Common Council notes for the week of 5/2/22

The only meeting on the schedule for this week is Wednesday's Common Council meeting. But before I get into what's on the agenda, I wanted to share a quick update on two pending resolutions. 

My resolution to address watermain service inequity issues (read about it here) is currently with the public works department as staff create the actual plan based off the resolution language. It could be before a committee next week for a recommendation. I hope my colleagues agree that this is an issue that needs and deserves attention as the city is far behind on road and infrastructure work. As a result, the city continues to borrow more for these projects and do fewer of them.

My resolution to address water service inequity issues

The other resolution that was before the municipal services committee last week is a resolution from aldermen Alex Schultz and Israel Del Toro. The resolution called for a project to restore Soldiers Square to be put in the city's five-year capital improvement plan (CIP). Initially the resolution was headed for a recommendation for denial before being referred to staff. 

A pipeline resolution up for withdrawal at Council Wednesday. 

I do support the restoration of Soldiers Square to be a more fitting tribute for our veterans. But this resolution was not ready to be introduced because it does not contain information on a plan for the space, or funding for the project. The referral back to staff in the Public Works Department, was for staff to come up with a ballpark cost estimate based on a couple of rough sketches the staff put together. It should be back before the municipal services committee next week. 

Council Highlights 

• Approval of a $500,000 contract for private lead service line replacement. This work is able to be completed with an accompanying grant the city was awarded for $505,000.
• Approval of a safety and compliance specialist position at Valley Transit. 
• A contract amendment from Lamers Bus Lines to provide trolley service downtown in the summer time. This contract is already in effect and Lamers is requesting additional funding to provide the service this summer.
• Awarding of the contract to complete the trail in Ellen Kort Peace Park. 
• A request to withdraw a controversial pipeline resolution submitted by Vered Meltzer, Alex Schultz and Nate Wolff. This is a process now allowed under a recently-passed council rule change. 

Get In Touch

I am always available to answer questions at district15@appleton.org or (920) 419-1360. As always, agendas can be found on the agenda and meetings page of the city website. Meetings can be viewed live on the website or watched at a later date. Meetings are also open for anyone to attend in person and all meetings take place in the Common Council chambers on the 6th floor of City Hall, unless otherwise noted.