[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6087885,"mediaKeyId","2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df","parentId",2887597,"title","Waupaca council approves updated on-call (captive) pay policy; council members debate including salaried employees","audioSeconds",1306,"startMs",2185000,"endMs",3491000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df&start=2185&end=3491","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df/thumbnail_2185000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087885/Waupaca/Waupaca-County/Wisconsin/Waupaca-council-approves-updated-on-call-captive-pay-policy-council-members-debate-including-salaried-employees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087885-7ea09a504b8f88a49f6a66dbe4cc8e58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169271&Signature=T~kHs6BUhP-qKf-Rl2XN-wD6lq3-HtVbRJrQeBaFDEgXJhioAqISGAu-rGw8Qo0B3Hx8KqLFBtDol~mkZpKH-pkDK7iZ5xT~iRoF1nqcLuiKL1XdW4Vmjo0M3-GhTJ4BHVlparBpim9zIahqLr9Bsk0BHKxr4EdLBZ6CMjXeMsmkOTl2sF1ZnMSpUzjPVfY1px0j7Y2FkEhlte6bYsTi9mcfz4-g-ojLrEd5xDQrFDdv7Lxrgyv57lwYs~5q~qkb-WIIHOJLenzE6i5jpY4lKzb-6at4l7cMRneMr6zwjSQtxLr4RUbacKGBaB3gBl4G2EgBCdFynpiREnQ5ia6dsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Waupaca, WI","date","2025-04-05T23:52:16.617Z","article","The Waupaca Common Council voted on April 2 to update the city’s on-call (captive) pay policy, a change city staff said was intended to align Waupaca with comparable municipalities and to make on-call assignments more equitable for hourly and other staff.

City Administrator Aaron Jensen presented a draft policy developed by Public Works Director Justin Behrens and reviewed by multiple committees. Jensen said the new captive-pay proposal moves the city from an $18-per-day rate toward an average competitive level (the draft references an average of $43.50 per day in surveyed comparables) and formalizes three categories:

• Captive (on-call rotation): proposed stipend equivalent to 1.5 hours of pay per day while on call.
• Call-in pay: minimum two-hour pay plus time worked (double time if on a city-observed holiday); limits on paying the two-hour minimum for repeated nuisance calls in the same day.
• Remote call-in: a minimum 30-minute pay for employees responding remotely (for example, IT/Waupaca Online work) with actual pay for time worked beyond the minimum.

Jensen told the council the new policy was reviewed repeatedly by committees and that the 2025 budget already includes the amounts for a full year; sewer, water and Waupaca Online costs are budgeted in enterprise funds, not the general fund.

Council debate: Council Member Henry Velacher questioned including exempt (salaried) employees under the policy and said he had concerns about mixing hourly supplemental pay and exempt status. “I just have a real issue with including salaried employees,” Velacher said. Jensen and staff said they had checked Fair Labor Standards Act implications and that some salaried positions already receive on-call compensation in practice; staff also said that council retains budget oversight and could approve which positions receive pay during the annual budget process.

Vote and implementation: A motion by Eric Olsen, second by Scott Perchatsky, to approve the captive-pay changes (Article 3, Policy 3.5) passed by roll call, 10 ayes, 0 nays. Council members and staff said the policy is to take effect in early May (staff discussed operational start May 1–2 to allow payroll setup and scheduling changes) and will be reviewed in future budget cycles; the policy text specifies a five-year review but council retains authority to amend earlier.

Why it matters: staff said Waupaca’s prior captive-pay language was a short paragraph and that current stipends were low compared to peer cities. The change is intended to make on-call compensation competitive and to formalize minimums for call-ins and remote responses, which affects public works, sewer and water, police and IT staffing and budgets.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Waupaca City Council 4.2.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Waupaca Common Council voted April 2 to update on-call (captive) pay policy, increasing daily stipend levels and formalizing call-in and remote response minimums after staff said current pay was low compared with peer cities.","taxTitle","Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin","taxId",71039,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6087890,"River North Ridge developer says infrastructure in, delays on utilities slow home and apartment starts",468,1329000,1797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df&start=1329&end=1797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df/thumbnail_1329000.jpg","/articles/6087890/Waupaca/Waupaca-County/Wisconsin/River-North-Ridge-developer-says-infrastructure-in-delays-on-utilities-slow-home-and-apartment-starts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087890-70acf03de7f0bd10fb6c8e0cea0de87d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169271&Signature=lAgz2qZNxh98hRqrG~F2fsY5njuobR5C9RGnMkl0zeAltDEmnsWVgpprMn1ZhsGpmZVaC7UJf8SV~sHeeBjaJkAJKsHlVwmZmFX1MSpmsGlEnZIX4CPIpy2ryClsWGucF5C9Cbwwvo48NozShUcMjKQHIwaohS2zy2iGy8KDreo87qlJHAnMGx3lkdEleDRcekqoOHkJWNlUNEEgnJPmjfRW-7-KMyvVBQKw1trYvakUFU8lD8ZwVjB8AQD2HHsbq5-p1lSs4IDmfl0WLGg9GXeS8IqEDi~fTB-LkSwJB9K4HzVEAAzPxAqCWlYehh7laJOPjQnIPIU8dEZO92mymg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Developers for the River North Ridge subdivision gave the Waupaca Common Council a construction update on April 2, reporting that underground utilities for the first residential phase and the apartment site are installed but that aboveground utility work is delayed by wet site conditions.

Alex (last name not provided), representing the developer, said the sanitary and storm sewers and water mains are in for the apartments and the first residential section, and that developers had collected more than 100 email addresses from prospective buyers and renters through the project website. “The electric and gas was supposed to start yesterday, but it looks like they're going to be delayed for a week or two because they went out there and just said it is way too muddy for that to happen,” the presenter said.

Why it matters: the developer said once gas and electric are installed, finishing touch work can be completed and builders plan to start six homes immediately (selected house plans that have performed well in other subdivisions) and to begin 43 apartment units in the first phase. Developers told council members financing for the houses and apartments is in place.

Details: the presentation showed typical unit mixes for apartments (12-, 10- and 9-unit buildings in the plan) and offered example price points for single-family models (an example listed at $269,900 for a two-bedroom plan). The developer said the apartment buildout is planned in two rounds so several buildings can move forward roughly simultaneously to speed lease-up. Developers encouraged residents to view rivernorthridge.com for ongoing updates and asked for patience until the ground dries.

Council response: council members asked mainly about timing and expressed support; Mayor Brian Smith and other council members thanked the developers for the update.

Implementation risk and timeline: weather and site drying were cited as the principal near-term constraints; developers estimated a one-week to two-week delay for electric and gas work because of mud and frost, after which foundation and building starts could proceed.","Developers told the council that sewer, storm and sanitary piping are installed at River North Ridge; electric and gas work is delayed by muddy conditions, and the first 43 apartment units and six single-family homes are planned once utilities permit construction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6087894,"Waupaca library reports rising visits, shifting circulation and new programs in 2024 annual report",814,323000,1137000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df&start=323&end=1137","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df/thumbnail_323000.jpg","/articles/6087894/Waupaca/Waupaca-County/Wisconsin/Waupaca-library-reports-rising-visits-shifting-circulation-and-new-programs-in-2024-annual-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087894-ee91f919f966493613532743669c5106/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169271&Signature=Te63GlhtRqz34F2D~f8hy1LZddVp45JOQl-j3z0mJHNZXWkem7BpTgHSACWYf-Gkp73YRbk72A5G-oS5mha1ntQCrxZyDYpG7fvkDbNNvkV2mKOMmRrOZ654pYFOOz7zDu9obz-zVzEdy6F1WWUVL7Y6W3ICOlamVO1630BBS-NzFrXQWONUCdi2Rj~BkRbM0UHWHECU5npwPVUhD~U4IryXmD7Gj3Q93ACGmR-nI~khI7NklZdxUKL8q2ElBMGgN3rGdMM43trHwZBBR2stfg7qj31Kh5Y471zkF~nwFsUpQJIu2nSEzM41GIX8VMT2AvEIYDwEDkl~WmmZGdG9fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Waupaca Area Public Library reported steady in-person visits, changing circulation patterns and expanded programming during an annual presentation to the Waupaca Common Council on April 2. Library Director Eric Bailey and Melanie Peterson, president of the library board, presented the 2024 statistics and highlights.

Bailey said physical circulation of some material types fell slightly while electronic checkouts rose: “Circulation of physical materials decreased by 3.2% and electronic materials increased by 11.96%,” he said, adding that total circulation was down “very slightly” (0.8%). He told the council that much of the apparent decline since 2019 reflects fewer renewals after policy changes and a large falloff in physical AV (DVDs, audiobooks) rather than a general drop in book lending.

The library board president said visits are trending back toward pre-pandemic levels and that volunteer involvement grew substantially. “It is literally feeding mind and body in the library,” Melanie Peterson said, describing use of a Little Free Pantry housed at the library and the pantry’s long hours of availability to residents.

Why it matters: the circulation numbers feed into county reimbursement calculations, and shifts in how the state attributes library users (by geography beginning in 2024) affect reported cardholder numbers. Bailey told the council the library’s county-reimbursement share has remained roughly stable at about 42–45% of circulation by county residents, and he does not expect the usage changes to reduce county reimbursement at present.

Details and supporting context: the library saw increases in digital lending services such as Libby/OverDrive and Hoopla; Bailey said Hoopla usage requires tighter budgeting controls in 2025. The library recorded a major, multiweek Americans in the Holocaust exhibit that the presenters said attracted visitors from across Wisconsin; Bailey said about 4,000 people visited the exhibit, including school groups. The exhibit and related programming brought external visitors to Waupaca and, the presenters said, benefitted the local economy.

Operational notes: passports are an increasing revenue source, the staff head count is roughly 12.25 full-time equivalent positions (a small net decline from the year before), and the library recorded 718 volunteer hours in 2024 versus 63 in 2023. New staff in 2024–25 included a head of youth services and a head of adult services. Presenters credited staff and volunteers with sustaining programming during a year of staffing transitions.

Council response: several council members thanked library staff for their work. Council Member Henry Velacher praised staff for finding efficiencies amid budget constraints.

Looking ahead: presenters said the library will continue to expand digital offerings, volunteer programs and collaborative exhibits with schools and community groups.","Library Director Eric Bailey and Library Board President Melanie Peterson told the Waupaca Common Council that visits and some circulation categories rose in 2024, volunteers increased sharply and the library hosted a Holocaust exhibit that drew visitors from across Wisconsin.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6087880,"Votes at a glance: council approves a five-year Surf Shack concession, lift-station rehabilitation and other routine matters",3708,122000,3830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df&start=122&end=3830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2887597-d6dbe49c70be3bb510341bea098096df/thumbnail_122000.jpg","/articles/6087880/Waupaca/Waupaca-County/Wisconsin/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-a-five-year-Surf-Shack-concession-lift-station-rehabilitation-and-other-routine-matters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087880-99eb2f9f0f6237eb1d42e2806cf7e1d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169271&Signature=Z0RRs~EmJsWbM9spxOahp~8jefJ5Lkhv8nVd~jnNjHXdLjN7Nc~Txe2dfA38WgE8lRI2SR4sDiWVP4jZx0dki0B88VaBVfhe8fAwTShujsXHpOf1D8qHvFFxOlJf903s6UpCqaOOx9MEiuE7UMD7zzY2l~WxVJL9uB3jN1h6ZBLi5jPMKqF8qntLzz3qsERz7~vWWzv3m4uwDjw7RTIBXbmI5VXuYvKRX25tL0FQClc3M4BOZSWedZLo-5VkiZzDswvtwt0Goim0MOl9cUWJGlrru0JKZvoAtTU8r-bbOmLVGu3M6g7WrHnT1F58b8pl~~XB1G5aVmgdFJSh~vTYrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Here are the formal actions the Waupaca Common Council recorded on April 2, 2025. Where a roll call was read, those votes are recorded; where a simple voice vote was used, the transcript records that the motion carried.

Surf Shack LLC concession agreement (shadow-lake/Beach kayak rentals)
Motion: Approve a five-year concession agreement with Surf Shack LLC to operate a kayak rental station at the city beach (move kiosk from Shadow Lake launch to the beach and continue revenue-share).
Mover/Second: Motion by D. Martin; second by E. Olsen.
Vote: Roll call recorded — Paul Hagen: Aye; Eric Halverson: Aye; Henry Velacher: Aye; Paul Mayo: Aye; Dave Peterson: Aye; Colin Dykstra: Aye; Dimitri Martin: Aye; Corey Nagel: Aye; Scott Perchatsky: Aye; Eric Olsen: Aye. Tally: 10 ayes, motion carried.
Details: Staff reported the city received $195 under last year’s one-year agreement and collects 10% of vendor proceeds; staff recommended a five-year contract with termination language if needed.

Crane Engineering — sewage lift-station rehabilitation (Lower South and Beach House stations)
Motion: Approve entering into an agreement with Crane Engineering to rehabilitate two existing sewer pump stations at a cost not to exceed $19,600.
Mover/Second: Motion by Dave Peterson; second by Corey Nagel.
Vote: Roll call recorded — Paul Mayo: Aye; Paul Hagen: Aye; Henry Velacher: Aye; Eric Halverson: Aye; Dave Peterson: Aye; Colin Dykstra: Aye; Dimitri Martin: Aye; Corey Nagel: Aye; Eric Olsen: Aye; Scott Perchatsky: Aye. Tally: 10 ayes, motion carried.
Details: City had budgeted $25,000 in 2025 G.O. bonds for the replacements and received three quotes: Crane Engineering $18,000 (plus optional stainless adders bringing it to $19,600), Sable Mechanical $25,818 and BMB Technical Services $26,525; staff recommended Crane.

Captive/on-call pay policy (Article 3, Policy 3.5)
Motion: Approve updating captive pay policy (see separate article for details).
Mover/Second: Motion by Eric Olsen; second by Scott Perchatsky.
Vote: Roll call recorded — 10 ayes, motion carried. (See captive-pay article for policy specifics and implementation tasks.)

Operator's license (No. 1714)
Motion: Approve operator's licenses submitted under License Report No. 1714 (two names referenced in packet).
Mover/Second: Motion by Paul Hagen; second by Corey Nagel.
Vote: Voice vote recorded as carried; transcript did not read the two licensee names aloud. Motion carried.

Routine agenda approvals
- Consent agenda: Motion by Eric Olsen; second by Dave Peterson. Voice vote recorded as carried.
- Regular agenda: Motion by Corey Nagel; second by Colin Dykstra. Voice vote recorded as carried.

Notes on votes and recordkeeping: where the council read roll-call votes the transcript lists each council member’s “Aye.” Where the transcript records voice votes the outcome was recorded as “motion carried” and the transcript did not include a roll-call tally.","At its April 2 meeting the Waupaca Common Council approved a five-year concession with Surf Shack LLC for kayak rentals at the beach, awarded a sewage lift-station rehabilitation contract to Crane Engineering (not to exceed $19,600), approved an update to on-call pay policy, and approved operator's licenses and consent/regular agendas.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Waupaca council approves updated on-call (captive) pay policy; council members debate including salaried employees

River North Ridge developer says infrastructure in, delays on utilities slow home and apartment starts

Waupaca library reports rising visits, shifting circulation and new programs in 2024 annual report

Votes at a glance: council approves a five-year Surf Shack concession, lift-station rehabilitation and other routine matters