July 21's monthly meeting the Fennimore City Council was the first council meeting for new Fennimore Director of Public Works (DPW) Anthony Downing. Downing had previously been employed by the city as a line worker in the electrical department.
Former director Jordan Fritche will be returning to the electrical department as line worker.
Downing’s hiring was approved during a closed session portion of last month’s council meeting.
In her report, City Clerk Ashley Edge stated that herself, superintendents, and Downing would like to begin going through the personnel practices manual to make sure that it is up-to-date. Once completed, it will have to be sent to city attorney Ben Wood, and then to the council for approval.
Fennimore Police Chief Chris French stated in his report that an audit of the evidence room was recently completed and no problems were found. Also that remaining department donated funds will be used to purchase pedestrian safety warning devices for Lincoln Avenue.
In his first report as DPW, Downing also mentioned the city was working with the police department on the upcoming installation of pedestrian safety devices at busy intersections.
Downing also stated the city assisted Southwest Tech in getting their new solar array project online.
Fennimore resident Lelan Gimnick spoke during the citizen comments portion of Monday’s meeting, thanked the city for the recent improvements to sidewalks, curbs, and crosswalks, making them more “wheelchair friendly.”
He also stated he spoke with Downing about getting the bathrooms in the Memorial Building more handicapped accessible, stating that there are few compliant ones on Lincoln Avenue.
Gimnick stated having the city more ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant would attract more handicapped people to the area to visit, travel, and take part in community events.
Margaret Sprague gave her monthly Fennimore Tree Board update, reporting that two wildflower patches had been “adopted” through the Adopt a Wildflower Patch program, and that the board is looking for a new member to fill the board.
In other business, the council approved Ziegler Companies bid for a new cooling system for the diesel plant, as well as the purchase of a new printer/scanner/copier.
The 2025-2026 school year contract between the city and Southwest Tech for law enforcement/police liaison services was also unanimously approved by the council.
Also approved by the council was the naming of Matt Omdahl to the board of the Dwight T. Parker Public Library.
Lastly the council approved the closing of city offices Sept. 11 and 12 for staff training.
The next meeting of the Fennimore City Council is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the Memorial Building.
