Jacob Hearley

The Commission held a public hearing and subsequently approved a conditional use permit and site plan for a car wash development. Approval was also granted for the site plan of a miniature golf course at 801 University Drive and for the renovation and expansion project involving the City Hall and Police Department. The Commission reviewed a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan regarding the Fieldhouse property but took no action. Additionally, the Commission recommended that the Common Council approve ordinance amendments to the fence code, the addition of specific animal-related facility definitions to the municipal code, and the classification of animal hospitals and veterinary clinics as conditional uses.

The joint meeting focused on updates from several cooperating agencies regarding the UW-Marinette Campus, the Fieldhouse, and the Stephenson Public Library. A round-table discussion was scheduled to address the future of Runnoe Park, the Fieldhouse and pool facilities, the main campus buildings, and the potential relocation of the Stephenson Public Library to the UW Campus library. Additional documentation provided in the packet detailed proposals for the former UWGB Marinette Campus, including the creation of a regional arts conservatory, an expansion of the Bay Shore Arts Center, and a Chautauqua-inspired cultural institute. Furthermore, the documents included a draft lease agreement between the City of Marinette and Marinette County for the Stephenson Public Library Building.

The board reviewed and recommended several bid results to the Common Council, including contracts for asphalt, crushed limestone, and topsoil from Northeast Asphalt, Inc. and Havelka Construction. Additionally, the board recommended approval for the Sidewalk Construction Main Street Walkway project to Duame Sand & Gravel Inc., and the Eggener Street & Wells Street project to Barley Trucking & Excavating. The board also recommended approval for Amendment #2 of the professional services agreement with Ayres Associates Inc. regarding the Menominee River Trail.

The Board of Public Works meeting included discussions and actions on several items. Key discussions involved accepting the summary report for the 2025 Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination study results. The board recommended approval for a Street Use Permit application for an event scheduled for April 25th. For the Menominee River Trail amenities, the committee recommended approval for the placement of one bench, one trash receptacle, and one recycling receptacle at the trail heads. The committee also discussed future plans to explore installing traffic signals and sidewalks at the intersection on CTH T (Pine tree Mall intersection), contingent on confirming a funding source and coordinating with Marinette County and private businesses. Furthermore, the board recommended approval for Option #3 to add sidewalk to the Elizabeth Avenue Street reconstruction project, contingent upon identifying a funding source of $33,935. Finally, the board recommended approval of the sole bid from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers for the Chip Seal Coat & Spray Patch Project No. 2026-100.

The meeting included discussions and possible actions concerning the residency ordinance, with a recommendation to the Common Council for approval. Several temporary Class "B" fermented malt beverage and wine license applications were considered, including applications for the Marinette Menominee Area Youth Hockey Association's Danglefest Hockey Tournament, Saint Thomas Aquinas Academy's 44th Annual Auction, and events hosted by the Marinette Elks Lodge 1313. The committee also reviewed eleven new operator license applications, recommending conditional approval for eight and denial for three based on non-compliance with policy and outstanding debts owed to the City of Marinette. Two renewal operator license applications were recommended for approval. A future discussion item identified was the sick bank policy.