Public Meetings - Menasha, Wisconsin

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.

Mayor Hammond called the Menasha Common Council meeting to order at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the First Floor Conference Rooms, 100 Main Street, Menasha, WI. Six alderpersons were present (Rand, Eisenach, Hale, Marshall, Grade, Ropella); Alds. Perkins and Lewis were absent. The Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance, observed a moment of silence honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and acted on consent items, an alcohol license denial, accounts payable, and a board appointment. The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Kristl Laux (388 Nassau Street, Menasha; Winnebago County Supervisor, District 2) spoke about the brownfield site at 204 Railroad Street. She stated Winnebago County owns the property, which was acquired through foreclosure and is contaminated with lead and other chemicals, including contaminated groundwater. She reported that the County Board would vote on January 20, 2026, on a resolution to apply for and accept an EPA brownfields cleanup grant of up to $4 million for the site, requiring no county match. She encouraged Menasha community members to speak in favor of the resolution before the County Board, including remotely through Teams, because expediting acceptance of the grant would allow the cleanup to proceed faster. Discussion Items - Deputy Director Gordon presented the Sewer Plant Phosphorus Filter Project Update communication. He explained that the Wisconsin DNR requires the Neenah Menasha Sewerage Commission to remove phosphorus from the treatment plant’s effluent, that the project had already received one extension with no further extension available, and that water quality trading credits did not appear sufficient as a short-term solution. - Gordon outlined two financing options: revenue bonds at roughly 4.25% interest, or a Clean Water Fund loan at 2.6% interest taken out by each municipality and managed by the commission. He noted Menasha could qualify for approximately 10% principal forgiveness and stated that, from his perspective, the Clean Water Fund loan appeared to be the best option. - Alderman Rand asked whether the memo’s numbers accounted for recent state clean water legislation passed around January 8, involving $400–500 million for clean water and related programs. Gordon replied that the memo was prepared before that legislation and that staff would look into the new funding. Rand also asked about UV disinfection; Gordon said the commission was leaning against installing UV disinfection and toward retaining chlorine contact because of the additional $11 million cost, and the DNR had not indicated UV would become a future requirement. - Alderman Ropella asked about the Clean Water Fund loan schedule. Gordon explained that existing loans end in 2027, 2031, 2032, and 2033, with no debt falling off in 2028–2030. The Mayor also noted that Buy America provisions could add about 6% to project costs. - The Council approved receipt of the listed minutes from the Board of Public Works (1/5/26), Board of Health (12/10/25), Committee on Aging (11/14/25), and Plan Commission (1/6/26), plus the Sewer Plant Phosphorus Filter Project Update communication; the motion carried on a voice vote. Consent Agenda - Approved the Common Council minutes of January 5, 2026 (motion by Grade, second by Hale; voice vote). - Approved Board of Public Works recommendation: Change Order No. 1 with Northeast Asphalt, Inc. for Contract No. 2025-03, Jefferson Park Boat Launch, adding $19,370.97 (motion by Ropella, second by Marshall; carried 6-0 on roll call). - Approved Board of Public Works recommendation: Payment No. 5 to Northeast Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $67,228.46 for the Jefferson Park Boat Launch project (motion by Ropella, second by Marshall; carried 6-0 on roll call). Staff advised that approximately two payments likely remain for the project. - Approved Plan Commission recommendation: Certified Survey Map lot line adjustment for 355 Lake Road (Parcel No. 7-0007-00) and 359 Lake Road (Parcel No. 7-0007-01) (motion by Rand, second by Eisenach; carried 6-0 on roll call). Key Outcomes - Alcohol Operator’s License Application denied: The Council voted 5-0, with Alderman Eisenach abstaining due to personal ownership of an alcohol license, to deny the 2025–2027 alcohol operator’s license application. Staff explained the applicant did not meet the first guideline in the City of Menasha Policy Guidelines for Operator Licenses because prior felonies on her record were directly related to the license application. - Accounts Payable approved: The Council approved accounts payable and payroll for January 1–15, 2026, in the amount of $12,079,449.08 (motion by Eisenach, second by Hale; carried 6-0 on roll call). - Board of Appeals reappointment approved: The Council approved Mayor Hammond’s reappointment of Tim Jacobson to the Board of Appeals for the term February 1, 2026 through February 1, 2029 (motion by Grade, second by Hale; voice vote). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM on a motion by Hale, seconded by Marshall.

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.

The Menasha Common Council met on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. at 100 Main Street, Menasha, WI. Mayor Hammond presided; seven alderpersons were present and Ald. Perkins was absent. The council approved consent agenda items, an accounts payable payment, and appointments, and entered closed session to discuss a claim. Reports and Communications - The council received the Clerk's report, including minutes from multiple committees and a Community Development Department memo on the Commercial Building Inspections Update. Motion by Ald. Grade, seconded by Ald. Marshall, carried on a voice vote. Consent Calendar - Common Council minutes of 12/1/25; approved by voice vote. - Appointment of Election Inspectors for the 2026-2027 election cycle (Administration Committee recommendation); approved 7-0. - Change Order No. 1 & Final — Sommers Construction Co., Inc.; Contract No. 2025-02; Street Construction & Rehabilitation - Various Locations; add $32,113.47; approved 7-0. - Payment No. 3 & Final — Sommers Construction Co., Inc.; Contract No. 2025-02; $40,017.96 (agenda/minutes list $40.017.96, apparently a typo); approved 7-0. - Payment No. 4 — Northeast Asphalt, Inc.; Contract No. 2025-03; Jefferson Park Boat Launch; $374,868.28; approved 7-0. - Payment No. 1 & Final — Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC; Contract No. 2025-04; Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Crack Sealing - Various Locations; $31,734.00; approved 7-0. - Updates to the City of Menasha Employee Handbook, effective January 1, 2026 (Personnel Committee recommendation); approved 7-0. - Purchase of a stock 2025 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado from Bergstrom Automotive not to exceed $50,000, plus radio, lights, graphics, and miscellaneous equipment, for a total project cost not to exceed $67,000 (Neenah-Menasha Joint Finance & Personnel Committee recommendation); approved 7-0. No items were removed from the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the public hearing, the general public comment period, or the public comment period for agenda items. Discussion Items - On Consent Item 3C, Director Sackett advised that the first asphalt layer at the Jefferson Park Boat Launch is down; the final layer and restoration will occur in spring, with completion expected around early May 2026. - On Consent Item 5A, Ald. Lewis asked whether the $67,000 vehicle/equipment purchase was split between the cities. Chief Teesch advised that the listed price is the total expense, with Menasha's share based on the joint cost-sharing formula, roughly 40%. Appointments - The council approved the Mayor's six appointments to the Lawson Canal Ad Hoc Advisory Committee for the term 12/16/25 - 9/30/26: Alicia Buechler and Matt Vanderlinden (RDA representatives), Richard Sturm and Eli Wickman (Parks and Recreation Board representatives), and Ald. Hale and Ald. Rand (Board of Public Works representatives). Motion by Ald. Grade, seconded by Ald. Lewis, carried on a voice vote. Action Items - Accounts Payable and Payroll for the term 11/27/25 - 12/11/25 in the amount of $783,082.84 was approved 7-0 on a motion by Ald. Eisenach, seconded by Ald. Hale. Closed Session - The council voted 7-0 to adjourn into closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategy related to the Village of Harrison Notice of Injury and Notice of Claim Against the City Re: 2019 Interim Agreement. The council reconvened into open session on a voice vote; no further action was reported. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items, the accounts payable/payroll action item, and the appointments were approved as listed above. - The council entered and exited closed session without reporting additional action. - The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. - The next Common Council meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The Menasha Common Council met Monday, December 1, 2025, at 100 Main Street, Menasha. Mayor Hammond called the meeting to order at 6:06 pm; all eight aldermen were present. The Council held a public hearing on the 2026 proposed budget, approved consent-agenda items including the FORE Development Province Terrace Apartments project description and development agreement, adopted three budget amendments, and passed the 2026 levy, budget, and borrowing resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 pm. Budget Presentation - Director Sassman presented the 2026 proposed budget with a 0.34% tax levy increase, within the state-imposed levy limit. About $450,000 was removed or reduced from the budget to stay within levy limits. - The general fund tax levy decreased to accommodate a $125,000 increase in the debt service levy. A $100,000 street project and $108,000 for two squad cars were moved from the general fund to borrowing. - The city retained its state expenditure restraint payment by keeping the 2025-2026 budget increase at 1.35%, below the 3.5% cap. Only about $830 remained under the levy limit. - Estimated 2026 general obligation borrowing was just under $6 million, compared with about $3.6 million in the current year. The city tax rate was kept in line with the current year; the Winnebago County rate is $6.89 per $1,000 of assessed value, down 5 cents, and the Calumet County rate is $6.97, up 2 cents. A $100,000 levy cut would reduce the tax rate by 6 cents. - Four budget review sessions and a capital improvements plan workshop preceded the hearing. The minutes place the CIP workshop in August; the transcript says September. Public Comments & Testimony - Public hearing speakers overwhelmingly supported investing in the Jefferson Park Swimming Pool and/or a new aquatic center. Jodi Van Rossum (327 Willow Lane) cited crime-prevention and youth-engagement data, including a 32% violent crime drop in Los Angeles County neighborhoods with summer recreation programs and a 45% reduction in violent crime arrests among youth summer program participants. - Trish Kasper (1075 Brighton Drive), a retired physician, commended the Jefferson Park renovations and said swimming improves physical, mental, and social-emotional health for all ages, noting drowning is a leading cause of death in children ages 1-14. - Marcia Fry (318 Willow Lane) cited a 16% property value premium for homes near recreational facilities and $201 billion in economic activity generated by recreational facilities. - Jean McKnight (704 Tacyo Street) said modern year-round aquatic centers recover 50-70% of operating costs compared with 15-20% for summer-only pools, and she proposed expanded programming and fundraising. - Charlotte Foth (1033 Brighton Drive) cited data that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4, that swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 88%, that heat kills more Americans than any other weather disaster, and that 79% of low-income children have low or no swimming ability. She urged keeping the pool operating during repairs and criticized an unnamed alderman's reported comment about shutting it down. - KristL Laux (minutes) / Crystal Oaks (transcript) (388 Nassau St), also identified in the transcript as Winnebago County Supervisor District 2, opposed luxury housing and the FORE Province Terrace project, saying Menasha needs affordable non-luxury housing. She cited a 60-person public housing waitlist in Menasha and a waitlist of more than 700 people for voucher housing in Winnebago County, described the project as roughly 105 high-end units costing about $232,000 per unit, and said those units would never be full. - Luke Schiller (389 Nassau St) expressed full support for the proposed budget, including the 2% employee cost-of-living adjustment, the new aquatic center, and the Pleasants Park playground. - Amy Nelson (703 Wildwind Drive, Hortonville), an educator in the Menasha Joint School District, supported the Pleasants Park playground, citing safety and access for students. - James Taylor (340 Broad St), a former council member, questioned the FORE project's density, lack of campus, and proximity to the street, urging quality over quantity. Consent Calendar - Common Council minutes of 11/17/25 were approved by voice vote. - FORE Development Province Terrace Apartments project description was approved 8-0 after discussion of density and developer quality; staff advised that Plan Commission site plan review will still be required. - The Development Agreement between the City of Menasha and FORE Development, Inc. was approved 8-0. Action Items - Accounts payable and payroll for 11/14/25-11/26/25 in the amount of $1,253,254.54 were approved 8-0. - Offer to Purchase - 800 Ninth Street (Parcel No. 1-210353-15): Council voted 8-0 to enter closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(e) and 8-0 to reconvene in open session; no action on the offer was reported in open session. Ordinances and Resolutions - R-29-25 (2026 tax levy resolution): Council considered three amendments. - Amendment to add $20,000 to the TID 10 budget for the Racine St/Broad St pedestrian beacon project carried 5-3, with Aldermen Eisenach, Marshall, and Ropella voting no. Discussion included traffic counts, slowing traffic, downtown walkability, the High Cliff Connection, and the newly renovated library. - Amendment to remove $50,000 from the CIP budget for downtown gateways and mural carried 5-3, with Aldermen Rand, Perkins, and Grade voting no. Staff said the Menasha Joint School District has pledged $200,000 for Pleasants Park and that Jefferson Park pool parking decisions will be revisited in design. - Amendment to add $11,250 to the CIP budget and $11,250 to the Stormwater Utility budget for Ear Street (Earl Street in the transcript) design costs, with construction in 2027, carried 8-0. Staff said the Village of Fox Crossing requested moving the project up. - R-29-25, the resolution levying taxes for 2026 operating expenses, was approved 8-0 after the amendments were adopted. - R-30-25, adopting the 2026 fund and component-unit budgets, was approved as amended 8-0. After amendments, staff reported TID 10 at $214,826, TID 11 at $241,905, Stormwater Utility at $2,265,208, and total 2026 budgets at $45,461,390 instead of the originally proposed $45,480,140. The adopted minutes list different figures for TID 10 ($194,826) and total ($45,472,650), an apparent inconsistency. - R-31-25, authorizing 2026 general obligation borrowing and issuance of a certificate of indebtedness, was approved as amended 8-0; the referenced amounts increased from $5,985,350 to $5,996,600. Key Outcomes - The Council approved the 2026 levy, budget, and borrowing resolutions, with all three passing 8-0. - The Council approved the FORE Development Province Terrace Apartments project description and development agreement, both 8-0. - The Council approved $1,253,254.54 in accounts payable and payroll. - The Council received and approved Clerk Snyder's report, including Budget Review Session minutes (11/12/25 and 11/13/25), Neenah-Menasha Sewerage Commission minutes (10/28/25), Committee on Aging minutes (10/10/25), Administration Committee minutes (11/17/25), and the Quarterly Storm Water Flyer. - No members of the public spoke during the agenda-item public comment period. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 pm.

The Menasha Common Council met on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the First Floor Conference Rooms at 100 Main Street, Menasha, Wisconsin. Mayor Hammond presided; all eight aldermen were present, and City Clerk Snyder and department heads and staff attended. The meeting included public comment, approval of consent agenda items, accounts payable, an appointment, and adjournment at 7:07 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Paul Selle (1 Main Street) commented on youth behavior and suggested using vacant downtown properties as programming sites, with an emphasis on activities for teens. - Aidee Hoffman, principal of Banta Bilingual School, expressed support for the proposed Pleasants Park playground renovation and its benefits for Banta students. - Chad Bruechert (2329 South 23rd Street, Manitowoc), a former Menasha pool manager and teacher, spoke in support of the Jefferson Park Swimming Pool and the selection of MSA Professional Services, Inc. - Peter Allen (226 North Avenue, Neenah) spoke in support of the pool, citing water safety; he referenced USA Swimming Foundation data that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for children under 14, and that one month of formal swimming lessons reduces drowning risk by 88 percent. - Jean McKnight (704 Tayco Street) supported both the Pleasants Park playground and the Jefferson Park Swimming Pool conceptual design, describing ways to promote a viable, future-oriented pool. - Jessica Ketchum (816 Sixth Street) questioned the financing for a pool replacement, noting there was no savings, design, or donations; she questioned the benefit of spending $10 million on a new pool if renovation could be done for $5 million, and warned of possible property loss, fixed-income burdens, and rent increases. - Amy Nelson (703 Wildview Drive, Hortonville), a Banta educator and former Menasha community member, supported the Pleasants Park playground, citing safety improvements and the Menasha Joint School District's interest. - Dick Sturm (1203 Greenwood Court), Parks and Recreation Board chairperson, supported the conceptual design agreement and urged the Council to select MSA, speaking to generational opportunity and responsibility. - Lynn Sauby (339 Broad Street) supported the pool design services agreement as a step forward for the community. - Carla Cruz, a Banta Bilingual School educator, supported the Pleasants Park playground, describing children crossing the street, frequent flooding, ice, drainage problems, and concussions at the current play space. - Kari Mulder (192 Main Street), owner of Rusted Roost, introduced herself and described her interest in serving on the Landmarks Commission to support historic preservation and balanced growth. - Eli Wickman (700 Tenth Street), a Parks and Recreation Board member, urged approval of MSA, noted the goal of opening in 2027, and said the project had been discussed since about 2008. - Dani Rand (336 Lopas Street), a Parks and Recreation Board member, supported the new pool concept plan, described the pool as 66 years old and needing replacement for about 20 years, and praised the MSA proposal's inclusivity, grant-writing scope, timeline awareness, and local experience. - Tim Jacobson (732 Paris Street) said the existing pool was unsafe and should have been closed years ago, opposed spending tax dollars to repair it, raised safety risks for workers and the public, and agreed a new pool is needed. - Madison Springhetti (901 East Capital Drive, Appleton), a Menasha teacher and summer swim lesson coordinator, supported the new pool concept plan. - Marissa Lukaszewski (92 Locke Street) supported the pool design plan and the Jefferson Park revitalization, citing affordable swim lessons, central location, programming, accessibility features, and teen jobs. - Amy O'Day (960 Third Street) supported the new aquatic center and urged the Council to finish the project by approving the design services step. - After the votes, Dick Sturm thanked the Council for supporting the aquatic center; Melissa Grade (201 Elm Street), a Parks and Recreation Board member, thanked them for moving Jefferson Park forward and described the pool's impact on her family; and Tim Jacobson suggested asking neighboring communities, such as Fox Crossing and Harrison, for financial contributions. Report of Department Officers - By voice vote, the Council approved the minutes to receive and communications as recommended by Clerk Snyder. Minutes received included Board of Public Works (11/3/25), Personnel Committee (11/3/25), Budget Review Session (11/5/25 and 11/6/25), Library Board of Trustees (9/23/25), Plan Commission (11/4/25), Board of Health (10/1/25 and 10/22/25), and Parks and Recreation Board (11/11/25). Communications included a Shure microphone failures update, a Little Lake Butte Des Morts Lake Association founding meeting invitation, and Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) grant funding for Earl Street. Consent Calendar - Approved Common Council minutes from 11/3/25 by 8-0 roll call. - Approved Board of Public Works recommendation for a street use application for Gather 'Round on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., sponsored by City of Menasha Parks and Recreation, by 8-0 roll call. - Approved payment No. 3 to Northeast Asphalt, Inc., Contract Unit No. 2025-03, for the Jefferson Park Boat Launch in the amount of $145,307.15, by 8-0 roll call. - Approved the Personnel Committee recommendation for an amendment to the 2025 Memorandum of Agreement between the City and the Menasha Professional Police Association WPPA/LEER Local 603, by 8-0 roll call. - Approved the 2026 Memorandum of Agreement with the Menasha Professional Police Association effective January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, by 8-0 roll call. - Approved the Plan Commission recommendation for a Certified Survey Map dividing 1320 Earl Street (Parcel No. 4-00791-00), conditioned on proper recording of the cross-access agreement between lots 1-3, by 8-0 roll call. - Approved the Parks and Recreation Board recommendation to select MSA Professional Services, Inc. to provide conceptual design services for the Jefferson Park Aquatic Facility not to exceed $78,000, by 8-0 roll call. Discussion Items - Parks and Recreation Director Megan Sackett explained that the MSA contract is the first phase for the new aquatic facility. Funds were approved in the 2025 budget in November 2024; an RFP was issued in early October 2025 and received five responses. The conceptual design phase is expected to last about three months (minutes) or three to four months (transcript), include community and stakeholder input, and return to the Park Board and then Common Council for final concept approval. The goal is to open a new facility in 2027. - Alderman Marshall said the old pool cannot be patched and is unsafe for workers. Alderman Eisenach asked whether enough money was budgeted; Director Sackett confirmed 2025 budget funds plus additional allocations were available. Mayor Hammond said there were no more band-aid fixes, safety was a priority, and completing Jefferson Park would make it a gem for the Fox Cities. - During the accounts payable discussion, Alderman Hale asked for more detail on line items labeled library materials; Finance Director Sassman explained the monthly library payments follow account-name descriptions, and specific invoices were available on request. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items were approved unanimously on 8-0 roll call votes. - Approved accounts payable and payroll for the period 10/31/25 through 11/13/25 in the amount of $1,802,820.93 by 8-0 roll call. - Approved the Mayor's appointment of Kari Mulder to the Landmarks Commission for the term 11/18/25 through 3/1/28 by voice vote. - No items were removed from the consent agenda. - No ordinances, resolutions, held-over business, or claims against the city were considered. - The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m. by voice vote.

The Menasha Common Council met at 6:02 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, in the First Floor Conference Rooms at 100 Main Street, Menasha, WI. After the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, all eight alderpersons were present. The Council approved the resolution creating Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 15, the draft 2026 Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue budget, multiple 2026 insurance and construction renewals, and several partnerships, while also hearing public comments about the Jefferson Park swimming pool and receiving a report on a proposed new lake association. Consent Calendar - Approved the Common Council minutes of 10/20/25 (voice vote). - Approved the 2026 Storage Tank Pollution Liability Insurance renewal with ACE American Insurance Company (8-0). - Approved the 2026 Municipal Property Insurance Company (MPIC) renewal policy quote (8-0). - Approved the 2026 Health Insurance Plans and Renewal and Vision & Dental Continuation (8-0). - Approved the Joint Powers Agreement with the Winnebago County 911 Emergency System (8-0). - Approved Change Order No. 1 & Final for Donald Hietpas & Sons, Inc., 2025 Sewer & Water Main Reconstruction, deducting $21,667.20 (8-0). - Approved Payment No. 3 & Final to Donald Hietpas & Sons, Inc. for the 2025 Sewer & Water Main Reconstruction, $20,772.63 (8-0). - Approved Payment No. 2 to Northeast Asphalt, Inc. for the Jefferson Park Boat Launch, $147,406.75 (8-0). - Approved Change Order No. 2 & Final for Jefferson Park Improvements, deducting $21,265.23 (8-0). - Approved Payment No. 9 & Final to Northeast Asphalt, Inc. for Jefferson Park Improvements, $33,550.03 (8-0). - Approved the Jingle Bell Jog street use application for Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00-10:30 a.m., sponsored by Menasha High School FBLA (7-0, with Ald. Lewis abstaining because of her employment with Menasha High School). - Approved the purchase and contract for one 2025 Can-Am EMS-UTV and related equipment, cost not to exceed $60,000, using FAP carry-over funds from 2024-25 (8-0). - Approved the proposed Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue 2026 budget as a draft, preserving the opportunity for final revisions during the upcoming budget review sessions (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Jessica Ketchum (816 Sixth Street, Menasha) questioned how much it would cost to bring the Jefferson Park Swimming Pool to near perfect working order and whether a repair could become a money pit. She said her comparison of Menasha to similarly populated cities (Kaukauna, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, and River Falls) found an $8.4 million per year difference in selected budget areas and asked the Council to consider budget reallocation, fundraising, and greater transparency. - Eli Wickman (700 Tenth Street, Menasha), speaking as a Park Board member, expressed full support for the City's decision to close the pool for the 2026 season and to replace it. He described the pool's deteriorating conditions and said a $500,000 repair band-aid was not fiscally responsible compared with an approximately $12 million new aquatic center, which would cost about $182,000 per year if it lasted 66 years. He noted the City expects the new aquatic center to be operational in 2027. - Dani Rand (336 Lopas Street, Menasha) announced the founding meeting of the Little Lake Butte des Morts Lake Association on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Appleton Yacht Club. She explained that a 2023 DNR water quality study found algae blooms, invasive species, phosphorus, sediment, and shoreline erosion issues affecting the 1,200-acre lake and its 64,000+ residents, and invited board members and volunteers from across the region. Reports & Presentations - The Council received the Clerk's report, which included the Community Development Report (3Q 2026), the TID No. 15 Creation Summary, minutes from seven boards and committees, and the Menasha 2035: Your Place on the Water Comprehensive Plan Public Participation Update. The motion to receive was approved by voice vote. - Community Development Director Andrew Dane presented the third-quarter Community Development Report, highlighting a re-evaluation of building inspections, permit turnaround times, fee alignment, and cost recovery. He also announced a comprehensive plan public input session at the library on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with UW-Madison graduate students focused on downtown and waterfront areas. Council discussion covered Project Front Porch participation, Diggers Hotline inquiries, code enforcement case origins (65% resident complaints and 35% proactive inspections), and unoccupied or underutilized properties including the Whiting Paper Mill, the steam plant, and the former Dreams/Germania Hall site. - Ehlers Public Finance Advisors presented the TID No. 15 Creation Summary. TID No. 15 is a proposed mixed-use tax increment district of approximately 90 acres along the Oneida Street corridor, with a maximum life of 20 years and territory in Winnebago and Calumet counties and in the Menasha Joint and Appleton Area School Districts. Current maps show roughly 7% of the total acreage for newly platted residential development, below the statutory 35% limit. Initial development is expected to generate about $37,650,000 in incremental value, including approximately 96 proposed garden-style apartment units. The presentation emphasized a pay-as-you-go model where the developer carries financial risk, with up to 95% of annual increment from a development potentially paid to the developer until a negotiated cap is reached. All future development agreements and expenditures would require Common Council approval. - During TID No. 15 discussion, staff clarified that properties in the district continue to pay taxes, with only the incremental value directed to the TID; Festival Foods is included primarily for a contiguous boundary and is not expected to receive incentives; and the district was prompted by a Forward Development multifamily proposal seeking TIF assistance. Action Items - Approved accounts payable and payroll for the term 10/17/25-10/30/25 in the amount of $1,330,015.66 (8-0). Staff explained that the check register lacked descriptions due to a one-time staff/software circumstance and committed to providing a detailed register. - Approved a partnership with Heckrodt Wetland Reserve on a house relocation proposal, authorizing staff and the Redevelopment Authority to work with Heckrodt and Habitat for Humanity to develop a partnership agreement that would return for final Council and RDA approval (8-0). Staff said Heckrodt had planned to demolish the house and the City is exploring relocating it to provide housing instead. - Approved the Resolution Creating Tax Incremental District No. 15, Approving Its Project Plan and Establishing Its Boundaries (8-0) under Action Item I-3. - Approved the Strong Neighborhoods Program pilot partnership with Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity, including a draft MOU subject to final approval by the City Attorney's Office (8-0). Staff confirmed a $100,000 limit for the program in the budget. Ordinances, Resolutions & Appointments - R-26-25: Approved a resolution establishing the Lawson Canal Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee to support the update of the Lawson Canal Master Plan (8-0). Staff cited a $500,000 EPA grant with no local match and urgency related to the grant deadline; the minutes state the deadline as December 2026, while the transcript states September 30, 2026. - R-28-25: Approved the Resolution Creating Tax Incremental District No. 15, Approving Its Project Plan and Establishing Its Boundaries (8-0). The same resolution had also been approved earlier under Action Item I-3. - Approved the Mayor's eight appointments to the Downtown Menasha Forward Ad-hoc Committee for the term beginning 11/4/25, focused on the creation of a downtown nonprofit: Angela Green-Ludvik, Melanie DuFrane, Ald. Rand, Ald. Perkins, Peter Dulcamara, Jeff Buser, Dustin McClone, and Michele Lynn (voice vote). Closed Session - The Council voted 8-0 to adjourn into closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g) to confer with legal counsel about litigation strategy concerning the Village of Harrison Notice of Injury and Notice of Claim against the City Re: 2019 Interim Agreement. The Council reconvened into open session by voice vote, and no further action on the claim was reported. Key Outcomes - Approved the resolution creating TID No. 15, including its project plan and boundaries, by an 8-0 vote; the resolution was approved twice on the agenda, under Action Item I-3 and as R-28-25. - Approved the draft 2026 Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue budget by an 8-0 vote, with final adoption to follow during budget review sessions scheduled for November 5, 6, 12, and 13, 2025. - Approved 2026 renewals for storage tank pollution liability insurance, MPIC property insurance, and health/vision/dental plans, each by 8-0 votes. - Approved the Strong Neighborhoods pilot MOU with Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity, contingent on City Attorney review, by an 8-0 vote. - Approved the Lawson Canal Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee resolution by an 8-0 vote. - Approved all eight Downtown Menasha Forward Ad-hoc Committee appointments by voice vote. - Authorized the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve house relocation partnership by an 8-0 vote. - Adjourned at 8:13 p.m.