The Appleton Common Council convened on March 18, 2026, at 7:03 PM in the Council Chambers, presided over by Council President Van Zeeland (Mayor Woodford participated virtually from Washington, D.C.). Twelve alderpersons were present, three were excused, and one was absent. The meeting covered a new Finance Director appointment, public testimony on two agenda items, separate votes on three key items, and approval of a large consent block of committee reports. The council also praised city crews for blizzard response. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
All right, folks, thank you for waiting. We'll call to order the meeting of the common council for Wednesday, March 18th. Tonight's invocation will be delivered by Alder Person Fenton. Thank you. Um I had something written, but I pivoted, and I want to take my time tonight to publicly thank everyone who has been and in many cases still are. There's a lot of snow to move, working tirelessly to get our city moving again after Blizzard ELSA. And by the way, it might be a while before I agree to watch a certain Disney franchise with my granddaughters again. We think of the operators driving the plows, but there's a whole team of mechanics, supervisors, and support staff, some of whom I know pitch in again as operators during emergencies like this. They've worked long hours even during the height of the storm. While the community is being told to stay home because the roads aren't safe, these dedicated folks are out there trying to make those roads passable so that police and fire can get to emergencies and so that essential workers can get to their jobs. Kudos to the police and fire departments for their service in these times as well. I want to make a special shout out to the staff handling the phones at the Department of Public Works. Not every caller is at their best in kindness and at kindest in these situations. And to everybody sharing updates with the council members in the community. I heard from several constituents that they were grateful for the information I was able to pass along. I'm going to close with some snowplow inspired haiku. I wrote this morning instead of cleaning up all the mess we've tracked into our kitchen. For the plow operators. At work all night long, blade pushing mountains of white. Let this be the last. For the rest of us, winter wonderland. Agreed, it's very pretty. Now just plow us out. And for the complete street engineers. Model says there's room around the calming feature. Please let it be right. Thank you. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance. Underbath. All right, roll call of Alderpersons. Oh, yep. There you go. Um, all are represented with the exception of Alderpersons Smith and Jones who are excused. Alder Person Hertzheim will be joining us when she is able. And Alder Person Croat is virtual with us tonight. Thank you. Roll call of officers and department heads. All are represented with the exception of library director Rortbet, who is excused. Thank you. We will entertain an approval of our previous council meeting minutes from March 4th. We have a motion and a second to approve. Any discussion? Hearing none, please cast your votes. Thank you. That motion passes 11 to zero. Um we will start with the business presented by the mayor. I am not the mayor, as you can see. Um I am Council President Van Zieland. I am leading the meeting for Mayor Woodford, who is joining us from a secure location.