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Ladysmith council approves new plow truck, awards $1.044M water treatment bid and authorizes property negotiation
Summary
The Ladysmith Common Council on Jan. 26 approved purchase of a new plow truck (not to exceed $220,000), awarded a $1,044,000 bid for water treatment improvements to Staab Construction Corporation, authorized a rail spur bid advertisement, approved an operator license, and authorized an administrator to negotiate a property acquisition following closed session.
The Ladysmith Common Council on Jan. 26, 2026 approved several capital and administrative actions, including the purchase of a new plow truck and awarding a $1,044,000 contract for water treatment plant improvements.
Assistant Director of Public Works D. Parker presented quotes for a new plow truck to replace a 1996 model, saying the new vehicle "would be compatible with all current equipment." On a motion by Councilmember Nathan Johnson, seconded by Shawny Delasky, the council authorized the purchase not to exceed $220,000. The motion passed by roll call vote (Delasky—yes; Johnson—yes; Christianson—yes; Kenyon—yes; Lovely—yes).
Parker also presented MSA's recommendation for the water treatment plant oxygen storage and related improvements. The council discussed alternate bid items and potential increases in water and sewer rates while considering the project. Councilmember John Kenyon moved, and Randy Lovely seconded, to accept the bid from Staab Construction Corporation for $1,044,000. The motion passed by roll call vote (Johnson—yes; Christianson—yes; Kenyon—yes; Lovely—yes; Delasky—yes).
In other business, Administrator Christianson reviewed the rail spur project and the council authorized placing a notice to bid in the Ladysmith News (motion by Lovely; seconded by Kenyon). The council also approved an operator license for P. Holt (motion by Lovely; seconded by Kenyon), and earlier in the meeting the council approved the Jan. 12, 2026 minutes and the evening's agenda by voice vote.
The council entered two closed sessions under state open-meetings law. First, on a motion by Johnson and seconded by Lovely, the council met under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding strategy on a developer agreement; Mayor Grotzinger reported after the return to open session that no action was taken. Later the council met under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchase of public property; after returning to open session the mayor announced the council authorized Administrator Christianson to negotiate the acquisition of property.
Ehlers Associates representatives Sean Lentz and Peter Meidal presented three borrowing options for potential future capital improvements and emergency equipment beginning in 2026; the presentation was for council review and did not result in immediate action. Public comment included remarks from Joe Baye requesting funding for "Westlake," as recorded in the minutes.
The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. The minutes were submitted by City Clerk S. Nelson.
