Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
Two meetings scheduled for this evening, to discuss the elimination of the city administrator position and removing the mayor as a voting member of the city’s Festival Grounds Committee in lieu of a citizen voting member, have been cancelled by order of Mayor Woellner.
In a social media post Tuesday afternoon, Woellner announced the cancellation, stating the matters will be addressed in future meetings.
“I am cancelling both the Committee of the Whole (CoW) and the Special Common Council meetings this evening, Tuesday August 20th,” he said.
“The ordinance related to the composition of the Festival Grounds Committee will be addressed by the Committee of the Whole in September, likely to be the CoW meeting we’ve already planned for the 6th district alderperson. Consideration of the city administrator position will take place during our 2020 budget meetings. Although I think the elimination of the city administrator position is the best move, it should really be part of our overall budget discussion so that we receive appropriate input from the public. I would still like to maintain an aggressive timeline on this item, since severance for the position is already eating into next year’s budget. Our planned budget and strategic planning meetings offer a unique opportunity to gather input from the full community on this matter,” he explained.
“As I’ve previously stated, the 2020 budget will be a challenge. I feel strongly that we owe it to the tax-payers that we show we are capable of making the necessary adjustments to make up for last year’s mistake. That said, I’m looking for a $200,000 reduction in this year’s budget (or an increase in non-tax revenue). I look forward to our future budget and strategic planning meetings. I am confident that with maximum public input, we will arrive at the best 2020 budget and strategic plan possible. Due to the last minute cancellation, I will be in the city hall council chambers at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m to answer questions and receive input.”
Early Tuesday morning, Mayor Woellner expressed his plan for removing the City Administrator position, during a meeting with local business owners. Merrill business owners showed overwhelming support for City Administrator Dave Johnson. Merrill Public Works Director/City Engineer, Rod Akey was amongst those in support, stating he believes they need Johnson in his position.
“We need Dave (Johnson) as our City Administrator,” Akey directed to Mayor Woellner, “The City Administrator position already takes care of other positions we don’t have. You (Mayor Woellner) are only available 15-20 hours a week, we need the City Administrator because he is always available for us.”
Owner of Riverside Athletic Club, Paul Kienitz also shared some doubts he had about the direction the Mayor is moving the city.
“You are trying to cut out expenses that are necessary, instead of creating new revenue for the city.” said Kienitz.
The CoW meeting was originally planned for 5 p.m. followed by the Common Council meeting at 6 p.m.