Public Meetings - Appleton, Wisconsin

The Common Council met on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. 14 alderpersons were present (one participating virtually), and 2 were excused. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM. Council approved the minutes of December 20, 2023, a mayoral reappointment, the balance of the agenda (including numerous contracts, license actions, and a rezoning), and a set of ordinances. One resolution was held until the next meeting, and a new resolution was referred to committee. Approval of Minutes and Mayor's Business - Minutes of December 20, 2023 – Approved 14-0. - Reappointment of David Kress to the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors – Approved 14-0. Public Participation - No one signed up to speak. Public Hearing - Rezoning 9-23 – A public hearing was held for rezoning parcels at N. Lawe St., 1212 N. Union St., and 605 E. Wisconsin Ave. from C-2 General Commercial District to C-1 Neighborhood Mixed Use District. No one spoke; the hearing was closed. Discussion Items - Resolution 15-R-23 (Parking Facility & Management Study) – Alderperson Hartzheim moved to hold the resolution until the next council meeting because the author (Alderperson Doran) was absent. The motion to hold passed 9-5 (Ayes: Siebers, Firkus, Del Toro, Van Zeeland, Thyssen, Schultz, Jones, Hartzheim, Croatt; Nays: Meltzer, Fenton, Hayden, Alfheim, Wolff). Key Outcomes - Balance of the Agenda – A motion to approve all remaining committee report action items passed 14-0. This included: - Glendale Avenue Yard Waste Site Policy – approved. - 2024 Bridge Consulting Services to Collins Engineers, Inc. – not to exceed $26,190.00. - 2024 Bridge Inspections Services (Unit R-24) to Collins Engineers, Inc. – not to exceed $42,000.00. - Amendment No. 1 to Lawe Street design contract with Ayres Associates Inc. – not to exceed $33,451.95. - Single-source award for 2024 Repair and Maintenance Program for Red, Yellow, and Green Parking Ramps to Desman Design Management – not to exceed $68,200.00. - Recommended denial of operator license for Andrew DeRuyter – approved. - Fire Department Intent to Apply for Firehouse Subs Foundation Grant – approved. - 2024 Secondhand Article, Secondhand Jewelry, and Pawnbroker License renewals – approved contingent on departmental approvals. - Rezoning 9-23 (from City Plan Commission recommendation) – approved. - Library Signage Package contract to Seating Concepts Inc. – total not to exceed $195,994.61 (including 5% contingency). - Engineering Contract for 2023 AWWTP L-Building HVAC Replacement to McMahon – total not to exceed $164,743. - 2023 AWWTP B-Building HVAC Upgrades Project contract to Rohde Brothers, Inc. – total not to exceed $785,716, with a $54,000 budget amendment from AWWTP Electrical Distribution Project (2/3 vote required). - Engineering Contract for AWWTP MCC Replacement Project Phase 1 to Donohue and Associates – total contract amount $284,139, with a $60,000 budget amendment (2/3 vote required). - Relocation Order for work at 1850 West Wisconsin Avenue – approved. - Write-off of $74,881.54 in accounts receivable invoices and $16,668.36 in personal property taxes – approved. - Change Order 4 to contract 72-22 for Unit H-21 Redundant Raw Water Line – increased costs by $176,232.54, reducing contingency to $0.00; no change to overall contract amount. - Award of Unit H-23 Lightning Drive Sewer & Water, Grade & Gravel, and Bridge Construction to Triple P Inc. dba Peters Concrete Company – total not to exceed $1,660,853.12 (including 7.5% contingency). - Sole source contract for 2024 Wastewater Hardscapes Improvement Project to McMahon – total not to exceed $59,430. - Sole source contract for Municipal Services Building Furniture Upgrades to Nordon Business Environments – $189,135.72. - Ordinances 1-24 to 12-24 – Approved 14-0. Other Business - Resolution for Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funds – Submitted by Alderpersons Van Zeeland, Meltzer, and Fenton to apply $134,180 from the EECBG grant to a qualifying initiative in the Appleton Public Library Building Project. Referred to the Finance Committee. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn carried unanimously at 7:11 PM.

The Appleton Common Council met on December 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included recognition of retiring Utilities Director Chris Shaw, presentation of Christmas parade awards, an update from the Fox Cities Chamber/Regional Partnership, public comments, and votes on several key items including ARPA funding for Flock license plate cameras, parking utility budget amendments, and alcohol license approvals. Business Presented by the Mayor - Recognition of Director Chris Shaw: Mayor Woodford presented a citation honoring Chris Shaw's 33-year career with the City of Appleton Utilities Department, highlighting his leadership and contributions. - Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade Awards: Awards were presented for Best Commercial (Alliance Industries), Best Non-Commercial (Appleton Public Library/Boldt), and the Bernie Pearlman Award (Fox Valley Ballooning). - Fox Cities Chamber/Regional Partnership Update: Becky Bartoszek (CEO) and Eric Broten (VP Economic Development) provided a Q4 update, including the successful recruitment of a direct flight from Appleton to Dallas, the launch of the Connect Free small business program (nearly 500 members), and efforts on childcare and housing. Public Comments & Testimony - Patti Heffernan (1622 S Jefferson St) spoke against Resolution 13-R-23 (ARPA funding for Flock cameras), arguing the funds should be used for violence prevention programs like CBI (Community Violence Intervention) that have proven results. - Josh Peters (430 E Spring St) echoed concerns, stating the camera money does not address root causes. - Jennifer Stephany (ADI) spoke on items 23-1476, 23-1426, and 23-1434: expressed board concerns about language in the parking study that could lead to selling off parking assets, supported the study for improvements; urged support for Fox Commons project items (no-build easement and CDI grant). Discussion & Voting Items - 23-1476 Resolution 15-R-23 Parking Facility & Management Study: Referred back to Municipal Services Committee by Alder Van Zeeland. - 23-1471 & 23-1472 Houdini Plaza and Jones Park Rental/Fee Schedule Policies: Referred back to Parks and Recreation Committee by Alder Schultz. - 23-1426 No-Build Easement (Fox Commons): Approved 12-0. - 23-1434 CDI Grant Support for Fox Commons: Approved 12-0. - 23-1436 McFleshman's Brewing Co. Class "B" Liquor License (Wine Only): Approved 11-0 with Alder Schultz abstaining. - 23-1407 Resolution 13-R-23 ARPA Funding for Flock License Plate Cameras: Failed 4-8. Debate centered on whether the $125,000 (12.5% of the $1M ARPA wellness bucket) was appropriate; opponents cited Chief Olson's statement that cameras were not the top priority and that sufficient funding remained for mental health/violence prevention. Proponents argued cameras fit the community wellness/violence prevention categories and that the 10 additional cameras would save future costs. - 23-1494 ARPA Budget Amendment for Parking Utility ($244,000): Approved 12-0. - 23-1408 Resolution 14-R-23 Changing Budget Delivery Timeline: Failed 1-11 (notwithstanding vote). Alder Doran's proposal to move budget delivery earlier was opposed due to operational challenges. Key Outcomes - Parking Study: Referred back to committee. - Flock Cameras Denied: Resolution 13-R-23 failed (4 ayes, 8 nays). - Parking Budget Amendment Approved: $244,000 ARPA transfer for lost revenue (12-0). - Budget Timeline Change Denied: Resolution 14-R-23 failed (1 aye, 11 nays). - McFleshman's License Approved: 11-0 (one abstention). - Balance of Agenda Approved: All remaining committee-recommended items passed unanimously (12-0) including Public Works fee schedules, landfill contracts, traffic control changes, alcohol code revisions, fireworks sales addition, towing fees, cardiac monitor application, various licenses (tobacco, taxicab, pet store, secondhand), CSM approval, Southpoint Commerce Park plat and trail dedications, Linwood Avenue relocation, water service change order, budget amendments for Jaycee Pavilion and K9 donation, Ellen Kort Peace Park fund, development agreement extensions, CDBG funding for Community Resource Navigator, stormwater consulting contracts, over-hire for property lister, silica safety policy, and transit inter-municipal agreements. - Next Meeting: Adjourned at 8:21 PM; next meeting in January 2024.

The Appleton Common Council met on December 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, appointment of election inspectors, discussion and approval of two street reconstruction design parameters and the 2024 Special Assessment Policy, referral of a resolution for a parking study, and a closed session regarding the U.S. Venture development project. Mayor Woodford also provided an update on the City Park Christmas tree lighting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Previous Minutes (23-1420): The minutes from November 15, 2023, were approved unanimously (13-0, with Mayor Woodford abstaining). - Appointment of Election Inspectors (23-1421): The appointments for the 2024-2025 election cycle were approved (12-0, with Alderperson Hartzheim and Mayor Woodford abstaining). A late nomination list from the local Republican party was received during the meeting but did not meet the statutory submission deadline; the City Clerk noted that affected individuals could still sign up as unaffiliated election workers. - Balance of the Agenda: All remaining committee report action items, including Morrison Street design parameters (23-1397), Boldt Company street occupancy permit extension (23-1398), and acceptance of an interest-free loan from the WI Department of Revenue (23-1437), were approved in a single motion (13-0). Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public signed up to speak. Discussion Items - City Park Christmas Tree Update: Mayor Woodford reported that the city's DPW discovered missing pieces and non‑working light strands on the City Park Christmas tree. Initially the lighting was in question, but due to constituent feedback, the city is working to replace the faulty strings and still aims to light the tree this year. - Perkins Street Reconstruction (23-1396): The council approved the roadway design parameters for Perkins Street from Prospect Avenue to the railroad tracks. The project includes concrete pavement narrowed from 40 ft to 31 ft (back of curb to back of curb), a new 5‑ft concrete sidewalk, curb extensions at Charles Street for traffic calming, and restriction of on‑street parking on the east side. During discussion, Alderperson Schultz raised a concern about corner‑lot residents who would receive a new sidewalk but could not directly access it from their garages. Director Block confirmed that the city would work with each corner‑lot homeowner to extend a connecting sidewalk, subject to the special assessment policy. The motion passed 13-0. - 2024 Special Assessment Policy (23-1403): The council approved the 2024 Special Assessment Policy as presented, and also approved that the Amethyst Drive concrete project (Blue Topaz to Aquamarine) be subject to the 2023 policy. Alderperson Hartzheim and Alderperson Van Zeeland expressed support, thanking staff. The motion passed 13-0. Key Outcomes - Perkins Street design parameters approved (13-0). - 2024 Special Assessment Policy approved (13-0), with Amethyst Drive project grandfathered under the 2023 policy. - Resolution for Parking Facility & Management Study: Alderperson Doran introduced Resolution 15‑R‑23 directing staff to prepare a request for proposals for a parking strategic plan, including assessment of city‑owned parking assets, best practices, and possible sale or lease options. The resolution was referred to the Municipal Services Committee. - Closed Session: The council entered closed session at 7:15 PM under Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(e) to discuss purchasing of public properties and investing of public funds regarding the U.S. Venture development project. The council reconvened into open session at 8:15 PM and adjourned at 8:16 PM.

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the Appleton Common Council met at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers with Mayor Jake Woodford presiding. Fourteen alderpersons were present; two were excused. The meeting lasted approximately 25 minutes and included two public hearings, approval of routine items, reconsideration and final approval of alderperson salaries, and referral of three resolutions to committees. Public Hearings - Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment 2-23 (St. Therese Congregation): The hearing was held; no one spoke. - Rezoning 8-23 (St. Therese Congregation): The hearing was held; no one spoke. Consent Calendar Items approved by unanimous vote (13-0) under a single motion for the balance of the agenda: - Award of 2023 Land Acquisition Services contract to Vogels Buckman Appraisal Group (not to exceed $5,500). - Approval of Class "B" Beer and "Class B" Liquor License for KMG Capitol Centre, LLC (725 W Capitol Drive), contingent on departmental approvals. (Taken up separately before the balance motion.) - Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment 2-23 and Rezoning 8-23 for 213 E. Wisconsin Avenue (St. Therese Congregation) – changed from Public/Institutional to Mixed-Use land use and from PD/C-O to C-1 Neighborhood Mixed Use District. - Reid Golf Course 2024 Rate Policy. - Award of Health Department Furniture Remodel to Nordon Business Environments ($250,887.34). - Acceptance of 2022 WIPPI Energy Efficiency Grant ($72,564) for Water Treatment Plant Kathabar Replacement. - Single-source award of 2023D Stormwater Consulting Services contract with raSmith for Unit H-23 Lightning Drive Phase 1 (not to exceed $80,510). - Authorization to opt-out of 3M and DuPont PFAS class action settlements. - Overhire of Executive Assistant to the Police Chief. - Approval of Appleton Professional Police Association (APPA) 2024-2026 contract changes. - Ordinances 156-23 and 157-23 (approved separately by 13-0). Discussion Items - Alderperson Salaries (Reconsideration): A motion to reconsider the previous vote failed (7-6) to change the outcome? Actually the reconsideration motion passed 7-6, bringing the item back. An amendment to remove the parking pass and increase monthly salary by $20 was proposed by Alderperson Doran. After debate, the amendment failed 4-9. The original motion to keep salaries unchanged at $6,750 annually plus a parking pass was then approved 13-0. Resolutions Referred to Committees Three resolutions submitted by Alderperson Doran were referred to committees of jurisdiction: - Resolution R-12-23: Closure of the Whitman Yard Waste Site (estimated annual savings of $50,000). - Resolution 13-R-23: Use of $25,000 in ARPA funds to purchase 10 additional Flock license plate reading cameras for the Appleton Police Department. - Resolution 14-R-23: Change the deadline for executive budget delivery to the Common Council from the first Wednesday in October to the third Wednesday in September, and require preliminary budget overviews to committees in July. Key Outcomes - All routine action items and ordinances approved unanimously (13-0). - Alderperson salaries remained unchanged at $6,750 per year with a parking pass (approved 13-0 after the amendment failed). - Three resolutions were referred to committees for further consideration.

The Appleton Common Council held a special session on November 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM to adopt the 2024 Executive Budget. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Woodford with 14 alderpersons present, 2 excused, and the mayor abstaining from votes. The Council suspended rules to convene as the Committee of the Whole (acting as the Finance Committee) to consider budget amendments and the final budget resolution. After extensive debate on several proposed amendments, the 2024 Budget Resolution was adopted 10-3. Committee Reports - All budget items recommended by the Finance Committee from the October 28 Budget Workshop were approved en bloc, covering over 30 departmental and fund budgets including Wastewater, Water, Stormwater, Public Works, Sanitation, Wheel Tax, Subdivision Capital Projects, Parking, Human Resources, Risk Management, Health, Legal Services, Police, Fire, Valley Transit, Community & Economic Development, TIF Districts, Parks and Recreation, Library, Mayor, Council, Debt Service, General Administration, Room Tax, Finance, and various capital projects and special revenue funds. Discussion Items - Amendment 23-1362 (Flock Safety Cameras): Split into two parts: (1) Transfer $5,000 from Mayor Training/Conferences to Police for cameras — failed 3-10; a sub-amendment to reduce to $3,000 failed 6-7. (2) Transfer $3,000 from Poet Laureate program to Police for cameras — failed 4-9. Supporters argued cameras provide investigative tools and cost savings; opponents cited lack of identified locations, ongoing lease costs, and community support for the Poet Laureate. - Amendment 23-1360 (Whitman Yard Waste Site Closure): Proposed $51,500 in savings by closing the site. Failed 1-12. Supporters cited duplication of services and operational savings; opponents noted lack of community input, impact on Grand Chute agreement, and quality-of-life concerns. - Amendment 23-1361 (Parking Marketing Signage): Reduce allocation from $100,000 to $50,000. Failed 3-10. Proponent argued for a phased approach; opponents preferred starting with full funding. - Amendment 23-1363 (Sunshine Committee / Council Training): Add $1,115 to HR for Sunshine Committee, reduce Council Training to $1,725 with equitable district caps. Failed 3-10. Debate centered on fairness and training needs. - Amendment 23-1364 (Special Assessment Rate): Decrease R-1 zoning assessment to 75% to avoid sudden cost increases for homeowners. Failed 3-10. Proponents cited equity for residents in new subdivisions; opponents noted existing inequity with older neighborhoods. - Amendment 23-1387 (CEA Zero-Turn Mower): Remove $100,600 from CEA for a mower, with proposed reallocation to forestry and parks. Failed 3-10. Staff testified the mower is nearing end-of-life (2,100 hours, 2,500-hour life) and is used year-round for mowing and snow removal; replacement funds had been saved over six years. Key Outcomes - Approval of Budget Workshop Minutes: 13-0. - Report of the Committee of the Whole: Approved 13-0. - 2024 Budget Resolution: Adopted 10-3, with Alderpersons Del Toro, Hartzheim, and Doran voting nay. The resolution authorizes a general fund levy of $39,131,000, special revenue levy of $2,092,000, issuance of $13,891,662 in general obligation notes/bonds, and $12,865,000 in water/sewer/stormwater revenue bonds. - Reconsideration Motion: Failed 0-13, finalizing the budget. - Adjournment: 8:31 PM.

The Appleton Common Council met on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, adjourning at 8:33 PM. The meeting covered proclamations, public participation, and several contested items including a driveway extension denial, free parking for Small Business Saturday, an operator license, a development agreement, and a lengthy debate on alderperson salaries. Key votes were taken on each pulled item. Consent Calendar - Approval of Previous Minutes (23-1319): Approved 14-0. - Proclamations (23-1321): Family Literacy Day, Small Business Saturday, Appleton High School DECA Week, Runaway & Homeless Youth Prevention Month, and Native American Heritage Month were proclaimed. - Public Art Committee Appointment (23-1322): Approved 14-0. - Balance of the Agenda (Committee Reports): Approved 13-0, including: - Street Occupancy Permit for Holiday Tree Walk (23-1262) - Building move from 225 N. Badger Ave to 1839 W. Winnebago St (23-1264) - Cigarette/Tobacco Retail License for JSH Corporation d/b/a The Dispo (23-1155) - Special Use Permit 11-23 for Antojitos restaurant expansion (23-1227) - 2024 CDBG Program Funding (23-1233) – approximately $576,900 - Valley Transit Teamsters 2024-2026 Contract (23-1245) - SRF Consulting Professional Services Contract (23-1254) - Authorization of Purchase Order to Smart Spaces for Audio Visual Equipment (23-1255) - Ordinance 155-23 (23-1320): Approved 13-0. - Suspension of Council Rules to Cancel Jan 3 & July 3, 2024 Meetings (23-1241): Approved 13-0. Public Comments & Testimony - James Krueger (523 W Sixth St) expressed curiosity about why the driveway extension appeal at 519 W Sixth St was recommended for denial, stating he thought it was a good idea after discussing with the neighbor. - Jennifer Stephany (Executive Director, Appleton Downtown Inc.) spoke in favor of free ramp and meter parking for Small Business Saturday, calling it a special request to remove barriers for shoppers. - Jeff Geiger (business owner, 320 N Union St) supported the free parking request, emphasizing the importance of supporting downtown small businesses and the vibrancy of the event. Discussion Items - Driveway Extension Appeal (23-1263): Request from Anthony Utschig for a driveway extension at 519 W Sixth St. Staff recommended denial due to precedent-setting, impervious surface concerns, and aesthetic impact. Alder Siebers argued the property is unusual (no grass, concrete front) and that the ordinance should not block solutions. After debate, the motion to approve failed 4-11, denying the permit. - Free Meter Parking for Small Business Saturday (23-1176): Request from Appleton Downtown Inc. for free ramp and meter parking on November 25, 2023. The Municipal Services Committee amended the request to free meter parking only (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) due to concerns about ramp fees. Estimated financial impact: $2,300–$3,800. Alder Hartzheim called for a policy review. The council approved 15-0. - Operator License for Katie Baxley (23-1187): The Safety and Licensing Committee initially recommended denial but later reconsidered after the applicant appeared and provided documentation. The council approved the license 15-0. - Fourth Addition to Clearwater Creek Development Agreement (23-1271): Major provisions: no waiver of city administrative fees, developer bears cost of temporary asphalt, and city retains ability to store soil stockpiles through 2030. Alder Meltzer noted the agreement is a positive step. Approved 14-1 (Alder Hayden nay). - Alderperson Salaries (23-1246): This item generated extensive debate and multiple amendments. The committee had recommended keeping the salary at $6,750 with a parking pass. Proposed amendments included: 1. Alder Doran: Replace parking pass with $12/month stipend (to $6,894). 2. Alder Firkus: Amend stipend to $20/month (to $6,990). Adopted 12-2. 3. Alder Meltzer: Additional $500 increase (to $7,490). Adopted 8-6. 4. Alder Doran: Remove the $20/month stipend (to $7,250). Adopted 8-5. Final vote on the main motion as amended (salary $7,250, no parking pass, effective 2025) required a 3/4 majority and failed 7-6. Therefore, the alderperson salary remains unchanged at $6,750 with a parking pass. Key Outcomes - Denied: Driveway extension appeal at 519 W Sixth St (vote 4-11). - Approved: Free meter parking for Small Business Saturday (vote 15-0). - Approved: Operator license for Katie Baxley (vote 15-0). - Approved: Fourth Addition to Clearwater Creek Development Agreement (vote 14-1). - Failed: Alderperson salary increase to $7,250 (vote 7-6, not meeting 3/4 majority); salary remains $6,750 with parking pass. - Adjourned: 8:33 PM.

The Appleton Common Council held a public hearing on the proposed 2024 Executive Budget and Service Plan on November 1, 2023. Five members of the public spoke, addressing police staffing, stormwater utility funding, debt management, and infrastructure projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Ed Perkins (4486 North White Hawk Drive, Grand Chute), representing the Fox Valley Initiative, urged the Council to reconsider not increasing police staffing. He noted that Grand Chute's referendum for five additional officers had passed but none had been hired due to hiring challenges. He cited concerns about drug issues, school absenteeism in the 20-30% range, and corporate theft policies as reasons for stronger law enforcement. - Mike Thomas (One Hill Ock Court, Appleton), president of Appleton Concerned Taxpayers (ACT), echoed support for public safety, noting that Appleton is second in the state for sex trafficking (after Milwaukee). He also discussed debt management, urging the Council to work with the state to change restrictions that penalize early debt repayment. - Janice Quinlan (322 South Court, Appleton), speaking for the League of Women Voters of Appleton Fox Cities, commended the city's transparent budget process. She supported several initiatives: shifting urban forestry funds to close the stormwater budget gap, downtown mobility plans (crosswalks, bike lanes), recycling incentives, health department collaborations, voter access efforts, the crisis intervention pilot program, and a new city website. - Walter Blank (address not stated) expressed concerns about moving forestry funds into the stormwater utility, arguing it transfers a tax-supported service to a fee-based one, possibly circumventing state levy limits. He questioned the stormwater utility's surplus and oversight. He also praised the projected 2.6% levy increase (lowest since 2016) and declining debt service (from 35.6% to 34.6% of general fund). - Joe Talamanco (2705 East Sundance Drive, Appleton) requested support for extending Lightning Drive, which is included in the budget. He noted a property he manages needs the road extension for a development's second access point (required by fire code). Key Outcomes - The Council heard all public testimony and closed the public hearing. No vote was taken on the budget; a vote is expected at a future meeting (the transcript suggests next week).

The Common Council met on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Woodford presided, with 16 alderpersons present (Alderperson Croatt virtually). The meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Rebecca Zornow (1009 N. Oneida St.) spoke in favor of the Neighborhood Grant Program request submitted by the Historic Central Neighborhood, supporting the renovation of Columbus Playground. She noted that 73% of students surveyed nearly a decade ago expressed a desire for grass space, and the current playground lacks adequate green space. Public Hearings - Rezoning 7-23 Prospera Annexation (4704 N. Ballard Rd.): No public testimony was offered. The public hearing was closed. Discussion Items & Key Outcomes - 23-1236 ARPA Grant to Thompson Center on Lourdes, Inc. ($1,000,000): Approved 13-1-2 (Alderperson Doran opposed; Alderperson Jones and Mayor Woodford abstained). Alderperson Doran questioned the process, noting that the original lease for the Best Buy site went through the library board rather than the council. Staff confirmed the same process was followed. - 23-1128 Resolution 10-R-22 – Alternate Lawe Street Truck Route: After extensive debate, the resolution was ultimately approved 8-7-1 (Alderperson Schultz abstained). The item had come out of the Municipal Services Committee with a recommendation to deny. Alderperson Meltzer moved to amend the resolution back to its original language (removing additional studies requested by the committee), which passed 11-4-1. A subsequent motion to approve the committee’s denial recommendation as amended initially passed 8-6-2, but then a motion to reconsider carried 14-1-1. On reconsideration, a notwithstanding vote was taken, and the resolution (as amended to original language) was approved 8-7-1. Supporters argued the resolution fulfilled its intent to explore the truck route issue and that staff had provided adequate analysis. Opponents cited staff’s recommendation to keep the truck route and concerns about potential impacts on a $2 million federal grant for Lawe Street reconstruction. - 23-1199 Neighborhood Grant Program – Historic Central Neighborhood: Approved 15-0-1 (Mayor Woodford abstained). The grant, funded by federal CDBG, will be used by the Appleton Area School District to renovate Columbus Playground. Alderperson Hartzheim questioned why the city was paying for a school district project; staff clarified the neighborhood application and partnership with the district. - 23-1197 Budget Amendment – Jones Park Shade & City Hall Remodel: Approved 14-1-1 (Alderperson Schultz opposed). The amendment transfers $37,400 from the Jones Park Shade Project to the City Hall Remodel Project to cover costs for exposed steel beams required by fire code. Alderperson Hartzheim expressed frustration but voted yes, thanking the fire department for clarification. - 23-1162 Elected City Attorney Compensation (May 2024 term): An amendment to increase salary by 3% for all years failed 7-8-1 (Mayor Woodford abstained). The original motion to approve the compensation as recommended was then approved 14-1-1 (Alderperson Del Toro opposed). Debate centered on the difficulty of projecting future economic conditions and the desire to remain competitive with private-sector attorney salaries. - 23-1012 Resolution 9-R-23 – Mental Health Awareness & Services: Approved 8-7-1 (Mayor Woodford abstained). Alderperson Fenton successfully amended the resolution to remove the phrase “and we will divide this money amongst organizations in our community” and to specify that the $1,000,000 ARPA allocation is for “Community Wellness, Mental Health & Violence Prevention.” The amendment passed 8-7-1. Opponents (including Alderpersons Jones, Hartzheim, Van Zeeland, and Alfheim) argued the resolution lacked actionable steps and could imply current efforts are insufficient. Supporters (including Alderperson Wolf, the author) emphasized the importance of raising awareness and continuing the conversation on mental health. - Balance of the Agenda: Approved 14-0-2 (Alderperson Croatt absent; Mayor Woodford abstained). This included items such as a terrace occupancy permit, a stormwater consulting contract, a wastewater rate increase (7% effective January 1, 2024), a lieutenant over-hire request, and mayor compensation for the April 2024 term. - Ordinances 153-23 and 154-23: Approved 15-0-1 (Mayor Woodford abstained). - Resolution 11-R-23 – Overnight Parking: Submitted by Alderperson Siebers and referred to the Municipal Services Committee. Other Business - Alderperson Meltzer announced the Utilities Committee meeting on Tuesday to hear the budget presentation. - Alderperson Siebers announced the Parks and Recreation Committee will not meet in the upcoming week.

The Appleton Common Council met on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Jake Woodford presided with 16 aldermen present. The meeting included proclamations, fire department awards, a commendation, the presentation of the 2024 Executive Budget, public comments on the Lawe Street truck route, two public hearings, and votes on several items including rezoning, a final plat, police cameras, and a housing policy contract. The council also entered closed session to discuss the temporary location and lease for the Appleton Public Library. Public Comments & Testimony - Janet Scheibe (1407 E Glendale Ave) expressed concern about the proposed Lawe Street truck route changes, fearing it could affect Appvion's operations and potentially lead to the company leaving Appleton. - Kyle Jensen (Supply Chain VP, Appvion) argued against redesignation, noting that of 9,000 daily vehicles on Lawe Street, only 279 (3.1%) are large trucks affected, and Appvion accounts for 0.3% of total traffic. He stated that the redesignation would not solve the volume issue and could set a precedent for cherry-picking truck routes. - Graeme Hodson (COO, Appvion) confirmed the company is not leaving; it has 350 employees, $30M annual wages, and $10M local spend. He estimated that relocating truck access would cost more than the $75,000 calculated by others. He offered to restrict Appvion truck traffic between 10 PM and 5 AM to reduce nighttime noise. - Kim Dixon (610 E Eldorado St) spoke as a neighborhood resident, describing the street as a barrier for children and citing a personal safety incident. She argued that eliminating truck traffic would improve the corridor for families and housing development. - Andrew Dane (516 E Pacific St) supported the truck route change, noting that alternative routes (Wisconsin, Ballard, Northland, etc.) are wider and already commercial/industrial. He suggested a pilot during planned 2025-26 construction. Discussion Items - 2024 Executive Budget & Service Plan Presentation (Item 23-1148): Mayor Woodford presented highlights. Key points included: maintaining the table of organization; accelerating infrastructure maintenance; leveraging the stormwater utility; updating fee schedules; prioritizing employee compensation with a 3% merit increase for non-represented employees; introducing a health insurance premium share (5% of total premium cost, averaging $44/paycheck for family HSA, $16 for single); relocating the Connecting Care Clinic; moving 94% of storm/forestry expenses into the stormwater utility to free $1.6M in general funds; doubling emerald ash borer remediation with $375,000; and fully implementing a debt management strategy resulting in a 0.7% increase in the debt service levy and a 2.6% overall property tax increase. Net new construction was $170M (over 2%), the best rate in recent memory. Inflation was noted at 3.7%. Upcoming dates: Budget Public Listening Session Oct 17 (virtual), Budget Saturday Oct 28, Public Hearing Nov 1, Budget Adoption Nov 8. - Housing Development Policy Contract (Item 23-1122): Alder Fenton urged approval, stating the consultant (Green Bicycle Co.) is qualified and the $32,000 contract will help a stakeholder task force address the housing crisis. Alder Hartzheim criticized the timing, feeling the council was pressured after the task force announcement, but acknowledged questions were answered in committee. Mayor Woodford confirmed the task force would proceed even if the contract failed. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: September 20, 2023 minutes approved 15-0 (Mayor Woodford abstained). - Proclamations: Declared Indigenous Peoples Day, Mental Health Day, Coming Out Day, White Cane Awareness Day, Fire Prevention Week, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. - Fire Department Awards: Citizen Award of Merit presented to Adam Vervoort; Good Samaritan Awards to Amy Rappert (present) and four absent recipients. - Commendation: Corey Asimus recognized for breaking two world records running marathons with a 100-pound rucksack, raising funds for veteran cancer pre-screening. - CDBG Advisory Committee Appointment: Approved 14-0 (Alder Thyssen and Mayor Woodford abstained). - Lawe Street Truck Route Resolution (Item 23-1128): Referred back to the Municipal Services Committee due next meeting on October 9, 2023. No vote taken. - Rezoning 6-23 (303 E. Fremont St, from PD/C-2 to R-1B): Approved 15-0 (Mayor Woodford abstained). - Clearwater Creek Fourth Addition Final Plat: Approved 11-4 (Alder Meltzer, Del Toro, Hayden, Schultz voted nay; Mayor Woodford abstained). - Police Sole Source Request - Flock Safety ALPR Cameras: Approved 15-0 (Mayor Woodford abstained). - Housing Development Policy Contract (Green Bicycle Co., $32,000): Approved 15-0 (Mayor Woodford abstained). - Balance of the Agenda: Approved 15-0. - Ordinances 90-23 to 152-23: Approved 15-0. - Closed Session (Item 23-1167): Motion passed 14-0 (Alder Wolff excused, Mayor Woodford abstained). Council convened closed session at 8:06 PM to discuss temporary location and lease for the Appleton Public Library. Reconvened at 9:41 PM with no action taken. - Adjournment: Motion passed at 9:44 PM.