Crossing Point Property and Landmark property projects move forward

PESHTIGO – The City of Peshtigo Common Council most recently met on Tuesday, March 3, where they heard a presentation recapping the Crossing Point Property workforce housing project.

Eric Fowle from the Cedar Corporation explained that the project focuses on “missing middle” housing for individuals making 60% to 120% of the county’s median household income. The proposed plan features smaller homes with simple layouts ideal for young couples starting out and retirees, he said.

The city council voted to move forward with the housing project, approving the preliminary plans.

To make these drafts a reality, City of Peshtigo Mayor Katie Berman is working with Fowle to submit a Congressionally Directed Spending Request Form to Senator Tammy Baldwin for the 2027 fiscal year.

The draft of the application states that “a congressional allocation of funds to cover road, sewer, water, sidewalk, stormwater and recreation infrastructure costs will allow the city to realize this project and will attract a developer to build out these needed housing units. The additional housing units will help to serve the needs of current employers who are equally impacted by the lack of housing availability in the community for attracting new employees.”

The city is requesting between $1.7 million and $2.6 to cover most or all of the infrastructure needs, the draft stated.

The council approved submitting the application, and Fowle said the next steps will be to market and promote the development opportunity.

In other updates, the council approved a 13% increase to the city’s sewer rates that would start for the second quarter of 2026 — effective April 1.

Public Works Director Matt Decur explained that this rate raise is necessary because the city needs to replace the wastewater treatment plant’s existing clarifiers with new stainless steel units. The current clarifiers have been in use for 50 years and at risk of failing.

“The existing clarifiers are corroding and, at some point, they’re going to fail. In that case, the plant itself won’t function properly, so those are needed sooner rather than later,” Decur explained.

Berman added that the city has been aware of this necessity, citing the financial management plan conducted with Ehlers over the summer.

Previously, Ehlers predicted a 10% increase in the sewer rate, which Berman stated was an “extremely conservative” estimate.

The mayor used her bill as an example to display what this 13% rate increase will look like. For her family of four that used 14,900 gallons last quarter, they will see a $9 to $11 increase monthly or a $27 to $33 increase on their quarterly sewer bill.

While there are more sewer projects planned in the future — like sewer lining and reconstruction work in 2028 — Berman said increases will allow the city to build their cash on hand and they will “level off over a few years.”

The council also approved the application of a $2,500,000 Clean Water Fund low interest loan in preparation for the clarifier replacement project.

Decur then spoke on the Landmark property at 310 Oconto Ave. He said that asbestos removal has been completed and demolition may begin soon.
Afterwards, soil remediation will be completed to clean asbestos, fuel and other chemicals from the ground.

The council approved a contract with Ayers for project management of the Landmark demolition project for an amount not to exceed $19,000. Ayers will put together bid specifications for the demolition and soil remediation projects.
While the city won’t know the extent — or full cost — of the abatement until the process begins, Berman said the city has funds to cover the process but will still apply for grants.

Next, the council discussed an upcoming full-city fiber optic network buildout by Bright Speed.

Bright Speed is a telephone operating company that will be adding new fiber optic lines on existing overhead power poles and drilling underground conduit in areas without overhead power this summer. The company plans to install around four miles of underground conduit.

While the project will stretch across the city, the work will be done in increments to limit disruptions.

Decur explained that due to the extent of this project the city proposed a $23,000 escrow agreement with Bright Speed. Bright Speed will deposit the funds, which will be used to pay for a local project manager to oversee construction and make sure landscaping is completed on any disrupted areas.
Alderman Brigitte Schmidt asked how homeowners will be made aware of the work and Decur said the company will send mailers and post door hangers and the city will share information online as well.

This project is covered through federal telecommunications funding.

Finally, the council approved the proposed 2026 - 2027 Peshtigo Professional Police Association WPPA/LEER Local 52 Agreement. The city attorney David Spangenberg that this agreement changes the probationary period from six months to one year, provides language clarification, provisions for lateral hires and more.

Additionally, the police will receive a 6% pay increase this year, a 4% raise in 2027 and — effective 2027 — a 3% pay increase for those with six or more years of service on the force.

The City of Peshtigo Common Council will meet next at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8.