Menasha Common Council Meeting – February 2, 2026

The Menasha Common Council met on February 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the First Floor Conference Rooms at 100 Main Street. The meeting included presentations on the Community Development Department’s 2025 annual report and a UW-Madison landscape architecture student capstone project on the downtown waterfront. The Council approved several consent agenda items, action items, resolutions, and appointments. A key topic was the resignation of Police Chief Nick Thorn after 17 years of service, which was acknowledged with praise. The Council also approved a settlement with the Village of Harrison regarding fire protection fees.

Consent Calendar

• Common Council Minutes of January 19, 2026: Approved by voice vote.
• Professional Services Agreement with Engberg Anderson for comprehensive planning services (not to exceed $20,000): Approved 8-0.
• Professional Services Agreement with Innovative Public Advisors for NMFR organizational structure assessment and future needs analysis ($33,500; Menasha’s share $13,125.30 funded by budget amendment): Approved 7-1 (Ald. Eisenach voted no).
• Pleasants Park Playground Proposal: Lee Recreation Option 1 and relocation to north side of parking lot: Approved 8-0.
• Professional Services Agreement with JT Engineering for Roundabout Gateway Improvements (not to exceed $10,000): Approved 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Josh School (2959 Chrystella Drive) spoke in support of the Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue organizational structure assessment and future needs analysis.
• Tim Jacobson (732 Paris Street) encouraged the Board of Public Works Chairperson to reconsider the previously considered recycling fee and place it on a future agenda. He also commented on the 250th Independence Day celebrations and donated $500 for fireworks.

Presentations and Reports

• Community Development Department 2025 Annual Report: Director Andrew Dane presented accomplishments including economic development, restructuring commercial building inspections, and code enforcement. Discussion touched on a property near Club Tavern and the priority of addressing the Two Tako and R&R Bar dilapidated building for health and safety reasons.
• UW-Madison Landscape Architecture Students – Downtown Waterfront Presentation: Students Avi Clancy, Nick Elrude, and others presented a capstone project reimagining the Menasha Canal Corridor, focusing on the former Whiting Paper Mill and Gunderson Cleaners sites. They presented two framework concepts: "Anchor" (tourism/economic growth with a dog park, event center, hotel) and "Passage" (nature experience with trails, affordable housing, bird habitat). They will return in May with a finalized design.

Discussion Items

• Police Chief Resignation: Ald. Grade praised Chief Nick Thorn for his 17 years of service, describing him with professionalism, positivity, and personability. Other council members and the Mayor expressed gratitude. Chief Thorn thanked the council and stated he is looking forward to spending more time with family.
• Racine Street/Main Street/Ahnaip Street Roundabout Landscape Special Committee: Staff provided an update. The committee is working with JT Engineering on landscape design, with concepts expected in spring 2026. Landscaping is expected in 2026, with a centerpiece sculpture installation in 2027, subject to fundraising and council approval.
• NMFR Organizational Structure Assessment: Chief Dash explained the assessment will look back at the last 20 years of shared services and plan for future efficiencies. The agreement was tabled from December, hence the need for a budget amendment. Ald. Eisenach questioned the timing and budget amendment impact.
• Pleasants Park Playground: Director Sackett clarified that the existing playground will be removed and converted to green space, leaving only one new playground. The Menasha Joint School District donated funds. Ald. Ropella asked about potential housing on the site, but it is dedicated parkland, and the park board will assess future use.
• High Cliff Connection: Woodlands West Trail: Director Sackett explained that Amendment No. 1 covers additional wetland delineation survey work to potentially reduce boardwalk costs. The full design is 100% funded by the Community Foundation.
• Settlement with Village of Harrison: Attorney Struve noted the settlement amount is $72,749.30, approved by the Village on January 27, 2026, contingent on adoption of Resolution R-5-26. Approved 8-0.
• Appointments and Resignations: Jake Anderson appointed to Heckrodt Wetland Reserve (non-voting) term 2/3/26 – 2/1/29. Resignations of Kyle Coenen from Sustainability Committee and Redevelopment Authority, and Isaac Geffers from Housing Authority accepted. Ald. Eisenach noted Coenen's resignation was effective November, questioning why it was not reported sooner; staff explained they pair resignations with replacements. Ald. Grade suggested posting vacancies sooner. Mayor and Ald. Rand noted citizens can express interest in committees anytime. Isaac Geffers appointed to Redevelopment Authority term 2/3/26 – 9/1/26.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda items as above with votes.
• Approved Accounts Payable and Payroll ($1,282,088.06) 8-0.
• Approved Amendment No. 1 to Contract with JT Engineering for High Cliff Connection: Woodlands West Trail 8-0.
• Approved Resolution R 4-26 (General Fund Budget Adjustment for NMFR Assessment) 7-1 (Ald. Eisenach no).
• Approved Settlement Agreement with Village of Harrison (Claim) 8-0.
• Approved Resolution R-5-26 (General Fund Budget Adjustment for Settlement) 8-0.
• Approved appointment of Jake Anderson and Isaac Geffers, and accepted resignations, all voice votes.
• Adjourned at 7:13 PM.