City approves land sale for charging station

Downtown Medford will soon be getting an electric vehicle charging station.

In a move Mayor Mike Wellner described as being a “win-win” for the city and anchor business in the downtown, city council members on Monday approved selling a portion of the former Riverhouse Inn property on Wisconsin Ave. to Medford Motors for $1 for the development of an electric vehicle charging station there.

The city has been actively looking into getting a charging station to accommodate travelers with electric vehicles. Given the time needed to charge a vehicle, a downtown location was considered by the city because of proximity to shopping, restaurants and other establishments with the potential to draw people to the downtown businesses. See MEDFORD MOTORS on page 3 Medford Motors approached the city about the potential to develop the lot for a charging station and to provide additional off-street parking for its workers.

The city had purchased the former tavern and apartment building several years ago and last year demolished it as part of a broader plan to develop additional green space along the Black River in Medford. The city will retain ownership of a portion of the parcel adjacent to the river which will be used as part of the Riverwalk and publicly accessible green space.

Prior to the council meeting, the planning commission had approved declaring the land to be surplus, a step in the sale of publicly owned land. At that meeting, city planner Bob Christensen told commission members there was nothing the city could build on it. “The city doesn’t have any purpose for it and it should be available for sale,” he said.

One of the things that made the lot attractive for developing a charging station there is the access to industrial level electric power service allowing for highspeed chargers to be put in. Users will pay a fee for using the charging station.

In other business council members:

  Approved allowing the public works department to move forward with purchasing the equipment and materials needed to install a splash pad in the former Whelen Street parking lot area adjacent to the Black River. The lot is being redeveloped with a shelter and splash pad into a downtown green space and park that will still be able to be used for outdoor events including the downtown farmer’s market. Council member Mike Bub voted against purchasing the items for the splash pad. He has gone on record in the past that he did not feel that was the correct spot for a splash pad in the city.

  Received an update from city coordinator Joe Harris that an outside developer had contacted the city about potential to bring another 40 to 60 unit apartment to the community. Harris reported that he and Mayor Wellner had driven the developer around the community last Thursday to look at potential sites. “That is really nice to see,” Bub said, noting that in the past it was hard to get anyone interested in bringing residential development to the community.

“You just knock the first domino over and see where it goes,” said council member Dave Roiger, noting the city helping support the project on Pep’s Way opened the door to other development.

  Approved transferring the Class B license from one premises to another from 157/159 South Whelen to 148 South Whelen. This license is currently held by Marilyn’s and will be for the entire new building which will be a restaurant and banquet space.

  Approved transferring the Class A liquor license currently held by 8th Street Artisans at 345 N Eighth Street to the store’s new location at 1265 North Eighth Street covering the 1,800 square foot addition at the North end section of the Northwoods Plaza.

  Approved updating the agent on the north Kwik Trip location for the beer/liquor license to Vicki Ploeckelman.