At its August 21st meeting, the City Council approved the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Menomonie and the Menomonie Professional Police Association for January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024. The agreement includes a 3% wage increase for 2023, a 2% wage increase on January 1, 2024, and a 2% wage increase on July 1, 2024.
City Administrator Erik Atkinson explained that negotiations started before the previous agreement expired; however, the Police Union made the decision to change who was representing them. In order to make that switch, the current contract had to expire.
In other business:
The Council approved an update to the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance. The Wisconsin DNR requested an update to match their updated technical standards. This ordinance is for land development activities or land-disturbing activities.
The Council approved an update to the Stormwater Management Ordinance. The Wisconsin DNR requested an update of this ordinance to meet the standards outlined in NR151.
The City received a grant from the Wisconsin DNR Urban Non-Point Source to construct a regional pond in 2021. It was later found that the proposed pond along 22nd Avenue, north of I-94, was not an appropriate location. The grant required that work on the pond be completed by the end of 2023. The Council did approve turning back the grant (no money has been received from the DNR). The City can reapply for a new grant if and when a new project is ready.
The Council approved a special event for the Valley's Makers Market in Wilson Park on August 24.
The Council approved a lease agreement with West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board for the 3rd floor west wing of the city building.
Mayor's report
Lake Menomin is looking much better than it did 10 years ago. Phosphorus and nitrogen tests will be coming soon.
Mayor Knaack and City Administrator Eric Atkinson will travel to Washington, DC next week for a forum and to share Project Hope.
City Administrator's report
Work is being done on a housing tool kit for those who want to develop or build in Dunn County.
Two grants are in the works- one for a consultant to create guidebooks on renovating and developing downtown business and another to get Wilson Place Museum a place on the National Register.
Public Works Director's report
Wakanda pool closed early due to a "fecal incident." The chlorination level could not be sustained, and rather than spend money on trying to reopen for the last day, the decision was made to close the pool early.
Blasting is completed at Estover Terrace.
The 21st Avenue and 5th Street repaving project is almost complete.
The 4-way stop at 9th and 21st will go up tomorrow (August 22).
A radar/speed sign will be installed on 5th Street next week.
