City Council Meeting Tuesday 2025 07 22

The Eau Claire City Council meeting on July 22, 2025, approved a settlement with Sam’s Real Estate Business Trust over property tax assessments. The settlement sets the Sam’s Club property valuation at $6.5 million for 2021–22 and provides a refund of just over $12,000, compared with the company’s claim of $722,000 across the contested years; the resolution passed unanimously. Council also unanimously accepted Downtown Eau Claire Inc.’s 2025 annual report. DECI reported a $269,000 budget, management of more than $400,000 in annual Business Improvement District investments, and work on downtown events, grants, promotion, and coordination with city projects. No RFP, contract award, or vendor selection was identified.

Much of the meeting concerned amendments to the city’s zoning and tree-preservation code, including housing affordability, development standards, and tree-removal thresholds. Council passed several amendments and zoning-map changes, but postponed action on the overall code until the Plan Commission reviews it and holds a public hearing. Council also approved ordinances updating tree definitions and expanding the Waterways and Parks Commission’s advisory role to include urban forestry, with a requirement that at least one member have relevant experience. In a later water-utility rate discussion, staff sought direction on filing a two-step rate case by the July 31 deadline, with the first increase expected in early 2026; members discussed conservation rates and including funding for a sustainability coordinator, but the transcript does not capture a final vote on that item.