Common Council

August 18, 2026 Final

Agenda — 19 items

Call to order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM.
Call to Order Chairperson Timm called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Call to order Alderperson Palmquist called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Request from Alderperson Madalyn Palmquist to review and consider modifications to Chapter 11 – Zoning as it relates to Data Center land use (Appendix B) – discussion onlyMadalyn Palmquist read her document relating to the concerns and considerations for modification to Chapter 11 Zoning, Appendix B. Attorney Sue Schill provided information and timelines on a conceivable zoning/development moratorium, amendments to the city ordinance, and the legalities of a binding referendum through direct legislation.Discussions ensued between Commission Members, Attorney Schill and Community Development Director Kearns, addressing the possible benefits and the disadvantages between pursuing City ordinance amendments versus adopting a moratorium. Chairman Zacher recognized persons in the audience who wished to speak, and they were requested to speak only regarding the agenda item outlined above, and were further cautioned against speaking on other topics or any pending data center application. Several residents from Wisconsin Rapids and neighboring communities, as well as others representing interested organizations, provided their comments, opinions and recommendations to the Planning Commission regarding data centers. Eric Daven made a motion to direct staff to draft a 12-month moratorium over Chapter 11, Appendix A, section 14.03, Data Center, in order to address issues related to public health, safety, and rate-payer equity within the City, and to perform necessary infrastructure studies and better understand the use regulatory framework. The motion included that the item be placed on an agenda for a special meeting of the Planning Commission; second by Schiferl.Katy Bailey abstained and cited a conflict of interest. Motion carried (6 – 0)
Review and consider the public dedication of 544.4 sf of land from parcel 34-08158 for street purposes. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Cattanach to approve the public dedication of 544.4 sf of land from parcel 34-08158 for street purposes. Motion carried, 3-0.
Audit of the bills It was moved by Penzkover, seconded by Timm to approve check numbers 30672 to 30979 in the amount of $2,884,339.65. Motion carried, 3-0.
Request for a Certified Survey Map to combine lots and dedicate right-of-way for street purposes at property northwest of the intersection of East Jackson Street and 2nd Street North (Parcel IDs 34-08178, 34-08177, 34-08176, 34-08174, 34-08172, 34-08171, 34-08170), totaling 9,876 square feet. Mr. Kearns provided a synopsis of agenda items 4, 5, and 6. Motion by Ferkey to approve the request for a Certified Survey Map to combine lots and dedicate right-of-way for street purposes at property northwest of the intersection of East Jackson Street and 2nd Street North (Parcel IDs 34-08178, 34-08177, 34-08176, 34-08174, 34-08172, 34-08171, 34-08170), totaling 9,876 square feet; second by Marutz. Motion carried (7 – 0)
Discuss the creation of an electrical bike and scooter ordinance. Chief Hostens provided a draft ordinance to the committee highlighting education of the public. Also, an ordinance would help support officer’s enforcement of bicycle laws throughout the city. It may also be necessary to restrict certain roadway and sidewalks where it is not safe to travel. Chief Hostens mentioned bike rodeos would continue to be used for educational purposes.Tom Rayome, 1220 22nd St N, spoke regarding the issue of e-bikes within the city and the safety issues surrounding their use. Motion by Austin, second by Pluess to direct staff to develop an ordinance on e-bikes. Motion carried 3-0.
Set next regular meeting date The next regular meeting of the Finance and Property Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Review and consider a public dedication of land from parcels 34-08170, 34-08174, 34-08176, 34-08177, 34-08178 for street purposes totaling 9,876 sf. It was moved by Penzkover, seconded by Timm to approve the public dedication of land from parcels 34-08170, 34-08174, 34-08176, 34-08177, 34-08178 for street purposes totaling 9,876 sf. Motion carried, 3-0.
Review and consider a revision to the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Terrain Vehicle Traffic (UTV) Ordinance. Alderperson Palmquist introduced this referral and highlighted specific regulations in the current.Stephen Schultz, 520 13th St N, spoke in favor of opening all the roadways. Julie Mohr, 3220 Norton St., spoke on issues with trailering UTVs from 32nd St N and Washington St to roadways that are open and would like to see all the roadways open to ATVs and UTVs. Tom Rayome, 1220 22nd St N, reminded everyone that a referendum was done on ATVs and UTVs on City roads.Bryan Marsch, 221 Two Mile Ave, spoke in favor of opening all roadways and urged the city try opening all roadways. Chief Hostens spoke on the enforcement of the current ordinance with no knowledge of ATVs and UTVs breaking any rules.Alderperson Timm spoke on business advantage of allowing ATVs and UTVs and that it would be good for the city to open more roadways. Motion by Pluess, second by Penzkover to adopt a revision to the ordinance to allow ATVs and UTVs on the following streets ~2,236ft of 48th St N, ~2,966ft of 64th St, ~1353ft of Washington St. Motion carried 3-0.
Review the monthly activities of the Human Resources Department. Personnel- Hires/ Terms- YTD- 15 resignations/ retirements and 18 new hires. That is a 2-person increase from July, with both positions being in the police department. Life Insurance Transition to an on-line format has been completed. City staff have been collaborating on the modification and the rebuilding of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and Continuance of Government (COG) in the event of a major incident. The City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Ascension will have the Quarter 3 in-person presentation on August 19, 2026. The program will take place at the library, and the topic will be Anxiety and Depression.
Request from Theresa Cashman, Out of the Box Coffee House, for a special exception to exceed the maximum number of parking spaces at 3820 8th Street South (Parcel ID 3413806 )Kyle Kearns provided a review of the request. Approval was recommended with the condition outlined in the staff report. Motion by Daven to approve the request from Theresa Cashman, Out of the Box Coffee House, for a special exception to exceed the maximum number of parking spaces at 3820 8th Street South (Parcel ID 3413806), subject to the following condition: 1. Community Development Department shall have the authority to approve minor modifications to the plans.Second by Bailey. Motion carried (7 – 0) Items 4-7 were moved up on the agenda.
Review the referral list. Alderperson Penzkover referred concerns about the expectation of an all-way stop at Lincoln St and Airport Ave and requested that a traffic study be conducted.
Discuss a referral from Alderperson Palmquist regarding salary compression within the Fire Department. Motion by Palmquist seconded by Ferkey to approve the revised draft of the Pay Provisions Policy as it relates to salary compression. Motion carried 3-0.
Approval of the report from July 6th, 2026, Planning Commission meeting Motion by Marutz to approve the report from July 6, 2026, Planning Commission meeting; second by Ferkey. Motion carried (7 – 0)
Request for a Certified Survey Map to dedicate right-of-way for street purposes at 171 3rd Street North (Parcel ID 34-08158), totaling 544.4 square feet. Motion by Schiferl to approve the request for a Certified Survey Map to dedicate right-of-way for street purposes at 171 3rd Street North (Parcel ID 34-08158), totaling 544.4 square feet; second by Thao. Motion carried (7 – 0)
Discuss Triangle Site Development at the northwest corner of East Jackson Street and 2nd Street North. The Committee and staff discussed the history and development potential for the site, primarily related to housing, mixed-use, park and commercial. More specifically, the downtown master plan and Jackson Street reconstruction were discussed, as well as opportunities for affordable housing and a band shell. Further discussion at Common Council was encouraged.
Request for a Certified Survey Map to combine lots, including vacated Market Street and a vacated alleyway, and to dedicate right-of-way for street purposes at 400 Market Street (Parcel IDs 34-7751, 34-07747, 34-08151, 34-08161, 34-08160, 34-08149, 34-08150), totaling 329 square feet and 293 square feet along East Jackson Street and 180 square feet on Saratoga Street. Motion by Marutz to approve the request for a Certified Survey Map to combine lots, including vacated Market Street and a vacated alleyway, and to dedicate right-of-way for street purposes at 400 Market Street (Parcel IDs 34-7751, 34-07747, 34-08151, 34-08161, 34-08160, 34-08149, 34-08150), totaling 329 square feet and 293 square feet along East Jackson Street and 180 square feet on Saratoga Street; second by Daven. Motion carried (7 – 0)

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