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Council approves three resolutions and refers bench donation to Public Safety
Summary
Council approved three resolutions (Brighten Up Brodhead grant program, handicap parking at the Depot Museum, and moving the public fire protection fee to utility billing) and referred a Garden Club bench donation to the Public Safety Committee for placement options or code changes.
The Common Council approved several community-focused actions and referrals during its Aug. 19 meeting.
Brighten Up Brodhead: City Attorney Schroeder summarized proposed revisions to the Housing Stock Improvement Program, converting a prior loan model to a grant-based approach. Under the revised program (Resolution 2024-013), grants of $2,000 would be available with a homeowner showing a minimum $3,000 commitment; council approved the resolution (motion by Burkhalter, second by Baxter; all ayes).
Handicap parking at the Depot Museum: Police Chief Raupp reported that a handicap parking stall historically existed near the Depot Museum and presented Resolution 2024-014 to restore or clarify the stall. Council approved the resolution and asked Public Works to remark lines for clearer designation.
Public fire protection fee: Attorney Schroeder explained that Wisconsin statute allows recovery of public fire-protection costs either through property tax levy or by direct charge on utility bills. The council voted to approve Resolution 2024-015 requesting a PSC water-rate study and directing staff to work with Water & Light on implementing an equivalent-meter method so the fire protection fee can be billed through water utilities rather than the general levy.
Bench donation referral: The Brodhead Evening Garden Club offered to donate a bench for the Senior Center. Attorney Schroeder noted city code generally prohibits placement of fixtures on sidewalks/right-of-way without an ordinance amendment; the council voted to send the bench placement question to the Public Safety Committee to identify permitted locations or draft ordinance language.
Why it matters: the resolutions change how grant funds are administered (loan -> grant), clarify accessibility at a local museum, and shift how a public-protection fee would be collected — a change that could alter ratepayer and taxpayer billing methods if the PSC approves the water-rate study’s recommendations.
Next steps: staff will work with Water & Light on the PSC study request; Public Safety will review bench placement options; the Brighten Up Brodhead grant program will be administered per the adopted resolution.
