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.