Public Meetings - Altoona, Wisconsin

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Acting Chairperson Matthew Beeran. After roll call and approval of the previous meeting's minutes, the commission considered a site plan application for a 12-unit multifamily building in Bartlett Crossing. The application was approved unanimously. The meeting also included updates on the upcoming fire station study presentation and the police department report. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the citizen participation period. Discussion Items - Site Plan Application for 12-Unit Multifamily Building (Bartlett Crossing, Phase 1): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented the application for a 12-unit multifamily building on a 0.93-acre parcel (Parcel 1820122709244309009), zoned R3 multifamily. The building design is similar to other buildings in Bartlett Crossing, with single-car garages on the north and south sides and additional surface parking in front. The site meets all setback requirements (50 ft north, 32 ft south, 21.46 ft front, 41 ft rear), lot size minimum (40,510 sq ft vs. 8,000 sq ft minimum), parking (18 required, provided via 12 garage stalls and 6 surface stalls, plus extra space in front of garages), building height (approx. 35 ft, well under 45 ft max), and driveway widths (20 ft and 24 ft). Primary material is lap siding, which requires Plan Commission approval. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions. - Commission members asked clarifying questions about garage doors (single-car), the parking layout, and occupancy rates of similar buildings in the area. No opposition was raised. Key Outcomes - Approval of Site Plan: Commissioner Dean Roth moved to approve the site plan per staff recommendation; Commissioner Bill Hapner seconded. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote (all aye, no opposed). - Upcoming Meetings: The Planning Director noted a special Plan Commission meeting scheduled for April 22. The fire station study presentation, originally expected in February, was postponed to the second meeting in May (likely May 13). The annual police department report was also mentioned as appearing on the next City Council agenda.

The Altoona Common Council met at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Ave, Altoona, WI. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided; Councilmembers Dale Stuber, Matthew Beeran, Caitlin Leopold, and Susan Roll were present, and Councilmember Timothy Lima was absent. Staff present included Attorney Sam Bach Hansen, City Administrator Michael Golot, City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works Christian Hubert, Finance Director Tina Nelson, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. A quorum was present. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the proclamation declaring April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Altoona, affirming the city's commitment to fair and equal housing opportunities for all. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the Citizens Participation Period. - At the 7th Street West public hearing, an attendee asked when construction would start. The city engineer said the contractor's earliest start was the second week of June, followed by about two weeks of XL gas relocation, so city work would likely begin around early July; the project is a priority for completion before school starts. No one spoke in opposition, and the hearing was closed. - Wes, representing the Eau Claire Community Foundation as he identified it (the agenda lists Eau Claire Area Foundation), urged the council to join a one-time shared funding effort to keep Sojourner House open year-round. He said Catholic Charities faced closing the 53-bed shelter for six months due to a funding shortfall; Catholic Charities committed $200,000, the foundation committed $100,000, and the remaining $100,000 was being sought from Eau Claire County, the City of Eau Claire, and Altoona. He framed the request as a shared challenge requiring a shared solution, and said the funding would provide time to build a more sustainable operating and funding model. He said the City of Eau Claire was on board and planned to discuss the request at its April 8 meeting. He also noted Catholic Charities had received an $80,000 shelter grant and committed to find another $120,000, and that if Catholic Charities stopped running the shelter, another agency would need to take on an $800,000-$900,000 annual operating budget. He cited estimates of $20,000-$50,000 per unhoused person per year in community costs. Discussion Items Whitetail Woods TID Agreement Amendment (Item 5) - Mayor Pratt recused himself, and Councilperson Beeran presided. City Administrator Golot explained that the amendment replaces Exhibit C of the Whitetail Woods TID agreement with an updated construction timeline, related to extending utilities beneath railroad tracks to the Whitetail Woods project area. The project's estimated value is unchanged; the timeline shifts from a 2026 start to a 2027 start. The council approved the amendment. TID 3 Resolutions (Items 1 and 2) - Sean Lentz of LRS reported that TID 3 is ending in 2025 in a strong financial position. Resolution 3B-25 authorizes transferring up to $6,251,310 in final-year TID 3 revenues to the city's affordable housing fund. Resolution 3C-25 terminates the district. After costs are paid, roughly $4.5 million is projected to be returned to other taxing jurisdictions, including about $1.57 million to the city, about $858,000-$860,000 to Eau Claire County, about $1.886 million to the school district, and about $192,000 to Chippewa Valley Technical College. Closure also adds $392 million in equalized value to the city's 2026 general fund tax base. Lentz recommended notifying the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by April 14, 2025, and beginning early 2026 budget target discussions. The council approved both resolutions. 7th Street West Reconstruction Public Hearing and Bid Award (Items 3 and 4) - A public hearing was held on the preliminary special assessment report for the 2025 7th Street West Reconstruction project. The report had been mailed to property owners and included plans, cost estimates, the assessment method, proposed assessments, and the preliminary resolution. The special assessment estimate was revised downward from an initial $245,000 after bids; final assessments will be determined after project completion. The hearing was closed without opposition. - The council awarded the reconstruction contract to Haas for $589,436.46, the low bid among four bidders. The low bid was roughly $10,000-$12,000 below the estimate and about $100,000 under the capital budget. Sojourner House Funding Request (Item 7) - After Wes's presentation, a council member said homelessness is a major regional problem and proposed giving $15,000 rather than the requested $10,000, citing available general fund reserves of roughly $9-$10 million. Another council member seconded the motion, emphasizing long-term planning and the need to avoid added law-enforcement costs. The council authorized a $15,000 one-time contribution from the general fund reserve, with a related budget amendment. The roll call vote was unanimous: Stuber, Beeran, Leopold, and Roll all voted yes. Annual Stormwater Report (Item 6) - City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works Christian Hubert presented the required MS4 annual stormwater report. Highlights included: 13 primary outfalls will be inspected annually; stormwater mapping was substantially updated; two failing outfalls in Windsor Forest were repaired under a roughly $60,000 repair allocation; 15 of 26 ponds received maintenance last year, with all 26 planned this year; and a Hong Street Pond sediment issue was corrected by riprapping the eroded channel, allowing release of financial assurance for that portion. He also confirmed that a large outfall near the fire station is Eau Claire's responsibility, and said the report would be submitted by the March 31 deadline. No action was required. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 13, 2025 regular council meeting minutes. - Approved the consent agenda proclamation for Fair Housing Month. - Approved the Whitetail Woods TID agreement amendment; Mayor Pratt recused, and Councilperson Beeran presided. - Approved Resolution 3B-25 (TID 3 affordable housing transfer) and Resolution 3C-25 (TID 3 termination). - Approved a $15,000 one-time contribution from the general fund reserve to the Sojourner House collaborative funding effort and amended the budget accordingly; roll call 4-0. - Closed the 7th Street West public hearing and awarded the 2025 7th Street West Reconstruction project to Haas for $589,436.46. - Received the annual Stormwater Report; no action taken. - Noted a target date of June 14, 2025, for the container park opening. - Adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided with Councilpersons Dale Stewart, Timothy Lima, Matthew Beeran, and Susan Rowl present; Councilperson Caitlin Leopold was absent. Attorney Sam Bach Hansen, Grant and Housing Program Manager Julian Emerson, Parks and Rec Director Chad Durkup, and City Clerk Cindy Bowers were present. A quorum was established. The meeting covered routine approvals, department reports, and several new business items including a police department annual report, a ballfield lighting bid, a FEMA storm safe room agreement amendment, a sauna lease, a street assessment resolution, and container park contracts. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was listed on the agenda; no specific consent agenda items were read or acted upon separately during the transcribed portion of the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period. Councilperson Lima moved to close the citizens participation period; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Reports - Mayor Brendan Pratt reported on the Frosty Tuna Fat Tire Bike Race, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the late morning to early afternoon at River Prairie along the River Prairie Trail system. He characterized the event as exciting and noted it was

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. Councilpersons Timothy Lima, Matthew Bieran, Caitlin Leopold, and Susan Rowe were present; Councilperson Dale Stuber was absent. Also present were City Administrator Michael Golat, Attorney Sam Bach Hansen, Director of Public Works Scott Quick, City Engineer Christian Hubert, Planning Director Taylor Greenwell, and City Clerk Cindy Bauer. The meeting covered reports, approval of minutes, and two ordinances. Reports - Mayor Pratt reported that he and staff met with Visit Eau Claire for a strategic planning session, completing a SWOT analysis for recreation and tourism in Altoona. - Director of Public Works Scott Quick reported on CPR/AED training conducted by Chief Renderman for city staff, and that the city has purchased four or five AED enclosures to be installed on the outside of buildings in parks for public access. Discussion Items Item 1: Approval of Minutes A motion by Councilperson Lima, seconded by Councilperson Leopold, approved the minutes of the February 13, 2025 regular council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Item 2: Ordinance 2B-25 – Amendment to Building Permit Fee Schedule City Administrator Mike Golat presented the ordinance, which amends Chapter 3.08, Addendum A of the city fee schedule for building permits. The change establishes a $15,000 cap on permit fees for remodels and expansions, and gives the building official discretion to waive fees for future permits tied to the same project. The impetus was the Oak Crest project, where the permit fee exceeded $15,000 due to a total project value of approximately $30,000. Councilperson Lima moved to approve, Councilperson Rowe seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Item 3: Ordinance 2C-25 – Deferment of Water and Sewer Connection Requirement Mike Golat explained that the ordinance was prompted by a case involving the Bowers family, who own a property on KB Avenue. The city extended sewer to KB Avenue in 2019 but failed to notify the Bowers to connect. In the meantime, they invested in upgrades to their septic and well systems. The new ordinance provides two mechanisms for deferment: 1. If the city fails to notify a property owner in a timely manner and the owner makes investments in their existing systems, the council may defer the connection requirement for up to five years. 2. For newly installed systems, a schedule grants deferment proportional to the system’s age (e.g., a 1-year-old system gets 10 years to connect, a 6-year-old system gets 5 years). Additionally, the notification period was extended from 90 days to six months to provide a favorable weather window. During discussion, Ms. Bowers addressed the council, explaining that the house was built in 1969 and that upgrades to the septic system (about ten years ago) and the water system (last year after a lightning strike) were significant investments. She expressed a desire for a longer deferment or one that lasts until the house is sold, as the cost of connection ($17,000 average bid) is burdensome. She stated she would comply with the law but noted that five years essentially kicks the can down the road. Council members debated the policy, with some arguing that five years is generous and that most cities have no deferment provisions at all. The council decided to maintain the text as drafted, providing for up to a five-year deferment for the Bowers-type situation, to be granted by council upon application. Councilperson Leopold moved to approve, Councilperson Rowe seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the minutes of the February 13, 2025 meeting. - Approved Ordinance 2B-25, amending the building permit fee schedule with a $15,000 cap on remodel/expansion permits. - Approved Ordinance 2C-25, amending Title 13 to allow deferment of water/sewer connection requirements under specific conditions, including up to five years when city failed to notify and the owner invested in existing systems. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall. The meeting covered routine reports, two approvals related to infrastructure grants and easements, and a detailed presentation and discussion on Phase II of the Zoning/Development Code rewrite. A closed session was held to discuss litigation strategy regarding the City of Eau Claire sewer contract. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM. Reports & Recognitions - Mayor Pratt paid tribute to former council member Dave Roll, who recently passed away, highlighting his service to the community. - Police Chief Kelly Bachin was recognized for being sworn in as President of the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association (the second female in that role) and receiving a CEO of the Year award from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group. Chief Bachin also provided a staffing update: a new detective sergeant position was filled internally, a patrol sergeant promotion moved a detective assignment, and a new CSO was hired. - City Administrator Michael Golott reported that the test well at Bartlett Crossing appears viable (approximately 200 GPM, good water quality). - Parks and Recreation reported a successful Snowshoe Hike event with a couple hundred attendees. - The city hired Julian Emerson as Grant and Housing Program Manager, starting March 3, 2025, to focus on affordable housing programs and grant writing. New Business 1. Discuss/Consider Agreement with WCWRPC for FEMA Community Safe Room Grant Administration at Hillcrest Estates - The city received a FEMA grant to build a safe room at Hillcrest Estates. The city acts as fiscal agent with no financial obligation; the match is provided by the land owner. The West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) will administer the grant, with fees paid from the grant funds. Minor amendments to the 2022 contract will be brought forward to ensure city reimbursement. - Vote: Motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously. 2. Discuss/Consider Electrical Overhead Distribution Easement at 211 Division Street (Container Park) - An easement is required for Northern States Power (Xcel Energy) to upgrade service to three-phase for the Container Park. Discussion addressed proximity of a stairwell footing within the easement and a proposed taller pole for safety. Future plans include undergrounding the east end. - Vote: Motion to approve the easement and authorize the mayor to sign passed unanimously. 3. Phase II of the Zoning/Development Code Rewrite – Presentation and Discussion - Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented the second of three phases, covering development standards (parking, landscaping, fencing), building design standards, and sign regulations. Key proposals included: - Parking: Reduce residential parking to 1 space per dwelling unit; exempt downtown ground-floor non-residential from parking requirements; encourage shared parking; require bicycle parking for multi-family and non-residential uses. - Landscaping: Expand landscaping requirements for parking lots (interior islands when over 10 spaces, perimeter buffers, foundation plantings). Council debated trade-offs between aesthetics, maintenance costs, and developer burden. The threshold of 10 spaces was questioned; the council suggested possibly raising it to 20. - Fencing: Increase front yard fence height from 3 to 4 feet; reduce rear/side yard height from 8 to 6 feet; remove the current exception that allows 6-foot fences on corner side lots. Continue allowing chain-link and vinyl. Allow barbed wire in industrial zones but not residential/commercial. - Design Standards: Instead of restricting specific materials, the approach will allow a broad list with a mix requirement on front and side facades. A glazing requirement was set at 30% front/10% sides for downtown, and 10% front/5% sides for other districts. Roof articulation every 60 feet for buildings with 3+ units. Multi-building developments must have visual variety across three of several characteristics (roof pitch, windows, cladding, etc.). A proposed list of “quality enhancements” was criticized as outdated and costly; the council decided to table that list for revision. - Compatibility Language: Council directed removing the phrase “compatible with surrounding development,” noting it had been used to oppose higher-density projects; compatibility with the comprehensive plan is sufficient. - Signage: Updated sign code to remove content-based restrictions; pole signs allowed only in commercial, heavy industrial, and flex districts. - Affordable Housing Incentives: Optional zoning incentives (e.g., density bonuses) for projects including affordable housing were introduced for discussion. - No formal vote was taken; staff will incorporate feedback and continue working on the final phase (subdivision and procedures). Closed Session - The council convened in closed session at 7:40 PM pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding strategy for potential litigation on the City of Eau Claire sewer contract. The session ended at 8:23 PM, and the council reconvened in open session. Council reported that the discussion centered on the proposed rate increase dispute from November 2024 and that the matter will continue to be worked on. Key Outcomes - Approved the agreement with WCWRPC for FEMA safe room grant administration. - Approved the electrical easement for Xcel Energy at the Container Park. - Directed planning staff to revise the draft zoning code based on council feedback, including removing the “compatible with surrounding development” language, adjusting parking-lot landscaping thresholds, revisiting the quality enhancements list, and continuing to balance design standards with affordability. - Discussed litigation strategy regarding the sewer contract with Eau Claire in closed session; no public action was taken.

The Altoona Plan Commission met on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brendan Pratt. Roll call was taken with all members present except Sue Roll (who joined later via Zoom). The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the December 10, 2024 meeting. The primary agenda item was an update and discussion on Phase II of the zoning and development code rewrite, presented by Planning Director Taylor Greenwell. The discussion covered proposed changes to landscaping, parking, fencing, building design standards, and signage. Commissioners and community members provided feedback and guidance on the proposed ordinance revisions. No formal decisions were made, but the Planning Director received direction to refine the draft based on the discussion. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the December 10, 2024 Regular Plan Commission Meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period. Discussion Items - Phase II Zoning & Development Code Rewrite Update: Taylor Greenwell presented an overview of the code rewrite project, which aims to replace the city's 50-year-old code with modernized standards. The presentation focused on development standards (parking, landscaping, fencing), building design standards (materials, glazing, architectural variety), and signage regulations. Key points of discussion included: - Landscaping: The proposal expands building foundation landscaping from 5 to 7 feet and increases tree counts. Transition zones between uses were introduced, ranging from Type A (5 ft) to Type D. Commissioners generally supported enhanced landscaping but raised concerns about cost and maintenance, especially regarding snow removal in parking lot islands. - Fencing: The commission discussed permitted materials (chain link and vinyl were broadly accepted), maximum heights (front yards: 4 ft; rear: 6 ft for residential, 8 ft for multi-unit/non-residential), and setbacks. A 5-foot offset from property lines was agreed for fences along public streets to preserve visibility and access, while interior side and rear lot lines may have fences placed directly on the line. Barbed wire will only be allowed in industrial/flex zones. - Building Design Standards: A long debate ensued over materials. The consensus was to expand the list of permitted materials (including vinyl, aluminum, wood) and focus on requiring a mix of materials (e.g., primary and secondary accents) rather than rigid percentage requirements. Glazing percentages were scaled back: downtown front facades to 35-40%, other districts to 10-15%, with lower percentages for side facades. Architectural variety standards for subdivisions were supported; the commission directed staff to develop a list requiring at least three varying characteristics, with a balance of architectural and superficial elements. - Signage: Pole signs will be permitted only in commercial, flex, and industrial districts. A conditional use permit process was maintained for pole signs. Multi-tenant signs will be allowed, sized based on frontage. Fences and signs near streets must account for clear sight triangles. (Note: The discussion was extensive and covered additional details such as shared parking incentives, bicycle parking, screening for trash/mechanical equipment, and potential affordability incentives for developers.) Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the proposed ordinance changes. The Commission provided broad policy direction to Planning Director Taylor Greenwell to: - Increase landscaping requirements but consider flexibility in implementation. - Allow chain link and vinyl fencing, restrict barbed wire to appropriate zones, and adopt a 5-foot road frontage setback for fences. - Expand the list of permissible exterior materials and adopt a primary-secondary material mix requirement with an emphasis on affordability. - Reduce glazing percentages significantly from initial proposals and focus on downtown for higher glazing. - Develop a clearer architectural variety standard for subdivisions requiring at least three varying characteristics from an expanded list. - Maintain pole sign limitations while allowing multi-tenant signs under conditional use permits. - The final phase (subdivision and procedures) is underway, with full adoption anticipated in late spring or early summer 2025.

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, department reports, and several new business items, including a proclamation, a youth sports agreement, funding for traffic cameras, and a closed session on property acquisition. All actions were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Proclamation Recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Month 2025: The council unanimously approved the proclamation, which was read by the mayor. The proclamation highlights the ongoing work of Fierce Freedom and calls on the community to combat human trafficking. The consent agenda was approved with a motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period. Discussion Items - Reports: Mayor Brendan Pratt reported receiving a $1.4 million safe room grant for Hillcrest, ongoing hiring for grant writer and utility billing positions, progress on the sewer rate appeal with Eau Claire, and updates on the connection ordinance. Planning Director Taylor Greenwell reported that the city was not awarded a pro-housing grant (over 200 applicants, 14 awards, none to small communities), but the city earned a SolSmart bronze designation for solar energy, and an energy audit resulted in an A- rating. Assistant Director of Public Works Christian Hubert updated on the Spooner Pedestrian Bridge: a December 2024 inspection revealed deterioration in gusset plates, leading to a weight limit reduction to 5 tons. Planning for a potential replacement (estimated $750,000) is underway, with coordination with the county. - 2025 Altoona Youth Softball and Baseball Agreement: The city administrator presented the annual agreement, noting a proposed $250 increase to ensure fee recovery above 75% of costs. The president of AYSB agreed. The council approved the agreement unanimously. - Traffic Cameras at River Prairie Drive Intersections: Christian Hubert explained the need to replace outdated video detection systems at two intersections (Bluestem Boulevard and Blazing Star Boulevard). Three quotes were obtained; the lowest was from TAPCO at $42,716 for eight cameras and two logic controllers (including five years of monitoring and AI capabilities). The system would also allow remote monitoring and incident alerts. The council approved allocating $60,000 from 2024 capital funds to cover equipment and installation, awarding the contract to TAPCO. - Closed Session: The council voted unanimously to enter closed session at 6:28 PM under Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the acquisition of property. After reconvening in open session at 6:48 PM, the mayor reported that no action was taken and discussions with the property owner will continue. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved (Proclamation). - 2025 Youth Softball and Baseball Agreement: Approved with a $250 increase. - Traffic Camera Improvements: Approved allocation of $60,000 from 2024 capital funds and awarded contract to TAPCO for $42,716. - Closed Session: No action taken; continued discussions. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:49 PM.

The Altoona City Council met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. Roll call established a quorum, including Council President Timothy Lima and Councilpersons Dale Stuber, Sue Rowe, Matthew Bieran, and Caitlin Leopold, with city staff and department heads present. No citizens spoke during the Public Comment period. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Reports - Public Works Director Scott Quick reported on the Northeast utility extension project: bids were received in September 2024, and the low bidder, A1, declined to honor its bid price after the applicable 30-60 day window. The city will rebid the project after making minor plan refinements to reduce costs. - Planning Director Taylor Greenwell reported that the city received a Notice of Violation from the DNR regarding the EPA-required lead service line inventory. The inventory was deemed incomplete because composition fields were left blank rather than marked unknown, and the city did not publish the required results. Jacobs Engineering is updating the inventory, and publication is expected during the first quarter of 2025. The city has never discovered lead laterals in past work, adjusts water pH to about 8, and has 10 years to identify and replace lead lines if found. The city already has material data for about 1,500 homes from meter changes. As required, the city will notify utility customers about the violation within the next week. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period; it was closed by motion. Discussion Items 1. Whitetail Woods Final Plat Timeline Extension - Mayor Pratt recused himself for this item. Planning Director Greenwell explained that the council approved the preliminary plat on July 11, 2024, and the developer applied for the final plat on July 15, 2024. The remaining condition is an access permit from Eau Claire County for Nine Mile Creek, a county road. City code requires final plat approval within six months, but allows an extension for good cause. The developer requested a six-month extension, and the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval. Discussion noted county sight-line and tree-removal issues in the right-of-way. The council approved a motion extending the deadline for good cause; without another extension, the preliminary plat would become void if the deadline expires. 2. First Amendment to Visit Eau Claire Tourism Marketing Contract - The council approved the first amendment to the Visit Eau Claire Tourism Marketing Contract. The current contract prescribes $55,000 for River Prairie Center debt payment, $10,000 for public art, $7,000 for city event support, and $10,000 for El Toonie event marketing, described as 46% of the city's 70% contribution. Under the amendment, the city would receive approximately $27,000 less, or about $17,000 less after Visit Eau Claire continues to market city events, representing roughly a $14,500 swing if 2025 revenues equal 2024. The revised arrangement is percentage-based, with potential upside if tourism revenue improves. Mayor Pratt expressed support, saying Visit Eau Claire has been a successful and valuable partner. 3. First Amendment to Parking Lot Lease Agreement - The council approved the first amendment to the parking lot lease between the City of Altoona and HPIV Eau Claire Sub I, LLC, successor to Altoona Med, LLC. The amendment updates the site plan, adds insurance requirements, addresses path access and maintenance, and adds indemnification and general provisions; the rest of the original lease remains in effect. The buyer paid the city's attorney costs for the work. 4. Ordinance 12B-24 - Parking Prohibited on North Hillcrest Parkway - The council adopted Ordinance 12B-24, amending Section 10.20.010 T of the Municipal Code to prohibit parking on North Hillcrest Parkway. The change prohibits parking on both sides from McCann to 10th, replacing a partial north-side allowance. It was driven by the new apartment building near Altoona Family Restaurant, the need for fire apparatus access, and snow-removal issues on the narrow street. Staff contacted six affected property owners; only one expressed minor concern, and Altoona Family Restaurant supported the change. 5. Container Park Graphics Production and Installation Contract - The council awarded a contract to Signs Now for $14,960.01 for Container Park graphics production and installation. Staff evaluated three product approaches and recommended aluminum back signs. The project has a 50% match through the Vibrant Spaces grant, and the funds must be spent by the end of the year. Miscellaneous Business and Communications - Council discussed post office parking. Staff plan to paint the curb on the post office side and restrict parking there while continuing to allow parking on the opposite side. Food truck-only parking near the Container Park was also discussed to improve sight-line safety. - Councilperson Sue Rowe asked about a short paved connection between the parking area under the River Prairie Bridge and the walking path. Staff agreed to look at the connection and whether it could also support a public works snow-hauling route. - Staff confirmed work with Xcel Energy to reroute or clean up power lines near the Container Park. Staff also confirmed that the railroad crossing approval for the Whitetail Woods project is complete; only the county access permit remains. - The council confirmed that, with the Container Park contract award, all ARPA funds have been spent. Key Outcomes - Approved the December 5, 2024 meeting minutes. - Approved the Whitetail Woods final plat deadline extension for good cause. - Approved the First Amendment to the Visit Eau Claire Tourism Marketing Contract. - Approved the First Amendment to the Parking Lot Lease Agreement with HPIV Eau Claire Sub I, LLC. - Adopted Ordinance 12B-24 prohibiting parking on North Hillcrest Parkway. - Awarded the Container Park graphics contract to Signs Now for $14,960.01. - Adjourned at 6:45 p.m. All motions carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The Joint Review Board (JRB) held its annual meeting to review the performance and status of Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 3 and TID No. 4, approve meeting minutes from the previous year, and pass a resolution acknowledging compliance with annual reporting requirements. The meeting featured detailed financial presentations, discussion of debt payoff, future distributions, and the planned closure of TID No. 3. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the November 30, 2023 Annual Joint Review Board Meeting were approved. (The motion and vote are recorded later under Key Outcomes.) Discussion Items - TID No. 3 Annual Review: City staff presented the annual PE-300 report for TID No. 3. Key points included: - The district’s current taxable value is approximately $392 million. - The city plans to close TID No. 3 by April 15, 2025 (to avoid an additional increment collection), subject to council actions on the affordable housing fund and a final resolution. - All of the 2025 increment (approximately $6.25 million) will be placed into the city’s affordable housing fund. - After paying off remaining debt (including a $3.9 million revenue bond final payment and a $1.21 million utility extension project), about $4.5 million will be available for redistribution to overlapping taxing jurisdictions based on the most recent tax allocation percentages: Eau Claire County (19%, $850,000), City of Altoona ($1.5 million), Chippewa Valley Technical College (4%, $191,000), and the Altoona School District ($1.9 million). Due to audit timing, the distribution is expected in 2026 rather than 2025. - Long-term, the $392 million in taxable value will be added to each jurisdiction’s tax base for future levies. - TID No. 4 Annual Review: The district is smaller, with captured increment in the range of $35–$40 million, generating $550,000–$635,000 annually. The city owes its general fund about $550,000 (with interest total $612,000), which is expected to be repaid in 2025 from TID cash flow. A safe drinking water loan (paid at $90,000/year) will be prepaid with TID funds when the district closes, currently projected by 2029 but possibly earlier. Some potential development (e.g., Lanners property discussions with Xcel Energy) could increase values. - Legislative / Procedural Context: A board member (Dan) noted the importance of providing projected allocation numbers early to better explain the story. Staff confirmed they typically provide such projections one year before closure. Key Outcomes - Motion & Vote: A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution acknowledging filing of annual reports and compliance with the annual meeting requirement. All members voted aye. The resolution passed unanimously. - Next Steps: The city will finalize the affordable housing fund and pass a closure resolution prior to April 15, 2025, to close TID No. 3. Staff will coordinate with auditors for a full audit of TID No. 3, which will also involve additional costs. The distribution of TID No. 3 surplus funds is anticipated in 2026. TID No. 4 will continue to pay down debt with potential for early closure if sufficient cash accumulates.