During Public Comment, Matt Pivit addressed the council, introducing himself as a representative of Republic Services, which recently acquired Faherty Garbage and Recycling in Platteville. He noted that the transition had gone smoothly, with operations continuing as usual, and the council confirmed they had not received any local complaints.
Beth Mikrut-Gilles, who runs In the Beginning Childcare in Dodgeville, asked whether her learning center could receive notifications in the event of a school lockdown. She explained that their facility may have up to 50 children and staff present, yet they currently do not get alerts if a nearby school or hospital goes into lockdown. For the safety of everyone, the council and police department plan to investigate ways to ensure the learning center is notified during such situations.
Wendy Nipple discussed previous topics she has raised during meetings, including snow removal near handicap stalls and downtown sidewalks. She also noted that there is no handicap stall at the police department and reminded the council that the city lacks an ADA coordinator. Wendy expressed her hope that these issues will be addressed soon.
In the Reports section, Police Chief Brandon Wilhelm stated that there were 457 calls for service in April, reflecting a 6% increase compared to April of the previous year. During the first four months of the current year, the department responded to 1,494 calls for service, marking a 3% rise over the prior year. The number of arrests has increased by 62% overall compared to last year, primarily attributed to incidents involving disturbances, battery, and operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses.
He said a Safe Ride Event will take place at Harris Park on May 12 and 13 for ATV and UTV operators. 73 middle school kids are in the DARE program, and those kids will have a graduation ceremony on May 21, and he thanked Officer Pepper for all his work he does with kids and the DARE program. His officers are prepared for the May 25 Memorial Day parade, and his officers will be in training later this month as well. And if you noticed the speed sign driving south on Bequette Street hasn’t been working, after 16 years, the original battery died and will soon be replaced.
In her Interim Clerk/Treasurer Report, Emily Wolfe said the city cleanup days went well and the city collected over $1,100 with people disposing of appliances and electronics, primarily a lot of freon units and flat screen tv’s. She also reported that Open Book and Board of Review have been scheduled for the City of Dodgeville later in May.
Check out the city website for days and times.
In his Mayor Report, Barry Hottmann is fairly confident the Idle Sites Redevelopment grant, and the two development agreements for Pizza Ranch and Tru by Hilton hotel should be ready to review at its next council meeting on May 19th agenda. He reported the library project is on schedule and moving well. He and Fire Chief Brian Whitehouse have been looking at sites for the Congressional Earmark from the Federal Government for the fire training tower.
On a 7-0 roll call vote, the Council Approved the City Administrator job description draft with minor wording changes regarding how the Administrator and Mayor responsibilities would work and related ordinance draft for the City Administrator position.
The council unanimously approved buying a 1997 Pierce Lance Pumper Tanker for the Dodgeville Fire Department from Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus (Union Grove, Alabama) for $145,000. Chief Brian Whitehouse confirmed the tanker is in good condition with only 28,000 miles and meets all requirements. A similar new tanker would cost almost $1 million, and this truck is expected to last 15-20 years.
Based on a recommendation from the Public Works Committee, Feiner Construction from Spring Green was Approved for three separate repairs and updates to the Comer Pool and city parks. The first being shower ceiling repair for both the men’s and women’s showers for $15,770, the addition of changing stalls to the men’s locker room contingent of a class 1 notice being published before work begins for $12,971, and for the replacement of many multiple park facility doors at Dodgeville parks for $31,357.
On a 7-0 roll call vote, Ordinance 26-8 regarding street and sidewalk excavations was Approved, as was a renewal with J.F. Ahern for the annual City Hall Fire Alarm Monitoring Agreement for $550. Because a seasonal Parks Laborer position became vacant, the council Approved the posting of the position for the 2026 season.
And the final topic Mayor Hottmann brought up was to consider streaming and record all common council meetings on Zoom in the near future. On a roll call vote, it was approved 7-0 to look into the matter and to have further discussion on how that would work and look. He said it provides transparency for residents who can watch, partake in Public Comment, and re-watch the meeting at a later date.
Many Special Event Licenses were Approved in the Consent Agena to include; Parent Palooza hosted by Upland Hills Health on May 6, 2026; St. Joseph School Tiger Chase hosted by St. Joseph School on May 13, 2026; Memorial Day Parade hosted by Gomer Lewis Post 97 American Legion on Monday, May 25, 2026; Isaah Argyle and Andrew Hessling Graduation Party hosted by Mary Jo Bennish and Bre Hessling on May 23, 2026; Farmers Appreciation Day hosted by Farmers Appreciation Day committee on July 12, 2026.
Also Approved were Temporary B Alcohol Beverage License for the following events: 2026 Dodgeville Knights Home Talent Baseball Club games to be held on the following dates May 9, 24, 31, June 7, 11, 25, 28, July 2, 4, 9, 12, & 23, & August 6th at Centennial Park Concession Stand; Tiger Chase hosted by St Joseph School & Church on May 13, 2026.
At the beginning of the meeting the Minutes of April 8, 2026, and Claims were Approved as follows:
General $822,794.59 Water $66,188.93 Sewer $83,437.75 Total $972,421.27
The next Common Council Regular Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Administration Building beginning at 5:30. For more City news and updates, go to www.dodgevillewi.gov.