The 2020 Census numbers provided good news for the City of Wilson. The 2020 number of residents is 859, which is an increase of 78 over the 2010 census numbers. According to City Clerk Susan Kriley, Wilson is the only city in Ellsworth County to experience an increase.

Prior to the regular meeting of the Wilson city council Monday night, a short hearing was held for a violation to the Animal/Poultry guidelines. Melinda Merrill with the Midland Railroad Hotel, was granted a waiver to keep one rooster at the hotel. According to the guidelines, chickens are allowed, however, roosters are not unless the guidelines are waived.

In other business: ·

· During the regular meeting, David Criswell recused himself as a council member so he could provide a list of requests as a resident that he was asking of the mayor and the council. No action was taken on the requests.

· Mayor Mike Peschka has been meeting with other Ellsworth County mayors, Ellsworth County Economic Development director Stacie Schmidt and Ellsworth city administrator Rusty Varnado regarding the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. The current plan expires Dec. 31. Wilson is working on a more aggressive plan for Wilson to be more appealing. Peschka will present more information at the next council meeting.

· A letter has been drafted to property owners of abandoned buildings according to the Abandoned Building Ordinance. A list is being gathered for the buildings that meet the vacant definition. ·

· After an executive session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel, the council voted to offer the police chief position to Brad Pflueger of Goodland at $4,006.17 per month for a 43-hour work week. The city hopes for a mid October start date. ·

· The Animal/Poultry waiver criteria was reviewed so next time there is an issue, the criteria can be provided. A draft will be presented at the next meeting.

At the Aug. 16 meeting, it was brought to the council’s attention there is a problem with traffic at the Wilson school during drop-off times. Two crosswalks have be added to help with the problem of students crossing the street into traffic. The school principal and the city will work together to continue to find a better way to keep students safe.

· Joiner Construction has started the construction process for the Moderate Incoming Housing Project’s set of duplexes. Water service has been installed, according to City Superintendent Joe Soukup. Council approved waiving the water/sewer tap fees on the project.

· Reliant Roofing will start this week on roof repairs of the city buildings. The works was approved last Spring.

· Peschka discussed two strategic planning groups that are meeting. One is through North Central Regional Planning Commission out of Beloit, with a company from Nebraska facililating. The second is hosted by ECED with the assistance of NCRPC. Housing, telling a story and jobs for trailing spouses are the main focus areas for the second group. Anyone interested in joining one of these groups can call Stacie Schmidt at (785) 472-4136.

· The city was appreciative of the Ellsworth County Road Department for chipping and sealing street. Streets in the northeast one-third of the city will be cracked sealed in November by Circle C.