Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Personnel Committee met on December 18, 2025 at 11:00 UTC to discuss routine approvals, a position reclassification, and updates to the Employee Handbook. The committee approved previous minutes, recommended reclassification of the Utility Account Manager to exempt Grade I, and recommended handbook changes including a modified vacation accrual schedule and a new AI policy. Consent Calendar - Approval of the December 5, 2024 Personnel Committee meeting minutes. Motion carried with one abstention from a member who was absent from that prior meeting. Discussion Item: Reclassification of Utility Account Manager - Finance Director Tina Nelson presented a recommendation to reclassify the Utility Account Manager position from non-exempt Grade H to exempt Grade I. The reclassification was prompted by the employee’s new supervisory duties and expanded responsibilities, including department management and AMI metering software oversight. The salary increase is approximately $3 per hour. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the reclassification to the Common Council. Discussion Item: Employee Handbook Updates - The Assistant City Administrator presented three amendments bundled for council recommendation: 1. Section 10.1 Vacancy Review: Remove outdated language requiring the Personnel Committee to conduct vacancy reviews, as this is now an administrative function. 2. Vacation Accrual: Change the years of service required to reach 160 hours of vacation from 15 years to 7 years. Discussion included comparisons with neighboring communities (e.g., Eau Claire, River Falls) and concerns about fairness for current employees who have already served beyond 7 years. No adjustment was made for existing staff, but the topic was flagged for further consideration. The committee voted to recommend the change. 3. New Section 33: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy: Establishes governance for AI systems in city operations, including permissible and non-permissible uses, a use-case review process, data security safeguards, and human review requirements. The policy was adapted from a GovAI Coalition template and aligns with existing police department protocols. The committee approved its inclusion in the handbook update. - The committee voted unanimously to recommend the complete set of handbook updates to the council. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the December 5, 2024 Personnel Committee meeting. - Recommended to the Common Council the reclassification of the Utility Account Manager to exempt Grade I. - Recommended to the Common Council the adoption of Employee Handbook updates, including the removal of outdated vacancy review language, a revised vacation accrual schedule (160 hours at 7 years), and a new AI policy. - The committee noted that additional per diem and reimbursement policy changes will be addressed in a future meeting in early 2026.

The Joint Review Board of the City of Altoona met on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue. The board reviewed the annual PE-300 reports and status of Tax Incremental Districts No. 3 and No. 4, reappointed the public member and chairperson, approved the prior year's minutes, and approved the annual compliance resolution. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Mark Willer was reappointed as the public member for another year. - Mayor Brendan Pratt was appointed chairperson. - The board approved the minutes of the December 11, 2024 annual Joint Review Board meeting. - The board approved the "Resolution Acknowledging Filing of Annual Reports and Compliance with Annual Meeting Requirement." TID No. 3 Annual Report - Ehlers advisor Peter Meidel reported that TID No. 3, a blight district created in 2001, was terminated in 2025; 2025 was its final revenue collection year, and the increment is being directed to the affordable housing fund. - The district was characterized as very successful: its base value was about $4.8 million and its January 1, 2024 value was about $393 million. - 2025 tax increment revenue for the affordable housing fund is $6,251,310; total projected 2025 revenue is about $6.6 million including interest. - Final-year expenses include a 2016A note payment, an escrowed 2026 payment, and an estimated utility extension payment that is still being negotiated with the contractor. - After expenses, roughly $4.451 million remains for distribution to taxing jurisdictions: about $848,000 to Eau Claire County, about $1.5 million to the City, about $190,000 to CVTC, and about $1.8 million to the School District. - A final audit is required before June 30, after which all remaining cash will be distributed. - Meidel noted that closing TID No. 3 frees capacity under the 12% statutory limit for new TIDs and that TID No. 4 is about 4% of equalized value. He also mentioned anticipated January legislation for housing-specific TIDs that could provide flexibility for future housing, including possibly on the 80-acre development. TID No. 4 Annual Report - Meidel said TID No. 4 is strong and cash-flowing well. It is a mixed-use district with a maximum life of 20 years. - Base value is about $7.6 million; January 1, 2025 value is about $56.8 million, with roughly $3 million to be removed through a prior-year statement of correction. - Audited financial statements show a negative fund balance of about $1,386,400, largely from the TID's proportionate share of a Safe Drinking Water Loan for well-related projects. - The district generates about $900,000 in annual increment plus about $173,000 in other revenues; the largest expense is the Safe Drinking Water Loan, with a balloon payment in 2029. - Projected cumulative cash balance by revenue collection year 2027 is about $2.3 million, and Meidel said the TID could close in 2027 or, at the latest, 2028. The expenditure period is complete. Key Outcomes - All four motions passed by unanimous voice vote: reappointment of Mark Willer, appointment of Mayor Pratt as chairperson, approval of the December 11, 2024 minutes, and approval of the annual PE-300 report/resolution. - TID No. 3's final distribution to taxing jurisdictions awaits the final audit. - TID No. 4 is expected to terminate early, likely in 2027 or 2028. - Affordable housing extension funds from TID No. 3 have no sunset and may be used for a future community housing program; the City is developing that program. - Mayor Pratt thanked board members for their partnership during TID No. 3's long-term success.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. (agenda indicated 4:30 p.m.) in the Council Chambers. Commissioners present included Mayor Brendan Pratt, Sue Roll, Nicholas Hog, Dean Roth, and Bill Hepner. Absent: Ryan Looty and Matthew Beerin. Staff present: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, Public Works Director Scott Quick, and City Clerk Cindy Bower. The meeting focused on preliminary consultations for two land division proposals: Phase II of the Lake Road Townhomes and a certified survey map in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Consent Calendar - Roll call established a quorum. - The citizen participation period was closed with no public comments. - Minutes of the November 11, 2025 regular Plan Commission meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items Preliminary Consultation – Phase II of Lake Road Townhomes (CSM & Preliminary Plat) Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented a consolidated discussion for both a Certified Survey Map (CSM) and a Preliminary Plat for Phase II of the Lake Road Townhomes, proposed by Tom Toy. The existing approved plan called for 12 units; the developer now seeks to reduce to 10 units and convert from townhome ownership (fee simple) to a condominium plat. The change requires dissolving existing lot lines via CSM and creating a condominium regime. The property is zoned River Prairie Mixed Use and is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Key discussion points: - Commissioner Dean Roth inquired about a railroad easement that had been a previous issue; staff confirmed the easement is reflected on the proposed CSM and does not affect new buildings. - Commissioners discussed the difference between townhome and condominium ownership, including property lines, financing, insurance, and HOA structures. The developer plans a larger, more ADA-accessible product. - Parking was identified as a major concern because the development has no on-street parking; staff stated that parking will be heavily addressed during future site plan review. - Timeline: After this consultation, the applicant will submit formal applications, with a target approval by March 2026 for permitting. Preliminary Consultation – Certified Survey Map in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (Parcel 1802422708282100001) Greenwell presented a proposal to create a 5-acre legal lot from a 38.68-acre unplatted parcel located in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The existing house and accessory buildings would be on the new lot; the remainder would be 33+ acres. The purpose is estate planning for the owner's son. Because the proposed lot is less than the 10-acre minimum required in the ETJ, the applicant will need an ETJ agreement with the city, which would require future annexation and utility connection when the city expands to that area. Commissioners asked about the location, setbacks, and cost of future utilities. Staff noted the property is about 1.5 miles from the current city boundary. No development plans exist for the remaining acreage. The commission emphasized that this is a consultation only; formal CSM and ETJ agreement will come to the council later. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on any agenda item; all discussions were preliminary consultations as required by city ordinance. - The commission expressed general support for the Lake Road Townhomes phase II concept, with emphasis on resolving parking details in site plan review. - The ETJ CSM proposal was acknowledged as a legitimate estate planning request; further review will occur when the formal application and ETJ agreement are submitted. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:11 p.m.

The Altoona City Council held a regular meeting on December 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. Key actions included approving the engineering design contract for the 2026 Street Reconstruction, directing staff to draft a conduit lease agreement with Spectrum, and postponing a closed session. Reports covered strategic planning and utility boring progress. Consent Calendar - Approved the annual application for Manufactured Homes/Manufactured Home Communities license for 2026 from Hillcrest Estates LLC for Hillcrest Estates. (Motion carried unanimously.) Reports - City Administrator Michael Golot reported on a SWOT analysis with all city employees in anticipation of a strategic planning session scheduled for December 11, 2025, and noted the rural partners network outdoor recreation project presentation at Ellie Phillips Library at 5:00 PM that same day. - Director of Public Works Scott Quick provided an update on the NW utility extension boring: 24 feet of 320 feet completed on the first bore; mechanical issues occurred due to cold weather (air compressor freezing and a drill shaft snapping), but a replacement part was shipped from New Jersey and the bore was expected to break through the next day. The second bore was set to begin the following week. Discussion Items - 2026 Street Reconstruction Engineering Design: City Engineer Scott Quick presented the scope, including sections in the addition (Vernon, Allgood, Hamilton) and one block of Lynn between First Street West and Second Street West, to address a water main bottleneck (necks down from 14 to 6 inches) and a lead gooseneck discovered on a water service. Three proposals were received: SEH at $95,400, two others at $165,000 and $174,000. Staff recommended SEH due to competitive pricing and familiarity with Altoona specifications. Council approved the motion to award the contract to SEH. Dave from SEH expressed gratitude for continued confidence and noted his 17 years of experience with the city's contract documents. - Conduit Lease Agreement for NW Utility Extension: Staff reported that Spectrum approached the city about using the 24-inch casing pipe (containing a 6-inch force main) for fiber conduits after their own bore attempt failed. Spectrum offered to provide and fund two 2-inch conduits and pay a one-time lease fee. Staff proposed pulling additional conduits for city use (e.g., for communications) and keeping spares for future providers. Council directed staff to draft a lease agreement with Spectrum and bring it back for approval. Key Outcomes - Approved motion to award engineering design for the 2026 Street Reconstruction to SEH for $95,400. (Motion by Lima, second by Bieran; all in favor.) - Approved motion to direct staff to draft a lease agreement with Spectrum for use of conduit in the NW utility extension boring, to be presented at a future council meeting. (Motion by Lima, second by Thielen; all in favor.) - Postponed closed session (Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(c)) regarding City Administrator employment evaluation, as the employee was absent due to illness; rescheduled for the next meeting. - Adjourned at 6:20 PM.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided with council members present: Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Bruce Thielen, Matthew Beeran, and Susan Rowe (via phone). Councilperson Susie Miller was absent. The meeting covered adoption of the 2026 city budget, approval of multiple Certified Survey Maps (CSMs) for the Whitetail Woods subdivision, and awarding of a roof replacement contract for the Hobbs Sports Center. Several items were pulled pending further neighborhood review. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period or during any of the public hearings. Reports and Department Updates - Public Works Director Scott Quick discussed challenges with the city's brush site, including high hauling costs and limited disposal options. Wood chips are available to residents but little used. The city is seeking a grant for a compost turner to accelerate composting from 9-12 months to 90 days. Further discussion on brush site operations and potential relocations is planned. - The lighting project at City Hall/Library is complete, and reimbursement from Xcel Energy has been submitted. Solar panel installation at the police department and public works is nearly finished. - Parks and Recreation Director Chad Durkup announced the Holiday Glow event at Riverbury Park on Sunday, December 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. - Community survey results from the school district showed 65% support for a $15.6 million referendum for facility improvements; the school board may place it on the April ballot. New Business 2026 City Budget Adoption - A public hearing was opened at 6:00 PM for the 2026 City of Altoona Budget. With no public present, the hearing was closed. Council then approved Resolution 11A-25, adopting the 2026 budget. The vote was unanimous (Councilperson Beeran moved, seconded by Thielen; all ayes). Whitetail Woods Certified Survey Maps (Items 6-11) - Mayor Pratt recused himself for these items. Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented three CSMs to increase the depth of single-family lots along Bucktail Drive by 17 feet. Each CSM covered 4 lots (Lots 5-7, 8-11, and 12-14) and related outlots. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. - Public hearings were held for each CSM sequentially; no public comment was offered, and each hearing was closed. - Council then approved each CSM unanimously: - CSM for Lots 5-7, Outlot 5 & Outlot 7 (motion by Beeran, second by Thielen) - CSM for Lots 8-11 (motion by Beeran, second by Thielen) - CSM for Lots 12-14 (motion by Beeran, second by Thielen) Hobbs Sports Center Partial Roof Replacement (Item 12) - Scott Quick explained that the roof replacement is part of 2025 hailstorm damage. The insurance estimate was $62,000; bids were received and custom contractor CNA Custom Contractors LLC bid $62,895, which will be fully reimbursed by insurance. Engineering costs of $2,750 are also reimbursable. - Council awarded the bid to CNA Custom Contractors LLC for $62,895 (motion by Beeran, second by Thielen; unanimous ayes). Items Removed - Items 3, 4, and 5 (relating to a CSM for a parcel by NAI Commonweal) were pulled from the agenda at the request of the property owner, who needs to complete a review by a homeowners' association before proceeding. These items will return at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the 2026 city budget via Resolution 11A-25. - Unanimously approved three CSMs for Whitetail Woods to increase lot depths by 17 feet. - Unanimously awarded the Hobbs Sports Center roof replacement bid for $62,895 to CNA Custom Contractors LLC. - Items 3-5 (NAI Commonweal CSM) were pulled and will return after neighborhood association review. - Next regular council meeting: December 4, 2025 (first and third Thursdays in December).

The Budget Committee of the City of Altoona met on November 20, 2025, to review and recommend the final 2026 budget. Finance Director Tina Nelson presented the budget overview, mill rates, and the impact of the Tax Increment District (TID) 3 closure. The committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of the budget to the City Council. Discussion Items 2026 Budget Overview and Mill Rate Tina Nelson explained the city's budget structure, including the general fund tax levy, enterprise funds, and tax increment district 4. The closure of TID 3 returned significant increment value to the city’s tax base, enabling a $607,000 increase in general operating revenue without requiring $400,000 from reserves. This broader base allowed the local levy to increase while the mill rate decreased by 3.25%. The equalized mill rate is set at $5.00, maintaining eligibility for the expenditure restraint program. Tax Levy Composition The total local levy is $6.7 million: $3.7 million for general fund operations, $2.5 million for debt service, and $387,000 for the library. The assessed mill rate is 5.30, down from 5.47 last year. Sample Tax Bills Using a $315,000 home as example: - For properties in the Altoona School District area, the city’s share decreased by $54.31, but the school district increased by $99.60, and the County and CVTC changes resulted in a net increase of $49.59 after reduced lottery and first-dollar credits. - In the Lake District, taxes would increase by $94.45. - In the Eau Claire School District portion, the net increase is $182.81, largely due to the school district's referendum. TID 3 Closure Mayor Brendan Pratt and City Administrator Mike Goloet described TID 3 (River Prairie area), formed in 2001, which generated about $350 million in increment. Closing it expanded the city's tax base, lowered the mill rate, and strengthened the city's financial position, contributing to an AA credit rating that reduced borrowing costs. Utility and Enterprise Funds Nelson presented the utility budgets for water and sewer. The sewer budget is based on estimated payments under mediation with Eau Claire. The water utility sales have doubled since 2014, requiring additional capital assets. Capital Projects Nelson reviewed the capital projects schedule, detailing how projects like Vurnham Street are funded from multiple funds. The budget includes $500,000 for fire department land acquisition, pending appraisal. The committee discussed the potential need for a $14 million fire station and its long-term financing implications. Committee Discussion Committee members, including Mark Willert, noted the city has been funding about $2 million in capital annually and expressed caution about larger future projects. Others acknowledged the city's strong financial position but noted challenges ahead. The 5-year capital plan and strategic planning in December were referenced. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the final 2026 budget rates to the City Council. - The recommendation includes the budget document, mill rate resolution, and supporting materials.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Altoona Plan Commission convened at 4:30 PM in Council Chambers to discuss and vote on a Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) for two commercial buildings in River Prairie and several Certified Survey Maps (CSMs) in Whitetail Woods and River Prairie. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brendan Pratt, with all members present except for one abstention on minutes approval. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved minutes from the October 14, 2025 regular Plan Commission meeting and the October 21, 2025 special meeting. One member abstained on the October 21 minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens participated during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) for NAI Commonweal (Item 5): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented a recommendation for two commercial buildings on a 1.15-acre parcel (parcel 1820122709153409005) in River Prairie. The SIP is the site plan review following the General Implementation Plan (GIP) approved in May 2014. One building is confirmed for Chipotle (with a drive-thru pickup window, not an order window), and the second tenant is undetermined but expected to be another food user with a drive-thru. The site will include 53 regular parking spaces and 3 ADA spaces, with cross-access and shared parking between the two buildings. Access will be from Blazing Star Boulevard and Woodman's Drive. Conditions include fire hydrant, boulevard trees, and compliance with River Prairie design standards. The project will also involve a three-lot CSM for the entire 2.05-acre parcel. Applicant Ryan Erickson (NAI Commonweal) clarified that the two northern lots will be owned and leased but could be sold separately. - Three-Lot CSM for NAI Commonweal (Item 1): A recommendation to approve the division of the 2.05-acre parcel into three lots. The CSM meets all code requirements. Dean Roth noted that the northeast corner of Lot 5 had an un-noted symbol in the legend, and staff will forward a note to the surveyor. - Whitetail Woods CSMs (Items 2, 3, & 4): Three separate CSMs to extend lot depths by 17 feet by pulling from Outlot 7, enabling larger building footprints. These lots (5-7, 8-11, and 12-14) are part of the Whitetail Woods subdivision (zoned R1). The commission had seen these during preliminary consultation; no changes were made. Key Outcomes - Item 5 (SIP): Motion to recommend approval to Council as conditioned in the staff report. Passed unanimously (all ayes). - Item 1 (CSM): Motion to recommend approval to Council as conditioned. Passed unanimously. - Item 2 (CSM Lots 5-7 & Outlots): Motion to recommend approval to Council as conditioned. Passed unanimously. Mayor Pratt recused himself from items 2-4 (handed gavel to Matt). - Item 3 (CSM Lots 8-11): Motion to recommend approval as conditioned. Passed unanimously. - Item 4 (CSM Lots 12-14): Motion to recommend approval as conditioned. Passed unanimously. - Adjournment moved and seconded; meeting concluded.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included the swearing-in of a new police officer and assistant fire chief, unanimous approval of a lease renewal with the Altoona Historical Society, and a closed session to discuss an ongoing sewer billing dispute with the City of Eau Claire and negotiations with Habitat for Humanity for property development. Reports & Swearing-In - City Administrator Mike Golot reported difficulties with railroad approval for a utility extension to Whitale Woods, but approval was obtained; work is expected to be completed by year's end. He also mentioned exploring partnerships regarding an innovation fund. - Police Chief Kelly Bachin reported that calls for service are down slightly but traffic enforcement is up. Community service officers handled 27 cases in September and 35 in October, mostly junk-related. The Fall Frenzy event on October 26 drew about 500 children. The department is undergoing its annual CALEA review (60 of 270 standards will be reviewed). - Fire Chief Mark Renderman reported 1,347 calls for the year, consistent with the prior year. Seven new recruit staff (part-timers and volunteers) are completing the academy. The department responded to two structure fires, including one at Kirk Manufacturing on Chief Renderman's first day with Assistant Chief Kayhart. - The council recognized Lieutenant Kelly for his 22 years of service and wished him a happy birthday. - Officer Jacob Seykora was sworn in. He was hired as a CSO in November 2023, was sponsored through the law enforcement academy, and recently graduated; he fills a vacant full-time patrol position. - Assistant Fire Chief Corey Kayhart was sworn in. He has several years of fire service experience, including in Altoona and the Abbotsford/Dorchester area, and is skilled in repairs. New Business: Lease Renewal with Altoona Historical Society - Don Winrich, representing the Altoona Historical Society, presented a request to renew the rental agreement for the old 10th Street Recreation Center (506 9th Street West). The terms are unchanged from the current five-year lease. Winrich noted the society spent nearly $3,000 on painting and scraping and is actively cataloging artifacts using a program called CatalogIt, accessible via a QR code. He stated he will step down as president in January but remain an active member. - Councilmember Lima moved to approve the renewal; Councilmember Beeran seconded. The motion passed unanimously. - Winrich also updated the council on a railroad speeder (maintenance car) donated to the society. It is currently stored at a recycling facility in the Town of Washington and will be moved to Falkirk for display and parade use once funding is raised. Closed Session - The council voted unanimously (4-0, with two absent) to enter closed session at 6:20 PM under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategy for the City of Eau Claire sewer contract, and under §19.85(1)(e) to discuss negotiations with Habitat for Humanity for property development (added via addendum on November 5). - The council reconvened in open session at 6:56 PM. City Attorney Sam Bach Hansen reported that no actions were taken; the attorney is drafting a response to a letter from Eau Claire regarding the billing dispute. No other details were disclosed. Miscellaneous Business - In response to a councilmember's question, Administrator Golot confirmed that a fence along the railroad near public works had been completed, with the railroad paying 50% of the cost. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the October 23, 2025 regular council meeting (unanimous). - Sworn in Officer Jacob Seykora and Assistant Fire Chief Corey Kayhart. - Approved a five-year lease renewal with the Altoona Historical Society for the 10th Street Recreation Center (unanimous). - Entered and concluded closed session on the sewer contract dispute and Habitat for Humanity negotiations; no public action resulted. - Adjourned at 6:59 PM.

The Budget Committee met on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to review the second draft of the 2026 General Fund budget, the Tax Increment District (TID) No. 4 budget, and the Affordable Housing Fund budget. The committee also discussed a proposed backstop replacement for a baseball field, which led to a broader debate on city equipment procurement and taxpayer priorities. No public comments were heard. The meeting adjourned after approximately 44 minutes. Discussion Items - 2026 General Fund Budget (2nd Draft): Finance Director Tina Nelson presented the updated budget, highlighting a balanced budget without drawing from reserves. Key changes included the closure of TID No. 3, which generated an additional $607,155 in operating revenue, offset by the loss of administrative cost transfers previously charged to the TID. The levy limit worksheet allowed only a 1.87% increase from new construction ($52,000). Health insurance premiums remained flat. To balance the budget, more costs were allocated to utility funds (stormwater, sewer), and a rate study for stormwater was announced. The budget added one full-time parks maintenance position and increased EMS on-call pay from $1.50 to $350 per hour (as recommended by an operations study). Seasonal wages were raised to attract and retain workers, aligning with Eau Claire rates. - Mill Rates and Tax Impact: The equalized mill rate is projected to decrease from $5.40 to $5.00 per $1,000 of assessed value; the assessed mill rate from $5.47 to $5.30. On a $200,000 property, the local levy would decrease by $34.48. The committee noted that the full tax bill will not be known until the state issues school levy credits and lottery credits, and the county levy is received (expected late November). - Tax Increment District No. 4 Budget: TID No. 4, a manufacturing area, has closed its expenditure period and is paying off remaining expenses. Its incremental property value rose from $34 million in 2024 to $56 million in 2025, projecting $872,000 in tax increment revenue (up from $556,000 in 2024). The TID is projected to be closed by 2028, with an estimated $872,000 to be directed to the Affordable Housing Fund if extended one year, and $671,000 remaining for other taxing jurisdictions. The TID owes about $1.5 million for wells 8 and 9 but will return to positive net position by end of 2026. - Affordable Housing Fund: The fund currently holds $6.5 million, with initial programming being developed by city staff. The budget conservatively estimates $200,000 in loans for 2026. - Backstop Replacement Debate: A $10,000 line item to replace a baseball field backstop (batting cage) at the high school field sparked extensive discussion. Councilmember Tim Lima opposed the expenditure, arguing the city should not replace equipment without determining actual need and exploring shared funding with the school or user groups. He reported that the high school baseball coach was unaware of the request and said he could find a used cage for $4,000. Councilmember Susie Zilmer supported keeping the item, citing a safety priority (preventing foul ball injuries) and the city’s responsibility to provide safe amenities on city-owned fields, especially given the large number of youth participants (over 600 children). City Administrator Mike Golott noted the backstop was a safety issue and suggested further consultation with the school and AYSB (Altoona Youth Sports Boosters). The discussion also touched on ownership of donated equipment (scoreboards, bleachers) and liability. The item remained in the budget for now. - Public Notice & Budget Book: The required public notice was published; the full budget book (187 pages) is available on the city website under the November 20th public hearing agenda. Key Outcomes - The budget committee completed its review of the proposed 2026 budgets. The backstop item was left in the budget pending additional research and discussion with school and AYSB. - The final budget adoption is scheduled for November 20, 2025, following a public hearing. A sample tax bill will be provided at that meeting. - A joint review board meeting for TID No. 4 is set for December 15, 2025, to discuss the potential one-year extension for affordable housing. - No votes were taken on individual items; the committee will present the budget to the full Common Council for adoption.