Jennifer Oczus

The meeting focused on several items, including a city-initiated request to amend the zoning designation for several parcels on Dunlap Avenue, Maple Avenue, and Stephenson Street from I-1 Institutional and Public Service District to RM-2 Multiple-Family Residential District. The Commission detailed six findings supporting the change and ultimately recommended that the Common Council schedule a public hearing and approve the rezoning ordinance. Additionally, the Commission approved a site plan submitted by SMJ International for a fence expansion at Winsert Inc. Finally, the Commission recommended that the Common Council approve an easement request from Wisconsin Public Service Corporation. Future agenda items discussed included the Fence Maintenance Code, Chapter 16 review, and potentially adding language to allow Animal Hospitals under conditional use in Chapter 465 Article XV.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of minutes from the January 6th and Special January 14th, 2026 meetings, and the approval of various Standing Committee meeting minutes from January 2026. The Mayor presented the 2026 State of the City address, highlighting economic development projects and the retention of an A1 credit rating. An appointment to the Room Tax Commission was approved. A presentation was given by Haven of Hope regarding their 2025 accomplishments. New business involved approving an agreement for a July 10th event featuring Hotel California, The Original Eagles Tribute Band. Finance actions included granting advance authorization for February 2026 expenditures, approving the December 2025 budget reports, approving a contract for server room hosting with Marinette County, and carrying over $30,000 in Capital Funds for software/server upgrades. Personnel and License actions included approving a successor agent for Kwik Trip 574, approving an alcohol license extension for Red Brick Tavern LLC, and granting eight new operator licenses contingent upon RBS class completion. Public Works approved the low bid for the Menominee River Trail project, the 2026 TAPCO Traffic Signal Preventive Maintenance Contract, and low bids for Street and Utility Reconstruction projects on University Drive and Elizabeth Avenue. Street Use permits for the Red Brick Tavern event were also approved, along with tree removal quotes for University Drive and city-wide services. The Council convened in closed session to discuss a proposed settlement agreement related to an employment law matter and took action to approve the settlement upon reconvening in open session.

The meeting was called to order as a Committee of the Whole session. The proceedings included the pledge of allegiance. The primary discussion topic involved the proposed draft Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan presented by representatives from Mead & Hunt, with an open discussion held by the Common Council.

The Special Board of Public Works Committee Meeting focused on discussing and possibly recommending actions to the Common Council regarding bid results for two reconstruction projects: University Drive Project No. 2026-100 and Elizabeth Avenue Project No. 2025-400. Further discussion items included a Street Use permit application from Red Brick Tavern LLC for an event on March 7, 2026, and price quotations for tree removal and stump grinding along University Drive and city-wide.

The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works included discussions and possible actions concerning the Menominee River Trail bid results. The Board recommended the Common Council approve the low bid from Barley Trucking & Excavating, Inc., totaling $326,923.10, which includes paving the trail with asphalt. Additionally, the committee recommended the Common Council approve the 2026 TAPCO Traffic Signal Preventive Maintenance Contract. Topics scheduled for the next meeting include Trail Amenities, an update on the Roosevelt Rd Kwik Trip intersection changes, and discussion regarding Pine Tree Mall TID Funds.