Council delays Ward 9 alderperson appointment

At the January 20th meeting, the Menomonie City Council voted to delay appointing a replacement for the vacant Ward 9 alderperson seat, opting instead to open the position to interested residents.

Ward 9 Council Member Sydney Brennen officially resigned effective January 9, 2026, after moving out of the ward. Mayor Randy Knaack proposed appointing former Ward 9 Alderperson Chad Schlough to complete the remainder of the term, which runs through April 2027. Schlough was the previous alderperson but was defeated by Brennen in the last election.

Council Member Gretchen Yonko made a motion to postpone the appointment until the February 16th council meeting to allow time to notify Ward 9 residents, advertise the vacancy, and invite letters of interest from anyone wishing to be considered.

Council Member Gentz seconded the motion.

City Attorney Ben Ludeman and several council members noted that this is how vacancies have been handled in the past.

Public Works Director David Schofield noted that a public hearing on NSEDs is scheduled for the February 2nd meeting, which primarily affects Ward 9, leaving Ward 9 without representation in that discussion. Yonko responded that providing an opportunity for other residents to apply was an important part of the process.

Council Member Ryland Erdman asked what the council’s options are for filling the vacancy. Ludeman explained that the council may either appoint a successor for the remainder of the term or call a special election, potentially as early as April 7, though timing may be too tight to place the seat on the ballot. He added that the length of the remaining term does not affect the council’s authority to choose either option.

Prior to voting, the motion was read - Motion made by Yonko and seconded by Gentz to postpone the appointment of Chad Schlough as replacement Ward 9 Alderperson through the remainder of the present term of office in order to allow time to advertise the position to residents of Ward 9, to be brought back before the Council on February 16th.

The motion was approved, with Council Member Solberg casting the only vote against the motion.

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Non-profit Grant Program

The council approved final details of the city’s nonprofit grant program, setting the budget at $50,000. The program, originally approved at the July 21, 2025, meeting, replaces the city’s previous subsidy model with a competitive, application-based system.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 19, 2026, with completed applications expected to be brought before the council no later than its second meeting in March for approval and disbursement.

Council Member Schwebs, who voted against the program when it was first approved, voted in favor this time but raised concerns that the maximum award of $20,000 could limit funding to as few as three organizations, compared to as many as 16 supported in past years. He suggested the program should eventually be phased out. Mayor Knaack noted the council could consider using contingency funds if it wished to increase the total amount.

Council Member Sommerfeld also voiced concerns, particularly about sustainability plan requirements. The motion passed 9–1, with Sommerfeld casting the no vote. 

Recycling and solid waste ordinance updates

The council also approved updates to the city’s recycling and solid waste ordinances following changes to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administrative code that took effect July 1, 2025. Environmental Program Coordinator Megen Hines said the changes were required for compliance and also incorporated best practices and consistency with other city ordinances.

Updates included revised definitions, clarified responsibilities for multi-family and non-residential properties, changes to yard waste and Christmas tree recycling rules, removal of references to landfill operations, and updated solid waste permit terms. The ordinances were also amended to allow the council to set recycling and solid waste rates and disposal fees by resolution rather than ordinance. Resolutions approving the current rates were adopted, with no rate increases.

In other business…

• The council approved the hiring of Jason Garcia as the city’s new Wastewater Utility Superintendent. Garcia will replace Paul Sterk, who is retiring after 21 years with the city. Garcia, currently the laboratory coordinator at the Fond du Lac Wastewater Treatment & Resource Recovery Facility, will begin Feb. 2. Sterk’s last day is Feb. 12.

• The council also approved hiring Brock Meriwether as Community Services Superintendent. Meriwether, a Menomonie native and city employee for 11 years, will replace Dave Frank, who is retiring after more than 37 years of service.

• The council authorized the Menomonie Police Department to seek bids for three new patrol vehicles as part of its annual fleet replacement program.