The Budget Hearing meeting was called to order by Mayor William Bruegger. Roll call: Pawlak, Kassel. Excused: Anderson. Also present: City Superintendent Baker. The meeting was held as noticed. In the Clerk’s absence, Kassel took meeting minutes. No public comments were given. Motion Pawlak, second Kassel to approve the proposed 2006 budget. Roll call, all yes, motion carried. Motion Pawlak, second Kassel to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
The Regular meeting of the City of Buffalo City Common Council was called to order by Mayor William Bruegger. Roll call: Pawlak, Kassel. Excused: Anderson. Also present: City Superintendent Baker; citizens: Gerald Rolbiecki, Dan Hess, David Becker, Laurie Hajieck, Dave Landro, Jan Hofer, DVM, Billie Jo Steele, John Kay, and news reporter Dave Brommerich. The meeting was held as noticed. In the Clerk’s absence, Kassel took meeting minutes.
Motion Kassel, second Pawlak to approve the minutes from the Oct. 10, 2005 Regular meeting. All yes, motion carried.
Citizen comment period: Dan Hess announced that he is giving up his position as Buffalo City Animal Control Officer as of December 1, 2005. The Mayor and Council thanked Dan for his many years of service. Midwest Feral Cat & Animal Rescue is the name of a recently formed organization made up of Hajieck, Landro, Hofer, and Steele. The organization expects to be licensed as a non-profit organization by December 29, 2005. This group is spearheading the Trap-Neuter-Return program to control the cat population in Buffalo City. They thanked Superintendent Baker for having the city garage spotless for the first veterinary “MASH” unit held on Oct. 22, 2005 when 13 cats were treated. Hajicek stated that the City should be completed in two years. Hajicek stated that she is planning to be certified as a Humane Animal Officer and would be willing to serve as the City humane officer in the future if the Council decides to move in this direction. John Kay owns a property parcel with four lots. He asked the Council if it is permissible to sell his home situated on two of the lots, but retain ownership of the two lots that have a pole shed on them. The Mayor will consult with the City Attorney. David Becker voiced concern and legality of a fence in his neighborhood that is two feet from the road.
No reports from Committee Chairpersons. Thom Pawlak volunteered for the vacant position on the BBC Landfill Board.
City Superintendent Baker and the Clerk interviewed five applicants for the City Employee position. Riverland Energy will put the Christmas decorations up free-of-charge on Friday, November 18. The Council agreed to contract with Kevin Irwin from Eau Claire as the property assessor for Buffalo City for 2006. Lynda Rickoff, who has been the City’s auditor for many years and associated with Hawkins, Ash, Baptie & Company, is changing firms and will be employed by Russell Associates in Winona.
Motion Pawlak, second Kassel to pay bills. Roll call, all yes, motion carried.
Motion Kassel, second Pawlak to convene into closed session per WI Statute 19.85(1)(i) to discuss matters related to personnel. All yes, motion carried. Summary of closed session: Dan Pronschinske and Ron Schutz, candidates for the City Employee position, will be given a second interview with the Council. Motion Pawlak, second Kassel to re-convene into open session per WI Statute 19.85(2). All yes, motion carried. The second round of interviews for the two candidates will be Tuesday, November 29, 2005 beginning at 6:30 pm. Motion Pawlak, second Kassel to adjourn. All yes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Jane Walczak, Clerk