Marshfield City Council to Address Key Issues at September 9 Meeting

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD -- The Marshfield Common Council will meet Tuesday, September 9, with a full agenda covering public safety, facility repairs, major projects, and future development plans.


Railroad Safety Week Proclamation
Mayor Lois TeStrake will issue a proclamation recognizing National “See Tracks? Think Train!” Week from September 15–21. With recent upgrades to Central Avenue’s rail crossing, city leaders hope to raise awareness about railroad safety. “Railroad safety is so important,” said Barg, citing past accidents in the region.


Strategic Planning Session Postponed
City Administrator Steve Barg announced that the September 6 strategic planning retreat was canceled due to a lack of quorum. The city is working to reschedule the session with a facilitator to continue discussions on long-term vision and goals.


Vehicle Replacement for Assessor’s Office
The Board of Public Works recommended replacing the city assessor’s aging 2009 Chevrolet, deemed unsafe for the road. A new 2026 Chevrolet Trax will be purchased using funds from the city’s internal replacement account. Final approval rests with the council.


Repairs Needed at Community Centers
Both the Oak Avenue Community Center and the Second Street Community Center are facing costly maintenance issues.

• Oak Avenue, built in 1941, requires a chimney liner replacement after water damage was discovered.
• The Second Street facility, a former library, has a persistent basement leak with no identified source. Excavation will be needed, with costs estimated between $10,000 and $20,000. Both projects may require budget resolutions to cover expenses.
  
  
  

Marshfield Utilities Commission Vacancy
The council will review candidates for a seven-year term on the Marshfield Utilities Commission. Current commissioner Paul Caplis is seeking reappointment. A final vote is expected later in September.


Adler Road Trail Funding Dispute
The council will revisit the Adler Road Trail project, originally funded in 2020 with an 80% state grant. Rising construction costs left the city with an $85,000 shortfall, already paid to contractors. The issue now is how to properly record the expense. Some council members expressed frustration that they were not kept informed of the escalating costs.


Redevelopment of Weinbrenner Building
The council will review a revised Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for redevelopment of the soon-to-be-vacated Weinbrenner building. While an earlier plan focused on affordable housing, the council now seeks proposals emphasizing market-rate apartments and potential mixed-use spaces, such as cafés or shops, to help revitalize Second Street.


Airport Runway Extension Debate
The Marshfield Municipal Airport runway extension remains under discussion. Councilmember Natasha Tompkins raised concerns about financing the city’s share of the project, despite significant state and federal funding. Officials emphasized the airport’s importance for medical transport, including organ donations, and its role in economic development.


Tracking Exempt Employee Hours
Councilmember Mike O’Reilly has proposed that the city begin tracking hours of salaried employees for transparency and workload assessment. While department heads argue performance should be the measure of accountability, O’Reilly believes recording hours could help identify staffing needs and demonstrate accountability to taxpayers.


Budget Outlook
Finance Director Jennifer Selenske will update the council on the 2026 city budget, which currently projects a deficit. Key revenue details, such as transportation aid from the state, are not yet finalized. Barg noted the budget process is designed to narrow the gap before final approval.
​

Public Encouraged to Attend
The meeting will take place in the council chambers at City Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch online to stay informed about decisions shaping the city’s future.

---