Kathy Kopp to continue as Platteville council president; Gates named to plan commission; council approves routine appointments and legal services

The Platteville Common Council met for its organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on April 21 in the council chambers and completed routine leadership and procedural business.

Following roll call, Craig administered the oath of office to Kathy Kopp and Barbara Daus, who each swore to support the U.S. and Wisconsin Constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of alderperson at large. After brief remarks, the council opened nominations for council president. Nominations were closed by motion and, by a voice vote with all members recorded in the affirmative, the council carried the motion and indicated that Kathy Kopp will continue to serve as council president.

The council then moved to appointments. Bob Gates, the incumbent plan commission member, was nominated to continue on the commission; after a motion to close nominations and a subsequent vote, the council unanimously appointed Gates to the plan commission.

On Resolution 26-05, the council moved and seconded to designate the Platte County Journal as the city’s official newspaper through the resolution; the motion passed unanimously. The council also considered the continuation of legal services and approved continuing the city attorney arrangement with Axley Brynelson (lead counsel Bill Cole) and special prosecutorial services with Ben Wood of the Wood Law Firm. Council members noted that the city charter and ordinances set expectations on the selection and typical tenure and that the current practice is to bring annual recommendations for these professional services.

The organizational meeting was adjourned after a final unanimous vote; a special meeting was noticed to follow immediately.

Votes at a glance: All formal votes recorded in the transcript were unanimous with seven council members recorded as voting “Yes.”