4-15-26 – Room Tax FULL PACKET

Please note that, upon reasonable notice, at least 24 hours in advance, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information to request this service, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 715-479-8682 ext. 222, 525 E. Maple Street, P.O. Box 1269, Eagle River WI 54521 EAGLE RIVER AREA ROOM TAX COMMISSION AGENDA NOTICE (4/10/26) A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGLE RIVER AREA ROOM TAX COMMISSION WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026 AT 9:30 am AT THE EAGLE RIVER CITY HALL, 525 E. MAPLE STREET IN EAGLE RIVER 1) Call to order 2) Roll call 3) Discussion and possible action on the following agenda items a) Review and Approval of Grant Program Funding Recommendations i) Eagle River Fire Dept, $24,600 for the Eagle River Ice Castle ii) Eagle River Revitalization Program, $50,000 Highway 45 (Railroad St) Bike/Ped crossing at Spruce Street (Riverview Park) iii) SnoEagles, $12,500 for the purchase of two (2) Verkaba Outdoor Remote Live Feed Cameras iv) United Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission, $24,000 for Eurasian Water Milfoil hand harvesting v) Vilas County Economic Development Corporation, $10,000 for Riverside Park Development vi) Warehouse Arts Center, $7,729.22 for courtyard improvements 4) Adjourn 1 Robin Ginner From: Peter Anderson <peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com> Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:41 AM To: Robin Ginner Subject: At tachments: 1 of 4 Fwd: Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant Committee Meeting Mail Attachment.ics; Eagle River Fire De[pt Tourism Grant March 2026.pdf; Eagle River Revitalization Program Tourism Grant - March 2026.pdf; SnoEagles Tourism Grant March 2026.pdf Ron asked me to forward these to you. We have not been able to get the grant committee to go through these so the full commission will need to go through them and make the final decision next week. Please let me know if you have any questions. Peter 1 of 4 Begin forwarded message: From: "Kim Emerson" <kim@eagleriver.org> Subject: Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant Committee Meeting Date: March 25, 2026 at 3:14:45 PM CDT To: "Brianna Agree- Wild Eagle Lodge" <gm@wildeaglelodge.com>, "Kim Emerson - Chamber" <kim@eagleriver.org>, "'Laura Koranda'" <laura@eaglewaters.com>, "'Peter Anderson'" <peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com>, <ronsdays@yahoo.com> Tourism Promotions and Development Grant Committee: Attached are the grants received for the March 2026 round of grants. Please review and have ready for the committee meeting who you believe should be funded, at what level and why. After your motions are made at your meeting, Peter Anderson will take your recommendations to the Room Tax Commission for funding. Please contact Peter Anderson peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com if you cannot attend this meeting. 3 of the four members must be present to create a quorum. I will not be at the meeting as I have resigned my position due to health reasons as of March 31st. Thank you for all you have done in the past and will be doing in the future. I am going to miss working with you. Best wishes to all of you. Kim 1 Robin Ginner From: Peter Anderson <peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com> Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:41 AM To: Robin Ginner Subject: 2 of 4 Fwd: Tourism Grant application Attachments: United Lower Eagle River Chain of Lakes Commission .pdf Begin forwarded message: From: "Kim Emerson" <kim@eagleriver.org> Subject: Tourism Grant application Date: March 26, 2026 at 10:13:00 AM CDT To: "Brianna Agree- Wild Eagle Lodge" <gm@wildeaglelodge.com>, "Kim Emerson - Chamber" <kim@eagleriver.org>, "'Laura Koranda'" <laura@eaglewaters.com>, "'Peter Anderson'" <peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com>, <ronsdays@yahoo.com> Tourism Promotion and Development Grant Committee: Attached is another grant I just received for the March 31st deadline to be discussed at your April 1st meeting at 9am at the Eagle River Chamber office. Kim Kim Emerson Executive Director Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce 800-359-6315 715-479-6400 kim@eagleriver.org www.eagleriver.org 3 1 Robin Ginner From: Peter Anderson <peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com> Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:42 AM To: Robin Ginner Subject: 4 of 4 Fwd: Application for Eagle River Tourism Development Grant Attachments: scan0200.pdf; ApplicationAnswers.RiversideFairgroundsREV3.30.2026_2.pdf Begin forwarded message: From: "Kim Emerson" <kim@eagleriver.org> Subject: FW: Application for Eagle River Tourism Development Grant Date: March 31, 2026 at 2:51:35 PM CDT To: <Peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com>, "Laura Koranda" <laura@eaglewaters.com>, "Brianna Agree- Wild Eagle Lodge" <gm@wildeaglelodge.com>, <ronsdays@yahoo.com> Here is one additional grant for you to review From: Kathy Schmitz <kathy@vilascountyedc.org> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 11:57 AM To: Kim Emerson <kim@eagleriver.org> Cc: Bill Marshall <bmarsh68@gmail.com> Subject: Application for Eagle River Tourism Development Grant Dear Kim, On behalf of the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC), a 501c3 non- profit organization, I am pleased to submit our application for the Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant in support of the Vilas County Riverside Complex Comprehensive Community Vision Plan. The VCEDC EIN is 27-0492816. We believe a comprehensive plan for this site is necessary in order to facilitate a vision that benefits Vilas County residents, tourists and overall economic development by creating a destination that encourages repeat visitation and year-round use. Thank you, Kim, for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Kathy Schmitz 'cc Bill Marshall 2 -- Kathy Schmitz Executive Director Vilas County Economic Development Corporation PO Box 1621 Eagle River, WI 54521 Phone: (715) 337-0061 Cell: (262) 719-3919 kathy@vilascountyedc.org The VCEDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Please consider a tax-deductible donation today. https://www.vilascountyedc.org/donate/ 1 Vilas County Riverside Complex Eagle River Tourism Promotional and Development Grant Application 1. Provide a detailed description of the Event/Project, including answers to the following questions. a. Title of the event/project Vilas County Riverside Complex (Fairgrounds & Riverside Park) Comprehensive Community Vision Plan b. Provide a description of the event/project This project will engage a qualified planning and design consultant to lead a public, community-driven visioning process for the Vilas County Riverside Complex focused on integrating the knowledge, values and stories of our Northwoods community into design for the future of the space, improving and organizing the existing multi-use property. The goal is to develop a comprehensive, long-term vision that benefits both Vilas County residents and visitors, with particular emphasis on creating a destination that encourages repeat visitation and year-round use. Key elements include: • Strengthening the Fairgrounds as a central event and community hub • Preserving and enhancing existing uses. • Identifying opportunities to improve site layout, circulation, and connectivity • Creating new flexible spaces that support: daily community use, seasonal activities and event-based programming The consultant will develop a unified concept plan that reflects how the site elements can function cohesively. c. The consultant will work collaboratively with a public committee and community stakeholders to evaluate current uses, facilitate a transparent public engagement process, incorporate input from residents, stakeholders, and visitors and develop a unified concept for the entire property benefitting tourism and year-round vitality of Vilas County. 2 The final deliverable will include: a. A comprehensive vision plan b. Preliminary phasing recommendations including a complete marketing package c. Identification of potential revenue-generating opportunities (e.g., events, rentals, recreational programming) d. Comprehensive layouts for recreation, events, and community use e. Strategies that support both community benefit and tourism growth f. Alignment with Vilas County and City of Eagle River Comprehensive Plans To incorporate visitor perspectives early in the process, the project will include a survey possibly distributed through the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce. d. What is the purpose of the event/project? The purpose of this project is to establish a shared, community- supported vision that enhances quality of life for residents while strengthening the area’s appeal as a Northwoods destination for visitors and repeat tourists. e. What are the goals of the event/project? • Develop a unified vision for the entire property including addressing aging County Fair infrastructure • Ensure a transparent and inclusive public planning process • Identify opportunities for events, programming, and economic activity supporting both resident use and visitor attraction • Create flexible, multi-use spaces that support a variety of recreational and cultural activities for all ages i.e. exploring an ecologically vibrant edge of riverfront, environmental education, indigenous connections, native perennial gardens, etc. • Enhance accessibility, circulation, and overall site organization • Explore potential event venue spaces and other revenue- generating opportunities to support long-term sustainability • Identify phased, realistic improvements 3 • Provide a phased roadmap for future funding and development f. What makes this event/project special or important? This project is unique because it: Focuses on planning before construction, ensuring wise use of future funds. Engages the community directly in shaping the vision. Considers the entire property holistically, rather than piecemeal improvements. Balances tourism, recreational, cultural and community use to strengthen the area economy. g. What will the visitor experience at the event/project? How much time will the visitor spend at the event/project? While this is a planning effort, it will define future experiences serving both residents and visitors, including expanded recreation, events, and gathering spaces designed to encourage longer stays and repeat visits. h. Is the event/project unique to the Eagle River area or Wisconsin? Yes, our project is unique. A publicly driven visioning process before development ensures improvements are intentional, coordinated, and impactful. i. How will this event/project enhance tourism, our ability to attract visitors and improve tourism in the Eagle River area? This project will lay the groundwork for: • Expanded events and programming • Increased visitation and repeat tourism • Longer stays driven by improved amenities and coordinated development for families and visitors • Pedestrian and bike trail infrastructure • Enhancing recreational green space that is walkable to downtown Eagle River businesses and attractions, existing parks, and the children’s museum 2. Describe in detail how the event/project will be marketed to the visiting public, including answers to the following questions. 4 a. Who is the target audience? Vilas County residents, regional visitors, repeat tourists, as well as seasonal residents and second-home owners. b. How large do you anticipate your marketing budget to be? Describe in detail how you will market to the visiting public. This project is focused on planning and vision development. The planning process strategies for positioning the site as a cultural and recreational destination and will identify ongoing marketing opportunities. c. What type of sales, advertising and promotions will you do? Outreach to stakeholder groups, surveys, media sources (radio, TV, newspaper, social media), job websites, etc. d. Who will provide you with the marketing expertise you need? The planning process will provide detailed marketing plans. All phases will incorporate comprehensive input from public, tourists and area Chambers of Commerce. We will seek support of the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce to assist in gathering visitor input, including distribution of a tourism-focused survey. e. What plans do you have for cross promotions? Coordination with local organizations to ensure full participation across community groups and stakeholders. The process will include coordination with the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and tourism partners to align with future promotional efforts. 3. Estimate how many people will be attracted to the Eagle River area for this event/project. 1500–2000 individuals engaged through meetings and surveys offered in person and virtually. 4. What impact will the event/project have on our tourism economy? a. How many overnight stays will it generate in the first year? Because this is a planning initiative, direct short-term impacts are limited. Eventually, we anticipate the Vilas County Riverside Complex will become a year round destination expanding tourism reach during shoulder seasons. 5 b. How many overnight stays will it generate in years 2 and 3? Because this is a planning initiative, direct short-term impacts are limited. Eventually we anticipate Vilas County Riverside Complex will become a year round destination expanding tourism reach during shoulder seasons for thousands of tourists and visitors. c. What is the anticipated growth of this event/project? How did you calculate the anticipated growth of this event/project? We anticipate increased usage with each phase of the Riverside Complex plan. This project establishes the foundation and launches long-term economic impact through: • more efficient and expanded use of this space • opportunities for increased events and programming • enhanced visitor experience to encourage longer stays and repeat visits • revenue-generating opportunities such as: event rentals, facility use and recreational programming d. Estimate and describe the economic impact this event/project will have on local businesses. Specific economic projections will be generated by marketing experts we engage. The outcome will directly guide future investments that support local business activity and tourism growth. The sky is the limit! 5. Are there other community organizations, groups, or tourism related businesses with which you will collaborate with for this event/project? The process will be open and public, ensuring broad participation and transparency. We will collaborate with Vilas County Ad Hoc committee which includes local government representatives, LDF representatives, Vilas County Fair Board/Ag Society, community members, local organizations, businesses and other stakeholders. 6. Provide a detailed budget for your event/project including anticipated revenue sources and expenditures other than grant funds? Grant funds and some private donations will fully support the planning phases outlined below. 7. How will you raise funds to complete your event/project? This request fully funds the planning phases outlined below. 6 8. How will funds obtained through the Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant be used for your event/project? This request with private donation fully funds the planning phases outlined below. 9. How will you recognize the support of the Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant? The grant will be recognized in: Public materials and presentations; Final planning documents; Community communications. Please provide any additional information you would like to share for consideration of your request. (This applies to both Event and Capital Improvement requests.) Budget Outline: Amount Requested from the Grant: $10,000 Description of what the grant money will be used for: Professional consultant services for planning and design; Public engagement facilitation; Development of final vision document and concept plans. Event/Project Budget: list the source and the amount Anticipated Income: including donations (Monetary and/or In Kind) $10,000 Anticipated Expenses: Consultant fees: $10,000 o Promotional o Operational Total Revenue: Total Expenses: Net Income (Loss) Capital Improvement Projects: 1. Give a detailed description of the project. a. What will it look like? This is a pre-development initiative that will guide future capital improvements across the Vilas County 7 Riverside Complex property. b. When will it be open to the public? This is currently public property. c. Is this a new project or an expansion of an existing project? New project 2. Has there been a feasibility and/or marketing study for this project? If so, please share what you learned. If not, what has been done to determine the likelihood of success for this project? The planning process itself will evaluate and identify realistic, prioritized improvements benefiting economic development. 3. Describe in detail your operational/management plans for this project once this project is complete. Be sure to include information on the following: a. How will this project be staffed and how experienced will your staff be for this project? Consultants, Vilas County Ad Hoc Committee members and volunteers will staff this project. The group’s experience spans from engineering to non-profit and for-profit executives, along with an experienced consulting staff, stakeholders and designated Vilas County supervisors. b. How will you insure adequate operational funding for the continuance of this project? Grant funds with private donations will fully support the planning phases outlined below. c. How will you maintain this project into the future? Future maintenance will be defined in the final project plan. 4. What is the useful life of this project? The vision plan is expected to guide development over the next 2-10 years and possibly beyond. 5. Who will be the legal owner of the project site once developed? Describe the relationship between the owner and the applicant for this grant? Vilas County owns both Vilas County Fairgrounds and Riverside Park with local coordination with the City of Eagle River as applicable. 6. Will construction for this project require any additional construction of: public facilities (sewage, buildings, roads, etc.) and/or public utilities? 8 Explain. To be determined through the planning process. 7. Is there municipal, county or state support for this project? If so, describe the kind of support this project will be receiving. This project is supported as an initial planning effort that aligns with local and county goals for community development and economic vitality. 8. How is the progress of your fundraising efforts for this project going? How much have you raised and how much more do you need to raise? Describe your plan to raise the needed funds. This grant represents the first step toward a broader fundraising and development effort to implement future phases identified in the plan. 9. How do you envision your organization working with the Eagle River Area Chamber and Visitors Center once this project is completed – promotions, etc.? The completed plan will support ongoing collaboration with the Chamber and other partners for promotion and implementation. Please provide any additional information you would like to share for consideration of your request. This work represents a critical first step toward ensuring that future investments are strategic, coordinated, and aligned with both community priorities and economic development goals. Project Summary This project will fund a professional planning effort to develop a comprehensive, community-driven vision for the Vilas County Fairgrounds and Riverside Park - two of the County’s most important public assets, here known as the Vilas County Riverside Complex. Rather than focusing on a single new use or isolated improvement, this effort will take a whole-site approach, organizing and enhancing the property as a multi-use civic campus that supports: • The long-standing role of the Vilas County Fair • Year-round recreational infrastructure • Expanded opportunities for year-round community use • Increased appeal to visitors and repeat tourists • Potential event venues and office multi-use areas • Accessible to all users 9 The planning process will result in a clear, implementable framework that: • Improves how the site functions as a whole • Enhances connectivity between existing features • Identifies flexible, multi-purpose spaces • Supports events, recreation, and daily use • Recommends phased improvements and potential revenue- generating opportunities Proposed Project Timeline (initiated after selection of Consultant or Group) Phase 1: Site Understanding & Coordination (Weeks 1–2) • Review existing site conditions and uses • Coordinate with County, Fair Board, and stakeholders Phase 2: Community & Stakeholder Engagement (Weeks 3–6) • Public meeting(s) • Stakeholder interviews (fair, sports, community groups) • Community survey • Visitor survey via Chamber of Commerce Phase 3: Site Organization Concepts (Weeks 7–10) • Develop layout concepts focused on: connectivity, multi-use spaces and integration of existing assets Phase 4: Draft Vision & Phasing (Weeks 11–14) • Refined concept plan • Preliminary phasing strategy • Identification of infrastructure needs and revenue opportunities Phase 5: Final Plan & Presentation (Weeks 15–16) • Final report and graphics • Public presentation 1 Robin Ginner From: Peter Anderson <peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com> Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 9:42 AM To: Robin Ginner Subject: 3 of 4 Fwd: Grant application Attachments: 2026 ERC Application.pdf; 2026 Courtyard Budget - Sheet1.pdf; 2026 ERC App Form.pdf; CY !.pdf; CY 2 (1).pdf; CY 3.pdf; CY 5.pdf; CY 4.pdf; COLOURTREE 12 ft. x 8 ft. 190 GSM Red Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Screen Canopy, Outdoor Patio and Pergola Cover TAPR0812-5 - The Home Depot.pdf; Outpost Wood Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Table, Square PT-150 - - Barco Products.pdf Begin forwarded message: From: "Kim Emerson" <kim@eagleriver.org> Subject: FW: Grant application Date: March 31, 2026 at 9:02:16 AM CDT To: <Peter@andersonfamilyinsurance.com>, "Laura Koranda" <laura@eaglewaters.com>, "Brianna Agree- Wild Eagle Lodge" <gm@wildeaglelodge.com>, <ronsdays@yahoo.com> Grant committee, Here is an updated grant submittal from The Warehouse Community Art Center – please disregard the previous one sent. Thank you, Kim Kim Emerson Executive Director Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce 800-359-6315 715-479-6400 kim@eagleriver.org www.eagleriver.org 3 From: Kim Adamovich <operations@eagleriverart.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 8:07 AM To: Kim Emerson <kim@eagleriver.org> Subject: Grant application Hello Kim, The Warehouse Community Art Center appreciates the opportunity to work with the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce. Please see the attached application and supporting documents. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you, -- Kim Adamovich Director of Operations & Engagement Warehouse Community Arts Center 107 S. Railroad Street, Eagle River, WI 54521 715-479-4060 1 | Page Eagle River Tourism Promotion and Development Grant Application Date:_______________________ Name of Applicant Organization: _______________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: ____________ Zip Code: __________________________ Not-For- Profit Federal Identification Number: ____________________________________________________ Name of Organization’s Representative: _________________________________________________________ Title: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Phone Number: ______________________________________________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Is it okay for us to communicate with you via email: ___ Yes ___ No Purpose of Organization: _____________________________________________________________________ Event/Project Title: __________________________________________________________________________ Grant Amount Requested: ____________________________________________________________________ Total Cost of the Event/Project: ________________________________________________________________ Signature of Organization’s Representative: _____________________________________________ _________________________________ (Signature) (Date) 03/30/2026 The Warehouse Community Art Center 107 S Railroad St Eagle River WI 54521 90-1023129 Kim Adamovich Operations Supervisor 715-891-5920 Operations@eagleriverart.com x Community Art Center Courtyard Improvements 7729.22 7729.22 03/30/2026 The Warehouse Coutyard Improvements Budget 2026 Courtyard clean up 0 Volunteer based Plants and Garden 4100 Picnic Tables 1636 Wheelchair accesable 649 Sun Shade 44.22 Outdoor Storage 1300 Total Budget 7729.22 South Cape Coral 6AM 54521 South Cape Coral 6AM 54521 Shop AllServices DIY Log In  ...  Internet # 313328394Model # TAPR0812-5Store SKU # 1005406984 $ 22 Pay $19.22 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. Apply for a Home Depot Consumer Card Color: Red W… 1 /Outdoor Storage/Shade Structures/Canopies/Shade Sails 44 Share Print COLOURTREE 12 ft. x 8 ft. 190 GSM Red Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Screen Canopy, Outdoor Patio and PergolaCover Questions & Answers (46) 22 (308) Hover Image to Zoom +10 #1 Home Improvement Retailer 3/31/25, 5:57 AM COLOURTREE 12 ft. x 8 ft. 190 GSM Red Rectangle Sun Shade Sail Screen Canopy, Outdoor Patio and Pergola Cover TAPR081… https://www.homedepot.com/p/COLOURTREE-12-ft-x-8-ft-190-GSM-Red-Rectangle-Sun-Shade-Sail-Screen-Canopy-Outdoor-Patio-and-Pergola-Cov… 1/6   Home Outpost Wood Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Table, Square  Optional Accessories  1  Qty ADD TO CART Surface Mount Kit for Picnic Tables & Benches, Fits 1-1/2” to 1-5/8” Frames, Set of 2 07SA2939  1  Qty ADD TO CART Concrete Umbrella Base UM-09 As low as Accessible Easy-Assembly $35.00 $145.00 3/31/25, 5:58 AM Outpost Wood Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Table, Square PT-150 - - Barco Products https://www.barcoproducts.com/outpost-wood-wheelchair-accessible-picnic-table-square?sku=KTB2999-PT/BK&utm_source=google&utm_medium=c… 1/4