Tomahawk council backs $1.05 million Nelson Lane water‑main project, approves $350,000 borrowing and guaranteed CDBG match

The Tomahawk Common Council on April 29 unanimously approved financing and CDBG-related resolutions for a proposed $1.05 million infrastructure project to relay water mains and rehabilitate streets on Nelson Lane and Division Street.

Kevin Wagner of engineering firm Ruekert & Mielke told the council the project is estimated at $1,050,000, with the city providing $350,000 and a planned Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award of $700,000. Wagner said the CDBG program can match up to $1,000,000 for public‑facilities projects and that the city’s application targets the public‑facilities funding category.

Wagner said the project would replace existing 2‑inch water main on Nelson Lane and Division Street with 6‑inch main, extend a 6‑inch main east to County Road CC, line existing sanitary sewer on Nelson Lane and rehabilitate manholes, perform ditching and culvert work, and pulverize and overlay the roadway with new asphalt. He told the council the project addresses goals in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, including encouraging housing development and improving utilities, and specifically aims to resolve reported low water pressure for residents on Nelson Lane and Division Street.

Wagner summarized 2020 housing‑survey results presented to the council: 7% of respondents said there is enough suitable rental housing in the Tomahawk area while 79% disagreed. The transcript reports that 15% agreed and 15% disagreed when asked whether there is enough housing sufficient for people over 65; Wagner also cited mixed responses about the availability of public and moderately priced housing.

The council adopted a borrowing resolution under Chapter 24 of the Wisconsin Statutes to borrow $350,000 from the State Trust Fund for the Nelson Lane Water Main Relay Project; Mickey Loka moved to adopt the resolution and Mike Loka seconded. The roll‑call vote was unanimous. The council also unanimously adopted a resolution to amend the Citizens Participation Plan for CDBG and a resolution providing a guaranteed local match for the 2025 CDBG public‑facilities application; Patricia Haskin moved the latter resolution and Tadd Wegener seconded.

Kevin Wagner told the council that the project would not result in residential displacement. The council opened a public hearing on the CDBG application at 5:02 p.m. and closed it at 5:09 p.m.; the record shows no public comments during the hearing.

Next steps outlined in the meeting minutes indicate the city will proceed with the CDBG application process supported by the adopted guaranteed‑match resolution and the approved borrowing authorization.