses a 2.5% wage table increase. - Sample Tax Bills: Nelson presented sample bills for properties that increased by the average 13.52%, from $320,000 to $363,000. For the Altoona School District sample, the city's local levy portion stayed flat; the county portion decreased by $139 and other portions decreased, producing an overall decrease of about $148. For a sample in the Eau Claire School District, the overall bill decreased by $6.41. A commercial property sample showed a local levy increase of $96.51 and an overall increase of $89.08. - Finance Committee Member Mark Willer advised that the one-time TID surplus should be used for one-time or revenue-generating investments, and suggested using it to leverage grants and support the Affordable Housing Fund. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to recommend the final 2025 budget and mill rates to the Common Council. - The next step is a public hearing at the Common Council meeting, followed by council adoption of the budget resolution. - The city must adopt a resolution for TID No. 3 closure and the affordable housing fund extension before April 15, 2025. - The city will continue discussions with the City of Eau Claire over the disputed sewer rate methodology. - The meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a public hearing and decision on Galaxy Auto's conditional use permit application, and a training announcement. Consent Calendar - The Plan Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the September 10, 2024 regular Plan Commission meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizens participation period. - The public hearing for the Galaxy Auto conditional use permit was opened; no public testimony was offered, and the petitioner declined to speak. Discussion Items Galaxy Auto Conditional Use Permit - The application, submitted by Jesse Sim of Galaxy Auto, requested a conditional use permit for an automotive dealership on parcel number 1820122709272202038, in a commercial zone off Hastings Way next to KFC. - Planning staff described the proposal as a 3,200-square-foot building with two shop bays, displaying five to fifteen vehicles at a time indoors and outdoors, with primary access from Hastings Way and hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The existing space is vacant and the use is consistent with the surrounding area. - Staff noted the site has approximately 20 parking spaces and explained that the ordinance requires one space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; the 3,200-square-foot building would require about 3.2 spaces, so the proposal greatly exceeds the minimum. A commissioner asked whether the 20 parking spaces included stalls for vehicles being sold; staff confirmed the count refers to outside stalls and excludes indoor space. - Jesse Sim stated that the dealer's license is conditioned on receiving the permit, and once approved, he could submit paperwork and open the doors within a couple of weeks. - Planning staff recommended approval as conditioned. Key Outcomes - A motion to approve the Galaxy Auto conditional use permit with staff's recommended conditions was made, seconded, and carried unanimously by voice vote. - The permit becomes active upon approval. The Plan Commission is the land use authority for conditional use permits, so the matter does not require further Common Council approval. - Planning staff announced that small-group land use and planning training sessions will be scheduled for Plan Commission members in December or January; Doodle poll emails will be sent to arrange informal two-to-three person sessions. - The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.

Altoona, Wisconsin, held its regular City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. on 2024-11-07 (Thursday, November 7, 2024) in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. Councilpersons Timothy Lima, Matthew Beeron, Caitlin Leopold, and Susan Row were present; Councilmembers Dale Stuber and Dylan Green were absent. Staff present included City Administrator Michael Golat, Public Works Director Scott Quick, City Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director Christian Hubert, City Clerk Cindy Bauer (listed as 'Cindy Bower' in the raw transcript), and Attorney Samba Canson. The council approved several agreements and heard reports on tourism, infrastructure, and election administration. Public Comments & Testimony - Randall Walmers, of 2503 Cottagewood Lane, was the only public speaker. He expressed opposition to and frustration with nearby high-density residential projects, saying council decisions directly affect adjacent property owners. He described contesting his property assessment: his home was assessed at $286,000 in 2021, rose to $385,800, then to $431,100 two years later. He cited comparable sales ($356,500 for a house across the street; $389,900 for a house at the bottom of Avery), a Zillow Zestimate of $396,300, and a 4.31% Wisconsin Realtors Association change for Eau Claire County in 2022-23 as documentation. He said the assessor did not accept his arguments, and his final increase was $10,200 rather than $45,300, a $35,000 difference. He also alleged that a two-acre wooded lot near him was clear-cut for development after assurances that the new units would be owner-occupied 'twin homes,' but he said they are now being offered as rentals through Riverbend Property Management with long-term leases and rent credit toward purchase. He said the public was given misleading information and criticized the process: residents receive three minutes at the final meeting, while developers have extensive time with city staff. He referenced earlier discussions at Whitetail and Otter Creek about high-density projects and property values and said those projects remain in place. Department Head and Staff Reports - City Administrator Michael Golat reported that the city and regional partners continue work on a countywide EMS concept; Eau Claire County will advance a resolution to its county board for a more detailed study. He said the city would send a memo to Eau Claire about the methodology behind a 16% increase in sewer rates and is prepared for formal mitigation if needed. - Golat reported that Container Park work was delayed by rain but crews are expected to return early next week, with other units potentially delivered in December. He also said the city is wrapping up its budget, will slow down next year's budget process, and plans to deliver department budgets to council earlier. - Public Works/Engineering staff reported the Public Safety Building is nearly complete and looks good. A Focus on Energy/Xcel Energy lighting walkthrough of City Hall and the library found many old fixtures; rebates are about $20 per fixture from Focus on Energy plus a 75% Xcel grant/match, with an estimated 3-4 year payback for LED upgrades. - The brush site will close next week; next Wednesday and Saturday are the last days of the year. Container Park curb was poured and binder is planned for the parking lot, with the area likely coned off for winter. Binder in front of the police station is scheduled for next week, with surface paving next year. - The city is implementing new water rates and a fire protection fee. The Public Service Commission identified an error in rate implementation dating to 1999, and the city may owe some overcharge amounts back, though disagreements remain about how far back the obligation extends and whether interest is due. Tourism Report from Visit Eau Claire - Kenzie Havlichek from Visit Eau Claire presented the quarterly tourism update. Website performance was strong: Altoona/River Prairie content is up 20% year-over-year, the Altoona day-trip page is up 87.8%, and the River Prairie site is up 13%. - October activity was boosted by Scary Prairie, a new Halloween attraction, which generated more than 250 photo submissions and nearly 1,500 visitors to its page. The Ginormous Pumpkin Festival page drew nearly 50,000 visitors for the year and was promoted through a Travel Wisconsin grant. - VisitEauClaire.com surpassed last year's overall traffic, with annual traffic up 1% year-over-year even without the prior grant funding. The organization's budget was down significantly, in part because a grant-funded $80,000 Eau Claire Marathon marketing campaign was not repeated. - A Scary Prairie TikTok had more than 100,000 views, about 5,000 likes, and roughly 700 shares. Influencers at the Ginormous Pumpkin Festival featured 44 North. Paid Facebook ads for Altoona content produced 20,000 impressions/400 clicks for River Prairie things to do, 137,000 impressions/1,100 clicks for Altoona day-trip content, and 40,000 impressions/900 clicks for Scary Prairie. Top partner referrals included 44 North, The Fish House, Cowboy Jacks, and Helix. - Upcoming work includes promoting The Yard and year two of a Travel Wisconsin winter grant. - City Administrator Golat added that the City of Eau Claire has asked for the same percentage of city-directed tourism spending as Altoona, which would require an additional $300,000 and, he said, threaten Visit Eau Claire's operations 'to an existential level.' He said the City of Eau Claire could form its own commission and contract with Visit Eau Claire for as little as $50,000 a year; Visit Eau Claire's overall budget is about $2.2 million. Altoona offered to reduce its own city-directed amount to match Eau Claire's 30%, at about $25,000 ($15,000 net because $10,000 is marketing), to preserve the relationship. He noted Visit Eau Claire has increased regional room taxes by 42% in the last five years. Discussion Items - Reciprocal Conduit Lease Agreement (TDS Metrocom, LLC): Staff explained that earlier approval involved several versions of the agreement that were not aligned. The amended version adds a termination clause allowing Altoona or Eau Claire to terminate if their engineering departments determine the River Prairie Drive Bridge can no longer accommodate the vacant bridge conduit without interfering with its primary purpose, with nine months' notice. It also adds a bridge maintenance/operations provision requiring sufficient notice before work on the conduit to avoid interrupting operations. Staff recommended approval. - Access Agreement with Beth & Tory Luck: Staff said an Otter Creek outfall south of the Winter Forest subdivision had failed: the bank washed back and two sections of 36-inch concrete pipe dropped off the end wall. The city needed to repair it before winter, but its existing easement route was very steep. The proposed agreement with Luck gives the city access across their parcel, limits vegetation clearing, requires restoration and erosion control, and retains a graded access down the steepest part of the hill, which benefits the Luck property. Trees felled during construction would be removed. Staff described it as mutually beneficial. - Haas Inc. Storm Sewer Outfall Repair Proposal: Staff reviewed a time-and-materials proposal with a not-to-exceed amount of $62,370.50 and said they hoped the final cost would come in lower. The work includes clearing an angled access route down the hill, rebuilding the outfall, using locally available clean fill where possible, and riprapping the bank to protect it from future river damage. The river had previously displaced two or three sections of 36-inch concrete pipe. Staff consulted DNR's Michelle Asher; the city will document the work, follow standard erosion control practices, and submit a report. The riprap will be limited to less than 100 linear feet to stay under the DNR's special permitting threshold. Staff also said the failure showed the city should inspect every outfall at least once a year. Election Administration Update - City Clerk Cindy Bauer and Mayor Pratt thanked poll workers for the election. The clerk reported about 5,500 registered voters in Altoona and an estimated 7,200 voting-age residents, with at least 70-80% estimated turnout. She processed about 2,799 absentee ballots, compared with about 2,500 four years ago, and there were about 552-553 same-day registrations on the last day. The last ballot was cast at about 9:15 p.m., after the 8:00 p.m. deadline, because voters were already in line. The clerk praised Badger Books electronic registration and the two tabulators; one ballot jam caused a ten-minute delay. She hopes to request two more electronic voting machines in the 2026 budget, costing about $8,000-$9,000 for the two with software. She also said total turnout for the presidential election appeared to be down significantly from four years ago, possibly by around 14% by her recollection, though she cautioned against quoting that figure. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the October 10, 2024 regular City Council meeting. - Approved the revised Reciprocal Conduit Lease Agreement among TDS Metrocom, LLC, the City of Altoona, and the City of Eau Claire. - Approved the access agreement with Beth & Tory Luck relating to parcel 201103310090. - Approved Haas Inc.'s storm sewer outfall repair proposal at a not-to-exceed amount of $62,370.50, using funds from the stormwater budget/reserves, and authorized the mayor to sign. - Received the Visit Eau Claire tourism report; no formal action was taken on the Visit Eau Claire/Eau Claire funding dispute. - Adjourned at approximately 6:42 p.m.

The Budget Committee met at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. Mayor Brendan Pratt called the meeting to order; committee members reviewed the second draft of the 2025 General Fund budget and TIF/TID budget projections. Staff reported that a balanced 2025 budget had been achieved only after all departments made cuts, and final tax-bill figures were deferred until state worksheets and credits become available. Roll Call and Attendance - Present: Mayor Brendan Pratt; Councilpersons Dale Stuber, Matthew Beeran, and Susan Rowe; Finance Committee member Mark Willer. Staff included Police Chief Kelly Bach, Fire Chief Mark Renderman, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, City Clerk Cindy Bowers, and Parks and Recreation Director Chad Durka. - The agenda lists the City Clerk as Cindy Bauer; the transcript refers to Cindy Bowers. Absent from the roll call: Councilpersons Timothy Lima, Dylan Green, and Caitlin Leopold. Discussion Items - 2025 General Fund budget: Tina, who led the budget presentation, called it her most challenging budget. An earlier draft would have used $450,000 from fund balance, above the normal $400,000; after a day of department-head cuts, the budget was balanced without that higher draw. A proposed $150,000 General Fund transfer into TID 4 was not included. - Positions: Eight full-time positions were requested, but only two full-time positions were included in the budget: one police supervisor position and one grant-funded affordable-housing position. The affordable-housing position will be paid primarily by the affordable-housing fund and utilities, with minimal General Fund cost. Police Chief Kelly Bach said her 2025 budget increased 1.15% and that she funded most of the supervisor through cuts, including building, part-time staffing, and equipment accounts. She said the supervisor was needed because the city’s growth has not been matched by staffing, and after losing a longtime detective. The budget also includes reclassifying the building inspector to building official, part-time utility help, and additional part-time parks help. - Police and fire: Fire Chief Mark Renderman said the fire department received no new positions despite rising call volume. He said calls for service were about 1,000 per year seven years ago and are estimated at just under 1,700 this year, with more expected next year. The 2025 EMS contract with the City of Eau Claire is projected to increase by $38,000. The city is awaiting a fire/EMS operations study and is considering regional EMS innovation and planning grants. - Transit: A proposed expansion of Altoona bus service was estimated at $197,000, compared with the current budgeted amount of $116,000. The expansion was cut from the 2025 budget; the existing route will continue at $116,000. Work is underway with Eau Claire Transit to study more efficient routes, first/last-mile connections, and microtransit options. - Mill rate and revenues: The preliminary proposal assumes a 3.15% property tax levy increase, an equalized mill rate of 5.40, and an assessed mill rate of 5.47. The city projects only $146,000 more in local tax revenue than last year, and transportation aids decreased slightly. After revaluation, the city is assessed at 98.63% of fair market value, which staff said supports a fairer levy. - TIF/TID budgets: The agenda listed TIF 2, 3, and 4, but TIF 2 was previously closed with $239,000 distributed. TIF 3, created December 13, 2001, is in its final year; staff plan to close it early and keep it open one additional year to capture an estimated $6.3 million in one-year increment for an affordable-housing fund, with 70% required for affordable housing and 30% for general housing support. About $5 million remaining at closure would be distributed among taxing jurisdictions. TIF 4, near the manufacturing area, helped pay $1.5 million for wells 7, 8, and 9, is projected to generate about $600,000 in increment, and may close in 2028 with roughly $1.7 million remaining. - Future planning: Councilperson Matthew Beeran asked how the city will address future staffing needs and retirements; staff acknowledged that succession planning is needed and said the discussion should begin early in 2025. Miscellaneous Business and Communications - Officials reported very high in-person absentee turnout for the upcoming election, with lines wrapping through City Hall. - The container park project will have its five core units set in the next week, with a possible April or May opening. - The next regular council meeting is November 7, 2024; the next budget meeting, followed by the council meeting and budget hearing, is scheduled for November 21, 2024. Key Outcomes - The committee received a balanced 2025 General Fund budget; no formal motion or vote is reflected in the transcript. - Final tax-bill estimates, including the state TIF worksheet, school levy credit, lottery credit, and first-dollar credit, will be presented at the November 21 meeting. - A statutory budget notice will be published, and the line-by-line budget book will be posted online. - The current bus route is retained for 2025; the proposed route expansion was not funded. - TIF 3 closure and one-year extension resolutions will need council adoption before April 15, 2025.

The Altoona City Council met Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. The council approved routine consent items and contract amendments, held a public hearing on a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development affordable-housing grant application, and received brief department updates. No public comments were made. The meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Reports - Mayor Brendan Pratt called the meeting to order; the pledge of allegiance was recited. Mayor Pratt and Councilpersons Dale Stuber, Timothy Lima, Matthew Beeron, Caitlin Leopold, and Susan Rowe were present. Councilperson Dylan Green was absent. A quorum was present. - Officials reported on the pumpkin weigh-off: several pumpkins over 2,000 pounds were weighed, including a state record of 2,551 pounds. Other updates covered container park delivery, a meeting with an adjacent property owner, the public safety building project, and an upcoming fire operations study update. Consent Calendar - Approved the 2025 special charge for recycling. - Approved amending the premise description on the Class B combination liquor and beer license for Rolly’s Coach Club, 2239 Spooner Avenue, to allow a designated parking-lot area on October 19, 2024, for the Ram Hockey Fundraiser. Public Comments & Testimony - No residents spoke during the citizens participation period, and the council closed it by motion. - No public comments were submitted at the public hearing on the HUD housing grant application. The 15-day public comment period had been posted on September 30 and was scheduled to end on Monday, October 14; the application is to be submitted Tuesday, October 15. Discussion Items - HUD Housing Grant Application: Administration explained the city is applying for a HUD grant for affordable housing. The public hearing fulfilled the application requirement; no comments were received, and the hearing was closed. - SEH Contract Amendment: Staff recommended approval of an amended services contract, noting the project had become more complicated and time-consuming than originally scoped. Discussion referenced a combined $62,000 surplus between related projects and a $28,000 contingency. - Containers Up Additional Services: Staff requested approval of $50,000 in additional services for the container park project to construct and crane-place two second-story seating units, including insulation and sheeting required by energy code because the units will be heated. Staff said the original change order was $80,000, the vendor reduced it to $50,000, and a second quote was comparable. The council approved the request. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the September 26, 2024, regular council meeting, with Councilperson Rowe abstaining. - Approved the consent agenda, including the 2025 recycling special charge and the Rolly’s Coach Club license amendment. - Closed the HUD grant public hearing; no comments had been received. - Approved the SEH contract for services amendment. - Approved $50,000 in additional services by Containers Up for the container park project. - The next regular council meeting will be held Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., preceded by a budget meeting at 4:30 p.m.; it will not be held on October 24. - Meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m.

The Altoona Common Council met on October 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM in the City Council Chambers to review the proposed 2025 budgets for the library and the general fund. Key discussions included revenue and expenditure projections, property assessment changes, and guidance on the desired tax levy increase. No public comments were heard. Discussion Items Library Budget (2025) – Library Director Olivia Morse presented the proposed budget. The library is requesting $387,000 from the city, a $6,000 decrease from the 2024 request, despite an overall budget increase from $818,182 to $862,000. The difference is covered by higher county aid, reduced insurance costs, and line-item savings. Highlights include a 2.5% wage increase for part-time clerks, a step increase for full-time staff (with the wage scale also moving 2.5% per CPI-U), a $9,000 increase for print collections, and a $10,000 increase for programming. The library did not receive a Flexible Facilities Grant, but will make interior changes without grant funding. Summer reading program participation reached 122 teenagers and 829 children (a record for children). General Fund Budget & Tax Levy Guidance – Finance Director Tina Nelson provided an overview of the 2025 budget process, identifying known expense increases: 2.5% wage/step increases ($144,000 across all funds), health insurance capped at 8% ($87,000), police union wages ($55,000), state retirement rate increases ($10,000), and the Eau Claire fire agreement increase ($32,000). Revenue changes include $29,000 more in shared revenue, $30,000 more in room tax, $17,974 in personal property tax replacement aid, $6,900 in supplemental aid, and a $20,000 decrease in transportation aids. The city's assessed values increased 17.15% overall (residential 13.52%, commercial 19.03%) after Board of Review adjustments, but the equalized value change is tempered by a prior-year correction. Nelson presented scenarios based on different levy increase percentages, showing the impact on an average $320,000 property's city tax portion. At a flat levy (0% increase), residential taxes would decrease $61 and commercial increase $31; at 2.5% increase, residential down $31, commercial up $63; at 3.2% (state DOR expenditure restraint guideline), residential down $23, commercial up $71; at 3.28%, residential flat on average ($0 change), commercial up $72. Council members debated the fairness and communication challenges, with many leaning toward the 3.28% increase to keep residential tax bills flat on average. Councilperson Caitlin Leopold expressed comfort with either 3.2% or 3.28%. Councilperson Timothy Lima noted the difficulty of predicting future market conditions and emphasized the need to fund known costs. Budget Process Timing – Councilperson Bill asked why departmental budgets are finalized so late, noting pressure to make last-minute decisions. Staff acknowledged the issue, citing the new ClearGov software learning curve and the August release of CPI and health insurance numbers. City Administrator Roy Atkinson and Mayor Brendan Pratt committed to improving the timeline for the next budget cycle. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to use a 3.28% total levy increase as the working target for the 2025 budget, which would keep residential property taxes flat on average compared to the prior year. - The next budget meeting is scheduled for October 30, 2024, to review the general fund, TIF districts 3 and 4, and refine numbers after receiving the final equalized assessment and manufacturing values. - The budget hearing and council adoption will occur on November 21, 2024. - Staff will provide updated capital budget links (ClearGov) to council members for easier access.