By John Dalton
The City of Dodgeville has set trick-or-treating hours for Saturday, October 31st, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Common Council approved the date and time at its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6th.
In his report, Dodgeville Police Chief Brandon Wilhelm said the department received 333 calls for service in September, compared with 322 at the same time last year. Arrests to date in 2026 total 157, up from 113 at this point last year. Two new officers will graduate from the academy and begin 12 weeks of field training, making them available in early January 2027. Interviews with additional applicants will begin October 19, with a decision expected by mid-November. Wilhelm also thanked city street crews for their help during the Homecoming parade.
In her interim clerk/treasurer report, Emily Wolfe said she attended a beneficial election safety training near Wausau. She and her staff continue preparing for the November midterm elections, with early voting beginning October 20th. City cleanup has concluded, and she will provide more information at the next meeting.
In his mayor’s report, Barry Hottmann said he attended a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation summit, where he joined mayors from Milwaukee, Madison, and Superior on a panel about the needs of communities ranging from large metropolitan areas to small cities. He said the library is nearing completion and recognized Dodgeville’s new city administrator, Brian Mooney, who attended his first council meeting since being hired.
Under new business, the Council approved Mounds City Bank to hold some of the City’s financial accounts. Other local institutions also hold City accounts, maintaining a balanced mix.
Also under new business, the Council appointed Natalie Duran to the Historic Preservation Commission based on the mayor’s recommendation. It authorized Fire Chief Brian Whitehouse to find a buyer for a fire truck being retired from service and approved up to $13,000 for a graphics package for the recently purchased fire truck.
The Council approved a city attorney-recommended contract amendment for EMS bad-debt collections through KOVO RCM, which recently acquired the previous collection agency. EMS Chief Brian Cushman said the amendment simply reestablishes the contract with the new company. After four unsuccessful attempts to collect payment for EMS services, the debt will be referred to KOVO RCM.
The Council approved a $50,637.50 library change order for additional winter-work charges from Daniels Construction. Library Director Carrie Portz said the Building Committee recommended the change and that the project remains under budget. The library will close for two weeks beginning October 19 while materials are moved from the temporary location to the new building. Children’s programs will continue at the Administration Building during the closure. More information is available at dodgevillelibrary.com.
Based on the Public Works Committee’s recommendation, the Council also approved the installation of two stop signs at East Grace and East Madison streets.
The Council’s final new business item was an agreement with Merjent, not to exceed $2,000, for work related to the TID 3 Development Project at the former truck stop. Because the site is in a wetland area, Merjent will conduct a one-day survey for the endangered Blanchard’s cricket frog. The DNR regularly reviews infrastructure projects in southwest Wisconsin to protect known cricket frog habitat, and Merjent’s biological services team will submit its findings to the agency by mid-October.
During public comment, resident Tony Ley suggested that the high school consider solar panels that heat water directly rather than charge batteries to help heat the school. He said the approach could produce significant savings and noted that grants are available to reduce costs for taxpayers.
Resident Steve DeMuth attended with four questions. He asked whether the City had discussed plans for the vacant land on East Fountain Street and for the space in the Administration Building after the library moves out. Mayor Hottmann said no formal discussions had occurred and invited DeMuth to share ideas with his alderperson. DeMuth also requested clarification on the Bea Ann Drive curb-and-gutter project and the final cost of restructuring the Administration Building.
Mayor Hottmann then read part of a letter from Wendy Nipple, a homebound resident with a disability who advocates for disability rights and represents herself in legal matters. She alleged that the City does not fully understand its obligations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To start the meeting the Consent Agenda was Approved which include the Minutes from September 15, 2026, Minutes from Special Council meeting on September 28, 2026, a Special Event license for the No Kings Vote Early hosted by Indivisible Southwest Wisconsin on October 17, 2026, and the Approval of Claims as follows:
$910,258.16 General $ 45,311.82 Water $ 33,090.16 Sewer $988, 660.14 Total
The next Common Council Regular Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For additional information the city website is dodgevillewi.gov.