Menasha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Menasha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Extended overnight street parking
A resident complained about how the city enforces its recreational vehicle ordinance.
Tornado-damaged structure demolition and raze orders
132 red-tagged structures remain, but the city historically razes only one building a year. New funding covers about 18 demolitions plus a part-time inspector to process raze orders — which some owners actually want, since a raze order can help negotiate better insurance settlements.
Police-School District Agreements
Renewed agreements for school resource officers and crossing guards with the school district, with one alder abstaining over her district job.
Flock Safety cameras excluded from 2027 budget
The council formally directed staff not to put Flock Safety camera services in the 2027 proposed budget, keeping the license plate reader program unfunded next year.
Winnebago County 911 Emergency System participation
Menasha's annual joint powers agreement keeps the city connected to the countywide 911 dispatch network. Without it, emergency calls from Menasha residents wouldn't route through the regional system.
Claims from April Weather Event Denied
After closed session, the council unanimously denied three damage claims from the April storm (Burow, Strasser and Meyer families).
TIME System law-enforcement data access renewal
The TIME System is the secure messaging network that lets Menasha police pull warrant and DMV records, with the county covering access when the police front desk is closed. It's renewed annually.
Fall Street Closures for Community Events
The marathon route will use Menasha streets on race day, September 20, 2026, from early morning into the afternoon. Residents along the course should plan for temporary closures.
E-bike and e-scooter regulation
Area community leaders, including Menasha, are working on rules for e-bikes on shared bike trails — an ongoing regional project with no decision yet.
Ongoing city curfew
A Winnebago County supervisor raised concerns about the curfew still in place after the tornado.
Emergency Bidding Waiver for Debris and Tree Removal
The Council waived competitive bidding so tree and debris removal can begin immediately under state emergency law.
Suspension of Non-Essential City Services
During the emergency, some services are suspended or modified: parks facilities and rentals, senior center programs, some health services, and some DPW collections. Residents should check for changes to garbage schedules and program availability.
Emergency Declaration After Tornado
A tornado hit the Fox Valley, and nearby cities—possibly including Menasha—have declared emergencies, with a curfew and boil-water order in effect. If you're in the area, stay off the roads and don't drink tap water until officials clear it.
State funding for local public health departments
The council backed a resolution pushing the state for sustainable funding for local health departments — a mostly symbolic show of support that passed 6-1.
Helmet rule for young riders
Riders under 16 now must wear helmets, but alders changed the standard the helmets must meet before passing it unanimously.
Firefighter hiring
One new Neenah-Menasha firefighter will be hired no earlier than June 6, 2026, to ease overtime and coverage strains.
Respirator requirement for sewer crews
Testing found toxic chemical vapors in the sanitary sewer at a contaminated site, and city staff found significant readings at two more locations. The new policy requires crews to wear respirators whenever jetting lines in mapped areas of concern, protecting workers while lab results are pending.
Interoperable emergency radios
The city accepted grant money to upgrade radios so Menasha responders can talk directly to state agencies during disasters.
Police Hiring Controversy
Menasha hired a police officer despite a checkered record elsewhere, and now he’s been arrested. The city could face a lawsuit over how he was hired—meaning residents may pay for the fallout.
Police software maintenance agreement
The city is spending up to $9,000 on a maintenance agreement with Constructive Analytics to keep police department software running — programs that handle overnight parking approvals, fleet tracking, and landlord notifications. Officials discussed the vendor's longevity and long-term software planning.
Fire Rescue Organizational Assessment
Menasha and Neenah are splitting the cost of an outside study of whether the joint fire rescue is organized for the future. Most aldermen backed it; Ald. Eisenach voted no both times.
Police Chief Thorn Resignation
Chief Thorn is stepping down after 17 years; council and staff heaped praise on his tenure.