Common Council Meeting - March 17, 2025

The Common Council met on March 17, 2025, to discuss and vote on a proposed lease agreement for a 72-foot Ferris wheel in Houdini Plaza, submitted by Fun in Appleton, Inc. The proposal included an $800,000 cost, a $6,000 annual lease fee for five years, and a 10% share of proceeds for the city. After public comments and council deliberation, the motion to approve the lease failed, and the agreement was denied.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alan Fun (President/CEO of Fun in Appleton): Expressed full support for the project, describing it as transformative for Appleton's downtown. He noted the 72-foot height, $800,000 cost, and offered a 10% revenue share to the city. He also referenced previous rejected ideas (e.g., dolphin enclosure, zip lines, goats).
• Tony Lame (Resident): Opposed the project, calling it too expensive, a safety hazard (death trap, bird strikes), and disruptive to his quiet community. He dismissed tourism benefits and preferred less growth.
• Tom Wyland: Opposed the Ferris wheel but suggested a roller coaster instead, starting from the Zilkie building.
• Fiona Kisembo (70-year-old resident): Opposed due to noise, traffic, loss of public space, and minimal lease revenue for the city. Advised considering alternative locations.
• Jessica Hesley: Neutral, but asked whether Fun in Appleton had studied similar projects in other cities and consulted with local businesses/residents about noise and light pollution.

Discussion Items

• Council members raised several concerns:
  • Alder Meltzer: Questioned air quality and emissions from the device, as well as noise, light pollution, and loss of public space.
  • Alder Van Zieland: Noted the Parks and Recreation Committee had recommended approval. Expressed concerns about community engagement, impact on existing events (farmers market, Mile of Music, Trout Museum), insurance costs, operational expenses, and limited seasonal usage (4-5 months).
  • Alder Smith: Added traffic safety concerns on College Avenue due to distractions.
  • Alder Doran: Questioned whether the wheel would sit derelict in off-months and doubted revenue generation.
  • Alder Fercus: Humorously linked Ferris wheels to serial killers at the 1893 World's Fair.
  • Alder Hayden: Initially supportive but later changed stance due to potential disruption of Mile of Music and mobility issues for residents.
  • Alder Jones: Objected that the wheel would block pedestrian access, including wheelchair routes, and obstruct the Trout Museum entrance and farmers market.
  • Alder Elfheim: Supported the temporary installation as a boost to Appleton's reputation and a benefit for students.

Key Outcomes

• The motion to approve the lease agreement for the Ferris wheel in Houdini Plaza failed (appears to have been defeated by a majority vote; one alderperson abstained due to a potential conflict of interest).
• The lease agreement was denied.
• The meeting adjourned without further business.