[{"_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",6164491,"mediaKeyId","5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39","parentId",5428423,"title","Commission votes to enter closed session to deliberate investment of public funds related to Engage Franklin","audioSeconds",109,"startMs",2958000,"endMs",3067000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39&start=2958&end=3067","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39/thumbnail_2958000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164491/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Commission-votes-to-enter-closed-session-to-deliberate-investment-of-public-funds-related-to-Engage-Franklin","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164491-1f60e2df0a18b5a1ac566439e5a648cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926005&Signature=PR~8P83H3R0v1~goijOmxAs7b0P6ftNR9BL6vnkHCK5X8dw7-eB0K4twzceGvtOPPPM8AmczN1avF5niAG7s1oUa0HPnkgdHncF85wuCnm2F9HbzffqJO6xPE8zhlbh7WC1RuqrYEF5YAulkiF7c2wOVAmOw7r91Vk3gMYSsHb-OqDRj66tljksme0woeyh9-C-l-neEsFZnblnb~rX5yswhZGHzRehfiROlbCqIOmZcxnr3LkF15y2WJfyRyoYjlKQLC9eFWiFKzyU-A8G~KEV~JnnMwcdztUgUhuh2hqRnv7u98m8YoB8Z16Cd3Xc4FHNYVHdVOUjbONhyYQtsEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Franklin, WI","date","2025-07-19T03:51:29.543Z","article","The Coastal Tourism Commission voted to enter a closed session to discuss the investment of public funds related to Engage Franklin.

At the meeting, the chair read a statutory basis for closed session as stated in the record: \"pursuant to perhaps a statute 5 1 e to deliberate investing public funds in relation to business activities of Engage Franklin, a destination marketing (organization), for competitive or bargaining reasons.\" A motion to enter closed session was made and seconded and members voted in favor; the chair recorded the time the commission entered closed session at 8:17 p.m.

The transcript records the motion to enter closed session and the roll call vote in favor. The meeting later returned to open session, and the public portion continued with administrative items and invoices. No specific actions or outcomes from the closed-session deliberations were disclosed in the open record during this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tourism Commission Meeting 7-16-2025 - 6 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The Coastal Tourism Commission voted to enter a closed session under a cited statute (\"5 1 e\" as stated in the meeting) to deliberate investing public funds for competitive or bargaining reasons with respect to Engage Franklin. The motion passed and the meeting moved into closed session.","taxTitle","Franklin City, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin","taxId",55414,"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},6164496,"Commission discusses uses for retained funds: feasibility, marketing, HR and an \"opportunity\" fund; field-house idea raised",177,2406000,2583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39&start=2406&end=2583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39/thumbnail_2406000.jpg","/articles/6164496/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Commission-discusses-uses-for-retained-funds-feasibility-marketing-HR-and-an-opportunity-fund-field-house-idea-raised","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164496-c16804e6d6164582036473a826a3e8e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926005&Signature=JOUZ-99kIPS~4l760CasFPUufdI5qwyb-l8RIRhlQ1rWpzsNa1kKWcKA1EL-txNZ~T3SZ94n2rBcUdWsTw6PRfV2VUeDbKnYf4SKhtnxMxaxQ04jjOvmYagM56RqkUnDjUQvgafArTDqG-lEFQSiaSaVd8zUTz6TikpU2xLnvoWpevUPNUW13NrbdZUeGfEP74OKiwMhFaV7XezAMlsjroq0M4szRsuywXUGrcdrR7DSGBgm5tl8yGgoyyyM92aP3RkqRR8a5nCVpEeFFoYdpp5oqC5XPYz8OndIpDsPfy3yK3iuVU98zFB61PoU9VaH-0uzQl8utVJ~xK2GeAgrUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners opened a broad discussion about how to use retained tourism funds. Staff outlined three priority uses: human resources and development, seamless recurring marketing campaigns, and an acquisition/opportunity fund to bid on or secure events and assets. Staff said those three categories would cover contract services, marketing, and the seed money needed to pursue time-sensitive opportunities.

A commissioner raised a specific capital idea: building a basketball field house to host tournaments rather than renting outside facilities. Staff said the concept was appealing but noted retained funds—“about $400,000,” as discussed in the meeting—would not cover construction and suggested the commission first fund feasibility work and business planning so additional capital or partnerships could be pursued.

Commissioners also discussed the option of directing more operational funding to Engage Franklin to allow the nonprofit to do more program development and to service grants and events on behalf of the commission. Staff recommended establishing criteria for how an opportunity or acquisition fund would be used and increasing reporting and accountability if funds were allocated to Engage Franklin. No formal allocation from retained funds was approved at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to develop criteria, reporting expectations and a prioritized list for future votes.","Members discussed options for spending retained tourism funds — including feasibility studies, a marketing/operations pool, and an acquisition/opportunity fund — and heard a proposal to build a basketball field house, though staff noted available reserves would not cover construction.",{"_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},6164501,"Commission hears sports-booking growth; contract under review includes $4.50 per-room rate reduction",126,103000,229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39&start=103&end=229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39/thumbnail_103000.jpg","/articles/6164501/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Commission-hears-sports-booking-growth-contract-under-review-includes-450-per-room-rate-reduction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164501-709f7be45cf5fa9906f79723e83fb46b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926005&Signature=PYrxQQuLkZ~xYuYUKf83oJgGCmOnzEU6G-vIE8QTN~ER5N0IQ4eXqdQTuLbPVD1aSNgLcbuP~h~utVJgiW9zWhnxOdoTw8-VCFZGDugMthOuAfxc566NKOE45RZpMq5jE24f1oR1uGCvAnZzc3t5YTmm4Wsl0sl6aOo3YOh0RXujni1RxLIpjoU~cvHHL2JYdgx9mdaL8Kdz~iFNB1MzmJwP6yUtdsKf-BL62b2l7sFRg1es0uIdUD8uLC9hm6GgaZnF8ehQKnxN0iJtleFkdhTH0rwpveNmT8H5GuIO41sRhQ4dGxDn17RikNp8nRl4ZraIS0niQ0yC35vvrL~EXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners heard that the tourism office has secured four sports tournament weekends that staff estimate could generate in excess of 500 room nights across the events. Staff said the bookings are scheduled for October, November, December and February and that organizers would book rooms directly with local hotels.

Staff said a proposed contract from the event organizer is under review; its principal term asks for a $4.50 reduction in the room rate for nights booked under the event. Staff described that hoteliers and the tourism office view the reduction as acceptable and that hotels would still handle reservations directly. Commissioners discussed the advantages of capturing sports business in winter months and encouraged staff to look to regional calendars to avoid conflicts and expand opportunities.

The commission also discussed operational details: bringing in temporary courts for some tournaments can add cost, and staff said they are exploring opportunities at existing county and school facilities. No formal action was taken on the contract during the open meeting; staff said the contract is under review and negotiation.","Staff reported four sports-weekend bookings that together could bring more than 500 room nights; commissioners were told a contract under review would reduce the per-room rate by $4.50 and hotels would book directly with event organizers.",{"_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},6164506,"Tourism commission approves $500 match for Nature Center grant; Engage Franklin to supply additional $500",1612,868000,2480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39&start=868&end=2480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5428423-6f6d07afb72c584e7c8e2cd46c8e1c39/thumbnail_868000.jpg","/articles/6164506/Franklin-City/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Tourism-commission-approves-500-match-for-Nature-Center-grant-Engage-Franklin-to-supply-additional-500","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164506-eadfae9c960cae5e94b83144a1e3f5b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926005&Signature=CA84jj6QmLvJidt5JbSsJMrOxqIZxGX4DYPzA15yBFrEHKuYHiqHuQKqu70pElWbT7a19rwGmMld6DoexfIAzhuh4VG013MV0KRbh0A5O5RcROAqYClWldvVsNJ8q6lQ29TfBUxcfi77DgWm2uWTDu1~uiTVjKnvxH40dNX5Uxduc9u4p8XTWDscRcU9GhP8H3oYJNamsUSzE3SSD3HPKiG1h6IcqdVfHWVIAwcqctii-mL3MACrh2XyHD0i3IMAEIx4VZkIR~pLFEJZRaJZjqEb1K5VTEaSOhOEvRnID1FLgLqkT6OsM3m05E9UGwcVrns1DgrnLE65qVM70sv80w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its meeting, the Coastal Tourism Commission agreed to contribute $500 to a Nature Center grant application on the condition that Engage Franklin contribute a matching $500, creating a planned $1,000 combined contribution.

The commission debated the appropriate funding route before voting. Barbara Wessner questioned the application process, saying, “Why do we have this tourism grant application online if we’re not going to even recognize it?” and urged clarity about whether requests should come directly to the tourism commission or through Engage Franklin. Laura, a staff member with Engage Franklin, told the commission, “Engage Franklin would be happy to commit $500,” signaling the nonprofit’s willingness to match the tourism commission’s contribution.

Supporters said the Nature Center is a community asset and partner that can benefit visitation and community programming; skeptics said one-day events may not directly generate overnight stays and suggested the commission prioritize capital or tourism-generating projects. Commissioners discussed an administrative option: route the tourism commission’s $500 to Engage Franklin, which would then combine it with its own $500 and issue a single $1,000 payment to the Nature Center. The commission approved a motion to provide the $500 match with the expectation Engage Franklin will match, and members directed staff to process an invoice when submitted.

The commission also discussed how sponsorship credit and recognition would appear; staff said that the Nature Center would be presented as receiving funds from both Engage Franklin and the tourism commission. Staff agreed to notify the Nature Center contact, Carly Hens, that the contribution was approved and to await an invoice before payment.

The commission recorded no amendments to the award. The decision included an administrative note that Engage Franklin would handle disbursement to the Nature Center once it received the tourism commission’s funds and produced an invoice.","The Coastal Tourism Commission voted to provide $500 toward a Nature Center grant application with the understanding that Engage Franklin will contribute a matching $500, producing a combined $1,000 contribution. Commissioners debated whether funding should flow through Engage Franklin or directly from the commission.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission votes to enter closed session to deliberate investment of public funds related to Engage Franklin

Commission discusses uses for retained funds: feasibility, marketing, HR and an "opportunity" fund; field-house idea raised

Commission hears sports-booking growth; contract under review includes $4.50 per-room rate reduction

Tourism commission approves $500 match for Nature Center grant; Engage Franklin to supply additional $500