On the agenda: Park Falls 7.13.2026 Common Council Meeting Minutes — data center (Jul 13)

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 7/13/2026
The Common Council of the City of Park Falls met in regular session at 5:00 PM on Monday, July 13,
2026, Mayor Tara Tervort called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM and the following members were
present:
Mayor:

Tara Tervort

Alderman:

Dan Greenwood
Dennis Wartgow
Terry Wilson
Gary Wollerman – Excused
Amy Benedict
Dixie Weidman - Excused
Michael Mader
Dina Bukachek

City Attorney:

Bryce Schoenborn

City and Zoning Administrator:

Scott Kluver

Staff present: Shannon Greenwood, Bill Hoffman, Marvin Nevelier, Larry Reas, Becky Michels, Jody
Eckert
Also Present: Grant Tesnow, Nicholus Trimner, Sue & Ed Walasek
There was a motion by Greenwood/Bukachek to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
There was a motion by Wilson/Mader to approve the minutes for the Plan Commission meeting on June
18, 2026, and the Common Council meeting on June 22, 2026. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS AND LOCAL EVENTS – Mayor Tervort will be attending the League meeting for
the board, and Emily McFarland was hired as the new Executive Director. Registrations need to be in soon
for annual Fall Conference. Wednesday is 715 Day in downtown Park Falls, several businesses
participating with specials that day.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Grant Tesnow inquired about the possibility of getting a zoning change before the
completion of the new Comprehensive Plan.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing – The Public Hearing started at 5:08.
Sue Walasek, 177 Cedar Street, had recommendations for language and additional requirements in
Ordinance 26-014. There is no active applicant at this time.
Testimony from Chris Hoffman, 870 7th Avenue South, was read aloud for inclusion on Ordinance
26-014.
Called 3 times for comments. The Public Hearing Closed at 5:30.
B. Ordinance 26-013 –Motion by Mader/Benedict to approve Ordinance 26-013. Motion carried.
C. Ordinance 26-014 – Establishes regulations for a data center district, to include parameters,
setback requirements, and other specific requirements. Recommended for approval from the Plan
Commission. Motion by Greenwood/Wartgow to approve Ordinance 26-014. Motion by
Benedict/Bukachek to amend the motion and include language regarding the City’s right to have
EIA reviewed by an independent expert of its choosing section H and I.
D. Motion on amendment carried. Motion on approving Ordinance 26-014 as amended carried.
E. Ordinance 26-015 – Due to legislative changes to zoning laws this modification is necessary to keep
our Ordinances compliant with the law. Motion by Bukachek/Wilson to approve Ordinance 26015. Motion carried.
F. Ordinance 26-016 – Simplifies process for applicant by allowing DPW Director to make
determinations regarding driveways, as has been the practice. Motion by Wilson/Greenwood to
approve Ordinance 26-016. Motion carried.

G. Disallowance of Claims – 1140 3rd Avenue South -This is a recommendation from our insurance
company, Statewide Services. Motion by Greenwood/Bukachek to adopt the recommendation to
disallow. Motion carried, 5-0 with Wartgow Abstaining.
H. Creation of Park Designation Fund - Motion by Wilson/Benedict for designation of funds to pay for
future capital improvement in any of the City’s parks and to pay for the placement/replacement of
significant equipment and facilities. The fund is not intended to provide for general/routine
maintenance. Motion carried, 6-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance
1. There was a motion by Bukachek/Benedict approve paying the bills in the amount of $74,059.81.
Motion carried, 6-0.
Board of Public Works – No report.
Public Services – No report.
Personnel – No report.
At 5:48 there was a motion by Wartgow/Bukachek to convene into closed session, pursuant to Wisconsin
Statutes 19.85 (1)(c) considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data
of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.
Reviewing Chief of Police applications. Motion carried, 6-0. City staff Kluver and Greenwood present.
Reviewed the Chief of Police applications. Two of the three were selected for an interview.
At 6:33 there was a motion by Wartgow/Wilson to reconvene into open session. Motion carried, 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Prepared by: Shannon Greenwood, City Clerk