Common Council 10 13 2026

The Marshfield Common Council meeting on October 13, 2026, included several development and funding decisions. The Council approved Resolution 2026-25 documenting Marshfield Utilities’ planned 30% ownership interest in the Great Lakes Utilities Marshfield Generation Project, allowing planning, permitting, financing, and negotiations with potential bidders to continue. The resolution creates no binding financial or construction commitment; final agreements and funding decisions must return to the Council or Utility Commission. The Council also approved a memorandum of understanding with J. Jeffers and Company for redevelopment of the former Weinbrenner Shoe Factory at 305 West 3rd Street. The MOU provides for up to $100,000 in City predevelopment costs, potentially from the affordable housing fund, and supports applications for low-income housing and historic tax credits. The developer anticipates 83 units and at least $4.4 million in added assessed value. Separately, Visit Marshfield reported that the 2026 concert series met its $40,000 budget, funded with $20,000 each from the City and Visit Marshfield, plus approximately $8,000 in sponsorships.

The Council approved a revised 2027 budget calendar and dissolved the Wenzel Family Plaza bathroom project committee; members cited the lack of City funding, while noting that private fundraising could prompt future consideration. A proposed citywide staffing study was presented for information only; the HR director described a possible modular RFP for consultant services, with scope and cost still to be determined. Under future agenda items, a council member requested discussion of options for the former police station, including a possible listing or RFQ/RFP. The Council did not take action on the proposed camping ordinance: the approval motion was withdrawn after discussion of enforcement, services, and the possibility of evaluating a designated safe camping area.