CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WISCONSIN Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (A complete set of minutes is on file in the Clerk's Office) A meeting of the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 444 West Grand Avenue, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The public was invited to listen to the audio of the meeting. The meeting was also streamed LIVE on the City's Facebook page. 1. Call to Order Mayor Zacher called the meeting to order at 6:00 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 December 16, 2025 It was moved by Veneman, seconded by Timm to dispense with a reading and accept the minutes of the previous meetings. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. 5. Consider for confirmation Mayor Zacher's Appointments to various Committees, Commissions and Boards It was moved by Timm, seconded by Penzkover to approve the following appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission, as presented: 1. Katy Bailey, 411 6th St. S, is reappointed as an alternate member for a term expiring 2/1/2029. 2. Pat Kozicki, 430 1st Ave., is appointed as an alternate member, to replace Helen Streekstra, for a term expiring 2/1/2029. 3. Helen Streekstra, 630 3rd St. S, #2, is appointed as a regular member, to replace Pat Kozicki, for a term expiring 2/1/2029. 4. Marygrace Schliesman, 1631 Norton St., is reappointed as a regular member for a term expiring 2/1/2029. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. 6. The Planning Commission met at 4:00 p.m. on January 5, 2026 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Members present in the Chambers consisted of Chairperson Matt Zacher, Jeff Marutz, Lee Thao, Steve Shiferl, Katy Bailey, Eric Daven and Ryan Austin. Also attending the meeting were Community Development Director Kyle Kearns, Associate Planner Lizebeth Edwardsen, Alderpersons Michael Timm, Dennis Polach, Dean Veneman, City Attorney Sue Schill. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. 1. Approval of the report from the December 1, 2025, Planning Commission meeting Motion by Austin to approve the report from the December 1, 2025, Planning Commission meeting; second by Daven. Motion carried (7 – 0) 2. Public hearing and action on a request from the State of Wisconsin for an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan, specifically map 7-2 Future Land Use Map, to reclassify 473 Griffith Avenue (Parcel ID 3414095) from a mixed Land Use classification of Residential and Governmental / Public / Institutional to a Governmental / Public / Institutional Land Use classification. Lizebeth Edwardsen provided a synopsis of agenda items 2 and 3. Taking into consideration the current land use designation, the comprehensive plan amendment review standards, approval of item 2 and 3 was recommended. Public hearing for items 2 and 3 opened at 4:05 p.m. Patrick Johnson of 475 Brianwood Drive inquired about residential construction to which Lizebeth Edwardsen and Kyle Kearns replied. Speaking in favor: none Speaking against: none Public hearing closed at 4:09 p.m. Motion by Austin to approve the request from the State of Wisconsin for an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan, specifically map 7-2 Future Land Use Map, to reclassify 473 Griffith Avenue (Parcel ID 3414095) from a mixed Land Use classification of Residential and Governmental / Public / Institutional to a Governmental / Public / Institutional Land Use classification; second by Marutz. Motion carried (7 – 0) Ordinance No. MC 1407 3. Public hearing and action on a request from the State of Wisconsin to rezone 473 Griffith Avenue (Parcel ID 3414095) from a Rural Residential (RR) Zoning District to an Institutional (I-1) Zoning District. Motion by Marutz to approve the request from the State of Wisconsin to rezone 473 Griffith Avenue (Parcel ID 3414095) from a Rural Residential (RR) Zoning District to an Institutional (I-1) Zoning District; second by Daven. Motion carried (7 – 0) Ordinance No. MC 1408 4. Public hearing and action on a request from Athena Hoefling for a Conditional Use Permit to operate vehicle sales and rental at 510 25th Avenue North (Parcel ID 3400902). Lizebeth provided a review of Ms. Hoefling's request. Approval was recommended with the conditions outlined in the staff report. Public hearing opened at 4:16 p.m. Speaking in favor: none Speaking against none Public hearing closed at 4:16 p.m. Motion by Austin to approve the request from Athena Hoefling for a Conditional Use Permit to operate vehicle sales and rental at 510 25th Avenue North (Parcel ID 3400902), subject to the conditions outlined below: 1. The applicant shall submit an updated site plan showing all parking requirements are met, to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department. 2. Community Development Department shall have the authority to approve minor modifications to the plans. Second by Thao. Motion carried (7 – 0) Resolution No. 1 (2026) 5. Action on a request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting Commission to rezone 2211 Whitrock Avenue (Parcel ID 3414515) and 2520 Two Mile Avenue (Parcel ID 3414520) from a R-2 Mixed Residential Zoning District to a C-1 Conservancy zoning district for the purpose of constructing a solar power plant. Mr. Kearns stated that the C-1 Conservancy classification would be appropriate whether or not the solar project moved forward. The public was given the opportunity to provide comments on items 5 and 6. Citizens expressed their concerns regarding buffers, property values, the installation and maintenance of an additional power source, pulping the land, if the size of the project could provide a significant enough amount of energy, costs, potential leaching of nitrates, and the option for a referendum vote. Todd Weiler, General Manager of WWLC, provided comments about well protection and the water supply as well as the use of types of plant species for water filtering. He also talked about landscape design, project and demand costs, and attracting businesses to the community. Stanley Minnick of OneEnergy responded to concerns about water quality and monitoring, well heads, nitrates, cooling fluids, solar panel types, costs, contract transparency, screening, use of transformers, insurance policies, maintenance, removal of equipment, bonds and securities, and noise. Motion by Thao to approve the request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting Commission to rezone 2211 Whitrock Avenue (Parcel ID 3414515) and 2520 Two Mile Avenue (Parcel ID 3414520) from a R-2 Mixed Residential Zoning District to a C-1 Conservancy zoning district; second by Marutz. Motion carried (7 – 0) Ordinance No. MC 1409 6. Action on a request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting Commission for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a solar power plant at 2211 Whitrock Avenue (Parcel ID 3414515) and 2520 Two Mile Avenue (Parcel ID 3414520). Motion by Zacher to approve the request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting Commission for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a solar power plant at 2211 Whitrock Avenue (Parcel ID 3414515) and 2520 Two Mile Avenue (Parcel ID 3414520), subject to the following conditions: 1. Contingent on the approval to rezone both parcels from their current zoning classification to Conservancy (C-1) District. 2. Applicable building permits shall be obtained. 3. A security fence shall be installed around the perimeter of the solar power plant. It shall be 8 feet in height and the material shall be 12.5 gauge chain link with no top rail support. Knox boxes and keys shall be provided at locked entrances for emergency personnel access. 4. Minor modifications to the plan shall be permitted to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department 5. The applicant, in cooperation with project partners, shall pursue a partnership with another entity to perform testing and analysis on the effects the solar project has on water quality within the wellhead protection area. Second by Austin. Alternate sites for the project were briefly revisited and Mr. Weiler from WWLC provided additional comments. Member Shiferl added his perspective on an additional site and the possibility of a referendum vote. Motion carried (5 – 2; Maurutz and Thao opposed) Resolution No. 2 (2026) 7. Action on a petitioner request to discontinue (vacate) a portion of 8th Avenue North, from Brown Street to Wilson Street. Mr. Kearns provided a review of the request. Motion by Daven to approve the request to discontinue (vacate) a portion of 8th Avenue North, from Brown Street to Wilson Street as outlined in the staff report; second by Austin. Motion carried (7 – 0) 8. Public hearing and action on a request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, Division 3 – General Standards, pertaining to driveways. Kyle Kearns provided a review of the request. Approval was recommended to create consistency in the Zoning Ordinance. Motion by Austin to approve the request from the City of Wisconsin Rapids to amend Chapter 11 – Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, Division 3 – General Standards, pertaining to driveways; second by Marutz. Motion carried (7 – 0) Ordinance No. MC 1410 9. Chairperson Zacher adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m. It was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Penzkover to approve and adopt the actions of the Commission. Motion carried, 7 ayes and 1 nay. 7. Consider for Adoption the Actions of the Standing Committees of the Common Council, as follows: A. The Finance and Property Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All members of the Finance and Property Committee were present, except Alderperson Veneman, who was excused. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Cattanach called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Consider a Claim Disallowance A. Consider a recommendation from Statewide Services, Inc. to disallow a claim from Leslie Orr against the City of Wisconsin Rapids for alleged sewer water damages It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to disallow a claim from Leslie Orr against the City of Wisconsin Rapids for alleged sewer water damages. Motion carried, 2-0. 3. Consider Requesting Proposals for Assessment Services It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to issue requests for proposals for assessment services. Motion carried, 2-0. 4. Resolutions A. Consider a Resolution Consenting to Public Finance Authority Issuance of Taxable Revenue Bonds for S.C. Swiderski, LLC Project It was moved by Timm, seconded by Cattanach to approve a Resolution Consenting to Public Finance Authority Issuance of Taxable Revenue Bonds for S.C. Swiderski, LLC Project, as presented. Motion carried, 2-0. Resolution No. 3 (2026) 5. Audit of the bills A. Consider for approval check numbers 28123 to 28616 It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to approve check numbers 28123 to 28616. Motion carried, 2-0. 6. Set Next Meeting Date The next regular meeting of the Finance and Property Committee will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. 7. 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 Timm, seconded by Cattanach to enter into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried, 2-0, and the Committee entered into closed session. 8. In closed session the Committee will: A. Discuss negotiation and strategy regarding the City entering into a Land Lease and Solar Easement with Great Lakes Distributed Energy, LLC for placement of solar facilities on 30 acres of land owned by the City, said land identified as parcels 3414515 and 3414520. B. Discuss negotiation and strategy regarding the purchase of land for future Water Works and Lighting Commission purposes, said land located along Highway W and identified as parcel 0700635, approximately 16.4 acres. C. Discuss negotiation and strategy regarding the purchase of land from Wood County, located along 16th Street South, identified as parcels 3414474 and 3414847, approximately 0.81 acres In closed session, the Committee discussed the aforementioned items. No action was taken in closed session. 9. The Committee will return to open session It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to return to open session. Motion carried, 2-0, and the Committee returned to open session. 10. In open session, the Committee will: A. Consider for approval a Land Lease and Solar Easement with Great Lakes Distributed Energy, LLC for placement of solar facilities on 30 acres of land owned by the City, said land identified as parcels 3414515 and 3414520. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to approve a Land Lease and Solar Easement with Great Lakes Distributed Energy, LLC for placement of solar facilities on 30 acres of land owned by the City, said land identified as parcels 3414515 and 3414520. Motion failed, 0-2. B. Consider for approval the purchase of land for future Water Works and Lighting Commission purposes, said land located along Highway W and identified as parcel 0700635, approximately 16.4 acres. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Cattanach to approve the purchase of land for future Water Works and Lighting Commission purposes, said land located along Highway W and identified as parcel 0700635, approximately 16.4 acres. Motion carried, 2-0. C. Consider for approval the purchase of land from Wood County, located along 16th Street South, identified as parcels 3414474 and 3414847, approximately 0.81 acres. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Timm to approve the purchase of land from Wood County, located along 16th Street South, identified as parcels 3414474 and 3414847, approximately 0.81 acres. Motion carried, 2-0. 11. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Palmquist to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Austin requested that items #10A, 10B, and 10Cs be held out for separate vote. Mayor Zacher asked for unanimous consent to amend the motion to hold out item #10A, 10B, and 10C for separate vote. There was no objection, and the motion was so amended. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Regarding item #10, it was moved by Austin, seconded by Pluess to approve the Land Lease and Solar Easement with Great Lakes Distributed Energy, LLC in #10A, the purchase of land for future Water Works and Lighting Commission purposes in 10B, and the purchase of land from Wood County in 10C. Motion carried, 5 ayes and 3 nays. B. The Public Works Committee met on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All members were present. Others attending are listed on the attendance sheet. 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. 2. Consider a draft ordinance to allow ATVs and UTVs along shared, corporate limit roadways. A draft ordinance was presented. The Committee removed Two Mile Ave and Murwin Cr from the draft list of roadways open to ATVs / UTVs. Tom Rayome, 1220 22nd St N, spoke against opening more roadways to ATVs / UTVs. Sue Schill commented that the City requirements, such as the requirement to have a driver's license, do differ from the Town of Grand Rapids requirements and perhaps other surrounding communities. Motion by Palmquist, second by Austin to approve the draft ordinance as revised. 3-0. Ordinance No. MC 1411 3. Review and consider removing all two-hour parking restrictions and replacing it with no overnight parking restrictions. Motion by Palmquist, second by Penzkover to remove the two-hour parking restriction on 2nd St from E Grand Ave to E Jackson St and 1st St N from 2nd St N to E Jackson St. 3-0. Ordinance No. MC 1412, Ordinance No. MC 1413 4. Review and consider the request to vacate 8th Ave N between Brown St and Wilson St. Motion by Penzkover, second by Austin to vacate 8th Ave N between Brown St and Wilson St as presented. 3-0. 5. Review and consider setting the Degradation Fees for 2026. Resolution No. 4 (2026) Motion by Austin, second by Palmquist to set the 2026 degradation fees as presented. 3-0. 6. Discuss the 8th St S DOT Project The 8th St S DOT project is continuing to move forward and a roundabout alternative was presented for the Griffith Ave intersection. City and County staff will continue to work with the DOT on validating the roundabout option and continue to provide updates to the Committee. An additional round of public information meetings will likely occur in Spring. 7. Review Engineering & Street Department Monthly Activity Report Monthly reports were reviewed. 8. Review Referral List The list was reviewed and items 11 and 14 were identified for removal. 9. Set Next Meeting Date The next regular meeting is February 5th, 2026 at 5pm. 10. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 5:52 PM. It was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Penzkover to approve and adopt the actions of the Committee. Cattanach requested that item #2 be held out for separate vote; Mayor Zacher asked for unanimous consent to amend the motion to hold out item #2 for separate vote. There was no objection, and the motion was so amended. Motion carried, 8 ayes and 0 nays. Regarding item #2, it was moved by Palmquist, seconded by Austin to approve the ordinance as presented. Motion carried, 5 ayes and 3 nays. 8. Reports of Other Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Department Reports: A. McMillan Memorial Library Services and Personnel Committee held on September 11, 2025; Board of Trustees held on October 15, 2025 B. Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority held on September 24 and October 29, 2025 C. Wastewater Treatment Commission held on October 9, November 12, and December 10, 2025 D. South Wood County Airport Commission held on November 13, 2025 Department Reports for November 2025 E. Engineering Department F. Public Works Department G. South Wood County Airport H. Wastewater Treatment Plant I. Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department J. Wisconsin Rapids Police Department No action was taken on this item. The reports will be placed on file. 9. Referrals to Committees No new referrals were received. 10. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer M. Gossick, City Clerk WNAXLP February 6 2026 LWIX0453821