Tomahawk council refers Main Street parking‑lot request back to committee after dispute over fees

A dispute over rental fees for a city‑owned parking lot led the Tomahawk Common Council on June 2 to refer Tomahawk Main Street’s Fall Ride parking‑lot request back to the Health and Safety Committee for further consideration.

The council initially considered denying the request. Councilmember Will Garske said the property “could be better used by the City.” Chief Elvins told the council the building on the lot is used for evidence and said, “anyone using the lot should pay to use it.” Dawn Genelin, speaking for Tomahawk Main Street, asked whether the group was being denied because it was not paying fees and said no one had informed them about charges.

Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz said the organization raises money to support city projects and indicated willingness to work with the city: “we fundraise to bring in revenue for the City and happy to make it work and do not want to disrespect the City.” Mayor Hob Habeck said the main reason for concern was the city's need for funds and said the council should set a rental rate for Main Street to use the lot.

Councilmembers Garske and Robert Soward withdrew the initial motion to deny the request; Garske then moved to send the request back to the Health and Safety Committee to clarify fees and vending spots, Haskin seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The referral requires the committee to consider fee rates and vendor placement before the council makes a final decision.

The council did not adopt a final fee schedule or grant the parking‑lot use during this meeting.