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Portage council approves claims, paramedic training MOU, licenses, contracts and a donated parcel; votes at a glance
Summary
At its Jan. 23 meeting the Portage Common Council approved claims, a paramedic training MOU with IAFF Local 2775 and related employee reimbursement agreement, a liquor license for Hachi Hachi Portage, contract awards for municipal projects and acceptance of a small parcel from the Lippett estate.
PORTAGE, Wis. — The Portage Common Council on Jan. 23 approved a series of routine and substantive items including claims, labor and training agreements, two contract awards for the city’s new Public Works/Park & Rec facility, a liquor license and acceptance of a small parcel of real estate from an estate settlement.
Votes at a glance
- Claims: Council approved payment of $383,072.61 in claims. Motion to approve claims was made by Alderperson Bernander; roll call recorded ayes and the motion passed.
- Paramedic training: The council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and IAFF Local 2775 covering paramedic training costs and repayment terms if employees leave before a prorated period. The council also approved individual Paramedic Reimbursement Agreements for employees to document the same terms. Alderperson Green moved the MOU; the MOU and the individual agreement passed on recorded roll calls.
- Liquor license: The council approved a Class B beer and Class B wine license for Hachi Hachi Portage Incorporated at 28100 New Piney Road, Suite 14, listing Hui Yang as agent. Alderperson Bernander moved approval; the motion passed.
- Contract awards: The council awarded a contract to Weezer Concrete for bunker walls at the Public Works/Park & Rec facility for $24,450 and awarded Auto Value Portage $15,250 to furnish and install tire service equipment. Staff said both amounts were budgeted within the overall project cost. Both awards were moved and approved by roll call.
- Real estate gift: The council adopted Resolution 25-004 accepting a small, low-value parcel from the Lippett estate (staff said annual property taxes are approximately $14.49). The city already owns adjoining property; staff said accepting the parcel would assist in closing the estate and avoid nuisance issues associated with delinquent, landlocked parcels.
- Arbor Day proclamation: The council proclaimed Arbor Day for April 23, 2025 and recognized the city’s Tree City USA status.
Key details and comments
City staff said the paramedic training MOU is retroactive to a referendum authorizing staffing changes and that reimbursement amounts cover tuition and related class costs; wages are not recoverable. During discussion council members asked whether special equipment or buyouts have been used in other jurisdictions; staff said the MOU focuses on tuition, books and class costs and that equipment reimbursement at that level has not been typical.
For the two contract awards, Municipal Services staff said the items were part of the overall Public Works/Park & Rec facility budget and that the construction and FF&E line items remain within contingency. Alderperson Petalensek asked about the overall budget status and staff said they were coming in under contingency so far.
The roll calls for each item are recorded in the council minutes and the motions passed as noted.
Actions recorded at the meeting will be implemented by the relevant departments; staff will return any contracts requiring further council approval.
