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Marshfield Common Council Approves Long List of Items, Hears Parks Vandalism Update, and More

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023 -- 9:01 AM

The Marshfield Common Council held another meeting on top of their usual 4th Tuesday of the month meeting.

City Administrator Steve Barg explained the purpose of this early budget discussion meeting. Barg said, "We have a situation where, last year, we had meetings that went right up to November 10th. And that makes it a little uncomfortable in terms of trying to get a budget sent off to public hearing and adoption to get the tax bills prepared."

"We also had a lot of difficult conversations we were having, even in October, because there were a lot of difficult questions. There were a lot of financial issues we were fighting with in terms of trying to make things balance. We want to get out ahead of it this year. That's the purpose, in large part, for this meeting, to get a jump start on the 2024 budget process."

The Council then heard a presentation on the 2022 Financial Audit Report and heard a presentation on the 2024 budget process. Besides some questions, discussion, and identifying some potential budget priorities, no action was taken on either of these items.

The Council also heard an update on the vandalism occurring at the City’s parks. "We've been working with the Police Department and Chief Gurink and we were able to apprehend the individuals who vandalized S.J. Miller Park a couple weeks ago. So, thank you to the Police Department and the officers involved in apprehending those kids."

"Hopefully, the get a chance to clean up some of the mess they created. We are going to be installing cameras in our parks system to be able to catch those individuals moving forward. So, I just wanted to let you know that those individuals were apprehended those involved in S.J. Miller Park."

It was also mentioned that the City’s Chicken Ordinance received a thumbs up from the Planning Commission, with some minor changes, that include removing language that would have required a resident to get permission from neighbors to have chickens and adding language that would prohibit the sale of chickens. The item will be in front of the Council for approval in July.

The Council also heard a presentation from the Historic Preservation Commission. They awarded the 2023 Historic Preservation Award to local historian Kenneth Wood. The Council also approved a resolution showing appreciation to the State of Wisconsin for approving the shared revenue bill. Because of the approval, the City of Marshfield will see an extra $1,030,000 in revenue.

The Council also approved the Capital Improvement Program, approved Revisions to the City’s Investment Policy, approved entering into an agreement with Ehlers Investment Partners for investment services, and approved to update the City’s public depositories.

The Council also approved to have the mayor form a committee to discuss housing for the City. The Board also approved an appointment to the Economic Development Board, had the first reading of an appointment to the Business Improvement District Board, and approved members to the City’s Audit Committee.

Some other items approved by the board include, from the Marshfield Utilities Commission:

  • Job Order # 5876 (water main on South Lincoln Street: Adler to 5th) in the amount of $282,070.17;
  • Job Order #18170 (rebuild overhead single phase on Chase Road) in the amount of $74.403;
  • And Job Order #18224 (electrical work in the Northern Hills subdivision) in the amount of $242,280.

From the Board of Public Works, they approved:

  • Resolution No. 2023-38 (annual Wastewater CMAR);
  • Approved repairing/coating of high strength waste tank (Wastewater) in the amount of $130,985;
  • And approve purchase/installation of replacement boiler at City Hall in the amount of $19,440.

From the Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee, they approved:

  • Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Response System Services contract;
  • Approved extension of an agreement for planning-related services with SEH;
  • Direct staff to begin creation and recruitment of Assistant City Administrator/Community Development position;
  • Approved policy regarding funds from Marshfield Utilities;
  • And approved promotion of James Perton to Civil Engineer II and set initial rate of pay.

Finally, from the Planning Commission, they approved:

  • The Master Sign Plan Amendment for the Marshfield Mall;
  • And Resolution No. 2023-40, Specific Implementation Plan for Hole in One Mini Golf.

They also heard an update regarding controlling dust at the Fairgrounds. They have put down water and chloride a couple times to help control dust, but they’re operating on a limited budget.

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