Marshfield Utilities Discusses Water Testing Progress, Squirrel Outage, and Youth Apprenticeships at July Meeting

MARSHFIELD, Wis. -- The Marshfield Utilities Commission gathered for its monthly meeting on July 14, discussing a range of operational updates, community initiatives, and financial planning efforts.
Mayor Lois TeStrake opened the public comment period by personally congratulating Marshfield Utilities for recent awards announced at the City’s Common Council meeting. She praised the utilities for their commitment to excellence and encouraged the public to visit the Marshfield Utilities website for reports and further information.
Water Testing Results EncouragingUtilities staff provided significant updates regarding the city’s water system. John Eberle reported on progress in addressing an “action level exceedance” for lead mitigation through the addition of orthophosphate. Out of 60 samples collected during the first testing round, 58 were below the required action levels. A second round of testing is underway, with results expected in the coming weeks.
Eberle also outlined plans for the private-side water service replacement project. Contractors are preparing to begin contacting property owners later this month to secure right-of-entry agreements, with construction projected to start after Labor Day and wrap up by Halloween. Funding for the project has been approved by the Common Council.
Squirrel Causes Brief Electric OutageIn lighter but noteworthy news, Tony Nelson, Electric, Communication, and Gas Manager, described how a squirrel caused a momentary power outage on Sunday morning. The animal got into high-voltage lines between the McMillan substations, briefly cutting power to around 3,000 customers for two seconds. Nelson explained that such rapid interruptions are intentional safety mechanisms to protect expensive equipment, though the utility continues efforts to squirrel-proof the system.
“Unfortunately, squirrels are our nemesis at times,” said Kumm, noting that past solutions have proven less than fully effective.
Youth Apprenticeship Program Fully StaffedMelissa provided updates on Marshfield Utilities’ youth apprenticeship program, which has grown steadily in recent years. The utility now offers apprenticeships in four areas: Water Resources, Administration/Human Resources/Public Relations, IT Essentials, and Utility Field Technician. Each program partners with local schools and, in some cases, businesses such as Forward Bank and Dental Crafters.
This year, Marshfield Utilities is fully staffed in all apprenticeship slots, with several students returning for a second year. “We’re in a really good place with the program,” Melissa said.
Staff Service RecognizedThe meeting also included recognition of employee milestones. Celebrating work anniversaries were:

• Alex Gogue — 5 years in the Electric Department as an electrical engineer.
  
• Tony Nelson — 10 years in the Electric Department.
  
• Mike Perot — 15 years as a Water System Operations Specialist.
  
• Patty Strenitzky — 15 years as Financial Manager.
  

Financial Policy Revisions DiscussedSignificant discussion centered on proposed revisions to Marshfield Utilities’ cash reserve and investment policies. Changes aim to clarify fund allocations, ensure emergency preparedness, and improve flexibility in managing investments between liquid accounts and long-term instruments like CDs and government securities.
Commissioners debated how revenue generated by the M1 power plant should be allocated, given the unique regulatory requirements mandating that certain revenues be returned to customers. Concerns were raised about balancing necessary reserves with maintaining operational flexibility.
“This formula operates during the year long before we’d have any allocation discussion at the end of the year,” staff explained, highlighting the complexities of funding large-scale utility operations and maintenance.
Commissioners agreed to continue refining the policy drafts, planning to review concrete financial figures in the coming months before final approval.
Scholarships AwardedMarshfield Utilities announced its first-ever scholarships were awarded this year to Kai Renz and Michelle Potts. Potts, a graduate of the youth apprenticeship program, completed her studies in May.
Commissioners discussed the potential for further publicity to highlight the scholarship program as part of Marshfield Utilities’ community engagement efforts.
Looking AheadThe meeting concluded with routine approvals of bills, payroll, and previous meeting minutes, and a brief update on key performance indicators, which remain largely positive.
The next Marshfield Utilities Commission meeting is scheduled for August.

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