Common Council
Regular MeetingMedford, WI · July 13, 2026
Agenda
CITY OF MEDFORD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting will take place at the time and place indicated below. The meeting is open to the
public in keeping with Chapter 19, Subchapter V, 1995 Wisconsin Statutes. {Open Meeting Law.}
Governmental Unit Conducting Meeting: Common Council - Open Session
Common Council - Closed Session
Common Council - Open Session
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: Following Committee of the Whole
Place: Council Chambers, City Hall
639 South Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
For the Purpose of: See Below:
To Act Upon the Following:
Page
* * * Open Session * * *
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Darla Keefer
3. Open Meeting Law Compliance
Open Meeting Law 4
Memo - Open Meeting Law - Pdf
4. Visitors Present
5. Citizens & Delegations Comments
6. Approval: Minutes
Minute Approval 5 - 10
Memo - Minute Approval - Pdf
7. Docket #2026-7/13-04: Annexation of Property Located at 880 S Gibson
Page 1 of 41
Suspend Council Rules #12A & 12B - Annexation Request 11 - 16
Memo - Suspend Council Rules #12A & 12B - Annexation Request - Pdf
8. Committee of the Whole Recommendation(s): - Mayor Laura Holmes
8.1. Action: LIVE Grant Marketing 17 - 39
Memo - Action: LIVE Grant Marketing - Pdf
9. Finance & Personnel Committee Recommendation(s): - Christine Weix
9.1. Discussion/Action: Hotel Motel Room Tax Distribution 40
Memo - Discussion/Action: Hotel Motel Room Tax Distribution - Pdf
10. Adjourn to Closed Session
* * * Closed Session * * *
In accordance with Wisconsin State Statute 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of
deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of
public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive
or bargaining reasons require a Closed Session.
11. Discussion/Recommendation: Potential Purchase of Property
Potential Purchase of Property
12. Adjourn to Open Session
* * * Open Session * * *
13. Discussion/Action: Potential Purchase of Property
Potential Purchase of Property 41
Memo - Potential Purchase of Property - Pdf
14. Adjournment
Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this
meeting or hearing should be made to the Clerk’s Office at (715)748-4321 with as
much advance notice as possible.
/s/ Laura Holmes
Posted: 7/10/2026
Mayor
Page 2 of 41
Page 3 of 41
Memo
Date: July 9, 2026
To: Mayor Holmes & Council Members
From: Ashley Lemke, City Clerk Administration
Meeting Date: Common Council - Jul 13 2026
Subject: Open Meeting Law
Background Information/Description:
This is an open meeting of the Common Council. Notice of this meeting was given to the public at least 24
hours in advance of the meeting by forwarding the complete agenda to the official City newspaper, The Star
News, and to all news media that have requested the same as well as posting. Copies of the complete agenda
were available for inspection at the City Clerk’s Office. Anyone desiring information as to forthcoming
meetings should contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Page 4 of 41
Memo
Date: July 8, 2026
To: Mayor Holmes & Council Members
From: Ashley Lemke, City Clerk
Meeting Date: Common Council - Jul 13 2026
Subject: Minute Approval
Background Information/Description:
Attached are the minutes from the following meetings:
June 22, 2026 - Common Council
Should you have any questions please contact me.
Attachments:
6-22-26
Page 5 of 41
City of Medford Common Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 22, 2026; 6:00 PM
Council Chambers, City Hall
639 South Second Street, Medford, WI
{Subject to Council Approval}
Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor Laura Holmes called the meeting to order with the following members present: Garett
Krug, Tim Hansen, Ken Coyer, Christine Weix, Randy Haynes, Mike Bub, and Russ Paul.
Alderperson Darla Keefer was an excused absence.
Pledge of Allegiance
Alderperson Krug began the meeting by leading the group in the reciting of the “Pledge of
Allegiance”.
Open Meeting Law Compliance
Mayor Holmes announced that this was an open meeting of the Common Council. Notice of this
meeting was given to the public at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting by forwarding the
complete agenda to the official City newspaper, The Star News, and to all news media that have
requested the same as well as posting. Copies of the complete agenda were available for inspection
at the City Clerk’s Office. Anyone desiring information as to forthcoming meetings should contact
the City Clerk’s Office.
City Personnel Present
The following City personnel were present: Wastewater Superintendent Alex Zenner, City Clerk
Ashley Lemke, and City Coordinator Joe Harris. City Attorney Courtney Graff was an excused
absence.
Visitors Present
Visitors present were The Star News and Al & Stacy Leonard.
Citizens & Delegations Comments
Page 6 of 41
There were no citizens or delegations present.
Minutes
Ken Coyer moved, Russ Paul seconded a motion to approve the following minutes (1) June 8,
2026 - Common Council and (2) June 8, 2026 - Committee of the Whole - Open Session and
to place a copy of the same in the City Clerk's Office. All in favor: All Aye. Motion Carried.
Ordinance Rescinding and Recreating Sections §7.4.31-7.4.33 of the City of Medford Code of
Ordinances - Snowmobiles
Christine Weix moved, Michael Bub seconded a motion to suspend Council Rules #12A and
12B and adopt ordinance #1125 rescinding and recreating section 7.4.31-7.4.33 relative to
snowmobiles. Motion Carried.
Yes: Michael Bub, Tim Hansen, Randy Haynes, Garett Krug, Ken Coyer, Christine
Weix, and Russ Paul
No:
Absent: Darla Keefer
Resolution Approving the Annual Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance Maintenance
Report
Garett Krug moved, Ken Coyer seconded a motion suspend Council Rules #13A & 13B and
adopt Resolution #1980 that adopts the annual Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance
Maintenance Report. Motion Carried.
Yes: Michael Bub, Tim Hansen, Randy Haynes, Garett Krug, Ken Coyer, Christine
Weix, and Russ Paul
No:
Absent: Darla Keefer
Committee of the Whole Recommendation(s):
LIVE Grant Marketing
Tim Hansen moved, Ken Coyer seconded a motion to approve the agreement with DZ &
Associates for the initial launch. Motion Failed.
Common Council
June 22, 2026
Page 7 of 41
Yes: Tim Hansen, Garett Krug, and Ken Coyer
No: Michael Bub, Randy Haynes, Christine Weix, and Russ Paul
Absent: Darla Keefer
Finance & Personnel Committee Recommendation(s):
April Financial Report
The April 2026 financial reports were reviewed. No Action Taken.
May Financial Report
The May 2026 financial reports were reviewed. No Action Taken.
Employee Picnic
Ken Coyer moved, Garett Krug seconded a motion recommend to Council to approve the
luncheon to be held August 27, 2026, at the RCU Pavillion. All in favor: All Aye. Motion
Carried.
Public Safety Committee Recommendation(s):
Event in Public Right of Way - Grass on the Black
The Chamber has submitted paperwork for the Grass on the Black event that is scheduled for July
10 thru July 11, 2026. This is a bluegrass festival that will be held downtown. The paperwork
includes temporary street closing, noise permit request, and authorization to suspend ordinance
#412.
They have requested the suspension of the ordinance for the Grass on the Black event. The event
is to be held from Main Street (Broadway to Perkins St), State Street from Main Street down to
Whelen Ave, Whelen from the Broadway to Perkins St, and Whelen Ave from Perkins St to the
Curling Club. Standard condition of a lane to be open for emergency vehicles will still apply.
Michael Bub moved, Christine Weix seconded a motion to approve the authorization to
suspend Ordinance 412 for the Black on the Grass event to be held July 10-11, 2026. All in
favor: All Aye. Motion Carried.
Event in Public Right of Way - Bringing Back the Street Dance
Rhonda Hartwig has submitted paperwork for the Bringing Back the Street Dance event that is
scheduled for July 18, 2026. The paperwork includes temporary street closing, noise permit
request, and authorization to suspend ordinance #412.
Rhonda has requested the suspension of the ordinance for the Bringing Back the Street Dance
Common Council
June 22, 2026
Page 8 of 41
event. The event is to be held on Main Street (State St to Perkins St). Standard condition of a lane
to be open for emergency vehicles will still apply.
Randy Haynes moved, Russ Paul seconded a motion to approve the authorization to suspend
ordinance #412 request for July 18, 2026, for Bringing Back the Street Dance. All in favor:
All Aye. Motion Carried.
Issuance of Tobacco/Vape Licenses
Garett Krug moved, Christine Weix seconded a motion to approve the tobacco/vape licenses as
follows: All New Tobacco Vape Outlet, LLC d/b/a Smoke World Vape, Annas Aloul, Agent @
541 South Eighth Street. Motion Carried.
Yes: Tim Hansen, Randy Haynes, Garett Krug, Ken Coyer, Christine Weix, and Russ
Paul
No: Michael Bub
Absent: Darla Keefer
Issuance of Annual Class A/B Beer/Liquor Licenses
Tim Hansen moved, Randy Haynes seconded a motion to approval the renewal of the Class
A/B/C Beer/Liquor/Wine as follows: Class A Beer - Stramas Self Serv, Inc d/b/a Strama's Self
Serve - Michael Strama, Agent 884 W Broadway Ave; Class B Beer/Liquor - La Chapinita
LLC d/b/a La Chapinita Guatemalan Restaurant - Sayda Mendoza, Agent - 149 South Main
Street. All in favor: All Aye. Motion Carried.
Public Utilities Committee Recommendation(s):
Cross Connection Program
On May 21, the DNR conducted its sanitary survey of the Medford waterworks system. The
survey identified one deficiency: while the City has a cross-connection program in place, it does
not currently have a formal cross-connection plan.
The plan does not change how the cross-connection program is currently operated. Rather, it
documents the purpose of the program and explains how it helps protect the City’s water supply
from cross connections while maintaining compliance with applicable state requirements.
Michael Bub moved, Ken Coyer seconded a motion to approve the cross-connection plan. All
in favor: All Aye. Motion Carried.
Hauler's Licenses for Refuse & Recycling Collection
Michael Bub moved, Tim Hansen seconded a motion to approve the issuance of hauler's
licenses for Refuse & Recycling collection to GFL Solid Waste LLC and Waste Management
Common Council
June 22, 2026
Page 9 of 41
beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. All in favor: All Aye. Motion Carried.
Public Works Committee Recommendation(s):
2027-2035 Capital Project Schedule
Ken Coyer moved, Randy Haynes seconded a motion to approve the 2027-2035 Capital
Project schedule as presented. All in favor: All Aye. Motion Carried.
Coordinator's Report - Joe Harris
The Coordinators Report this week is as follows:
1. An update on the Electric Utility projects was given at the meeting.
2. An update on the Public Works projects was given at the meeting.
3. An update on Wastewater Utility projects was given at the meeting.
Communications from the Mayor
Upcoming Meeting Schedule - The upcoming meeting schedule was reviewed.
Council members are encouraged to sign up for the Learning Lab through the League of
Municipalities for training opportunities.
Yard of the week has started again, nominations should be provided to the Mayor for
consideration.
Adjournment
Russ Paul moved, Ken Coyer seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39 PM. All in favor:
All Aye. Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ashley Lemke
City Clerk, WCMC
Council Approval: _________
Common Council
June 22, 2026
Page 10 of 41
Memo
Date: July 9, 2026
To: Mayor Holmes & Council Members
From: Robert Christensen, Building Inspector/Planner
Meeting Date: Common Council - Jul 13 2026
Subject: Suspend Council Rules #12A & 12B - Annexation Request
Background Information/Description:
The Plan Commission met on July 6, 2026, to review the annexation request for property located at 880 S
Gibson. The Plan Commission passed a motion to recommend Council adopt an ordinance accepting the
annexation request.
Information on the request is attached.
Please contact me for any questions.
Attachments:
Annexation Request
- Annexation of Property Located 880 S Gibson
Page 11 of 41
PETITIONFOR DIRECTANNEXATIONBY UNANIMOUS
APPROVAL
PURSUANT TO WISCONSINSTATE STATUTE 66.021(12)
We, the undersigned, constituting all of the electors and all of the owners of real property in the
following territory in the Town of Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, lying contiguous to the
City of Medford, petition the Mayor and Common Council to annex the territory described below
to the City of Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin:
That part of the Northwest Quarterof the SouthwestQuarter(NW»SW), Section Thirty-four
(34), Township Thirty-one (31) North, Range One (1) East, described as follows:
Beginning at the Northwest corner of Certified Survey Map No. 968 as recorded in
Volume 4 of Surveys, page 190 as Document No. 264166, Taylor County Register of
Deeds of?ce; thence East on the North line of said CSM 968, 250 feet; thence North
parallel with the West line of said forty, 100 feet; thence West parallel with the North line
of said CSM 968, 250 feet; thence South on the West line of said forty, 100 feet to the
point of beginning.
Page 12 of 41
The current population of the territory to be annexed is zero (~0-).
We, the undersigned, elected that this annexation shall take effect to the full extent consistent
with outstanding priorities of other annexation,incorporationor consolidated proceedings, if any.
We, the undersigned, request the property be located in the R-3 Zoning District.
Dated this 17th day of June, 2026
P OPERTY P
d9
Michael S. Brandner, President .
******************************************************************************
ELECTORS RESIDING ON SAID PROPERTY TO BE ANNEXED: Q2
******************************************************************************
Date Filed with City Clerk's Of?ce: Eu n e \8 .ZOZCO
Page 13 of 41
639 S. Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
715—748-4321
Fax (715-748-2339
June 18, 2026
Jennifer Strama
Clerk, Town of Medford
N3 525 River Dr
Medford, WI 54451
Dear Jennifer:
Enclosed please ?nd a copy of the “Petition for Annexation by Unanimous Approval” as ?led
Page 14 of 41 with the City of Medford. The petition is to annex property owned by Property Preservation
(Michael Brandner) and is located at 880 S Gibson Street. The Plan Commission will review the
request on July 6, 2026 and the Common Council is expected to discuss this annexation petition
later that month.
Enclosed, please ?nd a copy of the location map and annexation petition for your records.
Sincerely,
,7
*— iiiiii
V
(”WW7 .
Robert Christensen
Enclosures
DOCKET #2026-7/13-04 880 S Gibson Street
Ordinance #
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MEDFORD, TAYLOR COUNTY,
WISCONSIN, DO HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Territory Annexed. In accordance with § 66.0217(9), “Filing Requirements,”
Wisconsin Statutes, please find enclosed the following documentation reflecting
the recent annexation of property located in the Town of Medford, being Part of
the Northwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼ of Section 34, Township 31 North, Range 1
East, Town of Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin, and more particularly
described as follows:
ANNEXATION LEGAL DESCRIPTION- Part of the Northwest ¼ of the Southwest ¼ of
Section 23, Township 31 North, Range 1 East, Town of Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin,
and more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at the Northwest corner of Certified Survey Map No. 968 as recorded in Volume 4 of
Surveys, page 190 as Document No. 264166, Taylor County Register of Deeds office; thence
East on the North line of said CSM 968, 250 feet; thence North parallel for the West line of said
forty, 100 feet,; thence South on the West line of said forty, 100 feet to the point of beginning.
That said parcel is subject to easements, restrictions, and rights-of-way of record.
SECTION 2: Effect of Annexation. From and after the date of this ordinance, subject to the
Department of Administration review under Section §66.0217(2), the territory
described in Section 1 shall be part of the City of Medford for any and all
purposes provided by law and persons coming or residing within such territory
shall be subject to all ordinances, rules and regulations governing the City of
Medford.
SECTION 3: Zoning Classification. The territory annexed to the City of Medford by this
ordinance is designated as follows:
R-3, Multi-family Residential Zoning District.
SECTION 4: Ward Designation. The territory described in Section 1 of this ordinance is
hereby made a part of Ward 5, Aldermanic District #3 of the City of Medford,
subject to the ordinances, rules and regulations of the City governing wards.
SECTION 5: Severability. If any provision of this ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, or if
the application of this ordinance to any person or circumstance is invalid or
unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other
provisions or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the
invalid or unconstitutional provision or application.
SECTION 6: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication on
July 23, 2026, as provided by law.
Page 15 of 41
DOCKET #2026-7/13-04 880 S Gibson Street
SUBMITTED BY: Plan Commission
VOTE TAKEN AND DATE: July __, 2026 ( Yes; No; Absent)
Garrett Krug - Randy Haynes -
Darla Keefer - Christine Weix -
Tim Hansen - Russ Paul -
Michael Bub - Ken Coyer -
Mayor’s Signature, if Approved: ________________________________________
Laura Holmes, Mayor
ATTEST: ________________________________________
Ashley Lemke, City Clerk
State of Wisconsin)
County of Taylor) ss
I, Ashley Lemke, City Clerk for the City of Medford, do hereby certify that the above ordinance
is a true and correct copy of Ordinance # ____ duly adopted by the Common Council of the City
of Medford at their regular meeting held on July __, 2026.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF WISCONSIN )
) ss.
Taylor County )
Personally came before me this ___ day of July 2026 the above named persons to me known to
be the person(s) who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged the same.
______________________________
Mary L Sperry
Notary Public, State of Wisconsin
My Commission expires: May 14, 2028
Page 16 of 41
Memo
Date: July 9, 2026
To: Mayor Holmes & Council Members
From: Ashley Lemke, City Clerk
Meeting Date: Common Council - Jul 13 2026
Subject: Action: LIVE Grant Marketing
Background Information/Description:
Council previously did not pass a motion to approve the marketing agreement with DZ & Associates for the
initial launch portion of the agreement.
Council member Christine Weix (who was on the prevailing side of the previous vote) has asked that the item
be brought back to Council for reconsideration.
This item is asked to be brought back for approval to proceed with the agreement based on the guidelines that
were discussed in Committee of the Whole.
As a reminder, this phase would establish the marketing foundation for the program, including the campaign
strategy, employer recruitment packets, photo and video direction, webpage development, and social media
content. The proposed cost ranges from $16,900 to $24,900, depending on the extent to which City staff can
assist with portions of the work.
Should you have any questions please contact myself or Joe Harris.
Attachments:
Recruitment Campaign Proposal - Medford, WI-3
Page 17 of 41
Proposal
City of Medford Relocation Recruitment Campaign
Attracting New Families to Live & Work in Medford and Taylor County,
Wisconsin
Section 1: Executive Summary
The City of Medford has a unique opportunity to position itself as one of
Wisconsin’s most attractive small communities for families seeking
affordability, safety, career opportunities, and a stronger quality of life.
This proposal outlines a comprehensive branding, marketing, and relocation
recruitment campaign designed to attract ten out-of-state families to
relocate to Medford or Taylor County through a combination of:
● Strategic branding and campaign positioning
● Website modernization and relocation-focused user experience
● Lifestyle-driven storytelling and content creation
● Employer recruitment support
● Social media and paid advertising campaigns
● Inquiry and follow-up recruitment funnel development
● Authentic community-focused visual storytelling
Each selected family would receive a $10,000 relocation incentive, creating a
compelling recruitment opportunity that can be promoted nationally to
targeted audiences already considering a lifestyle relocation.
Page 18 of 41
The campaign would position Medford not simply as a place to move, but as
a place where families can build a meaningful, affordable, and connected
life.
Campaign Vision
The proposed campaign is designed to position Medford as:
● A community where homeownership is attainable
● A safe and family-focused place to raise children
● A destination connected to outdoor recreation and Wisconsin lifestyle
● A community offering meaningful career opportunities and workforce
stability
● A place where residents experience a slower pace without sacrificing
opportunity
● A modern small-town community with strong local pride and quality
of life
The campaign would focus heavily on emotional connection and lifestyle
storytelling, helping prospective residents envision what daily life in Medford
could realistically look and feel like.
Page 19 of 41
Section 2: Why Medford?
Medford offers a combination that many families are actively seeking but
struggling to find in larger metropolitan markets: affordability, safety,
outdoor access, meaningful career opportunities, and genuine community
connections.
Located in the heart of Taylor County, Medford combines small-town living
with access to major regional hubs, year-round recreation, strong schools,
healthcare access, and a growing employment base.
Key Community Advantages
Affordability & Lifestyle
● Affordable housing compared to many Wisconsin and Midwest
markets
● Low commute times and reduced daily stress
● Strong homeownership opportunities
● Safe, family-oriented neighborhoods
● Strong volunteer and civic culture
● Community-focused atmosphere with authentic small-town character
Outdoor Recreation
● Nearby access to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
● Extensive fishing lakes, rivers, and boating access
● Black River recreation opportunities
● Taylor County Forest recreation access year-round
● Extensive ATV/UTV and snowmobile trail systems
● Hiking, camping, hunting, kayaking, and outdoor recreation
opportunities throughout the region
Page 20 of 41
Family & Community Amenities
● K–12 education through the Medford Area Public School District
● Outreach opportunities through Northcentral Technical College
● Frances L. Simek Memorial Library
● Youth recreation programs, including hockey, gymnastics, swimming,
soccer, archery, and Little League
● Community theater, arts programming, festivals, and seasonal events
● Strong faith-based and civic organizations
Healthcare Access
● Regional healthcare services through Aspirus Medford Hospital &
Clinics
● Local dental, therapy, chiropractic, and senior care services
Regional Accessibility
Medford provides small-town living while remaining connected to larger
regional markets:
● Approximately 1 hour to Wausau
● Approximately 1.25 hours to Eau Claire
● Approximately 2.5 hours to Minneapolis / Saint Paul
● Approximately 4 hours to Madison and Milwaukee
Workforce & Employer Ecosystem
Medford and Taylor County maintain a stable and diverse employment base
supported by manufacturing, healthcare, education, agriculture, forestry,
retail, and skilled trades industries.
Page 21 of 41
Major Employers Include
● Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics
● Weather Shield Manufacturing
● Nestlé USA
● Walmart
● Medford Area Public School District
● Marathon Cheese
● Sierra Pacific Industries
● Taylor County
● Local construction, trucking, forestry, agricultural, and mechanical
contractors
Economic Development Organizations
The region also benefits from active economic and workforce development
organizations, including:
● Medford Area Development Foundation
● The Chamber
This diversity of employment creates a strong foundation for relocation
recruitment and long-term workforce stability.
Page 22 of 41
Section 3: Campaign Goals
Primary Goal
Recruit ten out-of-state families to relocate to Medford or Taylor County,
Wisconsin.
Secondary Goals
● Increase awareness of Medford as a relocation destination
● Support workforce recruitment efforts for local employers
● Improve perception of Medford among younger families and
professionals
● Develop long-term marketing assets and infrastructure that continue
beyond the initial campaign
● Build a scalable relocation recruitment system for future growth
initiatives
Success Metrics
Campaign performance may be measured through:
● Relocation inquiries submitted
● Website traffic to relocation pages
● Social media engagement
● Video views and reach
● Employer participation
● Qualified relocation applicants
● Number of families successfully relocated
Page 23 of 41
Section 4: Strategic Positioning
This initiative should function as a fully branded relocation campaign rather
than a traditional municipal marketing effort.
The strongest opportunity is creating a connected campaign experience
that integrates:
● Branding
● Messaging
● Website experience
● Employer recruitment
● Social media
● Advertising
● Community storytelling
● Lead generation and follow-up
The campaign should feel modern, welcoming, authentic, and community-
focused while maintaining credibility and professionalism.
Lifestyle Positioning Strategy
The campaign should position Medford around themes that are nationally
resonating with younger professionals and families:
● Escape from high-cost metro living
● Attainable homeownership
● Outdoor-centered living
● Safe and family-focused communities
● Slower pace without isolation
● Community belonging
Page 24 of 41
● Work-life balance
● Raising children in connected communities
The goal is to position Medford as more than a place to relocate — it is a
place to build a healthier, more sustainable way of life.
Recommended Campaign Themes
Potential campaign directions may include:
● “Find Your Pace in Medford”
● “Life Happens Differently Here”
● “Small Town. Big Opportunity.”
● “Built for Real Life”
● “More Than a Place to Live”
● “Where Community Still Matters”
● “Build a Life in Medford”
Final campaign messaging and positioning would be developed
collaboratively during the strategy phase.
Core Messaging Pillars
Affordability - Position Medford as a place where families can realistically
achieve homeownership and reduce financial stress.
Community - Highlight volunteerism, civic pride, youth involvement, local
relationships, and family-centered living.
Page 25 of 41
Opportunity - Showcase employers, workforce demand, entrepreneurship,
and remote work flexibility.
Lifestyle- Promote outdoor recreation, low commute times, seasonal
Wisconsin experiences, and work-life balance.
Stability - Emphasize safety, healthcare access, schools, and long-term
quality of life.
Page 26 of 41
Section 5: Target Audience and
Messaging
The campaign should focus on audiences already open to relocation and
lifestyle change.
Primary Audiences
● Young families seeking affordability
● Remote workers
● Skilled workforce candidates
● Former Wisconsin residents
● Midwest expatriates
● Families leaving higher-cost metro areas
● Outdoor lifestyle-oriented individuals
Core Audience Motivators
● Lower cost of living
● Homeownership opportunities
● Safer communities
● Better work-life balance
● Family-focused lifestyle
● Outdoor recreation
● Strong sense of community
● Reduced congestion and stress
Page 27 of 41
Section 6: Content Strategy
Community Storytelling
Lifestyle messaging should be central to the campaign.
Rather than relying solely on promotional messaging, the campaign should
showcase:
● Real residents
● Families
● Local employers
● Outdoor spaces
● Community events
● Everyday life experiences
Recommended Opportunities
● Young families purchasing their first homes
● Remote workers relocating from larger cities
● Local employer success stories
● Outdoor recreation lifestyle features
● Youth sports and school involvement
● Seasonal Wisconsin living
● Volunteer and civic leadership stories
● “Day in the Life” short-form video series
● Community events, including Parkfest, farmers markets, festivals, and
seasonal celebrations
Page 28 of 41
Recommended Content Types
● Resident testimonials
● Employer spotlights
● Community event coverage
● Housing and affordability stories
● School and family-focused content
● Seasonal Wisconsin lifestyle visuals
● Recreation-focused storytelling
● Relocation-focused FAQ videos
Photography & Video Strategy
Authentic local photography and videography are critical to campaign
success.
Recommended visual focus areas:
● Families and children
● Local businesses
● Downtown Medford
● Parks and recreation
● Seasonal Wisconsin lifestyle
● Community events
● Housing and neighborhoods
● Workplace and employer environments
● Forests, trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation
● Interviews with community members about why they love Medford
Page 29 of 41
The visual tone should feel:
● Authentic
● Welcoming
● Community-focused
● Relatable
● Lifestyle-driven
● Warm and approachable
The campaign should avoid overly polished, tourism-style visuals in favor of
realistic, emotionally relatable storytelling.
Page 30 of 41
Section 7: Branding Recommendations
Recommended Approach
This project does not require a full logo redesign.
Instead, the recommendation is to:
● Modernize and refine the existing visual identity
● Create a dedicated relocation campaign visual system
● Develop campaign-specific messaging and branded assets
● Build a cohesive visual experience across:
○ Website
○ Social media
○ Recruitment materials
○ Employer toolkits
○ Advertising
○ Community outreach materials
Deliverables Include
● Light logo modernization
● Updated typography and color refinements
● Campaign visual identity system
● Relocation campaign logo lockup/tagline
● Graphic templates
● Branded recruitment assets
● Social media design system
This approach allows the campaign to feel polished and modern without
requiring a full municipal rebrand.
Page 31 of 41
Website & Digital Experience
The current City of Medford website functions effectively as a municipal
resource for:
● Utilities
● Permits
● Government information
● Agendas and minutes
● Resident services
However, it is not currently structured to function as a relocation or
recruitment platform.
Recommended Website Strategy
Rather than replacing the existing site, the recommendation is to build a
dedicated relocation-focused section within the current website
infrastructure and update the home page with a design that is more inviting
and less municipal. The site can remain hosted with TownWeb, and design
updates would be coordinated with their team.
Recommended Website Features
Homepage Enhancements
● Relocation-focused homepage hero section
● Clear recruitment messaging
● Primary call-to-action:
○ “Explore Relocation Opportunities”
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○ “Build a Life in Medford”
○ “Apply for Relocation Incentives”
Dedicated Relocation Navigation
A top-level navigation item focused specifically on relocation and workforce
recruitment.
Suggested Relocation Landing Pages
● Why Medford?
● Cost of Living & Affordability
● Housing Opportunities
● Careers & Employers
● Schools & Family Life
● Outdoor Recreation
● Community Amenities
● Relocation Incentive Program
● Testimonials & Resident Stories
● FAQ & Application Process
Inquiry & Recruitment Funnel
The website should include:
● Inquiry forms
● Contact submissions
● Email follow-up workflows
● Lead tracking and follow-up process
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Social Media & Advertising Strategy
Target messaging to these primary platforms.
● Facebook (posts and reels)
○ Community storytelling
○ Family-focused messaging
○ Relocation information
○ Event promotion
○ Paid advertising
● Instagram (posts and reels)
○ Lifestyle visuals
○ Outdoor recreation
○ Day-to-day life
○ Community atmosphere
● LinkedIn
○ Workforce recruitment
○ Employer opportunities
○ Remote work positioning
○ Economic growth messaging
Additional messaging could be shared on TikTok and YouTube
Paid Advertising Strategy
Advertising efforts should target out-of-state audiences only.
Potential Audience Segments
● Families seeking a lower cost of living
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● Remote workers
● Outdoor recreation enthusiasts
● Midwest relocation audiences
● Workforce relocation audiences
● Younger professionals seeking lifestyle change
Paid advertising would be tailored to reach the target audience. Strategy
and budget will be based on geographic reach, campaign duration,
audience size, seasonal initiatives, and recruitment urgency.
Employer Recruitment Toolkit
A branded employer recruitment toolkit would allow local employers to
actively support and amplify the relocation campaign.
Potential Toolkit Components
● Recruitment presentation deck
● Branded employer social graphics
● Digital recruitment assets
● QR codes linking to relocation pages
● Email templates
● Employer handouts
● Workforce recruitment brochures
● Co-branded recruitment materials
This creates a unified and consistent recruitment experience across
employers and community partners.
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Section 8: Campaign Phases and
Budget
Phase 1 — Campaign Development & Launch
Includes
● Strategy development
● Messaging development
● Campaign branding
● Campaign theme development
● Social graphic template creation
● Website relocation section development with a dedicated relocation
section
○ Site would remain hosted with and managed by TownWeb
● Evergreen content creation
● Photography and video collection
● Employer recruitment toolkit (print and digital)
● Social media content development, scheduling, and launch
● Paid social advertising setup and monthly reporting
Estimated Initial Launch Budget
Marketing and Brand Services: 100 to 140 hours, depending on:
● Scope of content creation
● Photography/video production
● Approval process
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● Number of campaign assets
● Advertising scope
Social Media Services: about 30 hours
• Total Marketing, Branding, and Social Media Services: $16,900 to
$24,900
• Additional charges for Social Media Advertising can range from $500
to $1,500 per month
Phase 2 — Ongoing Campaign Management
Includes
● Community engagement
● Event promotion
● Paid advertising management
● Reporting and optimization
● Real-time content updates
● Additional photography/video collection
● Lead nurturing and inquiry support
Estimated Monthly Management
• Approximately 10–15 hours/month ($1,300 to $1,950 per month over 24
months)
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Future Expansion Opportunities
The relocation initiative could expand over time to include:
● Resident ambassador programs
● Employer coalition partnerships
● Community welcome events
● Relocation weekend tours
● Downloadable relocation guides
● New resident welcome kits
● University and technical college partnerships
● Long-term workforce recruitment initiatives
● Housing development collaboration efforts
Search engine optimization is an important part of online marketing
success. We are unsure of the SEO capabilities of your current site and what
optimization could be made. If the site allows for SEO enhancements
through TownWeb, this is an additional service that can be discussed.
• SEO services estimate $1500 per month
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Final Recommendation
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for the City of Medford and
Taylor County to position themselves as attractive destinations for families
seeking affordability, opportunity, and a better pace of life.
Rather than functioning as a short-term promotional effort, this campaign
should be developed as a long-term relocation and workforce recruitment
platform that combines strategic branding, storytelling, employer
engagement, and digital marketing into one connected experience.
By focusing on authentic community identity, lifestyle-driven recruitment,
workforce opportunity, and modern digital marketing strategies, Medford
can differentiate itself from other rural communities and create meaningful
long-term population and workforce growth opportunities.
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Memo
Date: July 2, 2026
To: Mayor Holmes & Council Members
From: Joe Harris, City Coordinator
Meeting Date: Common Council - Jul 13 2026
Subject: Discussion/Action: Hotel Motel Room Tax Distribution
Background Information/Description:
In 2026, the Hotel Motel tax, has been split with 84/14/2 split with 84% of the funds going to the Hotel/Motel
fund, 14% going to the City and the remaining 2% going into a non-lapsing bandshell account.
The funds set aside into this account would not be used for Park Fest. The funds would be used to hire local
bands to perform.
Council needs to set the Hotel/Motel tax distribution rate for 2027.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Memo
Date: July 9, 2026
To: Mayor Holmes & Council Members
From: Ashley Lemke, City Clerk
Meeting Date: Common Council - Jul 13 2026
Subject: Potential Purchase of Property
Background Information/Description:
Should Council wish to take action on the closed session item, an open session item has been scheduled.
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