Marshfield Common Council Meets on Veterans Day, Reviews Power Plant Proposal and State Fair Report

MARSHFIELD — The Marshfield Common Council convened for its regular meeting on November 11, 2025, opening with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting covered citizen comments, utility discussions, ordinance updates, and a detailed review of the 2025 Central Wisconsin State Fair.



Public Comment: Questions Raised on Proposed Peaking Power Plant
During the public comment period, Garrett Martin of Eau Claire, representing IBEW Local 153, addressed the council regarding the proposed $288.2 million peaking power plant listed under Agenda Item Q. Marshfield Utilities is expected to contribute $86.4 million of the total cost.

Martin questioned:

• The basis of Marshfield Utilities’ 30% ownership share, noting Marshfield represents 18.5% of Great Lakes Utilities’ total customer base.
• Whether Marshfield would also absorb part of Great Lakes Utilities’ remaining 70%.
• The need for a 150-megawatt plant given flat population growth from 2010–2020.
• Whether the project benefits Marshfield or Great Lakes Utilities more.
• A levelized cost estimate showing $0.87 per kilowatt-hour, compared with $0.26 on-peak energy from WPS.
• Oversight concerns due to shared administrative leadership between Marshfield Utilities and Great Lakes Utilities.   

Visit Marshfield Highlights Tourism Activity
Matt McLean of Visit Marshfield gave an update on recent tourism developments:

• Four new multi-day conventions have been secured, including Sports Wisconsin (December) and Destinations Wisconsin (May).
• Marshfield will again host the Dairyland Balloon Jubilee in 2026, maintaining the city’s role as home to Wisconsin’s largest hot-air balloon festival.
• Coordination is underway to support Farm Tech Days this July, with efforts to direct vendor spending locally.
• Past data estimated a $2 million economic impact during the 2018 show.
• With multiple large July events, attendees were encouraged to book hotel rooms early.

Mayor’s Report: Veterans Day Proclamation and Clerk Recognition
Because the meeting occurred on Veterans Day, Mayor Lois TeStrake read the official Veterans Day 2025 Proclamation during the session, honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans from the Civil War to today.

The mayor also congratulated Ashley Draeger, who earned the designation of Wisconsin Certified Municipal Clerk, calling it a major professional milestone.
Other announcements included:

• Nominations for the Crystal Apple Award (due November 14).
• Opportunities to nominate businesses for Small Business of the Year and Firm of the Year.
• The Holiday Parade scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with tree lighting afterward in Wenzel Plaza.

Administrator’s Report: Project Updates and Budget Hearing Notice
City Administrator Steve Barg provided updates on several ongoing projects:

• Recent submissions and reports related to the Central Wisconsin State Fair.
• Progress on the police department relocation to the Wildwood Plaza building.
• A review of park equipment retirements and replacement needs.
• Continued planning for training use of the airport terminal building, though mold issues will limit activities.
• Pursuit of grant opportunities, including the Non-State Grant and Wisconsin Innovation Grant.
• Upcoming discussion of community development director job duties in December.
• A reminder that the 2026 budget public hearing will be held November 25 at 6 p.m.

​State Fair Reports Successful 2025 Season
​Dale Christensen, Executive Director of the Central Wisconsin State Fair, delivered a detailed end-of-year report.
Highlights included:

• 62,000 attendees at the 2025 fair.
• Ticket sales to visitors from 26 states.
• A new food drive collected over 2,000 items for Wood County food pantries.
• 1,096 junior fair exhibitors showing 3,825 exhibits, with more than $10,000 in premiums awarded.
• Total fair cost: $830,000.
• Entertainment and grandstand acts cost: $374,000.
• Vendor revenue totaled $58,000 from 24 food vendors and 60 craft vendors.
• Total fair revenue: $975,000, with carnival revenue down $2,000 from last year.

Looking ahead, Christensen announced:

• A Nov. 29 Christmas show fundraiser.
• A statewide Allis Chalmers tractor club event scheduled for January.

Council Approves Job Order for Proposed Power Generation Plant
​Under Item Q, Marshfield Utilities General Manager Nicholas Kumm presented the request to approve Job Order 7506, tied to a proposed dual-fuel 150 MW power plant planned for Yellowstone Industrial Park.
Key points included:

• Ownership split: 30% Marshfield Utilities / 70% Great Lakes Utilities.
• A five-year project timeline.
• Use of natural gas and fuel oil for reliability during peak constraints.
• Need to replace capacity from expiring power supply contracts between 2028 and 2031.
• Expected to generate about $1 million annually in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).
• The plant would provide more than 100% of Marshfield’s peak electrical demand.
• Project to be financed through revenue bonds, not general obligation debt.

After extensive discussion and questioning, the council approved the job order.

Update on Redevelopment of the Weinbrenner Building
Administrator Steve Barg reported that the second RFQ process for redeveloping the historic Weinbrenner building at 305 West Third Street closed on November 7.
The city received one proposal.

A review team will meet soon to evaluate the submission, conduct interviews, and present a recommendation—likely in December—to both the Common Council and the Community Development Authority.
Other Council Actions

• The council completed second readings for ordinances involving the joint municipal court, R-6 zoning district, and a new small-scale residential district.
• The council moved into closed session to discuss personnel matters, the tourism agreement with Visit Marshfield, and litigation involving the Mill Creek Youth Foundation.

---