Okay, we'll uh call the common council meeting for Thursday, April 9th, um 2026 to order.

We'll start with roll call.

Alder person with Tesca and Payne are unable to attend tonight.

Christine here.

Payne's absent Wigderson here, Piper.

Here.

Beatrice?

Here.

Wells.

Here.

Manion.

Here.

Moltson.

Here.

What Tesca's absent?

Anderson.

Here.

Helvin Slavin.

Here.

Matthews.

Here.

Dean Lemke.

Here.

Rick Lemke.

Here.

Come on, Joe.

Here.

Okay, we do have a quorum.

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to see the Republic for which it stands.

One nation under God in individual with liberty and justice roll.

Okay, um, before I go to public comment, we have farewell and thank you to uh Mayor Sean Riley, um Alderman Eric Payne, who is not here, and Alder Person Dean Lemke.

So Tony's gonna do it.

Yes, I am going to do it.

Uh so what we'll do is I will uh say a couple words and then ask you guys to come up, take a picture, and then we'll go from there.

Uh so we're gonna, as the mayor said, take a moment to recognize and thank uh two individuals for their service to the city tonight.

Uh the first is Dean Lemke.

He was elected in 2017 and has represented District 13 over the past nine years.

Why don't you come up, Dean?

We'll give you this lovely sign, Lemke Lane.

Then we'll get back.

I've been planning this for a long time.

First of all, I want to thank all of you.

The ones that have been here less than a term, these three people that I want to thank the most.

I want to thank my cousin Rick for opening his house and offering to explain anything that I did not understand.

I want to thank you, uh Alderman Piper for all your help over the years.

And I want to thank one of our former alderman alderman Kathleen Cummings, who did a bunch, introduced me to oh it was Cassie and I about 10 or more meetings.

So what you guys are doing now, she started it, and it was really helpful for my for us.

And I know that you're gonna have a good mayor, as you do now, but you're gonna have a good mayor.

Uh you're gonna be successful.

I know you got some good decisions coming in your head.

We saw you walking the streets on Saturday.

That was great.

So good luck to all of you.

Thank you.

All right, Mayor Riley.

He has served as mayor since uh April 2014.

Over the course of his 12-year tenure, he has helped guide the city through both challenging times and important progress, including the modernization of city infrastructure and facilities.

Uh mayor, with all due respect, nice.

Your brother may have been on to something.

You just might go down in history as one of the top 35 Walkershaw mayors.

Fortunately, for all of us, you've also given us plenty of reasons to remember you for much more than that.

We appreciate your leadership, your steady hand, and your commitment to leaving the city in an even better position than when you began.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, so this says uh I love my city very much.

I don't know.

And I'm not gonna tell you until after the meeting, whatever.

What is that?

Walking the home.

Walk the home.

Actually, I don't have anything to say at this point.

Uh I will uh after the state of the city have uh a couple short comments.

All right.

Um next item is public comment.

Uh we have three people sign up for public comment.

Uh first one is John Thomas.

Wow.

Good evening all.

John Thomas 134 Douglas.

I travel the western end of Hoover Avenue.

Often.

It borders on Miniola Park.

And it's a mighty wide street.

Except when there's cars parked on both sides of the street, and you go down from the west or go down from the east.

There's somebody coming towards you.

You pull over to the right and you let them pass, because there's not room for two vehicles to pass down the middle, and lots of little kids climbing out of cars with car doors open.

It's dangerous.

And I'm gonna recommend to to somebody here, because I don't know who to speak to as an individual.

One side of the street parking only, if you please, especially in the evening.

So uh take the ball and hopefully somebody can run with it because the way it is now, it is dangerous with cars parked on both sides of the street, car doors opening, cars passing both directions.

It's just not safe.

Thank you.

Okay, thank you.

Next person is Lisa Salt.

Good evening, Lisa's help, 434 Madison Street.

Um, before I get to my topic, I'm wondering if maybe if we could um mention Eric and how many years of service he had since he's not here, would still like to be able to clap for him, please.

Um and then the reason that I'm here is in regards to the conservation easement for 130 Delafield Street, which you approved at the last meeting.

Since then, I've received an email.

This is from uh Trisha Canada.

She is the state historic preservation officer, so she heads up that office.

And then this email, she states that there was language of the easement that was erroneous, and we ask the city of Waukesha to remove it.

So I just wanted uh to make sure that the council was made aware of that.

Thank you very much.

Okay, thank you.

Uh final person is Tariq Akbuk.

Good evening, Mayor Sean Riley and members of the common council.

I'd like to thank the three two retiring aldermen, Eric Payne and Dean Lemke, and would like to thank Mayor Riley for 12 plus years of service to the city.

Uh I think you be you you were elected as mayor at a time when the water issue was kind of not totally settled.

And uh with your leadership and the assistance of the council, we did get to Lake Michigan water.

I think that was uh that's what we needed.

It took us a long time, but we got there.

And uh so you will be missed.

In fact, I once said to you, you should have run for re-election.

He said now it's time to leave.

So our incoming mayor, Alicia is is again a good choice that the residents of the city made, and hopefully she will continue your leadership.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And um just to uh Lisa Saul brought up uh the that for Eric Payne.

Um I know he uh was unable to attend tonight, but he has been uh all the person for 24 years, and we definitely value all that he's contributed to the city over more than two decades, two and a half almost two and a half decades, so next thing we have is approval of minutes from March 17, 2026.

Is there a motion to approve?

Alder Pers yes so moved.

All right.

Uh all reminding.

I'll second.

Any discussion?

Okay, please vote.

Comacho aye.

Alvin Slabin aye.

Matthews aye.

Dean Lemke aye.

I could.

Holton aye.

That motion passes unanimously.

Next item is consent agenda.

Are there any items to be removed from consent?

Okay, without uh any request for items to be removed, all items on consent are approved unanimously.

Next item is under new business adjustment of municipal court bond schedule to reflect increase in court fees authorized by recent state legislation.

Um this is um uh I guess I'm gonna miles.

I'm gonna turn it right over to you.

Sure.

So last year uh this council passed an ordinance uh that says all violations of the municipal code are subject to the maximum municipal court fees set as set forth in state statute.

Uh so the state statute just increased its municipal court fees by ten dollars, and so uh this body must uh approve that increase because the municipal judge sets the bond schedule, so the bond schedule has been amended to reflect that ten dollar increase.

Uh and I advise this council approve that bond schedule.

So what you're asking for is a motion to approve the municipal court bond schedule to reflect the increase in court fees.

That's correct, your honor.

Is there any motion for that?

All in manion yeah, I'll motion to approve the municipal bond schedule um to reflect the increase in court fees as presented.

I'll second.

Okay.

Alder Person Camacho seconds.

Alderman Rick Lemke.

Uh related but probably not.

Have we determined who the winner is of the write-in contest for the new municipal judge that's gonna enforce these bonds?

Yeah, it's uh on the um the uh clerk has already uh had uh Laurie Fabian won.

I don't remember the mounts, but it was by about 350 or so.

Thank you.

Okay.

All right, any other questions regarding the motion to uh approve the adjustment and municipal court bond schedule.

Not please vote.

Alvin Sleiban aye.

Matthews aye motion passes unanimously.

Uh now it's reports, transit commission.

Uh Alex all items were on consent tonight.

Okay, water utility commission, alder person Matthews.

No report.

Uh IT board, alder person manion.

Yeah, the IT board met on uh April 1st uh for our April meeting.

Um we did approve a contract for a software package that uh will assist with accessibility requirements on the city website.

Um that item will not come to council because it's below the uh purchase threshold that requires council approval, but just so you're aware of that.

Um I also did get a report from the IT director that uh um workshops are beginning and continuing with regard to the CAD RMS project for police and fire and dispatch, um, focused primarily on configuration of the system, and right now uh things look uh good from a time standpoint.

We're we're on time and on budget.

End of report.

Okay, thank you.

Uh Landmark Commission report, Alder Person Chrisine.

Thank you, Mayor.

We had our meeting last night.

Uh we received our funding, so the application process has started.

We granted some improvements for historic districts.

We uh had a viewing of the plan for Carroll University.

There basically it's a poll barn that physical therapy was in and saw the preview.

It was previously approved by this body in 2024, but they're actually gonna go through with it now.

It's a nice new building that fits in with the neighborhood, and there was uh three awards that we voted on and for historic buildings in the city of Wonkeshaw, and those will be given out in May.

And a report.

Okay, thank you.

Redevelopment authority report, all the person Rick Lempe.

Rick Lemke.

No meeting, no report.

All right, Park Recreation Forestry Board, Alder Person Wells.

Last meeting we reviewed uh summer season fees and charges, and then the new activity guide is out.

I got it today, so all right.

Library board report, alder person having Slavin.

Yeah, uh just came from the library board meeting um right before this, uh, because our meeting was moved to Thursday this week.

Um, so uh we got some board education regarding um law enforcement visits to the library.

Um that's one way to just say uh if ICE comes to the library, um, what library staff should be doing.

They coordinated uh with the police department to make sure that they had a good understanding of what they can and cannot do uh in those types of situations.

Um and so the board was informed about that.

Uh we also um finally uh approved the Act 150 um minimums to exempt, which the city of Walkershaw far exceeds every year.

Um so from a financial perspective for the city, that's a good thing.

Um we went over some some basic uh policy review changes, just bringing things in line with the the city policies.

Um and that was about it.

Uh so end of report.

Okay, thank you.

Cemetery commission report, alder person Chris.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um it was canceled this month.

We'll have our meeting in May.

Thank you.

Okay.

Housing authority report, alder person Piper.

Uh no report this evening.

Um next meeting is next week, Wednesday the 15th at the Housing Authority on Arcadian Avenue at 9 a.m.

All are welcome to attend.

End of report.

Nothing under community development block grant.

Um public art committee report, alder person Moltson.

No report.

All right.

Um nothing under plant commission either.

I okay.

Finance committee report, all the all the person piper.

No report this evening.

Buildings and ground committee report.

Um anyone able to provide update on that?

Go ahead.

Last meeting was canceled.

No meeting, no report.

All right.

Makes it easier.

Uh ONL license committee, um, ordinance and license committee.

Uh, what we have on there is review and possible action on update to 13.055 residential solid waste and recyclables collection.

Um, this is a second reading.

It has gone to both uh public works and to ONL.

Um it came out of there, I believe, with uh no um uh uh uh fully approved.

Uh and uh but now it's in front of the for the for the second reading in front of the common council.

If anyone has any questions, uh Alex or possibly Miles can answer those questions.

Anyone want any or Emma?

Oh, and Emma, yeah.

Sorry.

Should I ask if there's questions, or do you want to do a quick run through or I'm any questions on this?

A lot of it is just technical changes.

Um it's my understanding, and Emma, you can tell me if I'm wrong.

Um, it's not changing how we're doing things or who's getting uh garbage service or not.

It's more um making sure that the ordinances reflects what we are already doing.

And Emma clarify me if I said that wrong at all.

Nope, that's completely correct.

This is just reflective of our current processes, and this is to reflect the the uh special charge as well as the Johns contract changes, so nothing is changing to actual service for the residents.

Okay, so any questions?

Go ahead, all in the piper.

Um there's a really nice one-page summary in the packet this evening that Emma prepared that um if you or any of your constituents have any questions, it does a nice job of addressing the the changes to what what we're looking to do.

So appreciate Emma your work on this.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And if there are questions um between now and the next meeting, because the next meeting you'll be asked to uh adopt it.

Um please contact either Emma or um Alex.

Go ahead.

Uh Alder Person Dean Lepke.

I was actually thinking about this because when I when my wife said that I didn't make it out of the primaries, first thing she said was we can move to ten Tennessee now.

I'm like, where do you get that from?

Tennessee.

If we want to put something out, who do we call?

And what's the cost?

Tennessee.

If you want to put a bulky item out in front of your property, yes.

So you would call John's disposal.

All right.

And then they would provide you the cost based off the item.

So a singular item is uh 45 dollars, but it does depend on what it is and how many things you are putting out.

Got it.

Okay.

Thank you.

All right, any other comments or questions?

All right, we'll move to thank you, Emma.

Uh, you probably should be here at the next meeting too.

Uh human resource committee report, all the person would we had one item that was approved on consent, and our meeting for April 15th has been canceled.

We had one item that was approved on consent, and our meeting for April 15th has been canceled.

That's it.

All right.

Board of Public Works.

Um Alex.

All right, thank you.

We've got uh two bids to look through.

Uh the first one was uh received on March 6th.

This is for a transit center boiler replacement project.

Uh the board recommended moving forward with the base bid from August Winters and Sons in the amount of 52,400 dollars.

Okay.

Well, Person Piper, I saw your hand raised.

Um I'll move to approve.

I'll second.

Any discussion?

Okay, Alder Person Matthews.

So quick question that I have.

Uh we're going through and we're replacing what was the actual cost determined to fix or repair.

Or was that even possible or consideration?

Yeah, it's passed its useful useful life.

Okay.

And the life was what, roughly 20 years?

Yeah, it's it's been over 20 years for sure in that at the transit ramp there.

But do we even look at it was beyond repair and that was the end previous?

Thank you.

Um Alex, uh, how old is the transit center?

It was built in uh finished in 2003, right around there.

Yeah, so it's a 22-year-old building, so it's already placing H already.

Okay, thanks.

Older Person Chris, was that the other hand up over here?

Well, I was just he had his hand low, so it's oh okay.

All right.

Anyone else?

Okay, so the motion is to the approve the uh bid uh from August Winter and Sons in the amount of 52,400 dollars.

Please vote.

Halvin Slavin aye.

Come on, show aye.

Matthew's aye.

Other memoirs.

Motion passes 12 to 1.

Next item is uh go ahead, Alex.

Next item is uh the 2026 Asphalt Street Resurfacing and Utility Improvements Project.

Uh this is a rather large project encompassing lots of streets.

Um we received uh three bids uh for this project.

Uh the low bid came in from like lawn contractors.

Uh there was many uh multiple alternates included on the project uh that also came in under budget.

So uh the board recommended moving forward with the base bid and mandatory alternate one uh and the utility repair alternate number one as well to the low bidder on the total amount of ten million seven hundred and seventy-one thousand eighty-one dollars and eighty cents.

Colombia Piper, so moved.

Older person haven't slaven.

Second.

Any questions or comments?

Okay, so there's a motion to approve uh the bid as set forth in the packet.

Um please vote.

Alvin Slavin, aye.

Matthews aye.

That motion passes unanimously.

Anything else, Alex?

Uh I guess I'll just mention uh crews are working real hard this week on Russian uh branch pickup as well as leaves.

Um we're a little bit behind, so we won't be completely through the city this week here.

So uh, but they're working hard to try to get there as quickly as possible.

So it will go into next week then.

Yeah, okay.

That's what it's looking for towards right now.

So if it's possible, maybe we need to put that in our um social media stuff.

We'll chat with uh Rebecca tomorrow.

Yeah, check check with her becca tomorrow.

Yep.

Thank you.

Just for the people watching Rebecca's in the back, so she's already been told.

Um all right, uh city attorney.

No report, thank you.

Okay, city administrator.

Yeah, I just wanted to reflect on the uh election this past Tuesday a little bit uh after speaking with Katie, our city clerk.

Uh she indicated that the turnout was 52.19%.

Um, if you compare that to the last time there was a mayoral election, which was April 5th, 2022.

Uh the turnout at that time was 32.15%.

So clearly an increase in the number of people that uh turned out.

And uh everything that's been reported back to me, they functioned very well in terms of not only the poll workers using them, but also uh how residents received it and liking that process as opposed to the older one.

Um in addition, uh we had uh less uh polling locations because as you may recall, uh we modified those last year.

Um the thing I would say with that is if we could all encourage uh residents to check their polling location before they go to vote.

Uh that would be a very helpful.

Uh we did have a number of individuals who um went to the incorrect location.

Um, but what I would say about that is we made every effort possible to communicate that out in about five different ways at five different times.

Um and then the Expo Center worked out very well.

Uh so thanks to our uh county partners and letting us utilize that uh facility.

And then lastly, uh just want to uh thank the poll workers for their service.

Um the fact that they do that uh certainly allows us to uh function and conduct the elections.

Um but then also to thank Katie and her staff.

Uh those are long 20-hour days where uh it gets to be arduous.

So for her office and then clerks in general, just deeply appreciative of all they do.

End of report.

Okay, Paul and Rick Lemke.

I just wanted to ask if Katie knew why it was reported on the news that uh Jack Wells won 24 votes to his appointment that had 12 and 100% was reported in.

And I obviously I knew that was a snafu because I knew Jack got more than 24 votes, but maybe you could help me.

I mean, I even saw it on the county website.

So we'll we'll try to there if there's anything I I mean I knew it was an error, but most public wouldn't.

I wanted to see more of a mayor, but uh, I'm gonna bring this back.

I'm gonna bring it back, which is uh I I also want to say uh thank you to uh the clerk's office um and all the poll workers.

Um it is it's not just election day that's a long day, it's long day before and long day after.

Um and uh I I think from the very beginning, my number one goal um or hope during any election is is that uh I don't see the city of Walkshaw being on the news for something not working in elections, and um we can uh add another uh check mark for this election.

No, I other than what older person Rick Lempe just brought up.

I did not see anything that uh was uh uh cause for concern.

So thank you very much.

Um mayor's reports uh proclamations.

We have a two proclamations.

The first one is for Arbor Day.

Um and uh City of Walkshaw actually in the state of Wisconsin has a pretty important position in regards to um tree city USA as well as Arbor Day.

Um we've been participating in Arbor Day for 41 41 years.

Um we've been a designated Tree City um for 47 years, and there's only one other community in Wisconsin that is longer, and it's also 47 years, but I guess they beat us um in their application by a couple days.

Um I'm always hoping that they just forget to file their application one year.

Um but they haven't yet.

Um yeah, Shewagan.

Um Arbor Day is an important day.

It serves to create uh an appreciation for trees and an awareness of the proper care and maintenance of trees in an urban environment.

Um we do have a very good uh um tree uh canopy in the city of Waxhaw, a lot of those in parks, a lot of those in street trees, and then also on private property.

Um but those trees are very important.

Um and we want to thank and recognize the professional park recreation forestry personnel that enhance the urban forests in the city of Waukeshaw, and uh this proclamation proclaims April 1st through April 24th, 2026 Arbor month, and it concludes in Arbor Day, which is April 24th, 2026.

And I know we'll be doing something in our parks on April 24th, uh where a tree is planted, or maybe even more.

So uh the next uh proclamation is uh National Public Safety and Telecommunication Telecommunicators Week.

Um I like to say dispatchers, but uh every year since 1981, the second full week of April is set aside to honor dispatchers.

Um, and our dispatchers are the first access point for those seeking all classes of emergency services uh through 911.

Our uh dispatchers respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, relay information to emergency response personnel while monitoring their activities by radio and oftentimes render life sift savings assistance themselves by when people call in.

Um, they will talk them through how to help someone in a critical medical emergency or a safety issue.

Um our dispatchers are the voices we hear when we first call for help.

Um they provide critical assistance, uh, calm reinsurance during our worst moments, and they exhibit compassion, understanding, and professionalism while performing their jobs.

And uh we're through this proclamation, we formally recognize the city of Waukeshaw dispatchers for the work they do every day to protect the community, and we're proclaiming April 12th through the 18th as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism help keep our city and citizens safe.

Um that's our proclamations.

I also am asking for approval um of a reappointment of Christy Christine uh D'Angelo to the um border review for a three-year term.

Um she's been on the border review uh and has uh she has is also an attorney um and she's served the border review very well.

So all the person have a slaven.

Yep, I'll make the motion to approve uh Christine D'Angelo to the board of review reappointment for three-year term.

Second.

All right, any discussion.

Okay, so the motion is to approve Christine DiAngelo to the border review.

Please vote.

Come on, July.

Matthew Zye.

I hope this passes.

That'd be great.

Um we do have uh all the person trieste.

You were staining, right?

You were abstaining?

Yes.

Okay.

All right.

Um, so that motion does pass.

Um I was thinking that it would be kind of interesting if the the last vote of of my appointment didn't make it through.

Uh let's see.

The next item is this 2026 state of the city.

Uh, this is a video, and uh we'll get it started.

Hello, I'm Sean Riley, mayor of the city of Waukeshaw, and serving as your mayor for the past 12 years has been a great honor.

As I prepare to leave office, I do so with deep gratitude, immense pride, and great confidence in the future of our community.

Together we have faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and made meaningful progress that will benefit Waukeshaw for generations to come.

Among the accomplishments I am most proud of are our transition to Lake Michigan Water to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for the future, as well as a continued revitalization of our downtown and the strength and unity of our community that we showed in the wake of the parade tragedy.

Over the past decade, we have invested in infrastructure.

Strengthened public safety, supported local businesses, expanded recreational opportunities, and remained committed to being fiscally responsible and forward thinking.

None of these achievements belong to one person alone, especially not the mayor.

They are results of collaboration among dedicated city staff, elected officials, community partners, volunteers, and engage residents who care deeply about where they live.

The city of Waukeshaw was incorporated February 4th, 1896.

Today it stretches 25 square miles with a population of over 71,000.

The city has just over 30,000 households with a median household income of over 83,000 and a median home value of 315,000.

Over the past decade, the City of Walkshaw has invested more than $19 million to reduce flooding and strengthen stormwater infrastructure across our community.

Since completing our stormwater management plan in 2014, we've advanced projects in key areas like Green Meadow Drive near North High School, the Rolling Ridge Drive Corridor, and East Oreland Boulevard.

No system can eliminate flooding during extreme storms, but our progress is making a difference.

During the August 2025 storm, fewer areas were impacted and the severity was reduced compared to similar storms in the past.

We know flood mitigation is ongoing work.

As rainfall events become more intense, we remain committed to building a stronger, more resilient walkershop.

In 2025, the City Clerk's Office introduced badger books, an electronic poll books that replaced the traditional paper books used at our 54 reporting units across holding locations.

On election day, poll workers can scan a voter's photo ID quickly to locate their record, capture a signature, assist with registration, and keep lines moving.

The system connects directly with the voter database, improving speed, accuracy, and the overall voter experience.

BadgerBooks reduces paper and overtime costs, provides real-time absentee updates, and simplifies post-election reconciliation, cutting a process that once took multiple weeks down to about a single week.

It's a smart investment that increases efficiency, accuracy, and accountability in our elections.

November 21st, 2025 was the fourth anniversary of the Waukeshaw Christmas Parade Tragedy.

Our community gathered to dedicate the final sculpture at the parade memorial site in Greedy Park.

The piece titled Holding Love was created by artist Carmen de La Paz and features open hands holding a heart, symbolizing welcome, support, and lifting one another up.

This sculpture completes the Wokshaw Parade Memorial at Grady Park, a space dedicated to honoring all those affected on November 21st, 2021.

It stands as a lasting place for reflection, remembrance, and unity for our community.

In September 2025, the City of Walkshaw launched a newly redesigned website, built to make it easier than ever to find information and access city services.

The refreshed site features a cleaner design, simplified navigation, and a homepage that highlights the most requested services and important updates.

Every page now includes a 24-7 AI chat assistant, offering instant answers and guidance.

The site also includes expanded accessibility tools like text resizing, color contrast adjustments, and dyslexia friendly fonts, along with an instant translation in more than 80 languages.

Our website is often the first place residents turn for checking garbage collection dates, reviewing agendas, or registering for programs.

This refresh ensures faster access, improved accessibility, and a better overall experience for everyone in our community.

The fountain at Prairie Home Cemetery is once again flowing, restoring a cherished feature of the Autumn Garden Mausoleum.

Installed more than 20 years ago, the fountain became a peaceful focal point of the space.

After ongoing water loss issues, the fountain was turned off in 2023 to prevent further damage.

In 2025, the city fully rebuilt and restored the waterfall area, and the newly reconstructed fountain was officially turned back on this year.

Its return reflects our continued commitment to maintaining a respectful, beautiful, and serene space for all who visit.

In December 2025, the city launched a new publication mailed directly to residents.

One side features the activity guide, and when flipped over, residents will find the Waukshaw current, highlighting public safety updates, construction projects, community programs, and more.

This new format combines multiple previous newsletters into one screenlined piece.

By consolidating mailings, the city is making information easier to find while saving approximately $30,000 annually in printing and postage costs.

In 2025, the City of Waukesha entered a partnership with the City of Brookfield to provide backup inspection services when needed, with one inspector assigned to each trade area and unexpected vacancies or extended absences can create challenges.

This agreement allows both communities to assist one another during times of short staffing.

State law requires inspections be completed within strict timelines.

This partnership ensures we continue meeting those requirements while maintaining the responsive service residents and businesses expect.

In 2024, the Waukshaw Fire Department launched a mobile integrated health program with the addition of a grant-funded case manager.

In 2025, the program became fully integrated into department operations.

This program connects vulnerable residents with services and resources beyond what can typically be provided during a 911 call.

By focusing on proactive outreach and follow-up support, the program helps prevent crises and ensures community members receive the care they need, improving outcomes while strengthening public safety.

Construction is underway on a new sludge drier at the city's clean water plant.

A major investment in modernizing wastewater operations.

The system removes additional moisture from treating solids.

This produces Class A biosolence, the APA's highest safety standard.

This means biocells can safely be reused as nutrient-rich fertilizer.

This project reduces hauling and disposal costs, improves operational efficiency, and supports environmental sustainability.

By investing in this technology today, the city is building a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible system for the future.

I look forward to watching Walkshaw continue to grow and succeed under new leadership, confident that the foundation we have built together will support a bright and promising future.

I wish to thank you for your support during the last twelve years.

All right.

So that's probably one of the things I think uh I need to add is uh when I first talk and walk a show.

The podcast where every conversation springs the light.

Yeah, this is an hour long, just so who knows.

Yeah.

Um, but uh when I first started, actually I was uh in my very first meeting.

I was I probably had three or four days and said, Oh, you're doing the state of the city.

Um without uh having any input from anyone else or anyone putting together a very professional looking video.

Um I just read off of um probably 15 pages of uh pre what I wrote up.

Um it's a much better process now.

So um before I finish, I'm gonna ask, I'm gonna jump to referrals.

Are there any referrals?

I have one, Ms.

Murray.

Thank you.

Uh this one's for buildings and grounds.

I have a request to look into a stop sign both north and south on River Road at the intersection of Lawnsdale Road.

Okay.

And you'll you have that written up and give it to the clerk.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Any other referrals.

All right.

So I have a very short speech following up on our state of the city.

So I'm just gonna get into it and uh um well I'll just do it.

Uh the state of the city is our opportunity to take stock of notable matters within Walkshaw during the last year.

The state of the city for all communities is a treasured and long-standing tradition, both important and necessary.

It is a grounding of who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.

It is essential to bear in mind that our ability to succeed as a community occurs because we work together.

Every single one of us plays a role in making Walkshaw great.

Every one of us helps make Walkshaw safe, every one of us helps make Walkshaw flourish.

Making a community a wonderful place to live, to raise a family, to truly be that place where we are all part of the community is not a one-time pursuit.

It is an ongoing process.

It is difficult work, it requires many hands and many heads to create our future.

And the story of our community never really ends.

Looking into the future, great.

I see the story of our community as one that continues to care, to prosper, and to always act in the best interests of all.

If there are no objections, and that's why I wanted to leave finish do referrals first.

So if there are no objections, I finish this common council meeting with many with my thanks.

I appreciate the opportunity provided to me to play a part in in a chapter of our Walkshaw story.

I look forward to the next chapter of Walkshaw, a community I will always be proud to call home.

Meeting adjourned.

So meeting is adjourned.

Thank you, everyone.

Thank you.