At the City Council meeting on December 16th, several improvement projects were on the agenda. As 2024 comes to an end, ARPA (American Recovery Plan Act) funds must be fully allocated. A number of projects paid for with ARPA funds have come in under budget. Since any unused funds must be returned, the council reallocated the remaining funds to other projects.
Pine Avenue Project
The City Council awarded the Pine Avenue Reconstruction Project Contract to Haas Sons Inc. for $1,403,204.95. Reallocated ARPA funds will be used for part of this project.
Pine Avenue from Wilson Street to Game Park Road is scheduled for reconstruction in 2025. Improvements within Wakanda Park will be completed at the same time.
A full basketball court and two extra basketball hoops will be added south of the pickleball courts. The current tennis court will remain, but four pickleball courts will be painted on it for use during tournaments. Two more pickleball courts will be added. The batting cage currently in that area will be removed, and the batting cage closest to the Wakanda Elementary parking lot will be redone and upgraded to four cages.
The sidewalk on the north side of the road will be widened.
The project will start in the spring (exact date to be determined) and will be completed by October. There will be access to Wakanda Elementary School and Wakanda Waterpark at all times.
Improvements planned for 614 Main Street (former Lakeside Lounge)
The City Council approved the development agreement with TWD Enterprises, LLC, with incentives provided through Tax Increment District 19.
TWD Enterprises, LLC will be developing 614 Main Street East - the former Lakeside Lounge. The developer is eligible for financial assistance in the amount of up to $50,000 under the Facade Program for exterior improvements and $17,510 under the Cash Grants Program.
Jeremiah Gerdin appeared on behalf of TWD Enterprises and explained that the entire building needs to be renovated. Asbestos needs to be removed, old wiring needs to be updated, and the building needs to be made ADA-compliant. A restaurant is planned for the lower level. He aims to partner with a restauranteur to bring an upscale dining option to downtown Menomonie.
Construction project at ConAgra
The Council approved the DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) Facility Construction and Maintenance Agreement with ConAgra.
The amount of fats, oil, and grease that ConAgra discharges in its industrial wastewater exceeds the 100 milligrams per liter as provided in the existing 2009 Wastewater Collection and Treatment Agreement it has with the City of Menomonie. ConAgra has been working with the City to find a solution to the problem. An engineering firm hired by ConAgra recommends using a Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Facility. The DAF uses chemicals to lift the fats, oil, and grease to the surface, where a sweeper moves it into a collection tank.
The City reached an agreement with ConAgra whereby the City will bid, construct, and maintain the facility and ConAgra will reimburse the City for 100% of the cost.
The Council also approved a Task Order for Engineering Services for the DAF with Cedar Corporation in the amount of $661,500. ConAgra will reimburse the cost of these services as well.
The DAF facility will be located by ConAgra, with construction scheduled for 2026.
City improvement projects
The Council awarded the Leisure Services Center Bathroom Renovation Contract to Durand Builders Service for $86,040. Reallocated ARPA funds will be used for part of this project.
The bathrooms at the Leisure Services Center had been scheduled for upgrades—new toilets and sinks—using ARPA funds. However, additional ARPA money became available, so this project has become larger than initially planned. Currently, there is no handicapped-accessible bathroom, and this building serves a number of seniors and individuals with disabilities. City staff met with individuals who use the building and found that an adult changing table would be beneficial. The urinals also need replacing.
The Council awarded the Boulevard Tree Replacement Contract to Legacy Trees in the amount of $15,520. Reallocated ARPA funds will be used for this project.
The City has removed approximately 600 ash trees over the past two years, with an anticipated 400 more to be cut due to the Emerald Ash Borer. This contract is for 73 trees with a 2-2.5” caliper.
The Council awarded the City Hall Improvement Contracts to Builders First Source, Dunn Rite Construction, and Eau Claire Business Interiors, totaling $28,810.14. This project will use reallocated ARPA funds.
The Building Inspection area will add office cubicles and cabinets by the front counter. A file storage area in the Administration office will be converted into an office.
In other business, the council:
Approved the amended City of Menomonie Employee Handbook, going into effect on January 1, 2025.
Approved Resolution 2024-22 regarding the Building Inspection Department Permit Fee Schedule.
Adopted an ordinance increasing the room tax rate from 7% to 8%. This will go into effect April 1, 2025.
Approved the Appointments of Paul Pillman and Derek Hughes to the Housing Authority Board.
Denied the application for a Reserve “Class B” Liquor License from the Corner Store (Circle C). A “Class B” license allows for the consumption of alcohol on the premises.
Approved the leases for city-owned farmland.
