Students from Dan Scherschel’s economics class at Clintonville High School gave a brief presentation to the Clintonville City Council on what they had learned while studying five local businesses. The council heard their remarks at a meeting on Tuesday, March 11.
“I didn’t realize how much businesses and the city work together to continue to grow,” said student Eric Mullen. “Many of these businesses view themselves as ‘business partners’ with the city.”
Businesses studied included Schutt Industries, Klein Automotive, Clintonville Elevator, Walker Forge, and B & H Fashionwear. The students told about each business owner or representative’s decision to come to Clintonville, and why they have stayed in Clintonville. After analyzing data and speaking to business owners and representatives, the students made 5, 10 and 20 year predictions for the future of the businesses and the city.
“I felt like the businesses had all positive comments. There were no negatives mentioned,” said student Turner Doornink. “We all learned quite a bit. It was a good learning opportunity that was very open-ended.”
“I want to thank Lisa (Kuss) for coming in to speak to my class,” said Scherschel. “I also appreciate the business leaders for being willing to speak to the students.”
Mayor Judy Magee gave each student a city pin and thanked them for their presentation.
To view the students’ full presentation, visit Dan Scherschel’s web page within the Clintonville Public School District’s website.
Citizens Forum
Keith Steckbauer spoke to the council about his campaign to retain his seat as Waupaca County Circuit Court Branch II Judge. He touted his community involvement, experience, and decision-making community service before asking the council to consider supporting him when they go to the polls on April 1.
In other business, the council took the following action:
• Approved Resolution 2014-04 – Commercial Ave. Extension and approval to proceed with Industrial Park street and utility extension by a 9-0 vote. “As a part of submitting approvals to the Department of Transportation for the extension of Commercial Avenue, a resolution is required,” said Kuss in her memo to the council. “We are prepared to get final approval for this project, and I am asking that the council consider approval to solicit bids for this project. The final costs will be brought back to the council for one final vote.”
• Approved the designation of a utility manager interview committee by a 9-0 vote. That committee will include Magee, Kuss, Alderpersons Jeannie Schley, Mark Doornink, and Bill Zeinert. Alderperson Steve Kettenhoven will be the alternate. The committee will meet on March 31;
• Approved changes to the Bucholtz Park Concession Stand lease fees, and also to the Bucholtz Park tournament use concession stand per-day fees by a 9-0 vote. The current fee for youth baseball is $150; for youth softball, it is $20; and for the Golden Woody, it is $20. Recommended fees for youth baseball will increase to $200 in 2014; $210 in 2015; and $220 in 2016. Recommended fees for youth softball for tournament use, per day, will increase to $26 for 2014, $28 for 2015, and $30 for 2016. Recommended fees for the Golden Woody for tournament use, per day, will increase to $26 in 2014, $28 in 2015, and $30 in 2016.
• Approved a 2013 Municipal Court subsidy in the amount of $3,647, to come from the Contingency Fund. The city is currently in an agreement with the court, and the court settles its books from the previous year in February, then determining if a subsidy is needed from the municipalities. At this time, it was determined that Clintonville owed the court $3,647 for 2013;
• Approved re-allocating police capital funds for LeadsOnLine software. “The police squad car that the city is purchasing was less than the budgeted amount. Last year, the city budgeted for a LeadsOnLine software program that allows the department to look for items that are stolen and later sold at pawn shops. It was not purchased in 2013 because the council allocated the funds for the garage floor changes. Since there is enough left after the squad purchase, (Police Chief) Terry (Lorge) is requesting re-allocation of the remaining funds so he can purchase the software for $1,758,” explained Kuss in her memo. Alderperson Greg Rose asked if there is an annual update fee, and Kuss responded that there is. Rose also asked if any neighboring cities have the software. Police Captain Jim Beggs said Shawano has it, and the city has been using their system, but “that goes just so far.”
• Approved a funds request for a Trip Advisor subscription expense by a 9-0 vote. “The Landmark Motel asked the (Tourism, Marketing and Advertising) Committee to consider funding some or all of the cost to sign up for the Trip Advisor,” said Kuss in her memo. “The recommendation is to fund up to half of the total cost for all three motels. As an example, the total cost for the Landmark is $958.80, so (tourism funds) would pay for half of that, which comes to $479.40.”;
• Approved an appointment to the Library Board by a 9-0 vote. Steve Conradt is resigning from his position on the board, effective March 31. Mayor Judy Magee recommended the appointment of Donna Lederer to the board to replace Conradt.
The council adjourned into closed session to discuss RDA real estate payment, employee unused vacation, and strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved as it relates to Jason Sanderfoot. The council did not take any action upon returning to open session.
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at City Hall.