Two weeks ago, the City hired Laura Williamson as its new City Administrator. However, a recent personal development created another opportunity that allowed her to remain closer to her family in Illinois. At Tuesday’s regular City Council meeting, the Council unanimously approved an employment contract with Brian Mooney to serve as Dodgeville’s new City Administrator.
“While we were disappointed to learn that Laura would not be joining the City, we understand and respect her decision to accept an opportunity that allows her to remain close to her family in Rockford. It was a personal and family decision and not a reflection on Dodgeville or the position,” said Mayor Barry Hottmann.
“We were fortunate to have two very strong finalists. The Council had already expressed confidence in Brian Mooney during the interview process, which allowed us to move quickly when circumstances changed. With the Council’s approval of Brian’s employment contract, I’m very pleased to officially welcome him as Dodgeville’s new City Administrator. Brian brings strong municipal experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine enthusiasm for our community. While the process took an unexpected turn, I believe we reached a very positive outcome, and I look forward to working with Brian, the Council and our staff as we continue moving Dodgeville forward.”
Before accepting the Dodgeville City Administrator role, Mooney had served as Village Administrator in Shorewood Hills, in Madison, since July 2024. He previously served as Village Administrator in Cross Plains and Merrimac, Wisconsin, and spent 17 years in various management roles with the federal government. Mooney earned a master’s degree in public administration from the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison and holds bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mooney will become employed effective September 22, 2026.
During Public Comment, city resident Steve DeMuth raised concerns about downtown snow removal. He asked whether contracting the service could be a more practical and cost-effective option, allowing City crews to focus on street snow removal, and requested that the Council explore the idea. He also asked where to find change order costs for the City Administration Building. Mayor Hottmann said the information is not posted on the City website but could be obtained through an Open Records request, which is available on the site.
Curtis Bennett and Pat Seiling also raised similar questions about downtown snow removal and the possibility of removing downtown trees. Alderman Jerry Johnson said he serves on the Tree Committee and that the committee will review the matter because Dodgeville is a designated Tree City.
In Reports, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jenna Vondra provided an update on recent and upcoming Dodgeville events. She said 80 golfers took part in the annual Chamber golf outing in June and that she was pleased with the turnout. For July events, she reported that Town Square, despite weather challenges and an unexpected downtown water leak, was enjoyed by those who attended the two-week event. Vondra also said DodgeFest was again successful, drawing about 1,000 attendees. She thanked the volunteers who helped make the events possible, noting that they rely on local support.
Vondra said several fall events are planned, including a Volunteer Tailgating Party before the Dodgeville football game on Friday, September 18, in the Chamber parking lot. Other upcoming activities include Coffee Celebrating Women in Business, the Spooky Hallowine Walk, the release of a new tourism guide, and Chamber Board nominations. Chamber information is available at dodgeville.com.
In her Recreation Report, Director Megan James said summer programs went well and are winding down after drawing more than 1,300 participants. She reported that eight sponsored fence signs have been installed at the Harris Park ball fields. James also took part in Upland Hills Health Family Fun Day, which gave her ideas for the new school year as families prepare for classes to begin. She said the pool season will end August 28, followed by the annual Paws Paddle on August 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when dogs can jump in the pool and have some fun.
She said the swim team has their new record board up thanks to Girl Scout Troop 7218 for their hard work with the project. She thanked Culvers not for one, but two Share Day Events and thanked all the people who came out and supported it. She said fall programs are about to begin with 29 programs offered and that winter/spring programs will open up for registration in November.
In the Library Report, Director Carrie Portz highlighted the collaboration the library had with the City’s Recreation Department, Upland Hills Health, Exhale Fitness, and Chamber of Commerce to discuss marketing and getting the message out with their respective programs. She said once a month the library will be planning with Folklore Village and soon with Clean Wisconsin for upcoming programs.
Portz said the library collaborated with the Iowa County Historical Society and Historic Preservation Commission for Town Square Local History Day. She also reported that 81 people attended a River Valley Raptors program at the Ridgeway Volunteer Library on a Saturday morning in July. Touch a Truck and the Back to School Bonanza, held with Iowa County libraries, were both successful, with each event distributing 200 new books. Portz said the library received 12 applications for fulland part-time positions and has narrowed the search to two candidates.
Portz also reported that nearly 1,000 people participated in the summer reading program. In addition, nearly 1,500 people attended 29 children’s programs, and 300 people attended 22 adult programs. She said the Library Project remains on schedule and under budget. For complete project updates, visit dodgevillelibrary.com and click the “Library Building Project” icon in the upper left corner.
In Old Business, the Council Approved a work quote from CivicPlus of $10,600 for the Municipal Websites Central and Agenda Meeting Management (AMM) Select mitigations.
In New Business, Approved was a renewal contract with TC Networks which will run through June of 2027 for $45,311.93. TC Networks has been working with the City for several years with no issues and they are very responsive to all requests and needs.
Also Approved was a recommendation from the Public Works Committee to waive the City’s public bid requirement to purchase a new street sweeper from Envirotech Equipment for $261,284.00. The old sweeper has been in use for 20 years, so it had a good run. Public Works Director Dylan Wadzinski said there is no value for trade with the old sweeper and the City will continue to use it until it no longer can.
Approved was a quote of $11,740 to do additional test pumping related to the Well #8 Rehabilitation project. Wadzinski said the rehabilitation news was good coming out of Well #8 and it is performing well. It was underperforming pumping only 240 gallons per minute and following the rehab it is now pumping 360 gallons per minute. The temporary fourhour test will determine if a new pump could pump 600 gallons per minute and if so a new pump discussion would come before the Council at a later date.
The next Common Council Regular Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 1 at the City Administration Building.
To begin the meeting, the Consent Agenda was Approved to include the minutes from August 4, 2026, and the claims as follows:
General $241,373.57
Water $72,705.79 Sewer $12,176.41 Total $326,255.77
The next Common Council Regular Meeting will be on Tuesday, September 1, at the Administration Building. For all City news and updates, go to dodgevillewi.gov.