Marshfield Common Council Hears Update Regarding 2022 Central Wisconsin State Fair

Thursday, December 15th, 2022 -- 11:00 AM

The Marshfield Common Council heard an update regarding the 2022 Central Wisconsin State Fair.

Dale Christensen, Executive Director of the Central Wisconsin State Fair, stated they were on a record pace for attendance this year, but the weather acted up towards the end of the fair. When it was all said and done, they had around 54,000 visitors to the fair compared to around 50,000.

They did have some changes to the fair this year. They made some changes to the grandstand concerts and there have been many improvements made to the fair grounds the past few years. Christensen did say that due to the weather on Saturday, the entertainment didn’t make a lot of money.

They ran into rising costs as well. Christensen said they also had an issue with the carnival this year. He said they had taken a step backward in regards to the number of larger “spectacular rides.” Their regular company had cut down from six different units down to five units.

The company also said that the trip and logistics was too much for the company and last year would have been their final year in Marshfield. Had they come for this year’s fair, it would have been a substantial cost to have them. They will continue to work on bringing another carnival to Marshfield.

The Council also approved the disposal of the Fire Department’s old fire fighting foam that contains PFAS chemicals, the foam wagons, to decontaminate the wagons, and replace 11 gallons of fire fighting foam. By doing so, this would clear up the Department’s PFAS liability.

The Department received a $1 million grant to dispose of the old foam at a cost of $60,000-$70,000. However, the grant only covered the disposal of the foam. It would cost the Department $4,975 to replace the wagons and $45,780 to acquire the PFAS free foam.

Marshfield Utilities approved purchasing the foam and wagons and they will pay the Fire Department back after they purchase it. The Council also approved a budget resolution regarding the safe drinking water fund.

The City receives an annual principal forgiveness and loan award from the DNR for the safe drinking water fund. Revenues and expenditures go in the general fund, but there isn’t a specific budget established for those expenditures and revenue.

This resolution would create a special revenue fund for that money. Residents can use this money to replace lead lines in the city.The Council also approved the 2nd reading of the bonfire ordinance.

Authorities used to handle this matter internally, but now it will be a part of the municipal code with an application process, a pre-bonfire checklist, and rules and regulations available to the public.

An education component could be added and the ordinance can now be enforced if unsafe actions are seen. The Council also had a long discussion regarding the first reading of an ordinance regarding the processing of receipts for electric and water utilities.

If eventually approved, this new ordinance would look at how profits from the utilities can go into the general fund, but how this is done is the big question. This came about as Marshfield Utilities is doing well financially.

The Council also approved vacating a right of way known as Megan’s Circle. This was requested by a developer. The item will now be sent to the Planning Commission. The Council also had a discussion regarding the Capital Improvement Plan projects and the review process for the City’s property and liability insurance.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.