Marshfield Common Council Approves Changes to Food Truck Ordinance and Tables Awarding Bid for Wenzel Family Plaza Bathroom

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

The Marshfield Common Council approved an amended Municipal Code regarding food truck vendors at their meeting Tuesday evening.

This began when Marshfield began updating its Municipal Codes and enforce rules that had always been on the books in the City, but not necessarily known by vendors and event organizers regarding food trucks.

The changes would have barred food trucks from operating on city property outside of city sanctioned events. After receiving feedback from many food truck vendors at a Special Council meeting last week, the city amended the Municipal Code regarding food vendors. The new code will allow food trucks on city property provided an event organizer has rented a primary shelter or pavilion at City parks.

The organizer renting the shelter would have to provide a list of vendors at least a month in advance, but it was stated the City will grant exceptions if they have some last minute changes to their list. The Council approved suspending the rules to immediately approve the first and second reading of this ordinance.

The Council also tabled awarding a bid for a new bathroom in the Wenzel Family Plaza. This has been a long discussed item with the Council. Although they initially approved budgeting $250,000 for a two stall bathroom on the plaza, they have received significant backlash against building the bathrooms.

Many residents and business owners have spoken against it. Some have even accused the City of not presenting all the options to the Council, including renting space for bathrooms. The Council did table awarding the bid at this time and this will allow city staff to provide input to the Council on how to move forward with this item legally.

The Council also approved the seconding reading of an ordinance that abolishes the Economic Development Board. Some on the Council felt it would help remove a layer of red tape and make things more efficient. They also felt other city organizations like MACCI and Visit Marshfield effectively perform, and can handle, many of the services of the Economic Development Board.

The Council also tabled transferring $100,000 to the Columbus Catholic fieldhouse project. City code does allow using money for a project like this, provided certain requirements are met, but the Council is waiting on some of that information, so the time was tabled for the time being. It was noted that this money would not come from taxpayer funds. It would come from Economic Development money.

The Council also heard a review of Municipal Code regarding the Marshfield Utility Commission. These items have had changes made, so the Council will review them and provide guidance and approval to the changes at a later date.

The Council also tabled changes to the Mill Creek Business Park covenants as they had very recently received this information and needed more time to look it over for possible approval. They also approved the Parks and Rec. Department to apply for a $100,000 grant to Wood County for funds for lights at Braem Park softball field.

They also had the first reading of an ordinance annexing the property at 8348 Heritage Drive to the City of Marshfield and establishing LI (Light Industrial) as its zoning classification. As it was a first reading, no further action was taken and it will be brought back at a future meeting. The Board also heard the results of a study looking at a possible new Fairground Expo building. Again, no further action was taken.

In approving the minutes of several City Committee meetings, the Council approved:

• Awarding a bid for Street Division roof replacement,
• Approved Policy No. 5.111 (parades and events),
• Approved Resolution No. 2024-23 (Compliance Annual Maintenance Report),
• Approved Library payroll resolution (1% pay scale increase on 7/1/24),
• Approved 1-year contract for assessing services (Forward Appraisal),
• Approved revised Policy No. 3.145 (Recruitment),
• Authorized possible renegotiation of contracts with MCHS, Inc,
• Approved Resolution No. 2024-25, conditional use permit - 1540 East 20th St.,
• Approve Resolution No. 2024-26, conditional use permit – Parcel 33-07091 (east of 2909 South Mallard Avenue),
• And approved Resolution No. 2024-24, Marshfield Hewitt Urban Area Boundary (also recommended for approval by the Board of Public Works on June 17th).

Some other items of note, the Mayor encouraged residents to see some prints being displayed at the 2nd Street Community Center. The City Administrator discussed some Capital Improvement Program meetings, stated City Hall will be closed on the 4th of July, and wished everyone a safe and happy 4th.

A Historic Preservation Commission member spoke about the commission and the Stewardship Award, which was awarded to Chris and Erin Howard for all their hard work in preserving some of Marshfield’s historic buildings.

Finally, during the public comment portion of the meeting:

• A resident spoke on 2nd street project/bathrooms in the plaza;
• Another resident spoke on more money for Columbia Park, the food truck vendors issue, and too many signs in the city for different events;
• Resident spoke against bathrooms in the plaza and renting bathrooms in a nearby building;
• A resident spoke against the bathrooms and concerns on being able to speak with the council as they felt attacked by certain individuals after discussing other options for the bathrooms in the plaza;
• A resident discussed the purpose of the Community Development Authority;
• A resident spoke against bathrooms at the plaza;
• And finally a resident spoke in support of Economic Development Board.

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