Meeting roundup: council approves vacations, bond refunding, committee actions and landfill agreement

At the February meeting the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council approved a series of motions and resolutions covering routine minutes, a right‑of‑way vacation, municipal debt refunding and a negotiated landfill agreement.

The council approved the minutes of the Jan. 20, 2026 meeting by voice vote (7‑0). It adopted a resolution to vacate and discontinue a portion of 8th Avenue North between Brown Street and Wilson Street; staff reported the item had passed planning commission and public works committee and had received required notices; the resolution passed 7‑0.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing redemption of the general obligation refunding bonds (Series 2015B). A utility CFO explained the debt originated with utility borrowing in 2009, was refunded in 2015 and the council approved refunding the remaining three years (2027–2029) using reserve funds so there would be no rate or tax levy impact; the motion carried 7‑0.

Council adopted the actions of standing committees and approved the remainder of the Public Works Committee minutes (with items 4 and 5 held out for full council consideration) by voice vote, 7‑0. After a closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to discuss negotiating strategy, council approved a final negotiated agreement with Advanced Disposal Services Cranberry Creek Landfill LLC for the Cranberry Creek Landfill expansion by resolution, 7‑0.

Several referrals were also sent to committee, including a Lincoln High School student art proposal for City Hall and referrals on fire department staffing and cost‑of‑living increases; council discussed clarifying and formalizing the referral process so items are routed to the clerk and committees in a timely fashion.

The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.