Wausau meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Wausau Board of Public Works approves $459K in pay estimates, denies claim

The Wausau Board of Public Works approved two pay estimates totaling $459,216.19 for ongoing construction projects and denied a claim for $1,519.93 at its Aug. 12 meeting. All votes were 2-0.

Board of Public Works decisions

The board approved Pay Estimate #3 for the 2026 Asphalt Paving Project 'A' to RC Pavers, LLC in the amount of $322,718.16, and Pay Estimate #3 for the 2026 Downtown Utility Project to Haas Sons, Inc. in the amount of $136,498.03. It also approved a Portland Cement Concrete License for Ross Construction LLC. The board denied a claim by Thomas P. Miller for $1,519.93 after reconvening from closed session.

Other recent meetings (agenda only)

Several other committees met during the past two weeks, but their agendas were published without minutes, meaning no final decisions are recorded.

• **Common Council (Aug. 12 and Aug. 18):** The council considered authorizing up to $3,469,102 in Water System Revenue Bonds and up to $3,331,289 in Taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, a budget amendment for a feasibility study on converting the UW-Stevens Point at Wausau campus into a public safety building, and a brownfield grant for a former MBX site at 207 N. 1st Ave. A closed session discussed litigation and redevelopment proposals for the former UWSP-Wausau campus.
• **Human Resources Committee (Aug. 10):** Considered reclassifying a Human Resources Specialist to Generalist, creating a Planning Intern position, and organizational changes for the Department of Public Works and Utilities.
• **Community Development Authority Finance Committee (Aug. 12):** Reviewed 2026 second quarter financials and discussed a bank account for a property at 405 S 8th Avenue.
• **Finance Committee (Aug. 12):** Considered the same bond and note sales as the council, plus contracts for insurance consulting, a stacking conveyor, and a Jet A refueler.
• **Water Works Commission (Aug. 12):** Considered a PFAS process waste tank and chemical room project, and heard a corrosion control study presentation.
• **Building Advisory Board (Aug. 12):** Held a public hearing on an appeal for a 1,200-square-foot detached garage at 916 Jackson St.
• **Sustainability, Energy & Environment Committee (Aug. 13):** Considered approving sections of the Climate Action Work Plan and two sustainability surveys.
• **Infrastructure & Facilities Committee (Aug. 13):** Discussed parking restrictions on Greenfield Avenue, easements, and multiple BUS 51 road projects.
• **Liquor License Review Subcommittee (Aug. 17):** Reviewed a new Class B Beer & Liquor Reserve License for Camp 51 Cantina at 1110 W. Campus Drive.
• **Municipal Board of Canvassers (Aug. 17):** Reviewed election materials from each reporting unit.
• **Public Health & Safety Committee (Aug. 17):** Considered a liquor license transfer for Venado Wine Bar to 303 N. 3rd Street, a nuisance abatement ordinance, and a rent abatement request for 615 Elm Street.
• **Board of Public Works (Aug. 18):** Discussed opening a request for engineering services for a sanitary sewer capacity study and pay estimates for lead service line replacement.
• **Plan Commission (Aug. 18):** Considered rezoning on S. 2nd Avenue, a conditional use permit for an assisted living facility, and data center code amendments.
• **Transit Commission (Aug. 20):** The meeting was canceled due to lack of agenda items.

Coming up

• **Rules Review Committee** – Aug. 24, 5:30 p.m. – Discussion on committee personnel selection ordinance.
• **Police & Fire Commission** – Aug. 24 – Monthly operations updates, including Fire Quarter 2 and Police Annual Report.
• **Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee** – Aug. 24 – Vote on a painted curb extension project and updates on River Edge Parkway and bikeshare relocation.
• **Finance Committee** – Aug. 25 – Consider creating a Planning Intern position, reclassifying HR Specialist to Generalist, and approving a Tax Increment Revenue Bond for Foundry on 3rd.
• **Board of Public Works** – Aug. 25 – Recommend a sanitary sewer capacity study, approve pay estimates for lead service line replacement and Stark Street construction.
• **Community Development Authority** – Aug. 25 – Vote on bylaw amendments and committee changes, and discuss facade repairs at Riverview Towers.
• **Historic Preservation Commission** – Aug. 26 – Public hearing on possible landmarking of Memorial Bridge.

Wausau roundup: Parking lot project awarded, council to weigh $6.8M in bonds

The Wausau Board of Public Works awarded the base bid for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot Project to PGA, Inc. for $549,751.75 at its Aug. 4 meeting. The board also approved several change orders and pay estimates for other public works projects.

Board of Public Works decisions

The board voted 3-0 to award the base bid for the Riverfront Parking Lot Project to PGA, Inc. The alternate bid, which would expand the lot from 120 to 150 stalls, is contingent on Common Council approval. The board also approved:

• Change Order #3 for the Stark Street project ($8,755.50)
• Pay Estimate #4 for Stark Street ($396,241.78)
• Pay Estimate #4 for the Asphalt Patching project ($21,254.09)
• Final payment for the Slip Line Repair project ($198,082.27)
• Pay Estimate #16 for the Wastewater Treatment Facility ($36,911.70)
• Pay Estimate #31 for lead service line replacement ($534,519.00)
• A Bituminous Concrete Paving License for Blackline Asphalt, Inc.

All votes were 3-0.

Other recent meetings

Several other committees met over the past two weeks, with most items still pending action:

• **Police & Fire Commission (Aug. 3):** Interviewed three police officer candidates in closed session.
• **Economic Development Committee (Aug. 4):** Reviewed survey results from a community engagement meeting, considered accepting a donation of 313 N. 1st Avenue, and discussed an RFI extension for East Thomas and McCleary Streets.
• **Human Resources Committee (Aug. 10):** Considered reclassifying a Human Resources Specialist to Generalist, creating a Planning Intern position, and approving organizational changes for the Department of Public Works and Utilities.
• **Water Works Commission (Aug. 12):** Considered a PFAS process waste tank and chemical room project, plus a corrosion control study and fluoride reduction discussion.
• **Building Advisory Board (Aug. 12):** Held a public hearing on an appeal for a 1,200 sq ft detached garage at 916 Jackson St.
• **Finance Committee (Aug. 12):** Considered authorizing up to $3,469,102 in Water System Revenue Bonds and up to $3,331,289 in taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, plus contracts for insurance consulting, a stacking conveyor, and a Jet A refueler.
• **Common Council (Aug. 12):** Agenda included the same bond authorizations, a budget amendment for a UW-Stevens Point at Wausau campus feasibility study, and a brownfield grant for a former MBX site.
• **Community Development Authority (Aug. 12):** Reviewed 2026 second quarter financials and discussed a bank account for 405 S 8th Avenue.
• **Board of Public Works (Aug. 12):** Considered pay estimates for the Asphalt Paving and Downtown Utility projects, plus a license for Ross Construction LLC.
• **Infrastructure & Facilities Committee (Aug. 13):** Discussed parking restrictions on Greenfield Avenue, easements, and multiple BUS 51 road projects.
• **Sustainability, Energy & Environment Committee (Aug. 13):** Considered approving sections of the Climate Action Work Plan and two sustainability surveys.

Coming up

• **Municipal Board of Canvassers (Aug. 17):** Review election materials from each reporting unit.
• **Public Health & Safety Committee (Aug. 17):** Consider a liquor license transfer for Venado Wine Bar, a nuisance abatement ordinance, and a rent abatement request for 615 Elm Street.
• **Liquor License Review Subcommittee (Aug. 17):** Review a new Class B license for Camp 51 Cantina at 1110 W. Campus Drive.
• **Board of Public Works (Aug. 18):** Consider opening a request for engineering services for a sanitary sewer capacity study and pay estimates for lead service line replacement.
• **Common Council (Aug. 18, special meeting):** Vote on up to $6.8M in bonds and notes, a budget amendment for a public safety building feasibility study, and a brownfield grant. Closed session to discuss redevelopment of the former UWSP-Wausau campus.
• **Plan Commission (Aug. 18):** Public hearing on rezoning at S. 2nd Avenue, a conditional use permit for an assisted living facility on McIndoe Street, and preliminary discussion on data center code amendments.

Wausau Board of Public Works awards $145,846 concrete project; city committees tackle bonds, hiring

The Wausau Board of Public Works awarded a $145,846 concrete project for City Hall and the Fire Department to Concrete Creations at its July 28 meeting. The board also approved two contractor pay estimates and selected seven bidders for the Riverfront Parking Lot Project. Many other city committees met over the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published, so decisions are pending.

Board of Public Works awards concrete project

The board voted 2-0 to award the 2026 City Hall and Fire Department Concrete Project to Concrete Creations for $145,846.00. It also approved, also 2-0, the 2026 Asphalt Paving Project 'A' Pay Estimate #2 for RC Pavers LLC in the amount of $157,421.56, and the Washington Street Retaining Wall Pay Estimate #2 for Janke General Contractors in the amount of $197,776.40. The board approved seven bidders for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot Project and the July 21 meeting minutes, both by 2-0 votes.

Other recent meetings (agenda only)

Several committees met but have not yet published minutes, so no decisions are confirmed.

• **Room Tax Commission** (July 27) will elect a chair and vice chair and consider tourism grant requests from the Performing Arts Foundation, Wausau Festival of Arts, and Great Northern Blues Society.
• **Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee** (July 27) will vote on installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at the Thomas Street and River Drive crossing, approve a fall newsletter topic, and discuss the Bicycle Friendly Community survey. Updates are planned for the 6th Avenue/Bridge Street RRFB, River Edge Parkway, and Comprehensive Plan engagement.
• **Police & Fire Commission** (July 27) held a closed session to interview two Firefighter/EMT candidates and discuss Deputy Police Chief recruitment, with possible open-session action. Monthly police and fire updates were on the agenda.
• **Community Development Authority** (July 28) reviewed 2025 audits for Riverview Towers LLC and the CDA, and considered amendments to a service agreement, policy updates for the HCV and Public Housing programs, and an easement with Wisconsin Public Service for 405 S 8th Avenue.
• **Finance Committee** (July 28) discussed a fare collection system contract for Wausau MetroRide, a brownfield grant for MBX, and the June 2026 financial report.
• **Business Improvement District Board** (July 29) considered approving April 15 minutes and received an executive director report. No financial actions were listed.
• **Police & Fire Commission** (Aug 3) interviewed three Police Officer candidates in closed session.
• **Board of Public Works** (Aug 4) reviewed bids for the Riverfront Parking Lot Project and contractor payments for Stark Street, asphalt patching, slip line repair, and lead service line replacements.
• **Economic Development Committee** (Aug 4) reviewed survey results from a 1300 Cleveland Avenue community engagement meeting, considered accepting a donation of 313 N. 1st Avenue, and discussed an RFI extension for East Thomas and McCleary Streets.

Coming up

• **Human Resources Committee** (Aug 10) will vote on reclassifying a Human Resources Specialist to Generalist, creating a Planning Intern position, and approving DPW & Utilities succession planning.
• **Finance Committee** (Aug 12) will consider authorizing up to $3,469,102 in Water System Revenue Bonds and up to $3,331,289 in taxable General Obligation Promissory Notes, plus contracts for insurance consulting, a stacking conveyor, and a Jet A refueler.
• **Common Council** (Aug 12) will vote on the same bond issues, a budget amendment for a UW-Stevens Point at Wausau campus conversion feasibility study, and a brownfield grant for the former MBX site. A closed session will discuss litigation and redevelopment proposals.
• **Building Advisory Board** (Aug 12) will hear an appeal for a 1,200 sq ft detached garage at 916 Jackson Street.
• **Water Works Commission** (Aug 12) will consider a PFAS process waste tank and chemical room project and hear a corrosion control study.
• **Infrastructure & Facilities Committee** (Aug 13) will vote on parking restrictions on Greenfield Avenue, easements, BUS 51 road projects, and a pedestrian crossing beacon.
• **Sustainability, Energy & Environment Committee** (Aug 13) will vote on sections of the Climate Action Work Plan and two sustainability surveys.

Wausau Board of Public Works approves $2.1M lead service line payment; other panels weigh licenses, grants, and crossings

The Wausau Board of Public Works approved a $2,188,222.64 pay estimate for the city's lead service line replacement program on July 21, the largest dollar action among recent city meetings. The board also approved a $252,712 deduction under the same program and several smaller project payments, all on 2-0 votes.

Board of Public Works — July 21

The board approved Pay Estimate #30 for lead service line replacement at $2,188,222.64 and approved Equiflow Lead Service Line Replacement Change Order #7, a $252,712 deduction. Both passed 2-0.

Additional approvals, all 2-0: an Outreach Grant Program pay estimate of $22,622.19; an REI agreement amendment for the Thomas Street Corridor Area A Site Investigation at $26,375; an REI agreement amendment for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot at $1,300; and the 2026 Asphalt Patching Project Pay Estimate #3 at $1,750.47. The board also approved its July 14 meeting minutes 2-0.

Members tabled a recommendation on the 2026 City Hall and Fire Department Concrete Project for further review of funding sources.

Public Health & Safety Committee — July 20 (agenda only)

The committee was scheduled to consider a 90-day opening extension for The Copper Kettle Steakhouse at 5512 Stewart Avenue. Other items included amending Section 10.40.040 on Rules of the Road and Areas of Operations, reviewing the large-item drop-off event, receiving the Wausau Police Department Q2 2026 report, and hearing community outreach reports on organizations supporting the unhoused. Minutes have not yet been published.

Liquor License Review Subcommittee — July 20 (agenda only)

The subcommittee was set to review a Class B Beer & Liquor Reserve License application for The Rec Room LLC at 881 N. 3rd Avenue. Minutes are not yet published.

Plan Commission — July 21 (agenda only)

The commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for an assisted living facility at 151 McIndoe Street, filed by Beacon Resources, LLC. Other items: action on a Specific Implementation Plan for 1010 S. 16th Avenue and discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Chapter 1: Issues and Opportunities. Minutes are not yet published.

Police & Fire Commission — July 27 (agenda only)

The commission planned a closed session to interview two candidates for Firefighter/EMT and to discuss recruitment and appointment of a new Deputy Police Chief, with potential open-session action afterward. The agenda also included monthly Police and Fire Department operations updates, with the Police report covering Q2. Minutes are not yet published.

Room Tax Commission — July 27 (agenda only)

The commission was set to elect a chair and vice chair, review minutes from April 27 and June 26, and consider tourism grant requests from the Performing Arts Foundation/The Grand Theater, Wausau Festival of Arts Inc, and the Great Northern Blues Society. Minutes are not yet published.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee — July 27 (agenda only)

The committee was scheduled to vote on installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at the Thomas Street and River Drive pedestrian crossing. Other items included approving the fall Wausau Works for You newsletter topic, discussing the Bicycle Friendly Community survey results, and receiving updates on the 6th Avenue/Bridge Street RRFB installation, River Edge Parkway, and Comprehensive Plan public engagement. Minutes are not yet published.

Other meetings (agenda only, minutes not yet published)

• **Historic Preservation Commission, July 22:** Possible action to authorize a public hearing on landmarking Yawkey Park; discussion of future landmarks and commission website page updates.
• **Water Works Commission, July 23:** Tours of Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities. No official action planned.
• **Board of Public Works, July 28:** Recommendation for the 2026 City Hall and Fire Department Concrete Project; pay estimates for the 2026 Asphalt Paving Project 'A' (RC Pavers LLC) and the Washington Street Retaining Wall (Janke General Contractors); closed session on pre-qualification statements for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot Project.
• **Community Development Authority, July 28:** 2025 audits for Riverview Towers LLC and the CDA; policy updates for public housing and the HCV program; easement with Wisconsin Public Service and architectural change order #4 for 405 S 8th Avenue.
• **Finance Committee, July 28:** WisGo/Cubic Fare Collection System contract and budget modification for Wausau MetroRide; Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Brownfield Grant for MBX; June 2026 Financial Report review.
• **Business Improvement District Board, July 29:** Approval of April 15 minutes; executive director report. No rezonings, contracts, or financial actions listed.

Coming up

• **Police & Fire Commission, Aug. 3:** Closed-session interviews for three Police Officer candidates, with potential open-session action.
• **Economic Development Committee, Aug. 4:** Review of survey results from the 1300 Cleveland Avenue community engagement meeting; possible acceptance of a donation of 313 N. 1st Avenue, the Wausau Ice & Fuel Company property; extension of the East Thomas Street & McCleary Street RFI; proposed change to the committee's meeting time.
• **Board of Public Works, Aug. 4:** Open bids and recommend a contractor for the 2026 Riverfront Parking Lot Project; approve Switlick & Sons, Inc. Change Order #3 and Pay Estimate #4 for Stark Street construction; approve Zilisch Asphalt LLC Pay Estimate #4 for the 2026 Asphalt Patching Project; approve final payment to Pember Companies, Inc. for the 2025 Slip Line Repair Project; approve Pay Estimate #31 with Community Infrastructure Partners for lead service line replacements.