[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6193353,"mediaKeyId","3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8","parentId",3867792,"title","Council suspends design contract and presses for clearer capital plan for new animal shelter","audioSeconds",2412,"startMs",1740000,"endMs",4152000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8&start=1740&end=4152","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8/thumbnail_1740000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6193353/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Council-suspends-design-contract-and-presses-for-clearer-capital-plan-for-new-animal-shelter","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193353-c092bf6a736da8009e2fefa22472ec7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196187&Signature=hOpSrgIq47L6hEjimyPcFiVdaNfmGx-x~ugf4np7PuG-pwFCMHjlDIstOaMryO-zbNheWgi5hHNMbg2UeZNYAESNVM8t3RzrImkeus6RiKNdDYoDmOhVcg7AaZP-UTWeg4BVHs~~iD9yjz7grEMsE4VTMx98-6XYLSO~p76QePAhboa~Ys7G242oavEiyehLXcH-9sccrTwJkr8at7vRv9QsLVqlYGq2x8g5PKJ38nKdFkn8~dSSrcVFXrn2anH7C8dKKmkGmRfpulSQUvDbV7QZ2OStNMGeG8zhVr5E7~3Q482Hg0QYg813jxx3gw~ikVxQdJYNARCv0P4VmeNAaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Superior, WI","date","2025-06-19T18:55:09.91Z","article","The Superior City Council voted 6–3 to suspend the design contract with Animal Arts Inc. for a proposed 8,600-square-foot animal shelter and called for clearer cost estimates and a capital-campaign timeline before proceeding with additional design expenditures.

Mayor Hagen and council members reviewed the project's capital campaign status, funding gap and next steps. The mayor reported that the city’s bonded commitment stands at about $2.2 million and that the overall construction estimate was previously cited around $3.1 million; he said pledges to date include roughly $70,000 through Bridal Allies and about $200,000 potentially available from the Douglas County Humane Society, leaving a sizable shortfall.

Nut graf: Animal Allies and other stakeholders urged continued progress and outlined a quiet-phase fundraising strategy; councilors worried about spending another $126,000 on design work without clearer certainty on overall project cost, an agreed exterior construction approach and a timetable for major donors.

Public presentation and campaign status

Rick Salestad, Executive Director of Animal Allies, told the council the shelter the city currently operates needs replacement and confirmed one furnace at the old facility was being replaced. He described the capital campaign plan, named “Bridge the Gap,” and said the group had been contacting potential major donors during a quiet phase and expected more certainty about large commitments in early January. Salestad said Animal Allies had merged with the Animal Rescue Federation earlier in the year and emphasized program goals, including humane education and ensuring adoptable animals are spayed or neutered before adoption.

Council concerns and alternatives

Councilors pressed for clearer cost estimates and considered lower-cost exterior options such as pole-frame buildings, Butler-style panelized construction, or pre-cast insulated panels while keeping interior design standards that address animal health and air handling. Councilor Bender said keeping the interior design and changing the exterior construction method could reduce costs and speed construction, noting pole or modular systems can be erected faster than stick-built construction. Councilor Sweeney asked for a time frame for the capital campaign and an “endgame” if pledged private funds do not materialize.

Motion and legal/administrative follow-up

Councilor McDonald moved — and Councilor Sweeney seconded — a motion to suspend the Animal Arts design contract pending clarity on the building size, funding and exterior construction options. The motion passed 6–3 with recorded yes votes from Councilor Bender, Councilor Sweeney, Councilor McDonald, Councilor Mazzolia, Councilor Finsland and Councilor Herrick; no votes from Councilor McKenzie, Councilor Dalbeck and Councilor Fennessy. The city attorney later explained the existing contract does not include a formal “suspension” clause; staff will notify Animal Arts and ask whether the firm can pivot the design to alternative exterior systems should the council direct it to do so.

What was directed and next steps

Councilors asked administration to contact Bridal Arts (Animal Arts’ design lead) to pause ongoing billable work and to inquire whether the firm could modify plans to a less expensive exterior while retaining interior program elements. Councilors also asked that Animal Allies provide a clearer timetable and fundraising targets for its capital campaign; several council members said they were not prepared to increase the city's bonded commitment beyond the current amount. No additional city funding was approved at this meeting.

Ending: The council’s suspension leaves the project in a holding pattern: design work is paused pending answers about construction options and the capital campaign’s progress; proponents said they will go public with the campaign after securing major donors and stressed the community need for a new shelter.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","December 17, 2013 Common Council Meeting, City of Superior, Wis","oneSentenceSummary","The Superior City Council voted 6–3 to suspend the design contract with Animal Arts Inc. for a proposed 8,600-square-foot animal shelter and called for clearer cost estimates and a capital-campaign timeline before proceeding with additional design expenditures.","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},6193358,"Council approves 2014 wastewater budget; finance director says $6 million is comfortable reserve",218,1390000,1608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8&start=1390&end=1608","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8/thumbnail_1390000.jpg","/articles/6193358/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-2014-wastewater-budget-finance-director-says-6-million-is-comfortable-reserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193358-4f3f45f1d43e405852dd03cde5d28924/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196187&Signature=ASXXoWsL3wQZg9Q2W3wPQMRD3iU5rxK12WS4XggsD2s12GaB8Lm6shVPsIgHypHZePRGB71rFYifTeu2VLc8TVuM~s1eVPjgrgfHo13eO2LCaL1W8F0A0PPq5NBWAM4zT~sL~f0cAEDBcSDXidnt2A9iVMVP96f9kWnzBYKTYok6T~rRekQVDA20Ig9A5xMyShugUBnv7knA4eJhtXhZNgA-MOkoqZ~kTjA2oCjR8nEhIvtcWvZwPgr8P4HIlmUmHS83w0KKxgevup1CmgFVBNQRIUDWB4Cf8UdfbRbSRBp4FuMaTDgNbmM7RUpUBc6tn7oXieF1es2cwinjah7H8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Superior City Council approved the 2014 wastewater budget after a councilor asked about the utility’s cash-reserve projections through 2020.

Councilor Sweeney asked how much cash on hand would be “enough” versus “too much” given projections that showed cash rising to about $12 million by 2020. Finance Director Vito said the city currently holds about $6 million in the wastewater fund and that figure would allow capital projects in 2014 to be completed without issuing debt. Vito said he would be uncomfortable if cash fell to about $3 million or less because major emergency repairs can cost millions of dollars.

Nut graf: Councilors were concerned both about underfunding the utility in the event of emergencies and about accumulating excessive cash balances; the finance director said holding rates steady for several years could prevent the fund from growing to the high projections if projections hold.

Key details from the discussion

Vito noted the short-term capital spending plan in the packet only runs through 2017 and that the three-year projection used $700,000 in annual capital spending for the later years, which could make the long-range projection look inflated if larger projects are not shown. He said that if the projections truly materialize the council could be comfortable holding rates steady to avoid building a $12 million cash cushion.

Formal action

A motion to approve the 2014 wastewater budget carried on a voice vote.

Ending: Councilors approved the budget and directed staff to monitor capital plans and projections; the finance director said he would report back if conditions change or if large capital needs require adjusting rates or issuing debt.","The council approved the 2014 wastewater budget after discussion about projected cash-on-hand through 2020; Finance Director Vito said a $6 million reserve is comfortable and projections that reach $12 million would warrant holding rates steady rather than further accumulation.",{"_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},6193363,"Superior council approves 2014 nonunion salary and benefit policy after union concerns on seniority",845,525000,1370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8&start=525&end=1370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867792-cdd3d2c5736766a0a343816b33a564f8/thumbnail_525000.jpg","/articles/6193363/Superior/Douglas-County/Wisconsin/Superior-council-approves-2014-nonunion-salary-and-benefit-policy-after-union-concerns-on-seniority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193363-d3f44226e15ad93fa81361400b3d1cfd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196187&Signature=GDMvJ-9xMJg1~hPZpFmReAiWTQfOVRBv-pZsx1fekWBVhoSiGaPuhtVxqatLAzujEpaHPB8-9OAfr5rUF5LGDyXB-moIFXIvwh6ZYBJaGIxoNedaqETxUtaHgzT1tQ4DzNPz2fXbo6~9OQNPjszva1GuF9920wq8dvPXVGoRnnqPa26vtuS9fockc3sM4U6bK8~pBT23iffQAOUMJ4RKLaercMogx0DBXfn5W0vwnfH0Fim92aPt2PReXdF0PtWKs-6V2MRc4rN7J4hxfl6OD8XOJWrBtGHVcIUlt10IlgcTBhhF5pcQWjbowbar9ya5-SUJ65IKQRpHJilHWLpanA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Superior City Council approved a 2014 salary and benefit policy for nonunion employees on a roll-call vote after a lengthy discussion of seniority and labor-management relations.

The handbook, introduced by the Human Resources Committee, incorporates added grievance procedures and strengthened just-cause language and is described by administration officials and supporters as a “living document” that can be revised over time. Councilor Bender emphasized that the handbook will be the city’s authority as of Jan. 1 absent a recertification process.

Nut graf: The vote follows months of meetings between city management and local union representatives. Labor leaders said the new handbook contains helpful protections but leaves out an explicit seniority or longevity provision — a point that prompted some councilors to withhold support and led to a divided vote.

Council conversation and union comments

Councilor McKenzie said she could not support the handbook as written because it does not clearly preserve seniority, calling the absence of explicit seniority language “the one thing that says this is not going to work.” Councilor McKenzie used the word “seniority” and said it is often a crucial protection for long-service employees.

Lee Sandock Baker, identified in the meeting as president of Local 235, told the council he and other union leaders had worked with city staff and supported inclusion of a grievance procedure. He said members appreciated stronger just-cause language but remained concerned that seniority was not specified: “The seniority language is something that continues to come up with our members and they are concerned.”

Erica Dinkel Smith, identified as a business agent, made a legal clarification during public comment, saying recognition of seniority can exist in nonrepresented groups in some jurisdictions, though it may be called by another term.

Councilor Bender and other supporters of the handbook said the document reflects compromises and that supervisors had concerns about strict seniority rules in a nonrepresented organization. Bender called the policy “greatly, greatly better than any other community” in the state that faced Act 10 and stressed the handbook should be treated as a living document open to future changes.

Formal action and vote

The motion to approve the Human Resources Committee recommendation passed on a roll-call vote. Recorded yes votes included Councilor Bender, Councilor Sweeney, Councilor McDonald, Councilor Mazzolia, Councilor Finsland and Councilor Herrick. Recorded no votes included Councilor McKenzie and Councilor Daubach. The council president announced the motion carried.

What the council directed and next steps

Councilors and union representatives said they expect continued labor-management meetings to work through implementation details. City officials described the handbook as effective Jan. 1 and subject to future negotiation or revision; no additional ordinance changes were passed at this meeting related to seniority.

Ending: Councilors and union representatives were urged to continue discussions; supporters said the handbook’s grievance and just-cause provisions and a “living document” approach provide a path for making future adjustments without immediate contract changes.","The Superior City Council approved a 2014 salary and benefits handbook for nonunion employees that incorporates new grievance and just-cause language but does not include explicit seniority provisions; union representatives warned members are concerned and some councilors voted against final approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council suspends design contract and presses for clearer capital plan for new animal shelter

Council approves 2014 wastewater budget; finance director says $6 million is comfortable reserve

Superior council approves 2014 nonunion salary and benefit policy after union concerns on seniority