Notes from the July 10, 2023 Wall Lake City Council meeting:
Baseball field discussion:
The council discussed the potential development of the land adjacent to the baseball field. They considered whether the city would assist in road construction if the land were sold for development. If the land were to be kept as a baseball field, questions were raised regarding the city's responsibility to maintain and support the area. The council expressed a willingness to continue mowing the field but left the final decision on concession stand renovation and potential grants for future consideration.
Sand Volleyball court discussion:
The council decided to convert one of the courts into a sand volleyball court. The condition of the cement and basketball poles on both courts was similar, making it irrelevant which one was chosen for removal. It was agreed that the basketball poles taken out would be discarded.
Old Business:
City Ordinance 202301 and the ordinance amending Offroad ATV regulations were discussed. Changes to the ordinances included the removal of language specifying streets and the retention of prohibitions on ATV operation on sidewalks, railroads, parks, and other city land. The council also modified the wording regarding ATV operation during darkness to operate from sunrise to sunset. The ordinances were aligned with state and county codes.
North Subdivision Map:
The council approved the North Subdivision Map, marking the next step of informing the public through newspapers and social media. They discussed the design process, estimated material requirements, and costs for construction. The possibility of bidding both the east and north projects simultaneously was considered, providing flexibility in project selection. The council requested cost estimates, highlighting the expected timeline of eighteen months for the entire process.
New Business:
The Library Quarterly Report for April - June was approved. Discussions included lowering the gutter on the north corner, considering the installation of bay lights, and noting a remaining balance of $29,000 to $30,000 in the library account. Attendance at the library remained consistent, with 48 children participating in story time and other programs.
Resolutions:
Resolution 2023-11 appointing Jamie Rohlf as mayor, Resolution 2023-12 making Rob Germann a councilman, and Resolution 2023-13 approving bank signatures were all approved. However, the appointments would not be official until the individuals took the Oath of Office.
WAPA REC (Renewable Energy Credit) Contract:
The council approved the WAPA REC Contract, which involved purchasing renewable energy from WAPA. The contract ensured the city's use of renewable energy and involved coordination with MEAN/MEEN for REC tracking. Wall Lake would pay WAPA, and the city planned to advertise its use of 100% renewable energy next year.
Community Center Liquor License:
The council approved the Community Center Liquor License.
Building Over Drainage:
The city clerk reported on an engineer's email regarding building over drainage. The proposal involved installing a round culvert pipe and constructing over it. However, concerns were raised about potential issues if the pipe were to break, including the costs of replacement. The engineer recommended involving Dave Sturm to further evaluate the situation.
