Citizens Academy Common Council Simulation Meeting – March 14, 2024

This was a simulated Common Council meeting held as part of the City of Appleton's Citizens Academy. The primary agenda item was a proposal for a 75-foot Ferris wheel in Houdini Plaza, presented by Mr. Fun of Fun in Appleton Inc. The council heard public testimony, debated the proposal, and ultimately voted to deny it.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of previous meeting minutes: Motion passed 11-0 without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Vicky (1421 North Alvin Street, Appleton) expressed full support for the Ferris wheel, stating it would bring excitement for both children and adults, liven up the area, and generate revenue, provided proper safety mechanisms are in place.
• Cassidy Lewis (Kimberly Ave, Kimberly) voiced support, saying the Ferris wheel would add liveliness to the community.
• Penny Johnson (2625 Brookdale Court, Appleton) liked the idea overall but expressed two main concerns: (1) the size might crowd Houdini Plaza and suggested Memorial Park as an alternative location, and (2) the high cost raised questions about funding.
• Mr. Fun (representing Fun in Appleton Inc.) presented the proposal: a 75-foot Ferris wheel costing $1,050,000, with his company committing $300,000 toward marketing and fundraising. The city would own and maintain the wheel on city property. User fees would be charged, with 25% of revenue returning to the city, and he estimated at least $1 million in additional economic activity. He urged council support.

Discussion Items

• District 1 Alder disclosed a personal relationship with Mr. Fun (stated they are related) and asked if they should recuse themselves. Attorney Glad advised that based on ethics statutes and a "smell test," it would be prudent to abstain from debate and voting; the alder agreed to do so.
• District 14 Alder opposed the proposal, citing the lack of a feasibility study and pro forma financial analysis. Major concerns included liability insurance costs, light pollution affecting nearby apartments, and the $1 million fundraising target given Appleton's budget shortfalls.
• District 13 Alder advocated tabling the idea, noting recent community fatigue from raising $12 million for the library, ongoing insurance and lawsuit risks, and noise concerns for College Avenue residents. They suggested moving the Ferris wheel to a different location or even a zip line to the waterfront as a cheaper alternative.
• District 7 Alder requested moving to closed session for further discussion. Attorney Glad advised against it, stating no statutory exception applied and the item was not properly noticed for closed session, making it a violation of the law. The request was not pursued.
• District 11 Alder expressed concerns about the cost, city maintenance obligations, and the risk of the private corporation (Fun in Appleton Inc.) going out of business. However, they supported the Ferris wheel concept, envisioning it as a community draw during events like Mile of Music, and stated they couldn't think of a better way to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• District 15 Alder proposed alternatives such as a replica Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, or a 75-foot Harry Houdini statue. The mayor noted these suggestions may not be germane to the current motion.
• The mayor outlined options for the council: refer the item back to the Parks and Recreation Committee for further study (including feasibility, liability, light pollution, costs, location, and risks of private corporation longevity), or continue with the existing motion to deny. The mover (District 2) and seconder (District 9) of the motion to deny were given the opportunity to withdraw; the mover declined.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to deny the Houdini Plaza Ferris Wheel proposal passed 6-3.
• Under council rules, the proposal cannot be reconsidered during this council session, but Mr. Fun was informed that a revised proposal could be brought back at a future meeting.
• No further business was conducted; the meeting adjourned.