Wausau parks committee debates winter rent, leaves RiverLife concession choice to Feb. 2

The City of Wausau Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed proposals and debated lease terms for the RiverLife concession stand during a special meeting on Jan. 19, deciding to defer a final vendor selection until its Feb. 2 meeting.

Jamie, parks staff, told the committee she had compiled utility records for the concession/restroom building and said water averaged about $5,000 per year ("meaning that's $416 a month") and electric averaged about $6,000 per year, with combined utility costs presented in documents as roughly $916 a month. She noted the building sits on a single meter shared with public restrooms, which drives usage figures and makes it difficult to separate restaurant versus restroom costs.

Two distinct proposals were before the committee. Dylan Owen, one prospective operator, told the committee he had secured funding to build out the space and cover start‑up equipment and signage, and asked for a timely decision so he could mobilize for a spring…