By Jacob Mathias

The iconic clock tower in the Mead Rapids View Park is in need of some work.

Repairs needed for the Clock and Bell Tower at Mead Rapids View Park were approved by the city’s Finance and Property Committee at its meeting on November 3. Repairs and costs were researched by the city’s Clock and Bell Tower Committee.

Fixes needed include repairs, cleaning and restoration of the clock and its inner workings by the Minneapolis-based Mechanical Watch Supply, LLC. at a cost of $31,500. Recaulking of the clock tower by the Advance Cast Stone Company of Random Lake, Wis., is also needed at a cost of $6,500.

Clock and Bell Tower Committee member Jerry Feith said the mechanical winders in the clock need replacing and problems with the clock stopping in cold weather need to be addressed as well.

“We would like it to last for a while now,” said Feith.

The clock will be completely disassembled, cleaned and inspected before being refurbished to factory new standards. All surfaces will also be painted and preserved with a microcrystalline wax. Moving parts will be coated with lacquer to prevent rust.

District 8 Alderman Terry Dolan said some of his constituents were concerned about the lack of local tradesmen involved in the project.

“I’m guessing that’s because nobody local can do it. I don’t know,” said Dolan.

Feith confirmed Dolan’s suspicions.

“There aren’t very many people around who restore these old clocks,” said Feith.

The repairs come at no cost to the city as funds will be provided by a grant from the Mead Witter Foundation.

Clock tower repairs are up for final approval by the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council at its meeting on November 17 at 6:00 PM. The clock tower and Mead Rapids View Park are located at 351 1st St. in Wisconsin Rapids.