2026-10-20 Common Council Agenda

1 PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE WISCONSIN RAPIDS COMMON COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026 6:00 P.M. WRAMS AUDITORIUM Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council to be held in the WRAMS Auditorium, 1921 27th Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live on the City of Wisconsin Rapids Facebook page and will also be broadcast live on Charter Cable Channel 985 and Solarus HD Cable Channel 3. If a member of the public wishes to access this meeting live via Zoom audio conferencing, you must contact the City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to the start of the meeting to coordinate your access. This meeting is also available after its conclusion on the City’s Facebook page and Community Media’s YouTube page, which can be accessed at www.wr-cm.org. It is possible that members of the Council may appear remotely via video or audioconferencing for this meeting. Agenda 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance and Silent Prayer in Lieu of Invocation 4. Reading of the Minutes of the Previous Meetings A. September 15, 2026 (attachment #1) B. September 23, 2026 (attachment #2) C. October 5, 2026 (attachment #3) 5. Appointments A. Consider the appointment of three (3) regular members to the Ethics Board, two (2) positions for terms expiring November 1, 2029, and one (1) position for a term expiring November 1, 2030 to replace Rick Wellnitz (see attachment #4) B. Consider the appointment of a regular member to the Water Works and Lighting Commission for a term expiring October 1, 2031 (see attachment #5) C. Consider for confirmation Mayor Zacher’s Appointments to various Committees, Commissions and Boards (attachment #6) 6. Consider for Adoption Certain Actions of the Planning Commission at its meeting on September 16, 2026: The Planning Commission met at 5:30 p.m. on September 16, 2026, in the Performing Arts Center at Lincoln High School, 1801 16th Street South. Members present were Chairperson Matt Zacher, Eric Daven, Steve Schiferl. Jeff Marutz, Lee Thao, Todd Ferkey, and Carrie Boettcher. Also attending the meeting were City Attorney Sue Schill, Associate Planner Lizebeth Edwardsen, Von Briesen & Roper Land Use and Development Advisor Thor Jeppson, Von Briesen & Roper Attorney Tony Wachewicz, Wisconsin Rapids Public Works Superintendent Paul Vollert, Wisconsin Rapids Chief of Police Dan Hostens, Wisconsin Rapids Wastewater Assistant Superintendent Alan Belke, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Chief Ben Goodreau, Wisconsin Rapids City Engineer Joe Eichsteadt, Water Works and Lighting Commission Chief Financial Officer Jeff Kuhn, and others as listed on the meeting signup sheet. The meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. All members were present. 1. Public hearing and action on a request from DC Rapids LLC for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a Data Center at 950 4th Ave N (Parcel IDs 3402435, 3402435F, 3402435D), which falls within the Heavy Industrial (M-2) District. Mayor Zacher called the public hearing to order and outlined the order of the proceedings and the ground rules for the meeting. Attorney Wachewicz addressed the legal process for considering the Conditional Use Permit request. Lizebeth Edwardsen summarized the Data Center Conditional Use Permit request submitted to the City of Wisconsin Rapids. Staff concluded that the information in the application was missing, insufficient, missed 2 submittal deadlines and/or did not meet the supplemental standards and standards of review. Denial of the Conditional Use Permit was recommended. Mr. Jeppson answered questions from Commission members. Bill Griffith from Larkin Hoffman Law Firm, representing the applicant, provided his remarks, as did PNK Group Chief Development Officer Anton Voronkin. Public comment began at 6:08 p.m. Forty-four people signed up to speak at the public hearing. All were given an opportunity to express their concerns and/or speak in favor or against the proposal. Associate Planner Lizebeth Edwardsen read into the record the additional written public comments that were sent to the City. After all who wished to speak during the public comment period were given an opportunity to speak, public comment was closed. The applicant was given the opportunity for rebuttal. Civil Engineer Patrick Glynn added his comments about the traffic analysis, generators, water, and other aspects of the project. Anton Voronkin clarified questions about the ownership of the PNK Company, stated that they are open for future communications, and added information regarding the impact of property values. Bill Griffith added further comments and touched on the incompleteness of the application. Mayor Zacher closed the public hearing at 8:44 p.m. Motion by Schiferl, second by Daven, to deny the Conditional Use Permit Application from the Applicant DC Rapids LLC for the property located at 950 4 th Ave. N (Parcel IDs 3402435, 3402435F, 3402435D) based upon the finding that the Applicant has failed to satisfy all of the required standards and conditions set forth in the City of Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoning Code Chapter 11, Appendix B - Land Uses, Series 14 General Storage, Section 14.03 Data Center, Supplemental Standards, based upon the substantial evidence in the record, including without limitation the Staff Report, the Applicant’s submissions and comments, and the public hearing that establishes: A. Chapter 11, Appendix B - Land Uses, Series 14 General Storage, Section 14.03(a) Setbacks – the project does not meet all setback requirements for accessory uses and structures based on the current location of the front yard. B. Chapter 11, Appendix B - Land Uses, Series 14 General Storage, Section 14.03(d) Screening and noise reduction - the enclosure for the chillers and other mechanical equipment is not fully enclosed and does not contain a roof, and the applicant has not provided the necessary manufacturer specifications for the Zoning Administrator to take a determination that it is deemed mechanically unfeasible by a licensed engineer; the proposed electrical substation is not screened from view of the public right of way by a visually solid wall or building. C. Chapter 11, Appendix B - Land Uses, Series 14 General Storage, Section 14.03(h) Approval by electric utility company – the Applicant’s letter does not contain results of the referenced System Impact Study provided by ATC and applicable approvals from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. D. The application is missing all of the following required items: i. Vibration isolation technology is shown in the application materials and mentioned in the narrative, but it is unclear which equipment would have the vibration isolation technology. ii. The noise analysis omits generator operations, does not include the actual equipment to be used and does not analyze low frequency vibrations. iii. Employment and shift projections are inconsistent across materials and are needed to inform parking requirements. The total number of spaces proposed is also inconsistent across materials. Staff were unable to determine whether the standards are met for minimum and maximum parking onsite. iv. Additional traffic details regarding construction traffic and whether temporary improvements are necessary are needed to analyze the impact of the use on traffic safety. v. Architectural elevations need to be updated to fix the general orientation of the buildings. vi. To-scale renderings showing details for proposed utility equipment, the substation, accessory buildings/structures, rooftop mechanical equipment and associated screening, and refuse storage have not been provided. vii. The photometric plans do not show proposed lighting for the existing storage warehouse 3 building and whether lighting fixtures will be cutoff/shielded has not been confirmed. Footcandles are shown to exceed the lighting trespass requirements onto another property north of the site on an adjacent parcel owned by Consolidated Water Power Company. E. The application contains inconsistencies across the materials throughout Applicant’s various submittals, which does not allow a complete determination of the application against the supplemental standards and standards of review for a conditional use, site plan, architectural review, and plan of operation. F. Applicant’s additional submissions of updated plans and materials has not complied with City’s deadlines through incomplete and/or late submissions that have increased review time or have not been reviewed. Motion carried (7 – 0) The Council will consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding the CUP application. As outlined above, the Planning Commission recommendation is to deny the request A proposed Resolution is attached which approves the CUP with the conditions as outlined in the City staff report, if the Council determines the CUP shall be approved. 2. Action on a request from DC Rapids LLC for Site Plan Review to construct a Data Center at 950 4th Ave N (Parcel IDs 3402435, 3402435F, 3402435), which falls within the Heavy Industrial (M-2) District. Motion by Zacher to deny the request from DC Rapids LLC for Site Plan Review to construct a Data Center at 950 4th Ave N (Parcel IDs 3402435, 3402435F, 3402435), which falls within the Heavy Industrial (M-2) District, as the conditional use application permit was denied; second by Ferkey. Motion carried (7 – 0) Site plan approval is a Planning Commission action, and is not reviewed by Council. No action is necessary on this item. (However, if the Council recommends approval of the CUP, site plan approval will be sent back to the Planning Commission for consideration). 3. Adjourn There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned by Mayor Zacher at 8:56 p.m. 7. Consider for Adoption the Actions of the Standing Committees of the Common Council, as follows: A. Finance and Property Committee meeting held on October 5, 2026: The Finance and Property Committee met at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All members of the Finance and Property Committee were present. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Timm called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. 2. Review and consider a request from the DOT to purchase city -owned property as part of DOT project 6999-21-20 and as shown on Transportation Project Plat: parcel 9. 1. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-08518) 323.00 SF 2. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-02922) 1005.00 SF 3. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-02926) 223.00 SF 4. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-02380) 102.00 SF It was moved by Timm, seconded by Cattanach to approve a request from the DOT to purchase city-owned property as part of DOT project 6999-21-20 and as shown on Transportation Project Plat: parcel 9. 1. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-08518) 323.00 SF 2. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-02922) 1005.00 SF 3. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-02926) 223.00 SF 4. Parcel 9 (Tax ID 34-02380) 102.00 SF Motion carried, 3-0 3. Review the August 2026 SWCHS Intake Detail Report The August 2026 SWCHS Intake Detail Report was reviewed. No action was taken. 4. 2027 Budget discussion The 2027 Budget was discussed. The budget will be discussed further at Committee of the Whole meetings. No action was taken. 5. Audit of the bills 4 It was moved by Cattanach, seconded by Penzkover to approve checks number 31269 to 31650. Motion carried, 3-0. 6. Set next meeting date The next regular meeting of the Finance and Property Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. 7. In open session, the Committee may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". It was moved by Penzkover, seconded by Cattanach to enter into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. All members voted in the affirmation. Motion carried, 3-0, and the Committee entered into closed session. 8. In closed session, the Committee will begin an initial discussion of strategy and negotiations regarding the sale of City property and the terms of development agreements for housing developments within the City. In closed session, the Committee began an initial discussion of strategy and negotiations regarding the sale of City property and the terms of development agreements for housing developments within the City. No action was taken. 9. The Committee will adjourn in closed session. It was moved by Timm, seconded by Cattanach to adjourn in closed session. Motion carried, 3-0, and the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. B. Public Works Committee meeting held on October 8, 2026: The Public Works Committee met on Thursday, October 8 th, 2026 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All members were present except Alderperson Pluess. 1. Call to order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM. 2. Discuss and consider approval of an electrical bike and scooter ordinance. The draft ordinance was reviewed noting revisions made since its review in September. An updated map document was also reviewed showing proposed locations where sidewalks and in -street bike operations are prohibited. Motion by Austin, second by Penzkover to approve the electrical bike and scooter ordinance as presented. Motion carried (2-0). 3. Review and consider a request from Leroy / Parsons at 1610 Riverwood Lane for signage and pavement marking at the recreational trail location to address parking, authorized trail users and dead-end road right-of-way. Sue Leroy, 1610 Riverwood Lane, spoke on the requestion. Motion by Austin, second by Penzkover, to install 2 parking stalls, signs for authorized trail users and trail signage regarding the blind corners. Motion carried (2-0). 4. Review and consider the discontinuance of Kingston Road at the CN road grade crossing. Tom Rayome, 1220 22 nd St N, commented against the discontinuance of Kingston Road and inquired about the public hearing process. Motion by Austin, second by Penzkover to approve the discontinuance of Kingston Road. Motion carried (2- 0). 5. Discuss and consider ordinance changes to truck routes and truck access routes on the west side of the city. Motion by Austin, second by Penzkover to approve the ordinance amendment with a correction to Engel Road to be from 25 th Ave to 17th Ave. Motion carried (2-0). 6. Review and consider approving the 2027-2031 Public Works Capital Improvement Plan. Motion by Penzkover, second by Austin to approve the five-year capital improvement plan. Motion carried (2- 0). 7. Review the traffic study conducted at 7th Ave and Hale St and consider traffic control improvements. Motion by Austin, second by Penzkover to paint the centerline on 7th Ave and Hale St. Motion carried (2-0). 8. Review the traffic study conducted at Lincoln St and Airport Ave and consider traffic control improvements. 5 Motion by Austin, second by Penzkover to approve the warning sign that cross traffic does not stop. Motion carried (2-0). 9. Review Engineering & Street Department Monthly Activity Report The monthly reports were reviewed. 10. Review the referral list. The referral list was reviewed with items 12 and 13 regarding ATVs to be removed. 11. Set Next Meeting Date The next regular meeting is November 5th at 5pm. 12. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 6:02 PM. C. Human Resources Committee meeting held on October 8, 2026: The Human Resources Committee held a meeting on Thursday October 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 444 W. Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids. All committee members were present. Also, in attendance were, Alderpersons Timm and Penzkover, Finance Director Tim Desorcy, City Attorney Sue Schill, Human Resources Manager Ryan Hartman, Mayor Matt Zacher (remote), Julie Timm and Kevin Fangman. 1. Call to order. Chairperson Palmquist called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 2. Review the monthly activities of the Human Resources Department. See Monthly Summary. Update provided, no action taken. 3. Discuss and consider for approval the proposed changes to the “Executive Coordinator to the Mayor” job description including a job title revision and a proposed pay grade adjustment. Attachments to be provided. Motion by Ferkey, seconded by Palmquist to approve the proposed changes to the “Executive Coordinator to the Mayor” job description including a job title revision and a proposed pay grade adjustment. Motion carried 3-0. 4. Discuss and consider for approval to approve a request to solicit proposals for City Prosecutor / Assistant City Attorney services. Motion by Palmquist, seconded by Ferkey to approve a request to solicit proposals for City Prosecutor / Assistant City Attorney services. Motion carried 3-0. 5. The Committee may vote to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e), Wis. Stats., which reads. “Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever c ompetitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session”. Motion by Palmquist, seconded by Ferkey to go into closed session. Roll call vote was taken. Motion carried 3-0. In closed session, the Committee discussed negotiations, strategy, and options regarding the renewal of group health insurance with Wisconsin Counties Association Group Health Trust, and the renewal of dental plan administration with Delta Dental. No action was taken. 6. The committee will return to open session. Motion by Palmquist, seconded by Ferkey to return to open session. Motion carried 3-0. 7. Discuss and consider for approval the renewal of employee health insurance with Wisconsin Counties Association Group Health Trust, effective January 1, 2027. Motion by Ferkey seconded by Polach to approve the renewal of employee health insurance with Wisconsin Counties Association Group Health Trust, effective January 1, 2027, choosing option 6, which provides for a 6.3% increase in premiums, an increase in coinsurance by 10%, and an increase in out-of-pocket maximums. Motion carried 3-0. 8. Discuss and consider for approval the renewal of dental plan administration with Delta Dental, effective January 1, 2027. Motion by Palmquist seconded by Ferkey to approve the renewal of dental plan administration with Delta Dental, effective January 1, 2027. Motion carried 3-0. 9. Discuss and consider for approval employee health and dental insurance rates, effective January 1, 2027. 6 Motion by Polach, seconded by Ferkey to approve the employee health and dental insurance premium rates as recommended, effective January 1, 2027, with an increase of health insurance premiums of 6.30%, and dental insurance premiums remaining the same as 2026. Motion carried 3-0. 10. Adjournment. Chairperson Palmquist adjourned the meeting at 4:52 p.m. D. Committee of the Whole meeting held on October 13, 2026: The Wisconsin Rapids Committee of the Whole held a meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 444 West Grand Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order. Council President Palmquist called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. All members were present, with Alderperson Timm and Alderperson Pluess appearing via Teams videoconferencing. 2. 2027 Budget Review & Discussion Finance Director Tim Desorcy gave a presentation on the budget. No action taken 3. Review and Discussion of Wisconsin Rapids Flock Safety ALPRs Policy, Alleged Data Retention and other Violations by Flock, and the City’s use of Flock Cameras. Police Chief Hostens spoke about the Flock cameras in the City and concerns that agencies are having with Flock and their data retention and other practices. No action was taken. 4. Motion by Cattanach, second by Ferkey to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". Roll call vote taken. All members voted in the affirmative. Motion carried 8-0. In closed session, the Committee discussed strategy and negotiations regarding the status and future actions regarding the renewal, suspension, or termination of the City’s Flock Safety agreement. No action was taken in closed session. Alderperson Cattanach left the meeting during the closed session. 5. Motion by Austin, second by Palmquist, to return to open session. Motion carried, 7-0. 6. Discuss and consider the budgeting of Flock cameras in the 2027 budget and the renewal, suspension, or termination of the City’s Flock Safety Agreement. Motion by Palmquist, second by Ferkey, to direct city staff to contact Flock to discuss the Flock Safety Agreement, and to also request the Finance and Property Committee to hold the 2027 budget appropriation for Flock cameras until further discussion occurs. Motion carried, 7-0. 7. Motion by Palmquist, second by Ferkey, to go into closed session under Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which reads: "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session". Roll call vote taken. Motion carried, 7-0. In closed session, the Committee discussed strategy and negotiations regarding the sale of City property and the initial discussions regarding the terms of development agreements for potential housing developments within the City. No action was taken. 8. There being no further business before the Committee, President Palmquist adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m. 7. Reports of Other Committees, Commissions, Boards, and Department Reports: A. McMillan Memorial Library Board of Trustees on August 19 ; Services and Personnel Committee on September 3, 2026 Wastewater Treatment Commission held on August 12 and September 10, 2026 Water Works and Lighting Commission held on August 12 and special meeting held September 25, 2026 South Wood County Airport Commission held on September 3, 2026 Park and Recreation Commission held on October 12, 2026 Department Reports for September 2026 Engineering Department Human Resources Department Public Works Department South Wood County Airport Wastewater Treatment Plant 7 Wisconsin Rapids Police Department 8. Referrals to Committees 9. Adjournment. Jennifer M. Gossick, City Clerk The City of Wisconsin Rapids encourages participation from all its citizens. If participation at this meeting via audioconference is not possible due to a disability or other reasons, notification to the city clerk’s office at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting is encouraged to make the necessary accommodations. Call the clerk at (715) 421-8200 to request accommodations.