Stevens Point meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Finance Committee approves 2027 capital budget and Firecrest Aerospace bonds; Council takes both up Oct. 19

The Finance Committee approved the 2027 capital budget and authorized revenue bond financing for Firecrest Aerospace, Inc. at its Oct. 13 meeting, both on 4-0 votes. Both items also appear on the Common Council's Oct. 19 agenda, where the council is listed to consider approval of the 2027 Capital Budget and the revenue bond financing.

The committee approved funding for an asphalt paver purchase (4-0) and approved claims paid (4-0). It removed an auto insurance deductible adjustment from its agenda. According to the meeting summary, the capital budget as approved includes an increase for election equipment carts.

Business park budget includes new signs, logo

The Business Improvement District Board on Oct. 6 approved the 2027 budget, which includes funds to replace six business park signs at approximately $30,000 each. The board selected logo #5 as the new business park logo and tabled adoption of the DRPC. It also approved minutes from its Aug. 19, 2026 meeting.

Retiree payout plan adopted; alderperson salary postponed

The Personnel Committee adopted the Prime Choice plan for sick leave and vacation payouts for retirees, effective Jan. 1, 2027, on a unanimous vote. Action on 2027-2028 alderperson salary terms was postponed on a 2-1 vote pending more staff information. No action was taken on the mayoral salary for the 2027-2031 term.

Zoning changes for garages and privacy fences

The City Plan Commission on Oct. 5 unanimously approved two amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: one permitting detached garages by right using R-TND Traditional Neighborhood Overlay District setbacks, and one allowing privacy fencing up to six feet in height at the alley right-of-way line. The commission also held a discussion on data center construction; no formal action was taken. Both amendments appear on the Oct. 19 council agenda.

Transit grant application, parks partner recognized

The Transit Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 13 to apply for a WisDOT Section 5304 grant to create a five-year Transit Development Plan. It also approved August and September 2026 financial and claims reports and its Aug. 10 minutes, both unanimous.

The Park Commission voted 11-0 on Oct. 7 to formally recognize a volunteer steering committee as a 'Friends Of' partner organization for the Parker Memorial Building and adjacent Goerke Park areas, and authorized staff to collaborate with the group on a concept plan and fundraising. No physical improvements may be made without future commission approval.

Agenda items without published minutes

Three bodies met with agendas for which minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not established here. The Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission's Oct. 13 agenda listed design reviews for an awning at 1325 Church Street, exterior improvements at 1401 Clark Street and brick repairs at 1216 Strongs Avenue, along with a $7,800 facade improvement grant request for 1216 Strongs Avenue. The Police and Fire Commission's Oct. 14 agenda listed 2027 capital and operational budgets for the police and fire departments, a School Resource Officer contract with the Stevens Point School District paying up to $17,000 for police vehicle services, and the appointment of Brady Ulrich to Firefighter/Paramedic effective Nov. 3, 2026. The Sustainability Commission's Oct. 8 agenda included survey responses, expiring member terms and recommendations for a Nov. 16, 2026 presentation to the Mayor and Common Council.

Coming up

• **Oct. 19 — Common Council:** 2027 Capital Budget; utility rate adjustments for water, wastewater and stormwater; zoning amendments on detached garage setbacks and 6-foot privacy fencing; a public hearing on increasing driveway turnaround area size from 80 to 120 square feet; Firecrest Aerospace revenue bond financing.
• **Oct. 19 — Board of Water and Sewerage Commissioners:** utility rate adjustments, a bid award for Well 12 and Water Treatment Plant upgrades, and department claims.
• **Oct. 19 — Airport Commission:** approval of minutes, department claims and a report from Jason Draheim.
• **Oct. 20 — Personnel Committee:** a Step 3 grievance regarding the termination of a Central Transportation employee.
• **Oct. 20 — Business Improvement District Board:** the 2027 Business Park BID Operating Plan, revisions to Business Park deed restrictions and protective covenants, and a sign waiver request for 3316 Business Park Drive.

Park Commission recognizes Parker Memorial Building 'Friends Of' group; 2027 budgets head to Stevens Point committees

The Stevens Point Park Commission voted 11-0 on Oct. 7 to formally recognize a volunteer steering committee as a "Friends Of" partner organization for the Parker Memorial Building and adjacent Goerke Park areas, and authorized staff to collaborate with the group on a concept plan and fundraising. No physical improvements may be made without future commission approval. The commission also approved its Aug. 5, 2026 minutes, 11-0.

That is the only decision documented in published minutes among the six meetings held in the past two weeks. The other five — the Redevelopment Authority, two Downtown Business Improvement District sessions, the City Plan Commission and the Sustainability Commission — are represented by agendas only; their minutes have not been published.

Shopko site amendment on RDA agenda

The Redevelopment Authority met Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. at the Police Department Community Room, 933 Michigan Avenue, with an agenda that included a possible amendment to a development agreement with Commonwealth Development Corporation covering part of the Shopko site (PINs 281240832202950 and 281240832202969). Members were also scheduled to take up a Wisconsin DOT easement request tied to the Hwy 66/Centerpoint curb ramp reconstruction project, amendments to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Grant, and a consent to assignment of collateral for the North Side Yard Developers Agreement. A closed session covered a Downtown Development Fund loan application from Justin Bolger for Northside Yard Condo 5, LLC, with possible action after reconvening. The agenda also listed discussion of planning progress for the Downtown City Bus Transfer Center.

Zoning changes, data center talk at Plan Commission

The City Plan Commission met Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at 933 Michigan Avenue, with a Zoom option, for public hearings and action on two zoning ordinance amendments: one to Ch. 23.02(1)(h)(2) and (3) to permit detached garages by right using R-TND Traditional Neighborhood Overlay District setback requirements, and one to Ch. 23.01(16)(a) to allow privacy fencing up to six feet at the alley right-of-way line. A discussion-only item on data center construction and community input was led by Alderperson Kneebone. The agenda noted a quorum of the Common Council may attend.

Downtown BID looks to 2027

The Downtown Business Improvement District Board held a town hall Sept. 29 on a 2026 recap and 2027 outlook, then met Oct. 6 to consider 2027 budgets for the Downtown BID and DBID Friends, the 2027 Downtown BID Operating Plan, 2026 Vitality Grant awards, a DBID computer purchase for events, and Notes@Night survey results to set next year's schedule.

Sustainability Commission

The Sustainability Commission met Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at 933 Michigan Avenue. Agenda items included an update from Heather Phelps and Allison Birr on public engagement survey responses, discussion of expiring member terms and filling vacancies, and recommendations for a Nov. 16, 2026 presentation to the Mayor and Common Council. Its next meeting is Nov. 5, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Finance Committee:** revenue bond financing for Firecrest Aerospace, Inc., the 2027 Capital Budget, funding for an asphalt paver, an auto physical damage insurance deductible adjustment, and claims paid.
• **Oct. 13 — Personnel Committee:** restructuring sick leave and vacation payouts for retirees effective Jan. 1, 2027; Alderperson salary terms for 2027 and 2028; Mayoral salary for the 2027-2031 term.
• **Oct. 13 — Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission:** design reviews for an awning at 1325 Church Street, exterior improvements at 1401 Clark Street, and brick repairs at 1216 Strongs Avenue, plus a $7,800 facade improvement grant request for 1216 Strongs Avenue.
• **Oct. 13 — Transit Commission:** proposed Saturday Gold Route service, a WisDOT Section 5304 grant application for a Five-Year Transit Development Plan, and August and September 2026 financial/claims reports.
• **Oct. 14 — Police and Fire Commission:** a School Resource Officer contract with the Stevens Point School District paying up to $17,000 for police vehicle services, 2027 Police and Fire budgets, and the appointment of Brady Ulrich to Firefighter/Paramedic effective Nov. 3, 2026.

Stevens Point Council approves Main Street property sale, fiber network expansion

The Stevens Point Common Council approved a property sale, a fiber network expansion, and a bond financing resolution at its Aug. 17 meeting, along with several other items. The Council also approved an agreement with Mid-State Technical College for the proposed Nexus Center.

City Council

The Council approved a finalized sale agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank for the acquisition of property at 601 Main Street and an associated parcel off Water Street, by a 9-2 vote. It also approved a resolution amending the initial industrial development revenue bond financing for Firecrest Aerospace, Inc. (11-0), and awarded a fiber network expansion project to Elexco Inc. for up to $420,500 (11-0).

The Council approved an agreement with Mid-State Technical College related to the proposed Nexus Center (11-0). It disallowed two vehicle damage claims (11-0), approved the consent agenda with item 5l pulled (11-0), and approved the mayoral appointment of Todd Penske to the Police and Fire Commission (10-1).

Finance Committee

At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Finance Committee approved an initial resolution for industrial development revenue bond financing for the Firecrest Aerospace, Inc. project, with changes noted but no alteration to the basics of the agreement. It also approved an agreement with Mid-State Technical College for the Nexus Center, with lease terms changed to fifty years and a right of first refusal with three-year notice. All votes were unanimous.

The committee also approved funding for telecommunication line relocation at the former Edgewater site, increased cat license fees to $14 (spayed/neutered) and $24 (not) for 2027, approved two AECOM change orders for Business 51 North and South segments, and denied two vehicle damage claims. All votes were unanimous.

Board of Water and Sewerage Commissioners

The Board approved the 2025 audit by Baker Tilly, replacement of unit water heaters up to $26,500, and a non-binding letter of intent with CDS TitanForge, LLC for renewable energy credits, all unanimously. The board discussed upcoming rate increases for all three utilities, with a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026.

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission approved the 2025 audit presented by Baker Tilly, which showed operating revenues decreased from 2024-2025 due to increased city subsidies, while expenses remained stable but exceeded revenues. It also approved minutes and claims, and discussed a petition to the state for capital projects with a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 24, 2026. All votes were unanimous.

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee approved all five items on its Aug. 10 agenda: a new Associated Bank EDI Service Agreement for FSA, HSA, and COBRA accounts; known 2027 out-of-state travel; reclassifying a Production Assistant from Seasonal to Permanent Part-Time; a merit pay request; and adding a part-time Community Service Officer for the Police Department. All votes were unanimous.

Public Policy and General Government Committee

The committee approved a temporary extension of licensed premises for Partner's Pub & Grill's 48th Annual Homecoming Bash on Oct. 10, 2026, and approved four recurring events: Riverfront Jazz Festival (Sept. 5-6), Pointoberfest (Sept. 19), Pacelli Homecoming Parade (Oct. 2), and Halloween Trick or Treating (Oct. 24). All votes were unanimous.

Transit Commission

The Transit Commission approved the June 8 minutes, the June and July 2026 Financial/Claims Reports, and the 2027 Section 5310 Mobility Management and Operating Assistance (Volunteer Driver Program) Grant Applications, all unanimously. Superintendent Scheuermann provided an update on UWSP routes, ridership, and staffing.

Canvassing Board

The Canvassing Board certified the Aug. 11 Partisan Primary Election results, verifying 5,776 ballots cast across six polling locations. One provisional ballot in District 3 was not rehabilitated. No errors or irregularities were reported.

Other meetings

The Joint Review Board met Aug. 11 to review annual PE-300 reports and consider closing TIF #8; minutes are not yet published. The Business Improvement District Board met Aug. 19 to consider maintenance quotes, software cost share, and a logo selection; minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **Airport Commission** – Aug. 24, 12:00 p.m., at 300 Bliss Avenue (with Zoom option). Public hearing and possible adoption of a resolution to petition the Secretary of Transportation for Airport Improvement Aid.
• **Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission** – Aug. 25, to review a design request from Jim Lucas of R&L Developers for a principal structure at 1016 Third Street (Parcel ID 281240832200425) under Ch. 22.05(2).

Park Commission expands Yulga disc golf course, raises ice rental fee

The Stevens Point Park Commission on Aug. 5 approved expanding the Yulga Park disc golf course from 18 to 24 holes, along with several other actions. The commission also approved a pedestrian trail concept for Mead Park, a parking lot rental, and increased the ice rental fee at KB Willett to $175 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Park Commission decisions

The commission voted 10-0 to expand the Yulga Park disc golf course. It also approved a Mead Park pedestrian trail concept with dark sky compliant lighting (10-0, with an amendment passing 7-3) and adopted the trail into the city's Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (10-0).

In other action, the commission approved a parking lot rental for Zenoff Park to the UWSP Career Advising Center (9-0, with Guthrie abstaining) and approved the Peters Family Park concept and fundraising plan, with bike parking added (10-0). The ice rental fee increase at KB Willett passed 10-0, and the commission approved its June 3, 2026, meeting minutes (10-0).

Other recent meetings

Several other city boards met during the past two weeks, but their minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

• **City Plan Commission (Aug. 3):** Discussed two fencing standard exception requests, for 1233 Maria Drive (Raymond Cal) and 501 Michigan Avenue North (SentryWorld Real Estate LLC).
• **Business Improvement District Board (Aug. 4):** Considered redirecting Storefront Competition prize funds to an Economic Vitality Small Grant fund, a Locable platform proposal, and heard a presentation on the AECOM one-way to two-way street conversion study. The board also accepted a resignation from Craig Cook and appointed a new secretary.
• **Sustainability Commission (Aug. 6):** Reviewed preliminary results of the city greenhouse gas inventory and a public engagement survey tool, and planned a recommendations presentation for the Mayor and City Council on Nov. 16, 2026.
• **Police and Fire Commission (Aug. 6):** Discussed hiring Codi Fox as a probationary police officer (lateral transfer), promoting Mark Lenz and two battalion chiefs to permanent status, and accepting a $2,000 donation from Wisconsin Public Service for patrol flashlights.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Aug. 11. Notable items include:

• **Finance Committee (Aug. 10):** Preliminary 2027 operating budget update, an initial resolution for industrial development revenue bond financing for Firecrest Aerospace, Inc., funding for telecommunication line relocation at the former Edgewater site (1450 Water St.), and an agreement with Mid-State Technical College for the Nexus Center.
• **Board of Water and Sewerage Commissioners (Aug. 10):** Closed session to discuss a possible public-private partnership with CDS TitanForge, LLC for renewable energy credits and operational agreements, plus an audit presentation by Baker Tilly.
• **Transit Commission (Aug. 10):** Approval of 2027 Section 5310 grant applications for the Volunteer Driver Program.
• **Public Policy and General Government Committee (Aug. 10):** Temporary liquor license extension for Partner's Pub & Grill's homecoming bash, plus recurring events including Riverfront Jazz Festival, Pointoberfest, Pacelli Homecoming Parade, and Halloween Trick or Treating.
• **Personnel Committee (Aug. 10):** Bank service agreement, 2027 out-of-state travel, position reclassification, merit pay, and adding a part-time Community Service Officer.
• **Joint Review Board (Aug. 11):** Review of annual PE-300 reports for active TIF districts and possible closure of TIF #8.

Stevens Point roundup: $1.25M Sisters Meadow contract approved; finance committee backs bond financing, library design RFP

The Board of Public Works awarded a contract not to exceed $1,254,039.70 to Earth Inc. for the Sisters Meadow Project #26-108, the largest dollar action among recent city meetings. The Common Council is scheduled to consider the same contract at its July 20 meeting.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee approved several items unanimously on July 13, including an initial resolution for Industrial Revenue Bond Financing for Firecrest Aerospace, Inc., a State Municipal Financial Agreement for State Highway 66 pavement replacement, and issuance of a request for proposals for professional design services for the downtown Portage County library. The committee also established a plan to close TIF District 8 early using a housing extension and approved claims paid, both unanimously. A lease with UW-Stevens Point Foundation, Inc. for 809 Division Street passed 4-1.

Board of Public Works

In addition to the Sisters Meadow contract award (Ayes: All), the board approved the Director's Report (Ayes: All) and heard a presentation on the Downtown Conversion Study. No further details on that presentation were included in the minutes.

City Plan Commission

On July 6, the City Plan Commission approved a final subdivision plat for two parcels bounded by Maria Drive and Union Street North on a 5-1 vote. The commission unanimously approved an amendment to the Official Street Map establishing Meadow Street North, Third Street North, and an extension of Academy Avenue, and unanimously approved dedication and acceptance of land for right-of-way purposes for those streets. Meeting minutes from May 20 and June 1 were approved unanimously.

Public Policy and General Government

The committee unanimously approved items 2A through 2I, covering temporary Class B wine and beer licenses for the Downtown Business Improvement District, Holy Spirit Parish, Pacelli Catholic Schools, and Portage County Business Council events; a provisional Class A beer and liquor license and a Class A beer and liquor renewal for Save A Lot; a taxicab company license for Courtesy Cab with ten driver licenses; and a secondhand jewelry/pawnbroker license for The Whiting Exchange LLC. Four community events were approved unanimously: the Wine Walk, the Portage County Democratic Party Picnic, the UW-SPP P!nk charity game, and the Festival Food Turkey Trot. Two proposed ordinance amendments on campers/RVs and habitation in vehicles did not pass; the habitation-in-vehicles amendment was withdrawn for further review.

Agenda-only meetings (no minutes yet)

The Downtown Business Improvement District Board met July 7 to discuss and possibly act on a proposal from Locable and to approve June 2, 2026 minutes. The Redevelopment Authority met July 14 to consider an offer to purchase 1101 Centerpoint Drive by Mid-State Technical College, grant and loan program exceptions for three residential properties, and Shopko Site redevelopment updates. The Business Park Business Improvement District Board met July 15 to discuss possible action on maintaining asphalt walkways within the district. Outcomes for these meetings are not yet published.

Coming up

• **City Plan Commission, July 20:** Reviews rezoning and development requests from Mike Helmrick on the Sisters Meadow parcel (Parcel ID 281240829240033), including comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning to Conservancy, R-3 and R-4 districts, a Planned Development overlay, site-plan review, and a conditional use permit. Also on the agenda: a right-of-way plat and relocation order for the Business 51 Reconstruction Project from Michigan Avenue to Rice Street.
• **Common Council, July 20:** Considers the $1,254,039.70 Sisters Meadow contract award to Earth Inc., the 809 Division St. lease with the UW-Stevens Point Foundation, industrial revenue bond financing for Firecrest Aerospace, Inc., a memorandum of understanding with Local 484 on salary language, and probationary firefighter/paramedic Jeff Davidson's advancement to full status.

Stevens Point roundup: Firefighter appointment approved; street map changes and $1.25M project on deck

The Stevens Point Police and Fire Commission confirmed a new firefighter and approved union contract updates at its July 2 meeting, the only body in the past two weeks with final decisions on record. Several other city boards met or are scheduled to meet with agendas that have not yet produced published minutes.

Police and Fire Commission — July 2

The commission made three substantive decisions:

• **Firefighter appointment:** Confirmed the permanent appointment of probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Davidson, effective July 18, 2026.
• **Salaries:** Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Local 484 regarding Article 19 (Salaries), finalizing contract language on compensation for city fire and police staff.
• **Continuing education:** Approved a Side Letter of Agreement with Local 484 regarding Article 28 (Continuing Education), updating training terms.

Procedural items, including meeting minutes and confirmation of bills, were approved unanimously.

City Plan Commission — July 6

Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed. The agenda listed public hearings on:

• Final subdivision plat review for parcels bounded by Maria Drive and Union Street North (Parcel ID 281240829240047) and Maria Drive (Parcel ID 281240829240033).
• An Official Street Map amendment to establish Meadow Street North, Third Street North, and an extension of Academy Avenue.
• Land dedication and acceptance for right-of-way purposes for those same streets.

Downtown Business Improvement District Board — July 7

Minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included discussion and possible action on a proposal from Locable, plus approval of minutes from June 2, 2026.

Coming up

Four meetings are scheduled for July 13 and July 14:

• **Public Policy and General Government (July 13):** Will review temporary alcohol licenses for several events and businesses, ten taxicab driver licenses for Courtesy Cab, and proposed ordinance amendments prohibiting campers and RVs in city permit parking lots and habitation in vehicles on city streets and property.
• **Finance Committee (July 13):** Will consider an initial resolution for Industrial Development Revenue Bond financing for the Firecrest Aerospace project, a pavement replacement agreement on State Highway 66, a request for proposals for design services for the Portage County library's downtown location, and a tentative plan for early closure of TIF District 8 with a housing extension. A closed session is scheduled to negotiate leases for the former UW Credit Union building at 809 Division St. and a proposed public safety training facility on Badger Ave.
• **Board of Public Works (July 13):** Will vote on awarding the Sisters Meadow Project #26-108 to Earth Inc. for up to $1,254,039.70. Also on the agenda: updates on Division and Church Streets reconstruction, the West Scott Street Project, a traffic signal upgrade, an AECOM presentation on the Downtown Conversion Study, and discussion of an ordinance regulating private plantings in the public right-of-way.
• **Redevelopment Authority (July 14):** Will discuss a property purchase offer from Mid-State Technical College for 1101 Centerpoint Drive, grant and loan program exceptions for three residential properties, and updates on the Shopko Site redevelopment.