Marshfield Common Council Approves Proceeding with Implementation of Phase 2 of West 2nd Street Redevelopment Plan

Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 -- 9:00 AM

The Marshfield Common Council approved proceeding with implementation of Phase 2 of the West 2nd Street Redevelopment Plan.

The approval also directs staff to prepare a budget resolution for approval by the Finance, Budget & Personnel Committee. The Council also approved the second reading of prohibiting large-scale commercial animal breeding.

The Council also approved they (the Council) will select the individual to fill the vacant District 5 Council seat left open by the resignation of Ed Wagner. The Council also approved having Alderman express interest, via email, in filling Ed’s position on the Collective Bargaining Team for negotiations with fire and police unions and the Housing Committee. That will be approved at the next meeting.

The Council also approved a new member of the Utility Commission for a 7-year term. The Council also discussed suspending the rules to approve resident Mike Meyers to the Historic Preservation Commission, filling an unexpired term ending April 2025.

This was brought up as the next Historic Preservation meeting is being held the day before the next Common Council meeting where Mr. Meyers would be approved. However, in the end, the Council felt as there was no pressing issue on the Preservation’s agenda, it could wait until the next meeting.

In approving the consent agenda, the Council approved several items including a revised agreement with ADRC-CW (Meals on Wheels), a resolution regarding Wood County Library tax exemption, authorized refilling 2 vacant firefighter/paramedic positions, 2025 EMS contract with neighboring municipalities, a revised policy regarding Utility Transfers for General Government, and a 3-month contract extension with Cedar Corporation for economic development services.

They also approved a 3-month contract extension with SEH, Inc. for planning services, 1-year lease extension with Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Inc., authorized staff to secure proposal for city attorney services effective 1/1/25 with Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson, and a conditional use permit – 716 North Juno Avenue.

The Council also heard a presentation on the City’s code enforcement practices/procedures. No action was taken on that item. The Council also discussed a possible ordinance prohibiting appointment of former employees of certain city departments from serving on related committees, boards, or commissions. A motion to draw up ordinance for that failed.

The Council also had a lengthy discussion on the possible creation of a direct charge for street lighting costs. However, that item was tabled for the time being. The Council also had a discussion on what constitutes “economic development.” No action was taken on the item, but they may hold a future working meeting to come up with a definition for “economic development.”

Finally, the Council approved a future meeting with CDA to discuss the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for future redevelopment of the existing Weinbrenner Shoe Company building.

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