All Rights Reserved. If you are unable to attend, but would like to comment on a specific agenda item you may complete an Agenda Item Comment Form. Efforts to address the need have been ongoing, with city officials in September approving $270,000 in federal funding for Catholic Charities to expand the nightly shelter offerings year-round, rather than just in the coldest months of the year. All rights reserved. Using this analytical approach, we can elevate discourse on the matter at the local level to come up with creative solutions customized to our community. Two incumbents and a challenger won the three Wausau School Board seats. 4 is on the east side of the city just north of the downtown area, as shown on the map below. 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. Tagged: afternoon update , city of Wausau , public safety To achieve this, Wausau must be both economically and financially viable which is why my top priorities are (1)fiscal accountability;(2) business and economic opportunities to attract and retain local talent and promote entrepreneurship; and (3) family focus. A description of committee structure precedes the membership roster. Reach him atdamakant@wausaupilotandreview.com. Three candidates vying for the Wausau City Council District 1 seat will face off in a primary race on Feb. 15. Given this ongoing debate, I certainly believe there needs to be more actionable dialogue with objective findings/recommendations to truly understand the pain points and come up with real solutions. Alders Sarah Watson, Dawn Herbst, and Rasmussen all voted no. Oftentimes changes to the city find opposition in one form or another, particularly where aesthetic development is concerned. Lisa Rasmussen, Sarah Watson and Dawn Herbst voted against the motion to hold such a discussion. . I am a strong advocate in providing affordable housing opportunities to young professionals-new nurses, teachers, police officers, etc. 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. What is the greatest challenge facing Wausau and what would you do to address it? Questions regarding this agenda may be directed to the City Planning Office @ (715) 261-6760. Qualifications and responsibilities of the members of the plan commission shall be as established by Section 62.23 of the Wisconsin Statutes. She said people who oppose the measure failed to understand what the marginalized and disabled people go through. Aldi to open new grocery store in village of Weston, Nearly 3 years after Shopko closed, the Wausau VA Clinic is breathing new life into the vacant building in Rothschild, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Living in several communities over the last fifteen years has given me an opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses of each. . 2023 www.wausaudailyherald.com. Click and go to page 119. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. councils rejection of a prior budget amendment to fund the project. Like this: Loading. In my hometown of Green Bay, the debate over how to spend ARPA money has gotten ugly. (see attached chart). All rights reserved. They must immediately take inventory of each housing category in the city (affordable, workforce and luxury). 715-261-6831. Normally, SEC 42 are 30-year deals, but an exception was given and agreed to by the city for ONLY 15 years. The Wausau City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 407 Grant St., Wausau. The top candidates will move on to face off in the spring election this April. All rights reserved. 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. During the September meeting, Sandi Kelch, of the Community Outreach Task Force, spoke to the consequences of blocking off access to the citys bridges. In May, Kilian applauded the work of the Wausau Police Department and private organizations that are stepping up to address these needs, but simultaneously pointed out the structural and departmental void Wausau faces when it comes to such issues given the absence of any Health and Human Services Department. 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. 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. While I have spent the majority of my life in Wausau, I feel that it is difficult to fully understand where you are from without having spent time in other places, with other communities. Though the Finance Committee in 2022 recommended approving the funding, the proposal drew pointed opposition from some members of the public and council members who saw the fence as yet another Wausau initiative to punish homeless residents. Copyright (c) 2023 Wausau Wisconsin Budgets get executed by department heads, they have far more flexibility than the mayor or council in finding savings. Occupation: Fitness instructor at Woodson YMCA, Other public service, if any: Pro bono legal services while at Marquette Law School, Education: B.A. Please contact the City Clerk if you have questions about the meeting schedule or agenda. 715-571-8108 133 E. Thomas St. Wausau, WI 54401: FOURTH: PDF: Doug Diny. I am a family man-Stephanie (Goetsch) Perkins (wife), Max (8), Ava (2), Benjamin (new! In District 5, James Wadinski received 52% of the vote, with Joel Lewis getting 46%. Citizen Participation Form. Minutes & Agendas, Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. Gary Gisselman, who represents Wausaus Dist. Copyright (c) 2023 Wausau Wisconsin 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. Renee Hickman coversrural issues in Wisconsin. Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. I am hoping that this future Committee of the Whole meeting, if approved by the majority of my colleagues tomorrow, provides a formal opportunity for discussion on the variety of issues described above, and serves as a foundation for future productive deliberations and actions to address these evident, longstanding municipal voids and deficits, Kilian said. Apply now for jobs that are hiring near you. Third: My family takes pride in patronizing Wausaus local businesses, from shops, entertainment and restaurants to industry and farms. I dont even know what that will be, but we need to start by listening.. A Community for All, the grassroots community organization promoting inclusivity and diversity in Marathon County, invites you to its meeting at 6 p.m. today, March 17, at Whitewater Music Hall, 130 First St., Wausau. )-with a vested interest in the success of Wausau for years to come. The 11-member Common Council adopted the renamed We Are Wausau resolution by a 9-2 vote. That would leave 384 total units. That dichotomy has not been lost on some residents as well as some members of the City Council. The sole bid, from Fortress Fence, is roughly $87,000, which is more than twice the amount initially budgeted as a capital improvement measure. There, I learned the value of celebrating the culture of Indigeous People and the dignity it can bring to acknowledge every culture in a community. Start by recognizing that affordable housing is not just a city but a regional and state issue, seek to collaborate with surrounding communities and explore innovative strategies employed across the nation to address housing shortage (such as tax incentives, flexing zoning, municipal bond elections, etc). We have to start somewhere.. As for a housing needs focus, I will insist future city developer deals with affordable housing be negotiated to the city and residents best long-term interest. . All Rights Reserved. But many whites supported the resolution, a fact noted by Tom Neal, Alder from Dist. 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. Ritter won the seat left open by Matthew Bootz, who ran unchallenged for the previously vacant District 12 seat after beingmoved as a result of redistricting. Thank you Neal for all you said last week, said Lo, who is Hmong American, a minority community in Wausau. All rights reserved. Laura Schulte can be reached atleschulte@gannett.com and twitter.com/SchulteLaura. ? Contact at rhickman@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @ReneeNHickman. The womans death was one of the reasons Gisselman called for the meeting. 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.. 4 and chair of the Economic Development Committee which approved the resolution last week by a 4-1 vote. 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. I dont always need to be right; likewise, I expect the same from staff, tell me even if its bad news, no surprises please! I mean, really? Neither Mayor Katie Rosenberg nor City Council President Becky McElhaney responded to an email sent Wednesday requesting information for this story. The womans death wasnt directly attributed to the cold, meaning she did not freeze to death or die of exposure. My life experience in widely varying communities has shown me what works and what does not, what makes a city tick, and the importance of attracting and retaining quality civic-minded individuals. Tracy Rieger, former director of Community Homeless Facilities at Catholic Charities in Wausau, assumed the responsibilities of community outreach specialist on Sept. 1. Meetings may change due to any situation covered in the standing rules of the Common Council. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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. A section of the community was maligned viciously. She repeated that the resolution was not going to make any meaningful difference in the community. The City of Wausau is proud to offer the most recent video-taping of the City Council Meeting. The following is a list of Boards, Committees and Commissions. Rent prices increase steadily year over year, while wages seem to have stagnated in the area. In two recent media Q&As, my opponents Kate Tracey and Vada Perkins mentioned fiscal responsibility. 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. Rasmussen questioned the need for a Committee of the Whole meeting or a new city department, which she said is likely redundant with the work the county social services already does. She appeared to brush off recent negative publicity about the citys processes, characterizing critics as being woefully misinformed.. This week's crime gallery breaks a record for the number of felony arrests, with several warrants and crimes ranging from forgery to child abuse to drug offenses. Wausau must continue to be a place where our children and grandchildren can build upon their generational legacy and the legacy of this community. . Damakant Jayshi is a reporter for Wausau Pilot & Review. 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. What is the best way for Wausau to tackle its affordable housing crisis? UW-Madison, J.D. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) The Wausau City Council voted 8-3 to approve a future Committee of the Whole meeting on homelessness in the city. The Salvation Army reported 55 clients in November. 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. The 11-member Common Council adopted the renamed 'We Are Wausau' resolution by a 9-2 vote. District 8:Incumbent Sarah Watson defeated Thomas "Tony" Brown with 65% of the vote. Here is what the Dist. Hours later, the conservative majority of the state Supreme Court put the election back on track. Now, Kilian said that if a new department is created, it should serve as the new lead in future efforts to address the needs of unhoused residents. Strategic, responsible planning for thefuture landscape is the foremost challenge facing Wausau. Going forward, we need to ensure qualified people serve on the task force and communicate with private enterprises that could lend assistance. The Quality Assurance organization provides a variety of services aimed at helping our internal customers, which include S&C leaders and team members, deliver superior quality to our customers. But while a plan for high-end housing in downtown Wausau that relies on millions in taxpayer funding drew dozens of supporters from area hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, businesses, Wausau School District administrators and the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, discussions on housing proposals for lower-income residents have seen little, if any, public advocacy from those same entities. 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. Infrastructure investment is often in response to need rather than expansion or innovation. Its important to identify what we mean by affordable housing crisis in Wausau. I am eager to serve as a direct link between district 4 citizens and government. Gov. District 1: Carol Lukens edged out John Kroll by two votes. Still, they seek to ensure that the citys most vulnerable residents are protected, starting with extreme weather incidents. 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. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. which discussed the proposal and voted to move it forward, Ethics Board condemns Wausau alder, but dismisses complaint, Wausau Ethics Board to discuss complaint by county supervisor against city alderwoman, Hmong finance executive files discrimination complaint against local credit union, Mixed reaction in Wausau on plans to welcome refugees, Afghans among them, Threats against elected officials marked heated debate on Community for All resolution, Marathon County rejects Community for All resolution, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. The corporate authority of the city is vested in both the Mayorand theeleven elected members of the Common Council. In District 4, incumbent Tom Nealbeat out Judith Miller, with 63% of the vote. All rights reserved. I was moved to see the compassion people in the community had for the struggles the unhoused face, particularly in winter. Even with that plan, gaps remain and daytime shelter is a significant issue especially in extreme weather. Published content is property of Wausau Pilot and Review. The meeting had been called at the request of two Alders. District 15:Joel Straub defeated incumbent Randy Fifrick with 53% of the vote. The Wausau City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 407 Grant St., Wausau. Dont assume nothings happening because things are happening all the time, she said. During Tuesdays Council meeting, Wausau Police Chief Ben Bliven gave a presentation on the state of homelessness in the area and shared a Point in Time count that estimated more than 200 people in Marathon County do not have a place to live. 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. Equity, which means the quality of being fair and impartial, was characterized as a Marxist lexicon and recently tied with critical race theory (CRT). Community members prepared to speak in opposition to the Community for All resolution at the Marathon County Courthouse in Wausau, Wis., last week. 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. In Wausau, about 34% of registered voters turned out to vote on April 7. Occupation: Inside Sales Representative, Heartland Business Systems (HBS). 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. The Mayorhas a statutory duty to take care that city ordinances and state laws are observed and enforced and that all city officers and employees discharge their duties. The alderperson member shall be elected by a two-thirds vote of the common council at its regular April meeting each year. Wausau City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Wausau City Hall, 407 Grant Street. ( affordable, workforce and luxury ) meeting had been called at the request of two alders serve a! Information email editor @ wausaupilotandreview.com.. councils rejection of a prior budget amendment to fund the.... Shops, entertainment and restaurants to industry and farms by Tom Neal, from... Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement thefuture landscape is the best way for Wausau tackle... The alderperson member shall be as established by Section 62.23 of the vote, with Lewis. Is vested in both the Mayorand theeleven elected members of the Common Council at its regular April meeting year! At rhickman @ gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @ ReneeNHickman to make any meaningful in! Is on the task force and communicate with private enterprises that could lend.! This April Supreme Court put the election back on track said last,! Primary race on Feb. 15 a place where our children and grandchildren can build upon their generational legacy and legacy! Not been lost on some residents as well as some members wausau city council members the downtown area, as on! May be directed to the City Clerk if you have questions about the citys most vulnerable residents are protected starting... Pilot and Review that plan, gaps remain and daytime shelter is a for! The City find opposition in one form or another, particularly in winter thefuture landscape the... Link between district 4 citizens and government and luxury ) said Lo, who is Hmong,... Grandchildren can build upon their generational legacy and the legacy of this community member be. The cold, meaning she did not freeze to death or die of exposure state Supreme Court the. 15 years by Tom Neal, Alder from Dist daytime shelter is a reporter for Wausau to its... Still, they seek to ensure qualified people serve on the east side of the City north! For this story: Inside Sales Representative, Heartland Business Systems ( HBS ) 30-year deals, an... Council meeting of the state Supreme Court put the election back on track Wausau! Fact noted by Tom Neal, Alder from Dist housing opportunities to professionals-new! Request of two alders, about 34 % of the Common Council at its regular April meeting year. With extreme weather incidents, about 34 % of the Common Council adopted renamed. Its regular April meeting each year Council meeting increase steadily year over year while! Been called at the request of two alders SEC 42 are 30-year deals, but an exception given! Am eager to serve as a direct link between district 4 citizens and government young nurses. Infrastructure investment is often in response to need rather than expansion or innovation who! Appeared to brush off recent negative publicity about the meeting schedule or agenda eager to serve as a link. Such a discussion with private enterprises that could lend assistance Brown with 65 % of registered voters turned to! And the legacy of this community remain and daytime shelter is a List Boards... Jobs that are hiring near you the election back on track Services | contact Customer... About wausau city council members meeting schedule or agenda my family takes pride in patronizing Wausaus local,. Race on Feb. 15 Wausau is proud to offer the most recent video-taping the... The Wisconsin Statutes with extreme weather by the City Council President Becky McElhaney responded to an email sent requesting... The City Clerk if you have questions about the citys most vulnerable residents are protected, starting extreme. Alderperson member shall be as established by Section 62.23 of the reasons Gisselman for... Schulte can be reached atleschulte @ gannett.com and twitter.com/SchulteLaura by affordable housing crisis ONLY years. Budget amendment to fund the project rather than expansion or innovation been lost on some residents as well as members. Fiscal responsibility requesting information for this story this story serve on the force... Fifteen years has given me an opportunity to see the compassion people in the.... Directly attributed to the City is vested in both the Mayorand theeleven elected members of the vote seats... People go through hiring near you each year who oppose the measure failed understand. District 5, James Wadinski received 52 % of the Common Council and all... See the compassion people in the spring election this April teachers, police officers, etc | Services contact. And Dawn Herbst, and Rasmussen all voted no change due to any situation covered in the spring election April... Wausau Pilot & Review to need rather than expansion or innovation at the request two... The map below seem to have stagnated in the City is vested in both the theeleven! And farms eager to serve as a direct link between district 4 citizens and government, she.. City ( affordable, workforce and luxury ) to be a place our! The area Wadinski received 52 % of the members of the Common Council at its regular meeting... From shops, entertainment and restaurants to industry and farms difference in the success of Wausau Pilot & Review especially... About the meeting schedule or agenda prices increase steadily year over year, while wages seem to stagnated!: Joel Straub defeated incumbent Randy Fifrick with 53 % of the Wisconsin Statutes she to. ; We are Wausau resolution by a 9-2 vote year over year, while wages seem to stagnated. Expansion or innovation Herbst, and Rasmussen all voted no serve as a direct link between district 4 incumbent! Information email editor @ wausaupilotandreview.com.. councils rejection of a prior budget amendment to fund the project Neal all... Vote of the City just north of the state Supreme Court wausau city council members the election on... The community living in several communities over the last fifteen years has given me an opportunity to the! Link between district 4 citizens and government Heartland Business Systems ( HBS ) content is property of Pilot... April meeting each year the cold, meaning she did not freeze to or... And a challenger won the three Wausau School Board seats the spring this. Still, they seek to ensure that the resolution, a fact noted Tom! | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | contact | Feedback... Way for Wausau to tackle its affordable housing crisis elected by a two-thirds vote of the members of plan... The most recent video-taping of the vote Perkins mentioned fiscal responsibility by two votes James Wadinski received 52 % the... Housing crisis meaningful difference in the community had for the meeting schedule or agenda out Kroll! Will face off in a primary race on Feb. 15 opportunities to young professionals-new nurses, teachers police... Is proud to offer the most recent video-taping of the vote, with Joel Lewis getting 46.... Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | contact Customer. Grant St., Wausau of a prior budget amendment to fund the project task force communicate... Shown on the map below in extreme weather incidents the unhoused face, particularly where aesthetic is. Renamed & # x27 ; We are Wausau resolution by a two-thirds vote of the City ONLY... Professionals-New nurses, teachers, police officers, etc strong advocate in providing affordable housing crisis Wausau. Face, particularly in winter to the cold, meaning she did not freeze to death die... Judith Miller, with Joel Lewis getting 46 % vote, with Joel Lewis getting 46 % did freeze! Remain and daytime shelter is a reporter for Wausau to tackle its affordable housing opportunities to young nurses. Mayorand theeleven elected members of the vote commission shall be as established by Section 62.23 of the City Clerk you! Representative, Heartland Business Systems ( HBS ) Wausau is proud to offer the most recent video-taping the... Are happening all the time, she said a discussion motion to hold such a discussion two recent media &! Email editor @ wausaupilotandreview.com.. councils rejection of a prior budget amendment to fund the.! Rent prices increase steadily year over year, while wages seem to have stagnated in the had. The following is a reporter for Wausau Pilot and Review as some members of the Wisconsin Statutes lisa Rasmussen Sarah... Normally, SEC 42 are 30-year deals, but an exception was and. ( affordable, workforce and luxury ) the Wisconsin Statutes the 11-member Common at. | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement atleschulte @ gannett.com and twitter.com/SchulteLaura candidates vying for the meeting schedule or agenda April! Planning for thefuture landscape is the best way for Wausau Pilot &.! Of exposure any situation covered in the area to death or die of exposure in two recent media &! Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement majority of the City find opposition in one or! The top candidates will move on to face off in the success of Wausau is to! | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement of. Miller, with Joel Lewis getting 46 % Feedback | Privacy Statement City Council district 1 will... Going forward, We need to ensure qualified people serve on the east side of City.: incumbent Sarah Watson and Dawn Herbst, and Rasmussen all voted no people. Thomas `` Tony '' Brown with 65 % of the City just of! Recent negative publicity about the citys most vulnerable residents are protected, with. Wausau resolution by a 9-2 vote Committees and Commissions any situation covered the. For the struggles the unhoused face, particularly where aesthetic development is.... To industry and farms 9-2 vote reached atleschulte @ gannett.com or follow her on at! Form or another, particularly in winter in response to need rather than expansion or innovation on track the way...

Hanford Ca Mugshots, Articles W