Marshfield Common Council Continues to Discuss Bathrooms at Wenzel Family Plaza

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

The Marshfield Common Council had another lengthy discussion on bathrooms on Wenzel Family Plaza at their meeting on Tuesday.

The Council reviewed options for next steps related to the bid received to build permanent restrooms at Wenzel Family Plaza. The City Attorney recommended holding off on bids received and stated that doing so was a legal option for the Council.

The Council did approve holding off on accepting the bid and creating a committee to look at different options for bathrooms on Wenzel Family Plaza. There were several amendments to get them to that point and those who would be on that committee.

Several of the votes on the amendments and the final resolution tied with the Council and the mayor had to break the tie, which passed the amendments and motions.

The Board also heard the 2024 Borrowing Sale Date recap. The City received 4 bids and will use the funds to finance their capital improvement plan. They received a low bid of 3.81% for a total of $8,925,000. The call date is March 1st of 2034 meaning they could change rates, etc. The Council did approve the sale and the City will receive the funds on July 25th.

The Board did not approve a budget resolution that would have increased the adopted 2024 budget for the Economic Development Fund Grants/Donations to Other Organizations by up to $100,000 for the specific purpose of a contribution to the Columbus Catholic fieldhouse project.

Some of the main reasons aldermen did not support this donation was, although legal, they worried about the separation of church and state and the possible opening of a door for other nonprofits coming to ask for funds for projects, especially considering the tight budget restrictions the City continues to face.

One alderman had requested looking at having the Common Council adopt a public comments policy similar to the one that the former Economic Development Board had. However, many council members worried about impacting citizen’s free speech. However, the Council did approve having the City Attorney look at instances of citizen’s becoming disorderly or even threatening.

The Board also approved the recommended changes to the Mill Creek Business Park covenants with an amendment. They also approved the request for the 2024 Building Revitalization Grant Program.

The Board also discussed the options for addressing 2025 City budget requests from economic development partner organizations. As the Economic Development Board for the City no longer exists, due to action taken by the Council at their last meeting, the Council discussed a way to address those proposals. It was recommended they be brought before the Finance Committee at their next meeting in August.

The Council also approved using land located between Butternut Parkway and Pecan Parkway to be used for pollination purposes, once the City figures out what to do with milkweed plants as they are designated as a noxious plant by City ordinance.

The City also had the second 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.

The Board had the first reading of an ordinance, so no further action was taken, amending Marshfield Municipal Code Section 14- 36, Marshfield Utilities Commission, regarding compensation for commission members and other items.

When approving the Marshfield Utilities Commission Meeting minutes, they approved a job order replacing 24V and 125V battery banks for $26,446. The next three items had a public hearing at the beginning of the Council Meeting, but no one spoke.

The Council then approved a resolution for Special Assessments for the E. 14th Street Reconstruction; approved a resolution for Special Assessments of the 2024 Asphalt Paving Projects; and approved Special Assessments for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Projects.

During the City Administrator’s comments, he mentioned a special meeting regarding the potential of the Buffalo Building being used for the new police station and some changes made to the view Council Member’s see if they participate remotely.

Finally, during the public comment portion of the meeting, the individual in the process of purchasing the Blodgett House discussed her plans, plus the potential of allowing the City to rent space for bathrooms on Wenzel Plaza.

Another spoke on Economic Development in the downtown and opportunities in the City overall. Finally, another spoke on working together for the benefit of all.

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