Altoona City Council Meeting - October 23, 2025

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included an upgrade of the city's bond rating to AA, approval of a $6,115,000 bond issuance, discussions on jurisdictional transfers of county roads, a review of the final phase of zoning code updates, a closed session for police chief performance evaluation, and renewal of the health insurance contract.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period, which was closed immediately after opening.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 10B-25 – General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025A: Sean Lenz (financial advisor) presented. The city's bond rating was upgraded by S&P from A to AA, citing consistent economic growth, strong reserves, and the closing of TID #3. Four bids were received; the winning bid was from Baird at an interest rate of 3.09%. The repayment schedule accelerates payments in the first two years using the expanded tax base from TID #3 closure, allowing an overall mill rate reduction from $5.40 to $5.00 per $1,000 of equalized value. All city GO debt is currently repaid within 10 years. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Resolution 10C-25 – Redemption of 2016A Notes: Mike Golot (City Administrator) explained that $600,000 from the closed TID #3 fund would be used to prepay outstanding debt originally due June 1, 2026, moving the payment to December 1, 2025, saving six months of interest. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Strategic Thinking on Jurisdictional Transfer: Mike Golot introduced a proposal from Eau Claire County to transfer county roads within Altoona to city control following the county's move out of the city. Scott Quick (Public Works) and Christian Hubert (City Engineer) outlined a phased approach: Phase 1 – County KB (Bartlett Avenue from 3rd Street East), a relatively new road, with the county providing $660,000 for replacing the Double S Bridge (as the 20% local match for an 80% state-funded pedestrian bridge). Phase 2 – County A (from Bartlett to Hwy 12) after its 2025 resurfacing, and simultaneously transferring Lake Road (South Beach to Oak Leaf) to the county. Phase 3 – future segments after a grant-funded reconstruction of Curran Avenue. Council discussed the benefits of controlling speed limits (especially on KB near the elementary school) and the liability of bridge ownership. Consensus was to proceed with negotiations, with the city seeking a maintenance agreement for isolated sections rather than full transfer.
• Zoning & Development Code Re-write – Phase 3 Chapters: Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented the final four chapters: Access and Mobility Standards, Subdivision Standards, Non-Conformities, and Administrative Procedures. Key topics included:
  • Standardized street cross-sections (e.g., local streets at 60 ft right-of-way, minor collectors at 66 ft, modeled on Daniels Avenue).
  • Parking requirements: a proposed option allowing one off-street parking space per dwelling unit if adequate on-street parking exists, to encourage infill and smaller lots. Council debated this but did not finalize.
  • Introduction of conservation subdivisions (at least 50% permanent conservation) in residential districts.
  • Park dedication: the current formula was criticized as outdated; staff will explore a point system for amenity-based dedications.
  • Temporary signage regulations: staff recommended allowing garage sale signs only during the sale, business promotion signs for up to two weeks (max 60 days/year), no short-term rental signs, and A-frame signs only during business hours. Council agreed on most points.
  • Administrative streamlining: site plan reviews and CSMs will move to staff-level approval for code-compliant projects.
  • The complete draft code is expected to be brought for adoption in early 2026.
• Closed Session: The council entered closed session at 8:15 PM under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) to discuss the performance and compensation of Police Chief Kelly Bachin. They reconvened at 8:28 PM.
• Health Insurance Contract Renewal: Mike Golot recommended renewing the three-year contract with Central States Health Plan (TeamCare), noting no rate increase in the first year and a 4% cap in subsequent years. The city pays 90% of premiums (approximately $500/week for family coverage). The motion passed unanimously.
• Police Chief Compensation Adjustment: Following closed session, Councilperson Stuber moved to increase Chief Kelly's salary to $150,000 in the first year and $160,000 in the second year. The motion passed unanimously. Mike Golot explained that the chief had been a finalist for another position, and this adjustment was necessary to retain her.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution 10B-25 authorizing $6,115,000 in GO notes (Series 2025A) at 3.09% interest with Baird.
• Approved Resolution 10C-25 authorizing early redemption of $600,000 of 2016A notes on December 1, 2025.
• Directed staff to continue negotiations on jurisdictional transfers with the county, emphasizing asset condition and fiscal impact.
• Received the final phase of zoning code draft; staff will incorporate council feedback and present the complete code for adoption.
• Approved renewal of the health insurance contract with Central States Health Plan for three years.
• Approved a two-year salary increase for Police Chief Kelly Bachin ($150,000 in fiscal year 2026, $160,000 in fiscal year 2027).
• The next regular council meetings will be November 6 and November 20, 2025.

Department Reports

• Mike Golot reported meeting with the school district regarding a November referendum survey; results expected around November 11.
• Scott Quick reported on construction updates (Otterburn/Pleasant paving, east utilities), a new EOTARCIS collection service (up to 10 per year), and a sweeper camera system that will provide pavement condition data.
• Police Chief Kelly Bachin announced the Fall Frenzy event on October 26 (3-5 PM at River Prairie) and that a new officer would be sworn in at the next council meeting.