Menasha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Menasha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sewerage Commission Membership Change
Corey Gordon is resigning from the Neenah-Menasha Sewerage Commission effective November 3, and Mayor Hammond wants Public Works Director James Merten to fill the seat through the end of 2026.
New Liquor License for Cabos Mexican Kitchen
A new restaurant, Cabos Mexican Kitchen at 209 Racine Street, is seeking a Class B liquor license with Eric Mosqueda-Lopez as agent.
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).
Recycling Facility Restored
The recycling facility is back in working order as of September 8, and staff discussed resident access to it.
High Cliff Connection greenway
The city accepted a grant from Fox Cities Greenways and signed an MOU to build the Woodlands West segment of the High Cliff Connection trail, hoping for more grants later.
Wisconsin Recycling Consolidation Grant eligibility for 2027
The city signed an intergovernmental agreement to qualify for the 2027 Wisconsin Recycling Consolidation Grant.
Clean 2025 audit with one recurring finding
Auditors gave Menasha a clean 2025 audit. The only internal-control finding — the annual financial report preparation — is a recurring one that management says isn't worth fixing with added staff and training costs.
Grow Solar program support
The council formally backed the Grow Solar program, which helps residents install solar power.
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.
Highway 47 bike and pedestrian study
A grant application could fund a study of sidewalks and bike lanes on Highway 47 between Ninth and Calumet Streets — study first, construction later.
Interoperable emergency radios
The city accepted grant money to upgrade radios so Menasha responders can talk directly to state agencies during disasters.
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.
Menasha Lock reopening petition
A resident asked the council to petition the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reopen the Menasha Lock, citing round goby being used as bait and recent rainfall pushing water above the lock barrier.
School district referendum misinformation
School board member Chad Lewis urged the council and public to verify facts before sharing information online about the district's recently passed operational referendum.
Epoxy pavement markings on Third and Racine Streets
A $122,398 contract for fresh epoxy pavement markings on two streets is headed to the council for final approval.
Employee volunteer participation in Habitat Rock the Block
City employees could spend a half workday helping with Habitat for Humanity's May 14–16 Rock the Block projects in Menasha. Past events brought fewer police calls, higher home values, and stronger neighborhood pride, so supporters saw the volunteer time as an investment in the city itself.
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.
Downtown Waterfront Vision
UW-Madison students reimagined the Water Street Corridor — including the old Whiting Paper Mill and Gunderson Cleaners sites — as part of downtown waterfront planning.