Merrill, WI

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the 2027 budget and a request from the Merrill Baseball Association to fundraise for park improvements. The body will also consider regulations for electric mobility devices in city parks and on pedestrian trails.

• Request from Merrill Baseball Association to fundraise for a three-tunnel batting cage and concrete seating at Lion's Park
• Potential action on regulations for e-bikes, e-motos, e-scooters, and e-personal mobility devices
• Update on the 2027 Budget
• Discussion of Outdoor Recreation Technical Assistance Program (ORTAP) field day and workshops

Fairgrounds Committee

Joint Review Board

Common Council

Redevelopment Authority

Transit Commission

Library Board

Airport Commission

Historic Preservation Committee

Marketing & Communications Committee

Health and Safety Committee

Personnel and Finance Committee

Board of Public Works

Redevelopment Authority

Parks and Recreation Commission

Fairgrounds Committee

Common Council

Library Board

Historic Preservation Committee

Marketing & Communications Committee

Transit Commission

Health and Safety Committee

Board of Public Works

Parks and Recreation Commission

Redevelopment Authority

Fairgrounds Committee

Transit Commission

Library Board

Historic Preservation Committee

Marketing & Communications Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Redevelopment Authority

Transit Commission

Library Board

Historic Preservation Committee

Marketing & Communications Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Redevelopment Authority

Transit Commission

Library Board

Historic Preservation Committee

Marketing & Communications Committee

Marketing & Communications Committee

Transit Commission

Historic Preservation Committee

Historic Preservation Committee

Historic Preservation Committee

Board of Public Works

Library Board

The Library Board will consider updates to policies regarding solicitation on premises and minors' use of the collection. Members will also discuss a temporary reduction of Saturday hours in November 2026 and a restructure of board committees.

• Solicitation on Library Premises Policy
• Use of Entire Library Collection by Minors Policy
• Temporary reduction of Saturday hours in November 2026
• Library Board Committees Restructure
• Solar Array Update

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission will meet to discuss several infrastructure projects and operational decisions. The body will consider approvals for vouchers and the World Fuel Service contract.

• Discussion of Runway 16/34 Project
• Decision on World Fuel Service contract
• Maintenance Hangar Project status and operational move
• Discussion of airport general maintenance including deer ramps and security fencing
• Discussion on the use of the terminal

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to review the minutes from the previous meeting. The body will also discuss and consider the proposed budget for 2027.

• 2027 Proposed Budget

The Merrill Committee of the Whole reviewed the unbalances 2027 proposed budget, which includes a 2.9% increase from last year. The committee voted on several budget adjustments, including reducing the Historic Society and Humane Society requests, adding an EMS Training Division Chief position and a housing developer grant, and failing to remove a library carpet request on a tie vote. Other items, such as a transit driver reclassification and an enrichment center hours increase, failed to move forward due to a lack of a motion.

• Placed previous meeting minutes on file
• Reduced Historic Society request from $8,000 to $5,000 (8-0)
• Included EMS Training Division Chief position in the budget (6-2)
• Approved adding housing developer grant request of $20,000 to the budget (7-1)
• Approved adding Central Contingency Fund request to the budget (6-2)
• Motion to remove library carpet request from the budget failed on a 4-4 tie vote
• Reduced Humane Society request from $15,000 to $10,000 (4-3)

Personnel and Finance Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the Boys and Girls Club lease and review vouchers. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes from the August 25th meeting and the review of monthly reports from city officials.

• Boys and Girls Club lease
• Approval of vouchers

The committee approved a lease for the Boys and Girls Club, with the city handling snow removal and mowing and splitting large expenses 50/50. The lease will be forwarded to the Council following approval by the Boys and Girls Club. Vouchers and previous meeting minutes were also approved.

• Approved Boys and Girls Club lease as presented
• Approved vouchers
• Approved August 25th meeting minutes
• Placed monthly reports on file

Health and Safety Committee

Historic Preservation Committee

The Historic Preservation Committee will meet to discuss the renovation of the Courthouse Clock. The body will also review historic street signs and plan self-guided tours of information signs.

• Courthouse Clock renovation discussion
• Historic street signs update
• Planning of self-guided tours for storyboards and information signs

The committee approved the minutes from May 20th and September 16th. Members discussed the schedule for historic street sign dedications and the renovation timeline for the Courthouse Clock.

• Approved May 20th and September 16th meeting minutes

Transit Commission

The Transit Commission will meet to review the Administrator's Report and discuss Lincoln County Transportation. The meeting includes time for public comment and the approval of previous minutes.

• Lincoln County Transportation

The Transit Commission met to review third quarter statistics and a report on Lincoln County Transportation. No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were made during the meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes

Enrichment Center Committee

The Enrichment Center Committee will meet to review vouchers and discuss operational items. The agenda includes a recap of the Festival of Quilts and planning for Christmas Joy outreach.

• Approval of vouchers
• Festival of Quilts recap
• Rentals during business hours
• Christmas Joy outreach
• Budget discussion

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and vouchers. Members discussed a recap of the Festival of Quilts, which earned a profit of $2,115.82, and reviewed a new budget structure moving most accounts into the general fund.

• Approved September meeting minutes
• Approved vouchers

Marketing & Communications Committee

Common Council

The Common Council will discuss the sale of a replaced police squad and a street use permit for a market event. The body is also considering three resolutions to vacate land and alleys and four mayoral appointments to city commissions.

• Street use permit to close 900-1000 block of E Main Street on Dec 12, 2026
• Resolution to vacate alley north of lots 13 and 14 of block 3 of VR Willards addition
• Resolution to vacate land in Mary Poor's addition
• Resolution to vacate right of way at southwest corner of G.R. Sturdevant's addition
• Request to sell a replaced squad

The Common Council approved a settlement agreement for Walmart litigation and selected Plan 3 for city health insurance. The council also authorized the sale of a police squad and approved three separate land and alley vacations.

• Approved settlement agreement for Walmart litigation
• Selected health insurance Plan 3 and increased employee share to 12%
• Approved continuing the health plan opt-out incentive
• Approved sale of replaced police squad via Wisconsin Surplus with funds returning to general fund
• Approved street use permit for Merry Merrill Market on Dec 12, 2026
• Approved vacation of alley north of lots 13 and 14 of block 3 of VR Willards addition
• Approved vacation of land in Mary Poor's addition and right of way in G.R. Sturdevant's addition
• Confirmed appointments for Housing Authority, Redevelopment Authority, Airport Commission, and Police & Fire Commission

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss health insurance updates and review budget requests for the 2027 General Fund Operating Budget. The meeting includes closed sessions to discuss litigation and EMS contract negotiations.

• Review of 2027 General Fund Operating Budget requests
• Health insurance update
• Closed session regarding EMS contract negotiations
• Closed session regarding legal strategy and ongoing litigation

The Committee of the Whole recommended a new health insurance plan and an increase in employee contributions to the Common Council. A proposed spousal surcharge was defeated, and a settlement agreement was recommended following a closed session.

• Recommended Option 3 health insurance plan to Common Council
• Recommended increasing employee health insurance share from 11.5% to 12%
• Approved continuing the health insurance opt-out incentive
• Denied $100/month spousal surcharge (3/5 roll call vote)
• Recommended settlement agreement to Common Council
• Placed September 29th meeting minutes on file

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Merrill Parks and Recreation Commission meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 4:15 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The commission will consider approving September 2026 minutes and Parks & Recreation claims, hear an update on the 2026 budget, discuss the "Granite Belt" Gravel Cycling Network initiative, and begin discussion on potential regulations for E-Bikes, E-Motos, and E-Scooters on city trails. Monthly reports and public comment are also on the agenda. No votes on new regulations are listed; the e-mobility item is described only as the start of discussion.

• Begin discussion on potential regulations for E-Bikes, E-Motos, and E-Scooters on City Trails
• Discuss the "Granite Belt" Gravel Cycling Network initiative
• Update on the 2026 Budget
• Consider approving September 2026 Parks & Recreation Claims
• Next regular meeting: Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 at 4:15 p.m.

The commission approved the September 2026 claims and minutes. Members discussed the 2026 budget, the Granite Belt gravel cycling initiative, and potential safety regulations for electronic mobility devices on city trails.

• Approved September 2026 minutes
• Approved September 2026 Parks & Recreation claims

Redevelopment Authority

The Merrill Redevelopment Authority meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM at City Hall. The agenda includes an update on TID projects, approval of September minutes, and a closed session to discuss the potential sale of property under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.85(1)(e). The body may reconvene in open session afterward.

• Closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the potential sale of property
• Consider closed session minutes from May and September
• Update on TID (Tax Incremental District) projects
• Consider approving minutes from the September 2nd meeting
• Next meeting set for Wednesday, November 4th at 8:00 AM

The Authority received updates on Tax Increment District (TID) projects, including the River Project and JAS townhomes. Members entered a closed session to discuss the potential sale of property and review previous closed session minutes. No action was taken upon reconvening, and the meeting was adjourned from the closed session.

• Approved September 2nd meeting minutes
• Entered closed session to discuss property sales (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting from closed session

Fairgrounds Committee

Board of Public Works

Merrill's Board of Public Works meets Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:15 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board will discuss a possible simplified water rate increase and fluoride in City water, an item requested by a citizen. It also votes on water/sewer and street vouchers, a street use permit for a Merry Merrill Market event, and whether to place monthly reports on file.

• Discussion on a simplified rate increase and possible consideration
• Discussion on fluoride in City water, requested by a citizen
• Street use permit to close the 900–1000 block of E Main Street (Mill Street to Court Street) on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm for a Merry Merrill Market night event
• Approval of Water & Sewer Vouchers and Street Department Vouchers
• Consider placing monthly reports on file (Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator Pagel, City Administrator/Public Works Director/City Engineer Akey, Street Superintendent Bonack)

The Board approved vouchers for the Water, Sewer, and Street departments and authorized a street use permit for the Merry Merrill Market. Members also discussed a potential water rate increase and the future of fluoride in city water, with the latter scheduled for a Committee of the Whole meeting in January 2027.

• Approved July 29 meeting minutes
• Approved Water & Sewer vouchers
• Approved Street Department vouchers
• Approved street use permit for Merry Merrill Market (forwarded to Council)
• Placed monthly departmental reports on file

Committee of the Whole

The Merrill Committee of the Whole meets Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall to review prior minutes, discuss proposed Clerk/Treasurer Office updates and changes, and continue budget discussions covering capital items and Tax Increment Districts (3-14). The committee may also convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to receive an update on EMS contract negotiations and to consider closed session minutes, then may reconvene in open session. The next budget meeting is set for Tuesday, October 13th at 5:30 pm. No dollar amounts or specific decisions are stated in the agenda text.

• Proposed Clerk/Treasurer Office updates and changes; layout diagram to be provided at the meeting
• Budget discussion: Capital
• Budget discussion: Tax Increment Districts (3-14)
• Closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) for an update on EMS contract negotiations
• Next budget meeting: Tuesday, October 13th at 5:30 pm

The Merrill Committee of the Whole approved the proposed Clerk/Treasurer office updates and changes on a 7/1 voice vote. The committee also discussed budget updates including capital projects, Tax Increment Districts 3-14, and health insurance, and received an update on EMS contract negotiations during a closed session.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes and placed them on file
• Approved Clerk/Treasurer office updates and changes as presented (7-1 voice vote)
• Entered closed session to discuss EMS contract negotiations (8-0 roll call vote)
• Considered previous closed session minutes

Personnel and Finance Committee

Health and Safety Committee

Transit Commission

The Merrill Transit Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, an administrator's report, and discussion of a Community Night Out item. No specific action items with dollar amounts or policy changes are listed.

• Discussion of Community Night Out event
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Administrator's report

The Merrill Transit Commission met on September 21, 2026 and approved the minutes of its previous meeting (Loos/Weber). The commission heard the Transit Administrator's monthly recap and discussed turnout for Community Night Out. No new motions, votes, or policy decisions were recorded beyond approving the prior minutes and adjourning. The next meeting is set for October 19, 2026 at 4:00pm at Merrill City Hall Council Chambers.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (Loos/Weber) — passed
• Adjourned the meeting (Kunkel/Weber) — passed

Marketing & Communications Committee

The Marketing & Communications Committee will review the August Revenue and Expense Report and discuss the 2027 Fund 26 budget, including Facebook advertising issues. Members will also plan fall and holiday marketing strategies, the Veterans and First Responders Banner Program, and the Tour of Lights. Updates will be provided from the Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln County Economic Development.

• August Revenue and Expense Report
• 2027 Fund 26 budget discussion
• Facebook advertising issues
• Veterans and First Responders Banner Program 2027 planning
• Tour of Lights 2026 planning and promotion

The committee approved the August revenue and expense report and forwarded the draft 2027 Fund 26 budget to the Committee of the Whole. The budget includes provisions for a cell phone, video production, and $750 in marketing expenses. Members also discussed upcoming holiday promotions and the Veterans and First Responders banner program.

• Approved June 18th meeting minutes
• Approved August revenue and expense report
• Set marketing expense budget at $750
• Forwarded 2027 Fund 26 budget to Committee of the Whole
• Placed monthly reports on file

Enrichment Center Committee

The Merrill Enrichment Center Committee is meeting to approve July minutes and vouchers, review early August operations including a VFW facility-use payment, and discuss upcoming events such as the Festival of Quilts, an October newsletter, a history presentation, and Thanksgiving meal status. The agenda is largely routine and operational, with no major policy decisions or budget items listed.

• Approval of July minutes
• Approval of vouchers for July through September 17
• Voucher payment to VFW for facility use
• Festival of Quilts discussion
• Thanksgiving meal status update

The Enrichment Center Committee approved its July meeting minutes (the August meeting was canceled) and approved vouchers, including larger expenditures for an office chair, ink cartridges, and a chamber ad. The committee received updates on operations, including that Zumba will no longer be offered due to declining attendance, that the annual Thanksgiving meal has ended, and that the Festival of Quilts had 138 entries and 10 vendor spaces with $1,165 in income at the time of the meeting. No vote was recorded on whether the MEC should take a leadership role in a future Thanksgiving meal; committee members disagreed on the idea.

• Approved July meeting minutes (motion by Holz, second by Weix; carried)
• Approved vouchers (motion by Tlusty, second by Holz)
• Adjourned (motion by Tlusty, second by Weix)

Historic Preservation Committee

The Merrill Historic Preservation Committee is holding its regular meeting to approve minutes from May 20th and discuss two main items: an update on historic street signs and planning self-guided tours of storyboards/information signs. The meeting is open to the public with remote attendance available.

• Approve minutes from May 20th meeting
• Historic street signs update and discussion
• Plan self-guided tours of storyboards/information signs
• Next meeting scheduled for October 21st at 6:00 pm

The Historic Preservation Committee met on September 16, 2026, but only Chair M. Caylor was present, so the meeting was adjourned at 6:01 pm due to lack of a quorum. No agenda items were taken up: approving the May 20 minutes, the historic street signs update, and planning self-guided tours of the storyboards/information signs were all left unaddressed. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, October 21st at 6:00 pm or Call of the Chair. These minutes are in draft form until approved at the next scheduled meeting.

• Meeting adjourned at 6:01 pm due to lack of a quorum (no vote recorded)
• No action taken on approving the May 20 meeting minutes
• No action taken on the historic street signs update and discussion
• No action taken on planning self-guided tours of the storyboards/information signs
• Next meeting set for Wednesday, October 21st at 6:00 pm or Call of the Chair

Library Board

The Merrill Library Board is holding its regular September meeting with routine consent items (minutes, August vouchers, and monthly financial/statistical reports) plus discussion and possible action on the 2027 budget. The board will also receive a status update on solar array repairs, maintenance, and lease buyout, and discuss strategic programming goals and long-term library planning.

• 2027 Library Board Budget Update (discussion/possible action)
• Solar Array Repairs/Maintenance/Lease Buyout Status Update
• Strategic Goals & Action Steps #3 Programming
• Wisconsin Trustee Essential #11 Planning for the Library's Future
• Vouchers and unaudited income/expense report for August 2026

Airport Commission

The Merrill Airport Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting to consider approving minutes and vouchers, and to discuss several airport projects and operations. Key items include the Runway 16/34 project, maintenance hangar status, airport standards, and general maintenance issues. The meeting is open to the public with a public comment period.

• Discussion of Runway 16/34 Project
• Maintenance Hangar Project Status - finish detail
• Update on current FBO Maintenance Hangar
• Airport Standards (policy and operations) - see attached document
• Discussion/Decision on Airport General Maintenance, including deer ramps, trees through security fence, and flag pole status

The Commission approved the minutes from the August 19th meeting and authorized the payment of vouchers. Members also approved a new set of airport standards, with final revisions to be presented at the October meeting. Additionally, the Commission discussed ongoing maintenance projects, including the completion of the new maintenance hangar.

• Approved August 19th meeting minutes
• Approved vouchers
• Approved airport standards policy with corrections

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and various special revenue funds. Members will also discuss a Bierman Grant application for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment.

• Bierman Grant application for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and equipment
• 2027 Capital Improvement Plan review
• Landfill Remediation and Community Development special revenue funds
• Debt Service Fund review

The Committee of the Whole approved the Bierman Grant application in its entirety for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) and associated equipment, with a 9/0 roll call vote. The committee also approved the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan, removing the Curling Facility from the 10-year capital project list and allowing future revisions. No public comment was made, and the meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm.

• Approved Bierman Grant application for SCBAs and associated equipment (9-0)
• Removed Curling Facility from 10-year Capital Project list (8-1)
• Approved Capital Improvements list with option to revise at future Committee of the Whole
• Placed minutes from August 25th meeting on file

Common Council

The Common Council will discuss lifting hiring freezes for the Treasurer's office and a Wastewater Operator position. The meeting also includes decisions on liquor licenses, alley vacations, and a claim regarding vehicle paint damage.

• Request to lift hiring freeze for a Treasurer's office position
• Request to lift hiring freeze for a Wastewater Operator position
• Class 'A' Beer license for Merrill Cenex at 504 E 2nd St
• Temporary Class 'B' wine license for Sip & Stroll Merrill on October 17, 2026
• Four resolutions to vacate alleys and a street at Pleasant Acres

The Common Council approved four resolutions vacating alleys and a street, each reserving utility easements and reverting the land to adjoining property owners. It also lifted the hiring freeze for a Treasurer's office position and a Wastewater Operator position, both tied to upcoming retirements. The council approved a Class "A" beer license for Hollandtown Minimart LLC dba Merrill Cenex and a temporary "Class B" wine license for the Chamber of Commerce's October 17 Sip & Stroll event. It denied a vehicle paint damage claim filed by Rick Ament, based on the insurance carrier's recommendation that the City was not negligent.

• Approved placing the August 12 meeting minutes on file
• Approved the August 2026 Revenue and Expense Report
• Denied Rick Ament's claim for paint on his vehicle (July 31, 2026), per insurance carrier recommendation
• Approved lifting the hiring freeze for a Treasurer's office position due to an upcoming retirement
• Approved lifting the hiring freeze to fill the Wastewater Operator position due to an upcoming retirement
• Approved a Class "A" Beer license for Hollandtown Minimart LLC dba Merrill Cenex, 504 E 2nd St
• Approved a temporary "Class B" wine license for the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce on October 17, 2026, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm for Sip & Stroll Merrill
• Approved writing off uncollectible balances; SDC returns

Fairgrounds Committee

The Fairgrounds Committee will meet to receive updates on the fair, the rodeo, and permanent vendors. The committee will also review the calendar of events and the monthly report from Fairgrounds Coordinator Savall.

• Fair update
• Rodeo update
• Permanent vendor update
• Calendar of events review
• Monthly report from Coordinator Savall

The committee approved the June 4th minutes and monthly reports, both by unanimous voice votes. Updates were given on the 2027 fair (carnival open Thursdays, dates July 28-August 1) and rodeo (party tent expansion, possible October event). No formal decisions were made on these updates.

• Approved June 4th minutes (motion by A. Caylor, second by Henrichs)
• Approved monthly reports (motion by A. Caylor, second by Rutkowski)

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will review the proposed 2027 Tax Incremental District (TID) budget and receive an update on TID values. The meeting also includes a presentation on TID 13 and updates on existing projects.

• Review of proposed 2027 TID budget
• Presentation on TID 13
• Update on existing projects
• Update on TID values
• Potential closed session regarding property sales or purchases

The Merrill Redevelopment Authority met on September 2, 2026, and approved the minutes from the May 6 meeting. The committee received updates on existing projects, TID values, and the proposed 2027 TID budget, but took no formal action on these items. The RDA then voted 5-0 to enter closed session to discuss potential property sales and purchases, but did not reconvene in open session for any action.

• Approved minutes from May 6 meeting (motion passed)
• Voted 5-0 to enter closed session to discuss potential property sale and purchase

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss potential fee adjustments for 2027. The body will also consider capital requests for the 2027 budget year.

• Discussion of 2027 fee adjustments
• Consideration of 2027 Capital Requests
• Approval of August 2026 bills

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved 2027 fee increases for park shelters, the Agra Pavilion, Smith Center Community Room, birthday party packages, and tree memorials. The Smith Center Community Room rate was set at $40/hr with a 2-hour minimum, an edit from Hahn's suggestion, rather than the $35/hr Wendorf proposed. The commission also discussed 2027 capital requests, with Wendorf recommending the original $150,000 aquatic center request despite a $198,000 replastering estimate from Badger Pool, and the commission was good with the remainder of the request as presented. No formal vote on the capital requests is recorded.

• Approved 2027 fee increases for park shelters, Agra Pavilion, Smith Center Community Room, birthday party packages, and tree memorials
• Set Smith Center Community Room fee at $40/hr (2 hr minimum), amending Wendorf's proposed $35/hr
• Approved August 2026 minutes
• Approved August 2026 bills
• Adjourned at 5:00 p.m.