Ashland County public meetings in 2022

General

The Ashland Plan Commission will consider a new procedure for railroad right-of-way purchases initiated by citizens. A workshop will also address a potential commercial development and chicken processing facility at two properties on Binsfield Rd. and Farm Rd.

• Discussion of railroad right-of-way purchasing procedure with citizen-initiated requests
• Workshop on potential commercial development and chicken processing facility at 306 Binsfield Rd. (parcel #201-04965-0200), zoned Future Development with Wetland Overlay
• Workshop on potential commercial development and chicken processing facility at 2700 Farm Rd. (parcel #201-04943-0200), zoned Planned Residential/Institutional

General

The City of Ashland Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss waste and recycling, habitats and restoration, water, food, and climate change initiatives. Key items include developing initial recommendations for the Sourcewater Protection Plan and further discussion of the 25x25 Plan. The committee will also review an annual report for the City Council.

• Develop Sourcewater Protection Plan initial recommendations
• 25x25 Plan further discussion
• List of inefficient streetlights in Ashland
• Community Garden update
• Winter Market on Vaughn

City Council

The Ashland City Council will elect a new council president and consider appointing someone to fill a vacant District 4 alderperson seat. The council will vote on the proposed 2023 water and wastewater utility budgets, and authorize a $266,000 short-term borrowing note to fund 2025 capital projects. Other notable items include approving a new special events ordinance, accepting grants for police body cameras and fire equipment, and awarding final payments for several construction projects.

• Election of Council President and filling District 4 alderperson vacancy
• Approve proposed 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility Budgets
• Authorize $266,000 short-term borrowing for 2023 capital projects
• Accept DOJ grant for police body cameras and DNR urban forestry grant for emerald ash borer readiness
• Approve original alcohol license for Taqueria La Monarca, LLC at 311 East Main Street

The Council appointed Andrew Goyke to fill the District 4 Alderperson vacancy and named Charlie Ortman as Council President. The body approved the 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility budgets and authorized a $266,000 promissory note for capital projects. Several grants for police, fire, and forestry were accepted via the consent agenda.

• Appointed Charlie Ortman as Council President (unanimous)
• Appointed Andrew Goyke to District 4 Alderperson vacancy (tie broken by Mayor)
• Approved 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility budgets (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022-1973 creating Special Events chapter (unanimous)
• Authorized $266,000 promissory note for 2023 capital projects (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol license for Taqueria La Monarca, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved combining wards for 2023 elections (4-3)
• Approved $225,000 purchase of 2014 John Deere 672G Grader (unanimous)

General

The Parks and Recreation Committee will hear a presentation and discuss the Rotary Bayview Splashpad proposal, and will discuss and take action on expanding the Beaser Community Garden. The meeting also includes updates on parks, recreation, urban forestry, and the community garden.

• Presentation and discussion on Rotary Bayview Splashpad proposal
• Discussion and action on expansion of Beaser Community Garden

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the 2023 budgets for the General Fund, special revenue funds, and other funds, and will establish the 2022 tax levy payable in 2023. Other items include amending the fee schedule, expanding the Beautification Council, and approving insurance renewals. The council may also enter closed session to discuss litigation regarding 6th Street West.

• Public hearing and adoption of the 2023 City of Ashland budget (General Fund, Debt Service, Special Revenue, Capital Project, Internal Service Funds)
• Resolution to establish the 2022 tax levy (payable in 2023)
• Approve 2023 insurance carrier and renewal quotes for property, liability, and other coverage
• Ordinance to amend Chapter 165 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
• Final payment to Nasi Construction, LLC for Public Works roof replacement

The City Council approved the 2023 budgets for the general fund, debt service, special revenue, capital project, and internal service funds, as well as budgets for the JFK Memorial Airport and Ashland Marina. The council also established the 2022 tax levy and approved the 2023 non-represented employees salary schedule.

• Adopted 2023 General, Debt Service, Special Revenue, Capital Project, and Internal Service Funds budgets (Unanimous)
• Established 2022 Tax Levy payable in 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 budgets for JFK Memorial Airport and Ashland Marina (Unanimous)
• Adopted 2023 Non-Represented Employees Salary/Hourly Wage Schedule (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 property and liability insurance renewal quotes (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for Fire Department to operate Level 'B' Hazardous Material Response Team (Unanimous)
• Approved final payment of $5,945.00 to Nasi Construction, LLC for Public Works roof replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved ordinance to amend citations for violation of city ordinances (6-1)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss and possibly act on the proposed 2023 water and wastewater utility budgets, a special event ordinance and fees, an ordinance for recycling and reuse of demolition materials, and increasing public notification and communication.

• Approve proposed 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility Budgets
• Discussion and possible action on a Special Event Ordinance and fees
• Discussion and possible action on an ordinance for recycling and reuse of demolition materials
• Discussion and possible action on increasing public notification and communication

The Committee of the Whole approved forwarding the 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility Budgets and a proposed special event ordinance to the City Council for formal approval. An ordinance for the recycling and reuse of demolition materials was also approved. Members discussed methods for increasing public notification and communication.

• Approved forwarding 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility Budgets to Council (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Accepted proposed special event ordinance with a $100 fee (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved ordinance for recycling and reuse of demolition materials (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved extending meeting by 15 minutes (6-0, 1 abstention)

General

The Ashland Oredock Charitable Trust will discuss and potentially take action on Rock the Dock event funds and creating a perpetual maintenance fund for the Oredock. The meeting also includes updates on the Oredock redevelopment project, including the Stuntz Ave connector and waterfront trail.

• Discussion and potential action on Rock the Dock funds
• Discussion and potential action on creating a perpetual maintenance fund for the Ashland Oredock
• Update on Ashland Oredock Redevelopment Project: Stuntz Ave connector and waterfront trail

City Council

The Ashland City Council will hear a presentation on the city's 2021 audit and consider a resolution to exempt the city from the Ashland County Library Levy. A closed session is scheduled to discuss legal strategy regarding the Bayview Pier. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and citizen participation.

• Presentation and discussion of the City of Ashland 2021 Audit
• Resolution to exempt the city from the Ashland County Library Levy
• Closed session to confer with legal counsel on Bayview Pier litigation

The City Council approved a resolution to exempt the City of Ashland from the Ashland County Library Levy. The council also appointed a new member to the Parks and Recreation Committee. A review of the 2021 City Audit was presented by Baker Tilly.

• Approved resolution to exempt City of Ashland from Ashland County Library Levy (unanimous roll call vote)
• Approved appointment of Alex Peterman to Parks and Recreation Committee as Community Garden Member (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved October 6 and October 11, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)

Committee of the Whole

The Ashland Committee of the Whole will discuss and possibly act on snow removal around fire hydrants, applying for a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant for a parks master plan, and the proposed 2023 city budget. Other items include a splash pad update, the 2023 meeting calendar, a fee schedule, and a police department grant application.

• Discussion and possible action on snow removal around fire hydrants
• Discussion and possible action on applying for a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant to create a City of Ashland Parks Master Plan
• Discussion and possible action on the proposed 2023 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
• Discussion and possible action on a DOJ financial support subgrant for the Ashland Police Department
• Continued discussion and possible action on the proposed 2023 City of Ashland Budget

The Committee of the Whole approved the recommended 2023 budget and several administrative updates to be forwarded for formal Council approval. They also authorized grant applications for a parks master plan and police department funding.

• Approved recommended 2023 budget for November 15 public hearing (unanimous roll call)
• Approved application for Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grant for Parks Master Plan (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved application to Wisconsin Department of Justice for Police Department subgrant (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved proposed 2023 Common Council Meeting Calendar (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved proposed 2023 Comprehensive Fee Schedule (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved increasing Beautification Council membership from nine to twelve members (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled snow removal around fire hydrants until spring or later
• Tabled Splash Pad Concept Plan approval until the next meeting

General

The Ashland Committee of the Whole will continue discussion and presentation of the proposed 2023 City of Ashland budget. The committee is expected to recommend a final budget for council approval and a public budget hearing scheduled for November 15, 2022. The meeting is held in person at City Hall Council Chambers with virtual attendance options.

• Continued discussion and presentation of proposed 2023 City of Ashland budget
• Committee to approve a recommended 2023 budget for council approval
• Public budget hearing scheduled for November 15, 2022 council meeting

General

The Ashland Plan Commission will consider approving an amended site and landscaping plan for Lakeview Dental at 615 Lakeshore Dr. W. The commission will also review its role regarding rezoning, stormwater management, and erosion control. Public comment on non-agenda items is invited.

• Request to amend and approve site plan and landscaping plan for Lakeview Dental at 615 Lakeshore Dr. W, parcel #201-00711-0000
• Review and discuss the Plan Commission's role in rezoning, stormwater management (post-construction), and erosion control

General

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss and potentially act on several items, including a flagpole project at Rock the Dock, a proposal to design a 9-hole disc golf course, and a grant application for a city parks master plan. They will also consider the 2023 comprehensive fee schedule. The meeting includes public comment and approval of previous minutes.

• Discussion and potential action on the Rock the Dock flagpole project
• Discussion and action on designing a 9-hole disc golf course with Leiviska Disc Golf Design LLC
• Discussion and action on applying for a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant for a parks master plan
• Discussion and action on the 2023 comprehensive fee schedule

General

The City of Ashland Housing Committee will meet to discuss the size, structure, and meeting frequency of the committee. The body will also receive updates on property maintenance and grant programs.

• Update on CDBG, HIP, and property maintenance
• Discussion of Housing Committee size and structure
• Discussion of Housing Committee time, place, and frequency

City Council

The City Council is deciding on several public works projects, including wastewater equipment repairs and road reconstruction. The body will also consider a development agreement for a venue and short-term rentals at 100 Main Street West.

• Issuance and sale of up to $1,716,132 Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2022B
• Development agreement for a wedding/event venue and two short-term rentals at 100 Main Street West
• State Municipal Agreement for Prentice Avenue Phase 2 (USH2-6th Street East) Reconstruction Project
• Resolution to establish community gardens and amendment to Chapter 47 Parks and Recreation ordinances
• Implementation of a Well Operation Permit Fee

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss budget proposals and ARPA funds. Discussion topics also include a highway reconstruction project on Ellis Avenue/State Highway 13 and long term water and wastewater utility rate projections.

• Budget proposals and ARPA funds
• Ellis Avenue/State Highway 13 Reconstruction Project design
• Snow removal around fire hydrants
• Long term projection of Water & Wastewater Utility Rates

Committee of the Whole

The committee is meeting for a work session to continue the presentation and discussion regarding the 2023 budget. No other council business is scheduled for this meeting.

• Discussion regarding the 2023 Budget

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss and potentially take action on several city ordinances and operational plans. Topics include housing, community gardens, and public works infrastructure.

• Potential Housing Committee Ordinance
• Community Garden Resolution and update to Codification of Chapter 47
• Development of a Building Facilities Master Plan, Phase 1
• Implementation of a Well Permit Operation Fee

City Council

The Ashland City Council will vote on engineering services for a new Lake Superior water intake and a conditional use permit for vacation rentals. The meeting includes presentations on emergency snow routes and a local homeless shelter.

• Agreement with Greeley and Hansen, LLC for New Lake Superior Water Intake Project preliminary engineering
• Conditional Use Permit for two short-term vacation rentals at 309 Main Street East
• Final payment to Michels Corporation for 2021 Sanitary Sewer Collection System Repairs Project
• Resolution for DNR Urban Forestry Grant and Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant programs
• Update on the homeless shelter located at 2300 Lake Shore Drive East

General

The Committee of the Whole will meet to present and discuss the development of the 2023 budget. The body will also confirm the dates and times for future budget work sessions.

• Discussion regarding 2023 Budget Development
• Confirmation of future budget work session dates and times

City Council

The Ashland City Council will meet to discuss several administrative resolutions and department requests. Key items include budget amendments for various funds and the renewal of a police agreement with the school district.

• Resolution to amend 2021 General, Special Revenue, Debt Service, Capital Project, and Internal Service Funds
• Renewal of the Annual School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement with the School District of Ashland
• Application by Ashland Fire Department for a Compeer Financial Emergency Response Equipment grant
• Proposal to waive Section 2.09 (Employment of Relatives) of the Ashland Employee Handbook
• Reversal of Emergency Declaration for repairs to Pretreatment and North Clarifier components at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

General

The Plan Commission will review and vote on two site plans for local construction and renovation. The body will also discuss the commission's role regarding conditional use permits and site plans.

• Site plan for Little Caesars Pizza renovation and construction at 915 Lake Shore Dr. W
• Site plan for a 24’x60’ storage addition at 2301 Golf Course Rd
• Discussion on the role of the Planning Commission regarding site plans and conditional use permits

General

The Sustainability Committee is meeting to discuss updates on water, climate, habitat, and waste projects. The body aims to generate recommendations for City Council regarding the Sourcewater Protection Plan and the 25x25 Plan.

• Review of Rain Barrel Sale and sewage overflow update
• EV Charging Station timeline and communication plan
• Energy Action Plan and 25x25 Plan progress review
• Dark Sky Week planning and public outreach
• Recycled paper procurement and adding recycling receptacles to city parks

City Council

The Ashland City Council will vote on several infrastructure projects and land use permits. The body is also discussing the potential purchase of property at 501 3rd Street East.

• Contract award to Ritola, Inc. for the 2022 Sewer Replacement Project
• Conditional Use Permit for a rooftop sign at 210 5th Avenue East
• Conditional Use Permit for a 26' accessory structure at 1002 Willis Avenue
• WI DNR Outdoor Recreation Aids Grant for the Ashland Oredock Redevelopment Trail Access Project
• Waiver of procurement rules for the Waste Water Utility to purchase a 1996 John Deere loader

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to review reports and committee updates. The primary discussion item involves the Chapter 30 Code of Ethics, City Ordinances, and Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19.59.

• Presentation and possible action regarding Chapter 30 Code of Ethics

General

The Plan Commission will hold public hearings and vote on two requests for Conditional Use Permits. These requests involve a rooftop sign and an accessory building height exception.

• CUP request for a rooftop sign at 210 5th Ave E (Chequamegon Theatre Association)
• CUP request for an accessory building over 20 feet in height at 1002 Willis Ave (Marty Reykdal)

City Council

The Ashland City Council will discuss the potential purchase of property at 501 3rd Street East. The body is also reviewing grant applications for the Fire Department and a wastewater utility compliance report.

• Potential purchase of property at 501 3rd Street East
• Grant agreement for $10,520 for Ashland Rails to Trails System waterfront trail repair
• Application for Wisconsin EMS Flex Grant (Fire Department)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Fire Protection Grant application
• Review of 2021 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report for Ashland Wastewater Utility

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss potential actions on city council procedures and funding for local infrastructure. The body is considering the use of federal funds to offset resident costs and a sponsorship for a city project.

• Recommended amendments to Chapter 51: City Council Procedure
• Use of American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) funds for 6th Street East sewer assessments
• Ashland Rotary sponsorship for the construction of a splash pad

Committee of the Whole

The committee will review a proposed redesign of the Vaughn Public Library. Members will also discuss citizen concerns regarding special assessments for the 6th Street East Reconstruction Project.

• Presentation of Proposed Vaughn Public Library Redesign by Engberg Anderson Architects
• Discussion and possible action on special assessments for the 6th Street East Reconstruction Project

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the 2022 Amended General Fund Budget and awarding contracts for road and watermain projects. The body will also review conditional use permits for a restaurant and a composting facility.

• Public hearing for 6th Street East Road Reconstruction and Utility Replacement Project
• Contract award to Northwoods Paving Company for the 2022 Pavement Preservation Project
• Conditional Use Permit for Little Caesars Pizza at 915 Lake Shore Drive West
• Conditional Use Permit for Big Lake Organics, LLC at 1406 County Highway A
• Distribution of $10,000 in ARPA funds for East End Park Improvements

General

The Sustainability Committee is meeting to review recent environmental initiatives and plan future outreach. The body will discuss the outcomes of No Mow May and the status of rain barrel sales.

• No Mow May wrap up and debrief
• Rain barrel sale updates
• Initiation of EV Charging Station communication plan
• Dark Sky Week planning
• Energy action plan and community gardens updates

General

The Plan Commission will hold public hearings and vote on two Conditional Use Permits. These requests involve establishing a commercial composting facility and a pizza restaurant.

• Conditional Use Permit for commercial composting facility at 1406 Cty. Hwy. A (Big Lake Organics, LLC)
• Conditional Use Permit for Little Caesars Pizza at 915 Lake Shore Dr. W

General

The Parks and Recreation Committee will consider actions regarding a new splashpad and the East End Community Park Rehabilitation Project. The body will also discuss whether to allow displaced individuals to stay in city parks.

• Design, engineering, and construction of a splashpad at Bayview Park with Ashland Rotary and Parkitecture
• Potential action on allowing displaced individuals to stay at City of Ashland parks
• Discussion and potential action on the East End Community Park Rehabilitation Project
• Election of Officers per Chapter 47

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss potential amendments to City Council procedures and housing regulations. The body will also consider a Request for Proposals for the city-owned property on Beaser Avenue.

• Potential amendments to Chapter 51: City Council Procedure
• Review of ordinances and zoning regulations to explore housing options
• Request for Proposals (RFP) for the city-owned Beaser Avenue property