Animal nuisance areas, Fall Ride vendors also discussed

By Sarah Greil

Tomahawk Leader Reporter

In its Aug. 6 meeting, the City of Tomahawk Common Council approved the borrowing of $663,000.00 from the Trust Fund of the State of Wisconsin for the purpose of financing the Kings Road Phase II and III projects, 3rd Street sewer project, Tomahawk Bike Trail System improvements and 2019 road improvements.

Find a summary of the status of the various projects in a letter written by John Cole, City of Tomahawk Director of Public Works, on the Tomahawk Leader website.

There were no comments from the public on a resolution designating parts of the City of Tomahawk as animal nuisance areas and allowing bow and arrow hunting within those areas. Within these animal nuisance areas, bears and/or deer may be hunted with a bow and arrow or crossbow during the bow and arrow season. Those wishing to hunt bears and/or deer within the city limits must first register with the Tomahawk Police Department and abide by hours and rules established by both the State of Wisconsin and the Ad-Hoc Animal Nuisance Control Committee. This was passed and approved unanimously.

During Fall Ride last year, the Tomahawk Police Department received numerous complaints of food vendors not displaying their prices and then charging unexpectedly high prices for food. The Health and Safety Committee recommended an ordinance on concession sales stating purchase price for concession sales must be displayed during business hours where consumers can clearly see the purchase price prior to ordering. This was also passed and approved.

Board/Commission/Committee appointments include Garry Volker, from Strikers Tomahawk Bowl, for the Business Improvement District Board. Tim Calhoun was appointed for the Police and Fire Commission.

Noteworthy Committee Reports:

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved an off-premise business sign in a residential area. Concern was shown that allowing it may encourage more of the same and in so doing bring too much traffic to residential areas. It was decided that, with the exception of the sign being temporary, it does comply with current rules.

The Health and Safety Committee approved a Class B Beer License, as well as a Tobacco License for Holiday on 706 N 4th Street. They also approved an unrelated Operator (Bartender’s) License. The Best Ball Benefit, sponsored by the Tomahawk Main Street, Inc. and Kinship of Tomahawk, was approved to take place on Aug. 31. The Brat Fry & Bonfire, sponsored by the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, was approved to take place Sept. 1 at the SARA Park Boat Landing during the Fall Ride. These were all later approved by the Council with no discussion.

The Commission on Aging reported they will be holding a couple of new fundraisers and “getting to know the Senior Center” events, such as live music during the day and a Senior Center October Fest. Concern was shown that a Western Box Snake has been hanging out around the Senior Center, even shedding its skin by the front door. The DNR said that they are native to Wisconsin.

The Library Board reported on the remodeling that is still ongoing. New duct work has been started and dry wall is being put up in the Community Room. In the parking lot, new asphalt has been laid and new lines painted. They will be getting a new board representative from the school, as the old rep is no longer at the school, but there is no word on who this will be. Future programs include a quilt display by the Three Rivers Quilters Guild, a tie dying event, and Smokey the Bear’s Birthday Party.

Tomahawk Main Street Inc. reported that there are only 3 businesses vacant downtown right now and all other businesses seem to be doing well. They will be partnering with Big Bear & Kinship for the Big Bear Open on Aug. 31. Funds generated from this will be used for downtown improvement, probably for the garbage can receptacle project. There is a survey currently in the public to see how the community feels Tomahawk Main Street Inc. is performing. Furthermore, they are happy with how the flower baskets have turned out.

The next City of Tomahawk Common Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at City Hall.