City moving ahead with walking trail

With spring right around the corner, the City of Rhinelander is moving forward with plans to construct a pedestrian path that will connect westside residents to the rest of the city. On Monday evening, the common council unanimously approved a proposal from Town and Country Engineering, Inc. for design and engineering services related to the proposed trail.

The cost of the services was listed at $9,500.

The path would connect the dead-end of Westhill Drive with the corner of Lois and Phillip streets, allowing pedestrians to bypass Davenport Street and instead use Phillip Street to access the city.  The first proposal, put forth by a westside resident, was to add a sidewalk to Davenport Street. However, after further consideration, it was determined that a walking trail would be a more feasible. 

In October, the council directed city administration to further pursue the idea. In a memo to council included with the agenda, city administrator Patrick Reagan explained that he contacted Town and Country as part of the council’s directive.

“While this trail may seem very simple on the surface, questions exist as to the land being used, wetland delineation, and whether this is to be best built as a gravel trail, a paved trail, or if it needs a boardwalk in some places,” Reagan wrote. “While it might be easiest to simply have our Parks Department simply bushwhack a trail, I would argue that if we are to create this public trail, we deserve to have it created correctly and safely, making sure that we are following the correct steps per state statute.”

Indeed, during the council discussion, comments were made regarding the need to consult with the DNR.

Alderman Tom Barnett said he recently took a walk through the area and found that “the wetland goes right through there.”

“I do think it’s pertinent that we absolutely 100 percent take any advice from the DNR because that’s their area expertise not ours,” he said. “I’d rather do this right than do it fast.”

Mark Barden of Town and Country advised that the actual construction of the trail could be completed at a low cost if it’s gravel only, however the DNR could determine that boardwalk is necessary.

“That’s going to be a DNR decision,” he said, adding that the first step will be to fill out a permit application with the DNR.

“We’re not going to go out there and survey and design it and get a bid package together without knowing we can actually do it,” Barden reassured the panel.

In other business Monday, the council unanimously approved a resolution brought by the city’s ethics committee outlining the ethical standards that should guide those who participate in city government.

The standards are:

• Serve others, not ourselves

• Use resources with efficiency and economy

• Treat all people fairly

• Use the power of our position for the well-being of all Rhinelander citizens, businesses and visitors. 

• Create an environment of honesty, openness and integrity.

The committee has also recommended ethics and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) training for elected and appointed officials and city employees. The council conducted business with only five members Monday, however city attorney Steve Sorenson noted that since the panel currently consists of only seven members, due to the retirement and recent passing of alderman Tom Kelly, five constitutes two-thirds of the council, as required by city ordinance.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].