June 9, 2022 at 11:46 a.m.
Hanus settles in: New mayor lauds new development, prepares for first budget cycle
Hanus settles in: New mayor lauds new development, prepares for first budget cycle
"As a public member, you really don't get to see behind the curtain of, you know, what does the mechanic shop look like, what does the garage look like," he said, noting that he spent about four hours at the city's wastewater treatment plant and came away very impressed with its sophistication.
"I knew there was a treatment plant, but as a public member I was never able to go out there and see it," he explained. "You don't realize a town our size has what that plant is until you (go out there)."
Similarly, Hanus said he's received an education on the various assets owned by the city, from water towers to buildings to plow trucks.
"I've been in the attic of City Hall, I've been in the basement. I've been in every public building the city owns," he said. "To my knowledge, there's no parts of the city that I haven't viewed."
One of the city's newest assets is approximately 416 acres adjacent to Northwood Golf Club donated by Dr. Lee Swank for silent sports use. Hanus said "the sky's the limit" in terms of the potential of the Northwood/Heal Creek site.
"There's a lot of potential for making that, let's say in a 50-year plan, that site could be the crown jewel of the rec center for Rhinelander because it's 800-plus acres out there," he said. "There's so many opportunities out there to make that an actual complex to help the city grow and draw people in, too."
Hanus also expressed enthusiasm about other recent developments, including the city plan commission's approval of an expansion of the Marshfield Clinic Rhinelander Center as well as the upcoming addition of a 5,526 square foot multi-tenant commercial building to be located Spring Road with one spot to contain a drive-thru Jimmy John's restaurant.
The additional space, 4,098 square feet, is to be split into two units for additional commercial tenants, according to a site plan submitted to the plan commission.
The goal is to complete construction of the building in 2023.
As for the Marshfield Clinic expansion, in May the commission approved the annexation of a 2.2 acre lot adjacent to the current facility at 2260 N. Shore Drive for the project.
"The proposed project includes an approximate 8,000 square foot expansion of floor area at the existing medical office facility, Marshfield Clinic Rhinelander Center located at 2260 N. Shore Drive," according to the site plan application submitted to the commission. "The building addition will allow for expansion of primary care and outreach services currently provided at the Rhinelander Center as well as provide space for physical therapy and rehabilitation services. The expansion will also include space for additional outreach and urgent care services. Operating hours will Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The facility will have an average of 17 staff members."
"There's a lot of interest from housing to commercial development to businesses coming here," Hanus noted.
Hanus isn't the only one new to city government following the spring election. Two new alderpersons - LeAnn Felten and Steven Jopek - have joined the council. Hanus said he believes the group is functioning well, moving through its business in an efficient manner.
One subject of considerable debate at the council level over the last several years has been whether the city should return to the traditional committee structure of the past or continue with the current practice of holding two council meetings per month.
Hanus said his thought is to continue with the current practice until the end of the year at which time the council can decide whether it wants to go back to the committee structure, continue with the current model or implement a hybrid.
"I know some people love committees, some people hate them, some are somewhere in the middle," he noted.
First, Hanus and the new council will have to put together a budget for next year. The process usually begins in late July or August and continues until approximately November when the numbers are finalized.
Hanus said one of his goals for his first experience with city budgeting is to better explain to taxpayers what their tax dollars are supporting.
"My hope this year, when we get into budget, is to kind of lay it out - your average $100,000 house, this much goes to the schools, this much goes to the county, the state, this is what goes to Rhinelander. OK, now the Rhinelander pie, you're $100,000 house, this is roughly how much is going to police, this much is going to fire, parks, administration, whatever."
"I think that's been lacking from City Hall, that communication of here's the money we get and here's what we do (with it)," he added.
Community outreach is a priority for Hanus, who has a number of ideas as to how to increase engagement with the public. One idea is to create short videos to be posted to the city website and Facebook page. This could include updates as to what's happening in various city departments to information on historic sites in the community, unique attractions and interesting facts, he said.
Hanus also weighed in on the subject of whether the city should hire an assistant city administrator. He said he would like the council to consider designating different department heads to take turns serving two-year terms as the official backup to the administrator. With the position/duties rotating every two years, there would be less concern about personality issues or the centralization of power, he noted.
"I think we've got to have some kind of a plan in place so that if something were to happen to the city administrator, it's not the Wild West," he said, noting that the department head would receive additional compensation while serving as the backup to the administrator.
Hanus also noted he is working to facilitate open communication with the alderpersons and volunteered that he signed Daniel's nomination papers for her run for the 34th Assembly seat currently held by Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander).
"Some people view 'oh, you signed her papers, you're endorsing her'. No, this is just for them to have the ability to get on the ballot," he explained.
While providing a signature for nomination papers is not the same as an endorsement of a particular candidate, Hanus did disclose that he does plan to make an endorsement in the 34th District race.
"I will make that known, I will endorse the one that I feel is best for the city and district," he said. "Officially, I have no opinion on either one (of the candidates) at this point," he added, noting that he doesn't intend to make his endorsement decision until later this year to allow time to learn more about both candidates.
Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].
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