Lueder appointed to City Council

Choosing a fresh face over experience, the Rhinelander Common Council voted unanimously Monday to appoint local businessman Bob Lueder to represent Aldermanic District 4.

Lueder succeeds the late Tom Kelly who resigned in late January after representing District 4 for more than 15 years. 

Kelly, who also served on the Oneida County Board of Supervisors, passed away on Feb. 1 at the age of 81.

In a special meeting held Jan. 29, the council voted to fill the vacancy by special appointment rather than hold a special election. The District 4 seat will not be up for election until April 2026.

On Feb. 12, the council finalized a questionnaire compiled by city administrator Patrick Reagan to be completed by all individuals interested in filling the vacancy. 

While Mayor Kris Hanus initially indicated three people had expressed interest in the position, only two filled out the questionnaire — Lueder and former alderman (and county board supervisor) Bill Freudenberg.

The completed questionnaires can be found at the end of this story. They are published verbatim, however we did not include either individual’s personal contact information which is included on the questionnaire form.

Both men also addressed the council before Monday’s vote.

Lueder, owner of Plane Parts Inc. in downtown Rhinelander, is a transplant to the area.

“I moved here about five years ago. We relocated my family and my business to the Rhinelander area and I was immediately taken by all of the opportunities here within our city,” he said. “I don’t know if you guys have lived here your whole life or if you’re transplants like I am, but we have a pretty amazing city. If you’ve never been somewhere else, and you’ve lived here your entire life, you might not see all of that.”

Lueder went on to explain that he is a member of both the chamber of commerce Downtown Rhinelander Inc. and participated in the Leadership Oneida County program to learn more about his new home.

“I was blown away at all the opportunities, all the programs, all the social services that are here,” he continued. “Our city has programs that cities twice the size don’t even have.”

“I think the city is great. I love this city and I want to be part of the continued growth and forward momentum that this administration has already started,” he concluded.

Given his chance to speak, Freudenberg noted that he is also a transplant to the Hodag City, although he’s lived here for about 40 years.

Having recently retired after 33 years in manufacturing, Freudenberg said he wants to continue to serve his neighbors, as he did previously as an alderman and county board supervisor. (He was an alderman from 2004-12 and on the county board from 2014-18).

“I’ve given back to this community enormously and enjoyed every minute of it,” he said. “I’ve always had a passion for this community, always wanted to see it grow. I see the growth taking place right now. I’d really love to be part of this growth moving forward...”

After hearing from the two applicants, alderman David Holt endorsed Lueder.

“Bob is somebody that I have a great amount of respect for his integrity. I think he’s got a wonderful temperament. He’s very deliberative in his decisions (and would serve the district well),” Holt noted.

Minutes later, the panel voted 8-0 to appoint Lueder.

After city clerk Austyn Zarda administered the oath of office, Lueder immediately took his seat at the council table and participated in the rest of the evening’s business. 

In addition to approving meeting minutes and paying bills, the council heard an update from the city attorney regarding the transfer of a property and voted unanimously to waive the fees for the 2024 Northwoods Pride event which is to be held at Hodag Park. 

Below are the completed questionnaires submitted by Lueder and Freudenberg. 

Robert L. “Bob” Lueder

1) What experience do you have in local government and policymaking?

I have no experience in local government. As to Policy making, I’ve sat on 2 non profit organization boards and as a business owner regulated by the FAA, have had to draft a quality manual detailing processes and procedures for my production. 

2) If appointed, do you see your role as an Alderperson representing all of the citizens of Rhinelander and if you do how do you see that role as different than representing the best interests of your district?

I would see myself as a designee / representative of the city as well as District 4, and as such, would be open to discussions, criticisms and an open ear for concerns or awareness, regardless of the district. Of course this would be inclusive of communication with other council members and more specificly the Alderperson who oversees the distric where the concern or awareness was generated. 

3) Please explain your understanding of the role of a city council member in promoting economic development?

It’s my understanding that opportunities are always present for the city to develop, grow and be impacted in both positive and negative ways. As a member of the city council, I would be one of several voices who could potentially be instrumental in bringing the growth and development of Rhinelander, in a positive and forward moving way. This is in alignment with my current role as the President of Downtown Rhinelander. 

4) Can you explain the difference between the legislative role of the council and the administrative role of the professional staff?

It is my understanding that the council is the body of elected non partisan officials who manage the city, it’s finances, laws / ordinances, and are essentially the governing body in synchronicity with the mayor. The professional staff, as I understand it, are hired by the city council and those positions oversee subordinate city employees.

5) What is your opinion on the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process?

I operate my person life and profession life in a state of transparency. It is critical in local government as well as at state and federal levels, for the citizens to feel like they actually have a voice and can contribute their opinions and positions on all matters as they relate to their city or neighborhood. More importantly, to know that decisions aren't being made inside a bubble for the betterment of the few as opposed to the needs of the many.

6) Describe your experience working with various city stakeholders, such as community organizations and residents?

For the last 2 years, I have served on the Rhinelander/Hodag youth baseball board responsible for fundraising as well as serving on the board for Downtown Rhinelander Inc. and a seat with Forward Rhinelander. Within these experiences, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with the majority of the businesses that operate within the 4th district as well as individuals and other organizations within the community for the purposes of raising money, promoting businesses, and interacting with parents and their children playing baseball and softball. I am an Alumni of the 2019- 2020 class of the Leadership Oneida County program, which fostered growth within my leadership skills I already possessed as well as an awareness of all the programs and organizations in our community that serve the roles of supporting our residents and community. I have working relationships with several of the former and current members of the city council, administrator, mayor, Police and Fire Chiefs. 

7) What is your understanding and knowledge of municipal budgets and budgeting?

I have not spent anytime analysing the city’s budget. I have attended several board meetings to have a better understanding of the flow, but the city is unlike any other business in it of itself and needs to have a budget to determine income and expenses and to manage cash flow and loans / bonds. This is no different than budget requires for my own small business and the management of it’s cash and assets.

8) What steps would you take to ensure transparency and accountability in the City Council’s decisions?

I would as mentioned previously, bring my own transparency to the table. With meetings structured as they are and with local, state and federal laws in place, it makes it difficult to maintain a “good ole boys club” environment when everything is being recordered and reported. I would also remind us that we have an obligation to our community to make good sound, educated decisions with the facts we have as they relate to each matter being discussed or brought forward. 

9) How would you prioritize the city’s needs?

Using a tier system to priority opportunities and decisions based on a city level, district level or neighborhood level.

10) What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the City of Rhinelander today? In five years? 10 years?

Rhinelander faces a number of issues that require not only attention today but long term planning and commitment. These should come as no surprise, but housing and available child care rate among the top as well as having the proper personnel and equipment for the infrastructure to support growth. Well funded and staffed Police and Fire departments with the facilities required as well as the opportunities for recurrent training are paramount to the public's safety. City departments like Streets and the Water works, etc. are also key to the sustainabilty of the City. The biggest is enough like minded individuals who want to see and be part of the growth. Not for personal gain, but because they believe positive growth and a positive culture draws and attracts positive like minded people like a contagion.

Bill Freudenberg

1) What experience do you have in local government and policymaking?

I served on the City Council from 2004-2012 as an Alderperson. With that I made decisions with the Council back then pertaining to policies that would help the City move forward in efficient ways and work with the Administrator and all departments as well. I worked with all members of the Council and the Mayor to discuss any Items that would effect the City in a negative or positive way. I think policies have to be updated periodically depending on the topic.

2) If appointed, do you see your role as an Alderperson representing all of the citizens of Rhinelander and if you do how do you see that role as different than representing the best interests of your district?

If I am appointed, I represent the people of District 4. I am responsible for listening to their concerns and finding an answer for them what ever that may be.

3) Please explain your understanding of the role of a city council member in promoting economic development?

My role if appointed is to promote economic development the best I can. To work with the City Council, The Mayor and the Administrator.The growth of this City with Housing, Retail or Manufacturing is very vital to the City moving forward. Lets developers know that we are willing to work with them.

4) Can you explain the difference between the legislative role of the council and the administrative role of the professional staff?

The Legislative role is creating and enforcing the ordinances of the City vested by the Council. The Administrative role of the Council Is to appoint or hire a Manager or Administrator to run the day to day operations of the City.

5) What is your opinion on the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process?

Transparency is very important for the public. I think that public engagement is very important because their input is very important on any decisions that might affect them.

6) Describe your experience working with various city stakeholders, such as community organizations and residents?

I have lived in Rhinelander for 40 years. I have known and worked with past City Council Members and Mayors, City Administrators. I know alot of the City residents and businesses as well, such as DRI. I served on the Oneida County Fair for 6 years and now I am serving on The Lights of the Northwoods Board for the past five years. I am also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

7) What is your understanding and knowledge of municipal budgets and budgeting?

When its come to City budgeting you have a responsibility as Council Members to keep spending in line. If you don’t have enough money to cover your expenses then you need to find another budget line to take from if it qualifies for that expense,you can borrow or you must cut. You need to keep a certain amount in your general fund.

8) What steps would you take to ensure transparency and accountability in the City Council’s decisions?

I will always work with the City Council and the Mayor. That everything is discussed and explained for the public to know and understand.

9) How would you prioritize the city’s needs?

1. Services

2. Retaining personel

3. Budget

4. Department equipment

5. Economic Development

6. Always looking for grants to help with expenses and moving forward

7. Promote the Youth (Skate Board)

8. Protect our communities

9. To build for our future

10. Policies changes

10) What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the City of Rhinelander today? In five years? 10 years?

1. Housing, can’t get enough of it. There has been a population explosion. 

2. Alway funding.

3. Finding employees for open positions

5 years: Unless if the state changing their formula for funding for municipalities I see that being a constant challenge moving forward.

10 years: It’s hard to see that far ahead.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].