Appleton Common Council Meeting - February 19, 2025: I-41 Update, Liquor License Denial, and Various Approvals
Appleton Common Council Meeting - February 19, 2025
The Appleton Common Council met on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting included an invocation by Alder Smith, approval of previous minutes, a reappointment to the Public Arts Committee, an update on the I-41 construction project, public participation concerning a liquor license denial, and action on several committee items including a liquor license denial (2-13), decorative light poles for College Avenue bridge (12-3), July 4th celebration MOU (15-0), EV grant budget amendment (14-1), TID consulting services (15-0 after amendment), cost reimbursement agreement with Thrive Financial (15-0 after amendment), and noise ordinance updates (15-0). A resolution on emissions reduction targets was referred to committee.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the minutes of the previous meeting (15-0).
- Approved the reappointment of Jane to the Appleton Public Arts Committee (15-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- David Bullinger (1024 Sumac Drive, West Bend) spoke regarding his application for a class B beer and reserve class B liquor license for Delares LLC at 823 West College Avenue. He stated he has agreed in writing not to have illegal gambling machines, questioned why his license is being denied based on speculation, and noted that 15 other businesses within half a mile of city hall have gambling machines without issue. He argued that two witnesses against him work at a neighboring beauty salon and expressed unfounded fears. He requested fairness.
Discussion Items
- I-41 Project Update: Director Youngworth presented an update on the I-41 reconstruction project. Key points: 2025 mainline work from WIS 96 to Lindale, full reconstruction of WIS 15/Ballard Road interchanges as diverging diamonds, Northland and Ballard overpass closures, French Road open for local traffic. In 2026, mainline work continues east to Holland Road, reconstruction of WIS 47 interchange, and the I-41/441 system interchange with higher ramp speeds. Aesthetic elements selected: ashlar noise barrier on resident side, basket weave on highway side, and decorative bridge elements with silhouettes. Construction will be phased with lane closures. The city is coordinating for public safety and transit contingency plans.
- Liquor License (24-0420): Safety & Licensing Committee recommended denial for Delares LLC. After discussion, the council voted on a notwithstanding motion. Alder Croat noted the committee thoroughly considered the case. Alder Van Zeeland cited the applicant providing a model business that advertises gambling. The motion to approve the license failed 2-13, denying the license.
- Decorative Light Poles (25-0097): Municipal Services considered a sole source purchase of decorative street light poles for College Avenue bridge. Director Youngworth provided cost comparison: $5,500 per decorative pole vs $4,800 for aluminum, a $12,000 total difference. Decorative poles have a 25-40 year life with improved coating. Some aldermen expressed concerns about sole sourcing and alternative materials. After debate, the motion to approve passed 12-3.
- July 4th Celebration MOU (25-0065): Parks & Recreation approved an amended motion to authorize negotiation of a memorandum of understanding with Wisconsin Entertainment Group LLC to manage the city's Independence Day celebration. The original item was amended to clarify it is for negotiation of an MOU, not approval of a final MOU. Passed 15-0.
- EV Grant Budget Amendment (25-0020): Finance committee considered a budget amendment related to an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) award for an electric vehicle and charging infrastructure. Alder Doran raised concerns about using grant funds originally intended for library purposes and uncertainty about EV technology. Director Gaza explained the funds were not library-specific and the city has been cautious about entering EV fleet. The motion passed 14-1.
- TID Consulting Services (25-0046): Community Development considered awarding a contract to Ellers for TID creation services at $14,000 plus $325/hour. Concerns were raised about pre-committing to TID creation. The item was amended to change "creation" to "consulting/evaluation." Passed 15-0.
- Cost Reimbursement Agreement (25-0064): Community Development approved a cost reimbursement agreement with Thrive Financial for Lutherans for up to $100,000 to fund TID consulting, engineering, and city services related to redevelopment of their office campus. Amended similarly to change "creation" to "evaluation." Passed 15-0.
- Noise Ordinance Update (25-0035): Board of Health approved ordinance changes to Chapter 12, Article 4 (noise). Alder Smith provided context about constituent complaints regarding excessive noise on College Avenue. The updated ordinance aims to improve enforcement of excessive vehicular noise. Passed 15-0.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes approved 15-0.
- Public Arts reappointment approved 15-0.
- Liquor license for Delares LLC denied (2-13).
- Decorative light poles for College Avenue bridge approved 12-3.
- MOU negotiation for July 4th celebration authorized 15-0.
- EV grant budget amendment approved 14-1.
- TID consulting contract approved as amended 15-0.
- Cost reimbursement agreement with Thrive Financial approved as amended 15-0.
- Noise ordinance update approved 15-0.
- A resolution submitted by Alder Hayden regarding Appleton Sustainability Advisory Panel's emissions reduction recommendations (cut net emissions by half by 2034) was referred to Parks and Recreation Committee.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I now call to order the Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 meeting of the Appleton Common Council. Please rise for the invocation, which will be delivered by Alder Smith. This term I'm teaching a course on the Hebrew Bible, and we've spent some weeks reading through the great writing prophets. This time around, I read them with the experience of living in a time of change, and as I participate in the work of leading this city. I thought I'd draw out three universal statements, sentiments. Within the camp within the campus of the United Nations is a statue of a muscular man swinging a hammer. He aims to strike with that hammer an object that looks like a sword as he holds it in his one hand, but on the ground we see it transforming into something else. The statue makes sense as we read the lines on its base from the prophet Isaiah. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. The prophets spoke out against what they saw as injustice. The prophet Amos leveled the sharpest critique against the injustice he saw in his society. And as a result of that, he spoke these words. My final example is from the prophet Jeremiah. At several points, the prophet breaks away from his subject and into something more like personal reflection. Scholars have labeled these sections the confessions of Jeremiah. At one point, Jeremiah appears to regret the social isolation that he experienced because of his pointed and critical message. God speaks to him. It's they who will turn to you, not you who will turn to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you. May that be a reminder to us that there are principles that are larger than our small moment in time. And when it comes to those principles, we should ourselves be fortified walls of bronze. Join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag. And to for which it stands. All are represented, and Alder Person Alfheim is joining us virtually. Roll call of officers and department heads. All are represented. Right. Need a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion of the minutes? Hearing none, please cast your votes. Okay. That motion passes 15 to 0. The minutes have been approved. All right. On to business presented by the mayor. If it's all right, let's take care of the administrative item first. Uh there's no objections. Okay. This is item 24-0108, Appleton Public Arts Committee reappointment. We have a motion and a second to approve. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, please cast your votes. Gotcha, Alder Alfheim, thank you. Alder Van Zeeland, how do you vote? All right, that motion passes 15 to zero.
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