Meyer questions Pilgrim

Does anybody know the last time we did a review of the security whether its cyber security or physical security of the water treatment plant and so on? That may be one of the duties that you need to tackle when you get appointed to this position.”

Alderperson Jason Meyer

The next City of Stanley Council meeting will be held November 20th at 7pm at City Hall.

At the Monday evening regular meeting, the Stanley City Council discussed the Community Engagement Study that was recently completed by Stanley residents. Some examples of questions asked were, “Do you know what Ward you live in?”, “Do you know who the alderpersons are for your Ward?”, and “How could the City benefit it’s residents more?” Many residents commented on the issue of drug use in the City and the frustration of residents not being more informed of City affairs.

Alderperson Jason Meyer asked Police Chief Lance Weiland for clarification on where funding comes from for the K9 program. Chief Weiland informed the Council that the initial funding was through fundraising and donations it is currently funded through the Police Departments salvage vehicle inspections. He confirmed that it is not funded through public tax money.

Meyer questioned Chief Weiland on his awareness of meth usage in the City. “I’m sure you are aware that there are people in town who use meth?”

Weiland commented “Yes, It’s definitely a problem. It’s a problem, quite frankly, in every community. We do what we can with the resources we have.”

Meyer asked if the canine on the K9 Unit has the capability to detect meth and questioned if he helps in that regard.

Chief Weiland answered, “Yes, for sure. It’s tough to get a true indication of how affective having a drug dog is because I do think one of the biggest benefits is the deterrents that it provides. I can almost guarantee you that if we didn’t have the dog, it would be worse than it is.” He spoke regarding the issue of drug use in the City. “It’s going to be a constant battle. We are always one step behind in a sense. It’s something we look to try to deal with as information comes about.” He explained that there are restrictions on what the Police Department can do regarding following laws and rights. “It’s a lot more involved than what I think a lot of people understand.”

A new stop sign will soon be installed at the northeast corner of Pine Street and Junction Avenue. At the November 6th meeting, Mayor Al Haas told the Council, “That’s the new road we put in. It has to have a stop sign coming back to Junction.” The stop sign was quickly approved with the installation date to be determined.

City Water Operator, Don Goettl was present at the Monday night meeting to discuss the replacement equipment for the water department from Pinnacle Ozone Solutions. With the amount to be paid coming in at $385,720.00, Goettl stated, “That should be a pretty solid number.” He added, “There’s a few things we will have to add in.”

The Council approved the Pinnacle Ozone Solutions, LLC. Technical and Commercial Proposal for the Ozone System in the amount of $385,720.00.

Alderperson Jason Meyer asked the Council, “Does anybody know the last time we did a review of the security whether its cyber security or physical security of the water treatment plant and so on? That may be one of the duties that you need to tackle when you get appointed to this position.” He addressed City Clerk Nicole Pilgrim due to her newly appointed position as City of Stanley Emergency Management Director.

Pilgrim stated, “I think it needs to be done city wide.”

Meyer commented on businesses in Eau Claire that had large sums of money stolen through cyber-crime.

Alderperson Jacob Huff mentioned that the terror threat to the water supply can be just as bad or even worse.

Meyer informed the Council that an employee from the Wasterwater Department told him that he is continually having issues meeting the phosphates standards set by the DNR and the state has not accomplished their phosphate reduction over the last ten years so there’s concern that the DNR will start “cracking down.”

“It’s a statewide problem,” Huff stated.

Meyer mentioned that there may need to be a study done soon to look into the wastewater or phosphate problem to come up with a solution sooner than later.

The next City of Stanley Council meeting will be held November 20th at 7pm at City Hall.

In other news

The Council unanimously approved the updated City of Stanley employee handbook per the recommendation of the Council as a whole.

The 2023 Resolution for Fire Department Services for Stanley Fire Department-Town of Colburn, Town of Wilson was unanimously approved by Council.

The Council also approved the 2023 Resolution for Fire Department Services for Stanley Fire Department Residents and Non-residents at the Monday evening meeting.

Stanley Police Officer Matthew Danielson has resigned due to finding employment elsewhere.