Altoona City Council Regular Meeting - May 8, 2025

The City Council of Altoona, Wisconsin met on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at 1303 Lynn Avenue. The meeting covered routine approvals, multiple new business items, and updates on city projects including the Container Park, street construction, and a memorandum of understanding with the Lions Club. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 24, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
• Acknowledged proclamations for National Bike Month (May 2025), Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 4-10), National Police Week (May 11-17), National Public Works Week (May 18-24), and National EMS Week (May 18-24).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 5A-25 (Private Well Permits): The amendment clarifies that private well permit requirements apply only to wells on premises served by the city water utility, and changes the permit renewal term from every two years to every five years to align with DNR requirements. Councilmember Rowe asked about the consistency with mandatory water hookup requirements; City Administrator Golott clarified that some wells are maintained for irrigation under a deferral process.
• Memorandum of Understanding with Altoona Lions Club: The MOU is nearly identical to last year's, allowing the Lions Club to use Cinder City Park, Altoona City Park, and Devney Park for Cinder City Days. The concert will move from the south field to the baseball field to accommodate a softball tournament. The Lions Club will install a gate in center field for access. Discussion also covered the possibility of using the hockey association's indoor facility for summer activities like pickleball, noting that the lease gives the city the right to use the facility, but the hockey association has concerns about rolling up the old coils. The association is fundraising for a new facility (estimated $15 million) or renovations ($5 million).
• Container Park Vendor Contract with Borsch House LLC: After a vendor dropped out, Borsch House LLC—run by Ukrainian refugees Andre, Tatiana, and Marina—signed a lease for a food vendor spot. Terms are $400/month plus a $50 monthly programming fee, matching other leases. Owners introduced themselves, offering East European cuisine including varenyky (perogies), pelmeni, and borscht. They plan to deliver within 10-15 miles. Councilmember Thielen welcomed them.
• Ordinance 5B-25 (Parking for Container Park Vendors): This designates five parking spaces on the north end of First Street East (two on one side, three on the other) for vendor parking and loading. Councilmembers discussed access and the need to establish operating hours for the Container Park, which vendors agree should be predictable.
• Department Reports:
  • City Administrator Golott reported on boundary agreement discussions with the Town of Washington to provide clarity on future annexations.
  • Assistant Public Works Director Hubert provided updates: Container Park construction is approximately three weeks from completion, with a soft opening targeted for mid-July. Street projects: Hamilton Avenue pavement replacement (curb repair done, asphalt work in 2-3 weeks); Vernon Pleasant reconstruction delayed to late August due to utility work; 7th Street West after school ends; utility extension expected late June. Jurisdictional transfer discussions with the county for several roads are proceeding in phases.
  • Parks and Rec Director Durkup noted River Prairie Fest is Saturday (10-4, expecting 2,000-3,000 people). The splash pad at River Prairie Park is delayed due to a mechanical issue; hoped to open by mid-May.
• Miscellaneous Business: Councilperson Thielen raised a safety concern about vehicles parking on the corners at Division and Post Office, creating a hazard for traffic and emergency vehicles. He requested painting or signage.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes of the April 24, 2025 meeting. (Motion by Rowe, seconded; unanimous)
• Approved the Consent Agenda (proclamations). (Motion; unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 5A-25, amending private well permit rules. (Motion by Lima, seconded by Beeron; unanimous)
• Approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the Altoona Lions Club for Cinder City Days. (Motion; unanimous)
• Approved the vendor contract with Borsch House LLC for the Container Park. (Motion by Lima; unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 5B-25, designating five vendor parking spaces on First Street East. (Motion by Rowe; unanimous)
• Adjourned at 6:36 P.M. (Motion; unanimous)