Council Preview: Major Projects, Strategic Planning, and Website Overhaul on Upcoming Agenda

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD – The City of Marshfield’s upcoming Common Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 12, will cover a wide range of topics, from multi-million-dollar capital projects to long-term strategic planning and community communication upgrades.
City Administrator Steve Barg joined the latest Council Preview program to highlight key items heading to the council table.

Capital Improvement Plan Challenges
The city recently held its annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) work sessions to outline projects for the next five years. While the first two years (2026–27) align with recommended borrowing limits, the final three years (2028–30) exceed available resources.

Major expenses include a $10 million renovation of the Wildwood Plaza building to house the Police Department and several large street projects eligible for 80% state funding. Barg said these opportunities are too good to delay, despite the city’s 20% share still representing a significant cost.
The CIP narrowly passed a 4–3 vote at the committee level and will likely go to the full council on Aug. 26 for final review.

Strategic Planning Dates Set
After months of anticipation, the city has scheduled two six-hour strategic planning sessions for Sept. 6 and Sept. 20 at the Second Street Community Center. The sessions will be open to the public and aim to establish a mission, vision, and goals to guide budgeting and staffing decisions in future years.

Website Redesign Approved
Following a year-long review involving multiple departments, the city will extend its contract with website provider Revize for another five years. A complete redesign will make the site more user-friendly and searchable. The redesign could include public input on homepage priorities and navigation.
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Other Notable Items on the Agenda

• State-Funded Infrastructure – The council will consider contracting with Robert E. Lee & Associates for engineering work on sanitary sewer and water main replacements along East 4th Street, part of a 2028 reconstruction project with significant state cost-sharing.
• Development Proposals – Developer Jeff Hill may present a residential project concept for the northwest corner of West McMillan Street and St. Joseph Avenue.
• Economic Development Review – Consultant Kristen Fish of Redevelopment Resources will present findings and recommendations on how the city’s economic development efforts can be more efficient and coordinated.
• Weinbrenner Facility Redevelopment – Milwaukee-based developer J. Jeffers & Co. will share more details on potential reuse of the soon-to-be-vacated Weinbrenner Shoe Company building, expected to be empty by March 2026.
• Public Comment Policy – City Attorney Wolff Graham will address concerns raised in July regarding alleged legal violations at a community event and outline the city’s response.
• Fire Union Negotiations – The council will appoint members to the bargaining team as talks begin for a new contract starting in 2026.

Barg noted that budget discussions will dominate meetings in the coming months, but the Aug. 12 agenda offers residents several opportunities to learn about major developments and provide input.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.

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