For Dodgeville residents, there are state-funded road construction projects starting April 20 you should be aware of. The reconstruction of the STH 18/STH 23 intersection and the STH 18/Johns Street intersection in Dodgeville is tentatively scheduled to start on April 20th. The project will consist of removal and replacement of pavements with lane closures at the STH 23/18 intersection in Dodgeville. In addition, the fourlane segment of highway from the Dodgeville North City limit (Military Ridge Road intersection) to the STH 18/23 intersection will be converted from a four-lane segment to a two-lane segment with a center turn lane. The 18/23 intersection will be improved to relocate turn lanes to enhance visibility at the intersection. The project will be phased/staged construction for through traffic therefore the intersection will be passable for the project although limited to one lane in each direction. This project will be ongoing through early August.
In Public Comment, resident Pat Seiling from The Dodge Theatre spoke on concern of Bob’s Bitchin BBQ taking up too many street parking spots for its outside dining and limiting potential theatre patrons parking. She said on many nights the chairs and tables are not full, and it’s unclear where people can park their vehicles. The Council acknowledged that downtown parking could have better signage directing people to the parking lot behind the courthouse and will look into the matter.
In his Police Report, Chief Brandon Wilhelm besides reminding the council of the upcoming road construction, March calls were up 6% from last year, however he noted that arrests increased 125%, mostly OWI arrests followed by resisting/obstructing arrests and battery charges. He thanked the Public Works and Fire Department for assistance at the No Kings Rally in setting up water barricades and the rally of approximately 400 people went smoothly.
If you haven’t seen it, the radar speed sign on the north side of town is up reminding motorists to watch their speed. Officer Peppers is creating a video with the help of high school students on E-bikes to present to other students, making them aware of the new city ordinance. And finally, he mentioned the two new police department hires have passed their pre-employments testing and will be sworn in on June 2.
In her Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Report, Emily Wolfe said election day went smooth with having it at the Law Enforcement Center and she will be gone for clerk training this week in Eau Claire. She reminded residents that the 2026 City of Dodgeville Spring Clean Up Days are April 29 through May 2. Check the city website on what you can set at the curb, and what you can dispose of at the City Garage and associated fees.
In his Mayor Report, Barry Hottmann thanked Emily, her staff and volunteers for all their hard work on election day, and he thanked Chief Wilhelm, his staff and the Fire Department for all their assistance with the No Kings Rally.
He also updated the council on the congressional earmark grant of $562,000 for the fire and EMS training project. He said he met with Fire Chief Brian Whitehouse to complete necessary paperwork for the grant and to identify potential sites for the training.
In New Business and based on the recommendation from the Finance and Personnel Committee, the Council unanimously approved the hiring of two casual EMS positions because of staff shortages.
Based on a recommendation from the Public Works Committee, the Council approved Municipal Well and Pump to inspect Well #8 for $23,700. The Well is only operating at 50%. It was installed in 2003 and is 790 feet deep. The cost is for pulling the pump and inspection of it to see why it isn’t working at full capacity. Other associated costs could be incurred based on what the inspection finds.
Based on a recommendation from the Public Works Committee, the Council approved a new truck for the Street Department in a quote not to exceed $50,000 from Hallada Motors. After council discussion, the Council narrowly voted 4-3 to Approve (With Jeff Weber abstaining) stating that future bids need to be specific on its quote.
Hallada Motors for the Parks Department was approved 8-0 for $60,995. From a recommendation from the Ordinance and Regulation Committee, section 9.046 was approved relating to the restrictions of sale and possession of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Chief Wilhelm said it would be illegal for a person under the age of 21 to use any amount of any hemp-derived cannabinoid, other than delta-9 THC, including delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC. The Ordinance states a retailer must post a sign in areas within the premises where any help-derived cannabinoid is sold, and that vending machines attach a notice in a conspicuous place on the front of their vending machine stating the purchase under the age of 21 is prohibited.
Based on a recommendation from Mayor Hottmann and City Attorney Eric Hagen, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Emily Wolfe was appointed to interim Clerk for the City of Dodgeville. In a similar capacity, Alderman Jerry Johnson was appointed to the Chairperson for the Administrative and Personnel Committee.
And finally, Mayor Hottmann recognized Alderman Larry Tremelling for his ten years of service to the city. Tremelling did not run for re-election as Alderperson District 4 Wards 7, 8 and 9.
Also Approved were the Approval of Minutes from March 17, 2026, and Approval of Claims as follows. General $708,757.25 Water $134,2356.46 Sewer $201,240.15 Total $1,044,232.86
The next Common Council Regular Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, at the Administration Building beginning at 5:30. For more City news and updates, go to www.dodgevillewi.gov.
Mayor Barry Hottmann recognizes and thanks Larry (LT) Tremelling for his ten years of dedicated service to the City of Dodgeville. Tremelling did not run for re-election and Hottmann thanked him for his time and commitment and thoughtfulness in his decision-making for a decade guiding Dodgeville forward in his role as Alderperson.