Marshfield Council Weighs Airport Expansion, Communications Funding, and Weinbrenner Redevelopment

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Common Council met Tuesday, Sept. 9, addressing a wide range of issues from airport runway expansion to redevelopment downtown and looming budget challenges for the city’s communications department.

Community Voices at the Podium
Public comment began with longtime resident and aviator Dan Mauer, who urged the council not to impose new user fees at the Marshfield Municipal Airport. Mauer emphasized the airport’s importance to local industries, citing companies like Sanford Health, Roehl Transport, and Custom Fab, which rely on air travel. He reminded the council that most airport funding comes from the federal Aviation Trust Fund, not local taxpayers.

Airport Manager Jeff Gaier followed, outlining the decades-long process behind a proposed runway extension. He noted that grading, fill projects, and property purchases over the years have laid the groundwork for lengthening the runway to 5,500 feet—enough to safely accommodate larger aircraft now utilizing Marshfield.

Weinbrenner Redevelopment Proposal
Local investor Jack Bezlyk reintroduced himself to the council, pitching an alternative plan for the Weinbrenner building. His vision includes converting the property into a mixed-use development with 48 modern loft-style apartments, retail spaces, a coffee shop, restaurants, and potentially a rooftop patio overlooking the ball diamonds.
Bezlyk stressed that while he is young, his team of local advisors and business leaders brings depth in engineering, construction, and property management. He framed the project as a catalyst for the broader West Second Street Redevelopment Plan.

Local Business Plea for “Buying Local”
Mary Jo Wheeler, representing Wheeler’s Chevrolet, shifted the focus to economic development more broadly. She voiced frustration that the city was considering purchasing a vehicle from an Illinois dealership rather than buying locally. Wheeler highlighted the contributions Marshfield businesses make—from sponsoring youth sports to donating to public safety—and urged the council to “row in the same direction” when it comes to community growth.

Staff and Council Updates
IT staff announced a planned domain change for the city’s website and email addresses, transitioning from ci.marshfield.wi.us to marshfieldwi.gov for greater security and public trust.

Mayor Lois TeStrake proclaimed Sept. 15–21 as National Rail Safety Week, citing national statistics on rail-related fatalities and emphasizing public education. She also noted that Marshfield Utilities successfully expanded its summer apprentice program and has committed funding for a second school liaison officer in partnership with local schools.

Communications Department Funding Crisis
Communications Committee Chair Evan Dayton delivered sobering news: the city’s communications department faces a $25,000–$30,000 revenue shortfall this year due to declining cable franchise fees. With streaming services exempt from such fees under state law, revenue is no longer keeping pace with expenses.

Cuts already enacted include reduced programming, eliminated travel reimbursement, and cancellation of the planned low-power FM radio station project. Dayton warned that without new funding models, the department could be insolvent by 2027.

Council Requests Hour Tracking for Exempt Employees
In addition to the communications report, council members specifically requested that hours worked by exempt employees be tracked and documented. Supporters of the measure argued that it would provide a clearer picture of staff workloads, help evaluate whether departments are stretched too thin, and ensure accountability in budgeting decisions. The idea is intended to guide long-term planning and resource allocation, particularly in departments like communications, where staffing shortages and funding cuts have already shifted extra duties onto existing personnel.

Adler Road Trail Project Costs Rise
Finance Director Jennifer Selenske presented a budget resolution to cover an $85,500 shortfall in the Adler Road pedestrian/bike trail project, citing design overruns and land acquisition costs not covered by federal grants. While the project also benefited from $69,000 in donations, the council raised concerns about communication lapses in reporting cost increases to elected officials.

Runway Expansion Debate Resurfaces
Later in the meeting, Council Member Scott Koran motioned to reinstate the $2.2 million runway extension project into the city’s capital improvement plan, emphasizing both economic development and safety. Koran noted that while the city’s share would be $117,000, federal funds would cover the majority.

Pilots and aviation advocates argued the extension is critical for medical donor flights and turboprops, which face restrictions in wet weather under current runway conditions. Some council members expressed concern over costs, urging the city to also seek private contributions from businesses that benefit directly.

Weinbrenner RFQ Delayed
The council also revisited its approach to the Weinbrenner redevelopment after earlier withdrawing from negotiations with Milwaukee-based developer Jeffers. While a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was drafted, several council members pushed for softer language, preferring “preferred” rather than “required” criteria for mixed-use and covered parking. The RFQ will return for revisions in two weeks.

Next Steps:
The council is expected to revisit both the Weinbrenner RFQ and the runway extension proposal later this month. Meanwhile, communications department funding and rising project costs remain pressing issues as budget season approaches.

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