By Joe Bachman

April’s common council was held on Tuesday, April 18. Here are a few notables from the meeting. 

Photo: MSA Professional Services

City to Borrow Nearly $4.6 Million for Repairs, Aquatics

-City officials approved borrowing $4,565,000 million dollars for various projects throughout the city. Out of this amount, $1,165,000 million will go towards necessary street repairs, and $750,000 to go towards the city’s various riverfront parks and public grounds projects.

$2,635,000 million dollars will go towards the cost of future swimming pool projects regarding the upcoming aquatics center. According to Phil Cosson, Senior Adviser for Ehlers and Associates, residents will not see a sizable increase in their taxes due to the cost.

Alderpersons Sworn In, Positions Assigned

-Alderpersons in districts 1,3,5 and 7 were sworn in on Tuesday. Scott Kellogg, Joe Zurfluh, and Steve Koth all won April reelection to the council unopposed. New district member Thaddeus Kubisiak served his first council session shortly after being sworn in by city clerk Paul Przybelski.

(Photo: MSA Professional Services)

The council also appointed various positions to different committees. This includes the appointment of new council president Terry Dolan, new Planning Commission member Todd Ferkey, and new Parks and Recreation Committee member Scott Kellogg and Tom Rayome.

MSA to Continue Design Process on Aquatics

-City officials moved forward with the approval of MSA Professional Services to proceed with further and design documents for the regional aquatics center. While there still remains a set date of construction of the center, officials felt it important to be prepared whether groundbreaking starts late this year, or early next year. The decision to break ground between September of this year or March of next year lies solely on fundraising efforts and donations that the city can secure over the next eight weeks.