Highlights of the past Common Council meeting

Economic Development concerns raised by a resident during public comment

• Bill Penker presents concerns about the council’s approach to economic development, referencing various strategic plans to guide the city’s growth.
• He queries the council’s familiarity with these plans. He urges them to be proactive without relying on additional consultants, instead advocating for using the already established committee structure within the city.

Proclamations read by Mayor Lois TeStrake

• Now, therefore, be it resolved that the week of October 6th through the 12th, 2024, be designated Public Power Week to recognize the immense pride in Marshfield Utilities and their contributions to the community.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Lois T. Strake, Mayor of the City of Marshfield, proclaim Hotel Marshfield as the 2024 Firm of the Year.  This recognition is a testament to the hotel’s role as a place for social and business gatherings, enhancing community connections.
• Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Lois T. Strake, Mayor of the City of Marshfield, proclaim October 15th as White Cane Awareness Day.

Budget meeting announcements

• The first 2025 budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14th at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers or after the Board of Public Works meeting.

Central Wisconsin State Fair report

• The fair’s Executive Director reported an impressive turnout, with 62,000 visitors enjoying the festivities, marking a successful event.
• The weather significantly attracted visitors.
• Final numbers are not calculated, but according to the fair’s director, this year was very good.

Update on Marshfield Medical Center and partnership Initiatives

• A key focus of the update is the ongoing discussions about establishing a partnership with the Sanford Health System. This initiative arises from recognizing that healthcare organizations require partnerships with larger systems to ensure survival and growth.
•  Bob Chaloner, President of Marshfield Clinic Health Systems, outlines the need for better access to capital, medical expertise, and the capacity to recruit and retain medical professionals as essential factors driving the pursuit of partnership.
• As of August, the Marshfield Medical Center has entered into a definitive agreement to form a partnership with Sanford Health System, following a thorough search process for a suitable partner.
• The voting on this agreement will begin with the medical staff and last two weeks. If passed, it will set the stage for final regulatory agreements with the relevant state authorities to complete the partnership by the end of the year.
• Sanford Health shares a similar mission focused on providing quality healthcare access to rural communities, making it an ideal partner.
• Significant commitments from Sanford, including major capital investments and enhancements in clinical systems, highlight the benefits of this collaboration. This partnership seeks to preserve the Marshfield Clinic’s name and brand while ensuring continued community engagement and support.
• There are no plans for layoffs; they see this as an opportunity to stabilize and grow.
• Marshfield Clinic has experienced significant financial difficulties over the past couple of years, primarily driven by the impacts of COVID-19 and rising inflationary costs. However, after implementing a series of significant adjustments, including reducing staff and carefully managing financial resources, the clinic has reported recent months of profitability.
• The clinic’s plans include expanding services, specifically cardiovascular and orthopedic care while addressing labor shortages through education initiatives.
• Marshfield Medical Center will remain the tertiary hub within the Sanford Health System.
• The clinic added 135 new providers with additional plans to recruit and grow.

Affordable Housing Fund transfers

• A budget resolution was introduced to transfer tax increment funds from a closed TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district to a newly formed affordable housing fund. This transfer, valued at approximately $400,000, aims to support housing initiatives within the community.
• This strategic financial maneuver indicates the city’s focus on addressing affordable housing needs and emphasizes the importance of planning for community development.

Shared Ride Taxi service contract

• The city’s participation in a Wisconsin Department of Transportation program includes offering shared-ride taxi services to assist seniors and those with disabilities. This program has proven to be highly successful in enhancing public transportation access within the community.
• In 2023, the city solicited bids for a five-year contract for these services and selected Running Incorporated from Viroqua. The proposed contract being reviewed is for the calendar year 2025, as the existing agreement will conclude on December 31st. If approved, staff will execute the contract.

Funding approval for pickleball court lighting

• A request for a $30,000 contribution to the Marshfield Area Pickleball Group to install lighting at the new pickleball courts in Braem Park was presented.
• The pickleball group had initially sought $80,000, but after discussions, they secured a $50,000 contribution from Visit Marshfield, reducing their funding request to $30,000.
• The Council voted to provide $30,000 for the project coming out of the economic development fund.
• The group funded 2/3 of the project.

Update on strategic planning

• The strategic planning effort involved staff-driven processes, where key community needs and pressing projects were identified and submitted to the council for approval.
• The plan encompasses seven functional areas with 22 goals to structure the city’s developmental focus strategically. Obstacles such as the pandemic and staffing shortages have impacted progress in achieving these goals.
• The Council was encouraged to provide direction on future strategic planning efforts as the city evaluates its successes and areas for improvement based on the established goals.

A new member voted in the Historic Preservation Commission

• Appointment of Mike Meyers to the Historic Preservation Commission, filling an unexpired term ending April 2025.

Watch the Post Council Update here.

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