City of Rhinelander

The commission reviewed departmental reports from the police and fire leadership. The board convened a closed session to address employment, promotion, and performance evaluation matters. Following the closed session, the commission affirmed the extension of a conditional offer of employment to a candidate, the promotion of the interim fire chief to the position of fire chief, and the decision to post the assistant fire chief vacancy.

The committee reviewed the history and operational mechanics of the shared-ride taxi program, including historical fare structures, ridership trends following the pandemic, and funding breakdowns between federal and state sources. The committee also discussed planning for future program steps, specifically arranging future consultations with current and former local taxicab operators.

The committee held a discussion regarding public transit operations in the area, focusing on how the Oneida/Vilas Transit system functions throughout the year. The meeting also addressed scheduling for the next committee session.

The committee held a discussion regarding public transit solutions for the city. Key topics included the evaluation of a proposed fixed-route bus program, which involved analyzing operational scenarios, potential leasing costs, and fare structures for different passenger groups. Additionally, the committee planned future reviews of the historical data, bidding processes, and operational timelines of the existing shared-ride taxi program to better understand service gaps and potential service improvements.

The council meeting included a public comment session where support was expressed for a proposed developer's agreement for a senior housing project. The council discussed and subsequently approved Resolution 2026-61, which formalizes the developer's agreement between the City of Rhinelander and Riverview Senior Living, LLC/Crown Court Properties, LTD for a senior housing project located within Tax Increment District #11.