Augusta Council approves ordinances, tables two agreements

by Bridget Cooke
Editor

The Augusta City Council convened at City Hall for their monthly meeting Tuesday, Dec. 9 to briefly review the second reading of ordinances and to consider agreements for upcoming years.

Barb Zempel presented the City Assessor’s agreement to the council, stating that at 105 percent this year, they are five percent over the market, though she sees it going back down, closer to 100 percent within the next year. The council approved a 2-year agreement with a roll call vote, with Ward 5 absent.

In another matter, a consideration of agreement between the city and the Eau Claire County Humane Association, which handles animal control since the town does not offer services for animal bites. Though Mayor Delton Thorson had inquiries into the details of the agreement, it was pointed out that the form was merely a measure to gauge interest of communities within the county on whether or not they will be utilizing services.

Augusta Police shared concerns with Thorson, mainly the issues with the humane society because someone taking an animal in could cause the organization to pursue the city for fees accrued, though the city has refused to pay any fees in the past despite a statute outlining their requirement to do so. 

The issue was tabled until they could gather more information, namely if the fees would change out of contract if the city were to still utilize the facility when in need as well as what it would mean to reject the contract.

Discussion will continue on the subject in the council’s January meeting.

In an agenda item regarding the discussion and consideration of an auditor engagement for the year ending in 2014, Ward 2 representative Lynette Richards said she thinks the council should break the precedent for not getting a  bid from multiple sources. Thorson said it is problematic that there was not a price presented with the information, but voiced hesitation at reaching out to other firms. The council tabled the issue until their next meeting, making plans  to attain a price and possibly other bids.

In the bow and arrow ordinance 12.01(2)(a), Richards moved to waive the second reading, though questions did arise from the council members not present for the November reading, in which the ordinance specifies permission needed for bow and arrow hunters to utilize land within city limits as well as be denied hunting privileges within 100 feet of any person or public building.

The ordinance passed with a 3-1-1 approval. 

The council also waived the second reading of a well regulation ordinance introduced in November, which makes basic changes in semantics required by the Department of Natural Resources changes. The measure upgrades an outdated ordinance with numbers and rewording. Public Works Director Chet Krueger said he was satisfied with the results when questioned by Thorson. The ordinance was approved on a roll call vote.

Other items addressed:

• Treasurer’s, police, senior center, library and public works reports approved

• Senior Center Facility Funding Agreement and Title III-C Funding Agreement approved with no discussion

• A resolution to approve the proposed road for the nursing home facility yet to be built approved with proposed satirical names discussed amongst the council

---------------------------------

In September 2013, Cooke was hired as the editor of both the Augusta Area Times and the Tri-County News. She can be reached via ateditor@media-md.net or (715) 597-3313. Follow us on Twitter or check out our Facebook page for more updates!