City leaders pushed an initiative to replace the city’s lead service lines using federal funding.
But then, as the grant and loan mixture started to change as more municipalities started to apply for them, there was talk that some residents might have to fund their private-side lead lines after all, whereas others already had theirs replaced without cost.
But city leaders Tuesday decided that wasn’t fair. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to fund [the private-side replacement costs not covered by grants or principal forgiveness under the funded program].
That’s the good news; the bad news is that gap is expected to be $4.5 million in 2027 (with the final amount depending on funding awards and construction bids).
But putting those costs on homeowners wouldn’t have been fair, some council members argued, since not every household had access to the lead line replacements. “We felt it’s better for the city to take that on so that the program is equitable and fair to all of the residents who have not had the opportunity to get their lead service lines replaced in a timely manner, either because of scheduling or because of location, of census tract, et cetera,” Council Member Michael Martens says.
Consultants for the city told the council they expect to complete more than 3,500 lines by the end of the year, and say that leaves 2,800 to 2,900 remaining. The work replaces water service pipes connecting homes to the city’s water mains.
The City Council also passed an ordinance mandating lead line replacement, with one no vote.
It’s budget season! The Wausonian brought you a look at Marathon County’s budget previously and now we dug into Wausau’s last weekend (with Weston coming tomorrow):
Flock camera fight emerges from Wausau budget process
Much like the conversation nationwide, Flock cameras are controversial on the Wausau City Council, and the debate isn’t breaking along partisan lines.
And subscribers also learned more about the numbers of structure fires increasing in Wausau among other news in our Three Things to Start Your Week feature:
Are fires on the rise in Wausau?
Firefighters in Wausau Saturday responded to another structure fire. Crews were able to respond to the fire quickly at 1:24 pm and put it out before it fully engulfed the building, according to a city press release.
What else in Wausau?
Friday hours shut down at committee: The Wausonian in our Three Things feature this week talked about a push to extend summer hours with half-day Fridays year-round. Well, that’s been nixed. The city’s Human Resources Committee voted unanimously against the idea. And the committee gave some thought to extended evening hours to make it easier for residents to access City Hall, but took no action on that Monday. “While I completely understand the desire for flexibility and appreciate that the staff would be maintaining their total hours, our primary responsibility is to the public,” committee member Terry Kilian says. “Residents and local business owners expect our offices to be accessible during standard business hours, including Friday afternoons.”
Push it to the middle gets traction: Residents of the Southeast Side and Highland Park neighborhoods scored a win this week as the push for plow drivers to “push it to the middle” got unanimous approval from the City Council Tuesday, following the Infrastructure Committee’s approval late last week. The policy permits counterflow plowing when safe, with the intent of pushing snow toward center boulevards during full plowing operations while retaining discretion for safety and operating conditions. Advocates say the city used to plow snow on boulevard streets toward the boulevard instead of to the curb, and that the change to curbside plowing led to blocked driveways, narrowed streets, visibility problems and difficulties for elderly and disabled residents.
Travel Guard founder John Noel dead: Plover business leader John Noel died Sept. 30, according to an obituary published about him. Noel founded Travel Guard International and built it into an international powerhouse. He’s also responsible for Noel Group, Marathon Travel, MultiNational Underwriters, MyAssist, Insure America, Compass Properties, and Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Compass Properties until a recent sale to Lokre managed several downtown Wausau properties, such as the Third Street Lifestyle Center and many of the buildings on Third Street. He was 78.
Police make arrest in Schofield Coin and Hobby burglary: A 50-year-old New Jersey man was arrested following an investigation into an apparent burglary at Schofield Coin and Hobby. Soren Beech is facing one felony count of burglary after police say he broke into the Jamar Street store on Sunday morning. According to police reports, Beech was only inside the building a short time before setting off the alarm, which caused him to flee the scene. Beech is currently free on a $1,000 signature bond.
Around the metro
County searching for new supervisor: Marathon County is searching for a new county board supervisor, according to a recent news release. Chantelle Foote resigned from District No. 9, which covers parts of western Wausau and the town of Stettin. Foote in her resignation email obtained by The Wausonian said her husband retired and they plan on living elsewhere during the winter. The county is currently taking applications for her replacement.
Weston gets tire distributor from Rib Mountain: A tire distributor has been approved to move from Rib Mountain to Weston. The village’s Plan Commission Monday approved U.S. AutoForce moving to 6002 Saxon Avenue in Weston, bringing seven employees to the village [subject to completion of the village’s environmental review and other conditions]. But that approval came in the face of concerns from residents about noise and additional traffic; the facility would see semitrailers arrive around 1 am, with delivery trucks generally departing between 6 and 7 am, though some longer routes could leave earlier.
Sponsored by
Business
Venado opened in new downtown spot: Venado Wine Bar opened Tuesday in the spot formerly occupied by Forward Beverage. Forward Beverage is continuing its operations but will no longer operate a storefront, according to an announcement the business made over the summer.
Entertainment
Gunshine doesn’t mess around — it’s still of rock is straightforward, heavy and seems designed to work up a crowd. They’ll make their way to the Q&Z Expo Center today, but that’s not all this weekend with more fall events, a garden light show, some heavy music at Nevermore and so much more this weekend in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
Gunshine ready to rock Q&Z Expo | Your Wausome Weekend Guide
Gunshine doesn’t mess around — it’s still of rock is straightforward, heavy and seems designed to work up a crowd. They’ll make their way to the Q&Z Expo Center today, but that’s not all this weekend with more fall events, a garden light show, some heavy music at Nevermore and so much more this weekend in Your Wausome Weekend Guide.
Sports
Football: D.C. Everest beat Eau Claire Memorial 28-6 Friday, but still remains in third place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Warriors are tied with the Evergreens with one conference game left in the season this Friday.
Volleyball: D.C. Everest picked up three wins at the Wisconsin Valley Conference Tournament Saturday, helping the team remain in first place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. The Evergreens beat Wisconsin Rapids and Wausau West in three straight sets, but needed all five sets to defeat Marshfield, including two 27-25 sets. As long as the Evergreens can beat last-place Wausau East today, they will retain the Wisconsin Valley Conference title.
Boys soccer: D.C. Everest earned its first tie Tuesday against Wausau East, with each team scoring once. But that wasn’t enough to knock the Evergreens out of first in the Wisconsin Valley Conference standings. SPASH, three points behind D.C. Everest, could still finish on top if the team wins both its remaining games (one is a makeup game from earlier) or finishes with a win and a tie.
Girls tennis: D.C. Everest will have three players in the WIAA state tennis tournament today. Singles player Mikaela Hawley will join doubles players Brynn Kampmann and Athena Thor in making the trip to Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison.
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