As the exterior work of the remodeling/expansion of the Dwight T. Parker Public Library continues, plans for the library’s interior are taking shape. The Fennimore City Council approved the bidding process for delivery and installation of shelving and furniture for the library at their February meeting held on Feb. 16. 

The bid documents were previously approved by the library board with the deadline for bids set for April 1. The expected completion date for the library project is Sept. 30. 

In other library news, the council approved Katie Koestler as the Fennimore School District representative on the library board, replacing Jalissa Reynolds.

The council also approved two new members to the Fennimore Tree Board, JoAnn Wiederholt and Becky Fernette.

Tree board representative Margaret Sprague in her report stated that the board is continuing their “Adopt a Wildflower Patch” program at Oakwood Park to reduce the number of invasive species.

In her report, Fennimore City Clerk Ashley Edge noted that there are currently two registered write-in candidates, local business owner Rob Krantz, and Noah Hamann of Afflicted Productions, to replace current City of Fennimore Mayor Ryan Boebel, who is not seeking reelection.

The deadline to apply as a registered write-in candidate is Friday, April 3. The spring election will be held on Tuesday, April 7.

Edge also reported that the full city audit will take place on March 18-20, with auditors being on-site those days.

Fennimore Director of Public Works Anthony Downing in his report stated that the city discovered and repaired two water-main breaks, one on Highway 18 by the butcher shop and the other located at 7th and Roosevelt Streets.

He also stated that the city sold their 1994 Case tractor backhoe for $15,850, and the Quonset hut replacement building is all but finished with doors and electrical done and they are in the process of “moving stuff into the hut.”

Fennimore Police Chief Walt Dresen reported that the department will be due for a new squad car purchase this year, and he has begun to put together a bid sheet.

Dresen stated he will submit it for estimates in the coming weeks and then bring those to the council for review/approval.

The council went into closed session where City of Fennimore Water/Wastewater Operator Justin Tollefson was officially named the city’s water/wastewater superintendent.

The next meeting of the Fennimore City Council is scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 5:30 p.m., in the council chambers of the Memorial Building.