Onalaska, Wisconsin Development News
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Common Council - July 14, 2026
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Resident Raises Safety and Discovery Concerns Regarding Wellington Greens Park Project
During the public input portion of the meeting, a resident, Donna Callaway, raised concerns about the Wellington Greens Park project. She thanked Dan for his timely response and update but voiced questions and concerns regarding the discovery of a possible Native American burial site only after construction began, why prior indications were not found, and why the project should halt if the land was previously farmed. Callaway also detailed several safety concerns observed post-construction, including inadequately covered holes from removed basketball hoops, cracked pathways posing tripping hazards, shifted wood chips in the playground, and a missing sewer grate. She inquired if the entire path would be resurfaced and where project renderings and plan layouts could be viewed. [cite: 40-121]
Council Approves Compensation Study Option 1 and Street Vacation Resolution
The Finance Committee reported on expenditures since the last council meeting. Vouchers totaling $2,824,850.70 were presented and approved. The council also discussed the implementation of results from the Baker Tilly compensation study, considering three options with varying costs and impacts on employee salaries. Option 1, deemed the most fiscally responsible by the Finance Director, involves implementing recommended grade adjustments effective August 2nd, 2026, at a cost of $53,314.00 (wage piece) from the general fund. Option 2, which adjusts pay based on years in position, would cost $54,798.70 (wage piece) for implementation on August 2nd, 2026, with $25,976.12 from the general fund. Option 3, which moves employees to the new grade at their current step, would cost $64,986.79 for 2026, with $37,874.69 from the general fund. The council ultimately approved Option 1. A separate discussion and approval ($5,000 not to exceed, from the general fund) addressed the appeal process for staff related to the compensation study implementation. [cite: 191-201, 334-653]
City Administrator Reports on New Phone System, Staff Recruitment, and Community Events
The City Administrator provided updates on various city operations and events. Key points included the successful launch of a new phone system at city hall and other buildings, with ongoing evaluation for potential cost savings via cell phone use. The fire chief recruitment has been reposted with applications due July 31st. The request for proposals for the 'drift link' shared ride program is out, with submissions due August 5th. Fire union negotiations are set to begin the following week. The city celebrated its 175th anniversary with positive feedback on events, with special thanks to the mayor, parks and recreation, and omni staff. Governor Ivers visited for his 'pothole patrol' program, and public works staff were commended for preparations. Planning continues for an emergency operations center (EOC) tabletop exercise on August 17th, with several staff members having attended EOC training. A community event on August 2nd will unveil the 'Live on an Alaska 2026' anthology, a time capsule magazine of community submissions. [cite: 227-332]
Council Approves Corrected Resolution to Vacate Portions of Multiple Streets
A public hearing was held to consider the adoption of a corrected final resolution to vacate and discontinue portions of Westwood Lane, Carefree Drive, Holly Drive, Hilltop Drive, and Over Hill Drive. This item, Resolution 17-2026, was addressed under the Public Works Director Report and was on the non-consent agenda. The hearing was opened and closed without any public comment in support or opposition. Subsequently, the council considered recommendations for approval under the consent agenda, which was approved unanimously via roll call. Later, under the non-consent agenda, Resolution 17-2026 was discussed further. The Public Works Director explained that a slight error in the original vacation required a new map and resolution, vacating 0.04 acres less than initially planned, to correct a clerical error. A motion to accept the new map and resolution was made and seconded, and the motion passed. [cite: 131-153, 202-226]
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The Onalaska News archive
07/14/26 Regular Meeting - video
7/13/2026 SDO Board Meeting
Administrative & Finance Committee - July 8, 2026
Board of Public Works & Utilities - July 7, 2026
Special Common Council-June 23, 2026
6/22/2026 SDO Board Meeting
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