Marshfield Common Council Highlights Community Investment, Local Achievements at May 27 Meeting

Marshfield, WI — The Marshfield Common Council convened on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at City Hall to address a range of local initiatives, community achievements, and updates impacting residents. The meeting featured community advocacy, city development updates, and a proclamation honoring a local athlete.
Tourism Investment Defended by Local Hospitality Leader
Cori Latourell, General Manager of Hotel Marshfield and a board member of Visit Marshfield, addressed the council in support of the city's tourism entity. Latourell outlined the positive impact of room tax funds, which support Visit Marshfield’s operations and community development.

“Visit Marshfield has contributed over $837,000 in donations and grants to city projects,” said Latourell, citing support for the Wenzel Family Plaza, Wildwood Zoo, and pickleball lighting, among others. She clarified that 70% of local room tax revenues go toward tourism promotion and development, while 30% remains at the city's discretion.
Mayor Honors Local Basketball Standout
Mayor Lois TeStrake issued a proclamation honoring Brooks Hinson, a Marshfield High School basketball player, for his leadership and athletic accomplishments. Hinson, the school’s all-time leading scorer, earned a full athletic scholarship to Northern Michigan University.

“You make Marshfield proud,” said Mayor TeStrake during the reading of the proclamation.

Farmers Market Saved by MACCI
The popular Festival Foods farmers market, previously at risk of closure due to state regulations, has found a new temporary steward. MACCI (Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry) will manage the market for the 2025 season while a permanent leadership structure is explored.

Utility Report Highlights Reliability and Local Benefits
Nicholas Kumm, General Manager of Marshfield Utilities, delivered an in-depth annual report emphasizing system reliability, local collaboration, and cost efficiency. The utility recorded an average outage duration of just 16 minutes in 2024—well below the national average of 149 minutes.
Kumm highlighted workforce development, energy assistance programs, and ongoing infrastructure investments such as PFAS mitigation, lead pipe replacements, and LED streetlight upgrades. He noted that Marshfield residents benefit from lower utility rates compared to nearby communities.
Policy Updates and Ordinance Readings
City Administrator Steve Barg presented several ordinance revisions:

• Ordinance 1530 updates the conditional use permit process to align with state law, requiring a Class 2 public hearing notice.
• Ordinance 1531 clarifies subdivision improvement responsibilities and allows for city participation under development agreements.
• Ordinance 1532 formalizes “No Mow May,” removing the need for annual approval and encouraging pollinator-friendly practices.

Upcoming Discussions and Meetings
The council was reminded of a joint session with the Community Development Authority scheduled for May 29 to discuss the Weinbrenner Redevelopment Project.
Additionally, the city will host a Clean Sweep event at the Ag Research Station on May 31, allowing residents to safely dispose of hazardous household materials.

​Closed Session and Adjournment
The meeting concluded with a vote to enter closed session to discuss development assistance for a project at West McMillan Street and St. Joseph’s Avenue.
The next council meeting is set for June 10, 2025.