Menasha Common Council Meeting – June 15, 2026

The Menasha Common Council met on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the approval of a concept design for a downtown roundabout, a significant debate over a donated sculpture, the establishment of a downtown business incentive grant program, and multiple resolutions supporting state funding for public health and solar energy programs.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the June 1, 2026 Common Council meeting were approved.
• Approved the Downtown Business Incentive Grant Program Guidelines (7-0). Funded by TID No. 10 ($150,000 budgeted), the program offers grants up to $50,000, with larger awards requiring Administration Committee approval. The eligible area covers 35 historic buildings within the downtown historic districts.
• Approved a $167,092.08 utility reconstruction payment. (Note: The agenda listed the payee as McMahon Engineers Architects, but staff corrected this to Donald Hietpas & Sons, Inc., and the payment to the contractor was approved 7-0).
• Awarded the Midway Place Rehabilitation contract to Northeast Asphalt, Inc. for $117,852.65 (7-0).
• Approved an Intermunicipal Agreement for the Nicolet Boulevard Intersection Control Evaluation (7-0).
• Approved a Professional Services Agreement for the Nicolet Boulevard Intersection Control Evaluation, contingent upon approval by the City of Neenah's Common Council on June 24, 2026 (7-0).
• Approved a Street Use Application for the Community Fest Parade of Lights on July 3, 2026 (7-0).
• Approved the concept design for the Racine Street-Main Street roundabout, including the proposed sail-like structure (7-0). The design has an estimated cost of approximately $426,000, with plans for public fundraising.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Quinn (937 Fourth Street) requested a meeting with the Mayor and City Attorney regarding safety concerns on Fourth Street and commented on refuse drop-offs at the Recycling Center.
• Anne Anderson (310 Willow Lane) advocated for community art, expressing strong support for the roundabout design and thanking the Council for the presentation.
• KirstL Laux (388 Nassau Street) expressed disappointment with the Council's 5-2 decision to accept the 'Promise of a Prairie' sculpture donation for the Racine Street-Ahnaip Street roundabout.
• Public Health Director Hutter provided context on Resolution R-16-26, noting that Wisconsin ranks 49th in state funding per person for public health.

Discussion Items

• Racine Street-Main Street Roundabout Concept Design: Garret Perry of JT Engineering presented the final concept, featuring three metal sails symbolizing the past, present, and future. The design focuses on creating an attractive gateway to downtown, promoting economic development, and complementing the Canal Commons area, all while adhering to Wisconsin DOT safety requirements.
• 'Promise of a Prairie' Sculpture Donation (R-17-26): A significant debate arose over accepting a donated bronze sculpture for the Racine Street-Ahnaip Street roundabout. Alderman Rand provided an extensive critique, arguing that the sculpture was created for a Nebraska centennial and does not authentically represent Menasha's history or the artist's intent. He stated that the Doty Island Community Partners (DICP) were not formally consulted and that the Council should prioritize authentic public art rather than settling for a convenient donation. Alderman Eisenach countered that the sculpture's backstory of a family immigrating by sea aligns well with the sail theme of the main roundabout and represents a generous community gift. Council President Grade praised the Bergstrom family's generosity and the sculpture's quality.
• Downtown Business Incentive Grant Program: Alderman Lewis raised questions regarding the process for projects exceeding $50,000 and the eligible property map. Director Dane confirmed that projects over $50,000 require Administration Committee approval, and he later clarified that 35 properties are eligible within the historic districts.

Key Outcomes

• Roundabout Concept Approved: The sail-like concept design for the Racine Street-Main Street roundabout was approved (7-0). The committee will proceed with fundraising.
• Sculpture Donation Accepted: Resolution R-17-26 accepting the 'Promise of a Prairie' sculpture for the Racine Street/Ahnaip Street roundabout passed 5-2. Aldermen Rand and School voted in opposition.
• Grant Guidelines Approved: The Downtown Business Incentive Grant Program guidelines were approved (7-0).
• Public Health Resolution Passed: R-16-26 supporting sustainable state funding for local public health passed 6-1, with Alderman School dissenting.
• Solar Program Resolution Passed: R-13-26 supporting the Grow Solar Program passed (7-0).
• Appointments Confirmed: Patricia Rudolph was reappointed to the Board of Review and Helen Englebert to the Library Board of Trustees via voice votes.
• Administrative Correction: A consent agenda item was corrected during the meeting to direct a utility payment to the correct contractor, Donald Hietpas & Sons, Inc.