wausau city council members

Here are the results for the City Council races: In District 1, incumbent PatPeckham beat out Chris Norfleet, with 77.9% of the vote. Four candidates are seeking a seat on the Wausau City Council to represent Dist. Two City Council members are asking for a special meeting to discuss the way Wausau is responding to homelessness, as public attention and anger continues to bubble in the community. By allocating land, the city retains the ability to ensure the public is considered as a whole when development projects are proposed and permits are drafted. SECOND: PDF: Michael Martens 715-845-4218 City of Wausau 407 Grant Street Wausau, WI 54403: THIRD: PDF: Tom Kilian. 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. 5, and Tom Kilian, representing Dist. Between the two organizations, space exists for just 53 residents on any given night during the winter. A section of the community was maligned viciously. She repeated that the resolution was not going to make any meaningful difference in the community. In two recent media Q&As, my opponents Kate Tracey and Vada Perkins mentioned fiscal responsibility. The Council Holds the Purse Strings! 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. The diversity resolution was developed by the Diversity Affairs Commission of Marathon County last year. 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. I like Candor: When asked, I will tell you what I think. Mayor RosenbergsAffordable Housing Tax Force is a promising first step. The following is a list of Boards, Committees and Commissions. 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. The 55-year-old woman's autopsy results showed she died of methamphetamine toxicity, though Police Chief Ben Bliven in January acknowledged that the death was likely complicated by living outdoors in harsh . 61-4472 4, 1980; Ord. 2023 www.wausaudailyherald.com. District 16:Tony Sherfinski defeated incumbent Bill Conway with 65% of the vote. Also in September, Wausau Police Chief Ben Bliven said the bridge effort was never conceived to solve the homeless issue but a safety measure to keep residents from falling into the river. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) This week's winter storm has postponed a much-anticipated discussion by the Wausau City Council. Quality planning, inspection, audit, quality information, quality improvement consulting, and quality communications are examples of the kind of services the organization provides.<br><br>The Manager . A description of committee structure precedes the membership roster. District 11:Incumbent Alyson Leahy edged out Randy DeBroux by three votes. Candidates vying for the Wausau City Council District 1 seat will face off in a primary race on Feb. 15. I am eager to serve as a direct link between district 4 citizens and government. 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. that this community needs. Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. They must immediately take inventory of each housing category in the city (affordable, workforce and luxury). Ill own that, he wrote in an email statement. 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. Reach him atdamakant@wausaupilotandreview.com. District 8:Kim Ungerer defeatedVeronica Hope with 52% of the vote for the seat vacated by Kelley Gabor. While Marathon County has a social services department and a health department, Wausau has neither. In District 11, Debra Ryanwon over Patrick Bacher, with 56% of the vote. . Dist. 61-4074 1(part), 1967; prior code 2.03(7)). The results come nearly a week after Election Day, which saw voters turn out at the polls despite fears of the coronavirus. The challenge will be balancing these considerations, which are often practically at odds despite being aligned in ideals as quality of life markers. That would leave 384 total units. I see the connection between support for entrepreneurship, keeping dollars local,and growing the tax base, attracting investors, creating jobs. Alfonso also accused Neal and others of demonizing conservative opposition and asked the group to stop race-baiting.. Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), Sustainability Energy and Environment Committee, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee. In District 5, James Wadinski received 52% of the vote, with Joel Lewis getting 46%. Even with that plan, gaps remain and daytime shelter is a significant issue especially in extreme weather. District 2: Ann Lemmer defeated Destiny Goretski with 61% of the vote forthe seat vacated by Jenifer Bizzotto. The City Council is the elected governing body of the City of Wausau. The womans death wasnt directly attributed to the cold, meaning she did not freeze to death or die of exposure. 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. Thursday's Committee of the Whole meeting on the issue of homelessness. 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. I am a family man-Stephanie (Goetsch) Perkins (wife), Max (8), Ava (2), Benjamin (new! Kilian and Giselman are well aware that an emergency preparedness plan wont address homelessness long-term. 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. It simply states that we still see an uneven playing field with barriers that disproportionately affect certain marginalized segments of our community.. Like this: Loading. I encourage anyone with an interest in housing to consider attending. This process should not pit competing groups against each other; rather, ARPA is a straightforward budget priority process. 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. Someone died under a Wausau bridge, Gisselman told Wausau Pilot & Review on Monday. (Ord. Neal, who was sharply criticized by Alders Rasmussen and Deb Ryan for his past remarks at the ED committee meetings, told Wausau Pilot & Review that he regretted some of his remarks he made previously. At this critical juncture in its history, Wausau has the opportunity to reshape the heart of the city, the downtown area, and link it to the ongoing riverfront revitalization. Depending on who you ask, Wausau either has plenty of affordable housing or is lacking affordable housing. Its important to identify what we mean by affordable housing crisis in Wausau. Where We Are a Service Provider. 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. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) The Wausau City Council voted 8-3 to approve a future Committee of the Whole meeting on homelessness in the city. 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. Now, the Granite House will be replacing the organization that once helped adults struggling with mental illness and drug abuse. Reporter Megan Stringer contributed to this report. Budgets get executed by department heads, they have far more flexibility than the mayor or council in finding savings. 4 candidates had to say about their experience and the way they will address Wausaus challenges if they are elected. In District 7, incumbent Lisa Rasmussen beat out Tracy Wheatley, with 71% of the vote. 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. 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. Additionally, we have a group who are unable to shelter due to trauma, mental illness and other issues. If after the boss (Citizens/Council/Mayor) hears me and still decides a different course of action, I will support them and that course of action 100%. It is unsafe and does nothing for the dignity of those in need or to mitigate prolonged suffering.. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Members Lisa Rasmussen and Dawn Herbst voted against the measure. Wausau cannot guarantee that the county will attend that meeting, she said. 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. That amended motion passed. 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. Among those who supported the resolution, Christine Salm said the people who opposed the resolutions were trying to have it both ways. The new price tag is considerably higher than the $58,000 discussed last year. The numbers given by Tracy Reiger at the public Health and Safety committee show a shortage of at least 140 beds. The top two vote-getters will move on to the spring election on April 5. 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.. The move is taking some council members and advocates for the homeless population, who thought the project was rejected in September, by surprise. In District 2, incumbent Michael Martens received 53% of the vote, over Tiffany Rodriguez-Leewho received 46.5%. He is also a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of GroundTruth Project that places journalists into local newsrooms. The corporate authority of the city is vested in both the Mayorand theeleven elected members of the Common Council. Community members prepared to speak in opposition to the Community for All resolution at the Marathon County Courthouse in Wausau, Wis., last week. I believe this is the most essential, grassroots engine to building a great place to live and work. Members Lisa Rasmussen and Dawn Herbst voted against the measure. Qualifications and responsibilities of the members of the plan commission shall be as established by Section 62.23 of the Wisconsin Statutes. All rights reserved. Did you know that Jimmy Carter, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift, and Jordy Nelson were all members of Future Farmers of America (FFA)? My goal was to find a product that would get more backing, she said. After a contentious discussion on Tuesday, the Wausau City Council approved a request by two alders to hold a meeting on the way the city responds to homelessness. This particular skill of active listening is vital for anyone who wishes to serve the public in a formal capacity, especially where minority or disenfranchised populations are concerned. 61-4316 4, 1976; Ord. 715-261-6831. District 34:Jason Wilhelmdefeatedincumbent Gary Beastrom with 54% of the vote. fbclid=IwAR3jJboS7d6LgHsDdP7MT5eDAo7gyYYsK1aHp_hDMR20n2aS9ySHplzbvjA, Wisconsin Policy Forum, public.tableau.com, Municipal DataTool:https://public.tableau.com/shared/7MD9M9RCH?:showVizHome=no. As for next steps, the Mayor said we have a lot of really important planning and it will be important that we infuse those plans with a multi-cultural, multi-ability, multi-experiential mindset so they address the needs of Wausau residents., She added that she was referring to the Citys strategic planning that well be kicking off shortly and the transit development plan were working on in conjunction with the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rosenberg said she expects heavy public engagement for both of those processes and we want to make it as easy as we can to include as many voices as possible., At the beginning of the Common Council meeting, Neal was criticized by name by Orlando Alfonso, a Wausau resident and husband of the assistant city attorney. Hours later, the conservative majority of the state Supreme Court put the election back on track. 4 is on the east side of the city just north of the downtown area, as shown on the map below. I will agree with them, for the mayors Five-Year Strategic Plan success, how we allocate assets and find revenue streams in response to citizen input, we need council members who understand the revenue and budget process. Gov. In District 8, Sarah Watsonreceived 59% of the vote, while incumbent Linda Lawrencegot 39.9%. 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. Dont assume nothings happening because things are happening all the time, she said. Fax: (715) 261-6808 Alder Rasmussen, a steadfast opponent of the proposal, said her goal was not to stop or stifle a healthy discussion. That space, she said, provides a barrier from the wind and snow for people with nowhere to go. I will act on constituent feedback that promotes our common vision. 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. City Hall (407 Grant Street, Wausau WI 54403) - Council Chambers Members of the public who do not wish to attend in person may view the meeting live or after the fact via the internet on the Living in several communities over the last fifteen years has given me an opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses of each. District 9:Incumbent David Oberbeck held off Johnny Fortenberrywith 56% of the vote. 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. 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. Published content is property of Wausau Pilot and Review. Im very tired of it.. Not returning to the council for the new term, which starts on April 21, are Linda Lawrence and David Nutting, who were defeated by their opponents. Kilian on Thursday told Wausau Pilot & Review his position is unlikely to change. 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. Pat. But he said he is confident that homelessness led to deteriorating health conditions for the woman, whose death remains under investigation. District 23:David Baker defeated incumbent Chris Voll with 56% of the vote. 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. District 30:Andrew Venzkedefeatedincumbent Richard Gumz with 57% of the vote. Wausau cannot guarantee that the county will attend that meeting, she said. Even with these efforts, Wausaus warming center reported 72 unique clients who sought shelter there in November alone, according to city documents. I mean, really? 7 Alder Lisa Rasmussen pointed to efforts by the city to address homelessness and said the city should not consider the bridge a solution. 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. We must prioritizeindependent economic sustainability and limit dependencies on freefundsfrom federal/state sources because there is no such thing; if we cant afford it, then we cant afford it. Please contact the City Clerk if you have questions about the meeting schedule or agenda. Gain sharing pools can be shared with departments that create a surplus. Among Wausaus many competing needs, what would you prioritize in the next budget? 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. Everybody cares. Copyright (c) 2023 Wausau Wisconsin Contact at rhickman@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @ReneeNHickman. 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. They think these resolutions have no teeth and they are not going to do anything, Salm said. . District 3:Incumbent Tom Kilian defeated Jo Ann Egelkrout with 65% of the vote. This notice was posted at City Hall and transmitted to the Wausau Daily Herald on 03/01/2023 @ 9:00 AM. Wausau must continue to be a place where our children and grandchildren can build upon their generational legacy and the legacy of this community. Of the vote this notice was posted at City Hall and transmitted to the election... 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