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Winthrop council approves park shelter, employee policies and a five-chicken permit
Summary
At its Nov. 5, 2025 meeting the Winthrop City Council approved a final park shelter project and final payment to Matt Construction, adopted a package of personnel policies (Res. 25-14 through Res. 25-21), approved a poultry permit for 255 W Monroe allowing five chickens, and handled routine consent items including a liquor license pending paperwork for Sparky’s.
The Winthrop City Council met in regular session on Nov. 5, 2025, and approved a series of infrastructure and personnel items, including final acceptance of a park shelter project and adoption of multiple workplace policies.
Mayor Dennie called the meeting to order; Council Members Melissa Hesner, Jim Loughren, Ann Myers and Lee White were present (Brian Kelchen was absent). The council approved the meeting agenda on a motion from Melissa Hesner, seconded by Lee White.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included the Oct. 1, 2025 minutes, current bills and the financial report. The consent agenda also included approval of a liquor license for Sparky’s pending completion of required paperwork.
Council approved the final park shelter project (motion by Ann Myers, seconded by Melissa Hesner) and approved final payment to Matt Construction in the amount of $32,111.98 (motion by Lee White, seconded by Jim Loughren). Both motions passed with unanimous votes from members present.
By separate resolutions the council adopted a package of personnel policies: Res. 25-14 (Equal Opportunity Employer Policy); Res. 25-15 (Workplace Harassment Policy); Res. 25-16 (Designated Physician Policy); Res. 25-17 (Return-To-Work Policy); Res. 25-18 (Setting Mileage Rate Policy and Reimbursement Form); Res. 25-19 (Distracted Driver Policy); Res. 25-20 (Seatbelt Policy); and Res. 25-21 (Employee Handbook, which includes the above policies). Each resolution was moved and seconded as recorded in the minutes and carried by unanimous vote of those present.
The council approved a poultry application for 255 W Monroe allowing five chickens (motion by Jim Loughren, seconded by Ann Myers). The minutes record the motion as carried with all present voting in favor.
Council discussed storage containers versus permanent structures but tabled that item for future consideration. A letter from the city attorney was presented noting a final date of service of Dec. 31, 2025; the attorney is to provide a list of potential replacement options. The minutes also note discussion about items residents have placed in the city right-of-way and list a Clean-Up Day scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2025; that date appears in the minutes and predates this meeting, and the clerk’s office should be consulted to confirm whether the year is correct.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn (moved by Melissa Hesner, seconded by Lee White). The minutes record the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Votes at a glance: For motions recorded as "All ayes," the minutes list Mayor Dennie and Council Members Melissa Hesner, Jim Loughren, Ann Myers and Lee White as present and voting; Brian Kelchen was recorded absent.
