The Regular meeting of the City of Buffalo City Common Council was called to order by Mayor William Bruegger. Roll call: Briggs, McFarlin, Michaels, Pawlak. Also present: City Superintendent Wicka; news reporter Dave Brommerich; Ruth Leahy, Kathy Loewenhagen, Gerald Rolbiecki. The meeting was held as noticed.
Motion Briggs, second Michaels to accept the minutes from the December 13, 2004 Regular meeting. All yes, motion carried.
Kathy Loewenhagen and Ruth Leahy, representing Ye Old School Shoppe, thanked the City for its continued support of the Shoppe. They announced that the Shoppe is offering to purchase 10-12 new tables for the Buffalo City Community Room. Mayor Bruegger, on behalf of the City, thanked Ruth and Kathy for this generous and most welcome offer.
Health & Safety: the Property Maintenance ordinance is now in effect. Committee chair McFarlin and City Superintendent Wicka will begin working on enforcing this ordinance.
Recreation: the skating rink is open and lots of people are using it. Lights for the skating rink will be discussed for the 2006 budget year.
Finance Committee: Motion McFarlin, second Pawlak to accept the Asset/Depreciation Policy as written to comply with the GASB 34 regulations for the 2004 audit. Roll call, all yes, motion carried.
Riverfront: Motion Michaels, second Pawlak to pass the resolution necessary for the Recreational Access Dredging Grant application submitted to the Wisconsin Waterways Commission. All yes, motion carried. This grant, if awarded, will provide some financial assistance for the purpose of dredging for recreational access during the proposed Pool 5 drawdown in 2005. The clerk announced that the grant was submitted on January 5, 2005. Motion Michaels, second Briggs to donate $2500.00 from the Riverfront Fund to the Citizens Committee raising funds to help with the recreational dredging. Roll call, all yes, motion carried. Riverfront permit fees will be discussed at a future meeting.
Building Committee: The clerk spoke with the City Attorney and was informed that
steel-framed carports/shelters fall under the City’s definition of accessory buildings in Zoning Ordinance 61, and therefore, require a building permit before they can be erected, and they cannot be erected on lots that have no principal dwelling. A notice will be placed in the paper about permits for these structures. City Superintendent Wicka updated the Council about the Uniform Dwelling Code law in effect for Buffalo City as of January 1, 2005. The Uniform Dwelling Code will affect new home construction only. Berger Enterprises of Wausau & Bowler, WI, will coordinate the inspection for Buffalo County. New home construction will still require a building permit from the Buffalo City Building Committee.
City Superintendent: Wicka has gotten a quote for materials for new tin for the City Shop; labor will be bid out; a notice will be placed in the paper. New carpet will be installed in the entire City Building the weekend of January 14, 2005. The Council approved the request to buy a router and wires to provide high-speed internet access for the Fire and Scenic Valley Ambulance offices in the City Building.
Clerk/Treasurer: Motion Pawlak, second McFarlin to grant a beverage operator’s license to Curtis Wilbur. The Council approved the request to offer assistance to the Belvidere Clerk for the Statewide Voter Registration Project provided there is no cost to the City.
Motion Pawlak, second McFarlin to pay bills. Roll call, all yes, motion carried.
Motion Pawlak, second Michaels to move into closed session to discuss personnel issues. All yes, motion carried. Summary of closed session: Five applications have been received for the City Employee position. The City Superintendent and the Clerk will conduct interviews and recommend candidates to be interviewed by the Council. Motion Pawlak, second Briggs to reconvene into open session. All yes, motion carried.
Due to conflicts, the February Regular meeting will be changed to February 7, 2005.
Motion Briggs, second McFarlin, to adjourn. All yes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.
Jane Walczak/Clerk