Rhinelander's city council Monday delayed action on a proposal to abandon plowing snow on a private alley way behind several downtown businesses.
The city has plowed the alley from West King Street to South Stevens St. only to find out it was private property. The public works committee split on a decision to abandon duties in the alley, fearing liability issues. But several business owners said with the city moving ahead with the Streetscape project, some of those businesses could lose all access if the alley isn't plowed.
Downtown Rhinelander Inc. President Dan Kuzlik asked the city for a delay until something could be worked out...
"....to give those business owners a chance to plan ahead to work into their budget...."
Property owners at the meeting said they would be open to signing a short term hold harmless agreement so the alley could be plowed this winter. Property owner and attorney John O'Melia proposed meeting with with City Attorney Carrie Miljevich to work out a short term agreement. The council voted to send the matter back to committee to work out an agreement to come back to council.
In other action, the city council agreed to a quit claim deed on the Oneida County Humane Society building on North Stevens Street. The shelter takes care of pets brought in from all of Oneida county including Rhinelander. The city has been negotiating terms of the deed, meaning Oneida County Humane Society gets the building. they also will get a payment from the city for $50,000 to take care of pet needs. Should the OCHS dissolve, the city will have the right of first refusal to take the building back at no charge.
Also, the council agreed to a change in zoning which will allow a unique autism, daycare and preschoolcenter to open in the former TaylorPark building on Boyce Drive. InterACT Centers of Wisconsin asked for the change in zoning. The concept is to provide a center where individuals with autism can be with others with autism, unlike most settings were the person is not in a social setting.
