COMMUNITY UPDATE: 8TH STREET CORRIDOR OPEN HOUSE; PARKS & REC SUMMER ACTIVITIES

8th Street Corridor Open House highlights redevelopment concepts

The City of Wisconsin Rapids invites area residents to view forward-looking community redevelopment concepts and discuss them with student creators, during the 8th Street Corridor Open House, on Monday, May 6. From 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point faculty and students will display and interpret mixed-use development, green infrastructure and other ideas in the Riverwalk Area of the Centralia Center, 220 3rd Avenue South,

Wisconsin Rapids has partnered with the Natural Resources Planning Capstone course from the UWSP College of Natural Resources. Dr. Anna Haines, Director of the Center for Land Use Education. The engagement enlisted five teams of three students each to concentrate on projects related to a “first impressions” assessment of Wisconsin Rapids; and on the future of the City’s 8th Street corridor and how it can be improved.

These students then brainstormed and sketched out concepts, emphasizing urban planning, systems and infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Join us, and engage in this celebration of innovation that applies classroom analysis to real-world solutions.

Registration for Parks & Rec summer activities is coming soon

Summer’s coming … bringing with it a wealth of warm-weather activities. The Wisconsin Rapids Parks & Recreation Department offers residents young and old a wide variety of sports activities, arts and science classes, and learning programs.

Check over the Summer Recreation Activity Guide for opportunities to learn a new sport, skill or hobby, at facilities, parks, and open space and natural areas designed to maximize your experience.

Registration begins Monday, May 6, at 8 a.m. You can register online, or come in person to City Hall at 444 W. Grand Avenue. For more information, call 715-421-8240.

Stay active this summer with Wisconsin Rapids recreation!

 

COMMUNITY UPDATE: EARTH DAY; ARBOR DAY AND COMMUNITY TREE SALE

Earth Day, a time to recognize all that is precious

On April 22, 1970, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin initiated an environmental teach-in to honor Earth and the concept of peace. Today, we observe what is now known as Earth Day, which has become an annual tradition promoting the protection of our valued resources worldwide.

This year’s theme is “Protect Our Species” – a reminder that the challenges to our planet and its bounty of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activity: climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution, and pesticides.

The good news is that it’s not too late to restore declining, threatened and endangered species to vitality … if we work together.  How can you help?

• Cut back on the number of plastic items you use, and be diligent in recycling the plastics you do use;
• Band together with fellow citizens to and develop “green” action plans;
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup;
• Teach and help others to lessen the impact of plastic in our community.

Do your part to sustain a healthy environment for all life this Earth Day … and every day.

Arbor Day and Community Tree Sale help celebrate beautification

This Friday, April 26, marks the annual celebration of Arbor Day, the annual “holiday” devoted to planting trees. It’s a special time to remember that trees are an important part of our ecosystem – cleaning our air, protecting our drinking water and creating healthy communities for an array of living species … including humans.

Trees also are a source of aesthetic pleasure, enriching our lives through their sheer beauty. Now, play your part in enhancing the “look” of your neighborhood, by taking advantage of the Annual Tree Sale, conducted by the Mayor’s Council on Beautification and the City’s Park & Recreation Department. Through May 10, you can order from among a variety of birch, maple, and two crabapple species, with the pick-up in mid-May at the City Garage. Purchase a tree for yourself or help us replenish the great loss to our Urban Forest from Emerald Ash Borer by purchasing a tree for the community. Donations to the Tree Program are always welcome. Prices of the trees range from $65 to $125.

Memorials can also be added to your purchase for an additional cost. This is a great way to celebrate the birth of a baby, to memorialize the loss of a loved one, to celebrate a special occasion or to beautify your own yard.  

Money from the sale helps to fund more beautification projects, enhancing the quality-of-life experience in our City for both residents and visitors. The fruits of Council on Beautification activities can be seen throughout the City, including the downtown hanging flower basket program and planters in the summer, downtown kissing balls in the winter and community clean ups.

For more information on the Annual Tree Sale, call my office at 715-421-8216 or visit the City website and click on the Community Tree Sale button.

 

COMMUNITY UPDATE: Young Professionals Week; Federal Advocacy; Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Young Professionals celebrate the shaping of a vibrant community

Current, the dynamic Young Professionals organization in Wisconsin Rapids, next week invites our area’s best and brightest to celebrate local aspiration, opportunity, and partnership.

Young Professionals Week, through April 27, is designed to engage younger members of our community about the range of opportunities here and how they can play a role in shaping a thriving local community in which to live, work and play.

I join with Current to invite professionals of all ages and career stages to recognize our unique cultural and economic assets. Take time to participate in at least one out of a lineup of interactive learning and social events:

Tuesday, April 23: Verso Tours

12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Meet at 600 4th Avenue N.

The identity of our Wisconsin Rapids has in large part been shaped by the paper mill. During this Verso Corporation tour, learn about the mill’s functions, technological innovations, and its vital role in the past, present, and future of our community. Each tour is limited to 25 people, and the minimum age requirement is 14. RSVP to CurrentWR@gmail.com.

Wednesday, April 24: Phil’s Magical History Tour

5:00 p.m.

Meet at the South Wood County Historical Museum: 540 3rd Street S.

South Wood County Historical Museum President Phil Brown will lead us on a bus tour that starts and ends at the South Wood County Historical Museum. Phil will be driving the Berry Bus, making historical and social stops along the way. This tour is limited to 24 people; RSVP to CurrentWR@gmail.com. If the first bus fills up, another tour will open up, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 25: Trivia at B’s Tap House

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

140 E. Grand Avenue

Celebrate your knowledge of our community with craft beer, and trivia peppered with historical tidbits. Bring your thirst for knowledge and fine brews to B’s Tap House after 5:00 p.m. for trivia, beginning at 6:00.

I look forward to seeing you, as Current continues to help us to lay a foundation for sustained civic engagement and economic growth.

Advocating for our city’s priorities in Washington, D.C.

In my roles as Board member and Vice President of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, I recently had the opportunity to advocate for many City concerns in Washington, D.C.

It was a Federal Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, which allowed me to share with federal legislators such as Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Ron Kind our community’s need for economic development investment, increased infrastructure funding to support our aging roads, bridges and federal resources to support those facing addiction and seeking recovery, among other things.

This activity takes place in conjunction with the National League of Cities Rebuild With Us campaign. This campaign unites city leaders in calling on Congress to develop an infrastructure plan that works collaboratively with cities and focuses on:

• Long‐term funding and new technologies;
• Giving local leaders a stronger voice in how limited federal dollars are invested in their communities;
• Forging a steady federal-local partnership for the long‐term benefit of the economy;
• Expanding the ability of cities to raise revenues and use innovative financing techniques;
• Making investments that will strengthen our infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events; and
• Investing in the visions of local communities to reimagine America’s infrastructure in a way that supports the 21st-century economy.

The Rebuild With Us campaign aligns well with our local priorities, and I am proud to represent our City to our federal representatives.

Help make our community safer on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

On Saturday, April 27, the Wisconsin Rapids and Grand Rapids Police Departments, and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department will host a Wood County Prescription Drug Take-Back Event at Copps/Pick & Save grocery store, 900 E. Riverview Expressway, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

It’s all part of the AOD (Alcohol & Other Drug) Prevention Partnership in collaboration with the Wood County Drug Task Force. The goal is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription medications, while also warning the general public about possible abuse of these medications.

Unused prescription medications in homes can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused and abused. Between one-day events and permanent drop sites at the Wisconsin Rapids and Grand Rapids Police Departments, and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, this program helped to secure and safely dispose of more than 3,000 pounds of unneeded prescription drugs in Wood County.

In addition to Wisconsin Rapids, you can find more events in neighboring communities here.

We all can help local law enforcement to take in and secure unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal. In doing so, we demonstrate that we are actively engaged in the fight against prescription drug abuse.

For more information, call 715-421-8923.

Thanks for reading!

Zach

COMMUNITY UPDATE: NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK; WORK ZONE AWARENESS

Celebrate National Library Week – and McMillan assets – April 7-13

“Libraries = Strong Communities.” That’s the theme for National Library Week 2019, which takes place April 7-13. This annual celebration highlights the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

This year’s theme illustrates how today’s libraries – particularly our very own McMillan Memorial Library – provide a public space where all community members, regardless of age, culture or income level, can come together to connect and learn. [Follow on Facebook!]

McMillan, for example, encourages community members to meet and engage in arts ranging from creative writing to yoga; work and study together or online, using advanced computer and media technologies; or gather to experience recently released films, live musical entertainment and popular books. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage the people they serve, always striving to make sure they meet their community’s needs. Additionally, the Adult Services room.

Little wonder, then, that McMillan Memorial Library is a Finalist for the 2019 National Medal for Museum & Library Service. Awarded by the Institution of Museum & Library Services, this is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.

And if you are a McMillan Library regular, you will also notice the welcome results of refurbishment projects that began just before Christmas. These enhancements are designed to make the library’s public facilities more family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Feel free to join in on the National Library Week celebration. You can start with a family visit to McMillan Memorial Library, to take advantage of its many information, education and entertainment resources, programs and expertise. Also, if you enjoy a social media presence, promote McMillan Library among friends and acquaintances- it’s a community gem.

Use National Library Week to raise awareness of your library’s value and impact in our community!

Elevate your “Work Zone Awareness” during construction season

As the City of Wisconsin Rapids gears up for another busy construction season, now is an ideal time for the arrival of National Work Zone Awareness Week, Monday-Friday, April 8-12. This annual spring campaign is held to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.

This year’s Work Zone Awareness Week theme is, “Drive Like You Work.” The key message for drivers: Use extra caution in work zones.

Of course, the true key is to be alert throughout the year, particularly here in Wisconsin Rapids. This spring and summer, the City’s Public Works Department has an array of projects on tap:

• East Grand Avenue – 3rd to 8th Streets  
• 7th Street S. – E. Grand Avenue to Oak Street
• East River Bank Trail – Phase II
• Chase Street – 17th to 21st Avenues N.
• Wilson Street and State Highway 13/34 Intersection
• 12th Street South Sidewalk Construction
• Centralia Parking Lot Reconstruction

So, be careful when driving through work areas. And, whether you are traveling locally or statewide, remember these tips:

• Pay attention to the road;
• Merge into the proper lane;
• Don’t tailgate;
• Obey the posted speed limit;
• Change lanes safely;
• Follow instructions from flaggers; and
• Be patient.

You can find more information here.  

So, whether working, walking or driving in a work zone, be alert, and play it safe!

Thanks for reading,

Zach

COMMUNITY UPDATE: NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK; SOUTH WOOD COUNTY AIRPORT TO HOST DRONE SEMINAR; COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR

United Way Breakfast highlights National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week 2019, April 7-13, is an opportunity for all of us to recognize and thank individuals and organizations who devote time and energy to helping others throughout the year. You can demonstrate how much you appreciate your local volunteers by investing in volunteer programs; bringing attention to individual acts of volunteerism; and by personally expressing your appreciation.

National Volunteer Week also is the ideal time to share your talent and support to help build a stronger and more vibrant community. United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties (UWSWAC) on a regular basis pulls together a variety of opportunities available to individuals who want to “give back” to their communities. To find your volunteer match, call 715-421-0390.

Next Tuesday morning, April 9, UWSWAC celebrates the power of volunteerism. The organization will show its appreciation for Individuals and organizations from throughout our communities, during its annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast, at Hotel Mead, starting at 7:45 a.m.

All 34 volunteers and volunteer groups nominated for this year’s Recognition breakfast will receive a certificate and special recognition. Keynote speaker Tianna Vanderhei, Miss Wisconsin 2018, will discuss her volunteer experience right here in our community,

And, I am pleased to formally proclaim for National Volunteer Week and greet the honorees.  

Yes, now is an especially good time to lend your time and energy to those needing a hand. But in reality, the time is always right to help make our communities better places in which to live, work and play.

Community invited to South Wood County Airport Drone Seminar

Join us on April 13, at 10 am

As chair of the South Wood County Airport Commission, I am pleased to invite members of the community to a fun and informative event: a drone seminar, to be held on Saturday, April 13, starting at 10:00 a.m., in the airport terminal building at Alexander Field.  

Guest speaker Tom Charpentier, government relations director of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), will discuss how drones are used and the regulations that govern their use. In addition, EAA drone operator Alden Frautschy will be on hand to explain how he uses the drone at EAA.  

Following these presentations, you will be able to witness demonstrations of drone operations (weather permitting) on the tarmac just West of the terminal. Light refreshments will be served.

Take a few moments now to register in advance right here. Then, look forward to a morning of top-flight drone presentations and demonstrations. You can contact the Alexander Field Airport Manager with any questions at 715-423-0330 or jsickler@wirapids.org.

Coffee With The Mayor – Lowell Center -Wednesday

Having experienced the unique opportunity to meet face to face and talk with local citizens during “Coffee with the Mayor” sessions throughout the city, I look forward to another special occasion this Wednesday, April 10. This coffee-and-chat event will take place at the Lowell Center, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Come in and grab a seat!

Engaging with citizens and empowering all to be “part of the conversation” helps to generate invaluable insights about our city’s current status and future direction. Hope you’ll be on hand to share your thoughts and questions!

Thank you for reading,

Zach

Matalco Project Update; City Partners with Harvard

Harvard research group completes BIG Wisconsin Rapids project

I am proud to announce the completion of a unique research-and-action project between the City of Wisconsin Rapids and Harvard University.

City officials were excited last summer when we received word that Wisconsin Rapids was one of just four cities invited to work with the Harvard University Behavioral Insights Group (BIG). The ‘BIG’ Cohort program brings together Harvard’s decision research scholars, behavioral economists and other behavioral scientists to focus on ways to improve decisions made by both leaders and individuals, by creating small changes ‘nudges’ in policies and behaviors.

The research-and-action-plan project on which we worked focused on encouraging and persuading City residents to better comply with ordinance provisions for the single­ stream automated recycling program. Our aim was to improve services, save money and enhance community engagement, in the belief that inspiring both the City and our citizens to make positive choices would move us closer to our goal of 100 percent participation in the recycling program.  Other, equally important, goals of the project were to improve service delivery and enhance overall resident satisfaction.

After a review of existing procedures, the team from BIG worked with the City to streamline internal reporting and tracking to reduce staff overlap and time lag. In addition, the BIG team worked to update the City’s public communication documents, generating a more user-friendly and easy-to-understand document designed to encourage citizen participation in finding solutions.  

I personally take pride in the fact that the team from Harvard and the Mayors Innovation Project chose to lend its resources and expertise to our City’s ongoing efforts to ensure optimal service delivery to our residents. With this phase wrapping up, it is important to remember that the process is not complete. The experience with BIG has shown that there is always a need to continue looking at “business as usual” and finding ways to improve efficiencies, resident satisfaction and outcomes.  Perhaps even more important is working towards ways to improve our citizen’s experience in working with the City.

Addressing Matalco Questions – Part 2

Since the announcement on January 30 that aluminum industry leader Matalco Inc. plans to construct an $80 million, create a minimum of 80 with a 110,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Wisconsin Rapids, we have received and responded to a variety of thoughtful resident questions and concerns. In the interest of keeping our citizens engaged and informed about this exciting business development, I will now address more of these questions.

Q: Will this project have an impact on air quality?

A: The primary power source for the furnaces in this plant is natural gas, which is heavily regulated for air emissions by both the State and Federal governments. Matalco is in the initial stage of putting together the necessary application documents to obtain a required State air permit that will control emissions. Work on this facility cannot begin until this permit is obtained. The DNR permit process was initiated March 27th and will take no less than 2 months. Matalco operates other plants within the United States, and has a strong track record of compliance.

Q: Will the operation of this facility affect our groundwater supply?

A: The plant will be serviced by city water and sewer. No wells are proposed for the site. Both the State and the City will review required storm water as well as soil and erosion plan requirements. In addition, an 80- to 100-foot deep casting pit will be reviewed by State and local building inspectors to ensure that it complies with necessary requirements.

Q: Has the increased utility and infrastructure load required by such a project been taken into consideration?

A: Utilities and infrastructure considerations have been anticipated and are being addressed through ongoing communications between Matalco and a variety of governmental/regulatory entities. This multi-agency involvement includes:

1. Electrical Power. Because this site will be a large user of electrical power, Wisconsin Rapids Water Works & Lighting Commission (WWLC) has been involved throughout the process and is aware of these needs. To service this load, Matalco will finance the upgrading and expansion of the existing substation just west of Rapids East Commerce Center, prior to the start of construction. A rate review may be initiated by Matalco and the Public Service Commission will respond. WWLC is in contact with the company to keep this aspect of the process moving forward.
2. Natural Gas. Because natural gas is the major power source for this project, WE Energies has also been involved throughout and has already designed the necessary upgrades to its system to service the large load. These will addressing any capacity issues as the service runs through Downtown Wisconsin Rapids (near the Wood County Courthouse) all the way to the industrial park.  That cost is borne by WE Energies and Matalco, based on their standard process.
3. Water and Sewer. This development will not generate significant usage. The major requirement will be for employee bathrooms. Existing infrastructure is in place to service these needs, and no upgrades are planned.
4. Internet. The site is already served by fiber for high-speed internet.
5. Roads. The proposal is to vacate East Commerce Drive, thus avoiding any cost to the City for improving the right-of-way and allowing Matalco to develop it as a private drive. Although no City-financed upgrades or costs are expected at this time, the creation of a new TIF (Tax Increment Finance) District will allow the City to collect funds from this project to pay for any future needed infrastructure in the City limits, should they arise.
6. Rail. The City-owned spur will be extended from the current dead end just west of 48th Street North, to the east side of 48th. This cost will be funded by an application to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation and revenue generated by the TIF District.

Q: Where does the review of real estate sale purchase and development agreements stand right now?

A:  Matalco corporate officials provided a full technical presentation on March 14th. The Wisconsin Rapids Finance Committee and Council then considered several proposal elements. Council members formally gave their ‘green light’ on March 19th where they approved the development agreement and real estate purchase agreement. Matalco continues to proceed with its plans to break ground when the Air Permit is granted by the WI DNR.

Matalco’s proposed building site in the Rapids East Commerce Center comprises 51 acres at 4800 Commerce Drive, located south of State Highway 54 and east of 48th Street S. Matalco hopes to break ground this April or May, with completion scheduled for mid-2020. As this project proceeds to completion, we anticipate ongoing conversations with City residents. Please do not hesitate to address your questions to the Community Development Director – Adam, ategen@wirapids.org. 

Thank you for reading,

Zach