Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Altoona Plan Commission met Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, Wisconsin. Present were Chairperson Matt Beerin and commissioners Nicholas Haug, Dean Roth, and Bill Hapner; Ryan Looty and Sue Roe were absent. Mayor Brendan Pratt recused himself. Planning Director Taylor Greenwald and City Clerk Cindy Bauer were also present. The commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended Common Council approval of a 30-lot preliminary plat for The Villas at 1710 Whitetail Way. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the August 4, 2026 regular Plan Commission meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Dean Roth, seconded by Bill Hapner. - The Citizens Participation Period was closed with no public comments by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period. - No testimony was offered during the public hearing for The Villas preliminary plat; the hearing was closed unanimously. Discussion Items - The Villas Preliminary Plat (1710 Whitetail Way, parcel 1820122708193402003): Planning Director Taylor Greenwald presented the application submitted by Jeff Stockburger. The 3.4-acre site is Lot Four within the previously approved White Tail Woods subdivision, zoned R3. Five apartment buildings on the site are already permitted and under construction (two fully built), with approved site plans and environmental review from the original subdivision approval. Because all five buildings currently sit on one lot, the units can only be rented; the preliminary plat would create zero lot lines for individual units so they can be sold. Staff stated the proposal complies with the 2022 Comprehensive Plan (neighborhood type A), requires no additional environmental review or parkland dedication, and does not change the approved site plan. An updated design adds a walking path around the wetland area. The plat is the first step in the entitlement process, to be followed by a final plat and development agreement. - Commissioners discussed the status of construction and described the units as senior-friendly with appropriate amenities. One commissioner expressed full support, stating he was "definitely in favor of this" because it "just makes sense" to modify the lot lines, and another praised the development as looking beautiful and well done. Parks Plan Update - Staff reported that the Parks Plan update has been initiated and the community survey is live from September 9 through the end of November. The survey link will be shared with commissioners and promoted on the city's website and social media. Key Outcomes - The commission closed the public hearing with no testimony. - The commission unanimously recommended approval of The Villas 30-lot preliminary plat to the Common Council with the conditions in the staff report; the item will be considered at the September 10, 2026 Council Meeting. - The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, the Personnel Committee met to discuss the reclassification of the City Clerk position and future committee scheduling. Members present: Mayor Brandon Pratt, Tim Lyman, Matthew Beeren, Terry Magnuson, Dion Sensala. Absent: Bruce Thielen. Staff present: City Administrator Michael Golat, Assistant City Administrator Roy Atkinson, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. A quorum was confirmed. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the December 18, 2025 Personnel Committee meeting minutes. Discussion Items - Reclassification of City Clerk Position: City Administrator Golat presented a proposal to reclassify the City Clerk position from exempt Grade J (salary range $67,184 – $86,382) to exempt Grade L (salary range $78,499 – $100,921). The recommendation was based on a market analysis conducted by Cottingham & Butler, considering organizational size, responsibilities, and comparable municipal functions. Golat highlighted the critical role of the City Clerk as the statutory keeper of records, election officer, and key administrative support. Clerk Cindy Bauer, who is retiring on November 30, 2026, was commended for her years of service. The position will be posted statewide with an external search; internal candidates may also apply. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend Reclassification: The committee voted unanimously to recommend to the Common Council that the City Clerk position be reclassified from exempt Grade J to exempt Grade L on the city compensation schedule, effective the start date of the next City Clerk employee. Motion by Lyman, seconded by another member. - Future Personnel Committee Meeting: Scheduled for September 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM to discuss the Assistant City Administrator position, changes to the personnel manual (including accident policy, travel time, vehicle use, and travel reimbursement), and other matters. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:13 PM.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered a quarterly strategic planning update, approval of a stormwater rate study with rate increases and a new rate structure, a public hearing and ordinance amendments related to zoning, subdivision standards, and wellhead protection, endorsement of a regional outdoor recreation plan, and adoption of a revised public nuisance ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approved a Combination "Class B" Retailers License for L&M Mrotek LLC, DBA Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant, with Liliana Mrotek as agent, effective September 1, 2026. - A proclamation recognizing the Altoona Ski Sprites as Division 2 National Show Ski Tournament Champions was postponed to the next meeting to allow the group to be present. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period, which was closed unanimously. Discussion Items - Quarterly Strategic Planning Update: City Administrator Michael Golott presented progress on management initiatives aligned with the city’s strategic goals, including downtown revitalization, marketing of industrial parcels, park programming, technology upgrades (email transition to Microsoft 365), workforce retention, and major road projects such as Spooner Avenue. The update was informational; no action taken. - Stormwater Rate Study: Christine DeMaster of Trilogy Consulting presented a rate study recommending phased rate increases (2027–2030) and a shift to a rate structure based on Equivalent Runoff Units (ERUs) using measured impervious area. Two alternatives were considered: Alternative 1 included folding curb and gutter replacement costs into the utility (reducing special assessments by 10%), while Alternative 2 did not. After discussion on equity and administration, council approved Alternative 1 by a roll call vote of 4–1 (Stuber opposed). Quarterly rates for single-family homes would rise from $9 to $13.44 in 2027, reaching $21.05 by 2030 under Alternative 1; the existing credit policy would be eliminated. - Public Hearing and Ordinance 8B-26 (Zoning & Wellhead Protection Amendments): A public hearing was held and closed with no public comment. Ordinance 8B-26 was then approved, amending Chapters 19.02 (Zoning Districts – Wellhead Protection Relocation), 19.08 (Subdivision Standards – ETJ Land Division Exceptions), and Title 13 (Water & Sewers – Wellhead Protection Standards). The ETJ change removes a third-party agreement requirement for land divisions, allowing limited subdivisions in already-divided areas. - Resolution 8A-26 (Western Wisconsin Urban Outdoor Recreation Plan): Council endorsed the plan, which aims to promote regional outdoor recreation, tourism, and collaboration among jurisdictions. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Ordinance 8C-26 (Public Nuisances): Police Chief Kelly Bachin presented a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 8.24, adding sections on chronic nuisance landlords, exterior property maintenance, urination in public, and a clear abatement process. The ordinance allows citation of owners or tenants and provides a courtesy notice and violation process. Approved unanimously after noting a minor numbering error to be corrected during codification. Key Outcomes - Stormwater Rate Increase (Alternative 1) approved 4–1, implementing phased increases from 2027–2030 and a new ERU-based rate structure with elimination of the current credit policy. - Ordinance 8B-26 approved (zoning and wellhead protection amendments). - Resolution 8A-26 approved (endorsement of Western Wisconsin Urban Outdoor Recreation Plan). - Ordinance 8C-26 approved (revised public nuisance ordinance). - The proclamation for Ski Sprites was postponed to the next regular meeting.

The Altoona Budget Committee convened on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Brendan Pratt called the meeting to order with a roll call of members and staff. The agenda focused on the budget process overview, the proposed 2027–2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and a review of 2027 debt service implications. Finance Director Tina Nelson led the presentation, supported by City Administrator Mike Golott and financial consultant Sean Ellers of Ellers Associates. Budget Process Overview & Schedule - Finance Director Nelson reviewed the budget timeline. Final adoption is scheduled for December 3, 2026, later than usual due to the release of state credits on November 21. - Enterprise fund (water, sewer, stormwater) budgets are scheduled for September, followed by the library and general fund budgets in October. A final draft of the general fund budget and consideration of TIF 4 and the affordable housing fund will occur in November. - Staff are operating under direction to tightly control operating expenses because the city's net new construction growth allowed for a levy limit increase of only 1.57% for 2026. Financial Position & Fund Balances - The committee reviewed the five strategic priorities guiding the budget: community growth, financial strength, infrastructure and facilities, workforce retention, and technology optimization. - City growth was highlighted as a strength. Equalized valuation rose from $535.8 million in 2015 to $1.43 billion in 2026, a 167.68% increase, though growth slowed to approximately 3% this year. - Fund Balances: The Tax Stabilization fund holds $4.9 million. The city's policy targets a 30% reserve of general fund revenues and expenses (approximately $2.6 million), leaving roughly $2.2 million available. The closure of TID 3 contributed $1.6 million to the unassigned general fund balance and adds approximately $600,000 annually to the tax base. - Discussion included the classification of the general fund balance from TID 3 closure as a one-time settlement, not an ongoing revenue source. 2027–2028 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) - Fire Apparatus ($3M placeholder): The CIP includes $1.8 million for a ladder truck and $1.2 million for a pumper. The Capital Budget Committee recommended authorizing staff to explore flexible purchasing options, such as demo units or used equipment, to potentially save money and stagger the replacement life cycles of the two trucks. - Water and Sewer Utilities: A new well project is planned with $1 million in new borrowing and $600,000 from the water fund balance. The city is also planning ongoing well rehabilitation and lift station component replacements. - Parks and Yard Facilities: $40,000 is budgeted for roof replacements at the Hob Nob/yard facilities. - Forestry: $20,000 was allocated over the two-year period, and staff noted an urban forestry grant will be pursued in the next cycle for a tree inventory and plan. - Street Reconstruction: The city allocates approximately $1 million annually to reconstruction. Several councilmembers stressed that the current CIP prioritizes streets where utility coordination is needed, sometimes at the expense of streets in critically poor condition (specifically citing El Tuna Avenue, Sherwin Avenue, and the Country Club area north of Valmont Avenue). Councilmembers urged staff to "take a closer look" at reprioritizing these highly deteriorated segments. City Engineer Christian Hupert noted that coordination with galvanized service replacements was a significant factor in the current sequencing. Staff committed to reviewing the priority list. Debt Service & Financial Modeling - Sean Ellers (Ellers Associates) described the preliminary financing model. He stated that because of the city's strong financial planning, growth, and successful tax increment district closure, the city can issue new debt for the CIP to "wrap around" its existing debt. This strategy keeps the total debt service levy and mill rate approximately level with current projections. - The city's current equalized mill rate is approximately $5.00 per $1,000 of value. This is consistent with peer communities in western Wisconsin (New Richmond is identical; Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire are higher; River Falls is slightly lower). - Borrowing capacity is not a present constraint. The city remains well under the state-imposed 5% equalized value debt limit. A major legacy project, such as a combined community building costing $20–25 million, would be required to significantly challenge this capacity. Key Outcomes - The committee reviewed and forwarded the proposed 2027–2028 Capital Improvement Plan for further consideration, with the understanding that the fire truck procurement strategy and street reconstruction prioritization require refinement. - Staff were directed to re-evaluate the street reconstruction capital plan with greater emphasis on pavement condition. - The budget adoption timeline was confirmed, with the final budget scheduled for adoption on December 3, 2026. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

The City of Altoona, Wisconsin, Board of Review met at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue. With five members present, the board confirmed its noticing and training requirements, received the assessor's annual report on the 2026 market reevaluation (intermarket update), reviewed the assessment roll and performed its statutory duties, and handled 131 property assessment changes. No taxpayer petitions or objections were filed, no additional Board of Review dates were scheduled, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM. Administrative Confirmations - Roll call established a quorum: Chairman Matthew Beeran, Vice-Chairperson Susan Rowe, and members Dale Stuber, Bruce Thielen, and Susie Zilmer were present; Mayor Brendan Bratt and Councilperson Timothy Lima were absent. Attorney Samba Kanson, City Clerk Cindy Bauer (Board Secretary), Deputy Clerk Julie Oliver, and Assessor Megan Bickford of Accurate Appraisal also attended. - The clerk verified that open book and Board of Review notices were posted and published on April 24, 2026, and remained on the city website and at the library, City Hall, and the post office. - The board confirmed that Chapter 2.44.020 of the city ordinance provides for confidentiality of income and expense information. - Chairman Beeran and Vice-Chairperson Rowe were confirmed in their roles, having been appointed at the May 28, 2026, initial Board of Review meeting. - Training requirements were verified: Susie Zilmer, Dale Stuber, Clerk Cindy Bauer, and Deputy Clerk Julie Oliver attended Board of Review training on April 18, 2026. The clerk noted that at least one member must be certified each year and that certifications run on a two-year cycle. - The assessment roll and assessor's affidavit were received from Megan Bickford, who was sworn in as assessor after already signing the official oath. Public Comments & Testimony - No petitioners appeared before the board, and no objections or notices of intent to object were filed. - A board member relayed constituent concerns from the Otter Creek Trail area: residents reported their land values had more than doubled in one year, while a neighbor with a similarly sized lot, purchased when the subdivision was built, was assessed much less. The member noted the constituents had already spoken with the assessor. The chairman added that a citizen had raised the same issue at a prior meeting and expressed appreciation that it had been addressed. Discussion Items - Assessor Megan Bickford presented the annual assessment report for the 2026 market reevaluation (intermarket update): - Residential property values increased by an average of 11.26%; commercial property values changed by about 8.36%. - Land values were reassessed, with many parcels seeing roughly a 20% increase in land value. - Assessors visited 56 parcels, reviewed 1,955 building permits, and analyzed 255 sales, of which 151 were usable (parent-to-child, death-related, and similar transactions were excluded). - There were 31 open book appointments, 145 residential interactions, and 42 commercial interactions. - Bickford stated that 2027 will be a maintenance year, with values rolled over unless a property change (such as a building permit) occurs. - Land valuation methodology: Bickford explained that land adjustments were based on vacant land sales and sales of improved properties. Market analysis indicated buyers are paying for location, so value was shifted to the land, with the most affected neighborhoods seeing increases from about $2 per square foot to up to $6 per square foot. Standardized pricing structures were implemented to make land valuation more consistent and equitable across the community. - Otter Creek Trail influences: Bickford said some lots previously carried positive influences (e.g., views, valued at up to 35% higher) and others carried negative influences (e.g., steep yards). The reassessment removed those influences and equalized all lots in that community at $6.25 per square foot, with one lot over an acre receiving a negative influence. She stated this explains why some owners saw much larger increases while others saw little change. - Roll corrections: 18 omitted property values were added to the roll, resulting from an error that failed to include second-floor square footage on some new townhouses. Jason Gripenchrop was informed of the value missed in 2025 and is expected to pay it this year. No corrections of error were certified under Wis. Stat. sec. 70.43. - Assessment changes: 112 parcels were changed before open book notices went out on July 27, 2026; 19 additional changes were made after the open book period with signed waivers, for a total of 131 parcels changed. Per the assessor, none of the changes were increases. The clerk confirmed that all open book changes were included in the assessment roll. Key Outcomes - The board reviewed the assessment roll, confirmed that open book changes were included, and completed its statutory duties without formal objections. - The board determined that no additional Board of Review dates were needed. - A motion to adjourn was made by Dale Stuber, seconded, and carried on a voice vote at approximately 7:00 PM (the agenda notes that roll call votes are required for Board decisions).

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided with Councilpersons Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Matthew Beeron, Susie Zilmer, and Susan Rowe present; Bruce Thielen was absent. The meeting covered a range of topics including future facility planning, the 80-acre property, a new goat-keeping ordinance, and a closed session for police union negotiations. Reports & Presentations - National Night Out: Police Chief Kelly Bachen reported on the August 4 event, which saw over 1,000 hot dogs served, indicating very good attendance. - Flock License Plate Readers (LPRs): Chief Bachen provided an extensive update in response to public concerns. She stated that the city has 11 LPR cameras (7 city-owned, 4 from the school district) with annual costs of about $3,000 per Flock camera. Data is stored for 30 days and used only for law enforcement purposes. Due to customer service issues and cost, the city is switching from Flock to Vercata cameras, which does not have a nationwide sharing system, giving the city more control. She reported that before cameras, retail theft solve rates were 85%; after cameras, solve rates rose to 92%, despite a 46% increase in retail thefts. - City Administrator Mike Golot: Noted new sculptures in River Prairie Park via artist Bill Henry Walker, a stormwater rate study to be presented soon, and a positive economic development breakfast where Altoona was praised for resilience and collaboration. - City Clerk Cindy Bauer: Announced that Altoona’s population has exceeded 10,000, with approximately 7,400 voting-age residents. The August 11 election had 2,016 voters (37% turnout) and received positive observer feedback. - Public Works Director Scott Quick: Reported that a review of water infrastructure showed the city is secure from hacks, as its PLCs are not internet-facing and use multi-factor authentication. Discussion Items Future City Facilities CIP Discussion - Council discussed long-term capital improvement needs, including police/fire facilities, library expansion, and the potential purchase of the former Eau Claire County Agricultural Resource Center ("egg building"). The space needs analysis from 2021 identified deficiencies in all city facilities. The city has already made $32 million in improvements since then, but significant needs remain. - Fire Department: The old public works building now serving as the fire station is serviceable but has issues like poor floor drainage (estimated $50,000 fix) and lacks a training room. The city has budgeted for land acquisition for a new fire station near the trailer park, and council expressed support for moving forward with that purchase. - Library: Staff have real needs for more space and modernization. The city is waiting for grant opportunities; a prior application fell short. Options include a capital campaign, referendum, or waiting for future grants. Council discussed renovating the existing library or relocating city hall to the egg building and expanding the library into the current city hall space. A tour of the egg building was suggested. - 10th Street Park: The concession and bathroom building (from the early 1960s) is in poor condition. A new facility is estimated at $400,000–$500,000. Council debated whether that or new field lights (similar cost) should be prioritized. A tour of facilities was proposed. 80-Acre Property Update - The city acquired this property near Highway 12 for future expansion. Original plans for mixed-use development with affordable housing failed due to high infrastructure costs ($11–12 million) and rising construction costs (10–15% per year). Negotiations with developer Cody Um did not work out without significant subsidy. The administration proposed shifting to light industrial/commercial use, citing the city’s lack of such zoned land and the property’s strategic location. Council was open to this direction, noting it could generate higher tax revenue. A comp plan amendment and rezone (currently R1) would be required. The city will gather more information from experts like Jeff Hallowin. Ordinance 8A-26: Temporary Keeping of Goats - The ordinance amends Title 6 to allow temporary goat rentals for vegetation control on private property, with a permit process through the police department. Permits are for up to 30 days, maximum twice per year. The ordinance also updates ADA language in existing animal code. Council approved unanimously. Fairway Park Playground Contract - The Park and Recreation Department issued an RFP; six companies submitted nine designs. The Park and Rec Committee recommended Northland Recreation’s Little Tikes commercial playground. Council approved the contract for $119,960. Closed Session – Police Union Negotiations - Council convened in closed session at 8:07 PM under Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(e) to discuss police union negotiations. Reopened at 8:20 PM. Council approved a two-year contract with 3% salary increases each year and other administrative changes, which had been ratified by the police union. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the July 23, 2026 regular meeting. - Approved award of Fairway Park playground contract (motion carried). - Approved Ordinance 8A-26 regarding temporary keeping of goats (unanimous). - Approved police union contract (two-year, 3% annual increases) (unanimous). - Directed administration to proceed with purchasing land for future fire station. - Directed further research on 80-acre property for light industrial use, including potential comp plan amendment and rezone. - Scheduled tours of 10th Street Park and the egg building to inform future decisions.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The Commission addressed amendments to Title 19 of the Municipal Code, covering the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) lot division rules and the relocation of the Wellhead Protection District, ultimately recommending approval to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 14, 2026 Minutes: Motion by Member Sue Roll, seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-2, with Members Dean Roth and Matthew Beeron abstaining. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments during the Citizens Participation Period. Discussion Items Title 19 Zoning Amendments - ETJ Subdivision Exemption Restructuring: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented an amendment to restructure exemptions from the 10-acre minimum lot size in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The City previously used third-party agreements to allow smaller lot splits (often for estate planning), but the Wisconsin Counties Association cited this practice in case law as impermissible contingent approvals, using Altoona's ordinance as an example. The amendment removes the third-party agreement mechanism and instead permits lot splits in already subdivided neighborhoods (e.g., Red Pine) if the new lots are of a similar size to surrounding lots and no more than four lots are created. - Commission Discussion (ETJ): Commissioner Dean Roth expressed concern that the cumulative (\"and\") criteria for the new exemption would prevent its application to many of the rural estate-planning cases the Commission had historically handled. Greenwell acknowledged this limitation, describing the strict criteria as \"partially by design\" to manage growth pressure and legal exposure. He noted the City was \"trying to be a good neighbor\" and was disappointed its ordinance was singled out. - Wellhead Protection District Relocation: Greenwell explained the second amendment moves the Wellhead Protection Overlay District regulations from Title 19 (Zoning) to Title 13 (Water) for administrative efficiency, allowing the City Engineer to manage updates without requiring DNR review. No substantive regulatory changes were made. Key Outcomes - Recommendation to Common Council: The Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of both Title 19 amendments to the Common Council for its August 27, 2026, meeting. - Parks System Plan Update: Greenwell announced the launch of a new Parks Plan update process. A community survey will be available from late August through November 2026 to gather public input on park amenities and priorities.

The Altoona Common Council met Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. Council President Matthew Beer presided in the absence of Mayor Brendan Pratt. The council approved the prior meeting minutes, heard staff reports, held a public hearing on a zoning reorganization, approved Ordinance 7B-26, approved a condominium plat, met in closed session on litigation and a possible property sale, and adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - The Citizens Participation Period was opened for items not on the agenda; no public comment was offered, and the council closed the period by voice vote. - At the scheduled 6:00 p.m. public hearing on the zoning reorganization, no one from the public testified, and the hearing was closed by voice vote. Reports & Discussion Items - City Administrator Michael Golott reported that the capital budget process is ongoing and a subcommittee will meet soon. He noted the capital budget has remained at $2 million for about eight years, split 50% streets and 50% other items; the enterprise fleet now consumes about $400,000 annually, leaving about $600,000 for everything else, and one parks project alone is $125,000. He said department heads were asked to prepare a status-quo operations budget with no requests for additional staff. - A council member asked how police and EMS personnel were coping after recent incidents. Staff reported two traffic fatalities in the past month and a half, another non-traffic fatality, and a fire; support services had been provided and staff were reportedly doing well. - A council member expressed questions about Flock license-plate-reader and surveillance cameras and asked that Kelly present a detailed pros-and-cons briefing to the council. Staff noted public concerns, reported breaches, operational costs and license requirements, and the cameras' value as a law-enforcement tool. - Parks and recreation updates included progress at Highland Park, new roads and pickleball courts, an upcoming open house/ribbon cutting, progress on the disc golf course, and a planned community meeting regarding the proposed Saxon Wood/Windsor Forest project at the Fish House from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - In miscellaneous business, a council member asked about City of Eau Claire lots being sold to Habitat for Humanity near Mayo Hospital; staff said the effort is in the works and estimated roughly ten infill homes over five years. Public Hearing & New Business - Zoning Reorganization: The public hearing considered amending Title 19 "Zoning" by removing Section 19.04.08 to Title 18 "Reserved" and renaming Title 18 "Environmental & Natural Resources." Staff explained that the environmental chapter is being made a stand-alone title to facilitate DNR approvals and improve formatting and cross-references. The content is about 95% the same; changes include formatting fixes, updated procedures, and DNR-recommended shoreline-wetland revisions. - Ordinance 7B-26: The council approved the ordinance making the zoning reorganization official. The Plan Commission discussed it on July 14, 2026. The motion carried by voice vote with no opposition. - Condominium Plat – 1485 Front Porch Place (Parcel 1820122709153109027): Staff described this as a two-lot condominium plat for the 44 North/River Prairie mixed-use building. No changes would be made to the building, residential units would not be touched, and the commercial space would have a tenant improvement for a future health clinic, according to the owner. The plat would allow the residential and commercial spaces to be sold separately. The Plan Commission recommended approval, and staff and bankers recommended approval. The council approved the plat by voice vote; the approval authorized only the condominium division, not any particular business occupant. Closed Session - The council unanimously voted by roll call to enter closed session at 6:17 p.m. under Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(g) for legal advice regarding Helstern litigation and under Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(e) regarding Parcel Number 1820122709253202067. - The council reconvened in open session at 7:00 p.m. by unanimous roll-call vote. After reconvening, the council reported that it had discussed an update on the Helstern claim against the city and a possible sale of a parcel off Windsor Forest Drive; no action was required on either matter, and staff will continue working on both. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 9, 2026 regular council meeting minutes by voice vote. - Closed the Citizens Participation Period and the zoning public hearing with no public testimony. - Approved Ordinance 7B-26 relocating Section 19.04.08 from Title 19 to Title 18 and renaming Title 18 "Environmental & Natural Resources." - Approved the condominium plat for 1485 Front Porch Place. - Held closed session; no action was taken on the Helstern litigation or the potential property sale. - Adjourned at 7:03 p.m.

The City of Altoona Plan Commission met on July 14, 2026. The official agenda listed the meeting time as 4:30 PM CT. (The user-provided metadata specifies 2026-07-14 11:30:00+00:00). Chair Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. Commissioners Ryan Looty, Sue Roll, Nicholas Haug, and Bill Hepner were present. Dean Roth and Matthew Bureen were absent. Planning Director Taylor Greenwell and City Clerk Cindy Bauer were present. The meeting covered a condominium plat and a zoning code restructuring ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the May 12, 2026 meeting were approved. Commissioner Sue Roll abstained. Public Comments & Testimony - The citizen participation period was opened and closed with no members of the public speaking to non-agenda items. Discussion Items 1. Condominium Plat for 1485 Front Porch Place - Project Description: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented a request for a two-lot condominium plat for an existing building at 1485 Front Porch Place. The building currently houses commercial and multifamily residential uses. The plat allows the commercial unit to be sold separately. No change of use is proposed. The parcel is 0.4 acres. Staff recommended approval as conditioned. - Applicant Representation: Derek Trainer, President of Property Mines, represented the owner. He stated that three previous bar and grill businesses failed in the space. The buyer is Juvilee, a med spa. - Commission Discussion: A commissioner expressed concern that a med spa would not provide the same street-level activation as a restaurant, noting a prior decision to deny an office use. The commissioner acknowledged the business turnover. Director Greenwell clarified the decision was strictly on the plat, not the use. - Outcome: Motion by Hepner, second by Looty. Carried. To be discussed at the July 23 Council meeting. 2. Ordinance 7B-26 - Environmental and Natural Resources Code - Project Description: Director Greenwell presented Ordinance 7B-26, relocating shoreline and wetland zoning from Title 19 (Zoning) to a new Title 18 (Environmental and Natural Resources) to streamline DNR approval processes. The shoreline section was updated to state standards. Other sections were relocated without substantive changes. - Commission Discussion: A commissioner asked about the entirely redlined text. Director Greenwell confirmed it is technically new code but largely relocated text. - Outcome: Motion to recommend approval to Council. Carried. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The May 12, 2026 minutes were approved. Commissioner Roll abstained. - Condo Plat Recommended: The Commission recommended approval of the condominium plat for 1485 Front Porch Place. (Motion by Hepner, Second by Looty. No opposition.) - Ordinance Recommended: The Commission recommended approval of Ordinance 7B-26. (No opposition.) - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned.