[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6193355,"mediaKeyId","3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b","parentId",3867795,"title","Superior council hears multi‑option plan to address emerald ash borer; refers response to committee with power to act","audioSeconds",2372,"startMs",583000,"endMs",2955000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b&start=583&end=2955","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b/thumbnail_583000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6193355/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Superior-council-hears-multioption-plan-to-address-emerald-ash-borer-refers-response-to-committee-with-power-to-act","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193355-da6de78b6e4397f9ea32a6abc405f953/orig.mp4?Expires=1773079187&Signature=MKFxR-BRT7idU~cffLXGS9rTYQ9HUh6JK5J5GUkS2Uf999hBEmvpU3ECviC2mrroxyyE01v6iDCvmC587wTicVDjCszjZD83d5hrbgA1Hz01VV~v6NP7c61EHRBk1O4~9CMsBIlueA5j3ZUN6M8UI811IoIivAKiA9ugHYWq98kM~IgOB0a0Pw91bPOkDnziq4rvdCxQdtxlRRPDVP9cmPHtXSAFmsahtasQkWeZCNPspbfcLMOEsI7uqwG6JydAgOCb51zybuHWJSaTJnbMgklARMMXHsfLFnmmxlFeYEaEDTLaSEDjF-f-aJER5rcQ8BgqHi4LL~b1m0ByP3PiJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Superior, WI","date","2025-06-19T18:49:12Z","article","City Forester Mary Morgan presented three response scenarios to the Superior Common Council for addressing an emerald ash borer infestation affecting the city’s ash tree population and asked council members to consider treatment, staged removal and replanting, or targeted specimen‑corridor protections.

Morgan told the council the city is working from an estimated population of about 3,000 public ash trees and outlined a model the staff labeled “treat, take and replace” that would treat roughly 2,000 trees in year one, remove about 200 trees a year and replant 200 per year to hold overall tree counts steady. She said the first‑year cost to treat 2,000 trees and plant 200 is about $194,800 and that staff used a treatment cost assumption of $7.50 per diameter inch for contractor injections.

The presentation included two faster removal scenarios and a third focused on protecting high‑value corridors such as the Tower Avenue and East Second Street waterfront corridors. Morgan said a GIS review identified about 186 small ash trees along the Tower Avenue corridor and estimated a three‑year treatment for that corridor in the range of several thousand dollars. She emphasized staff were not seeking a final decision at the meeting: “We’re not looking for a decision on this tonight,” Morgan said, offering that council could refer the matter to a committee, involve the tree board, or ask finance staff to review funding options.

Residents and contractors spoke from the public gallery. Certified arborist Louise Levy described her approach for pre‑treatment inspection and said she examines trees before applying treatments. A state entomologist’s inspection in a north‑end neighborhood had found larval tunneling at the base of a tree, evidence Morgan said indicated severe infestation in that specimen.

During council discussion members asked about treatment timing, what signs constitute infestation, the potential for biological controls such as parasitoid wasps, and funding sources other cities used. Morgan and Assistant Public Works Director Todd Janigo (who walked the council through the spreadsheet scenarios) told the council that other municipalities had used a mix of capital funds, staged removal and chemical injections and that treatment windows in the research are typically mid‑May to mid‑June but manufacturers say injections can be applied from leaf‑on to leaf‑off.

On a follow‑up agenda item (7.2) the council approved a package of interim measures requested by staff: waiving the city’s pesticide‑ordinance posting requirement to permit injections in the public right‑of‑way by private contractors, allowing the city to remove boulevard ash trees at the request of adjacent homeowners, directing staff to establish a marshaling yard for private residential ash wood, and approving an operational plan to chip public ash trees on‑site and transport wood to the city’s receiving area. The vote on those permissions passed by voice vote: “Aye. Opposed? Motion carried.”

Later in the meeting councilors moved and passed a procedural action to refer the overall emerald ash borer response package to the Committee of the Whole with power to act, giving the committee authority to convene the tree board and make operational decisions before the full council returns to the item.

The staff recommended next steps include additional cost refinement, finance committee review for funding options, and tree‑board engagement. Morgan urged the council not to delay action because of the steep “death curve” observed in other quarantine counties.

The council did not adopt a single long‑term strategy at the meeting; instead it approved interim operational permissions and sent the matter to the Committee of the Whole for a decision with power to act.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","October 1, 2013 Common Council Meeting, City of Superior, Wis","oneSentenceSummary","City Forester Mary Morgan presented three response scenarios to the Superior Common Council for addressing an emerald ash borer infestation affecting the city’s ash tree population and asked council members to consider treatment, staged removal and replanting, or targeted specimen‑corridor protections.","taxTitle","Superior, Douglas County, Wisconsin","taxId",69153,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193340,"Council approves Animal Arts design contract for proposed animal shelter; funding gap remains",194,3320000,3514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b&start=3320&end=3514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b/thumbnail_3320000.jpg","/articles/6193340/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-Animal-Arts-design-contract-for-proposed-animal-shelter-funding-gap-remains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193340-694e45180b50cc55597921a5be3b3105/orig.mp4?Expires=1773079187&Signature=GJTVbCC7~w~g3WyLtVbXeSndOg73GJ7J4zs73rPFyqJ3ptlB6aWtzlltliIaalhLO8e3DvitYVGX04zBaorFBYbQaNNBYpAcBVv2loELDrxjZ~pMDWMGTxGsu2UXAVbdXmeVOq3A2S1sE92Jqf73QkO7lwQ5E2Fuxo2eWOC5WnBVu1CXoxU2SiJAqhUxUulqJbmj0KYDjrMN1JXUpEjLtIC~s8TqcXvXnd1PNukMaiCLc-qwNRbN2jpuYvEniRcMNJ92W5gVmOcck6cao7VYrVJ7-btbn3sLFtNZL9PylK68Wsdgxqx7vUCClO~gs-l4RVVdqP7rG~1SBMHJhFUNeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council approved an updated design contract with Animal Arts for final design of a proposed animal shelter building, with a not‑to‑exceed design fee of $126,710.

Public Works Director Goetzmann presented the item and councilors noted that approval of the design contract does not guarantee construction; Councilor Pensey asked, “By approving this, that's still not an indication that it's gonna be constructed. We still need to find that $800,000 gap. Correct?” Staff and councilors confirmed the design contract is separate from fundraising and construction decisions and that the capital campaign is underway to fill the estimated $800,000 deficit.

Council and staff described a review process for plans that will include Public Works, the design committee formed for the project, animal care specialists and periodic committee reviews. Goetzmann said prior design work had already cost the city roughly in the mid‑$70,000s and this new contract will be a fresh, complete contract for the revised site and floor plan; the $126,710 does not include prior design expenditures.

Councilors expressed support for moving ahead with final design work while continuing capital campaign efforts. The council approved the contract by voice vote.","Council authorized an updated design contract with Animal Arts for final plans of a proposed animal shelter at a cost not to exceed $126,710; councilors and staff said the approval covers design only and an estimated construction funding gap of about $800,000 remains to be closed via capital campaign and other sources.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193345,"Council approves $89,195 consultant contract for solid‑waste/landfill study; staff notes sole‑bid and multi‑phase schedule",245,3070000,3315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b&start=3070&end=3315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b/thumbnail_3070000.jpg","/articles/6193345/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-89195-consultant-contract-for-solidwastelandfill-study-staff-notes-solebid-and-multiphase-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193345-8f09baf85e33aa906818f8f308fa82c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773079187&Signature=Sm4KLEu9ed86rBXQUFY~s~KB-Ayjc76JdcmyUMUYePJxO7CeQaX1F22hzN7iom2k435muYD9DJy4wP1ITpjjnyigXR7P4uzzfEN~lkDjMRwhM5yul1r1bgKJwSwkBZV573FDcR-zIMledW4NZ7Ia0vkC35YZsIGmjq0V9ivrz35aWEu1aIj5Q9fNGlZq~sP0jQO1FXTU1HHWn2UMgtaNPJMTzT4jVvJ3T7qyRSMl3IY5iVHHKcmd1pRVkcqGZwyWElLkLynCeo~2HUVuZsQksSfOZlUdbUXexAgk5iV330mpzupOIUOkRaridyOVUtfwM~3i0m~hgkK6oUF2eJv8Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council approved hiring SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure LLC to perform a four‑phase solid‑waste consulting study for the City of Superior at an estimated cost of $89,195.

Public Works Director Jeff Goetzmann told the council SAIC was the sole bidder for the work but emphasized the firm’s linkage to prior consultant Dr. Bob Larson and continuity of support for the city’s landfill evaluation. Finance Director Vito said the city ordinance permits service contracts to be awarded without a competitive bid in specified circumstances and that staff chose SAIC for familiarity and continuity with earlier work.

The contract covers four phases: an immediate review of current operations, a “weigh‑shed” analysis, an evaluation of the landfill and an implementation plan. Goetzmann and Vito estimated the phases could take up to about 225 days combined, with best‑case completion of the first three phases by March and worst‑case by May. Vito said the study results will inform the 2015 general fund budget process.

Councilors asked whether the project went to competitive bid; staff confirmed it did not and explained the city’s contracting rules and the value of consultant continuity. The council approved the contract by voice vote.

The contract approval directs the consultant to begin work this fall on the first phase and deliver interim and final reports that will be used in upcoming budget deliberations.","The council authorized hiring SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure LLC to perform a four‑phase solid‑waste study for an estimated $89,195, noting the firm was the sole bidder and the multi‑phase work could extend into spring for input to the 2015 budget process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6193350,"Superior council approves modest sewer‑usage increase to fund plant and infrastructure work",1784,2936000,4720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b&start=2936&end=4720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867795-faa78d3176682baf2fe984f1dfc4fb2b/thumbnail_2936000.jpg","/articles/6193350/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Superior-council-approves-modest-sewerusage-increase-to-fund-plant-and-infrastructure-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193350-89690f402668738ab1f48b53f12a8845/orig.mp4?Expires=1773079187&Signature=F2KmKpiRkVzA-pRKxHhsCZjPxVwpw094MEdRru~thSz1PUBvIzZZBb4XguWeIDjCfhBxbF~TTXXXaxTHKOJxH-1B-IhOZdjOYAfgsL9LhcV9OKLu8GJUfR6nUEso64JiViifRqjHLt7XnX6gsy12g-SSLP7Joy8vwEdXEP2qQ67AK000AkxI7OMhfkCdIEwjZ2ajO~GABGskHCoDVlH9TL9tl8kYEzOM3gjLEWK6cN2DVn-OZ6SUfgZCrJ3zFdf6c7z6Vg789-cUUkX5-Yg1ddapwS4tJgIwQOy1EDRRGTzIrEcoKYAXMZarVNISCm07kUZHSzk~YFHzisl0q~wZWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Superior Common Council approved an ordinance increasing the variable sewer charge from $7.43 to $7.71 per 100 cubic feet of usage, effective Jan. 1, 2014, to finance a set of wastewater treatment plant and drainage projects council staff said are needed to maintain permit compliance and reduce sanitary sewer overflows.

Environmental Services Director Steven Roberts told council members the increase is intended to pay for a package of projects: replacement and reconfiguration of plant pumps that were installed in 1958; a direct flow connection from final clarifiers to the facility’s ultraviolet disinfection system; HVAC improvements in the office building; localized combined‑sewer drainage upgrades; and an inflationary adjustment. Roberts said the current request is a smaller increase than several prior recent adjustments because of prior project cost savings and higher than projected water usage that produced a temporary credit.

Roberts provided a multi‑year forecast: staff’s current projection shows an additional roughly $0.50 per 100 cubic feet increase in 2015 and about $0.35 in 2016 as later projects go forward. He gave a household‑level example: a single‑person household would pay about $0.56 per month more under the 2014 increase; an average residential household (based on 2012 usage) would see about $1.29 per month.

Opponents called out the effect on residents with fixed or low incomes. “I just can’t support this ordinance at this time, not with the economy the way it is,” Councilor Galbick said during debate. Multiple councilors said they understand the burden but argued phasing work and rates is preferable to deferring projects that would create permit or public‑health risks.

At roll call several councilors recorded their votes during the final tally: Councilor McKenzie recorded “No,” Councilor Dalbeck recorded “No,” Councilor Olsen recorded “Yes,” Councilor Fennessy recorded “Yes,” Councilor Bender recorded “No,” Councilor McDonald recorded “Yes,” Councilor Missoulia recorded “Yes,” and Councilor Finsland recorded “Yes.” The motion passed 6–3.

Roberts told the council that failing to move forward on the work would risk sliding the permit compliance schedule and could expose the city to enforcement or consent‑decree risk if sanitary sewer overflows are not addressed on schedule. Several councilors urged phased implementation to reduce immediate household impacts while addressing aging infrastructure.

The council adopted the ordinance as presented; the change amends Chapter 114, Article 2 (sewer usage) and raises the variable charge to $7.71 per 100 cubic feet effective Jan. 2014.","By a 6–3 vote the council approved an ordinance to raise the variable sewer charge from $7.43 to $7.71 per 100 cubic feet effective January 2014, citing replacement of aging pumps, ultraviolet disinfection tie‑in, HVAC and drainage improvements and inflationary adjustments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superior council hears multi‑option plan to address emerald ash borer; refers response to committee with power to act

Council approves Animal Arts design contract for proposed animal shelter; funding gap remains

Council approves $89,195 consultant contract for solid‑waste/landfill study; staff notes sole‑bid and multi‑phase schedule

Superior council approves modest sewer‑usage increase to fund plant and infrastructure work