Altoona City Council Meeting Summary - 2026-10-22

The City Council of Altoona, Wisconsin, convened on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The agenda covered a public hearing on zoning code amendments, the approval of the final plat for Phase 2 of Whitetail Woods, the approval of a tennis program recognition board, and updates on regional affordable housing challenges. Public comment raised safety concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters on city paths.

Consent Calendar

• A proclamation recognizing Crash Responder Safety Week (November 2-6, 2026) was approved.
• The Mayoral appointment of Rebecca Flaten to the Knollwood Restrictive Covenant Review Committee was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Strubb (resident of 1616 Hong Street) expressed safety concerns regarding electric bicycles and scooters using the pedestrian track near his home. He requested a pedestrian-only zone at that specific location (requiring only two signs) due to high speeds and the risk to children. He also reported nearly being hit five times in two weeks at a nearby roundabout, urging for better enforcement of yield signs.
• Mayor's Response: Mayor Pratt acknowledged the e-bike/scooter issue is evolving and stated the police department is actively revisiting the existing ordinance to address the emerging issues.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Code Amendments (New Business 1 & 2): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented amendments to Title 19 of the municipal code. The primary change updates the sign ordinance to allow sponsorship signage on city properties (e.g., ballparks, events) to be governed by contract rather than the temporary sign ordinance. A public hearing was held with no public comment. Ordinance 10A-26 was subsequently approved.
• Whitetail Woods Phase 2 Final Plat (New Business 3): Mayor Pratt recused himself. Planning Director Greenwell presented the final plat for the second phase, consisting of 23 lots on 24 acres, primarily single-family homes, consistent with the previously approved 172-lot preliminary plat. Council discussed the park plan (including pickleball courts and trails), lot widths, and the plat approval process. The plat was approved.
• Tennis Program Records Board (New Business 4): Parks & Recreation Director Chad Durka presented a request for a records board and state championship banner at the Altoona City Park tennis courts. The board is intended to recognize the achievements of both the boys and girls tennis programs. The request was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Unanimously:
  • Consent Agenda items (CRSW Proclamation, Knollwood Committee Appointment).
  • Ordinance 10A-26 amending the zoning code.
  • Final Plat for Whitetail Woods Phase 2.
  • Installation of tennis program records board and banner.
• Reports & Updates:
  • A federal grant application for park lighting and bathroom facilities was forwarded to the National Park Service; it is one of only five applications from the state to advance to this stage.
  • Sewer contract negotiations with Eau Claire are ongoing and considered to be close to resolution.
  • Council heard that affordable housing was the dominant topic at recent municipal conferences in Appleton and Eau Claire.
  • A Brewers watch party at "The Yard" was announced for the following weekend.
• Community Recognitions:
  • The Council recognized the Fire and Police departments for their high-volume emergency response on Highway 53.
  • The Council acknowledged the recent passing of community member Lee Haremza and expressed condolences to his family.
  • Councilperson Zilmer shared a personal story about a family medical emergency to highlight the importance of recognizing stroke and aneurysm symptoms.