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Watertown council approves licenses, first‑reading stormwater ordinances and several resolutions; operator license denied
Summary
The Watertown Common Council on Feb. 17 approved multiple licenses and resolutions, adopted a new building permit fee schedule, advanced two stormwater ordinance amendments on first reading, approved two construction/inspection contracts and denied one operator license.
The Watertown Common Council took a slate of routine and policy actions at its Feb. 17 meeting, approving liquor and event licenses, voting 9‑0 on two stormwater ordinance first readings, awarding contracts for water‑tower rehabilitation and cross‑connection inspections, approving a development agreement name change, extending military leave benefits in the employee handbook, adopting an updated building safety and zoning fee schedule, and removing certain delinquent personal property taxes. The council denied one operator license application.
Licenses and event permits - The council approved a Class B malt and liquor license for Silver Creek Investors doing business as Watertown Country Club at 1340 North Water Street. Motion to approve was made by Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Moultenhower; the voice vote was in favor and the license was approved (no roll‑call tally recorded in the transcript). - The council approved a temporary Class B wine and temporary Class B license for Luther Prep School Booster Club for March 29 (motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Bartz; voice vote in favor). - The council approved a temporary Class B license for the Whiskey and Wine Walk hosted by the Chamber on April 26 (motion by Mr. Moldenhauer, second by Mr. Smith; voice vote in favor). - The council denied the operator license application for Abel Rivera. Mr. Smith moved for denial based on categories 1 and 5; second by Mr. Bartz. Voice vote carried in favor of denial.
Ordinances (first reading) - Ordinance 25‑03, to amend chapter 288 (erosion and sediment control), was presented by the Board and public works staff. The amendment proposes three main changes to align with NR 151 of the DNR code: a peak‑flow exemption for post‑construction runoff that drains directly to large water bodies, an exemption for food production on certain minor roadway reconstruction projects, and clarified citation authority for unpermitted sites. Motion by Mr. Board, second by Mr. Lampe. Roll call recorded nine ayes (Board, Bartz, Blankie, Smith, Schmid, Wetzel, Moldenhauer, Davis, Lampe); motion passed 9‑0 on first reading. - Ordinance 25‑04, to amend chapter 453 (stormwater management), was also presented on first reading to correct an incorrect reference; motion by Mr. Board, second by Mr. Bartz. Roll call recorded nine ayes; motion passed 9‑0.
Resolutions, contracts and other actions - Exhibit 9705: Resolution to execute a waiver of conflict of interest for law firm Axley so the firm can represent an individual opposed to the city on a police matter. Motion by Mr. Lampe, second by Mr. Smith; voice vote in favor. - Exhibit 9706: Resolution to remove delinquent personal property taxes. Motion approved (motion, second and roll call recorded; 9‑0). - Exhibit 9707: Resolution to award the West Street water tower rehabilitation project to O & J Coatings. Motion by Mr. Board, second by Mr. Lampe; roll call and motion passed 9‑0. - Exhibit 9708: Resolution to enter a contract with HydroCorp for cross‑connection inspections. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Wetzel; roll call recorded and motion passed 9‑0. - Exhibit 9709: First amendment to the development agreement — name change from Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation to Hoffman Matts (transcript spelling); the amendment retains a guarantee from the Imperial Watertown Health Foundation. Motion by Mr. Moldenhauer, second by Ms. Davis; voice vote in favor. - Exhibit 9710: Resolution amending the employee handbook to update military leave policy. The change extends the city’s split pay support for Guard training from two weeks to three weeks and incorporates relevant state and federal law. Motion by Mr. Lampe, second by Mr. Bartz; voice vote in favor. - Exhibit 9711: Resolution to adopt the building safety and zoning fee schedule. Staff said the schedule had not been reviewed in about 10 years; examples given in the finance packet showed fee increases (for example, a single‑family home permit was shown in the packet as rising “from about $13.50 to about $2,000” and other permit changes were listed for basement refinish, kitchen remodel and decks). Motion by Mr. Moldenhauer, second by Ms. Davis; roll call recorded nine ayes and the motion passed 9‑0.
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Schmidt and seconded by Mr. Moultonhower; the council voted to adjourn.
What this means: The council completed routine licensing, approved contracts and budget‑related updates, and advanced two stormwater ordinance changes to align local code with state standards. The building fee schedule increase and the employee handbook change will affect permit applicants and city employees respectively; staff said they will continue to provide implementing details to the council and public.
