Portage council approves bank contract, EMS training affiliation, licenses and infrastructure resolutions

The Portage Common Council approved a slate of financial, public-safety and infrastructure measures during its regular meeting, voting to retain the Community Bank of Portage for city banking, to approve a clinical affiliation agreement with Madison Area Technical College for EMS training, to grant multiple business licenses and to adopt two infrastructure resolutions and a state hazardous-materials contract.

The actions came amid routine reports from finance and department heads. Council members approved $1,064,785.10 in claims and completed roll-call votes on the other items listed below.

The banking contract decision keeps the city accounts consolidated at Community Bank of Portage for the three-year term beginning July 1, 2025. Staff told the council three proposals were received; staff recommended the Community Bank because its proposal yielded the highest net interest and the city's earnings-credit-rate structure aligned with the bank's terms. Council member Ald. Schlinkert moved to remain with the Community Bank of Portage; the motion passed on roll call.

On emergency medical services training, the council approved a clinical affiliation agreement with Madison Area Technical College (MATC). The agreement allows Portage’s EMS department to host MATC paramedic students for ride-along clinical training locally rather than sending trainees to other jurisdictions. City staff and the council discussed insurance and workers-compensation responsibilities for students; presenters said MATC carries general-liability insurance and that city employees enrolled in paramedic classes would operate under the city's existing employment policies. The council moved and passed the agreement.

Licensing items approved included a taxicab license application for Runnings, Inc. (doing business as Portage Cab) and a batch of 2025–2026 alcohol licenses. Officials said outstanding utility or tax items for some applicants will be resolved before license issuance. The council voted to approve the listed alcohol licenses; licenses will not be issued until each applicant clears outstanding obligations.

On infrastructure, the council adopted resolution 25-017 to file the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WPDES permit rules) and adopted preliminary resolution 25-018 to begin the special-assessment process under Wis. Stat. § 66.0703 for a sidewalk improvement project. City staff said a $72,000 contract with Beardsley Concrete will replace about 5,800 square feet of sidewalk and that the city's policy is to assess affected homeowners 50% of the replacement cost; the preliminary resolution authorizes beginning the assessment process, including notices and a public hearing.

The council also approved the city's participation in the Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Response System through 2027. The contract designates Portage as a Type 3 hazmat team for local incidents and secures quarterly state payments the city uses in part to fund physicals and equipment for team members.

Votes at a glance

- Claims: Move to approve $1,064,785.10 in claims — outcome: approved (roll call) - Bank RFP: Motion to remain with Community Bank of Portage for 07/01/2025–06/30/2028 banking services — outcome: approved (roll call) - MATC clinical affiliation agreement: Motion to approve affiliation allowing local paramedic clinical training — outcome: approved (roll call) - Taxicab license: Runnings, Inc. (Portage Cab) — outcome: approved (roll call) - Alcohol licenses: 2025–2026 renewals and new applications (see agenda list) — outcome: approved (roll call); issuance contingent on clearing outstanding utilities/taxes - Resolution 25-017 (CMAR filing per DNR/WPDES/NR208): Motion to adopt — outcome: approved (roll call) - Resolution 25-018 (preliminary resolution under Wis. Stat. § 66.0703 for sidewalk improvements): Motion to adopt — outcome: approved (roll call) - Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Response System contract (through 2027): Motion to approve — outcome: approved (roll call)

Council members and staff said these actions will allow the city to continue daily operations, host local paramedic training, proceed with planned sidewalk work and maintain its role in regional hazmat response. Several items included clarifications about insurance, assessment procedure and bank account arrangements; staff said further details on assessments and license issuance will follow standard notice procedures.

The meeting adjourned after mayoral remarks and departing-staff recognition.