Menasha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Menasha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Jefferson Park Aquatic Facility funding
Menasha is planning an approximately $18 million aquatic center at Jefferson Park, with $8 million already committed by the city and about $10 million expected from donations. The consultant's feasibility study will show whether the community can realistically raise that money, and city leaders will decide whether to launch a formal capital campaign.
Post-Tornado Stormwater Inflow Into Sanitary Sewer System
After spring storms caused sewer backups, the city is redirecting sewer utility funds toward long-term infrastructure fixes.
Clovis Park Tennis Courts Reconstruction
The city is spending $745,217.74 to replace the failing Clovis Park tennis courts, which the school district uses for competition. The school district, a USDA grant, and city funds are splitting the cost.
Midway Place Resurfacing and Utility Construction Payments
Midway Place is getting a full asphalt resurfacing from Midway Road to its terminus, with Northeast Asphalt recommended as the low bidder at about $117,853.
Suspension of Strong Neighborhoods Home Improvement Sub-Programs
Habitat for Humanity updated the council on its partnership program, which has already reached 47 community members since launching in February.
2026 Street and Utility Project Wrap-up
The city wrapped up this year's chip sealing of residential streets, swapping some streets out of the program (Ida Street in; Lincoln and Manitowoc streets out) at no extra cost. The final $55,716 payment closed out the contract.
Long-Term Power Supply Contract Amendment No. 3
Amendment No. 3 to the long-term power supply contract for participating members was up for approval, affecting how the city's electric utility buys power going forward.
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.
Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Levy Limit Exceedance for 2027
A resolution would let the fire rescue service exceed the state levy limit for fiscal year 2027. That can mean higher property tax contributions from member municipalities, including Menasha.
Unison Credit Union Electronic Message Center Sign
Unison Credit Union wants to add a digital message center to its monument sign at 1133 Province Terrace, which requires a special use permit because it sits within 300 feet of homes. The council held a formal public hearing before deciding.
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.
City Attorney Appointment — David Rashid
The council was set to appoint David Rashid as City Attorney for an interim term from December 7, 2026 through April 20, 2027, following the hiring committee's recommendation.
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.
2027 Employee Health Insurance Change
The city plans to move employee health coverage from Network Health to the Wisconsin Group Health Trust, a self-funded trust for public employers that partners with United Healthcare's national network. Premiums are projected to rise only about 2%, with dental, vision, and HRA benefits preserved.
Downtown Business Incentive Program grant — 200 Main Street
The committee approved a $50,000 grant from the downtown incentive program to support reinvestment at 200 Main Street, continuing the city's effort to bolster its downtown business district.
Bond consent for Alexander & Bishop 1, LLC retail center financing
The city is consenting to a $15 million Public Finance Authority bond issuance for the retail center at 1604 S. Appleton Road. It costs taxpayers nothing — the debt is the company's, not the city's.
July 27 EF3 Tornado Disaster Declaration and Recovery
Building, zoning and demolition permit fees are waived for tornado repairs, with the waiver running through January 30, 2027.
Lawson Canal redevelopment concept
After more than 20 years of discussion, the council approved a concept plan to fill in and redevelop the canal area, potentially with townhouses, a hotel and event venue. It's a blueprint, not a final build-out, but it sets the city's direction for a rare large development site in a landlocked city.
2 Tayco Street restoration instead of demolition
Rather than tear down the storm-damaged oldest commercial building downtown, the city is putting $150,000 toward a private restoration, with the new owner rehabbing it into apartments and commercial space. The city projects about $16,000 a year in new property taxes once complete.
Employee Bonus Program Proposal
A resident urged the council to create a standing bonus program for salaried public works staff who worked massive overtime during tornado response, suggesting at least $2,500 for two employees.
Homecoming Parade route change
The Fox Valley Labor Council got permission to use city streets for its Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 7, 2026, from 9 to 11 AM — expect some street closures that morning.
Waterway Debris Cleanup Funding
The council added $100,000 (total $200,000) for barge cleanup of tornado debris in waterways near Lake Road and Willow Lane — but a resident objected because those roads are private.
Senior Care Conversion at 1284 Midway Road
The former UW-Fox Cities student apartments can become a supervised senior care facility, addressing a growing need for senior housing.
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.
Third Street deferred paving
Instead of fully paving Third Street, the city will patch it now and finish it later, after redevelopment and possible sewer lateral work — saving about $69,700 today but leaving the street temporarily patched.
Data Center Moratorium
The council paused all approvals for data centers over 10,000 square feet for 12 months while it writes regulations. Two alders argued the city should instead focus on tornado recovery and its own cloud usage.
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.
New zoning overlay districts (Neighborhood Conservation & Opportunity)
The council created two new zoning tools over the Plan Commission's objection. The overlays let the city set area-specific rules — protecting established neighborhoods or encouraging redevelopment along corridors — instead of handling approvals lot by lot.
Tornado recovery spending increase
Residents are worried about how damaged neighborhoods will be rebuilt after the tornado — whether redevelopment will protect neighborhood identity or push people out. Staff floated zoning overlays and temporary R-1 protections, with a draft Disaster Recovery Plan due in January.
2027 Budget Review Timeline Pushed Back
A reconsidered resolution moves the 2027 budget review sessions to November 11, 12, 18, and 19, and sets a special council meeting for November 23 to adopt the budget — giving the council and public more time after the October 26 budget release.
Urban forestry grants for tornado recovery
The city will apply for two state DNR grants — up to $50,000 for catastrophic storm tree damage and up to $25,000 for a tornado recovery plan for the urban forest.
Rally for the Valley street closure and downtown access
Council approved the October 3 festival permit after hashing out Chute Street closure logistics, access for Marina Place residents, insurance coverage, and communication with downtown businesses.
Recycling Facility Restored
The recycling facility is back in working order as of September 8, and staff discussed resident access to it.
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.
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.
$5 Million Tornado Financing (R-33-26)
The city will borrow up to $5 million from Community First Credit Union at 0% interest for 18 months to cover tornado costs until FEMA reimbursement arrives. If FEMA money doesn't come, the loan rolls into long-term financing.
Tornado Cleanup Volunteer Effort
A tornado hit Menasha, and Volunteer Fox Cities is recruiting people to help with cleanup. If you have a free afternoon, you can directly help neighbors get back on their feet.
Local 275 labor agreement
The council went into closed session to review the tentative bargaining agreement between Neenah, Menasha, and Local 275.
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.
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.
2026 Budget Amendment for Emergency Software
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.
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 Bidding Waiver for Debris and Tree Removal
The Council waived competitive bidding so tree and debris removal can begin immediately under state emergency law.
National Guard Deployment
The National Guard is now in Menasha, and city officials are expected to explain at an afternoon press conference why they’re here and what it means for residents. Details are still thin, so the practical impact—on safety, traffic, or daily routines—isn’t clear yet.
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.