Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Antigo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues with medium priority
Handicap Parking at Mendlik Park
A new ADA-accessible pathway to the basketball courts at Mendlik Park needs a handicap parking sign on the south side of Mendlik Street. It's a small-cost accessibility improvement for park users with disabilities.
Lincoln Street Water Main Engineering Work
The committee considered hiring Ayers and Associates for survey and engineering on a water main project on Lincoln Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, plus the Dixie Lunch parking lot. It's the groundwork phase for an infrastructure upgrade.
Hudson Street and Pearl Avenue CDBG Street Project
The street reconstruction project expanded to include more of Hudson Street after income surveys showed more residents qualified for the CDBG grant — a contract amendment with Ayres Associates for $74,770 was on the consent agenda.
Deteriorating Utility Poles and Dam-Area Repair
Alderman Wagner flagged moth-eaten electric poles in his ward — one tipping near his building — and a resident raised concern about a pothole-like depression near the dam. The dam work is already budgeted for next year; WPS was asked to check the pole.
July 4th Fireworks Celebration Support
The city's fireworks show stays with My Uncle's Fireworks at $18,000 — a $1,500 bump for a bigger show, funded mostly by hotel/motel tax.
Rezoning of 950 Pine Street for Residential Sale
A former neighborhood store on Pine Street gets reclassified from business to two-family residential, clearing the way for it to be sold as a home.
Hogan Street CDBG project expansion
The income survey for the Hogan Street Community Development Block Grant project was widened from Fifth Avenue to Field Street and certified, securing a million-dollar grant — but it means extra engineering and surveying costs.
Capital Equipment/Improvement Plan (CIP) draft
The city's multi-year equipment and improvement plan is still in rough draft. Expect this to come back for discussion before the budget is finalized.
Langlade County Forest Conservation Easement
The Ice Age Trail Alliance and the state DNR are seeking federal grant money to put a conservation easement on roughly 1,800 acres of private forest in Langlade County. The city signed a letter of support but isn't on the hook financially.
Automated License Plate Reader Policy
The council put official rules in place for how police can use and access license plate reader data, aimed at protecting privacy while supporting investigations.
Land Surveyor/Project Manager Position Transition
Land Surveyor/Project Manager Charley Brinkmeier is leaving. A July 15 committee meeting will address the position's future, and a July 29 Committee of the Whole meeting will kick off budget season.
Audit Closing-Entry Deficiencies
The city's finances got a clean bill of health: a clean audit opinion, no federal single-audit findings, and about $4.5 million in general fund reserves. The one warning: stormwater revenue is thin, and a rate increase may be coming.
Opportunity Zone Application
Antigo could become a federal Opportunity Zone 2.0, letting private investors put capital gains money into vacant land and downtown storefronts with big tax breaks. The first version of the program bypassed rural areas almost entirely; the 2025 overhaul aims to change that. Applying is free, and the city can decline if selected.
Langlade County tourism growth and business support
Tourism in Langlade County has climbed for four straight years — the last two were record years — and the county ranks 10th of 72 in Wisconsin for tourism dollars. Local assets like the baseball diamonds, pickleball courts, and the Ice Age Trail are drawing visitors, and WEDC offers programs to help local businesses grow and attract new investment.
Ward Consolidation for August Primary
To save money on a low-turnout primary, the city's nine wards will vote at just three combined reporting districts on August 11. Voters should check where their polling place is.
Urban Search and Rescue Agreement Renewal
The fire department stays in Wisconsin Task Force 1 through 2028, giving the region extra rescue capability during disasters, with the state reimbursing costs.
City Hall Repairs and Storm Damage Funding
City Hall has a moisture problem, and the council approved an $11,580 assessment by Building Envelope Consultants to figure out what's wrong before repairs.
Incoming police chief salary
After 28 years with the department, Chief Daniel Duley retired, and Joseph Husnick was sworn in as the new chief, pledging continuity and professional service.
Dollar General Liquor License and Quota Increase
Dollar General needs a Class A liquor license for its new Superior Street store, but the city's quota was capped at ten. The council raised the quota to eleven so the store can be licensed before it opens.