But city officials will likely see some pushback from the public and some council members. They must immediately take inventory of each housing category in the city (affordable, workforce and luxury). Short term, temporary measures must lead to solutions that promote long-term success. Council President Becky McElhaney, who voted to hold the COW meeting, cautioned her colleagues not to promise too much as the way the city addresses the homeless issue also depends on Marathon Countys response.
If the bids remain high like they were before, absent approval of the added funds, the project would be stalled until either the cost comes down or the added money is approved, she said. District 7:Incumbent Becky Buch won against Alex Eichten with 58% of the vote. Someone died under a Wausau bridge, Gisselman told Wausau Pilot & Review on Monday. A schedule for regular monthly meetings of boards, committees and commissions is available, however the best place to check for a meeting is the online calendar. District 5:Gary Gisselman defeated Cody Nikolai with 63% of the vote for the seat vacated by Ka Lo. In a separate ruling, a federal judge prohibited local election officials from reporting results before 4 p.m. April 13, making it one of the strangest elections in state history. In District 9, incumbent Dawn Herbst ran unopposed for the seat. Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) was supposed to be a tool for that, but it has mostly failed to bring 30 year projected added tax base. I dont mind COW, but I dont like the way this Council speaks to each other, she said, pointing to social media posts she said were written by council members. To add revenue, we build tax base. According to an agenda for Tuesdays meeting, advocates who provide services to homeless residents will also speak and ask leaders to create a new department of social development and action. Mail can be sent to any Committee Member, by addressing it to: Member's Name, C/O City of Wausau, 407 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403, Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. Two incumbents and a challenger won the three Wausau School Board seats. Mayor Rosenbergs new housing task force meets this month, Feb 23. But before that vote they spent more than an hour hearing a presentation on the issue from Wausau Police Chief Ben Bliven, hearing input from a handful of residents on the issue, and finally discussing the idea among themselves. 4 and chair of the Economic Development Committee which approved the resolution last week by a 4-1 vote. Hours later, the conservative majority of the state Supreme Court put the election back on track. Marquette University Law School. :showVizHome=no, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. (Ord. Nineteen races were contested Tuesday for the Marathon County Board out of 38 seats a high number of contested seats in the country's largest county board. To that effort, I would seek to optimize available state and federal financing so that progress can be realized without overburdening taxpayers or cash-strapping essential departments. There are few ways to examine social issues without taking data and research into account. In District 3, Tom Kilianreceived 71% of the vote, while incumbentDavid Nuttingreceived 28%. The top candidates will move on to face off in the spring election this April. If we were able to allocate more funds to various projects in the area using foresight instead of hindsight, we might be able to get ahead of potential issues before they ever arise. Here is what the Dist. Three candidates vying for the Wausau City Council District 1 seat will face off in a primary race on Feb. 15. And the topic of how the County and City can work together jointly and more effectively on this important issue rarely, if ever, comes up in city council meetings to date, Kilian said. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) This week's winter storm has postponed a much-anticipated discussion by the Wausau City Council. View Aldermanic Districts and Wards Map . Four candidates are seeking a seat on the Wausau City Council to represent Dist. In September, a proposal to add an additional $18,000 to the $40,000 already budgeted failed to gain a required 2/3 majority, even with a 5-4 passing vote. Please check the calendar to confirm whether the meeting will be held. Published content is property of Wausau Pilot and Review. In District 2, incumbent Michael Martens received 53% of the vote, over Tiffany Rodriguez-Leewho received 46.5%. Occupation: Process control and automation: Pulp/Paper, Power, Renewable Fuels, Food/Beverage plants. Kilian said he received significant contacts from citizens concerned about the lack of an emergency preparedness plan to address homeless residents during Decembers bitter cold and blizzard conditions, prompting him to speak with Marathon County officials about putting emergency plans and shelter options in place that could be activated when predefined thresholds of risk are reached. Like this: Loading. It is unsafe and does nothing for the dignity of those in need or to mitigate prolonged suffering.. Experts say that eradicating homelessness altogether relies largely on a housing first philosophy, which prevents at-risk people from falling into such situations at high rates. Neal further said that those who opposed the proposal represent a very small fraction of our population, really. He added that the resolution envisaged equal treatment and opportunity and not equal outcomes. Email, Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. My goal was to find a product that would get more backing, she said. Few TIF districts meet or beat what we were originally told they would, and those that do, we have fallen on a bad habit of using them as TID DONORS, meaning the city siphons off tax increment from successful projects and donates it to failing project areas. Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. If we wish to ensure our city is able to afford the greatest opportunity to its constituents, focusing on reducing our capital and debt services so that we can increase the effectiveness of our local police and firefighters, ensuring public safety is at the forefront of where our budgetary dollars are spent. I am a family man-Stephanie (Goetsch) Perkins (wife), Max (8), Ava (2), Benjamin (new! The City Council is the elected governing body of the City of Wausau. Copyright (c) 2023 Wausau Wisconsin
The best way to prioritize our budget is to encourage civic engagement so that as the funds collected from local residents is spent, the residents themselves are able to guide the hand of their local leadership. In District 5, James Wadinski received 52% of the vote, with Joel Lewis getting 46%. In two recent media Q&As, my opponents Kate Tracey and Vada Perkins mentioned fiscal responsibility. McElhaney also shamed the Council for what she called finger-pointing in recent weeks. The sole bid, from Fortress Fence, is roughly $87,000, which is more than twice the amount initially budgeted as a capital improvement measure. A date for the meeting has not yet been set. We have to start somewhere.. Some folks saw jasper as a derogatory term referring to an ignorant rube. This should relieve pressure on the library and other structures, and offer an alternative to seeking the bridge area for shelter, given that area should not be considered an appropriate solution for our homeless population in general. Mayor Katie Rosenberg was elected Chief Executive Officer for the City of Wausau and is responsible for supervising and directing the day-to-day operations of city government. On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Board of Public Works opened bids for the project, which received one response to a request for proposals issued in January. Meetings are not officially scheduled until an agenda has been issued and posted. 2023 www.wausaudailyherald.com. WAUSAU - Four development projects received a boost Tuesday evening as city officials approved various funding for new proposals, in the final City Council meeting before five new members. While I was not in a position to make decisions or act decisively on the matter, I paid close attention and learned a great deal by listening to all involved parties. Were stewards of this gem called Wausau; our unique and positive blend of cultures, industry, and natural resources will sustain us if we are wise. Ka Lo, who is a Marathon County Supervisor and Wausau School District Board member thanked Neal for his support of the resolution. Someone died under a Wausau bridge, Gisselman told Wausau Pilot & Review. MC 2.60.070: The city plan commission shall be composed of the mayor, who shall be the presiding officer, the public works director, the chair of park and recreation committee, an alderperson, and three residents of the city. Occupation: Fitness instructor at Woodson YMCA, Other public service, if any: Pro bono legal services while at Marquette Law School, Education: B.A. Even with these efforts, Wausaus warming center reported 72 unique clients who sought shelter there in November alone, according to city documents. Depending on who you ask, Wausau either has plenty of affordable housing or is lacking affordable housing. Additionally, the original developer enjoyed a low interest loan from the city, city property tax relief as well as state tax credits to offset the subsidized rents. While making the community attractive to talented, industrious, and creative individuals, as well as new industries and employers vital to the prosperity of this citys future, we must engage and encourage those members of the community that are already invested and involved residents. District 25:Timothy M. Sondelski beat incumbent Sandy Cihlar with 59% of the vote.
The 11-member Common Council adopted the renamed We Are Wausau resolution by a 9-2 vote. The resolution to anyone who reads it clearly does not declare that bias is running rampant. District 38:Bobby Niemeyertopped incumbent Jonathan Fisherwith63% of the vote. Wausau City Council election results Six contested races were before voters in the Wausau City Council election this year after two primary races on Feb.. At 195 pages long, its a whale at approximately $100 million, and the devil is in the details: (https://www.ci.wausau.wi.us/Portals/0/Departments/Finance/Documents/2022_Budget.pdf) but if you check your city tax bill and see the pie chart that shows where every dollar goes, heres the top 5: Police 24.69%, DEBT Services 23.65% (up 3% from last year), Fire 14.67%, DPW 15.11%, Government administration 10.18%. Doug Diny, Jesse Kearns, Vada Perkins and Kate Tracey have all thrown their hat into the ring. Questions regarding this agenda may be directed to the City Planning Office @ (715) 261-6760. U.N.-branded vehicles were once ubiquitous there, but its staff now appear to be keeping a much lower profile than . Ill own that, he wrote in an email statement. How has your experience prepared you for Council service? Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), Sustainability Energy and Environment Committee, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. the body of a 74-year-old war veteran was discovered in a Rib Mountain field, 72 unique clients who sought shelter there in November alone, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic.
Minutes & Agendas, Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. . Kilian on Thursday told Wausau Pilot & Review his position is unlikely to change. In August, the body of a 74-year-old war veteran was discovered in a Rib Mountain field and in December, a woman who had an encampment beneath a downtown Wausau bridge also died. Our Customers are organizations such as federal, state, local, tribal, or other municipal government agencies (including administrative agencies, departments, and offices thereof), private businesses, and educational institutions (including without limitation K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and vocational schools), who use our Services to evaluate job . The 1970 census found Wausau had four Black . Alders Sarah Watson, Dawn Herbst, and Rasmussen all voted no. Here are the results for the City Council races: In District 1, incumbent PatPeckham beat out Chris Norfleet, with 77.9% of the vote. If you wish to address the council on a topic listed on the agenda, you must registerwith the Clerk prior to the meeting by completing a registration form. If the council does not approve Gisselman and Kilians request, a COW meeting can also be called by Mayor Katie Rosenberg or City Council President Becky McElhaney. McElhaney, who is City Council President, said she was taken aback by the vehemence of the opposition to the proposal and was called racist and bigot for supporting it. Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Election website or Facebook page: Doug Diny for Wausau City Council https://www.facebook.com/wausaudistrict4/. Infrastructure investment is often in response to need rather than expansion or innovation. District 17:Incumbent Jennifer Aarrestad defeated challenger Cheryl Martino with 59% of the vote. Ill call for a TID scoring team of business experts to provide Pro forma projections of best andworst case outcomes for citizens to see before we ink development agreements. Photo; FIRST: PDF: Carol Lukens. Gov. Im not sure what will happen but at least well heave the opportunity to hear from providers and hear the state of homelessness in the community, he said. WAUSAU - The Wausau City Council has five new members after the vote totals from the spring election were released. Tracy Rieger, former director of Community Homeless Facilities at Catholic Charities in Wausau, assumed the responsibilities of community outreach specialist on Sept. 1. District 15:Joel Straub defeated incumbent Randy Fifrick with 53% of the vote. But Rasmussen also said that the Council still hadnt found common ground on the subject, pointing out there are people in the community who oppose the measure who feel strongly that their voices were not heard. WAUSAU - The Wausau City Council hasfivenew members after the vote totals from the spring election were released. Second: as a Wisconsin native, I believe strongly in the values and attributes that make our state special. Section 42 is a viable long-term solution; I wont squander those opportunities in the future with short-term solutions that enrich developers and short sheet residents. . That dichotomy has not been lost on some residents as well as some members of the City Council. Current Minutes & Agendas can be found on the Recent listing. What is the best way for Wausau to tackle its affordable housing crisis? Thursday's Committee of the Whole meeting on the issue of homelessness. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. ?The approved We are Wausau resolution can be viewed here. The numbers given by Tracy Reiger at the public Health and Safety committee show a shortage of at least 140 beds. I dont always need to be right; likewise, I expect the same from staff, tell me even if its bad news, no surprises please! District 9:Incumbent David Oberbeck held off Johnny Fortenberrywith 56% of the vote. What are three things you want people to know about you before heading to the polls? She reminded the Council that the Warming Center, while a tool to help serve the unhoused residents of Wausau, has limited room. During last months ferocious snowstorm and bitter cold, Marathon County health officials were forced to scramble to coordinate shelter, working with area nonprofit agencies and advocates to ensure safety. No action will be taken by any such groups. The results come nearly a week after Election Day, which saw voters. Combined, this has uniquely equipped me for the role of alderperson. Gary Gisselman, who represents Wausaus Dist. Occupation: Policy executive and small business owner, Other public service:Retired from Active Duty (15 years US Army, 12 years USPHS), Education: BS-University of Maryland, MS-Johns Hopkins University, MSc, Doctoral Studies-University of Southern California, Election website or Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/district4wausau. The Economic Development Team is key, and Ill seek a seat on that committee to help shift our focus from the entertainment industry to hunting down manufacturing and projects that generate jobs and tax base. Regular Meeting Schedule: 3rd Tuesday of every month @ 5:00 pm. The number of unhoused, he said, is likely in the realm of 300 people including people living in parking ramps, parks, cars, shelters and other non-permanent homes. The vote on. We all want to live in beautiful houses and apartments, but until there are high end jobs in the area, most of us cannot afford to live in high end living situations. In this area, state subsidies and GRANTS should be aggressively sought and welcomed to ease the growing demand and recent losses in Section 42.Critical position city workers who need special skills, qualifications and certifications are being poached by our neighbors. Rick Cveykus handily defeated William Harris, with 68% of the vote, to win the seat held by retiring judge Greg Huber. According to City Clerk Leslie Kremer, 6,956 absentee ballots were returned for the election, and all of those included a postmark. The following is a list of Boards, Committees and Commissions. The 32-bed prison's price tag is now $78.4 million . Meetings may change due to any situation covered in the standing rules of the Common Council. Jesse Kearns cited a variation with his concern about how we prioritize subsidies to developers versus other interests. If the council does not approve Gisselman and Kilian's request, a COW meeting can also be called by Mayor Katie Rosenberg or City Council President Becky McElhaney. Community Longevity/Connections: As a homeowner raising three children on the East side for over 20 years, I paid attention to our neighborhood community, to our kids schooling, to taxes, and the local government. Of note, the diversity resolution retains the word equity and the phrase help us all gain entry to the American dream but we realize that we dont all start in the same place, both of which were subject to significant past debate. I feel seen.. 4, after Tom Neal announced he would not seek another term. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) This week's winter storm has postponed a much-anticipated discussion by the Wausau City Council. The top candidates will move on to face off in the spring election this April. During the September meeting, Sandi Kelch, of the Community Outreach Task Force, spoke to the consequences of blocking off access to the citys bridges. Wausau Wisconsin City Council February 06, 2023 Home About Wausau Location General Information Why I Love Wausau Mission & Core Values History of Wausau Arts & Museums Events & Festivals Attractions & Landmarks Sports & Outdoors Lodging Restaurants Shopping Area Links Calendar Announcements FAQ Contact Us Search Live Work Bids / RFP I bought my home in this area because I believe it will give my family the kind of community not found in many other cities across the state. Tagged: afternoon update , city of Wausau , public safety I would prioritize street maintenance and properly budget for it every year so that we dont get to the point we need to borrow just to keep up. But even that assertion was met with some skepticism. That amended motion passed. If you are unable to attend, but would like to comment on a specific agenda item you may complete an Agenda Item Comment Form. First: Istrive for transparency and accessibility in my personal life and would do the same as a city council member, offering the community clear information about what theirlocal government is doing, as well as relaying their concerns and advocating for their needs to city leadership. That would leave 384 total units. In 1893, Clarke became Postmaster of Somo, Wisconsin. Gisselman on Tuesday told the Council he wants the group to be completely informed with high hopes of helping the homeless.. Published content is property of Wausau Pilot and Review. The loss of those units amounts to a nearly 11% drop in the number of affordable housing units (at least those that are affordable because of the HUD program.). Dist. Even with that plan, gaps remain and daytime shelter is a significant issue especially in extreme weather. She added that the amended version of the proposal was far better than the previous one. Search CareerBuilder for Council Member Jobs in Wausau, WI and browse our platform. Lindman said his department will be working with WPS and going over the bid received in the coming week or so. It is not a mean word, said Alder Becky McElhaney from Dist. I was also sympathetic toward the concerns of the residents living near the proposed site for the day shelter, as they had legitimate concerns and questions about what services would be offered to the likely increased number of people in their area who faced mental health and addiction issues. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you may file a housing discrimination complaint at:1-800-669-9777 (Toll Free) or 1-800-927-9275 (TTY) or locally, Margaret Riley, Town Clerk, at (850) 638-1781 or by email at townofwausau@bellsouth.net ". I encourage anyone with an interest in housing to consider attending. The results come nearly a week after Election Day, which saw voters turn out at the polls despite fears of the coronavirus. District 16:Tony Sherfinski defeated incumbent Bill Conway with 65% of the vote. I trust citizens judgement: I support letting people choose. Then a U.S. Supreme Court rulingdetermined at the last minutethat absentee ballots had to be postmarked by April 7to be counted, but many voters never received their ballots and had to choose between heading to the polls or forgoing their vote. City Council Alderpersons. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. 2 Wausau alders issue call for action on homelessness as anger rises, challenges continue, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Among those who supported the resolution, Christine Salm said the people who opposed the resolutions were trying to have it both ways. You can also view all available items in the Archive. City leaders in Wausau are renewing efforts to erect a fence beneath the Scott Street Bridge, despite the councils rejection of a prior budget amendment to fund the project. The Salvation Army reported 55 clients in November. Fax: (715) 261-6808 To send an email to a Member, please click here. Gary Gisselman, Mary Thao and Dennis Smith did not run for their seats, leaving districts 5, 10 and 11 without an incumbent. WAUSAU Multiple incumbents were booted off the County Board by Marathon County voters, while two incumbents lost Wausau City Council races in Tuesday's election. In District 4, incumbent Tom Nealbeat out Judith Miller, with 63% of the vote. Oftentimes changes to the city find opposition in one form or another, particularly where aesthetic development is concerned. All rights reserved. 7 Alder Lisa Rasmussen pointed to efforts by the city to address homelessness and said the city should not consider the bridge a solution. District 8:Incumbent Sarah Watson defeated Thomas "Tony" Brown with 65% of the vote. Qualifications and responsibilities of the members of the plan commission shall be as established by Section 62.23 of the Wisconsin Statutes. District 4:Doug Diny defeated Jesse Kearns by 20 votes. Public Works Director Eric Lindman said the fencing project is a joint venture with WPS and they want to move ahead with their portion of the project.. While Marathon County has a social services department and a health department, Wausau has neither. . Ill be there, as 46 apartments in my East High Apartment building have been given notice that the Citys agreement for WEDA Section 42 has ended. The We Are Wausau resolution is meant to acknowledge that peoples differences arent consistently respected and to express the determination to move above and beyond all forms of bias and exclusion, said Neal, just before the vote. Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), Sustainability Energy and Environment Committee. All Rights Reserved. It is important that our leaders be able to not only interpret the data presented to them, but also to have the fortitude to accept the conclusions the data supports, especially when the findings disagree with individual preferences and biases. James Bouche and Jon Creisher were reelected, while challenger Joanna Reyes beat out incumbent Jane Rusch and challenger Kayley McColley for the third spot. Its important to identify what we mean by affordable housing crisis in Wausau. She also pointed to the severe shortage of beds for people who need them, especially during harsh weather events. Dist. With four candidates on the ballot, a primary will be held Feb. 15 to narrow the field to two. Though the diversity measure passed, another measure under consideration that seeks equitable treatment for all area residents, the Environmental Justice resolution, was referred to a Committee of the Whole and did not pass on Tuesday. In parallel, the city has approved and funded 24 hour shelter options, including a day center that is in the process of gathering itself to open soon, with low barriers to entry for those who need it, Rasmussen said. Budgets get executed by department heads, they have far more flexibility than the mayor or council in finding savings. Phone: (715) 261-6800 I mean, really? Wausau continually faces a paradox when it comes to retention and growth where its population is concerned. . The top two vote-getters will move on to the spring election on April 5. All rights reserved. This notice was posted at City Hall and transmitted to the Wausau Daily Herald on 03/01/2023 @ 9:00 AM. All Rights Reserved. That wasnt my meaning, but I understand their reaction., He added he was concerned that some people latched onto and are offended by a single word or offhand phrase while apparently not acknowledging or addressing the overriding content of what I or others say at length on an issue.
A description of committee structure precedes the membership roster. District 23:David Baker defeated incumbent Chris Voll with 56% of the vote. On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Board of Public Works opened bids for the project, which received one response to a request for proposals issued in January. District 33:Ron Covelli defeatedincumbent Tim Buttke with 52% of the vote. District 6:Stacey Morache defeatedincumbent Jeff Johnson with 58% of the vote. The direct admission by the developer that opening two new, high end housing developments simultaneously would more than fulfill the needs of those able and willing to afford them means that the citys focus from a governance standpoint should be on affordable housing, such as the project by Gorman & Co. A project that is using federal and state funding, rather than municipal tax dollars, and would provide fifty affordable units for local renters of various income levels. 3, will formally ask the full council on Tuesday to set a Committee of the Whole to evaluate and consider the the needs posed by the unhoused members of the community are being addressed at both the city and county level. We cannot assume that Wausaus economy is keeping pace with other similarly sized cities in Wisconsin, such as Brookfield, when the average annual income of our residents is less than half of what we see in that area. We like Wausau. Prior elected office, if any:Senator, Student Government Association, UW Marathon County 2011-2012, Education: BA Sociology/Certificate in German Language Studies, UW Madison 2017, Election website or Facebook page, if any:Facebook: Jesse Kearns for Alderperson, District 4. Which is it?. Advocates are asking Wausau to create a new department of social development and action to ensure the needs posed by the unhoused members of the community are addressed at both the city and county level. I was moved to see the compassion people in the community had for the struggles the unhoused face, particularly in winter. Alfonso also accused Neal and others of demonizing conservative opposition and asked the group to stop race-baiting.. This experience helped me understand both the need for economic stability in cities across this country, while also shedding light on what can happen if ambitions blind us to the human consequences when development is at the behest of the people and not on their behalf. MORE:Aldi to open new grocery store in village of Weston, MORE:Nearly 3 years after Shopko closed, the Wausau VA Clinic is breathing new life into the vacant building in Rothschild.