Council expands emergency spending authority for storm cleanup; amendment approved

Council considered R2926, a resolution to increase the limit of authorization to expand or commit public funds related to city operations responding to storm damage. Alderman Rand proposed an amendment to the dollar figure in the resolution; the council approved the amendment on a roll call and later approved the amended resolution by the same tally. Clerk Janet recorded the votes as 8-0 for both the amendment and the final resolution.

Director Martin briefed the council on operations covered by the emergency authorization: contractor hauling by DTech, construction-and-demolition curbside disposal to Outagamie County Landfill, brush grinding and staging at the city quarry (adjacent to Buckland's), and building-inspection services provided by the City of Appleton. He said some costs are retroactive and that municipal partners provided estimates that added about $500,000 to the request. Director Martin said, "In total we're looking at $1,738,800," and emphasized that disposal costs for processed vegetative material are not included in the emergency estimate because those are not deemed emergent and will be addressed separately.

The council discussed overtime and equipment costs in public works and whether special pickups would be coordinated for the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Director Martin said bulk vegetative pickups may be scheduled for specific areas and that DTech hauling is expected to wind down soon. The amended authorization and final resolution passed 8-0; staff said they will return with required interim financing and further details.