Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan City officials Tuesday accept a check at Franklin Park for improvements already underway. Shown are, from left, Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director; Matt Hendricks, Shawano Park and Recreation director; Shawano Country Tourism Development Fund Committee members Greg Seymour, Sally Jo Stevens and Mike Schuler; Jeanne Cronce, mayor of Shawano; Brian Knapp, Shawano city administrator; and Patti Peterson, Shawano Country tourism manager.
Shawano city officials Tuesday accepted a check from the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council to help pay for the first phase of planned improvements to Franklin Park, but it will be up to the Common Council to decide whether there will be a Phase 2.
Voters in a non-binding advisory referendum last week overwhelmingly supported up to $1.85 million in additional borrowing for park improvements.
That question will be on the Common Council’s agenda Wednesday.
Phase 1 of the Franklin Park project, which got underway last week, is not related to the referendum.
The Phase 1 project includes an archway at the main entrance at the northeast corner of the park, at Division and Washington streets; landscaping with native plantings; a concrete walkway; 18 parking stalls; electric utilities available for the farmers market and other public use; lighting at the main entrance and the east entrance across from the civic center; a 1o-foot-wide sidewalk on the other side of the parking stalls; and a pedestrian crossing across Washington Street from the park to the civic center parking lot.
Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the first week in June.
“If everything sticks to timeline, we should be all right,” said Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks.
Mayor Jeanne Cronce said the city was thrilled that the referendum passed and was proud of the community support.
“Hopefully this project will get done quick and everyone will be happy with the results,” she said.
The council approved a budget amendment in February to cover higher than expected costs on the first phase of development plans for Franklin Park.
The city was projecting a maximum $140,000 for the Phase 1 project, but the lowest of five contractor bids, from Martell Construction Co. of Green Bay, came in at more than $185,000.
The council voted 3-1 to grant the bid to Martell and amend the budget, with Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz voting no. Council members Sandy Steinke and John Hoeffs were absent.
The amendment will add $55,000 in borrowing for the Phase 1 development, which will add 0.14 percent to the 2018 tax levy and 0.013 cents per $1,000 to the tax bill. That will work out to an additional $1.30 in taxes per year on a $100,000 home for each of the 10 years of the life of the loan.
The $30,000 grant awarded Tuesday comes from the Shawano Country Tourism Development Fund Committee
“The purpose of the Tourism Development Fund is to develop new or expanded visitor attractions that will encourage overnight stays and tourist spending in Shawano and Menominee counties,” said Nancy Smith, chamber of commerce executive director.
The primary source of financial support for the fund is revenue from a 1 1/2 percent room tax collected by lodging properties within the city and town of Wescott.
Phase 1 is also being supported by $15,000 donated by the Rotary and $20,000 from the Egan Foundation.
Further park improvements would be funded by the borrowing approved by voters last week.
At Franklin Park, the improvements would include an amphitheater for music, movies and community events; public restrooms, and pavilion space available for public rental; a water fountain with benches and trees for visual interest; parking, electrical, landscaping and infrastructure to accommodate community events; walkways, picnic tables and benches; and space for a future playground.
At Smalley Park, plans call for a park pavilion with restroom facilities and a rentable picnic shelter; a canoe and kayak launch; boat landings and boat slips; improved parking, lighting and security; walking trails that connect all of the major park features; trees and other native plantings, including native plantings along the waterway to deter geese; and continued revitalization of the beach and the improvement of beach amenities.
The plan also calls for a splash pad to replace the kiddie pool at Memorial Park.
The 20-year loan would mean an estimated annual tax increase of 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or $25 for a $100,000 home.