The Watertown Common Council recognized Mayor John David and aldermen who have terms ending after this recent election during its meeting on Monday. The four aldermen and David served on the city council combined for approximately 64 years.
David gave plaques to Alderwoman Emily McFarland of District 1, Alderman Ken Berg of District 3, Alderman Steve Zgonc of District 5 and Alderman Augie Tietz of District 7.
City Clerk Elissa Friedl presented David with a distinguished service award and invited the public to attend his open house on Thursday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at city hall.
David said it is time to step away and he thanked his wife for her support.
"Thank you everybody for this and let's get back to work," he said.
The council adopted procedures that establish public participation in the City of Watertown Comprehensive Plan Amendment Public Participation Plan during its meeting Monday.
The council approved the first amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the city and the Watertown Redevelopment Authority. The city will give the RDA $700,000 of community development block grant funds the city received years ago.
The federal government is stopping this program but the city is still able to use this money. The purpose of the funds was for neighborhood revitalization and maintaining the downtown business district, according to the First Memorandum of Understanding.
Members of the council approved the charge of $1 per square yard for carpet disposal. These charges take effect immediately.
The council also approved submitting an application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for an Urban Nonpoint Sources and Storm Water Management Planning Grant. The city wants to acquire the grant for the purpose of implementing measures to control urban storm water runoff pollution sources, according to the resolution.
The council authorized an agreement with GEA Westfalia Separator Division for two new gearboxes for $71,424.99. The city's wastewater utility owns two centrifuges which are used for the biosolids dewatering process.
"The centrifuges are used to dewater the anaerobic digested sludge creating a cake biosolid waste product by spinning at a high rate of speed with two sections moving at different speeds controlled by a special gear box," according to the resolution.
The gear box failed on one unit after over 10,000 hours of operation.
-- The purchase of two 2019 Ford Escapes from Grinwald Ford for $44,884.12 for the Health Department.
-- A contract with HydroCorp, Inc. for cross-connection control inspections for the Water Department.
-- Revisions to the Employee Advisory Committee Policy.
-- Updated procedures regarding Continuing Disclosure Compliance.
-- An agreement for Neenah Street, Mary Street, and River Drive storm water and drainage systems analysis with Ruekert-Mielke for a fee not to exceed $10,200.
The council also recognized Mark Hady of the Building, Safety and Zoning Department; Bradley Hering of the Watertown Fire Department; and Doug Zwieg of the Building, Safety and Zoning Department for their years of service to the city.
Executive Director Kristen Fish updated the council on the progress of the RDA.
Fish said the RDA is continuing to work toward a Memorandum of Understanding with a developer on the properties the RDA acquired in the 100 block of West Main Street.
The RDA also sent out a request for proposal for the design of the town square and has received some interest in the project.
David proclaimed April to be Alcohol Awareness month. He read his proclamation to emphasized on the prevention of underage drinking.