Common Council Meeting of August 5, 2026: Truancy, Tornado, and Park Art
Common Council Meeting Summary - August 5, 2026
The Common Council of Appleton, Wisconsin, met on August 5, 2026, at 7:04 PM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Jake Woodford presiding. The meeting lasted until 8:35 PM. Key actions included a failed reconsideration of the truancy ordinance, approval of art installations in Ellen Kort Peace Park, adoption of an updated purchasing policy, extension of the tornado state of emergency following the July 27 tornado, and approval of several routine items. Alderperson Vaya Jones was excused; Alderperson Brad Firkus and Alderperson Denis Dougherty appeared virtually.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Six individuals spoke regarding the truancy ordinance (Item 26-0758): Greg Hartjes (AASD Superintendent), Michelle Pauli (316 E Benton Dr), Amanda Rudd (912 W Lorain St), Ronna Swift (230 W Seymour St), Chad Endres (3033 E Forest St), and Mitch Anderson (W6188 Everglade Rd, Greenville). Speakers expressed a range of views, including support for the ordinance as a tool to improve attendance and concerns about its punitive nature and potential impact on vulnerable families.
Discussion Items
- Truancy Ordinance Reconsideration (26-1009, 26-0758): The Council first voted to reconsider the item (9 ayes, 5 nays, 1 excused). After debate, the motion to approve Resolution #7-R-26 (Review Options for Truancy Ordinance) for a one-year trial extension failed by a vote of 7 ayes, 6 nays, and 2 abstentions (Alderperson Heffernan and Mayor Woodford). Per Council rules, 8 affirmative votes were required for passage. Alderperson Hartzheim argued for another year to gather more data, noting that the district had shown results. Alderperson Croatt emphasized the district's judicious use of only one citation. Alderperson Smith urged deference to education experts. Alderperson Schultz expressed concern about financial burdens on families. Alderperson Hayden supported the ordinance due to the safety net approach but had concerns about marginalized communities. Alderperson Fenton opposed, citing potential distrust of the legal system.
- Peace Pole and Kinetic Wind Sculptures (26-0974, 26-0976): The Council approved installation of a peace pole (11-0-2, with Alderperson Schultz and Mayor Woodford abstaining) and kinetic wind sculptures (12-0-1, with Alderperson Schultz abstaining) in Ellen Kort Peace Park. Director Flick stated the installations align with the park's master plan, placing them between the trail and the river to capture wind.
- 2026 Purchasing Policy (26-0998): Approved unanimously (13-0). Alderperson Hartzheim questioned the effect on competitive bidding due to higher thresholds. Finance Director Messerschmidt explained the update was needed to align with state law and cost changes since 2015.
- Vegetation Analysis & Mowing Reduction Strategy (26-0432): Resolution #2-R-26 was approved 10-3. Alderperson Hartzheim opposed, stating the impetus for the resolution had been largely resolved.
- Tornado State of Emergency Extension (26-1031): Resolution #10-R-26 was approved unanimously. Mayor Woodford explained the extension was needed for continued response and recovery, including brush hauling (5,000 cubic yards, 360 triaxle loads) and assistance to neighboring communities. Alderperson Schultz inquired about private tree removal costs; the mayor directed residents to the multi-agency resource center and 211. Alderperson Meltzer thanked the mayor for leadership and asked about assistance to Fox Crossing; the mayor confirmed ongoing coordination with all neighbors. Alderperson Heffernan praised the city's crisis response and mental health support.
Key Outcomes
- Failed: Reconsideration of truancy ordinance (7-6-2, did not meet 8-vote threshold).
- Approved: Peace pole installation (11-0-2).
- Approved: Kinetic wind sculptures (12-0-1).
- Approved: 2026 Purchasing Policy (13-0).
- Approved: Resolution #2-R-26 (Vegetation Analysis) (10-3).
- Approved: Ordinance #44-26 (13-0).
- Approved: Extension of tornado state of emergency (unanimous).
- Approved: Balance of the agenda (13-0), including numerous contracts, licenses, and organizational changes: Franklin Street paving design approval, parking change on Foster Court, Mission Ridge North Subdivision ordinance changes, SISP Grant for Badger Avenue signal rehab, long-term dumpster permit, Ope Brewing Company retail outlet, temporary premises amendments for Fox Cities PAC and Holidays Pub and Grill, Petco pet store license renewal, denial of Fox Pest Control solicitation license, schedule of deposits update, wastewater treatment plant bridge contract ($119,000), Olde Oneida Street Bridge contingency ($590,008), utilities network improvements contract ($649,489), and table of organization changes for Utilities and Community Development departments.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, that's the reconsideration. And then if that passes, we take up 26-0758. Okay. Thank you. We'll continue on now with Alder Hartzheim. Thank you, Chair. Under Finance 26-0998. Request to approve the uh 2026 purchasing policy, please. All right. Others. Alder Schultz. Take a chair from Parks and Rec, both twenty-six-zero nine seven four and twenty-six-zero nine seven six. That is the peace poll. And the kinetic wind sculptures. Okay. Any others. All right. So we will uh take it up as safety and licensing, but these are under items held. The first is twenty-six-one zero zero nine reconsideration of item twenty-six-zero seven five eight review options for truancy ordinance. Is there a motion on the reconsideration? Looks like and looks like we have restored the Granica system, so uh we can try. Yeah. Okay. I have the point Alder on the motion for this. Alder Croat has a thank you. Um does the motion need to be made by someone on the prevailing side or a member that was absent. Yes. Thank you. Okay, we have a motion from Alder Hayden for reconsideration. Need a second. Also eligible to do so. Oh, anybody can second. All right, we do have a second. We have a motion and a second. We're we're seeing it up here on the uh on our end, so we may be back up and running on on Granicus here. Go ahead. Okay. Well, we we have a motion and a second, so we'll we'll we'll keep trying and you can push buttons as they appear. Uh but uh we're gonna continue. So we have a motion and a second for reconsideration. Uh all right, all any discussion. All right, hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? I'm gonna call the vision. We I I don't have a clear uh sense of of the vote. Uh we'll we'll before we do a roll call. Actually, are you are you prepared to call the roll? I'm prepared to call the roll. Do you have voting buttons?
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