Wausau planning commission OKs temporary shelter at First United Methodist Church

The Wausau Planning Commission on May 1 approved a conditional use permit allowing First United Methodist Church at 903 Third Street to use its basement as an emergency night shelter for the Wausau Police Department, with the commission setting a time-limited approval through Dec. 31, 2025 and a staff review by Nov. 1, 2025.

The decision was made by voice vote after a motion to approve the permit. Larson moved to approve the permit and Alder Watson seconded the motion. The commission chair called for those in favor to “signify by saying aye,” and an “Aye” was recorded in the meeting transcript; no opposition was recorded on the transcript.

Staff told the commission the approval should be temporary because the church building has long-term issues and that the time limit requested matched what the applicant sought. “We also recommend this time limit,” said Bill, a member of planning staff. Bill said staff wants to know by Nov. 1, 2025, whether the church has identified a different location or plans to proceed, so the commission can review neighborhood impacts and building concerns.

The permit authorizes the church basement to be used as a night shelter for persons brought or referred by the Wausau Police Department. The commission did not record detailed operational conditions in the meeting transcript beyond the time limit and the staff recommendation that the police department review be part of the record.

Mister Barnum asked whether staff’s explanation satisfied his question; the transcript records the exchange but no additional conditions or amendments were offered before the voice vote.

After the meeting adjourned, the commission was introduced to Carrie Edmondson, who identified herself as the new assistant city planner.