Marshfield Common Council Has Another Lengthy Discussion on an Ordinance Regarding Remote Participation in Meetings

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 -- 8:01 AM

The Marshfield Common Council had another lengthy discussion on an ordinance regarding remote participation in Council and Committee meetings by Council members.

The main sticking points of those opposed to it felt that imposing a limit on the number of meetings they can attend via remote participation would only hurt their constituents. They just don’t see the point of limiting the number of meetings if that’s the only way they can attend.

They feel that at least they’re attending even if it’s not in person. Others felt that it was important to have this ordinance because people expect their Aldermen to be present at the meetings and address concerns they may have. There was also a lengthy discussion on who should make the decision on “punishment” if someone misses too many meetings in a row.

Both sides agreed it was important for a policy to address what to do if someone attending via remote loses connection and whether they can join the meeting again or should be considered absent from the remainder of the meeting.

In the end, after several failed/approved amendments, the Council decided to send the ordinance back to the Personnel Committee and have them cut the ordinance into smaller pieces addressing some of the issues that were discussed.

The Council had the first reading of another ordinance regarding weights and measures regulations. This is another way for the City to help balance their budget and pass on fees where they’re supposed to go.

DATCP checks equipment, like scales and gas pumps, to make sure they’re fair and working properly. DATCP bills the City over $8,000 for this service. If this ordinance is passed the City would bill the businesses their portion of the total amount. As this was the first reading, no action was taken.

The Council also approved a budget resolution that will send an old donation of $4,524.90 to take care of Second Street Community Center repairs and maintenance supplies.

The Council also approved to refer vacation of Bradford Court right-of-way to the Plan Commission for review and recommendation and approved to refer vacation of Veteran’s Parkway right-of-way to the Plan Commission for review and recommendation.

The Council also approved a task order with Strand Associates to help the City apply for a Stormwater Construction Grant for the Braem Park and they heard a request for the Council’s input related to development of the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program.

The Council also heard an update on the City’s bicycle ordinance and the annexation process and approaches, per the request of two Aldermen. The Council also approved Chris Michalski to complete an unexpired term on the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee. That term ends in April of 2025.

They also had the first reading of appointing Elizabeth LeMoine and Becky Huebner-Leu to the Committee on Aging. As it was the first reading, it was for information only and further action will be taken at the next Council meeting.

Some items approved during the approval of minutes from the various Committee meetings over the past couple weeks includes a preliminary resolution for special assessment projects, bidding and construction schedule for tertiary filtration and biosolids improvements, and bidding and construction schedule for Communications Department relocation project.

They also approved a 5-year lease extension with Marshfield Area Community Foundation for space at the Second Street Community Center, authorized a 1-month contract extension for economic development services with Cedar Corporation, and appointed a team to review responses to RFQ.

After lengthy discussion, they also approved a change to the City’s vacation policy and benefits coverage when it came to an employee's retirement/resignation from the City.

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