Common Council Meeting — Minutes

COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM First Floor Conference Rooms 100 Main Street, Menasha, WI A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order by Mayor Hammond at 6:00pm. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. C. ROLL CALL Present: Alds. Rand, Eisenach, Hale, Lewis, Marshall, Grade, School Absent: Ald. Perkins Also Present: FD Sassman, DPW Merten, CDD Dane, PRD Sackett, PHD Hutter, PC Albrecht, FC Teesch, Interim CA Walsh, Mayor Hammond, Clerk Janet D. PUBLIC HEARING Staff provided an overview on the below public hearing items. These items are changes to the zoning code based on earlier proposals. These are more specialized tools that could be used in specific neighborhoods to make unique changes to the zoning code in certain situations. 1. O-15-26 - Proposed Amendment to Title 13 - Zoning Code, Chapter 1, Article C, Sections 13-1-20(a)(18) and Enacting 13-1-41 of the Code of Ordinances, Effectively Establishing a New Overlay District - Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District Mayor Hammond opened the public hearing at 6:05pm and invited members of the public to speak. KristL Laux (388 Nassau Street, Menasha) shared confusion about the intent of these ordinances. Laux additionally commented on the Plan Commission meeting from 9/1/26. Mayor Hammond closed the public hearing at 6:09pm. 2. O-16-26 - Proposed Amendment to Title 13 Zoning Code, Chapter 1, Article C, Sections 13-1-20(a)(19) and Enacting 13-1-42 of the Code of Ordinances, Effectively Establishing a New Overlay District - Opportunity Overlay District Mayor Hammond opened the public hearing at 6:09pm and invited members of the public to speak. Mayor Hammond closed the public hearing at 6:10pm after no members of the public elected to speak. 3. O-17-26 - Proposed Amendment to Title 13 - Zoning Code, Chapter 1, Article C, Section 13-1-160 of the Code of Ordinances, Effectively Amending List of Definitions Mayor Hammond opened the public hearing at 6:11pm and invited members of the public to speak. Mayor Hammond closed the public hearing at 6:11pm after no members of the public elected to speak. E. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY MATTER OF CONCERN TO THE CITY F. REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OFFICERS/DEPARTMENT HEADS/STAFF/CONSULTANTS Motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade seconded by District 6 Alderperson Marshall to receive. Motion carried on voice vote. Staff advised that the Part-Time Permitting Coordinator position started a few weeks ago. Staff also advised that this role is more administrative so that the inspectors can be out in the field. Discussion considered the new Part-Time Permitting Coordinator. 1. Presentations: 2. Minutes to Receive: a. Board of Public Works, 9/8/26 b. Administration Committee, 9/8/26 c. Committee on Aging, 8/14/26 d. Plan Commission, 9/1/26 e. Parks & Recreation Board, 9/15/26 f. Neenah-Menasha Sewerage Commission, 8/25/26 g. NMFR Joint Finance and Personnel Committee, 9/15/26 h. Special Police Commission, 7/23/26 i. Police Commission, 7/23/26 3. Communications: a. Community Flu Vaccine Clinic b. Quarterly Storm Water Flyer - Carpet Cleaning c. Fall 2026 Electronic Recycling Event - October 3, 2026 d. Rally for the Valley Event - October 3, 2026 G. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Common Council Minutes, 9/8/26 Motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade seconded by District 5 Alderperson Lewis to approve. Motion carried on voice vote. 2. Administration Committee, 9/8/26, Recommends Approval of: a. Joint Powers Agreement - Winnebago County 911 Emergency System Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale, seconded by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. b. 2027 Annual TIME System Agreement - Winnebago County Sheriff's Department Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale, seconded by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. 3. Board of Public Works, 9/8/26, Recommends Approval of: a. Change Order — Contract No. 2026-06; Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Chip Sealing - Various City Streets; Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC; Add $0 (Change Order No. 1 & Final) Motion by District 6 Alderperson Marshall, seconded by District 8 Alderperson School to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. b. Payment — Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC; Contract No. 2026-06; Asphaltic Concrete Pavement Chip Sealing - Various City Street; $55,716.00 (Payment No. 1 & Final) Motion by District 6 Alderperson Marshall, seconded by District 8 Alderperson School to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. c. Street Use Permit — Rally for the Valley; Saturday, October 3, 2026; 8 AM - 12 AM; Rally for the Valley Committee Motion by District 6 Alderperson Marshall, seconded by District 8 Alderperson School to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Discussion considered the closing of Chute Street and access for those living in downtown Menasha, particularly Marina Place. Discussion also considered insurance coverage. Discussion additionally considered dialogue with downtown business owners. Staff advised that certain safety items are being finalized. Staff also noted that information is available at rallyforthevalleywi.com. Staff advised that insurance paperwork was received on September 21, 2026. Staff also advised that a meeting with downtown business owners was successful. Adrienne Palm, event coordinator, commented on new beneficiaries of the event, Leaven and Pillars, in addition to Habitat for Humanity. Palm also commented on a food voucher program where $10.00 vouchers will be available for those in need to be used at downtown vendors. Palm also noted this event will take place rain or shine, but with caution if severe weather occurs. William Johnston (1010 Congress Street, Neenah) shared thanks to the Common Council for their support of this event. d. Street Use Permit — The Otto Grunski Runski; Saturday, September 26, 2026; 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM; Menasha Parks & Recreation Motion by District 6 Alderperson Marshall, seconded by District 8 Alderperson School to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Staff advised on the changed route for the event this year and shared attendance figures. e. Street Use Permit — Hometown Halloween; Thursday, October 22, 2026; 3 PM - 6:30 PM; Menasha Parks & Recreation Motion by District 6 Alderperson Marshall, seconded by District 8 Alderperson School to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Staff advised that this is a fan favorite event for children in the community. 4. Plan Commission, 9/1/26, Recommends Approval of: a. Certified Survey Map as presented for a lot line adjustment between 1021 Ninth Street (Parcel No. 6-01425-00) and 841 Wodland Drive (Parcel No. 6-01259-09) Motion by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach, seconded by District 5 Alderperson Lewis to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. b. Certified Survey Map as presented for a lot line adjustment between 1212 Province Terrace (Parcel No. 7-00001-17) and 1212 Province Terrace (Parcel No. 7-00001-18) Motion by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach, seconded by District 5 Alderperson Lewis to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Discussion considered what project this map refers to. Staff advised that this is leftover property from the senior apartment project considered previously. H. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA I. ACTION ITEMS 1. New Alcohol License Application for Gills Pub and Grill Inc., DBA Gills Bar and Grill (1230 Plank Road, Menasha) - "Class B" (Intoxicating Liquor) and Class "B" (Fermented Malt Beverages); Kamaljit Gill, Agent Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale, seconded by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. 2. Accounts Payable and payroll for the term of 9/4/26 - 9/17/26 in the amount of $1,625,937.56 Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale, seconded by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. J. HELD OVER BUSINESS K. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 1. MOTION TO RECONSIDER (Ald. Hale) R-34-26 - A Resolution Extending the Distribution Date of the 2027 Proposed Budget (Pursuant to Section 3-1-3(c) of the City Code) (Introduced by Mayor Hammond) Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale to reconsider. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale, seconded by District 2 Alderperson Eisenach to amend R-34-26 to replace the current "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED" paragraph with the following: "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2027 Budget Review Sessions currently scheduled for November 4, November 5, November 11, and November 12, 2026, be rescheduled to November 11, November 12, November 18, and November 19, 2026, in order to provide the Common Council and members of the public adequate time to review the 2027 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvements Plan following its distribution on October 26, 2026; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a Special Common Council meeting for consideration and adoption of the 2027 Budget be scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2026." Motion to amend carried 7-0 on roll call. Motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade, seconded by District 4 Alderperson Perkins to approve as amended. Motion as amended carried 7-0 on roll call. Discussion considered the timeline of approving the budget. Staff advised that the previously passed version of this resolution would mean that Budget Review Sessions would be on Thursday and Friday. Clerk's Note: Pursuant to Rule 1.16 of the Common Council, no second is needed for a motion to reconsider. Also to note, the original motion to approve is still in effect, meaning that the motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade, and seconded by District 4 Alderperson Perkins to approve the resolution from the Common Council Meeting on September 8, 2026 is used for approval of the reconsidered resolution. 2. O-15-26 - An Ordinance Amending Title 13 Zoning Code, Chapter 1, Article C, Section 13-1-20(a)(18) and Enacting Section 13-1-41 of the Code of Ordinances Effectively Establishing a New Overlay District - Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (Introduced by Ald. Rand) Motion by District 1 Alderperson Rand, seconded by District 8 Alderperson School to approve. Motion carried 6-1 on roll call. District 2 Alderperson Eisenach voted no. Discussion considered the decision of the Plan Commission to deny these three ordinances. Discussion considered other overlay zoning rules in effect in the City, and noted that these zoning tools will help speed up approvals with a blanket approach rather than lot by lot approvals. Discussion also noted that the approval will come from the Common Council. Discussion additionally considered economic benefits of redevelopment through overlay districts. Discussion considered the purpose of the Municipal Code and the use of these tools. Discussion also considered historical development practices in the City. Staff advised that this proposal would create a direction in which the City could head in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan, especially to encourage growth in certain corridors. Staff also shared concerns from the Plan Commission meeting. 3. O-16-26 - An Ordinance Amending Title 13 Zoning Code, Chapter 1, Article C, Section 13-1-20(a)(19) and Enacting Section 13-1-42 of the Code of Ordinances, Effectively Establishing a New Overlay District - Opportunity Overlay District (Introduced by Ald. Rand) Motion by District 1 Alderperson Rand, seconded by District 3 Alderperson Hale to approve. Motion carried 6-1 on roll call. District 2 Alderperson Eisenach voted no. 4. O-17-26 - An Ordinance Amending Title 13 Zoning Code, Chapter 1, Article C, Section 13-1-160 of the Code of Ordinances, Effectively Amending List of Definitions (Introduced by Ald. Rand) Motion by District 1 Alderperson Rand, seconded by District 5 Alderperson Lewis to approve. Motion carried 6-1 on roll call. District 2 Alderperson Eisenach voted no. 5. R-36-26 - A Resolution Authorizing the Application for Grant Funding for the WI DNR Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant (Introduced by Ald. Grade) Motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade, seconded by District 3 Alderperson Hale to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Staff advised that this grant funding helps fund tree removal, repair or replacement. This grand could provide up to $50,000. 6. R-35-26 - A Resolution Directing Staff to Not Appropriate Funds in the 2027 Proposed Budget for Flock Safety Services (Introduced by Mayor Hammond) Motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade, seconded by District 3 Alderperson Hale to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. 7. R-37-26 - A Resolution Regarding and Authorizing the Borrowing of $5,000,000; Providing from the Issuance and Sale of a General Obligation Promissory Note Therefor; and Levying a Tax in Connection Therewith (Introduced by Mayor Hammond) Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale, seconded by District 5 Alderperson Lewis to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Discussion considered the length of the loan term. Discussion also considered repayment of the loan. Staff advised that Community First Credit Union is providing financing for the City for tornado recovery, with repayment to be made from potential federal or state reimbursements. 8. R-38-26 - A Resolution Authorizing the Application for Grant Funding for the WI DNR Urban Forestry Regular Grant "Reforest Menasha: Urban Forestry Recovery & Resilience Initiative" (Introduced by Ald. Grade) Motion by District 7 Alderperson Grade, seconded by District 6 Alderperson Marshall to approve. Motion carried 7-0 on roll call. Staff advised this is a competitive cost share grant for up to $25,000 which would be used for a tornado recovery plan for the urban forest. L. APPOINTMENTS M. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY N. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY MATTER LISTED ON THE AGENDA KristL Laux (388 Nassau Street, Menasha) commented on the timeline of a disaster declaration by the federal or state government. O. ADJOURNMENT Motion by District 3 Alderperson Hale seconded by District 6 Alderperson Marshall to adjourn the Common Council meeting at 7:26pm. Motion carried on voice vote. Minutes submitted by City Clerk Evan Janet.