Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

Note: The agenda lists the meeting date as August 19, 2025, but the transcript begins with "Tuesday, August 18th, 2025." This discrepancy is noted. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. Members present: Mayor Brendan Pratt, Ryan Looty, Sue Roll, Nicholas Hog, Matthew Beeron, Bill Hepner. Absent: Dean Roth. Also present: Scott Quick (Public Works Director) and Cindy Bauer (City Clerk). The meeting focused on three new business items, all preliminary consultations without formal votes. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the July 8, 2025 regular meeting and the July 22, 2025 special meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizens participation period. Discussion Items 1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 311 US Highway 12 (Parcel 1820122709254200004) – Proposed by Grip Development - Applicant Presentation: A representative from Grip Development requested a comp plan amendment to allow commercial use on a 1.22-acre R1-zoned parcel currently occupied by a dilapidated single-family home. The parcel is located between a multi-family residential development (Prairie View Ridge) and a commercial building (ECR). The applicant argued that a commercial office/showroom for Grip and its renovation company (Vive) would serve as a softer visual buffer, support local businesses, and keep Grip’s operations in Altoona. They noted that if the amendment is not approved, they would build multi-family units consistent with the current R3 designation. - Staff Recommendation: Taylor (Planning Director) recommended against the amendment, stating that the comp plan designates the area for twin home/R2/R3 uses, aligning with the surrounding Prairie View Ridge development. He noted that the comp plan supports a 15-30 year vision and that single-parcel amendments are typically reserved for larger community-impacting projects. He also pointed out that the parcel lacks direct access from Highway 12; the city owns a 30-foot utility strip that would need to be sold to allow access via Bombak Way. - Commission Discussion: Several members expressed support for considering the amendment. Commissioner Beeron noted the parcel is directly across from commercial uses and could be justified as a transitional use. Commissioner Roll emphasized that while setting precedent is a concern, the unique location (between commercial and multi-family) provides strong justification. The chair summarized general sentiment as favorable to initiating the comp plan amendment process. No formal action was taken, as this was a preliminary consultation. 2. Preliminary Consultation – 3-Lot Land Division (Lot 3, Whitetail Woods) by 5G Development - Overview: The developer proposed a certified survey map (CSM) to split Lot 3 into three lots, yielding 60 multi-family units (12 on Lot 1, 24 on Lot 2, 24 on Lot 3). The site is zoned R3 and comp plan compliant. All infrastructure will be installed by the developer; the city’s only contribution is extending water/sewer under railroad tracks. - Discussion: The applicant clarified that this lot will be developed by a separate investment group (not Grip) and will likely feature three-story apartment buildings similar to Bartlett Crossing, though with enhanced exterior design. Concerns were raised about density, parking, and stormwater runoff. Commissioner Beeron noted the large concrete footprint and minimal green space. The applicant noted design standards have been discussed with the investment group. No vote was taken; the consultation is informational. 3. Preliminary Consultation – 4-Lot Land Division (Lots 1 & 2, Whitetail Woods) by Grip Development - Overview: A CSM to create four lots with 56 total units (20 on Lot 1, 12 on Lot 2, 8 on Lot 3, 16 on Lot 4). The lots will feature townhome-style buildings (three-bedroom, 2.5 baths) similar to Otter Creek Landing but with unique exterior designs. The development is less dense than the 3-lot proposal and includes more green space. The park dedicated to the city is located east of the CSM. - Discussion: Commissioners praised the lower density and village-style layout. Concerns about parking overflow were raised based on experiences at other developments (Lake Road). The applicant noted street parking is available on Briar Cliff (a full public street) and that garages and driveways provide off-street parking. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on any of the three agenda items; all were preliminary consultations designed to gather feedback. - For the comprehensive plan amendment (Item 3), the commission generally indicated support for initiating the amendment process, which would require public hearings and city council approval. - For the two land divisions (Items 1 & 2), the commission noted that the applications will proceed to administrative CSM review and site plan review, where detailed design and code compliance will be evaluated. - The planning director will take the commission’s input into account for future recommendations.

Mayor Brendan Pratt presided over the Altoona City Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue. Council members present were Dale Stuber, Timothy Lima, Bruce Thielen, Matthew Beeran, Susie Zilmer, and Susan Rowe. Staff present included City Attorney Sambach Hansen, City Administrator Michael Golott, City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works Christian Hubert, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. The council confirmed a quorum, approved minutes and routine appointments, approved two ordinances, awarded a safe room bid, approved a conduit lease amendment, heard a solar investment presentation without taking action, and held a closed session on the future fire station site. No members of the public spoke during the citizens participation period. Consent Agenda - Approved the July 24, 2025 regular council meeting minutes by voice vote. - Approved the consent agenda appointing Ryan Ludy to the Plan Commission and Susan Zillmer to the Finance Committee and Parks & Recreation Committee. Department Head Reports - City Administrator reported that the container park opening was very successful; staff are working with vendors on programming and addressing construction issues, including leaks. The site was busy and vendors were happy. - Affordable housing programs are being developed with Habitat for Humanity, starting with a yard cleanup program and an essential repair program focused on energy efficiency and handyman tasks; council will be asked to consider the first programs within about a month. - Planning continues for the approximately 80-acre east neighborhood; a new design iteration was received and a meeting with a prospective developer was held. - Public Works update: the binder course on 7th Street West was installed; boulevard finishing and final surface are expected in about a week and a half. Pleasant and Otter reconstruction work is being done in sections, with Pleasant utilities wrapping up before grading and graveling. - White Tail Woods infrastructure is moving forward after permits were obtained. - Fire/EMS update: the city is at 950 calls year-to-date, approximately 165 fire-related and 787 EMS; EMS volume is down about 80 from this time last year, though August has been busier. An inspector/assistant chief resigned and the position has been posted. About nine part-time volunteer staff are expected to leave by early February; seven candidates have been interviewed and tested, with onboarding expected in September and training by the end of the year. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the citizens participation period. Solar Infrastructure Presentation - Representatives Jason and Phil from Verage presented a proposal for solar arrays on the Public Works and Public Safety buildings. - The proposal is a total array size of 143 kilowatts with no on-site storage, sized to about a 50% offset to avoid overproduction. Xcel Energy would buy excess power up to 80% of production at a retail off-peak rate. - Verage estimated about $15,000 in first-year utility savings and just under $1 million in energy savings over 25 years. The total project cost is $616,000; after about $192,000 in federal tax credits and incentives, the net cost is about $424,000. The guaranteed-payback model reaches full payback in about year 19. A 25-year maintenance/service contract is about $52,000, and company fees are about 13% of the project cost. - Presenters said federal 30% direct-pay solar credits are being curtailed; reductions begin July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026 is likely the installation deadline to preserve current credits. They described a safe-harbor option in which buying materials would lock in the credits. - Mayor Pratt noted the city’s prior Solar Circle project was about $135,000 for 40 kW, with roughly $10,000–$20,000 of city cash after incentives. He and staff had heard conventional flat-roof solar would cost about $2.50 per watt, versus $4.50 per watt in Verage’s proposal, and asked Verage to justify the premium. - Verage cited commercial-grade panels, 25-year warranties, real-time monitoring, rapid shutdown equipment, third-party structural review, no change orders, and a production guarantee. They said they are the 10th largest commercial solar installer in the U.S., have more than 600 employees, and have never missed a production guarantee. - Council members raised concerns about the 19-year payback, whether the savings justify the upfront cost, the need for references from similar Wisconsin cities, and the company’s long-term viability. Some council members viewed it as infrastructure investment rather than a profit center. - No action was taken. Verage agreed to return in about two weeks with references and more information. Council also noted that if the city instead issued an RFP/RFQ, it would need to move quickly; one local solar contractor said its schedule would fill within two to three weeks. New Business – Ordinances, Bid, and Lease Agreement - Approved Ordinance 8A-25, amending Chapter 15 of the Altoona Municipal Code (Building and Mechanical Code). The changes make explicit that a permit may only be granted when all local submission requirements are met, including resolving outstanding unpermitted work anywhere in the city; remove the requirement that every violation be brought to the City Council and City Attorney; and replace listed fee penalties with a reference to the Bond and Fee Schedule. Staff said the changes respond to unpermitted roofing and siding work; a summer enforcement intern is catching about 20 cases per week, with first-offense fines around $100 per offense. - Approved Ordinance 8B-25, amending Chapter 9.23 of the Municipal Code to change the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area hours of operation. The police department recommended moving the closing time from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. to align with city park hours. - Approved awarding Procurement No. 2025-06, Hillcrest Estates Safe Room, to Dell Construction Co. as the low bid among five bids at $815,000, which was within budget. - Approved the amended Reciprocal Conduit Lease Agreement between TDS Metrocom, LLC, the City of Altoona, and the City of Eau Claire. Staff explained the amendment is needed because TDS did conduit work across the River Prairie Bridge and additional work for Altoona must be added to the agreement. Closed Session – Future Fire Station Site - The council unanimously voted to convene in closed session at about 7:30 p.m. under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties and investing of public funds regarding a future fire station site. - After reconvening to open session by unanimous roll-call vote, the City Administrator reported that no action was necessary from the closed-session discussion and that staff would continue working on the property acquisition and report back if action is needed. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes and the mayoral appointments to the Plan Commission, Finance Committee, and Parks & Recreation Committee. - Approved Ordinance 8A-25 and Ordinance 8B-25. - Awarded the Hillcrest Estates Safe Room bid to Dell Construction Co. for $815,000. - Approved the TDS Metrocom conduit lease amendment. - Took no action on the solar proposal; Verage will return in about two weeks with references and additional information. - Held a closed session on the future fire station site and took no action; staff will continue working on it. - The meeting was adjourned after open session reconvened.

The Budget Committee met on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 3:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brendan Pratt. The committee received an overview of the 2026 budget process, including updates on the city's financial position, equalized and assessed values, and a preliminary list of proposed capital projects totaling $4.6 million. No formal votes were taken; the meeting served as a discussion and planning session. Future meetings will address debt service, the TID closure, and utility budgets. Discussion Items - Budget Process Overview: Tina Nelson, Finance Director, outlined the city's fund structure (general fund, library fund, capital projects fund, debt service fund, enterprise funds for water/sewer/stormwater, TIF districts, and special revenue funds like affordable housing). She noted that TID 3 closed this year, moving increment into the general fund. - Equalized vs. Assessed Values: Nelson explained that equalized value is based on market analysis; the city's equalized value increased 6% to $1.39 billion, with 61% of growth from market appreciation. The city conducts market updates every other year to keep assessed values close to equalized values. - Financial Position: The city has a tax stabilization fund balance of $2.2 million, land sale fund balances totaling $9.8 million (including unassigned, land acquisition, and redevelopment funds). City Administrator Mike Golott noted that without land sales, reserves would be only $812,000, emphasizing the need to maintain financial sustainability. - Proposed 2026 Capital Projects: A list of projects totaling $4.6 million was presented. Key projects include: - Public Works campus improvements (building completion, material storage) - Firearm optics and patrol speed laser for police ($20,000) - Land acquisition for a new fire station (to be paid from fund balance) - Computer replacements and network switches ($48,000) - City code recodification - Vernon Street, Elsa Street, Globe Avenue, and Hamilton Avenue reconstruction (lead service replacement initiative) - Radio system upgrade for fire department to improve coverage (additional $40,000 borrowing) - Perseverance Park playground equipment and irrigation - Container Park improvements (enclosing pavilion for winter use) - Fairway pickleball/basketball court fence replacement and playground equipment - Mobile backup generator for sanitary sewer lift stations - Snow and ice control equipment improvements (proposed by Councilmember Bruce Thielen) - Utility Budgets: Sewer utility contract with Eau Claire is under negotiation; water utility capacity will be discussed in future meetings. - Affordable Housing Fund: $6.4 million was added from TID 3 closure; strategies for use are being developed. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were made on the capital projects or budget. The committee will receive a detailed digital budget book for review. - The next budget committee meeting (in two weeks) will focus on 2026 capital projects and debt service, with Sean Lenz present to discuss TID closure implications and tax relief options. - A strategic planning session is scheduled for fall/winter 2025 to revisit city priorities. - The committee will continue budget discussions through November, with the public hearing and final adoption expected on November 20, 2025.

The City of Altoona Board of Review met Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, Wisconsin, to review and examine the 2025 assessment roll. Chairperson Matthew Beeron presided, with Mayor Brendan Pratt and members Dale Stewart and Timothy Lima present; Bruce Thielen and Susan Rowe were absent. The board confirmed statutory notices, swore in the assessor, reviewed assessment data, heard one public comment, and adjourned at 7:02 p.m. Procedural Matters - The City Clerk reported that open meeting notices were posted and published on May 15, after the initial Board of Review meeting in May was adjourned to July 29. - The board verified the city ordinance protecting the confidentiality of income and expense information provided to the assessor under state law: Chapter 2.44 of the Altoona Municipal Code. - The board confirmed Matthew Beeron as chairperson and Timothy Lima as vice-chairperson, and confirmed that required assessor training was completed by board members and the deputy clerk, effective July 15 and valid for two years. - The assessment roll and assessor's affidavit were received. Assessor's Oath and Annual Assessment Report - Assessor Megan Bickford of Accurate Appraisal was sworn in. - She reported an overall assessment ratio of 91.17, visits to 143 parcels, review of 403 permits, 258 total sales, and 165 usable residential sales. - During open book, there were 15 resident interactions and 17 commercial interactions. - She described 2025 as a maintenance year and said the city will move to an interim market update in 2026. - She stated there were no errors in the assessment roll as presented, with one change made after the roll was printed and all totals updated. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Toy, owner of the River Ridge property off Woodman Drive and Blazing Star, appeared without having filed the required appeal information in advance. He believed his assessment should be lower than the waiver value based on the cost approach for 2024 taxes. - Toy said he did not realize the Board of Review was meeting that evening and acknowledged submitting his information late. Board members explained that appeal information was required about 48 hours before the meeting and that they had no written facts to review. - Board members also noted that open book had been held July 10 and that there was ample time to submit the appeal paperwork. - The assessor noted she had discussed the property with Toy during open book, the assessment office had adjusted the value, and Toy signed a waiver approving the new value; the assessor received the signed waiver six days earlier. - Because the necessary appeal information was not submitted on time, the board did not hold a formal objection hearing on Toy's request. - The assessor offered to review updated income and expense information for the property in 2026 as part of the interim market update, since the property has stabilized, and advised submitting information in January. - Toy provided property context: the 55-unit apartment building is about 95 percent occupied, one 1,650-square-foot commercial space remains vacant, the four upstairs apartments are full, and Edward Jones leases the other commercial space. Board Review and Statutory Duties - The board reviewed the assessment roll and performed its statutory duties, and no discrepancies were raised. - No additional Board of Review dates were required. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken on Tom Toy's requested assessment change because the appeal information was not filed within the required timeline. - The assessor committed to considering updated income and expense data for the River Ridge property during the 2026 interim market update. - The board determined that no further Board of Review meetings were necessary. - A motion to adjourn carried by voice vote, all in favor, and the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

Mayor Brendan Pratt convened the regular Common Council meeting on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The council approved the July 10, 2025 minutes, closed the Citizens Participation Period with no speakers, and acted on a facility agreement, a council appointment, a sponsorship, and a series of downtown, DORA, parking, and traffic ordinances. Department head reports were waived. Unless noted, motions were approved by voice vote with no announced opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - No one spoke during the Citizens Participation Period. - Dave Kenyon, owner of the building housing the post office and his dental office, spoke during the Division Street parking item. He generally supported the proposal but asked the council to consider a yellow no-parking line in front of the mailbox and back to the driveway to prevent parking in front of his office. Discussion Items - Compassion Coalition Agreement: Staff recommended approving an agreement to let the Compassion Coalition use a small garage space in the old county shop buildings at the Public Works Shop. The coalition is losing its school-based space by fall; the city was its original partner and considers the service critical. The agreement has no rent; the coalition will pay $10 per month per refrigeration unit for utility use, and the city can terminate on short notice if it needs the space. Council approved. - District 5 Council Appointment: Two candidates applied to fill the vacancy for District 5, Wards 9 and 10 through April 2026. Susan Nelson Zilmer described experience as a town clerk, county and federal government work, and service on a sand-mining investigative committee. Ryan Ludi described experience as a critical care paramedic, former executive director of United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley, and work in banking and homeownership. A written ballot was 5-1 for Zilmer, and a subsequent motion to appoint her carried. Outgoing Councilmember Caitlin Leopold was recognized with a plaque. - Lions Club Container Park Sponsorship: Staff reported that the Altoona Lions Club offered a $5,000 sponsorship over five years for site furnishings, primarily elevated seating at the Container Park, with the upper seating area named Lions Den and a sign placed and maintained by the Lions Club. Council approved. - DORA Ordinance 7B-25: Staff explained that the Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area allows drinks from the three participating bars to be carried into the designated outdoor area but not back into businesses. The amendment adjusted the boundary map to address rear entrances at the 400 Club and Gold Spike, creating marked walkways through their rear and beer garden areas into the central green space. The city's insurance carrier requires each bar to provide liquor liability coverage and name the city as an additional insured. Staff installed planters and signs, planned DORA boundary signage and educational materials, and discussed possible special-event boundary extensions. Council discussion included removing a boundary line at the Division Street crosswalk, no parking in the green space, off-sale purchases, and parking availability. The motion included directing staff to obtain written permission from property owners. Council approved. - One-Way Streets Ordinance 7C-25: Staff proposed creating a one-way street designation for the area around the Container Park and Division Street, tied to related parking and stop-sign ordinances. The plan would allow angle parking on the north side of Schooner Street, gain more than 12 spaces while retaining parallel parking on the south side, improve crosswalk visibility, permit parking on both sides near the post office, and add a four-way stop at Lynn and Division. Staff reported support from adjacent property owners, the post office, police and fire, county staff, and the railroad. The 400 Club's concerns about snow, access, and crosswalk traffic were addressed with signage and planters. Implementation would include temporary barricades, signs, education, and warnings. Council discussed event closures, a fuel truck's route, county parking signs, and a suggestion about Hayden Street stop signs; staff cautioned against ad hoc traffic-control changes. Council approved. - Division Street Parking Ordinance 7D-25: The ordinance permits parking on the east side of Division Street from Lynn Avenue to a point 70 feet north, an area next to the post office. Council discussed whether the space should be short-term post office parking; staff agreed to monitor and revisit the issue. The motion was made contingent on adoption of Ordinance 7C-25. Council approved. - Stop Signs Ordinance 7E-25: The ordinance adds stop signs for north, south, east, and westbound traffic at Division Street and Lynn Avenue, establishing a four-way stop. Council approved. - Angled Parking Ordinance 7F-25: The ordinance removes River Prairie back-in parking and adds angled parking regulations. Council discussed the future reconstruction of Spooner Avenue with the county and railroad and considered an alternative angle-parking layout; staff agreed to review the suggestion against MUTCD guidance. Council approved. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 10, 2025, council meeting minutes. - Approved the Compassion Coalition agreement (no rent; $10 per month per refrigeration unit; short-notice termination). - Appointed Susan Nelson Zilmer to District 5, Wards 9 and 10, for the term ending April 2026 (ballot: 5-1; motion carried). - Approved the Altoona Lions Club Container Park sponsorship: $5,000 over five years and Lions Den designation. - Approved Ordinance 7B-25 (DORA boundary and consumption area amendment) and directed staff to obtain written permission from property owners. - Approved Ordinance 7C-25 (one-way streets). - Approved Ordinance 7D-25 (Division Street parking), contingent on adoption of 7C-25. - Approved Ordinance 7E-25 (all-way stop signs at Division Street and Lynn Avenue). - Approved Ordinance 7F-25 (removing River Prairie back-in parking; adding angled parking regulations). - Recognized outgoing Councilmember Caitlin Leopold for her service.

The Altoona Special Plan Commission met on July 22, 2025, at 4:30 PM in City Council Chambers to conduct a public hearing and consider a conditional use permit (CUP) for Iron Horse Saloon, Inc. to operate a bar at 201 Division Street within the Container Park development. The meeting included staff presentations, committee discussion, and two votes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period. Discussion Items - Public Hearing (Item 1): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented the CUP application for a bar with Class B beer and Class C wine licenses at the Container Park (parcel 201-2002-03-010). The property is zoned commercial and aligns with the comprehensive plan. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions applicable to all alcohol businesses in Altoona. Commissioners discussed the boundaries of the recently adopted Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district, clarifying that alcoholic beverages must remain within the DORA district and cannot be carried into or out of the area. The DORA map was not included in the packet because it was approved by the City Council at a prior meeting. - Consideration of Approval (Item 2): Further discussion addressed operating hours (11 AM to 10 PM, aligning with Container Park hours), fencing between the site and the rail yard (temporary snow fence placed; permanent options under consideration), and the need for higher netting behind the volleyball court to prevent balls from entering adjacent residential yards. Commissioners noted that these issues were beyond the scope of the CUP but acknowledged public concerns. Key Outcomes - After the public hearing, an unidentified motion was made and seconded; the motion carried unanimously (all ayes, no nays). The nature of this motion was not explicitly stated in the transcript but appeared to conclude the hearing phase. - Under Item 2, Commissioner Roth moved to approve the conditional use permit with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously (all ayes, no nays). The permit is granted subject to standard conditions and the lease agreement with the city.

The Altoona City Council held a regular meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The Council approved the establishment of a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), authorized a contract amendment for the River Prairie Townhome Project, accepted the 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and granted initial approval for liquor licenses for a new downtown business. Public Comments & Testimony - A representative of Fairway Capital addressed the Council during the Citizens Participation period. He expressed concern over the classification of his promotional banners under the city's temporary signage rules, which he noted usually have a 60-day limit. He argued these signs are an integral part of his business for marketing short-term housing and should be treated similarly to real estate signs, which are permitted. He asked the Council to consider allowing exceptions for business promotion in the ongoing ordinance rewrite, stating the banners led to a \"tremendous influx and uptick\" in revenue. Discussion Items - Reports and Container Park Update: City Administrator Michael Golot reported the Container Park opening date of July 26. He discussed budget struggles, noting a surprise $20,000 cost for electrical hookups of air handling units, leaving the project approximately $40,000 under budget. Shade structures for the concrete space have been ordered. The July 24 Council meeting time was moved to 5:00 PM. - Resolution 7A-25 (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report): Dan from CLA presented the audit, stating it was completed a month earlier than the prior year. The review covered fund performances, the closure of ARPA funds in 2024, status of TIDs 3 and 4, and utility rate increases. The Council approved the resolution to close the books of account for 2024 and accept the report. - Tom Toy Contract Amendment (River Prairie Townhomes Phase 2): The Council approved an amendment to the sales agreement to reduce the total units from 12 to 10. The units will be single-story, senior-focused, and accessible. The developer required this written approval before proceeding with full engineering and the approval process (GIB SIP). A condition of the approval requires the developer to provide a solution to the parking overflow issue. - Ordinance 7A-25 (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area - DORA): City staff presented the ordinance to establish a DORA district in downtown Altoona to enhance community engagement, particularly for the Container Park. The district permits consumption of fermented malt beverages, wine, and liquor within designated boundaries from 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Carry-ins are prohibited. Council members raised concerns about enforcement of boundaries and potential public safety issues. Staff responded they will take a permissive approach initially, utilizing signage and police presence, and will rescind the district if it creates significant problems. The ordinance was approved. - Liquor Licenses (Iron Horse Pub): The Council approved the Class \"B\" Retailer's license (fermented malt beverages) and Class \"C\" Retailer's license (wine) for Iron Horse Pub, represented by Mark Anderson. The approval is contingent on the Plan Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the June 26, 2025, regular meeting. (Councilmember Leopold abstained). - Approved the Consent Agenda (Library Board appointments). - Approved Resolution 7A-25 (2024 Audit). - Approved the Tom Toy contract amendment for Phase 2 River Prairie Townhomes. - Approved Ordinance 7A-25 establishing a DORA District. - Approved the Iron Horse Pub liquor licenses (contingent on CUP approval). - Adjourned at 6:37 PM.

The Altoona Finance Committee met on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time (2025-07-10 11:00:00+00:00 UTC). The primary agenda item was the review and discussion of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for 2024, presented by auditor Dan Carlson of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). The committee reviewed an unmodified audit opinion and unanimously voted to recommend the report to the Common Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 8, 2024 Finance Committee meeting via a motion by Matt Beer and a second, with all members voting in favor. Discussion Items - 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Presentation: Dan Carlson (CLA) presented the audit summary. The city received an unmodified audit opinion, the highest level. The management letter contained three standard disclosures: annual financial reporting assistance by CLA, audit adjustments proposed during the audit, and a lack of segregation of duties due to the small office staff. - General Fund: The fund's cash and investments balance decreased from $10.4M to $4.7M due to the reclassification of approximately $5M in committed funds (Land Acquisition, Tax Stabilization, Redevelopment) from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. Finance Director Tina Nelson explained this provided a cleaner presentation, as these funds are designated for capital or stabilization purposes, not general operating expenses. The General Fund had $7.8M in revenues against $8.4M in expenditures, resulting in a $600,000 overspend from current revenues, driven largely by a $600,000 increase in public safety costs and a $300,000 increase in parks costs. Chair Matt Beer raised concerns about the unassigned fund balance percentage dropping from 89% to 67.3%, stating it was a trend that would require public explanation. Dan Carlson noted that 67.3% remains well above the typical municipal average of 33%. The committee discussed the intentional use of $400,000 from the Tax Stabilization Fund to balance the budget, a step taken due to TID income constraints. - Special Revenue Funds: The $620,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were fully spent in 2024 on various projects. The Affordable Housing Fund, generated from the closure of TID 2, stood at $6.5M. Staff updated the committee on the pending final audit of TID 3, estimating $4.5M will be distributed to taxing jurisdictions, including the school district, with a target payment date before June 2026. - Capital Projects & TIDs: TID 4 balances decreased as project costs exceeded property tax revenue due to the charging of wells 8 and 9 costs to the district. The Neighborhood Container Grant fund ended the year with a negative $100,000 fund balance due to the timing of grant reimbursements. Committee member Tim Lima expressed skepticism about the project staying within budget and requested a full accounting; staff (Tina Nelson, Christian, and Mike) affirmed they had been tightly managing the budget. - Water Utility: The utility reported a strong net position with a current ratio of 5.01. Assets increased significantly due to a $1.5M advance from TID 4 for wells 8 and 9. Dan Carlson suggested the city pursue a simplified rate case in the coming years to avoid large rate adjustments and maintain compliance with the Public Service Commission (PSC). - Sewer & Stormwater Utilities: The sewer utility saw a change in net position of $242,000 in 2024, lower than the $1.2M in 2023 due to a large capital contribution from governmental funds the prior year. The stormwater utility reported a negative $81,000 change in net position for 2024, driven by depreciation costs from new equipment. The committee discussed the need to closely review and potentially adjust stormwater rates, as they have not been changed in some time. - Long-Term Obligations: General obligation debt decreased from $19M to $16M. The lease liability rose due to new enterprise vehicle leases. The Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability is decreasing following changes to the police union contract that sunset post-retirement health insurance benefits. The city's debt limit stands at $65M, with 22.5% of that capacity currently utilized, which is a favorable position. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes from the August 8, 2024 meeting were approved. - CAFR for 2024 Recommended to Council: The committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Common Council approve the 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. - Utility Rate Reviews: The committee acknowledged the need for a deep review of stormwater utility rates and discussed pursuing a simplified rate case for the water utility in the near future. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:47 PM.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on July 8, 2025, in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, with Chairperson Matthew Buren presiding in the absence of Mayor Brendan Pratt. Present were commissioners Sue Roll, Nicholas Hog, Dean Roth, and Bill Hapner; Ben Traxel and Mayor Pratt were absent. Staff present included Planning Director Taylor Greenwell and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. A quorum was established. The Commission approved four multifamily site plans for Bartlett Crossing and handled routine business. Consent Calendar - The citizen participation period was closed with no public comments. - The minutes of the June 10, 2025, Regular Plan Commission Meeting were approved on a motion by Commissioner Roll, seconded by Commissioner Roth, with all in favor. Discussion Items - Lot 2 – Bartlett Crossing (14-unit building): Staff reviewed a site plan for a 14-unit multifamily building on a 0.67-acre lot zoned R3, a permitted use. The lot had been vacant. Setbacks were 6 feet north, 10 feet south, 24 feet front, and 25 feet rear; the lot was approximately 29,000 square feet. The plan provided 14 garage stalls plus 14 front parking spaces, equaling 28 off-street stalls against a required 21 garage stalls. Building height was 31 feet, driveway width was 22 feet, and exterior material was lap siding. Staff recommended approval with the same conditions applied to prior Bartlett Crossing approvals. Discussion confirmed the upper units are three-bedroom and lower units are one-bedroom, and that the proposal is substantially similar to the original development plan. The Commission approved the Lot 2 site plan as conditioned in the staff report. - Lots 3, 4, and 5 – Bartlett Crossing (10-unit buildings): Staff presented identical site plans for three 10-unit buildings. Lot 3 was 0.46 acres, with 10-foot side setbacks, a 24-foot front setback, and a 25-foot rear setback. The plans provided 10 garage stalls plus front parking spaces against a required 15 garage stalls, a 31-foot building height, and 22-foot driveway width. During discussion, commissioners asked about pedestrian safety on the private driveway; staff noted that the private drive has no sidewalk, but pedestrian circulation is provided by a continuous sidewalk along the rear/public street portions and the private drive is not city-maintained. Commissioner Roll asked whether staff recommendations were the same for all three lots, and staff confirmed they were. Commissioner Roll moved to approve the site plans for Lots 3, 4, and 5 with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the Lot 2 Bartlett Crossing site plan for a 14-unit building, as conditioned in the staff report. - Approved the Lot 3, Lot 4, and Lot 5 Bartlett Crossing site plans for 10-unit buildings, as conditioned in the staff report. - No unfinished business was considered. - Miscellaneous communications: the Container Park is scheduled to open July 26; a special meeting is set for July 22 at 5:30 p.m. primarily for a conditional use permit/liquor license related to the beer garden. The Commission also discussed the Coolie Boutique's upcoming Altoona location and noted that Partners Energy concluded its project after a booth at Music in the Park, with an award presentation release/video to be posted later. The meeting adjourned with a motion made, seconded, and carried.