By Joe Bachman
Contributor

STEVENS POINT — April’s common council meeting was held on Monday, April 16. Here is a rundown of notable items and approvals from the session.

City Officials Approves Multiple Grant Submissions

-Council members voted to move forward on a resolution that will apply for a stewardship grant for the city. The funds acquired will need a 50/50 match from the city, but will be used to fund the Central Wisconsin Trail Project.

-Council members also approved a grant submission that will be used towards the Cultural Commons Project, on behalf of the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners. The project will see an outdoor classroom, sculptures, and more — located inside Pfiffner Park.

City Approves Plat, Re-Zoning of New Subdivision

-Alders moved forward on approval of the construction of 10 two-story houses on the former site of Grant School on the block bounded by Fourth Ave. by Frederick St. and Washington Ave. Residents have voiced concerns on the proposed project, stating that the construction would be an eye-sore when compared to other housing units in the neighborhood. However, most city officials agreed with moving forward in past planning commission meetings, citing the need for diversity in the area, as well as demand, as a reason for moving forward.

Os’o Brewery Official

-City officials have officially given the nod to the construction of Os’o Brewery in Stevens Point. This will be located at the intersection of Venture Dr. and County Highway HH. This will be the second location for the brewery, the first of which is located in Plover in Village Park. For more information, check out https://www.pcgazette.com/2018/04/03/planning-commission-green-lights-oso-brewery-in-stevens-point/

City Approves Sale of Property on E.M. Copps Dr.

-Alders approved the sale of property on East Park Commerce Center south of E.M. Copps
Dr. and East of Week St. The purchaser is Norpar LLC, which will develop three acres of land south of Cold Service Storage. The city will receive $64,365 for the property. A proposed development on behalf of Norpar will be brought to the city in June.

City Takes Steps in ‘Rails to Trails’

-City officials approved the $175,000 purchase of an abandoned rail line that connects the Village of Whiting to Francis St. The project would see the city remove the tracks and repair the road at County Highway HH. This falls in line with the Portage County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and would be considered a major accomplishment, according to city officials, since it would essentially connect Whiting to Stevens Point via trail. The recreational and commuter trail would extend 1.66 miles.