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Pierz to upgrade public works truck; council seeks clarity on golf course playground fundraising and timetable
Summary
Public Works Director Rick Wacker recommended upgrading a Sourcewell-funded half-ton order to a one-ton truck; the council approved paying an additional $8,728.98. Mayor John Perleberg pressed for clearer accounting of confirmed versus pledged playground renovation funds and requested a workshop to resolve timing and overtime concerns.
Public Works Director Rick Wacker told the Pierz City Council on Feb. 9 that the city had been approved for a half-ton truck through a Sourcewell grant valued at about $51,000 but recommended upgrading to a one-ton model for better versatility, durability and the ability to install a plow. Wacker said the upgrade would increase the city’s out-of-pocket cost by $8,728.98, an amount the council was told can be covered within the Public Works heavy machinery budget. Council Member Gary Berg moved to proceed with the change and pay $8,728.98 out of pocket; Council Member Don Bujalski seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
During department updates Mayor John Perleberg raised questions about a playground renovation at the golf course. He noted distributed letters that estimate the project at about $265,000 and said the Commercial Club meeting minutes and other communications show roughly $113,500 confirmed to date. Perleberg asked staff to clarify the difference between confirmed and pledged donations and flagged the timing: demolition and tile work are likely to occur after frost leaves the ground, which overlaps peak golf course operations. He expressed concern that using City staff for demolition and site preparation during that period could require overtime and asked that the council identify how overtime costs would be accounted for.
City Administrator Laura Wacker suggested scheduling a workshop to review the playground requests alongside other pending items; she said staff will circulate potential dates for approval at the next council meeting. Administrator Wacker also announced sealed bids for the playground project will be accepted until Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m., with the bid opening at 4:45 p.m. The administrator noted City Hall will be closed Feb. 16 for Presidents Day. The council adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
