CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN Tuesday August 19, 2025 (A complete set of minutes is on file in the Clerk's Office) 1. Call to Order Mayor Zacher called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 2. Roll Call Roll call indicated that all alderpersons were present: 3. Pledge of Allegiance and Silent Prayer in Lieu of Invocation Mayor Zacher invited all present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent prayer in lieu of an invocation. 4. Reading of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on July 15, 2025 It was moved by Pluess, seconded by Timm to dispense with a reading and accept the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: 5. Consider for confirmation Mayor Zacher's Appointments to various Committees, Commissions and Boards Mayor Zacher made the following appointments: Board of Review Jay Bemke, 2931 11th St. S, is appointed as an alternate member for a term expiring 5/1/2028. Jerry Bach, 640 10th Ave. S, is appointed as an alternate member for a term expiring 5/1/2028. Zoning Board of Appeals Kurt Heuer, 4430 Ridgeview Ln., is appointed as an alternate member for a term expiring 11/1/2027. It was moved by Veneman, seconded by Timm to approve Mayor Zacher's appointments as presented. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. 6. Consideration and selection of the qualified low bidder for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Dewey lift station MCC upgrade, as recommended by the Wastewater Treatment Commission at its meeting on August 13, 2025 It was moved by Pluess, seconded by Austin to approve a bid by CR Fochs in the amount of $322,800 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Dewey Plant lift station MCC upgrade. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: 7. Request from Alderperson Cattanach to take from the table and then to consider a process for the appointment of a municipal judge to fill the vacancy which will be created due to the retirement of Judge Peter Kastenholz, effective September 30, 2025. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to take from the table and then to consider a process for the appointment of a municipal judge to fill the vacancy which will be created due to the retirement of Judge Peter Kastenholz, effective September 30, 2025. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to appoint an interim municipal judge effective October 1, 2025 and hold a special election for this position to be held concurrently with the April 7, 2026 Spring Election. Motion carried, 6 ayes and 2 nays. 8. The Planning Commission met at 4:00 p.m. on August 4, 2025 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. It was also streamed live on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Facebook page and broadcast live on Charter Cable Channel 985 and Solarus HD Cable Channel 3. Members present in the Chambers consisted of Chairperson Matt Zacher, Jeff Marutz, Eric Daven, and Steve Shiferl. Also attending the meeting were Community Development Director Kyle Kearns, Randy Balko and Alderperson Dennis Polach. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. 1. Approval of the report from the July 7th, 2025, Planning Commission meeting Motion by Daven to approve the July 7th, 2025, Planning Commission meeting; second by Marutz. Motion carried (4 – 0) 2. Public hearing and action on a request from Nieman Properties LLC for a conditional use permit to establish outdoor sales at 2211 W Grand Ave (Parcel ID 3401195), which falls within the General Commercial (B-2) District Kyle Kearns provided a synopsis of the request. Approval was recommended with the conditions outlined in the staff report. Public hearing opened at 4:04 p.m. No one spoke in favor or against the request Public hearing closed at 4:05 p.m. Motion by Marutz to approve the request from Nieman Properties LLC for a conditional use permit to establish outdoor sales at 2211 W Grand Ave (Parcel ID 3401195), which falls within the General Commercial (B-2) District, subject to the following conditions: 1. The outdoor sales use shall comply with all standards for the outdoor sales use definition as outlined in Chapter 11 – Zoning. 2. The sheds shall be placed in neat, orderly rows, evenly spaced, as shown below. 3. No More than 10 sheds shall be displayed on the premise at any time. 4. Minor modifications to the plan shall be permitted to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department Second by Daven. Motion carried (4 – 0) Resolution No. 28 (2025) 3. Request from Rise Up Central Wisconsin, Inc for a special exception to allow a mural on the building located at 340 West Grand Avenue (Parcel ID 3402592) Mr. Kearns provided a review of the request. Approval was recommended with the conditions outlined in the staff report. Mr. Daven requested to abstain from the vote. He also provided a backstory about the group who would be creating the mural. Motion by Marutz to approve the special exception to allow a mural on the building located at 340 West Grand Avenue (Parcel ID 3402592), subject to the following conditions: 1. The sign exception is granted to allow a mural to be placed on the west side of the building located at 340 West Grand Avenue. 2. The mural shall be restricted to the design submitted on 7-24- 2025. Significant mural design changes can be made with the approval of the Planning Commission without the need to obtain an additional special exception. Minor changes shall be permitted, to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department. 3. The mural shall be maintained in a safe and attractive condition and shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Second by Shiferl. Motion carried (3 – 0) with one abstention. 4. Request from Doug Stoiber to expand a nonconforming building for a three- season porch addition on the single-family dwelling located at 2031 Lincoln Street (Parcel ID 3412082) Kyle Kearns provided a review of the request. Approval was recommended with the conditions outlined in the staff report. Motion by Shiferl to approve the request to expand a nonconforming building for a three- season porch addition on the single-family dwelling located at 2031 Lincoln Street (Parcel ID 3412082, subject to the following conditions: 1. The expansion must be in compliance with all requirements of Chapter 11 – Zoning and all applicable building code requirements. 2. Minor modifications to the plan shall be permitted to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department. Second by Daven. Motion carried (4 – 0) 5. Request from Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools to construct a pavilion (minor alteration) at Woodside Elementary School, located at 611 Two Mile Ave (Parcel ID 3413395), which is within the Institutional (I-1) District Mr. Kearns provided a synopsis of the request. Approval was recommended with the conditions outlined in the staff report Motion by Daven to approve the request to construct a pavilion (minor alteration) at Woodside Elementary School, located at 611 Two Mile Ave (Parcel ID 3413395), which is within the Institutional (I-1) District, subject to the following conditions: 1. The expansion must be in compliance with all requirements of Chapter 11 – Zoning and all applicable building code requirements. 2. Minor modifications to the plan shall be permitted to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department. Second by Zacher Mr. Balko asked about the timeline for the issuance of permits to which Kyle Kearns replied. Motion carried (4 – 0) 6. Request from the Community Development Department to adopt the Downtown Master Plan Mr. Kearns provided a summary of the proposed Downtown Master Plan noting the added paragraph on page 36 regarding images and renderings and page 41 pertaining to the Moravian Church and the Tribune Building. Mr. Zacher commented about the City's efforts to communicate and provide information to the community. Motion by Daven to approve the request to adopt the Downtown Master Plan with the noted changes; second by Marutz. Motion carried (4 – 0) 7. Adjourn Motion by Zacher to adjourn the meeting; second by Daven. Meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Pluess to approve and adopt the actions of the Commission. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: 9. The Finance and Property Committee met at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was LIVE on Wisconsin Rapids Community Media (WRCM) Spectrum Channel 985 and Solarus Channel 3, online at www.wr-cm.org or via WRCM's Roku app and was streamed LIVE on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Facebook page. All members of the Finance and Property Committee were present with Alderperson Timm attending via zoom. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Cattanach called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 1. Discuss and approve a procedure to take on completing repairs to the City Garage Butler building caused by July 6th fire. Motion by Timm, seconded by Veneman to approve the procedure for completing repairs to the City Garage Butler building as a result of a fire on July 6, 2025. 2. Consider a referral from Alderperson Penzkover for a discussion and presentation regarding installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box. No action will be taken on this item. Linda Casper addressed the committee and shared information regarding the Safe Haven Baby Box program. Subsequent discussion regarding the program ensued and no action was taken, and the item will be considered at a Finance and Property Committee meeting on August 19, 2025. 4. Consider for approval a request to contribute up to $11,000 towards the cost of a Sports Tourism Strategic Planning Proposal from Huddle Up Group, LLC. Motion by Timm, seconded by Veneman to approve a contribution of up to $11,000 towards the cost of a Sports Tourism Strategic Planning Proposal from Huddle Up Group, LLC. Motion carried 3-0. 5. Consider for approval the appointment of Curt Mitchell as successor agent for the Retail Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverages and Retail "Class B" Intoxicating Liquor licenses for The Buck Rub of Wisconsin Rapids, LLC d/b/a The Buck Rub, for the premises located at 1511 1st Street North. Motion by Timm, seconded by Veneman to approve the appointment of Curt Mitchell as successor agent for the Retail Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverages and Retail "Class B" Intoxicating Liquor licenses for The Buck Rub of Wisconsin Rapids, LLC d/b/a The Buck Rub, for the premises located at 1511 1st Street North. Motion carried 3-0. 6. Consider for approval the appointment of Rhonda A. Urlaub as successor agent for the Retail Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverages and Retail "Class A" Intoxicating Liquor licenses for GPM Southeast, LLC d/b/a Bread & Butter Shop #4532, for the premises located at 2130 8th Street South. Motion by Veneman, seconded by Cattanach to approve the appointment of Rhonda A. Urlaub as successor agent for the Retail Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverages and Retail "Class A" Intoxicating Liquor licenses for GPM Southeast, LLC d/b/a Bread & Butter Shop #4532, for the premises located at 2130 8th Street South. Motion carried 3-0. 7. Consider for approval the appointment of Rhonda A. Urlaub as successor agent for the Retail Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverages and Retail "Class A" Intoxicating Liquor licenses for GPM Southeast, LLC d/b/a Bread & Butter Shop #4533, for the premises located at 1740 17th Avenue South. Motion by Cattanach, seconded by Veneman to approve the appointment of Rhonda A. Urlaub as successor agent for the Retail Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverages and Retail "Class A" Intoxicating Liquor licenses for GPM Southeast, LLC d/b/a Bread & Butter Shop #4533, for the premises located at 1740 17th Avenue South. Motion carried 3-0. 8. Consider for approval a Special Event Application from the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce for a Downtown Grand Affair special event to be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to include suspension of the open container ordinance for the following streets and adjoining sidewalks: Grand Avenue from 3rd Street to 4th Avenue, keeping the intersection at 3rd Avenue open, 1st Avenue South from West Grand Avenue to Chase Street, 2nd Avenue South from mid-block north of West Grand Avenue to Johnson Street Johnson Street from 1st Avenue South to 2nd Avenue South Motion by Veneman, seconded by Timm to approve the Special Event Application from the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce for a Downtown Grand Affair special event to be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to include suspension of the open container ordinance for the following streets and adjoining sidewalks: Grand Avenue from 3rd Street to 4th Avenue, keeping the intersection at 3rd Avenue open, 1st Avenue South from West Grand Avenue to Chase Street, 2nd Avenue South from mid-block north of West Grand Avenue to Johnson Street Johnson Street from 1st Avenue South to 2nd Avenue South Motion carried 3-0. 9. Consider a request from Krishiva Family LLC, d/b/a Sleep Inn & Suites Wisconsin Rapids, Uttam Patel, agent, for a Retail Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverages license for the premise located at 4221 8th Street South. Motion by Cattanach, seconded by Veneman to approve a Retail Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverages license for the premise located at 4221 8th Street South, Krishiva Family LLC, d/b/a Sleep Inn & Suites Wisconsin Rapids, Uttam Patel, agent. Motion carried 3-0. 10. Consider a request from the Community Development Department to apply for a Certified Local Government Grant through the Wisconsin Historical Society for the nomination of historic districts/properties. Motion by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to approve applying for a Certified Local Government Grant through the Wisconsin Historical Society for the nomination of historic districts/properties. Motion carried 3-0. 11. Consider a request from the Community Development Department to apply for an Idle Site Grant through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for redevelopment purposes at 700 Dura Beauty Lane. Motion by Veneman, seconded by Timm to approve applying for an Idle Site Grant through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for redevelopment purposes at 700 Dura Beauty Lane. Motion carried 3-0. 12. Audit of the bills Motion by Cattanach, seconded by Veneman to approve check no. 26435 to check no. 26885 in the amount of $3,146,274.89. Motion carried 3-0. 13. Set next meeting date The next Finance and Property Committee meeting is set for August 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 14. In open session, the Committee may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". It was moved by Veneman, seconded by Timm to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried, 3-0, and the Committee went into closed session. In closed session, the Committee will discuss an update on the sale and development of property in the downtown Triangle area; and will discuss negotiation and strategy regarding the selling of property and the terms of a development agreement for a downtown development. In closed session the Committee reviewed an update on the sale and development of property in the downtown Triangle area and discussed negotiation and strategy regarding the selling of property and the terms of a development agreement for a downtown development. 15. The Committee will adjourn in closed session. The Committee adjourned in closed session. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Austin to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: B. The Finance and Property Committee met at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All members of the Finance and Property Committee were present, except Alderperson Veneman, who was excused. Alderperson Pluess attended in place of Alderperson Veneman. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Cattanach called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. In open session, the Committee may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". It was moved by Pluess, seconded by Timm to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried 3-0, and the Committee went into closed session. In closed session, the Committee will discuss negotiation and strategy regarding the terms of a development agreement with Wood County, which will address infrastructure development in the downtown triangle area, including parking lot development, the discontinuance of streets, utility relocation expenses, deeding of property, street reconstruction, and reimbursement of expenses. In closed session, the Committee discussed negotiation and strategy regarding the terms of a development agreement with Wood County, which addressed infrastructure development in the downtown triangle area, including parking lot development, the discontinuance of streets, utility relocation expenses, deeding of property, street reconstruction, and reimbursement of expenses. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Pluess to return to open session. Motion carried, 3-0, and the Committee returned to open session. 3. The Committee may take action in open session on the approval of the above development agreement with Wood County. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Pluess to approve the above development agreement with Wood County, as presented. Motion carried, 3-0. 4. Consider a lease and service agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. for installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Pluess to direct the City Attorney to negotiate a contract for a lease and service agreement for the City of Wisconsin Rapids with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. to be installed at the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department, to be considered at the next Finance and Property Committee meeting. Motion carried, 3-0. 5. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: C. The Public Works Committee met on Thursday, August 7th, 2025 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Alderperson Polach sat in for Penzkover. 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 5:01 PM. 2. Review Engineering & Street Department Monthly Activity Report The reports were reviewed. 3. Review the 2025 Construction Project Status Report. The report was reviewed. 4. Review and consider approval of the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan. Motion by Palmquist, second by Austin to approve the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan with updated project costs for 2026 projects. Motion carried 3-0. 5. Discuss the creation and development of a city-wide master sidewalk plan. A conceptual summary document was reviewed and further discussions were had on the following situations: when someone requests sidewalk, should sidewalk be installed on one side or both sides of the street, and what constitutes new sidewalk which results special assessments. The conceptual summary document is attached. No action was taken. 6. Review and consider adding no parking restrictions on 24th Street South between 1,055 feet and 1,165 feet north of County Trunk Highway W. Mitchell Bain from Hilltop Grand Village spoke on the situations where parking caused access issues to their driveway. Motion by Austin, second by Polach to add no parking restrictions at all times and on both sides of 24th St S as presented. Motion carried 3-0. Ordinance No. MC 1400 7. Review Referral List Referral List was reviewed. 8. Set Next Meeting Date The next regular meeting was set for September 4th, 2025 at 5pm. 9. Adjourn Motion by Austin, second by Palmquist to adjourn at 5:43 PM. Motion carried 3-0. It was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Pluess to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays: D. The Human Resources Committee held a meeting on Monday August 11, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 444 W. Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids. All committee members were present. Also in attendance were Alderperson Penzkover, Mayor Zacher, Human Resources Manager Ryan Hartman, and Fire Chief Ben Goodreau. 1. Call to order. Chairperson Pluess called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. 2. HR Update. • Vacancies • Hires • 2025 YTD Staffing • Seasonal/ Summer Staff • Insurance Renewals Updates were provided. No action taken. 3. Provide update regarding directive from Alderperson Cattanach to look at potential short-term disability proposals. Update was provided. No action was taken. 4. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m. It was moved by Pluess, seconded by Polach to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. 10. Reports of Other Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Department Reports: a. McMillan Memorial Library Board of Trustees held on June 18, 2025 b. Police and Fire Commission held on July 2 and July 9, 2025 c. Water Works and Lighting Commission regular and special meetings held on July 9, 2025 d. Park and Recreation Commission held on July 14, 2025 e. Wastewater Treatment Commission held on August 13, 2025 f. Joint Review Board held on July 7 and July 30, 2025 Department Reports for July 2025 g. Engineering Department h. Public Works Department i. Wastewater Treatment Plant j. Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department k. Wisconsin Rapids Police Department No action was taken on this item. The reports will be placed on file. 11. Referrals to Committees No new referrals were received. 12. In open session, the Council may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". It was moved by Pluess, seconded by Cattanach to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays, and the Council went into closed session. In closed session the Council will discuss an update on, and discuss negotiation and strategy regarding, a Cranberry Creek Landfill Negotiated Agreement with Advanced Disposal Services Cranberry Creek Landfill, LLC. In closed session the Council discussed an update on, and discussed negotiation and strategy regarding, a Cranberry Creek Landfill Negotiated Agreement with Advanced Disposal Services Cranberry Creek Landfill, LLC. No action was taken. 13. The Council will adjourn in closed session. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned in closed session at 7:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer M. Gossick, City Clerk WNAXLP September 16 2025 LWIX0370549