Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Altoona Common Council met on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. Mayor Brendan Pratt and council members Dale Stuber, Timothy Lima, Bruce Thielen, Matthew Beeron, Susie Zilmer, and Susan Roll were present, along with City Attorney Justin Andrews, City Administrator Michael Golott, Assistant City Administrator Roy Atkinson, Police Chief Kelly Bakken, Public Works Director Scott Quick, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. The council approved land-use agreements, two ordinances, multiple contracts, and a property sale, received the annual police report, and entered closed session on a sewer billing dispute with the City of Eau Claire. City Administrator's Report The City Administrator reported on the proposed Chippewa Fire District merger. Next steps include contracting for the grant application, preparing a memorandum of understanding, and presenting it to each jurisdiction during the last week of March. If the grant is successful, approximately $2.6 million is anticipated for a new apparatus, likely a ladder truck and an ambulance. A challenge was noted regarding the existing EMS contract with the City of Eau Claire, because the January 1 notice deadline to terminate by December 31 was missed; discussions would be needed for a possible 2027 start. A congressional directed spending request for a new fire station was submitted to Representative Van Orden's office, and both Van Orden and Baldwin offices were described as supportive. Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Agreement, Public Hearing, and Certified Survey Map (Items 1-3) Planning Director Taylor Greenwell explained that the application is in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), where city subdivision review authority normally requires 10-acre lots for new land divisions. The proposed Certified Survey Map (CSM) would divide a 38.68-acre parcel to create a five-acre lot for estate planning, for the owners' son. The council approved the ETJ agreement with Sandra Strobush, the Town of Washington, and the City of Altoona, which requires annexation and utility connection once the city becomes contiguous to the property. Staff noted potential legal exposure from case law that may prohibit conditioning ETJ subdivision approval on annexation, and recommended a future review/removal of the ordinance exception. A public hearing at 6:05 p.m. on the CSM was opened and closed with no speakers. The council then approved the two-lot CSM as recommended by the Plan Commission on January 13, 2026. Annual Police Department Report (Item 4) Police Chief Kelly Bakken presented the 2025 annual report. Highlights included the addition of an investigations sergeant, department reorganization, new hires, a training partnership with UW-Eau Claire Police, regional team participation, full WILEAG accreditation, and a successful one-year CalEA review. Technology highlighted included license plate readers that recovered three stolen vehicles, public space cameras, and drones with infrared, used for searches, crash documentation, wildfire assistance, and event security. Community engagement includes National Night Out, Fishing with a Cop, Kids and Cops, school and library programs, a facility dog named Donut, a new diversion program, and a DHS mental health liaison assigned to Altoona. In 2025, there were 3,630 calls for service and 476 reportable crimes reported to the state, with reductions in drug offenses, weapon offenses, thefts from vehicles, and other thefts. The average vehicle pursuit length was 2.08 miles, traffic citations were up 11.7%, and warnings were up 33.3%. In response to council questions about license plate reader privacy, Chief Bakken said data is retained for 30 days unless used for an investigation, is available for open records requests, is only used to track license plates, is subject to supervisor review, and is not accessible by non-law-enforcement third parties. She also said a reported hack involved an old camera, not the Flock system itself. Sale of City Property to Grip Development LLC (Item 5) The council approved the sale of city property (Tax Parcel 18201-2-270925-310-2061) to Grip Development LLC for $10,000, consistent with prior direction. The sale includes an easement running with the property to maintain the existing sewer line and any future facilities; restoration costs for city maintenance disturbances would be borne by the property owner. Ordinance 2B-26 - Title 18/19 Amendment (Item 6) The council approved Ordinance 2B-26, amending and renaming Title 18 'Subdivision and Land Division' and Title 19 'Zoning' to Title 18 'Reserved' and Title 19 'Zoning and Subdivisions'. Planning Director Greenwell listed revisions made after prior council feedback, including increasing the allowed garage projection from 15 to 20 feet, aligning manufactured housing definitions with state definitions, requiring manufactured homes outside Hillcrest Estates to have a 5/12 roof pitch and mixed exterior materials, adjusting material percentage requirements, raising the minimum parking lot size that triggers internal landscaping requirements, limiting public gathering space requirements to multifamily dwellings, clarifying land value calculations, and updating temporary sign requirements. Lake Road Town Homes Final Plat and Specific Implementation Plan (Items 7-8) Staff explained that phase two of the River Prairie Townhomes is proposed as a 10-lot condominium product rather than the previously approved 12-lot townhome layout, after phase one sales difficulties. The project site is approximately 1.87 acres and will be maintained by a condo association. The final condominium plat adds 16 parking spaces to address off-street parking concerns. Staff and the Plan Commission recommended approval of the final plat subject to the staff report conditions; the council approved it. The Specific Implementation Plan (SIP), the site plan approval required by the River Prairie ordinance, was approved as presented with the same 16-space parking plan, landscaping, and building elevations. Staff and the Plan Commission recommended waiving the additional masonry base design requirement; the council approved the SIP as is with the stated conditions. Ordinance 3A-26 - Lead and Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement (Item 9) The council adopted Ordinance 3A-26, creating Chapter 13.44 of the Altoona Municipal Code. Public Works Director Scott Quick said the ordinance gives the city authority to require replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines within the EPA's nine-year timeline. The city has identified 64 services needing replacement; a year ago there were about 1,400 unknown service materials, now below 700. Among the remaining 688, staff estimated the number requiring replacement could grow to around 100, but the work should be completed in about four years. The city is considering reimbursements of up to $3,000 per home, with any additional cost the homeowner's responsibility; water reserves committed to the program are estimated at $150,000 to $200,000, with a negligible rate impact. Private wells are not covered because the program applies only to connections to the municipal water supply. Public Works Contract Awards (Items 10-11) The council awarded PW2026-01 Annual Pavement Replacement to Monarch Paving at $98,150.78. The engineer's estimate was $102,000. The project covers 9th Street West from Spooner to Bartlett, and unit pricing allows additional small projects if budget is available. The council also awarded PW2026-02 City Wide Water Utility and Curb Replacement to Montana and Sun Grading at $48,274.50. The project was estimated at about $49,000; staff noted the value of having multiple contractors available for certified plumber work related to replacing galvanized services. Innovation Fund Grant Consultation Agreement (Item 12) The council approved a $5,000 agreement with Innovative Public Advisors for professional services supporting the city's Innovation Fund grant submission. The city administrator noted that three of the eight applications accepted by the state so far had been prepared by that firm. Closed Session on Sewer Billing Dispute (Items 13-14) The council unanimously voted to convene in closed session at 7:10 p.m. under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with the city attorney about litigation strategy in the sewer billing dispute with the City of Eau Claire. The council reconvened in open session at 7:50 p.m. No action was taken, and no reportable outcome was announced beyond the closed-session discussion. Miscellaneous Business and Communications Discussion included the Frosty Tuna bike races, a birthday, and public works preparations for an expected snowstorm, with full crews scheduled for Sunday morning and potential snowfall totals around 12 to 25 inches. Key Outcomes - Approved the February 26, 2026 regular council meeting minutes. - Approved the extraterritorial jurisdiction agreement with Sandra Strobush and the Town of Washington, closed the public hearing, and approved the two-lot CSM. - Approved the sale of city property to Grip Development LLC for $10,000 plus the sewer maintenance easement. - Approved Ordinance 2B-26 amending the subdivision and zoning titles. - Approved the Lake Road Town Homes final plat and Specific Implementation Plan. - Adopted Ordinance 3A-26 for lead and galvanized water service line replacement. - Awarded PW2026-01 to Monarch Paving for $98,150.78 and PW2026-02 to Montana and Sun Grading for $48,274.50. - Approved the $5,000 agreement with Innovative Public Advisors. - Convened and later reconvened from closed session on the Eau Claire sewer billing dispute; no action was reported. - Adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on March 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Brandon Pratt and Members Nicholas Haug, Dean Roth, Matthew Beerin, and Bill Hepner were present; Ryan Looty and Sue Roll were absent. Staff present included Taylor Green (Planning Director), Scott Quick (Director of Public Works), and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. The meeting included routine approvals, recommendations to the City Council on development items, and a presentation of the 2025 Annual Development Report. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the February 10, 2026, regular Plan Commission meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items 1. Final Plat – Phase II River Prairie Townhomes Planning Director Taylor Green presented a request for a recommendation to the City Council on the final plat for Phase II of the River Prairie Townhomes, located at 2269 Lake Road. The development proposes a 10-lot condominium townhome project, reduced from the originally approved 12 units, to provide a more senior- and ADA-friendly product at a lower price point. The site is approximately 1.87 acres and will be privately maintained through a condominium association and HOA. The comprehensive plan supports R3 use. No environmentally sensitive areas were found, and park dedication was addressed during the initial approval. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions in the staff report. Member Dean Roth abstained from voting because he has the plat under review in his role as a signer. The motion to recommend approval carried on a voice vote with Roth abstaining. 2. Specific Implementation Plan (Site Plan) – Phase II River Prairie Townhomes The Commission considered the associated site plan (Specific Implementation Plan) for the same development. The plan includes a revised parking layout adding 16 spaces (two per unit: one garage space and one driveway area space), a belt of trees along Lake Road for screening, and building elevations. Staff noted that the River Prairie Design Standards generally require a masonry base on building elevations but support waiving that requirement to help control costs, leaving the decision to the City Council. The motion to recommend approval as conditioned carried on a voice vote, with Roth abstaining for the same reason. 3. 2025 Annual Development Report Taylor Green presented the annual review of development activity. Key data points include: - Population: Altoona grew by 208 residents (2.16%) to 9,835, accounting for 18.59% of Eau Claire County’s population growth since 2020. - Housing: 47 residential permits were issued for 141 new units, bringing the total permitted units to 4,971. The total valuation of new residential permits was $25 million. - Socioeconomics: Owner-occupied housing 51.9%, renter-occupied 48.1%; vacancy rate 5.1% (healthy range 3-7%); median gross rent $1,285; median monthly mortgage $1,665; median household income $84,000; poverty rate 13.1%. - Equalized Value: Increased 73% since 2020, from $806 million to $1.3 billion, with a shift toward a more balanced residential/commercial mix (55% residential, 43% commercial in 2025). - Projects: Completed/completing – The Yard, Hillcrest Greens, Bartley Crossing Phase I; in progress – White Tail Woods, River Prairie Townhomes Phase II, 80-acre East Neighborhood Plan (targeting permits in 2027), zoning code update (final review before City Council), affordable housing revolving loan fund, citywide official mapping, and boundary agreement with Town of Washington. Commission members discussed growth numbers, housing composition, and the impacts of storm damage on roofing permits. No formal action was taken on the report. Key Outcomes - Minutes of February 10, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Final Plat (River Prairie Townhomes Phase II): Recommended to City Council with conditions (motion passed; Roth abstained). - Specific Implementation Plan (River Prairie Townhomes Phase II): Recommended to City Council with conditions (motion passed; Roth abstained). - 2025 Annual Development Report: Received and discussed; no action required. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:03 PM.

The City Council met on February 26, 2026 to address a range of topics including public safety concerns regarding ICE activity, a major zoning code rewrite, and several routine approvals. The meeting featured extensive public comment and council deliberation on zoning standards affecting housing affordability, garage design, landscaping, and park dedication requirements. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the February 12, 2026 regular council meeting. - Approved release agreement with Altoona Historical Society for the Chicago & Northwestern Speeder (Item 1). - Approved Resolution 2A-26 for 2026 Street Reconstruction Projects special assessments. - Approved Ordinance 2C-26 amending community garden fees. - Approved conduit agreement with Spectrum Mid-America LLC. Public Comments & Testimony - Joanne Applebaugh (Altoona resident, parent) expressed concern about the February 17 incident where Altoona Police Department coordinated with ICE, detaining four men at a construction site near Altoona Elementary School. She criticized the lack of prior notification to the school and stated that police collaboration with ICE has damaged community trust. - Katie Grover (Town of Washington resident, children attend Altoona schools) called for ICE to be permanently removed from Eau Claire County, demanded immediate release of those detained without valid warrants, and asserted that local law enforcement should serve the community, not federal agents. - Police Chief Kelly Bachin provided an official account of the February 17 incident, stating that ICE was seeking a suspect in an assault, Altoona officers responded for public safety near the school, and that officers did not assist in enforcement but later helped Eau Claire County remove individuals who had unlawfully entered a residence. He noted that body camera footage will be released after redactions. - Christina Thrun (Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association) spoke on the zoning code, expressing support for smaller lot sizes but opposition to the 15-foot garage projection limit, public gathering space requirements for single-family and twin homes, narrow cladding percentage ranges, and parking lot landscaping requirements, citing affordability impacts. - Mary Prosnick (local developer, board member of Home Builders) opposed requiring HOAs for subdivisions with 20+ units, arguing that HOA fees reduce homebuyer purchasing power. - Susan Wolfgram (co-chair, Joan Affordable Housing Task Force) supported the home builders' recommendations, citing that 31% of Altoona residents struggle to make ends meet (2023 ALICE report). She emphasized embedding affordability in zoning. - Paul Holzinger (builder) opposed the 15-foot garage projection limit, showing that a typical home built in Altoona would be illegal under the new code, adding over $8,000 in costs and pricing out 31 families per $1,000 increase. - Vicky Iverson (president, Altoona Historical Society) spoke on the speeder release, stating no intention to sell and inability to afford a shelter. Discussion Items - Zoning Code Overhaul (Items 2-3): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell and consultant Carrie Papapon presented the comprehensive rewrite of Titles 18 and 19. Key changes include new zoning districts (e.g., Downtown Mixed Use, Flex Industrial), updated bulk/dimensional standards, landscaping buffers, parking requirements, building design standards, sign regulations, subdivision standards, and park dedication/public gathering space requirements. - Garage Projection: Extensive debate on the proposed 15-foot maximum garage projection from the front plane. Council members and builders argued it would hinder affordability and render numerous infill lots undevelopable. Council consensus to eliminate the 15-foot restriction and instead require garages to be no more than 20 feet in front of the porch (or main structure if no porch). Also removed percentage width restriction on garages. - Parking Lot Landscaping: Threshold for interior landscaping islands raised from 20 to 40 parking spaces to reduce cost burdens. - Exterior Building Cladding: Allowed primary material range widened from 60-70% to 50-75% for commercial and mixed-use buildings. - Public Gathering Spaces: Changed applicability to multifamily developments only (20+ units) rather than all residential, addressing concerns about HOA burdens for single-family homes. - Manufactured Homes: Council discussed definitions and restrictions; will bring back broader policy discussion on manufactured home communities later. - Yard Signs: Council noted limitations due to Supreme Court ruling; agreed to add exception for special events (e.g., parade of homes) to exceed the 3-sign limit. - River Prairie Event Center Management: Discussion of new contract structure (flat rent vs. revenue share) – no action taken; will return at next meeting. - Closed Session: Council convened closed session for updates on Innovation Grant applications; no action required. Key Outcomes - Actions Taken: - Approved release agreement with Altoona Historical Society (unanimous). - Approved Resolution 2A-26 for street reconstruction special assessments (unanimous). - Approved Ordinance 2C-26 amending community garden fees (unanimous). - Approved conduit agreement with Spectrum Mid-America LLC (unanimous). - Closed session held; no action needed. - Deferred Actions: - Ordinance 2B-26 (zoning code adoption) was not voted on; will be brought back to next council meeting with revisions based on council direction, including: removing 15-foot garage projection (20-foot allowed), removing garage width restriction, widening cladding percentage range, raising parking lot landscaping threshold to 40 spaces, limiting public gathering space requirement to multifamily, and adding special event sign exception. - Next Steps: Staff to revise zoning code and return for adoption at the next regular council meeting.

The Altoona City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. The council approved the Safe Steps Home Improvement Program with a $1.5 million investment, authorized a contract with E-Plan for expedited state plan reviews, awarded a design contract for Well 10, and directed the city engineer to defer sidewalks on certain segments of the 2026 reconstruction project. Council also received the 2025 Housing & Development Report and approved an ordinance removing the 48-hour advance submission requirement for council materials. Consent Calendar and Approvals - The council unanimously approved the minutes of the January 22, 2026 regular council meeting. - Ordinance 2A-26, repealing Chapter 2.06 of the Municipal Code ("Matters Before The Council"), was approved. The change eliminates the 48-hour advance submission requirement for resolutions, ordinances, and proposals, aligning city code with the state’s 24-hour notice requirement. Public Comments & Testimony - Marlo Erickson, owner of apartment buildings on Alsace and Vernon at Gloaty Avenue, spoke in opposition to installing a sidewalk on Gloaty Avenue. She cited safety concerns (trucks entering/exiting UPS, cars backing out), plowing and maintenance difficulties, and questioned whether the sidewalk would see meaningful pedestrian use. She stated that if a sidewalk were necessary, she supported the engineer’s alternative to narrow the street by four feet to preserve parking. Discussion Items - Sidewalk Deferral (2026-01 Street Reconstruction Project): City Engineer Christian Hupert presented a recommendation to defer sidewalk construction on certain segments under Municipal Code Chapter 12.04.015. He recommended deferring sidewalks on the north-south stretches of Vernon Street and Alsace Street due to narrow 50-foot right-of-way and existing parking. He also recommended a deferral on the east-west dead end of Hamilton Avenue due to very low pedestrian use. For Gloaty Avenue, he recommended installing a six-foot sidewalk on the north side by reducing the street width from 41 feet to 37 feet, preserving parking on the south side. Council members expressed differing views: Mayor Pratt and several council members supported the sidewalk connection for pedestrian safety and future trail connectivity, while Councilmember Susie Zilmer agreed with Ms. Erickson’s opposition. The council voted to direct the engineer to proceed with the design as proposed. The motion carried with opposition. - Agreement with E-Plan for State Plan Reviews: Staff presented a contract with E-Plan, a company authorized by the state to perform building plan reviews with a guaranteed 15-business-day turnaround, compared to typical state delays of three to six months. The service costs applicants about $50 more than the state fee. The city receives 10% of the fee at no cost to itself. Applicants may still choose the state process. The council approved the contract. - Safe Steps Home Improvement Program: Grant and Housing Program Manager Julian Emerson presented the program, which will be the first expenditure from the city’s affordable housing fund (now $6.5 million from the River Prairie TID extension). The program has four categories: critical home repairs (loans up to $7,500, five-year term, 0% interest), energy efficiency (loans up to $12,000, ten-year term, 0% interest), yard cleanup (one-time cleanup up to $500, no loan), and disabled vehicle removal (free through partner organizations). Eligibility is limited to households earning 80% or less of county median income (about $59,200 for Eau Claire County, representing roughly one-third of Altoona households). The program targets 20–24 repairs per year and includes a second mortgage on homes as a repayment safeguard. The council approved the $1.5 million initial investment and the concept of the program. - Agreement with West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission: To administer the Safe Steps revolving loan program, the council approved a contract with the Regional Planning Commission. The fee is $35 per hour, with an estimated minimum of about five hours per loan. Councilmember Bruce Thielen requested ballpark cost estimates and regular updates on administrative costs and program performance. - 2025 Housing & Development Report: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented the report. Key data: Altoona is in the top 5% of Wisconsin communities for population growth. Since 2020, the city’s population has grown 18.59% (plus 1,542 people), compared to 6.5% for Eau Claire and 6.1% for Eau Claire County. Equalized value rose from $806 million to $1.3 billion (a 73.39% increase). In 2025, 47 permits were pulled for 141 new units; 90 units were multifamily, 38 were twin homes/duplexes, and 8 were single-family (one replacement). No dedicated senior housing was constructed. Owner-occupied housing is 51.9%, renter-occupied is 48.1%; vacancy rate is 5.1%. Median gross rent is $1,285; median housing cost with a mortgage is $1,665. The poverty rate is 13.1%. The council discussed efforts to encourage senior/age-in-place housing. - Awarding Bid for Well 10 Development: The council approved awarding a design contract to MSA Professional Services (the firm that completed test wells and Wells 8 and 9) for $120,000 in 2026 and $172,000 in 2027, contingent on construction being adopted in the 2027 budget. The well will be located on Glacier Drive in Bartley Crossing. Key Outcomes - Sidewalk Deferral: The council directed the city engineer to defer sidewalk construction as proposed on Vernon, Alsace, and Hamilton Avenue, and to proceed with the design including a sidewalk on the north side of Gloaty Avenue with a four-foot street narrowing. Motion carried with opposition. - E-Plan Agreement: Approved by unanimous voice vote. - Safe Steps Home Improvement Program: The council approved the $1.5 million initial investment in the program. A separate contract with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for program administration was also approved. A formal agreement with Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity will be brought to the council at a future date. Staff committed to providing regular (likely quarterly) updates on program status, costs, and number of loans. - Well 10 Design Contract: Approved with a motion specifying the $120,000 (2026) and $172,000 (2027) amounts, contingent on budget adoption. Motion carried. - Ordinance 2A-26: Approved, removing the 48-hour advance submission requirement for council materials and aligning with the state’s 24-hour notice requirement. - Next Steps: The zoning code update is expected to go before the council on February 26. Staff will continue discussions with the Chippewa Fire District, Senator Baldwin’s and Representative Van Orden’s offices for additional CDS funding, and the Town of Washington on a boundary agreement. The Safe Steps program is expected to launch in late spring or early summer (likely May).

The Altoona Plan Commission met to discuss and consider a recommendation to the City Council on amending Title 19 (Zoning) of the Altoona Municipal Code. The meeting focused on a comprehensive overhaul of the zoning code, with extensive discussion on parking requirements, building design standards, landscaping, and other provisions. A motion to recommend approval with specific modifications was passed. Discussion Items - Zoning Code Overhaul Presentation: The Planning Director and a consultant presented a comprehensive update to the zoning code, developed over 2.5 years with input from the Zoning Policy Advisory Committee, city staff, and the public. Key changes include new zoning districts (e.g., Downtown Mixed Use, Flex Industrial), reduced lot sizes, updated use tables, and enhanced landscaping and design standards. - Parking Ratio Debate: A central point of contention was the minimum off-street parking requirement for residential dwellings. The draft proposed 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit for most types, with a 30% maximum above the minimum. Mayor Brendan Pratt and others argued for a one-to-one ratio to enable smaller lots and promote on-street parking, citing affordability and infill development goals. Members Bill Hepner and Dean Roth expressed concerns about insufficient parking leading to street congestion and undesirable aesthetics. Christina Thrun (Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association) supported a one-to-one minimum but requested removal of the maximum to allow market flexibility. The commission reached a consensus to direct staff to explore language that would set a one-to-one ratio as the default, with a mechanism to require 1.5 where on-street parking is unavailable. - Garage Width Limitation: The draft limited garage width to 45% of the front facade for townhomes and two-family dwellings, to prevent

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered department reports, a proclamation, several land-use approvals for a townhome-to-condo conversion, and a resolution for emergency roof repairs at the fire station. A pending state bill on extraterritorial jurisdiction led to postponement of three related agenda items. The council also held a closed session to evaluate the city administrator and discuss a grant opportunity. Consent Calendar - Minutes of January 8, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Reports from City Officers and Department Heads: Included a new written report format. Director of Public Works reported that this winter has required nearly 300 tons of salt and 4,000 gallons of brine (up from 250 tons and 3,500 gallons last year) on 42 lane miles of roads, and that salt supplies are limited. The council praised snow-plowing efforts. - Proclamation Recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 2026): Adopted unanimously, acknowledging the work of Fierce Freedom in combating trafficking in the region. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Certified Survey Map (CSM) for Phase II River Prairie Townhomes (Tom Toy): No public speakers; the hearing was closed by motion. Discussion Items - Phase II River Prairie Townhomes (Tom Toy) – CSM Approval: The developer proposes converting the originally planned 12 townhomes into 10 condominium units on a single 1.87-acre lot. The Planning Commission recommended approval subject to conditions (e.g., adequate parking solution). The council approved the CSM as conditioned. - Phase II River Prairie Townhomes – Preliminary Condominium Plat: This step allows the single lot to be subdivided into condominium units. The developer noted challenges with insurance and parking from Phase I, and stated they would add 8–10 extra parking spaces. The council approved the preliminary plat as conditioned. - Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Agreement and CSM for Sandra Strobush (Items 4, 5, 6): City Administrator reported that pending state legislation (Assembly Bill on ETJ) could nullify existing agreements that condition land division approval on future annexation. After testifying against the bill, the city decided to postpone action on the Strobush items to allow legal review. A motion to postpone decisions on items 4, 5, and 6 passed unanimously. - Resolution 1A-26 – State of Emergency for Fire Department Roof Repairs: Heavy snow and melting caused water intrusion at the fire station. The resolution bypasses normal bidding (estimated over $25,000) to expedite repairs. Full roof replacement is planned for summer. Approved unanimously. - Closed Session (Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(c) and (e)): The council convened closed session to evaluate City Administrator Mike Golott and discuss a grant opportunity for Fire/EMS operations. Upon reconvening, the mayor reported that the annual evaluation was completed with no further action. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of Jan 8, 2026; Proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month; CSM and Preliminary Plat for Phase II River Prairie Townhomes (Tom Toy); Resolution 1A-26 declaring emergency for fire station roof repairs. - Postponed: Items 4, 5, and 6 (Strobush ETJ agreement and CSM) pending legal review of state legislation. - Closed Session Completed: City administrator evaluation conducted; no further action reported. - Next Steps: Site plan review for townhome condos to address parking; roof repair bid; monitor ETJ bill.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, to hold a public hearing and to develop recommendations for the Common Council on the River Prairie Townhomes Phase II and a one-lot Certified Survey Map in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. All votes were voice votes with no opposition noted; Council consideration is scheduled for January 22, 2026. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Routine Approvals - Acting Chair Matthew Beeron presided in the absence of Mayor Brendan Pratt. Present: Members Sue Roll, Nicholas Hogg, Bill Hepner, Dean Roth. Absent: Ryan Looty. Staff present: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. A quorum was established. - The Commission approved the minutes of the December 9, 2025, Regular Plan Commission meeting by voice vote; motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizens Participation Period: No one offered comments on non-agenda items. - Public Hearing – River Prairie Townhomes Phase II Preliminary Plat: The hearing was opened as scheduled for 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter; no members of the public testified, and the hearing was closed by voice vote. Discussion Items Certified Survey Map – River Prairie Townhomes Phase II (Tom Toy, 2269 Lake Road) - Staff explained this is the first step in re-entitlement: the existing plat lot lines would be erased and the Phase II site consolidated into a single lot. A future condominium plat would then create 10 condominium units. - The zoning is River Prairie, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s low-scale neighborhood designation. - Staff recommended approval of the CSM subject to stated conditions. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the two-step process, then voted to recommend Council approval as conditioned. Preliminary Plat – River Prairie Townhomes Phase II (Public Hearing and Recommendation) - The preliminary plat shows 10 condominium lots with access off Lake Road and private internal access via an access and utility easement maintained by the HOA/condo association; Lake Road remains public. - No environmentally sensitive areas were identified, and no park dedication was required because the proposal reduces the number of units from the original approval. A separate site plan approval will be required, including parking review. - Staff recommended approval as conditioned. - One commissioner thanked the applicant for patience and stated that the pivot in scope made sense. - Another commissioner raised concern about declaration provision 7.4, which allows each condominium unit to be leased, saying it could become a de facto apartment building. Staff responded that the sales agreement still requires a good-faith effort to sell the units, rental is permitted only while units remain unsold, and state law generally allows owners to rent their property. - The Commission voted to recommend Council approval of the preliminary plat as conditioned. Certified Survey Map – Sandra Strobush One-Lot Land Division (ETJ) - Applicant Sandra Strobush proposes a one-lot division of an unplatted 38.68-acre parcel, parcel 180242270828200001, located in Altoona’s extraterritorial jurisdiction about 1.5 miles from the city limits. - The proposed five-acre lot would include the existing house, garage, and outbuildings; the property has well and septic and no city water/sewer services. The comprehensive plan land use designation is agricultural, and no change in use is proposed. - The ETJ ordinance requires a 10-acre minimum lot size for new divisions. A separate ETJ agreement will be submitted to the Council to allow the exception; the applicant must comply with all ETJ requirements. - Staff recommended approval, conditioned on Council approval of the ETJ agreement and compliance with ordinance requirements. - The Commission voted to recommend Council approval of the CSM as conditioned. Title 19 Zoning Code Amendment – Deferred - Agenda Item 5, an amendment to Title 19 'Zoning' of the Altoona Municipal Code, was removed from the agenda until a later date. Staff reported that ZPAC members requested additional review time. - The item is expected to return to the Plan Commission on February 10, 2026, with a public open house the same day (time to be confirmed), and is scheduled for Council review on February 26, 2026. No vote was taken. Key Outcomes - The Commission voted to recommend that the Common Council approve the River Prairie Townhomes Phase II Certified Survey Map, subject to staff conditions. - The Commission voted to recommend that the Common Council approve the River Prairie Townhomes Phase II Preliminary Plat, subject to staff conditions. - The Commission voted to recommend that the Common Council approve the Strobush one-lot Certified Survey Map, subject to staff conditions and Council approval of the required ETJ agreement. - The Title 19 zoning amendment was deferred; no recommendation was made. - The Common Council’s January 22, 2026, meeting will include consideration of these recommendations; public hearings are on the agenda for the River Prairie CSM and the Strobush CSM. - In miscellaneous business, the Planning Director said the final River Prairie Townhomes condominium plat and site plan/SIP applications are expected within the next couple of months. The meeting adjourned by voice vote.

The Altoona City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. Council Chairperson Matthew Beer presided in the absence of Mayor Brendan Pratt, with council members Stuber, Lima, Thielen, Zilmer, and Roll present. City Administrator Michael Golott, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, Recreation Supervisor Aaron Turner, City Clerk Cindy Bauer, and attorney Sam Bach Hansen also attended. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation period. Discussion Items - Signage Ordinance Update: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented proposed changes to Title 19 (Zoning) regarding temporary signage. The city is updating its zoning code and must comply with the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which requires content-neutral sign regulations. The council discussed options for free-standing temporary signs in rights-of-way. After extensive debate, the council directed staff to revise the ordinance to allow up to three temporary signs per lot year-round, with an additional two signs during state-defined election periods (total of five during election season), and a 30-day removal period after each election. Prohibited signs, such as inflatable “wiggly” figures, remain banned. The new sign code will be included in the comprehensive zoning update scheduled for council consideration on January 22, 2026. - Appointment of Deputy Clerk: City Clerk Cindy Bauer recommended appointing Julie Oliver as Deputy Clerk, serving under the clerk’s direction. The council approved the appointment, and Ms. Oliver was sworn in. - Field Use Agreement with Altoona Youth Baseball Softball (AYSB): The council considered the 2026 agreement. Staff reported that AYSB contributes substantial in-kind labor for park improvements and that the agreement is designed to be revenue-neutral for the city. Some council members noted the need for a broader discussion about cost sharing and capital investments across all recreation users. The council approved the agreement as presented. - Highland Park Shade Structure Project: The council awarded a bid of $33,500 to MWP Recreation for a shade structure with artificial turf at Highland Park. The project will support city programming and rentals. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes from the December 18, 2025 regular meeting and December 22, 2025 special meeting were approved. - Deputy Clerk Appointment: Unanimously approved the appointment of Julie Oliver as Deputy Clerk. - Field Use Agreement: Approved the 2026 Field Use Agreement with Altoona Youth Baseball Softball. - Shade Structure Bid: Approved the Highland Park Shade Structure bid in the amount of $33,500. - Closed Session: The council voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss the possible sale of city property (parcel 201103304030) and to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation related to a property inspection at 1427 Lynn Avenue.

The Altoona City Council held a special meeting on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 20:00 UTC. Council Chairperson Matthew Beeran presided, and a quorum was present: Councilpersons Dale Stuber, Timothy Lima, Bruce Thielen, Susie Zilmer, and Chairperson Beeran. Mayor Brendan Pratt and Councilmember Sue Rowe were absent. Also present were the city attorney, City Administrator Michael Golot, Assistant City Administrator Roy Atkinson, Director of Administrative Services Betsy Boley, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based solely on the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. After confirming no one was on the call, the council closed the citizens participation period by voice vote. Discussion Items - No reports were presented by city officers, department heads, or committees. - 2026 Teamsters Union Contract: The council discussed and considered approval of the Teamsters Union contract with public works, parks maintenance, and clerical employees for January 1 through December 31, 2026. The presiding officer apologized that the item was not on the previous agenda, explaining that annual union recertification and contract approval are required under Wisconsin Act 10 and have become administrative in nature. Councilmember Timothy Lima moved to approve the contract; the motion was seconded. Key Outcomes - The council approved the 2026 Teamsters Union contract by voice vote; no opposition was voiced. - Following this action, the council voted by voice vote to adjourn, and the meeting ended.