The Council approved an agreement to share the cost with Dunn County for a paved trail along Highway 12 between Lookout Road and Stokke Parkway. The estimated cost is $250,000 and will be split between the City of Menomonie and Dunn County. The City will use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act/COVID-19 Stimulus Package) funds to pay for its portion. Dunn County has not yet approved the agreement. If changes are required, this can be brought back before the Council for amendments.
In other business:
The Council adopted an ordinance amendment increasing the minimum lot area to one acre for residential properties requiring private wells and septic systems. City code currently allows the minimum lot size of .46 acres. City officials believe .46 acres is insufficient to provide enough separation between lots and could lead to contamination of private wells. This change would only affect lots created or modified after January 1, 2024. Existing vacant lots would not be impacted by this amendment.
The Council voted to extend the current Supportive Fire and Ambulance Service Agreement between the City of Menomonie and the Menomonie Fire and Ambulance District through December 31, 2024. The Menomonie Fire and Ambulance District is an association of municipalities in Dunn County formed to provide fire protection and ambulance services to its residents. The District is unable to fill 100% of the need and, therefore, needs to contract with the City of Menomonie for supportive fire and ambulance service.
The Council approved a resolution requesting an application for exemption from the county library tax. The Dunn County Board levies a country library tax for public library services to all residents of Dunn County. Wisconsin Statutes allow the City of Menomonie to claim an exemption from this tax if it expends an amount equal to or greater than the amount calculated for this year's library operations.
The Council approved extending the Tax Collection Agreement between the City and Dunn County. The extension is through December 31, 2023. Dunn County acts as an agent in a fiduciary capacity for the City in the billing and collection of general property taxes.
The Council approved a request from the Menomonie Police Department to convert the Police Chief squad into a marked patrol vehicle and purchase a civilian vehicle to replace the Police Chief's squad. The patrol squad was totaled in a serious accident in June of 2023. The insurance settlement will be used for the squad conversion and purchasing a 2023 Ford Explorer for Chief Hollister. This will allow the department to get a much-needed squad quicker than ordering one.
The Council approved an amendment to the Special Event Permit for the Winter Daze Parade, allowing the use of burn barrels as part of the parade on December 7.
The Council considered a Petition of Direct Annexation from Harmony Parks, LLC for their 19.62-acre parcel adjacent to Eagle Point Road (650th Avenue). The property is currently in the Town of Red Cedar and is adjacent to the City of Menomonie. The Council introduced the Annexation Ordinance and referred it to the Plan Commission for review.
A special council meeting will be held on November 6 at 5:30 pm. At that time, the 2024 proposed budget will be distributed. Subsidy requests will be discussed with requesting organizations on hand to answer questions.
