Council directs public participation and parallel RAOR for 1300 Cleveland Ave. redevelopment

The Wausau Common Council unanimously approved a budget modification on Nov. 11 to retain GEI Consultants for environmental consulting at the former Wausau Business Incubator site (1300 Cleveland Ave., WDNR BRRTS #02‑37‑587081). The council also amended the resolution to clarify that the remedial action options report (RAOR) will be developed in parallel with the public participation process and that the end use should be guided toward nonindustrial redevelopment.

Alder Killian introduced the amendment to add two whereas clauses describing the economic development committee’s approval of a public participation plan and the intention for RAOR and redevelopment work to proceed together. "I'd like to amend...to clarify what was decided at the ED meeting," Killian said. Staff and Director Eric Lindman confirmed public meetings are scheduled and that the RAOR will coincide with end‑use planning.

City attorney Jacobson and staff advised that adding background whereas clauses is permissible but to ensure the council’s directive is included in the ‘now, therefore be it resolved’ language so it becomes an action item. The council incorporated language directing appropriate city officials to engage the community and develop the RAOR in parallel; the amendment passed 11–0, and the amended GEI contract authorization passed 11–0.

Next steps: public information meetings are planned beginning in January, staff will coordinate GEI work with DNR and the newly formed green team, and the RAOR will be prepared in tandem with community engagement.

Representative quote: "Common council hereby directs appropriate city officials to undertake efforts to engage the community and develop the RAOR in parallel with that process," an amendment stated.

Provenance: the amendment and subsequent unanimous approval were recorded during discussion and votes on the GEI resolution.