Public Meetings & Hearings

Public Hearings

Certain matters such as zoning changes, adoption of the annual budget, street vacations, removal of city officers for cause, and other specified topics require a formal public hearing before action can be taken by the Common Council. Public hearings are generally held at the start of a regularly-scheduled Council meeting.

A standard procedure is followed to assure that all parties have a fair and impartial opportunity to express themselves on the matter, and to enable Council members to fully understand all issues before voting.

Appearances

Any citizen may appear before the Common Council and address any issue on the agenda. Because of the need to comply with the Open Meetings Law, any matter for which Council action is desired must appear on the published agenda. The agenda is finalized and distributed on the Friday preceding each meeting. Anyone desiring to have an issue placed on the agenda should make his or her request to the City Administrator or City Clerk.

City Council

The Common Council generally meets on the second and last Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 601 Main Street W. Special meetings are also held when required. Contact the City Clerk for a specific meeting schedule at 715-682-7071.

Meetings are also available via GoTo Meetings for those who wish to attend virtually using the link below:

Using your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://meet.goto.com/500263957 
You can also dial in using your phone: (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073  
 Access Code: 500-263-957             
     
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install  

Please contact the Clerk's office if you require additional accommodations.

Commissions & Committee of the Whole

Following the conclusion of the Regular Council meeting, the Council meets as the Committee of the Whole to discuss introductory legislation and make recommendations for formal action to be taken at a future regular Council meeting.

The Council also receives recommendations from the following independent commissions and boards:

  • Airport Commission
  • Harbor Commission
  • Library Board
  • Park and Recreation Committee
  • Plan Commission

Council Actions

The Common Council enacts legislation and takes official action in various ways, operating under Roberts Rules of Order.

Motions are used to approve, reject, or table procedural matters such as appointing members to boards and commissions, accepting reports, authorizing contracts, giving direction to city staff, and similar routine business.

To get a closer look at how public open meetings work, view the fact sheet about Public Participation in Local Government Body Meetings (PDF).