Joint County Board and City Council Meeting Agenda Packet (Bayshore Arts Center Theater)

AGENDA Joint Marinette County Board & City of Marinette Council Meeting Tuesday, June 16, 2026 12:00 p.m. Bay Shore Arts Center Theater 750 W Bay Shore Street, Marinette, WI 1. Call the meeting to order (Chairperson Guarisco) 2. Roll Call (City Council and County Board) 3. Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence 4. Approval of agenda 5. Update from Cooperating Agencies – (Each agency will be given 10 minutes to address the City Council and County Board related to the UW-Marinette Campus, Fieldhouse, or the Stephenson Public Library) • Association of Community and Culture, LTD • River Cities Community Pool Association • Marinette County Consolidated Library Board • Greater Marinette Menominee YMCA • University of Wisconsin Green Bay 6. Round-table discussion County Board and City Council concerning the following topics in the order listed: Discussion Only - No action will be taken. County staff will be available to answer questions about each topic during the discussion. Questions and comments will alternate between City Council and County Board members. Mayor and County B oard C hairperson will recognize their own members to speak. • Runnoe Park • Fieldhouse/Pool • Main Campus (Theater, Library, Admin/Classrooms) • Stephenson Public Library potential relocation to UW Campus Library 7. Adjournment 1 Concept 2 (Bay Shore Arts Center Expansion, funded by a strategic property sale) appears on pages 6–8 of this document. Original Document starts below Mr. John Lefebvre, County Administrator, and Members of the County Infrastructure Committee Marinette County Courthouse 1926 Hall Ave. Marinette, WI 54143 Re: Report from the Association of Community and Culture (“ACC”) on Appropriate Future Uses of the Former University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) Marinette Campus Dear Mr. Lefebvre and Members of the Infrastructure Committee, As you are aware, when the UWGB stopped education activities on the Marinette campus site, ending more than five decades of UW presence in Marinette, the public became concerned about the future use of the campus site which is owned by Marinette County. The ACC was created by local citizens to assist the County in repurposing the site while considering its historical and cultural characteristics. The ACC is a not-for-profit corporation that now has 203 “friends” committed to its mission and purpose. Mr. Lefebvre has discussed the County’s fiscal considerations relating to the campus site with several ACC directors and addressed the ACC friends at general meetings on January 12 and April 2 of this year. At a recent Infrastructure Committee meeting, several members of the Committee expressed an interest in the ACC’s involvement in the project and urged the ACC to continue its efforts. Based on a perceived interest by the County, the ACC friends have brainstormed to come up with ideas that would be financially sustainable and aligned with our communities’ desire to maintain the cultural nature of the campus site. The ACC suggests three selected concepts identified by its friends as being “top rated” during their work sessions: 1. A regional arts conservatory for students and others to participate in music, dance, visual art, writing, etc. a. Concept found on pages 3 - 5 2. Bay Shore Arts Center Expansion: Funded by Strategic Property Sale a. Concept found on pages 6 - 8 b. See email attachment titled ACC Letter of Support UWGB 1 2 3. A Chautauqua concept (an institute, museum, meeting place, etc., that would honor the historical nature of the campus site and surrounding area. a. Concept found on page 9 b. See email attachment titled Chautauqua Brief 6.2.25 These expanded submissions aim to provide additional clarity on feasibility, timelines, operational models, and potential partnerships. Each form includes updated or expanded information to assist in the evaluation process. Continued efforts will be made to determine other possibilities that might apply to the campus. The ACC remains fully committed to supporting Marinette County as it identifies a viable, community- supported the future of this important property. A strong public-private model can reduce the County’s long-term financial responsibility while enhancing a cultural opportunity for residents to experience. The ACC stands ready to assist in any way that helps move this process forward constructively and collaboratively. The Association for Community and Culture Submitted By: Wendy Dzurick, President Directors: Betsy Bradley, Paula Gruszynski, Kurt Hellermann, T yrgve Rhude, Amy Schwaba, Wendy Dzurick 2 3 ACC Champion Name: Amy Schwaba Phone Number: 715-923-8836 Email Address: amy@schwabalaw.com Repurposing Idea Summary: The establishment of a Conservatory on the former UW Marinette Campus, which would serve area schools and the general population. At the moment we are in the process of gathering information looking at how a conservatory might be established, who it would serve, how it would be funded and how it would be sustained. There are over 10 conservatories in the State of Wisconsin. All have been generous with their time and advice, and very supportive of our idea of a conservatory. We are also reaching out to State Agencies, including the Wisconsin Arts Board, the Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Wisconsin School Music Association and others. All have been helpful and encouraged us to pursue the goal of a conservatory. See the entities listed above. Meetings with representatives of some of them are being arranged and will take place soon. The balance of the information sought below is not applicable at this time. CONCEPT 1. Establish a music conservatory located on the campus of the former UW Marinette Campus. 2. The conservatory would provide to local area public high schools, private high schools and home-schooled students, the music program required of all high schools in the State of Wisconsin/Michigan in lieu of music departments in each of the individual schools. 3. The Conservatory would receive funds from the State of Wisconsin/Michigan that the State would ordinarily allocate to support a music program in each individual school. INITIAL STEPS NEEDED TO DETERMINE COMMUNITY REACTION TO CONCEPT 1. Consult with School Superintendents to assess their need for music education in their districts, and their response to the conservatory concept. 2. Consult with current music teachers for their reaction to the conservatory concept. 3 CONCEPT 1: A regional arts conservatory for students and others to participate in music, dance, visual art, writing, etc. 4 BEGIN THE WORK OF ACHIEVING THE GOAL OF A CONSERVATORY 1. HIRE A CONSULTANT 2. Research institutions that might be interested in establishing a music conservatory on the former UW Marinette campus. 3. Create a cost-benefit plan to determine if the conservatory option is fiscally viable 4. Establish a stakeholders’ decision-making board/committee to address: A. What schools will participate B. Hiring faculty C. Transportation D. Schedule of Classes E. Determine what days/times individual schools’ students will be attending classes at the conservatory F. Address issues of student compatibility and school pride regarding sports and other competitions between the individual schools. CONSERVATORIES CURRENTLY OPERATING IN WISCONSIN : 1. SHELL LAKE ARTS CENTER 2. BIRCH CREEK MUSIC ACADEMY 3. THE CLEARING, ELLISON BAY 4. MADELINE ISLAND SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 5. MADISON YOUTH ART CENTER 6. LAWRENCE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 7. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN GREEN BAY 8. BLUE LAKE 9. WAUSAU CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC RESOURCES: 1. Wisconsin Arts Board 2. Wisconsin Office of Rural Prosperity 3. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, rural economic development directors. 4. Wisconsin School Music Association 5. There are currently 15 high schools encompassing both public and private institutions that are within 30 miles of the former UW Marinette Campus including parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. IDENTIFY ADVANTAGES TO PURCHASER OF CAMPUS PROPERTIES 1. Beautiful 18 acre wooded campus bordered by a 5 acre park along the shore of Green Bay. 4 Con’t: CONCEPT 1: A regional arts conservatory for students and others to participate in music, dance, visual art, writing, etc. 5 2. Well-maintained buildings on the main campus: Theater, with classrooms, art gallery, performance hall and music room; Administration With classrooms, cafeteria, science labs and student union; Library with offices and attractive conference/board room. 3. Field House two blocks from main campus with gymnasium, pool and surrounded by soccer fields. 4. Highly successful community theater and community choir 5. Community strongly engaged and supportive of cultural growth 6. Price for campus negotiable 7. Eligible for $2,000,000 in State funds for repurposing the Campus 8. Benefit from grants or private donations that make the arts available to small communities. 9. Property has a rich history: originally home to indigenous peoples; at the turn of the 20th century, it became a thriving Chautauqua settlement; for fifty years the Campus was one of the 13 University of Wisconsin Colleges. 10. Fifteen high schools located within a 30-mile radius of Marinette. IMPACT ON COMMUNITY: 1. Ease the difficulty of hiring music and fine arts teachers to teach at the smaller high schools in this rural area. 2. Offer students more diverse options to study music and fine arts. 3. Create more learning opportunities for current residents and for families moving into the area. 4. Make it easier for local employers to recruit potential employees to relocate to the area. 5. Offer learning opportunities not just to students, but to all residents regardless of age. 6. Foster a strong sense of pride in a first class educational institution that serves the entire area. Statement of Organization/Institution Commitment While we do not yet have a formal Statement of Organization or Institutional Commitment, our group remains actively engaged in exploring the viability of a financially sustainable conservatory. We are continuing to gather input from existing conservatories, consult with state agencies, and pursue guidance and partnerships to support the long-term success of this initiative. Our goal is to ultimately secure a committed, financially sustainable partner to help bring this vision to life. ACC Champions’ Signature I affirm that the above information is accurate and reflects the current level of commitment from the involved party. E - Signature: Amy Schwaba Date: June 5, 2025 5 6 ACC Champion Name: Kim Brooks Phone Number: 615.804.9653 Email Address: kkbrooks@bellsouth.net Repurposing Idea Summary: The future of the UWGB Marinette Campus property deserves our immediate attention. While no perfect solution has emerged, forward momentum begins with preparing the property for sale. This act transforms uncertainty into possibility and facilitates the process of collaborative, community-minded proposals. Below outlines steps to ground this process and guide us from indecision toward opportunity. I aim to support your leadership and provide the County Board with a clear path to approve preparation for listing—guided by a framework that honors Marinette values and preserves its cultural landmarks through appropriate deed restrictions. Carving off the theater (and adequate space for parking) would allow a developer to maximize the pristine waterfront views and provide much needed housing or a mixed-use development. Proceeds from the sale could be earmarked for future infrastructure expenses at the theater, and UWGB could continue to pay for the operations of the theater building. This proposal does not include suggestions for the new lease with UWGB that would be necessitated by the sale of a portion of the campus. Recommended Preparation Actions • Define a Clear Sales Strategy Establish parameters for acceptable future ownership models and uses that align with community interests and rezoning considerations. • Compile Essential Property Documentation • Current property survey • Comprehensive environmental assessment reports • Complete list of required disclosures • Detailed demolition cost estimates broken down by parcel • Commission a New Appraisal Request valuation for: • Each parcel in its current "as-is" condition • Property value as vacant land • Engage Specialized Real Estate Representation Select a broker with expertise in public asset transactions and community-centered redevelopment projects. See more below. 6 CONCEPT 2: Bay Shore Arts Center Expansion: Funded by Strategic Property Sale 7 Proposed Deed Restrictions The community has consistently emphasized one priority: protecting the theatre building and ensuring its continued operation as a cultural cornerstone. We recommend incorporating deed restrictions that safeguard this community asset, potentially including: • Use limitations that maintain public access and preserve neighborhood character • Heritage preservation requirements honoring the property’s historical significance • Community engagement mandates for any future redevelopment planning Timeline Perspective Preparing the property for sale creates momentum that has been missing. This preparation isn’t closing the door on community vision—it’s opening windows to new possibilities. A professionally prepared listing attracts qualified interest and transforms abstract discussions into concrete choices. Looking Forward The Marinette campus has been woven into the fabric of our community through education, artistic expression, and shared history. Though its original purpose is changing, its story continues. By taking these first responsible steps toward sale, with thoughtful protections, we create a bridge connecting our past to our future. I remain hopeful and confident. Marinette’s strength has always been its resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Partner Organization or Institution Committed to the Idea 1. Michael Alexander, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin Green Bay Chancellor Alexander has provided the attached letter (titled ACC Letter of Support UWGB) confirming the University’s commitment to operating the theater. 2. An important partner will be the broker chosen by Marinette County. I am suggesting two different agencies that have navigated projects like this one, but I didn’t think it was my place to engage with them on the county’s behalf. A.) Manny Vasquez, Vice President / Partner Pfefferle Companies, Inc., NAI Pfefferle / Pfefferle Management mannyv@naipfefferle.com 200 E. Washington Street, Suite 2A 7 Con’t - CONCEPT 2: Bay Shore Arts Center Expansion: Funded by Strategic Property Sale 8 Appleton, Wisconsin 54911 Main 920.968.4700 Mobile 920.858.1075 B.) Colliers Real Estate Broker Colliers is working on Thrivent’s campus redevelopment in Appleton that will include housing, an amphitheater, a park and connections to trails. https://www.thriventdevelopment.com/ ACC Champions’ Signature I affirm that the above information is accurate and reflects the current level of commitment from the involved party. E - Signature: Kim Brooks Date: 6.5.2025 8 9 ACC Champion Name: Ben Dorris Phone Number: 715.587.4449 Email Address: jbendorris@gmail.com Repurposing Idea Summary: The attached document titled Chautauqua Brief 6.2.25 contains recommendations for possible terms and/or deed restrictions for the UWGB Marinette site based on my past projects and considerations for the area. These should be carefully considered and vetted to assist in honoring the community's past. 9 CONCEPT 3: A Chautauqua concept (an institute, museum, meeting place, etc., that would honor the historical nature of the campus site and surrounding area 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 LEASE THIS LEASE, made and entered into by and between City of Marinette, a Wisconsin municipality, Marinette, WI, (hereinafter referred to as the "Lessor"), and Marinette County, a Wisconsin corporation, WI, (hereinafter referred to as the "Lessee"). WHEREAS, the Lessor has the legal right to lease the parcel of land and building located at 1700 Hall Ave, Marinette, WI, 54143 commonly referred to as the Stephenson Public Library Building (hereinafter referred to as the "Property") and more particularly described as: PRT GOVT LOT 2 S6 T30N R24E, City of Marinette, Marinette County, Wisconsin, 54143 Parcel Number 251-923 and Part of Parcel # 251-924 WHEREAS, Lessee wishes to lease Property, consisting of a building and parking lot located at the above described location in the City of Marinette, WI; NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Lessee and Lessor do covenant, promise, and agree as follows: 1) LEASED PREMISES: The Lessor does hereby lease to the Lessee and the Lessee leases and takes from the Lessor, subject to the conditions of this Lease that part of the Property defined above as the “Property,” together with all equipment currently existing on the Property and together with parking areas now existing. Lessee shall maintain the full right of access to all areas of the building at all times. Lessee shall have the non-exclusive right to use the parking facilities located adjacent to the building for parking vehicles of its employees, patrons and contractors working in the building. 2) TERM, RIGHT TO RENEW AND RIGHT TO TERMINATE: The term of this Lease shall be for twenty-five (25) years commencing on the 1st day of June 2026 and terminating on the 31st day of May 2051. Lessee shall have the option to renew this lease by providing written notice to Lessor not later than the 31st day of May 2050, with terms of renewal negotiated at that time. Lessee shall have the right to immediately terminate the lease if the Marinette County Consolidated Library System is dissolved. 3) RENT AND OTHER CONSIDERATION: The Lessee will pay to the Lessor rental payment of One dollar ($1.00) per year due and payable on the 1st day of June each year. 4) INSURANCE: a) Lessee shall procure and maintain policies covering Lessee’s building contents and liability insurance, at its own cost and expense, throughout the term of this Lease. Insurance shall insure Lessor and Lessee from all claims, demands or actions made by or on behalf of any person or persons, firm or corporation and arising from, related to or connected with the Property, for bodily injury to or personal injury to or death of any person, or more than one person, or for damage to property in an amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence / $2 29 million aggregate. Insurance shall be written on an "occurrence" basis and not a "claims made" basis. Lessee shall maintain proof of insurance and provide it to Lessor upon request. b) Lessor shall procure and maintain property damage insurance for its building and general liability insurance for its lands owned surrounding the building in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and shall provide proof of insurance to Lessee upon request. c) All policies of insurance provided for or contemplated by this paragraph shall name Lessor and Lessee as insureds or additional insureds, as their respective interests may appear. Said policies shall further provide that they are not cancelable except upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. d) Each party shall indemnify, defend, and hold the other party and its officers, employees, and agents harmless from and against all claims and resulting losses, penalties, expenses and fees to the extent arising from or related to such party’s negligent acts or omissions, including reasonable attorney fees. Lessee asserts its right to any and all affirmative defenses and limitations of liability as set forth by law. 5) SUBLEASING OR ASSIGNMENT: Lessee may not sublease the whole or any part of its interest in Property. 6) MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS: a) Lessee covenants and agrees to keep and maintain in good order, condition and repair the interior of the Property during the term of the Lease, and further agrees that the Lessor shall be under no obligation to make any repairs or perform any maintenance to the interior of the Property unless specifically provided for herein. The Lessee shall be responsible for staffing, utilities, waste disposal, custodial services and maintenance and repair of the equipment within the building. Lessee shall not be responsible for repairing any damage caused to the building which was beyond the control of the Lessee. The Lessee shall be responsible for snow/ice removal on the sidewalks within fifty (50) feet of the building. Lessor shall be responsible for snow and ice removal within the parking lot and driveways located on the property. The Lessor shall be responsible for repair, and replacement of those components that make up the building envelope, HVAC system, boiler and elevator. Lessee shall be responsible for the maintenance, inspection and certification of the boiler, elevator, fire door(s), and fire sprinklers. Lessee, may upon termination hereof lease remove all of Lessee's trade fixtures, personal property and equipment purchased by Lessee prior to and during the term of this Lease for the Property provided that Lessee repairs any damage caused by such removal and restores the Property to the condition existing as of the date said items were installed in the Property. Upon termination of this Lease for any reason, Lessee shall not remove any interior improvements, as that term is defined in paragraph 10 below. All such 30 Interior Improvements shall remain to and for the benefit of the Lessor, and Lessor shall be deemed to own said interior improvements free and clear of all liens and encumbrances effective on the date this Lease terminates. b) Lessee agrees that Lessee shall not permit alterations of or upon any part of the Property except by and with the prior written consent of the Lessor which may be granted or withheld as Lessor shall determine. Any permitted alterations and additions to the Property shall be made in accordance with all applicable laws, codes and ordinances, and shall remain for the benefit of Lessor except as otherwise provided for in this Lease or in said written consent; and Lessee further agrees, in the event of making such alteration as herein provided, to indemnify and save harmless Lessor from all expense, liens, claims or damages to either person or property or the Property arising out of or resulting from the undertaking or making of said alterations or additions. 7) DESTRUCTION OF PREMISES: If, during the term of this Lease, the Property is totally or partially destroyed by fire or the elements, so as to render the Property wholly unfit for occupancy, or makes it impossible to conduct the business of Lessee thereon, and if the Property cannot be repaired within sixty (60) days from the date of the damage, or if Lessor decides within a reasonable time, not to exceed sixty (60) days, not to rebuild, then Lessee or the Lessor shall have the right to terminate this Lease by giving the other party written notice. Upon the giving of such notice, Lessee shall immediately surrender the Property and all interest therein to Lessor. In no event shall Lessor be required to repair, rebuild and restore the Property. 8) TRADE FIXTURES: Lessee shall furnish and pay for any and all additional equipment, furniture, trade fixtures and signs to be used in or installed upon the Property after the commencement of this Lease unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. 9) UTILITIES: Lessee agrees to pay all utilities, including but not limited to telephone, water, sewer, gas, electric and heat attributable to Lessee's use and occupancy of the Property. 10) IMPROVEMENTS: Lessee may undertake, at Lessee's sole cost and expense, improvements provided Lessee first procures the advance written consent of Lessor to all improvements. 11) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS: Lessee will comply with all statutes, ordinances, rules, orders, regulations and requirements of all federal, state, city, county and local governments. 12) RIGHT TO INSPECT: Lessor reserves the right to enter upon, inspect and examine the Property at any time upon reasonable notice. 13) USE OF PROPERTY: Lessee agrees to operate and use the Property as a Public Library, shall have 24 hour access to the Property and sole control of employees or agents of Lessee. 31 14) MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS: a) The terms, conditions and covenants contained in this Lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of Lessor and Lessee and their respective successors, heirs, and assigns. b) This Lease shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. c) This Lease contains the entire agreement between the parties and shall not be modified in any manner except by an instrument in writing executed by the parties or their respective successors in interest. d) Lessor’s contact person shall be: Marinette County Administrator Marinette County Courthouse 1926 Hall Avenue Marinette, WI 54143 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have respectively signed and sealed this Lease. Dated this day of , 2026. LESSEE LESSOR Marinette County City of Marinette by: Bobbie Borkowski by: Steve Genisot County Clerk Mayor 32