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Capital projects presented

Waupaca begins 2021 budget process

By Angie Landsverk


The city of Waupaca’s 2021 budget process began last week with the proposed capital plan.

The common council’s first budget workshop took place on Sept. 15, and included details about the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CAP).

While the plan covers 2020 through 2024, the capital items and projects planned in 2021 were the topic of the workshop.

“The biggest one we have for 2021 is Main Street reconstruction,” Kathy Kasza told the council.

She is the city’s finance director and treasurer.

Main Street reconstruction

Of the $7.34 million in total proposed capital spending, $3.725 million is budgeted for next year’s reconstruction of Main Street, from Badger to Granite streets.

“We anticipate starting in March,” said Public Works Director Justin Berrens.

The improvements include reconstruction of the street, replacement of the sanitary sewer and water main, as well as a new storm water system, new sidewalk, curb and gutter.

The utilities under the street are at least 100 years old.

The work will take place in two phases – the section from Fulton to Granite streets will be first and then the section from Fulton to Badger streets.

The majority of the funding for the project will be from two sources.

Those sources are $1.1 million in General Obligation Bonds and $1.54 million in Wisconsin Department of Transportation funds.

Other funding sources include revenue bonds through the water and wastewater departments.

City Administrator Aaron Jenson said $75,000 is also budgeted for amenities related to the Main Street project.

That includes new trash receptacles and benches.

“In looking at the borrow, we think we can do that,” he said.

Earlier this month, the council voted to borrow an estimated $2.5 million now for 2021 capital projects due to low interest rates.

In addition, the $75,000 for Main Street amenities includes $25,000 from private donations “going toward a specific thing we will talk about in the upcoming months,” Jenson said.

The 2021 street rehabilitation program also includes $85,000 for planning and designing the reconstruction of Harrison and High streets in 2022.

The Harrison Street project will be from Fulton to North streets, and the High Street project from Fulton Street to Highland Drive.

Berrens said the pavement is in poor condition, and the four-inch water mains are in need of replacement.

Another item in the 2021 capital plan is $255,000 for engineering, planning and designing the city’s future public works garage.

The facility will be built on the former Haberkorn Field property the city owns.

A total of $375,000 is also budgeted in 2022 for designing the garage.

Parks and Rec

In the Parks and Recreation Department, $1.4 million is budgeted in 2021 to replace Swan Park’s playground and also add a splash pad and small restroom there.

Andrew Whitman, the department’s director, told the council there have been safety issues at the playground the past few years.

As a result, some of the equipment has been removed.

The proposal is to revamp the area in partnership with Friends of Waupaca Parks.

The playground would have a rubberized surface and be accessible to all.

“There are a lot of benefits to a project like this,” Whitman said.

More homes are being built in that area, he said.

“We’re trying to create a community where people want to live,” Whitman said.

The project is contingent on funding.

The city would borrow for half the cost, and Friends of Waupaca Parks would raise funds for the other half, he said.

If the group is unable to reach its fundraising goal, the city would look at only replacing the playground next year.

“We look forward to working with Friends of Waupaca Parks to hopefully make this happen,” Whitman said.

The city is also talking to Waupaca County about a possible collaboration.

That is related to the building the city owns at 415 School St.

Health and Fitness Headquarters formerly leased the space.

“Conversations have started about how to best use the building,” Whitman said.

The initial proposal includes spending $55,000 in 2021 to redo the building’s back room – making it a kitchen that could be used by the senior center for programming, Waupaca County for its senior meal program and also be a rentable revenue source for the city.

Whitman said conversations will continue in the coming months.

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