Eau Claire City Council approves film-incentive resolution, backs state early childhood funding and other measures; pay-plan change passes 8-2

The Eau Claire City Council on May 13 unanimously approved a resolution urging the state to create a film-and-television production incentive program and to reestablish a Wisconsin film office, and passed several other funding and policy items. Council also approved an ordinance changing comp-time and vacation carryover rules by an 8-2 vote.

The film-and-television resolution, introduced by Councilmember Charlie Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Brewster, expresses municipal support for a state-level incentive and a statewide film office to help attract productions to Wisconsin and steer them toward communities such as Eau Claire. Johnson told the council that Wisconsin is one of 13 states without an incentive program and that a state film office could point productions to local partners.

The council also unanimously passed a resolution supporting Gov. Tony Evers’ proposal to invest $480 million in early childhood education and childcare. Councilmember Nate Otto, who carried the measure, said parts of the state legislature have proposed cutting the item to zero and that the resolution is intended to urge lawmakers to restore funding. Supporters warned the council that without the funding as many as one in four childcare providers statewide could close.

Other approved items on the business agenda included acceptance of a $176,803 State Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant toward the Birch Street reconstruction and utility work; acceptance of a donated pair of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) for the State Street–Gilbert Avenue crossing; approval of a public-art mural in the Main Street underpass; and a council resolution urging Congress to protect Pell Grant and workforce-training funding for area technical college students. The council also approved a $40,000 contribution agreement with Catholic Charities to support summer operations at the Sojourner House shelter.

A contested personnel-related ordinance drew the only recorded opposition. An ordinance amending the city’s pay plan and comp-time practices passed 8–2 after debate. The ordinance changes the way comp time is carried and paid out; under the adopted change employees’ maximum comp-time accrual would be limited and staff said employees would be allowed to carry additional vacation in some cases to offset the change. Councilmembers Worthman and Imboga voted no; eight members voted yes.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution: support for film and TV production incentive program and statewide film office. Mover: Councilmember Charlie Johnson. Seconder: Councilmember Brewster. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution: support for Gov. Tony Evers’ $480 million early childhood education proposal. Mover: Councilmember Nate Otto. Seconder: Councilmember Schoen. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Acceptance: donation of two RRFB pedestrian crossing beacons for State Street and Gilbert Avenue (solar-powered). Mover/Seconder: not specified on the record. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Acceptance: State LRIP grant for Birch Street reconstruction/utility work ($176,803). Mover: Councilmember Miller. Seconder: Councilmember Schoen. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution: public art application for the Main Street underpass (mural). Mover: Councilmember Reid. Seconder: Councilmember Otto. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution: protect Pell Grant and workforce funding for technical college students (response to proposed federal changes). Mover: Council President Emily Bergey. Seconder: Councilmember Brewster. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Contribution award: Catholic Charities — $40,000 contribution for Sojourner House summer operations. Mover: Councilmember Anderson. Seconder: Councilmember Serrano. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Ordinance: amend pay plan and comp-time practices (limits on comp time carryover; allowance to carry additional vacation hours). Mover: Councilmember Serrano. Seconder: Councilmember Brewster. Outcome: approved 8–2 (Worthman — No; Imboga — No). - Ordinance: amend code on recyclables and refuse collections. Mover: Councilmember Brewster. Seconder: Councilmember Miller. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Consent agenda (multiple routine items, including proclamations and special-event authorizations). Mover: Councilmember Otto. Seconder: Councilmember Anderson. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

What the council said and next steps

Council members who spoke in favor of the film-incentive resolution highlighted regional examples such as Duluth that have attracted Hallmark and other productions and argued that an incentive tied to locally spent dollars would benefit Eau Claire’s hotels, restaurants and small businesses. Supporters of the early-childhood resolution said local childcare providers had lobbied in Madison that day and urged the council to press the legislature to retain funding.

Staff told the council the LRIP award would be used to reduce borrowing needs on the larger Birch Street project; the RRFBs are donation-funded and the city will maintain the installed beacons. The Sojourner House contribution would come from the flexible housing fund in the capital-improvement plan and requires the shelter to show seasonal operating plans.

The council’s formal roll-call votes concluded the business agenda; staff said follow-up letters and notices would be sent to state and federal representatives where appropriate.