Fond du Lac City Council approves land sale, liquor-agent change, reappointments and lead-service ordinance; ethics board appointment draws questions

The Fond du Lac City Council on April 9 voted unanimously to approve a package of routine licenses, appointments and municipal measures, including the sale of a two‑acre lot in the West Industrial Park to a local manufacturer and an ordinance adding language to the city code to allow financial assistance options tied to the city’s lead service line replacement program.

The sale drew the most detailed explanation. Community Development Director Benson told the council that TDI Machining LLC, an existing West Industrial Park business, offered $45,000 for Lot 5, a two‑acre corner parcel at Scott Street and Industrial Parkway. Benson said the city’s standard asking price is generally $26,000 per acre (which would put a full asking price at about $52,000 for this lot), but staff recommended accepting the $45,000 offer because of lot size and development impediments and because TDI is a local company seeking to expand. Council approved the sale by motion and recorded a unanimous vote.

The council also approved a change of agent for a Class B intoxicating and Class B fermented malt beverage license for Winter and Toman Ventures LLC, doing business as Slim and Chubby’s, to agent Ashton Winter; city staff said background checks were completed and recommended approval. The council approved Resolution No. 9169 to waive the city’s prohibition on possession of alcoholic beverages on specified public ways for the downtown Fondue Fest on Sept. 6, 2025; staff said no glass or carry‑ins will be permitted in the designated area. The council approved Resolution No. 9170 reappointing seven volunteers to various advisory boards, and Resolution No. 9171 appointing a new member to the city ethics board; both motions passed unanimously.

Director of Administration Davie presented Ordinance No. 3810, which she said adds language to chapter 643 of the Code of the City of Fond du Lac to permit the city to offer financial options so property owners can access Safe Drinking Water loan funds for lead service line replacement. Davie said the change is intended to allow the city to take advantage of loan funds that assist property owners with replacement costs. The ordinance passed on unanimous vote.

During audience comments, resident Rhoda Nelson urged the city to investigate a cybersecurity and safeguarding incident she described as involving city employees and an external USB drive; Nelson said she has copies of records and offered to help. The council did not take formal action on the public comment during the meeting.

Council discussion on the ethics board appointment included concerns about overlap with the state ethics commission and the potential for local board members to know complainants or respondents. Councilmember Schussler questioned whether the city should retain a local ethics board when the state has an ethics commission; City Manager Moore responded that the ethics board is part of the city code and that complaints are routed through the city attorney, noting recusals have been used in the past when conflicts exist. The appointment passed despite the questions.

All items on the consent and action agendas were approved by voice vote and recorded as unanimous. No public hearings or contested votes were held at the meeting. The council adjourned following the routine business.