Marshfield Common Council Approves Public Information Campaign for Public Safety Referendum

Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 -- 12:00 PM

The Marshfield Common Council approved a budget request regarding a public information campaign for the public safety funding referendum.

The City has signed a contract with Miller Communications in Milwaukee, which quoted a price of $43,945. However, it was decided to pay $45,000 to the company to pick up any unforeseen expenses that may occur.

The money will come from the contingency fund and 50% will be sent to the Police Department budget and 50% to the Fire Department budget. The money will be drawn from these accounts.

The Board also approved the ATV/UTV route signage. However, the initial cost for the signs has been decreased from $17,000 to $11,400. This is due to Central Wisconsin ATV Club willing to donate signs and reduce cost and a Power Pac employee stated she is willing to pick up a third of the cost of sign purchase.

Plus, there are other possible grants for them to apply for. The Council did approve the amount and the City will continue to look for other ways to reduce that cost.

The Council also approved a DNR Forestry Grant. The City applied for the grant to plant additional trees. It was a 50/50 grant with the City’s cost coming to $20,082.20. This money will come from the contingency fund, but it has a revenue source, so it won’t affect the fund balance.

The Council also approved a Law Enforcement Agency Grant. The grant is for $50,964 and, again, will come from the City’s contingency fund, but it has a revenue source, so it won’t affect the fund balance.

The Board also approved the second reading of the ordinance establishing routes for use of ATVs/UTVs in the City of Marshfield and the second reading of an ordinance regarding Electric Vehicle Parking. This permits parking at longer lengths for charging and is restricted for EV vehicles.

The Board also heard some information regarding an ordinance that would rezone properties located at 710 South Columbus Avenue, 1414 West 5th Street, and parcel #33-03354 from SR-2 (Single-Family Residential) to CD (Campus Development District) and an ordinance that would adopt the Campus Master Plan for Columbus Catholic Schools.

The campus is located at 710 South Columbus Avenue, 1414 West 5th Street, and parcel #33-03354. All are zoned SR-2 Single Family Residential), but in the process of rezoning to CD (Campus Development). No action was taken with both those items.

The Council also heard information on an ordinance restricting the sale of products containing Delta 8 & 10 THC, but no action was taken. The Council did approve a request to authorize Request for Proposals for professional services related to possible acquisition of the property at 2504 South Central Avenue for a police station.

As we recently reported, the City was approached about a donation of the Wildwood Plaza building and property to be used as a new Police Station. This will allow the City to look at what needs to be done to the building and property to accommodate the Police Department.

A resident also made some comments on that donation during the Public Comments portion of the meeting. The Council also approved the 5-year financial plan and to create a committee that will interview current staff regarding employment concerns.

The hope is that this will help with some of the high turnover the city has experienced with their employees. The Board was also presented with information regarding Mary Jo Wheeler and Adam Fischer being appointed to the Economic Development Board, but no action was taken.

The Council also heard from four candidates interested in filling the unexpired term of the 7th District Alderperson. Those interested include Mary Besler, Brian Giles, Dan Hollenbeck, and Tim Moen.

The Council also heard an update on sharing costs for a school resource officer with the Marshfield School District. Discussion and work on that item will continue. The Board also saw a brief presentation regarding the work that was done on E. 17th Street near the fairgrounds. The project came in at $2 million and was under budget.

Finally, the Council heard an update on a chicken ordinance for the City. Initial discussion on this began in 2011 and was ultimately voted down. It was asked to be reviewed in 2020 and they’re stuck on two main points: enforcement and what to do with confiscated chickens? There are also zoning issues to deal with. Work on this ordinance will continue.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.