Directory and Committees

The following Boards, Commissions, and Committees are made up of elected and appointed City officials, as well as citizens. They work together to make Merrill a better place to live, work and play.

Click the link below for the complete directory, including contacts for government officials, Committees, Boards and Commissions.

City Directory - August 2024

Common Council

The Common Council meets the SECOND TUESDAY of the month, unless that day is a Holiday or Election Day, then on the following Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Alderpersons are as follows:

FIRST DISTRICT
Andrew Caylor
(715) 571-4644
andrew.caylor@ci.merrill.wi.us

SECOND DISTRICT
Michael Caylor Jr
(715) 297-4309
michael.caylor@ci.merrill.wi.us

THIRD DISTRICT
Nathan Meyer
(715) 218-8365
nathan.meyer@ci.merrill.wi.us

FOURTH DISTRICT
LaDonna Fermanich
(715) 539-2824
ladonna.fermanich@ci.merrill.wi.us

FIFTH DISTRICT
Robert Lass
(715) 498-9000
robert.lass@ci.merrill.wi.us

SIXTH DISTRICT
Mike Rick Jr
(715) 218-5314
mike.rick@ci.merrill.wi.us

SEVENTH DISTRICT
Mark Weix Jr.
(715) 536-8349
mark.weix@ci.merrill.wi.us

EIGHTH DISTRICT
Rebecca Rutkowski
(715) 574-4899
rebecca.rutkowski@ci.merrill.wi.us

Ad Hoc Committee - City Administrator/Coordinator Position

Airport Commission

The Airport Commission meets the THIRD WEDNESDAY of the month at 6 p.m. at the Merrill Municipal Airport, N2241 Airport Rd.

The Airport Commission is responsible for managing and operating the Merrill Municipal Airport. The Merrill Airport Commission consists of five members, including one alderperson. All members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council. The Mayor selects members especially interested in aeronautics. The Commission elects its own chairman and secretary, who keep accurate records of the Commission's proceedings and report to the Common Council on a monthly basis.

*Airport Commissioners serve six-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Lyle Banser *10-1-23
Joseph Malsack *10-1-27
Gary Schulz *10-1-26
Gary Schwartz, Chairperson *10-1-24
Mark Weix Jr, Alderperson

Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals meets the FIRST TUESDAY of the month at 6 p.m.

The Board of Appeals is a five-member committee with two alternate members who are appointed by the Mayor. The Zoning Board of Appeals has several powers: (1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error made by any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official and the enforcement of the City's zoning ordinances. (2) To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of the City's zoning and floodplain zoning regulations. (3) To issue variances where it is found in specific cases that strict conformance to the zoning regulations would provide unnecessary hardship or if there is practical difficulty or unique topographical conditions of the lot. (4) To hear interpretations of the code once the City Plan Commission has made a recommendation in deciding how the zoning code should be interpreted.

*Board of Appeals members serve three-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Ryan Schwartzman *5-1-26
Jeremy Thompson *5-1-25
James Koebe *5-1-26
Eric Dayton *5-1-25
Ron Burrow, Alternate *5-1-24
Dean Haas *5-1-26

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works meets the LAST WEDNESDAY of the month at 4 p.m.

Steve Hass, Mayor, Chairperson
Rod Akey, City Administrator, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Ron Liberty, Street & Weed Commissioner, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Thomas Hayden, City Attorney, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Kathy Unertl, Finance Director, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Mike Rick Jr., Alderperson
Dick Lupton, Alderperson
Steve Sabatke, Alderperson

Board of Review

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee meets at the call of the chairperson.

The Community Development Committee establishes policy and procedures for administration of grants for housing and economic development, and the revolving loan funds created by these grants. The Committee approves the loans made using these funds and provides guidance to the Community Development Director to enhance the City's development. The Committee consists of six citizens with expertise in banking, manufacturing and business; one alderperson; and the ex-officio City Community Development Director.

*Community Development Committee members serve three-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Chris Malm *5-1-25
Landis Holdorf *5-1-26
Pete Koblitz *5-1-24
Nancy Kwiesielewicz *5-1-26
Betsy Meier-Peterson *5-1-26
Daniel Schneider *5-1-25
Mark Weix Jr, Alderperson
Shari Wicke, Community Development Director (ex-officio non-voting)

Enrichment Center Committee

The Enrichment Center Committee meets the THIRD THURSDAY of the month at 2:15 p.m.

The Enrichment Center Committee members provide guidance, knowledge, and suggestions to the Director relative to the programs and services offered to the community. The Committee has strong community representation, consisting of local business owners, representatives from community organizations such as the ADRC and UW-Extension, religious affiliations, education, etc.

*Enrichment Center Committee members serve a one-year term. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Jay Tlusty *5-1-24
Sharon Anderson *5-1-24
Teresa Baker *5-1-24
Nathan Meyer, Alderperson
Sharon Harvey *5-1-24
Gene Bebel *5-1-24
Laura Bertagnoli *5-1-24
Jennifer Clark, Ex-Officio (non-voting) ADRC, 607 North Sales Street

Merrill Fairgrounds Committee

The Merrill Fairgrounds Committee meets the FIRST THURSDAY of the month at 5:30 p.m.

Merrill Fairgrounds Committee members serve two-year terms.

Mike Rick Jr., Alderperson
Steve Sabatke, Alderperson
Michael Caylor Jr, Alderperson
Steve Hass, Mayor, Chairperson
Bryan Bloch, Rodeo Association Rep
Brad Becker, Fair Association Rep
Becky Meyer, Food Vendor Rep
Rod Akey, City Administrator (ex-officio non-voting)

Health and Safety Committee

The Health and Safety Committee meets the THIRD or FOURTH MONDAY of the month at 5 p.m.

Michael Caylor Jr, Alderperson
Mike Rick Jr, Alderperson
Mark Weix Jr., Alderperson, Chairperson
Corey Bennett, Police Chief, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Josh Klug, Fire Chief, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Norbert Ashbeck, Deputy Health Officer, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Dr. Greg Gill, Health Officer, Ex-Officio (non-voting) 1205 O’Day Street

Historic Preservation Committee

The Historic Preservation Committee meets at the call of the Chairperson.

The Historic Preservation Committee designates, regulates, and recognizes historic structures, sites, and districts. It consists of five members. Of the three citizen members, if available in the community, one shall be a registered architect; one shall be a historian; and one shall be a licensed real estate broker. The remaining members shall be two alderpersons. The Community Development Director shall serve on the committee as an ex-officio non-voting member.

*Historic Preservation Committee serve three-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Elizabeth McCrank *5-1-25
Bea Lebal *5-1-26
Steve Sabatke, Alderperson
William Heideman *5-1-24
Michael Caylor Jr, Alderperson, Chairperson

Housing Authority

The Housing Authority meets the SECOND WEDNESDAY of the month at 4 p.m. at Jenny Towers, 711 E 1st St.

The Housing Authority consists of five members, one of whom shall be appointed annually by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Common Council. At least three members must be private citizens. The remaining two members may be private citizens or an alderperson, or officers of the City. No more than one alderperson or two officers may serve as voting members of the Housing Authority at the same time. In the event that none of the voting members of the Housing Authority are members of the Common Council, and there are no current vacancies on the Housing Authority, then the Mayor shall also appoint an alderperson to act on the Housing Authority as an Ex Officio member, subject to confirmation of the Common Council, with said alderperson's term expiring as of the date of his term of office.

*Plan Commissioners serve five-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Nicole Johnson *11-10-26
Jeremy Cordova *11-10-25
Andrew Polzin *11-10-27
Nancy Kwiesielewicz, Chairperson *11-10-23
Jeff Schneider *11-10-24
Dick Lupton, Alderperson

Library Board

The Library Board meets the THIRD WEDNESDAY of the month at 4 p.m. at the T.B. Scott Free Library, 106 1st St.

The Library Board consists of nine members. Six residents, one of which may be an alderperson, shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Common Council. The Superintendent of Schools or his representative shall be a member. Two residents of Lincoln County shall be appointed by the Lincoln County Board Chairperson, subject to confirmation by the Lincoln County Board. The Library Board exists and functions as set forth in applicable sections of Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 43.

*Library Board members serve three-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Elizabeth McCrank, County Board Rep. *4-15-24
Michael Caylor, Alderperson *4-16-24
Mike Geisler, President *4-16-24
Darcy Dalsky *6-30-26
Chris Grunenwald *6-30-26
Katie Breitenmoser, County Appointee 6-30-21
Audrey Huftel *6-30-24
Richard Mamer, Financial Secretary *6-30-24
Ryan Martinovici, MAPS Representative

Marketing and Communications Committee

The Marketing and Communications Committee meets the THIRD THURSDAY of the month at 5:15 p.m.

The Marketing & Communications Committee is made up of local volunteers and City leaders. Committee volunteers represent community organizations, local businesses and Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce. City alderpersons are voting members. The Committee was formed in 2021 in response to a three-year, community-involved research initiative focused on discovering and defining what makes Merrill unique in the marketplace. That’s the driving force behind the creation and execution of the City’s marketing and branding plan. The goal is to build a positive future for Merrill residents and businesses by retaining and attracting talent.

LaDonna Fermanich, Alderperson, Chairperson
Nathan Meyer, Alderperson
Mark Weix Jr., Alderperson
Sarah Sturm, Chamber of Commerce (ex-officio non-voting)
Gene Bebel, Citizen (ex-officio non-voting)
Renea Frederick, Business Rep. (ex-officio non-voting)
Dan Wendorf, Parks & Recreation Director (ex-officio non-voting)
Tammie Mrachek, Enrichment Center Director (ex-officio non-voting)
Laurie Ollhoff, Library Director (ex-officio non-voting)
John Greenwood, Active & Aware Citizen Rep (ex-officio non-voting)
Hallie Savall, Social Media Specialist, (ex-officio non-voting)
Rick Bjorklund, Fair Grounds Manager, (ex-officio non-voting)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission meets the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month at 4:15 p.m.

The Parks and Recreation Commission consists of seven members. It has has jurisdiction over the City's parks and all recreation facilities. Master plans for park development are created and maintained by the Commission. The Commission has powers and duties provided by sections 27.08, 27.09 and 27.10 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.

*Parks and Recreation Commissioners serve five-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Jean Ravn *5-1-24
Rebecca Rutkowski *5-1-28
Dr. Dan Novitch, Chairperson *5-1-24
Kyle Gulke *5-1-28
Joan Tabor *5-1-27
Chad Krueger *5-1-27
Mark Weix Jr, Alderperson

Personnel and Finance Committee

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission meets the FIRST TUESDAY at 5 p.m. If a hearing is required, it's at 6 p.m.

The Plan Commission is responsible for the physical development of the City. The Commission makes and amends a master plan for public places and parks, playgrounds, parking areas and necessary utilities. In addition to the master plan, the Plan Commission considers the acquisition, sale, or alteration of land for any street, park, airport, parking area or playground along with the platting of lands within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City.

*Plan Commissioners serve three-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Steve Hass, Mayor, Chairperson
Darin Pagel, Building Inspector, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Steve Sabatke, Alderperson
Rod Akey, City Administrator, Public Works Director/City Engineer, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Thomas Hayden, City Attorney, Ex-Officio (non-voting)
Kyle Gulke, Parks & Rec Commission Rep *5-1-28
Ralph Sturm *5-1-24
Melissa Schroeder *5-1-26
Alli Henkelman *5-1-26
Robert Reimann *5-1-24

Police and Fire Commission

The Police and Fire Commission meets when requested by the Mayor and Common Council President.

The Police and Fire Commission consists of five citizens appointed by the Mayor. The Police and Fire Commissions has the powers and duties of impartial decision makers as set forth in Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 68.

*Police and Fire Commissioners serve five-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Norm Hanson *5-1-25
Nicole Johnson *5-1-26
Jeremy Thompson *5-1-27
Eric Malm *5-1-28
Lisa Gervais *5-1-24

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority meets the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month at 8 a.m.

The Redevelopment Authority shall have all powers, duties and functions set out in Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 66.1333, for redevelopment authorities. The Redevelopment Authority shall act as the agent of the City in planning and carrying out blight elimination and urban renewal programs and activities approved by the Mayor and Common Council. The Redevelopment Authority shall proceed under all applicable laws and ordinances not inconsistent with the laws of this state. The Redevelopment Authority shall act as agent of the City to perform all acts, except the development of the general plan of the city which may be otherwise performed by the Plan Commission under Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 66.1105, 66.1301 through 66.1329, 66.1331, 66.1333, or 66.1337.

*Redevelopment Authority members serve five-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Steve Hass, Mayor, Chairperson
Steve Sabatke, Alderperson
Tony Kusserow *9/2025
Mark Bares *9/2026
Rebecca Rutkowski *9/2027
Jim Koppelman *9/2023
Clyde Nelson *9/2024

Tourism Commission

The Tourism Commission meets at the call of the Chairperson.

The Tourism Commission consists of five members appointed by the Mayor. The Commission monitors the collection of the room tax to ensure compliance, establish policies for promoting tourism and distributing tourism tax dollars. The Commission also contracts with the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce to obtain staff, support services and assistance in developing and implementing programs to promote the City of Merrill to visitors.

*Tourism Commissioners serve a one-year term. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Dan Wendorf, Parks & Rec. Director, Chairperson

Jeremy Ratliff *5-1-24
Sue Kunkel *5-1-24
Kathy Lezotte, Hotel Rep *5-1-24
Sarah Gilbert (at large) DNR Representation *5-1-24

Transit Commission

The Transmit Commission meets the the THIRD MONDAY of the month at 4 p.m.

The Merrill Transit System, Merrill-Go-Round, is governed by a Transit Commission. The commission consists of five citizen members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council, one of whom is the designated chairman. The Merrill Transit System is managed by the Transit Administrator.

*Transmit Commissioners serve three-year terms. Dates listed are when terms expire.

Sue Kunkel *5-1-25
Denise Ziech *5-1-25
Sara Doerr *5-1-26
Katie Swope *5-1-24
Rick Blake, Chairperson *5-1-24