By Joe Bachman

Wisconsin Rapids common council was held at city hall on Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2016. Here is the rundown of news and notes from the meeting. 

Mayor Zach Vruwink’s report briefed the committee on the progress of various items on the agenda, including the aquatics survey. The aquatics survey tested the willingness of residents to pay for a facility, either indoor or outdoor, as well as the possibility to team up with the YMCA in the aquatics project. These continued surveys will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

The mayor also briefed the committee that the building and remodeling has begun of MC Sports, which is going to take over the old Staples building on 8th St. South. Construction will take a few months, according to the mayor.

Steve Anderson speaks to members of the common council. (City Times Photo)

Steve Anderson introduced himself as the president of the Regional Economic Growth Initiative (REGI) and gave his report, and expresses confidence going forward in creating economic growth in the community.

“There is a level of optimism in the community that’s vital,” said Anderson. “I believe that’s a major factor to success.”

REGI is a public and private effort aimed at improving the regional economy through investments, creating job prospects, and business development in pursuit of a stronger local economy.

An increase in fares for River City Cabs was approved by the committee, as nobody opposing the increase spoke out to the committee.

Nominations for Ethics board took place, and Doug Machon was nominated for citizen member, Terry Dolan was nominated for alderperson member, and James Stack was nominated at alternate alderperson member for the ethics board.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 7:00 p.m.