Monarchs, Infrastructure, and Growth: Marshfield Common Council Recaps Busy July 22 Meeting

By Marshfield Now! Staff

The Marshfield Common Council held a full agenda on July 22, 2025, ranging from passionate public comment to key infrastructure decisions and long-term planning updates.

Citizen Addresses Monarch Decline
During the public comment period, Melissa Gwiazda of North Apple Avenue gave a powerful and emotional presentation on the declining monarch butterfly population. Speaking on behalf of the Marshfield Monarch page and invited by Council Member Brian Giles, Gwazda cited habitat destruction, pesticide use, and suburban development as major contributors to the species’ collapse.
Gwazda specifically highlighted how local areas like Trout Road and 21st Street, once prime locations for monarch egg collection, have been lost due to herbicide spraying and development. She estimated a loss of up to 82,500 monarch eggs from just one stretch of road. “Let’s find a way to help the problem,” she urged.

Council Business: Approvals and Updates
After the public comments, the Council approved minutes from its July 8, 9, and 17 meetings, followed by regular updates.

Mayor Lois TeStrake congratulated Deputy Clerk Ashley Drager on completing her third year at the Clerk Institute. She also reminded council members to communicate with staff regarding the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) budgets to streamline meetings. A touch of humor was added as she praised the newly improved train tracks on Central Avenue.

Council Member Tompkins acknowledged the Plan Commission for their zoning work to improve housing accessibility.

City Administrator Steve Barg provided updates on two major grant applications submitted to Wood County and noted a forthcoming review of the city’s economic development organizational structure, to be discussed on August 12. Barg also reminded the council about the next CIP special meeting on July 31.

Ordinance to Replace Lead Water Lines Approved
A major milestone was reached as the council passed the second reading of Ordinance 1533, requiring the replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines. Presented by Marshfield Utilities General Manager Nicholas Kumm, the ordinance lays out a clear framework for compliance, enforcement, and a fine structure that prioritizes public safety over punishment. The utility commission and staff strongly supported the measure.

Infrastructure Budget Adjustments and TIF District Amendments
The Council approved a resolution to adjust the TID 12 fund budget to cover a shortfall for the Yellowstone Drive water main extension project. An additional $120,000 will be moved to support the construction, funded partially through economic development reserves and Marshfield Utilities.

Senior Planner Josh Miller of Cedar Corporation presented an amendment to TID District #11 to accommodate a major campus expansion by I-State Truck Center. The amendment adds approximately 10 acres and updates project plans to include infrastructure development, a traffic impact analysis, and expanded road access. The project is expected to generate $21 million in new value over time.

Fairgrounds Commission Funding Restored
A request was approved to release $25,000 from the 2025 budget to the Fairgrounds Commission for city-owned building repairs. Council Member Jen Delis clarified that although the city had budgeted funds in 2024, they went unused and reverted to the general fund. The motion included a one-time rule suspension to allow funds to be used on buildings, not just land, as previously required.

Strategic Plan Progress Report
City Administrator Barg delivered a detailed review of the city’s 2022–2024 Strategic Plan, highlighting both accomplishments and challenges. Notable achievements included:

• Completion of the citywide property revaluation.
• Improved public engagement through expanded communications and outreach.
• Strong financial strides, including an improved bond rating and increased reserve fund.
• Completion of key park projects and tree management efforts.
• Launch of the Daniel’s Addition housing project and development of TIF 12 as a certified industrial site.

The report recognized staffing challenges but praised city staff for making significant progress despite turnover and post-COVID disruptions.
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Looking Ahead
Council Member Koran requested that the Jeff Hill subdivision update be added to the next agenda. The council then moved into closed session to discuss negotiations related to the Weinbrenner redevelopment and the Visit Marshfield agreement.​

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