In her Recreation Report, Director Megan James said seven programs are underway in October, including gymnastics with 168 participants. The winter and spring Activities Guide is being finalized, and registration will open during the first week of November. She added that the Recreation Committee will meet October 28 to develop recommendations for park improvements and discuss with the Council the use of the City Hall multipurpose room.
Planning is underway for an Arts and Crafts Fair in the multipurpose room on May 1, 2027, to benefit the Pool Fundraising Team. James also reported that Upland Hills Health has pledged $1,500 to the Financial Assistance program, expanding access to local recreation programs and activities for families.
James also summarized the pool’s generally positive 2026 season. Revenue declined slightly, largely because weather disrupted many outdoor events. Swim team participation increased from 60 to 82. The team plans to host a three or four-team invitational in 2027 and a seven or eight-team conference meet in 2028. And for residents who did not know, the pool can be rented out for private events, and to inquire, contact the Parks and Recreation Department for details.
In her Interim Clerk/Treasurer Report, Emily Wolfe said absentee voting began Tuesday, with 70 voters casting ballots at City Hall on the first day. Absentee voting hours are available on the city website. Voting in the November 3rd election will take place at the Law Enforcement Center. Wolfe also reported that Fall Clean-up was successful, with Friday the busiest day and flat-screen TVs the most commonly discarded item. She continues to update the website. In his Mayor’s Report, Barry Hottmann said most books have been moved from the temporary library to the new facility and thanked the many community volunteers assisting with the move. A soft opening is tentatively scheduled for November 3, followed by a tentative grand opening on November 15. He also noted that the new parking stalls and drop-box circle at City Hall are complete.
Under New Business, the Council discussed Republic Services’ garbage and recycling options with Municipal Services Manager Matt Pivit. The contract expires at year-end. Pivit recommended 95-gallon recycling carts collected every other week. The Council will decide whether weekly garbage collection should use 65- or 95-gallon carts and will vote on the contract at its November regular meeting.
Mayor Hottmann read a proclamation designating November 2-6, 2026, as Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) and urging drivers to slow down and move over because lives are at stake.
By a 7-0 roll-call vote, the Council approved CivicPlus’s quote for updated recreation software. The City currently pays $5,313 annually for RecDesk. CivicPlus would cost $8,693 for setup and the first year of service, followed by an annual fee of $3,620. The lower ongoing cost would recover the initial expense within three years.
The Council voted 7-0 to approve the 2027 Stray and Abandoned Dog Contract for Services with the Iowa County Humane Society for $10,000.
The Council reviewed a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for streets and utilities with Vierbicher Project Manager Logan Hansen. The plan prioritizes projects based on pavement conditions and sanitary and storm sewer needs, helping the Council identify future street, water, and sewer improvements.
Following the Plan Commission’s recommendation, the Council voted 7-0 to approve Philip Ley’s zoning change application for Parcel 216- 1078, a 20.7-acre property north and south of E. North Street. The property will be rezoned from B-H General Highway Business District to R-1 Oneand Two-Family Residential District.
The Council also voted 7-0 to approve a Professional Services Reimbursement Agreement with Diamond Oak Properties LLC, requiring the company to reimburse the City for professional services provided on its behalf.
The Council approved Stephanie Bennett’s appointment as a City of Dodgeville election worker for the remainder of the 2027-2027 election cycle. It also voted 7-0 to approve Fehr Graham Engineering’s proposal for annual safety training.
Finally, the Council discussed the new City Hall sign and surrounding landscaping and reviewed a rendering of the proposed design. The Council will consider approving the work at its November 4th meeting.
Prior to the meeting the Consent Agenda was Approved to include the minutes from the October 6, 2026, meeting, and the claims as follows: $1,023,955.78 General $26,713.66 Water $25,045.30 Sewer $1,075,715.74 Total
Because of the election on November 3, the next Common Council Regular Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. A Special Council Meeting will be held next Monday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the preliminary budget, and on Tuesday, November 17, the Council will Approve the budget at its regular meeting. For additional information and updates, go to dodgevillewi.gov.