Menasha Common Council Meeting – January 5, 2026

The Menasha Common Council met on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:01 p.m. at 100 Main Street, Menasha, Wisconsin. All eight alderpersons were present. Council members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence for Ana Acosta, a librarian at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library, who recently passed away. The Council received reports, approved most consent and action items, passed several ordinances and resolutions, and approved one appointment. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Common Council minutes of 12/15/25 were approved by voice vote.
• RG Inspections, LLC commercial electrical permit inspection services: No action was taken. Staff said a casual employee was found for the commercial inspector role, making the contract unnecessary.
• Toole Design Group comprehensive planning services (Menasha Bike Feasibility Study), not to exceed $15,000: Approved 8-0.
• Contract with East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Update: Approved 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adam Smith (321 Milwaukee Street, Menasha), Menasha Utilities Water Utility Manager, commented on the Water Supply Service Area Plan in the meeting packet. He said it was required by Wisconsin Administrative Code, included a public comment component, and offered to answer questions.
• Michael Taylor, Vice Commander of Lenz–Gazecki American Legion Post 152, and James Barkholz, Post Commander, presented a donation to the Jefferson Park Aquatic Facility/Pool. They spoke about the Post's history and its commitment to youth and community investment; the Council thanked them.

Discussion Items

• During the report of department heads, Ald. Rand requested a memo from the utility manager on an approximately $360,000 November operating shortfall reported for the Water and Light Commission, asking whether it was seasonal or structural and whether a rate case was coming.
• Jefferson Park Aquatic Facility professional services agreement with MSA Professional Services, Inc.: Approved 8-0. The Council noted the agreement was contingent on City Attorney Struve's review and approval as to form after receipt of the final document.
• Accounts payable and payroll for 12/12/25–12/31/25, $1,604,970.48: Approved 8-0. Ald. Grade asked about the large “Savannah Jekyll Island Tour” expense; staff explained it was a week-long Senior Center bus trip to Savannah, Georgia, funded by participant fees and paid as a lump sum to the tour company.

Key Outcomes

• Alcohol license transfer: Approved 8-0 to transfer the Class B intoxicating liquor and Class B fermented malt beverage license from El Jaripeo Menasha LLC, DBA El Jaripeo, to El Palenque Mexican Gastropub LLC, DBA El Palenque, 890 Lake Park Road, with Ana Griselda Rivera as agent.
• R-32-25 (commercial electrical permit inspection fee increase): No action was taken.
• O-14-25 (no parking on Broad Street): Approved 8-0.
• O-16-25 (no parking on Second Street): Approved 8-0. Council discussion noted “no parking” signs installed by parties other than the City would be addressed after the meeting.
• R-2-26 (statewide public safety interoperable communications system): Approved 8-0. The Police Chief explained the resolution authorizes participation in a Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs grant requiring a 20% city match; the city's cost would be $9,565, compared with about $47,000 previously discussed for radio upgrades.
• R-1-26 (Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program reauthorization): Approved 8-0. Council members spoke in support of reauthorizing state funding for the program, noting it has supported area projects such as Loop the Lake and Heckrodt Wetland Reserve and is set to expire in June 2026.
• Appointment: Tommy Webster was approved by voice vote to the Parks and Recreation Board for the term 1/6/26 through 10/1/28.

No public comments were made on agenda items.