On this Tuesday evening, Mayor Lois called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. starting with roll call. Roll Call: Kent Strong, Joel Jacobsen, Thomas Vos, Robert Miller, John Ekes, Peter Girolamo, John Thate and James Beardsley. Also present were: City Administrator David Torgler, Department of Public Works Utility Manager Connie Wilson, Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel, Police Chief David Walsh, Fire Chief Dick Lodle, City Attorney Thomas Kircher and Building Inspector Patrick Scherrer.

Citizens Comments – None.

Approval of Minutes – Alderman Ekes moved and Alderman Girolamo seconded to approve the minutes of August 15, 2006. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Discussion of renaming Commerce Street to Pine Street – Mayor Lois and the City Council gave consideration to renaming Commerce Street to Pine Street. After research by staff members, the actual financial cost to the city would be relatively minor, however, this change would deviate from the City’s policy regarding how streets are numbered. Administrator Torgler noted that renaming Commerce Street would be consistent with the rest of the City. Several alderman raised concerns regarding this change being favorable to all of the affected residents and businesses prior to it going into effect. Concerns were also raised regarding the status of the City changing back to two way streets and how it would affect this street being renamed. After further discussion, it was determined that the two-way street issue, as well as the renaming of Commerce Street, would be brought back to the September 19, 2006 Committee of the Whole meeting for further discussion.

Motion 06-506 – Mayor Lois and the Council gave consideration to a request from the Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual Christmas parade on the first Friday in December beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Chamber also invited the Mayor and Council to participate in the parade as well as light the City’s Christmas tree in Wehmoff Square. This issue will move forward to the September 5, 2006 City Council meeting for consideration.

Other Matters – Alderman Beardsley voiced concern regarding the constant changing of the assessment roll. Administrator Torgler stated that National Appraisal has been slightly behind schedule, however assessment notices have been mailed out. He also noted that the Open Book conferences are scheduled for September 20 – 22, 2006 and the Board of Review on October 3, 2006.

Alderman Beardsley also voiced concern regarding whether there was a maintenance plan in effect to fill the cracks in the City’s roads. He noted that he received complaints from several neighbors on Briody Street, regarding the weeds growing due to the large cracks in the road not being filled. Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor, Larry Gobel, informed the Council that there is a maintenance program in place and the Street Department does do crack filling every year. He also noted that every year his department reviews both the areas that require crack filling as well as the five year repaving program so that dollars are not wasted on crack filling in areas that will soon be repaved.

Adjourn – Alderman Miller moved and Alderman Ekes seconded to adjourn. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Recording Secretary – Angela M. Hansen