Friday, September 7 – Due to a recently created vacancy, the City of Wisconsin Rapids is seeking applicants for the position of an elected City Clerk to serve the remainder of the term, which expires in 2022, unless a special election is called. Per Wisconsin Statutes governing such vacancy, and from a qualified pool of applicants, Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zachary Vruwink will select a candidate for an official appointment, which will be submitted to the City Council for consideration and confirmation. Candidates must be a city resident upon the time of application for consideration.
 
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills. This individual must be available for evening Council and Committee meetings. The City Clerk's Office is responsible for: administering election laws and procedures; maintaining voter registration; issuing various licenses and permits; keeping and maintaining agendas and minutes, and preparing publication of legal notices; attending the meetings of the Common Council and keeping a record of its proceedings; updating the municipal code book; administering oaths and affirmations; maintaining commission, board and committee appointments; maintaining all public records; and care and custody of the corporate seal. The salary is $65,315.
 
Individuals wishing to be considered for appointment by the Mayor may submit their resume and application via email to Recruitment@wirapids.org by September 28th, 2018. Applications can be found on line at the City website: wirapids.org/job-opportunities.html For more information, applicants can call: 715-421-8215.
​

​Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council highlighted at workshop
 
Monday, August 20 – The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has recognized the Wisconsin Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council as a unique force that engages young people and inspires solutions that enhance a community’s quality of life.
 
Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink, who formed the Youth Council in 2014, detailed its history and activities during the League’s 2018 Chief Executives Workshop, held August 16-17. Almost 100 State of Wisconsin city and village chief executives gathered to share ideas and tactics that lead to positive outcomes.
 
During a panel discussion, Mayor Vruwink cited the Youth Council’s role in: fund-raising for City  projects like the proposed Aquatic Park at Witter Field, youth-led design of the splash pad at Mead  Field and the annual 4th of July fireworks show; taking the lead in developing recreational events and proposals such as Kids to Parks Day and the Municipal Zoo Master Plan; and pitching in on neighborhood beautification programs such as community cleanups and tree plantings. Informational videos featuring Youth Council members describing their efforts accompanied the mayor’s  presentation.
 
“It was my honor to bring the valuable work of the Mayor’s Youth Council to the attention of my fellow chief executives,” said Mayor Vruwink. “As one of just a bare handful of such formally organized  groups in the entire state, our Youth Council garnered a lot of admiration as a model for tapping the intelligence and enthusiasm of future community leaders.”
 
The Mayor’s Youth Council gives local high school students a space in which they actively contribute   to policy, service and recreation Initiatives. Guided by a Youth Council Advisory Team and chaired by the Mayor, the Youth Council reports to the Common Council. The Youth Council presents its recommendations and findings to Common Council committees and the public, administers surveys  and produces content for broadcast and online media. High School students from are eligible to apply for membership. For more information, visit www.wirapids.org/mayors-youth-council.
 
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities was created in 1898 to help Wisconsin cities and villages share ideas and learn from one another; to train and provide information to elected and appointed public officials who help govern those cities and villages; and to advocate on their behalf with the Wisconsin legislature, governor and state agencies.

City of Wisconsin Rapids NR_Youth Council Spotlighted_082018[2]

Looking for some family-friendly fun this weekend? Well you are in luck! This Saturday, June 16 is the Mayor’s Youth Council’s 3rd Annual Kids to Parks Day event from 1-3 p.m. at the Robinson Park shelter. This is a day where the Youth Council put on events to encourage kids and families to get outdoors to their local parks and play.

We will be making crafts, go on a nature scavenger hunt, and playing kick ball. This year, we have special guest Steve Knoll who is also teaching disc golf for kids! Bring your own squirt guns and join in on some squirt gun fun too! 

Mayor Vruwink calls on Governor Walker to designate City investment zones

Monday, March 19 – Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zachary Vruwink is calling on Governor Scott Walker and State of Wisconsin economic development officials to meet a deadline to benefit from a Federal tax code provision that promotes investment in qualifying low-income communities (LICs). Wisconsin Rapids has two such qualifying census tracts.

Section 13823 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 authorizes a process for state governors to spur investment in low-income communities, through the designation of “Opportunity Zones,” making it easier for mainstream private investors to support businesses and distressed communities. Opportunity Zone provisions include:

●Designation of criteria for Opportunity Zones in every state and territory;
●Establishment of a new class of private investment vehicles called “Opportunity Funds”; and
●Incentives for investors to re-invest their capital gains in Opportunity Funds to provide patient capital forlow-income communities.

Governors currently have a deadline of March 21 to submit a list of designated census tracts through which Opportunity Funds can flow. Once approved, these designations will remain in place for 10 years. If necessary, governors can request a 30-day extension.

“We have an immediate need for Governor Walker and State agencies to work with us to designate qualifying areas of Wisconsin Rapids for this opportunity,” said Mayor Vruwink. “As we continue to grow our economy and create jobs for our residents, we need every investment tool available to accomplish this- action must be taken now.”
​
The Department of Treasury must complete certification of Opportunity Zones within 30 days of receipt of a nomination from a governor. Thus, implementation of the program could begin as early as the fourth quarter of 2018.
​
Mayor Vruwink calls on Governor Walker to designate City investment zones