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
The council approved tearing down the 325 Broad Street building after the August 20 Twisted Pistons car show. Conceptual plans discussed include senior housing on Chute Street and townhomes along Broad Street, with the senior center's future and parking still to be worked out.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Highway 10/114 traffic speed and noise
Residents near Highway 10/114 say drivers hit 60-65 mph, semis barrel through at all hours, and noise far exceeds the 67-decibel threshold based on expired 1992/2012 studies. They want updated traffic and noise studies and more consistent police patrols, and asked the city to champion the cause with the DOT and Calumet County.
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.
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.
Firefighter hiring
One new Neenah-Menasha firefighter will be hired no earlier than June 6, 2026, to ease overtime and coverage strains.