City Council approves rental ordinance

The City Council Chambers were full on Monday, February 2nd, as council members considered proposed Ordinance 2026-02, which would repeal and replace Title 9, Chapter 2 governing residential rental properties.

At the public hearing at the start of the meeting, 16 residents spoke; the majority expressed support for the ordinance, including two landlords. Jay Williamson of Southside Property Management spoke in opposition, while Ryan Martin of Pathways Properties requested the matter be tabled. Written objections were also submitted by Tim Nelson (American Edge), Ryan Martin (Pathways Properties), Emilie Wiese, and Jack and Craig Stelter (Stelter Rentals).

Prior to Wisconsin Act 317, which became effective in April 2018, the City of Menomonie conducted annual rental inspections. Act 317 removed the city’s authority to conduct proactive inspections; however, it permits the establishment of a rental property inspection program in designated districts where there is evidence of blight, high rates of building code complaints or violations, deteriorating property values, or increases in single-family home conversions to rental units.

The Ad Hoc Housing Committee recommended establishing such a district known as a Neighborhood Stabilization and Enhancement District (NSED). Working with city staff and City Attorney Ben Ludeman, the Ad Hoc Housing Committee prepared the proposed ordinance.

Key components of the ordinance include:

• Defining NSED #1

• Adding proactive rental inspections within the district

• Adding rent abatement if confirmed habitability violations are found during a complaint based or proactive rental inspection and not corrected within 30 days. 

• Adding retaliation protections

The Ad Hoc Housing Committee recommended approval at the December 9, 2025, council meeting. The Plan Commission reviewed and recommended the ordinance on January 26th. 

Property owners within the NSED were notified by letter of the proposal and informed of the plan commission meeting and the public hearing scheduled at the start of this meeting. 

The council waived both readings and approved the ordinance, with Council Member Eric Sutherland casting the lone dissenting vote. Results, based on the building inspectors' reports, will be reviewed in one year. 

Well #9 Project 

The council awarded the Phase I construction contract for the Well #9 project to Market & Johnson for $4,532,172.30. The city will receive up to $1.6 million in principal forgiveness through the Wisconsin DNR Safe Drinking Water Loan Program, with the remainder funded through a low-interest loan through the same program.

Water Superintendent Jeremy Hoyt explained that while Menomonie currently has three operational wells, they must run continuously to meet demand. Adding a fourth well will allow pumps to rest, extending their lifespan and helping the city meet capacity requirements without relying on its largest well.

Phase I includes construction of the well, site improvements, a generator, and a wellhouse. Phase II—covering aerator and horizontal pressure filter treatment equipment—is expected to be bid in fall 2026. The new well will be located in Wakanda Park near ball diamond #7.

Kwik Trip rezone

The council passed Ordinance 2026-03, rezoning property at 6103 3M Drive from restricted industrial (I-1) to local commercial (B-2). The parcel, owned by Kwik Trip and located next to its existing store, was purchased after the store’s construction. 

With the rezoning, all parcels owned by the company will be zoned the same, which will allow parcels to be merged. 

A public hearing was held at the beginning of the meeting. No public comments were made other than from a Kwik Trip representative, and no objections were received. The Plan Commission unanimously approved the request on January 26. The council waived both readings and approved the rezoning unanimously.

Additional Council Actions

In other business, the council:

• Approved the 2026 Senior Center Lease Agreement, continuing to lease portions of the Leisure Services Center to the Menomonie Area Senior Center for $1 per year.

• Approved a $95,000 engineering task order with Cedar Corporation for the Heller Road and Oak Avenue Sidewalk Project. This project would use the remaining funds from Tax Incremental Financing District #14, which closes September 7, 2026.

• Approved a budget transfer from the contingency fund allowing the fire department to purchase radio equipment that will limit dispatch notifications by station, reducing disruptions during training and overnight hours.

• Approved a change of agent for JM Davis, LLC (The Market Social Club) to Amber J. Gaddy.

• Rescheduled the second City Council meeting in March from the 17th to the 23rd due to UW-Stout and Menomonie High School spring break.

The council packet also included the Menomonie Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report and the 2025 Housing Affordability Analysis. Both can be found at the end of this document.

Council members additionally received the final report (found below) of the City of Menomonie Ad Hoc Housing Committee, prepared by Chair Cody Gentz.