Wausau committee approves Westsider parklet, municipal code updates and solar MOU; holds one license denial

The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee on March 23 approved a package of local actions including a one-season trial parklet for Westsider Diner and Lounge, revisions to two municipal code sections made redundant by state law, and a memorandum of understanding with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association to join a residential and small-commercial solar group-buy program.

The committee voted unanimously to grant a seasonal parklet permit for Westsider Diner and Lounge at 628 North Third Avenue. Owner Tyler Voigt described a 4-foot street/4-foot sidewalk platform, fiberglass substructure panels, lighting and skirting to match curb height and said the installation would provide sunny morning seating for customers. "It's pretty cold in the shade for some of the elderly customers," Voigt said, explaining the design and saying the parklet would occupy roughly the space of two parked cars. The committee asked Voigt to return after the Oct. 31 season to report on logistics and safety.

Separately, the committee approved repealing and replacing Wausau Municipal Code chapter 6.44 (solid waste disposal) to reflect state law changes and voted to repeal section 10.01.012 (prohibiting handheld electronic-device use while driving) after staff and the city attorney said state inattentive-driving statutes now cover the subject and made the local rule redundant. Assistant City Attorney Vinnie Bonino told the committee the local language originally filled an enforcement gap that state law has since addressed.

The committee also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) to participate in the Grow Solar Central Wisconsin group-buy program. Planning staff said MREA uses an RFP and vetting process, offers technical-assistance sessions and can reduce costs for homeowners seeking solar installations.

On licensing, the committee accepted staff recommendations to approve several license changes and summer-event permits (including Wings Over Wausau, Concerts on the Square and Chalkfest). One applicant, Theodore Davis, addressed a recommended denial for bartender/operator licensing and submitted documents related to registry discharge and completion of supervision; committee members agreed to hold action and defer to the police chief's re-review of rehabilitation evidence rather than vote to uphold the denial at this meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Parklet permit, Westsider Diner and Lounge (628 N. 3rd Ave): approved (motion: Watson; second: Larson). - Repeal/recreate Wausau Municipal Code ch. 6.44 (solid waste): approved. - Repeal Wausau Municipal Code §10.01.012 (handheld mobile devices while driving): approved. - MOU with Midwest Renewable Energy Association (Grow Solar Central Wisconsin): approved. - Batch liquor/tavern and venue license actions (Oasis Arcade; rebranding/new owner Whiskey River Bar and Grill; new owner for Hiawatha; class A retailers and event permits): approved. - License denial for Theodore Davis: held pending police re-review of submitted rehabilitation documentation (no final outcome).

The committee framed the parklet approval as a one-season pilot and directed the owner to report back after the October end date. The committee also emphasized that the municipal-code changes follow state traffic- and waste-related updates, and that the MREA partnership is intended to provide cost savings and vetted installer options for residents. The committee adjourned after a public-comment period later in the meeting.