A two-year fuel contract for the xity of Clintonville will be re-bid due to ambiguities in the bids
Two bids were received this year. One was from Schroeder Shell, which has had the city’s business for several years. The second bid was from Kwik Trip, which opened for business last summer.
The city gives preference to bidders whose stores are open 24 hours a day, and offer both diesel and gasoline. Both Shell and Kwik Trip meet those criteria.
City Administrator Lisa Kuss explained that bids from Kwik Trip and Shell were submitted differently, with one using a percentage rate, and the other using a flat dollar rate.
“When we asked for bids, we essentially just asked, ‘what’s your bid’. We didn’t specify the pricing criteria for the bidders,” Kuss said. “So, we need to re-bid this item, because it’s only fair to do an apples-to-apples comparison when looking at which bid is best for the city. We need to include clearer criteria for the bidders.”
Patty Schroeder addressed the council, representing Schroeder Shell. She asked why her bid wasn’t accepted. She said she would like to continue to do business with the city, but hadn’t heard back from anyone regarding her bid. The previous contract expired June 8.
“Until we re-bid this item, Schroeder Shell will continue to keep the city’s business,” said Kuss. “We will have an action item on the August council meeting agenda to approve a new contract for the next two years.”
Pricey permits
Randy Quaintance also spoke to the council regarding building permits.
“Six years ago, we had new neighbors move in,” began Quaintance. “Their backyard is a dump, so I decided to put up a fence. I requested a permit, and found out it would cost $90. I was shocked.
“I called New London and Shawano to find out what their permits cost. New London’s cost $7.50. Shawano’s cost $40. When I built a new garage, it was $300 for the permit. The assessor was there for 15 minutes. I ask you to look into these fees, because there is something drastically wrong with permit fees (in Clintonville).”
Kuss explained that the city contracts with an outside company for appraisals and building inspection services, with costs budgeted at $26,500 per year.
“For building inspections, the firm sets the fees. We keep 20 percent for administrative fees. The inspection company keeps the rest. Other cities use taxpayer money to pay for these fees, so they are a lot lower. Rather than using taxpayer money for all permits in Clintonville, the person seeking the permit is responsible for the expenses,” said Kuss.
Alderperson Gloria Dunlavy asked whether or not that was a good deal for taxpayers.
“He said we pay higher taxes; so where is the taxpayer actually saving?” asked Dunlavy.
Kuss explained that the city allocates expenses differently than neighboring communities.
“The council sets the city budget,” said Kuss. “Our housing stock is cheaper. We have fewer thousands to tax, so we may have to tax more than New London or Shawano. We don’t have a full-time assessor or building inspector because we don’t need someone full-time.”
Alderperson Bill Zeinert offered to bring a tax rate comparison to the next meeting, as he feels that Clintonville’s taxes are not out of line compared with other cities of similar size.
Alderperson resigns
Jolene Van Beek has resigned from her position as District 2 alderperson, effective July 1. In a letter to the mayor dated June 24, she explained that her resignation was due to her impending move out of the city to a home in the Cloverleaf Lakes area.
Special recognition
The Wacker family was recognized for their years of service and dedication to the city. The family owns and operates Photography by JD. The Wackers will be closing their Clintonville office and moving to Hawaii to continue their business on the islands. The Wackers thanked the city for their many years of support.
The Globetruckers were also recognized for their efforts in the 2013 eCYBERMISSION Competition. The team, made up of sixth graders Bailey Tate, David Wacker, and Samuel Wittman, won a regional title in the competition and advanced to nationals in Washington, D.C.
The students had to pick a problem to solve in the community, and they chose Pigeon Lake, noting that recreation and fishing are very limited at the lake due to aquatic invasive species, thick weeds, and algae growth. Their idea was to build a floating corral that contains the algae to one area while also limiting phosphate absorption, which is key to algae growth.
The students enjoyed the competition and did some sightseeing in Washington, D.C. Mayor Judy Magee thanked them for being great ambassadors of Clintonville.
Kathy Mitchell was also recognized for 40 years of service to the Clintonville Public Library. Her last day at the library was July 1. “You will be sorely missed,” said Magee. “We appreciate everything you’ve done to bring us to where we are today.”
“Thank you all,” said Mitchell, addressing the council and city staff. “It was my privilege to be a part of the success at the library. Thanks for all of your support throughout the years.”
Street and sidewalk bids
The Street Committee reported that bids for street and sidewalk construction would not be received until the Thursday following the council meeting. Committee chairperson Steve Kettenhoven asked the council to take action to accept the lowest qualified bid prior to opening the bids so that the council does not have to hold a separate special meeting to approve a bid after they have been opened.
“Isn’t that putting the cart before the horse?” asked Alderperson Jeannie Schley.
Kuss explained that Scott Nordin, city engineer, would be on hand when the bids are opened. City Attorney Tim Schmid suggested that the council amend the motion to include Nordin’s approval on any bid that is selected, as well as language to approve a bid from the “lowest (priced), qualified, responsible bidder”.
The council voted 9-0 in favor of approving the amendment; however, the vote on whether or not to approve the amended motion passed by a 7-2 vote, with Alderpersons Jeannie Schley and Gloria Dunlavy voting no.
Committee appointment
Mayor Magee asked the council to approve the appointment of Joe Lamia to the Tourism Committee to replace Amanda Rousseau, who has resigned. The appointment was approved by a 9-0 vote.
Fire truck repair
The pump on truck 967 needs to be replaced; an estimate for $7,198.70 from Rennert’s Fire Equipment was received. Additional costs for travel and a 20 percent overage may be necessary. The city hopes to get about 35 percent of the cost from the townships served by the Clintonville Fire Department. The repair was approved by a 9-0 vote.
Closed session
Later in the meeting, the council went into closed session to discuss a TIF 4 development incentive and TIF 3 street and utility expansion.
After returning to open session, the council approved additional development incentive funds for the Wisconsin Hospitality Group that owns Cobblestone Inn and Suites. The original amount approved was $90,000 and the new total of $145,000 is due to additional square footage space being built.
The estimated net increase in tax value is $750,000.
The next regularly scheduled city council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at City Hall.