Menomonie City Council awards nonprofit grants at March 24 meeting

The Menomonie City Council opened its March 24 meeting with a public hearing on a proposed application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to support Phase II of construction for Well #9.

Brittany Mitchell of MSA Professional Services, the firm designing the project, provided an overview prior to the hearing. Phase II is expected to cost between $1.7 million and $1.8 million. If awarded, the city would receive $1 million through the CDBG program, with the remaining cost covered by the city.

Phase I of the project includes construction of the well, site improvements, a generator, and a wellhouse. Phase II will add an aerator and horizontal pressure filter treatment equipment. The new well will be located in Wakanda Park near ball diamond #7.

Non-profit Financial Assistance Grant program

The council unanimously approved $50,000 in funding through its newly created Non-Profit Financial Assistance Grant program. The awards were recommended by an ad hoc committee formed at the March 2nd council meeting to review the 27 applications received.

Grant recipients included The Bridge to Hope ($5,000), Dunn County Historical Society ($2,500), Evergreen Cemetery Association ($7,000), Ludington Guard Band Foundation ($6,000), Menomonie Area Senior Center ($14,500), and Stepping Stones of Dunn County ($15,000).

During discussion, Council Member Lee Schwebs expressed concern about awarding funds to the Ludington Guard Band Foundation, noting that band members receive compensation. Mayor Randy Knaack acknowledged the concern and suggested revisiting the issue ahead of next year’s funding cycle.

The nonprofit grant program was established by the council in July 2025, replacing a previous subsidy model with a competitive, application-based system.

MS4 Report

The council approved the city’s annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) report, which must be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by March 31. Environmental Services Coordinator Megen Hines presented the report, highlighting efforts across multiple departments to meet permit requirements.

Key activities included public education events, erosion-control inspections at construction sites, investigation of an illicit-discharge complaint, and inspections of stormwater outfalls and both city-owned and privately owned stormwater ponds. The city has also taken steps to reduce the amount of suspended solids and phosphorus entering surface waters.

Special event requests

The Murals in Menomonie event was approved for June 24–28 across multiple downtown locations where the murals will be located and at Wilson Park, which will serve as a hub for artists and community activities. Portions of Seventh Street will be closed for food trucks and artist staging.

The Menomonie Public Library was granted approval to host its June 25 Music Over Menomin concert in Wilson Park in conjunction with the mural event. 

The Ludington Guard Band received approval for its 2026 summer concert series, scheduled for Tuesday evenings from June 1 through August 4.

In other business:

• The council approved the issuance of a Combination Class B (beer and liquor) license to Northland Group, Inc. for The Gin Mill at 228 Main Street E. Northland Group, Inc. has proposed to purchase The Gin Mill and, as a part of that process, has applied for the liquor license surrendered by the previous owner. New owner Cody Bonte told the council the building sustained no significant damage from a recent nearby fire and plans to reopen in early April with many returning employees.

• The council approved the issuance of a “Class A” Liquor License to Foos Wine, LLC for Foos Wine at 332 Main Street East. The “Class A” liquor license allows the retail sale of liquor, wine, and cider in the original containers for consumption off-premises between 6 am and 9 pm.

• The council appointed Nolan Dowd to the Urban Forestry Board for a term running through December 2028.

• City Administrator Eric Atkinson announced a special council meeting scheduled for April 9th at 7 pm to review the new I-4 zoning code. The meeting will be held with the current council. This council’s final regular meeting will take place on April 20th, followed by an organizational meeting with the newly elected council on April 21st.