By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
Marshfield- City Council members will consider several community improvement projects and receive updates on upcoming events when they meet Feb. 10.
Mayor Lois TeStrake highlighted several February events, including Snow Fest on Saturday at Wenzel Family Plaza. Snow sculptures will be on display from noon to 3 p.m., along with food and beverages. Proceeds will benefit Silver Laces, a community skating program. The event returns after a two-year absence due to lack of snow.
TeStrake also reminded residents of the Feb. 17 school board election. Seven candidates are running, with voters allowed to select up to three. In-person absentee voting will be available at City Hall beginning Friday, with Election Day voting held in individual districts.
Another upcoming event is the annual Cultural Fair, scheduled for Feb. 21 at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature food, performances and cultural displays.
City Administrator Steve Barg said the city continues to work on scheduling strategic planning sessions with council members, likely in three-hour evening meetings over the next four to six weeks.
Barg also provided an update on plans to demolish the old airport terminal building. While the fire department will not use the structure for training due to asbestos and mold concerns, the city still plans to remove the building in the coming months.
Among items on the consent agenda, the Board of Public Works is recommending moving forward with design proposals for renovations to the Columbia Park Bandshell. The bandshell, built in 1931, is approaching its 100th anniversary and requires rehabilitation. Proposed improvements include masonry work, new flooring, windows, doors and restroom upgrades, while preserving the structure’s historic character.
Former state legislator and longtime resident Donna Rozar has pledged a $50,000 donation toward the estimated $100,000 project, contingent on matching funds being raised. City officials emphasized the project would not use city tax dollars.
The council will also consider a professional services contract to rehabilitate a sanitary sewer lift station on North Lincoln Avenue. City staff are recommending Vierbicher Associates for the project at a cost of $88,700, which falls within the approved budget.
Another infrastructure item includes bidding for construction of a wet detention basin at Brainard Park. The project is part of the city’s efforts to meet state Department of Natural Resources requirements to reduce phosphorus runoff by 10 percent over five years. The city received a $150,000 DNR grant for the project, and design work is nearly complete.
Council members will also receive updates on the future of the former Weinbrenner building on Second Street. Officials are preparing responses to questions about consulting costs, long-term maintenance needs and potential interim uses for the property as the current tenant transitions to a new facility.
In addition, the council is expected to act on a recommendation from the municipal judge selection committee. The panel reviewed three applicants and selected a top candidate to serve on an interim basis, pending approvals from the city and partner municipalities.
The Feb. 10 meeting agenda may include additional items before its final release Friday. The meeting is open to the public.