Live from City Hall - City Council

Janesville Common Council meeting, September 29, 2026: The council reviewed the Woodman Sports and Convention Center’s first-year performance and finances. The $46.8 million project was reported to have drawn about 288,000 visitors and generated $8.5 million in direct economic impact through July. Finance staff said the center was expected to require city subsidy during its first several years; projected visitor bureau support of about $110,000 would reduce the reported operating loss through August to roughly $67,000. Council members requested more detailed utilization and financial information. The interim city manager reported four developer proposals for a separate project and said staff would review them, conduct interviews as appropriate, and bring a recommendation as soon as the end of October. For the 2027 capital program, staff cautioned that identified projects could require borrowing closer to $15 million, above the roughly $11 million target, prompting future choices about project timing or a possible tax increase.

The council pulled and postponed until October 12 a proposed extension agreement with Sports Facilities Food and Beverage Wisconsin LLC for managing alcohol sales at the center; no final action on the extension was taken, and staff said the existing agreement remained in effect. The council also voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance establishing a moratorium on data centers, after approving a 7–0 amendment removing three recitals referring to the GM/JCI site. In a separate action, it voted to enter closed session to deliberate or negotiate terms of the Wisconsin Hockey Partners agreement for the center. No contract award or final lease decision was reported. A recognition resolution for Fire Prevention Week was also considered; no procurement action was identified in that item.