New Berlin council approves fire union MOU, awards fire‑station generator and buys two turf mowers; three claims denied

The New Berlin Common Council voted unanimously on several items Tuesday night, approving a memorandum of understanding with the New Berlin Professional Fire Association, authorizing the purchase of two turf mowers through a budget amendment, awarding a generator replacement contract for Fire Station No. 4, and denying three separate claims after a closed-session review.

The council convened at 6:24 p.m. Mayor Emond confirmed a quorum before the meeting moved through routine business. City Clerk (name not specified) reported on elections, saying, “We had a voter turnout of 14%.” The clerk added that the next election is scheduled for April 1 and absentee ballots will be mailed starting March 11.

The meeting included several consent and committee recommendations that the council approved by voice vote. Alderman Lefebvre, speaking for the Parks, Buildings and Grounds committee, recommended amending the 2025 capital projects budget to purchase two turf mowers; the council approved the recommendation unanimously. The council also approved the committee’s recommendation to award the Fire Station No. 4 generator replacement project to Piper Electric Incorporated for $122,493, with a total project authorization not to exceed $123,000 from account 04251300615142022.

After moving into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes section 19.85(1)(e) and (g) to discuss bargaining and pending claims, the council returned to open session and took several formal actions. The council unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of New Berlin and the New Berlin Professional Fire Association. The council then voted to deny three separate claims: the Imperial Lithographing claim, the Miller claim, and the Crosby claim; each denial was approved unanimously.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve minutes of 02/11/2025 — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Resolution to amend 2025 capital projects budget to purchase two turf mowers — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Award Fire Station No. 4 generator replacement to Piper Electric Incorporated for $122,493; total project cost not to exceed $123,000 from account 04251300615142022 — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Mayoral appointments (per presented list) — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Motion to go into closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) and (g) — passed (roll call, unanimous). Approve MOU between City of New Berlin and the New Berlin Professional Fire Association — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Deny Imperial Lithographing claim — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Deny Miller claim — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Deny Crosby claim — approved (voice vote, unanimous). Motion to adjourn — approved (voice vote, unanimous).

Council discussion on the turf mowers consisted mainly of a clarification about the term “turf,” with Alderman Maxey and others confirming the purchase covers equipment for natural/turf grass maintenance rather than synthetic fields. Committee members expressed appreciation for ongoing facility maintenance work when the generator award was discussed; there was no recorded opposition or suggested amendments to the recommendation. The closed-session motions were made and seconded in closed session; the council recorded a roll-call vote to enter closed session and used voice votes for the open‑session approvals after returning.

The meeting ended with a unanimous adjournment at 7:03 p.m.

(Reporting note: the City Clerk’s name was not specified in the transcript; the minutes approval referenced the 02/11/2025 council meeting.)