Appleton Common Council Meeting – June 19, 2024
Appleton Common Council Meeting – June 19, 2024
The Appleton Common Council met on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jake Woodford, with 16 alderpersons present. The council addressed a proclamation, recognitions, a rezoning public hearing, and several committee reports. Key actions included approving a $10 wheel tax increase effective January 2025, adopting a pesticide record‑keeping resolution, discontinuing e‑scooter negotiations, and approving a DNR urban forestry grant.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of previous minutes (June 5, 2024): Approved 15‑0.
- Confirmation of appointments: Approved 15‑0.
- Municipal Services Committee items (all approved):
- Updated roadway design parameters for Morrison Street reconstruction (2025)
- Street occupancy permits for Fox Commons construction, Downtown Inc. sidewalk sale, Jack’s Apple Pub brick veneer/awning/façade closure
- Traffic signal control software contract award
- Pavement marking maintenance contract award
- Ordinance prohibiting short‑term rental of electric scooters to the general public
- Safety and Licensing Committee items (all approved):
- Fire Department automatic aid agreement with Village of Fox Crossing Fire Department
- Late alcohol license renewals (contingent on department approvals by June 28, 2024)
- Late cigarette/tobacco/vapor product renewals
- Taxicab company renewal (Dynasty Limousine Service) and new application (Z’s Overflow LLC d/b/a Phoenix Transportation)
- Class “B” beer/liquor licenses for Mauthe Ventures LLC (No Idea Bar, Bazil’s Pub & Provisions, Olde Town Tavern)
- Salvage dealer renewal (Mr. C’s Motorcycles)
- Pet store renewals (Just Pets, Fish Cave LLC)
- Temporary premises amendment for Rookies Sports Bar & Grill (Mile of Music event, Aug 1‑4, 2024)
- City Plan Commission items (approved):
- Rezoning #4‑24 at 841 W. Lawrence Street from C‑2 to R‑2 Two‑Family District (public hearing held; no speakers)
- Wetland restriction modification for North Edgewood Estates 3 lots
- Resolution #2024‑03 supporting new MPO Policy Board structure
- Parks and Recreation Committee items (approved):
- Amendment to Houdini Plaza Lease Agreement
- Revised stormwater pond agreements at Memorial Park and Reid Golf Course
- Updated Park Pavilions and Special Areas Policy
- Finance Committee items (approved):
- Police Department mural at 222 S. Walnut Street
- Safe Drinking Water Loan application and intent‑to‑reimburse resolution
- AWWTP Mix Liquor Channel Blower Replacement contract ($450,915)
- 2024 Lutz Park Trail and Shoreline Development contract ($595,614.35)
- Community and Economic Development Committee items (approved):
- 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for CDBG
- Revised 2024‑2025PY CDBG allocations
- Waiver for Southpoint Commerce Park lot coverage over 70% at 3351 S. Eisenhower Drive
- Utilities Committee items (approved):
- 2023 Electronic Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (eCMAR, score 4.0 GPA)
- Revised stormwater pond agreements (same as Parks item)
- Amendment to 2024A Stormwater Management Plan Review contract (+$25,000)
- Human Resources & IT Committee items (approved):
- Add 1.0 FTE Environmental Health Technician
- Increase Public Health Nursing FTE from 4.0 to 4.1
- Metafile conversion for $43,571
- Police Department table reorganization and addition of Police Officer position
- Fox Cities Transit Commission (approved): Resolution #2024‑03 supporting new MPO Policy Board structure
- Board of Health (approved): Policy N204 Tuberculosis Screening
Public Comments & Testimony
- Walter Blank (2623 E Sundance Dr.): Opposed the wheel tax increase, asking for a two‑year delay to allow state legislation and inter‑municipal savings discussions. Stated he is “still fighting for the taxpayer.”
- Debra Blank (2623 E Sundance Dr.): Presented research showing 15 of the largest 24 Wisconsin cities do not impose a wheel tax; argued $10 increase is regressive and that Appleton could prioritize budget, use grants, or explore alternative funding. Noted surrounding communities (Little Chute, Kimberly, Greenville, etc.) lack a wheel tax except Kaukauna ($10).
- Israel Del Toro (826 E South St.): Addressed the pesticide resolution; criticized the mayor’s 126‑page response as “padded” and lacking substance. Supported the amended resolution’s goal of public disclosure of pesticide use on the city website.
- Relena Ribbons (826 E Washington St.): Requested a simple, accessible list of applied pesticides, application frequency, and locations, citing health and environmental concerns (e.g., glyphosate resistance). Asked for signage when spraying occurs and a sustainable landscape management plan update.
Discussion Items
- Sustainable Use of Pesticides (Resolution #4‑R‑24):
- The original resolution from Parks and Recreation Committee was amended to add record‑keeping into the Turf Management Policy (when a pesticide is applied, record of which pesticide and where).
- A prior amendment to publish information on the city website by end of 2024 failed (6‑9).
- The substitute amendment (Alder Van Zeeland) passed 15‑0; the resolution as amended then passed 15‑0.
- WI DNR IRA Urban Forestry Grant (Resolution #2024‑02): Approved 15‑0. The grant will fund planting up to 2,470 trees, including fruit trees in disadvantaged areas, to replace ash trees lost to emerald ash borer.
- Bird Rides e‑Scooter Negotiations (Item 24‑0760): The council voted to discontinue negotiations with Bird Rides for a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (motion carried 14‑1). Concerns were raised about communication with the company and staff efforts.
- Wheel Tax Increase (Resolution #5‑R‑24):
- Alder Van Zeeland moved to amend the effective date to January 1, 2025, to allow budget discussion on use of funds. Motion carried 10‑4.
- An amendment to direct staff to find offsetting cuts to eliminate the wheel tax starting January 2025 failed 3‑11.
- The amended resolution (increase existing wheel tax by $10) passed 8‑7 after a notwithstanding vote.
- Ordinances #92‑24 to #95‑24 (Responsible Bidder Policy): Approved 15‑0.
Key Outcomes
- Pesticide Resolution Approved: The city will incorporate record‑keeping of pesticide types and application locations into its Turf Management Policy, creating a public record.
- Wheel Tax Increased by $10: The existing wheel tax (originally $20) will rise to $30 per vehicle, effective January 1, 2025. The vote was 8‑7.
- Urban Forestry Grant Accepted: The council authorized application for a DNR grant to plant trees, particularly in underserved areas.
- E‑Scooter Program Discontinued for 2024: City staff will not proceed with a rental agreement with Bird Rides this year.
- All Committee Reports, Licenses, Permits, and Appointments Approved: The balance of the agenda passed 15‑0, including numerous routine items.
- Meeting Adjourned: At 9:31 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I now call to order the Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 meeting of the Apple and Common Council. Tonight's invocation will be delivered by Alder Meltzer. Tonight, I invoke the higher power of pride. Pride is the antithesis of shame. Pride is built on self-respect. We are proud of our achievements, our heritage, our bodies, and our children. We are proud of our children's accomplishments, and we are proud of our community's excellence and uniqueness. We are proud in the face of adversity, and we are proud when we exceed limitations. We are proud when, as members of a minority, we are able to earn the respect of our peers as our authentic selves, even though we don't conform to the majority. There is always a pressure from the majority for minorities to feel shame for their failure or refusal to conform. In the face of that pressure, those who hold on to their identities and strive to cultivate self-respect in a hostile environment have truly earned the pride that they deserve. Tonight, I invoke the higher power of pride. Have you ever been told that you couldn't do something? Have you ever been told that you couldn't be something? Have you ever been told that there was something wrong with you? Something you were born with and couldn't change that would always be a barrier for you. And have you ever proven whoever said that wrong? And have you ever earned their respect in spite of their initial judgment and closed-mindedness? How did that feel? That's pride. It's a beautiful feeling. It's a celebratory feeling. I want you to think about that feeling. I want you to think about how it's an evolution of self-respect, a validation of self, a celebration of personal strength. Tonight, I invoke the higher power of pride. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance. God. Okay. All right. Uh roll call of Alders. All are represented in Alder. Person Smith is joining us virtually. Okay. Roll call of officers and department heads. All are represented. Thank you. In a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. We have a motion and a second to approve. Is there any discussion of the minutes? Hearing none, please cast your votes. Do you vote aye or nay? Okay. Alder Heffern votes aye. All right, the motion passes 15 to zero. The minutes have been approved. Let's see. There we are. Sorry, Alder Smith.
openpublica.com