Alfonso also accused Neal and others of demonizing conservative opposition and asked the group to stop race-baiting.. With four candidates on the ballot, a primary will be held Feb. 15 to narrow the field to two. Tensions over the citys growing homeless population have risen in recent months and some officials have seen sharp criticism from advocates in the wake of two outdoor deaths. This particular skill of active listening is vital for anyone who wishes to serve the public in a formal capacity, especially where minority or disenfranchised populations are concerned. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. 2 Wausau alders issue call for action on homelessness as anger rises, challenges continue, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. If the bids remain high like they were before, absent approval of the added funds, the project would be stalled until either the cost comes down or the added money is approved, she said. Leadership comes from every level of the organization. All rights reserved. Community Longevity/Connections: As a homeowner raising three children on the East side for over 20 years, I paid attention to our neighborhood community, to our kids schooling, to taxes, and the local government. Email, Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. In District 9, incumbent Dawn Herbst ran unopposed for the seat. The previous bid was out of date and to consider moving this forward in 2023 we needed to rebid the project, he said. This process should not pit competing groups against each other; rather, ARPA is a straightforward budget priority process. Wausau continually faces a paradox when it comes to retention and growth where its population is concerned. District 34:Jason Wilhelmdefeatedincumbent Gary Beastrom with 54% of the vote. 61-4316 4, 1976; Ord. District 1: Carol Lukens edged out John Kroll by two votes. Being scientifically literate is something that every person should have an opportunity to become. Shoring up staffing is a leadership issue, not a big budget issue, as most departments are budgeted for full agency, we need to aggressively recruit, retain, and train our workforce. Still, they seek to ensure that the citys most vulnerable residents are protected, starting with extreme weather incidents. Whether that means being there in person to ask questions or reaching out to organizers to coordinate discourse, it is crucial that our leaders make the effort to listen and be present. I will agree with them, for the mayors Five-Year Strategic Plan success, how we allocate assets and find revenue streams in response to citizen input, we need council members who understand the revenue and budget process. Im not sure if the council will agree to it, but I think we need to have an opportunity to engage in the conversation. The city wasnt really engaged in this conversation at all but when I heard a version was going to the (Marathon) county executive committee in May, I went to the public comment portion to express my support, Rosenberg told Wausau Pilot & Review. Meeting Videos District 4:Doug Diny defeated Jesse Kearns by 20 votes. The alderperson member shall be elected by a two-thirds vote of the common council at its regular April meeting each year. Gary Gisselman, Mary Thao and Dennis Smith did not run for their seats, leaving districts 5, 10 and 11 without an incumbent. Bliven also addressed the death of a woman in December who was staying in a tent underneath a Wausau bridge. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) This week's winter storm has postponed a much-anticipated discussion by the Wausau City Council. Any citizen interested in participating in local government, please fill out the WAUSAU - Four development projects received a boost Tuesday evening as city officials approved various funding for new proposals, in the final City Council meeting before five new members. The Economic Development Team is key, and Ill seek a seat on that committee to help shift our focus from the entertainment industry to hunting down manufacturing and projects that generate jobs and tax base. Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS), Sustainability Energy and Environment Committee. District 8:Incumbent Sarah Watson defeated Thomas "Tony" Brown with 65% of the vote. Meeting Agenda & Packet Link: https://www.ci.wausau.wi.us/Portals//Departments/Council/Archives/Council/Council/2023/COUN_20230110_Packet.pdf Dist. Meetings are not officially scheduled until an agenda has been issued and posted. You are fortunateyou do not have the experience that I have and there is a problem., Alder Pat Peckam also said the concern over the word is bogus.. Linda Lawrence, 71, a former mayor of Wausau and member of City Council. Ill call for a TID scoring team of business experts to provide Pro forma projections of best andworst case outcomes for citizens to see before we ink development agreements. Pat. I was trusted to get the mission done. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. the body of a 74-year-old war veteran was discovered in a Rib Mountain field, 72 unique clients who sought shelter there in November alone, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. . In my hometown of Green Bay, the debate over how to spend ARPA money has gotten ugly. I also bring broad insights and fresh perspective from years spent in larger Wisconsin cities, out of state, and abroad. 4, after Tom Neal announced he would not seek another term. WAUSAU - The Wausau City Council hasfivenew members after the vote totals from the spring election were released. Photo; FIRST: PDF: Carol Lukens. I dont mind COW, but I dont like the way this Council speaks to each other, she said, pointing to social media posts she said were written by council members. The direct admission by the developer that opening two new, high end housing developments simultaneously would more than fulfill the needs of those able and willing to afford them means that the citys focus from a governance standpoint should be on affordable housing, such as the project by Gorman & Co. A project that is using federal and state funding, rather than municipal tax dollars, and would provide fifty affordable units for local renters of various income levels. View Aldermanic Districts and Wards Map . Members Lisa Rasmussen and Dawn Herbst voted against the measure. 715-571-8108 133 E. Thomas St. Wausau, WI 54401: FOURTH: PDF: Doug Diny. Public Works Director Eric Lindman said the fencing project is a joint venture with WPS and they want to move ahead with their portion of the project.. She also pointed to the severe shortage of beds for people who need them, especially during harsh weather events. District 11:Incumbent Alyson Leahy edged out Randy DeBroux by three votes. In District 10, Lou Larsenbeat out Sherry Abitz, with 53% of the vote. The top two vote-getters will move on to the spring election on April 5. Investment in public lands in the form of parks and shared spaces has helped shape Wausaus downtown in an astounding new way with the advent of the 400 Block. While making the community attractive to talented, industrious, and creative individuals, as well as new industries and employers vital to the prosperity of this citys future, we must engage and encourage those members of the community that are already invested and involved residents. According to an agenda for Tuesdays meeting, advocates who provide services to homeless residents will also speak and ask leaders to create a new department of social development and action. This image is present on our property tax forms and is available to us all. My law practice (representing employeebenefit funds)honed my negotiation skills, key for fostering cooperation, productive discussion, and balancing different parties interests. The challenge will be balancing these considerations, which are often practically at odds despite being aligned in ideals as quality of life markers. A schedule for regular monthly meetings of boards, committees and commissions is available, however the best place to check for a meeting is the online calendar. The resolution to anyone who reads it clearly does not declare that bias is running rampant. WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) The Wausau City Council voted 8-3 to approve a future Committee of the Whole meeting on homelessness in the city. During Tuesdays Council meeting, Wausau Police Chief Ben Bliven gave a presentation on the state of homelessness in the area and shared a Point in Time count that estimated more than 200 people in Marathon County do not have a place to live. Where We Are a Service Provider. 3 Alder Tom Kilian, who voted against the measure, openly asked in September just how much of Wausaus sprawling riverfront the city plans to fence off if the project is truly about public safety. 715-261-6831. And in the next breath (they say) these resolutions are going to destroy the city, that they are going to take away all the economic growthYou cant have it both ways. Tagged: afternoon update , city of Wausau , public safety I am a strong advocate in providing affordable housing opportunities to young professionals-new nurses, teachers, police officers, etc. Advocates are asking Wausau to create a new department of social development and action to ensure the needs posed by the unhoused members of the community are addressed at both the city and county level. "The Town of Wausau is a Fair Housing Advocate. February Lindman said his department will be working with WPS and going over the bid received in the coming week or so. Lisa Rasmussen, Sarah Watson and Dawn Herbst voted against the motion to hold such a discussion. For republication information email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com.. which discussed the proposal and voted to move it forward, Ethics Board condemns Wausau alder, but dismisses complaint, Wausau Ethics Board to discuss complaint by county supervisor against city alderwoman, Hmong finance executive files discrimination complaint against local credit union, Mixed reaction in Wausau on plans to welcome refugees, Afghans among them, Threats against elected officials marked heated debate on Community for All resolution, Marathon County rejects Community for All resolution, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Policies, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Occupation: Fitness instructor at Woodson YMCA, Other public service, if any: Pro bono legal services while at Marquette Law School, Education: B.A. What are three things you want people to know about you before heading to the polls? Mayor Rosenbergs new housing task force meets this month, Feb 23. The We Are Wausau resolution is meant to acknowledge that peoples differences arent consistently respected and to express the determination to move above and beyond all forms of bias and exclusion, said Neal, just before the vote. Kilian said he received significant contacts from citizens concerned about the lack of an emergency preparedness plan to address homeless residents during Decembers bitter cold and blizzard conditions, prompting him to speak with Marathon County officials about putting emergency plans and shelter options in place that could be activated when predefined thresholds of risk are reached. Budgets get executed by department heads, they have far more flexibility than the mayor or council in finding savings. A description of committee structure precedes the membership roster. Gary Gisselman, who represents Wausaus Dist. Mail can be sent to any Committee Member, by addressing it to: Member's Name, C/O City of Wausau, 407 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403, Home | Search | Page List | Announcements | Calendar | Departments | Services | Contact | Customer Feedback | Privacy Statement. U.N.-branded vehicles were once ubiquitous there, but its staff now appear to be keeping a much lower profile than . It is, by far, future financial and economic viability and how we incentivize people to move to the city; we have to be very competitive in that regard. No person may be appointed to more than two consecutive regular terms as a member of any city board, committee or commission, unless the reappointment is specifically approved by the common council. Though the election results will be posted Tuesday night, they won't be official until the local board of canvassers verify them at meetings later in the week. The sole bid, from Fortress Fence, is roughly $87,000, which is more than twice the amount initially budgeted as a capital improvement measure. And the topic of how the County and City can work together jointly and more effectively on this important issue rarely, if ever, comes up in city council meetings to date, Kilian said. In an email, Dist. Combined, this has uniquely equipped me for the role of alderperson. Given this ongoing debate, I certainly believe there needs to be more actionable dialogue with objective findings/recommendations to truly understand the pain points and come up with real solutions. Though the Finance Committee in 2022 recommended approving the funding, the proposal drew pointed opposition from some members of the public and council members who saw the fence as yet another Wausau initiative to punish homeless residents. Kelch, in a prepared statement to Wausau Pilot & Review on Thursday, said her organization understands the purpose of the fence but fears the consequences could be grave if built before permanent, compassionate alternatives are in place. They must immediately take inventory of each housing category in the city (affordable, workforce and luxury). Consistent with my message on the economic and financial long-term viability challenges we face, I believe we must revisit budgetary commitments that are unsustainable, be honest with ourselves on the direction of property assessments, and reassesscurrent tax practices that prioritize spend over long-termeconomic viability. Published content is property of Wausau Pilot and Review. The City Council is the elected governing body of the City of Wausau. Someone died under a Wausau bridge, Gisselman told Wausau Pilot & Review. Im not sure what will happen but at least well heave the opportunity to hear from providers and hear the state of homelessness in the community, he said. She reminded the Council that the Warming Center, while a tool to help serve the unhoused residents of Wausau, has limited room. 407 Grant St Wausau, WI 54403 . In August, the body of a 74-year-old war veteran was discovered in a Rib Mountain field and in December, a woman who had an encampment beneath a downtown Wausau bridge also died. Meetings may change due to any situation covered in the standing rules of the Common Council. Wausau City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Wausau City Hall, 407 Grant Street. Ill own that, he wrote in an email statement. Meetings may change due to any situation covered in the standing rules of the Common Council. As always, public input should be allowed at the Committee of the Whole meeting and should play a role in informing the dispositions and positions of the publics elected representatives.. Please check the calendar to confirm whether the meeting will be held. Then a U.S. Supreme Court rulingdetermined at the last minutethat absentee ballots had to be postmarked by April 7to be counted, but many voters never received their ballots and had to choose between heading to the polls or forgoing their vote. Previously, he had been Sheriff of Marathon County, Wisconsin; Chairman of the Marathon County Board; a member of the Wausau City Council and Mayor of Wausau. Thats just cherry-picking to the extreme and does little or nothing to illuminate the discussion.. Alder Rasmussen, a steadfast opponent of the proposal, said her goal was not to stop or stifle a healthy discussion. The Quality Assurance organization provides a variety of services aimed at helping our internal customers, which include S&C leaders and team members, deliver superior quality to our customers. To achieve this, Wausau must be both economically and financially viable which is why my top priorities are (1)fiscal accountability;(2) business and economic opportunities to attract and retain local talent and promote entrepreneurship; and (3) family focus. Those who defended the resolution called it necessary; its opponents branded it as divisive, ideological and biased against the white community. The City of Wausau is proud to offer the most recent video-taping of the City Council Meeting. While I was not in a position to make decisions or act decisively on the matter, I paid close attention and learned a great deal by listening to all involved parties. 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