CUBA CITY – If successful, a grant for Splinter Park would mean more than $600,000 worth of improvements. During its regular meeting on April 5, the Cuba City Common Council unanimously approved a Wisconsin DNR stewardship grant application. The grant would fund $639,140 worth of park projects. Of that amount, the city would need to commit just under $320,000, which would be paid for by TID (Tax Increment District) funds, local taxing entities, and other grants.
The proposed upgrades to the park to be listed in the grant application, include: Inclusive playground equipment Restroom facility Restroom building parking area Walking path that connects the restroom parking area to the all-inclusive playground area 63-stall parking area on the south side of the park Storm water management area
The grant application deadline is May 1. According to George Morrissey, director of public works for Cuba City, all applications will be reviewed at the end of August or the beginning of September, with award announcements coming shortly after. State contracts would be awarded in late October, with actual construction likely to start next spring, if the city were to be selected for the grant.
The grant application is a system based on points. According to Kurt Muchow, from Vierbicher Associates, who was present at the meeting, the benchmark is 16 points. The city’s application will contain between 19.2 and 22.2 points. Applications can earn points by including certain items, such as a CIP (Capital Improvement Plan), stormwater management, an inclusive playground, and others.
This single grant application will make the city eligible for multiple funding programs.
Muchow, who has been working with city staff on the grant application, noted last year half of the grants that were submitted received funding. “It’s pretty competitive,” he said.
Cuba City Area Rescue Squad Update As was previously reported, during a special meeting on March 29, the council signed a contract with Southwest Health to provide 911 emergency services within the city. The contract effectively ended the nearly 50-year service of the Cuba City Area Rescue Squad (CCARS).
During the April 5 meeting, council members reflected on the decision, the reaction from the community, and the path forward.
It was noted following the special meeting that council members did not expressly thank CCARS members for their dedication and service to the community during the meeting. That point was addressed during the regular meeting on April 5. Tim Hazen, alderperson, who addressed the audience the evening the contract was signed with Southwest Health, felt it was important to stick to the issues at hand, rather than the emotion of the moment.
John Van De Wiel, Cuba City mayor, offered samples of his monthly, “Mayor’s Messages,” which are published on the city’s website. In those messages he pointed out where he specifically thanked CCARS members for their service to the community. “We appreciate their work,” he said.
Moving forward, Hazen suggested a mayor’s proclamation be written and posted on the city’s website, its Facebook page and in local publications, thanking CCARS for its years of service. Council members agreed.
“It’s not something we took lightly when we made this decision,” said Betty Loeffelholz, alderperson. “It broke my heart when we did it, but it was a decision we all made, and we need to move forward.”
During the update on the rescue squad contract, Hazen also took the opportunity to address the council about its code of conduct, and specifically, Nathan Moris, alderperson.
Following the decision by the council to contract with Southwest Health, there was reaction across social media from throughout the community. Hazen highlighted one such post that Moris responded to in a negative way. Moris, a member of the CCARS, did not vote on the Southwest Health contract.
“There was a comment that was made by some individual, I don’t know who it was, and the comment made, was ‘This town is a total (expletive) joke,’ and it was in relation to the decision that was made,” said Hazen. “Councilman Moris, you publicly stated, ‘I 100-percent agree with that.’” Hazen publicly reviewed the council’s code of conduct, noting comments like the one Moris made helps the public lose trust in the city council. “I respect you,” Hazen told Moris. “You ran for city government. I applaud anyone who does it, but I also think there’s a learning curve that has to go on here.”
“I think we’re all responsible,” said Hazen, noting he was addressing the entire council when it comes to the code of conduct. Moris did not respond to Hazen’s comments.
In other business, the council: Approved a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Board for batting cage improvements at Splinter Park. Caleb Timmerman is organizing the project as part of his Eagle Scout badge.
Approved the hiring of Brady Curtis as a summer intern. He will have a variety of responsibilities, including economic development and marketing tasks, as well as a zoning map project.
Awarded bids for 2023 street and utilities projects, TID 2 and TID 4 projects.
Approved a street closing application for Hindu’s 25th anniversary party on May 23.
Approved a Capital Improvement Plan leading up to 2028, when Main Street/ Highway 80 is planned for reconstruction.
Approved a Finance Committee’s recommendation on the use of Community Market budgeted funds.
Approved the rehab of a clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant.
Approved the Plan Commission’s recommendation to deny Susan Simon’s application for a conditional use permit.
