Two Rivers councilmembers advanced a three-year harbor project “intentions” plan to keep the City eligible for state harbor money, and spent most of the night wrestling with how (and whether) to police council behavior through a rewritten Code of Conduct.
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
Council and staff reviewed a shortened rewrite of the elected-official Code of Conduct, aiming to replace a long, legalistic complaint process with something more usable day-to-day. The discussion showed real discomfort with vague language and with trying to regulate phone/device use during meetings—rules that can sound simple but quickly turn into enforcement fights. Council also supported removing or changing sections tied to penalties (including language about removing a member), and asked for a tighter rule on who can speak during any complaint hearing (complainant and witnesses only). Staff will revise and bring it back for a future vote, meaning the real decision is still ahead.
Council reviewed how Two Rivers handles sewer-bill credits when residents have unexpected leaks, weighing fairness to customers against protecting the utility’s finances. The group generally supported keeping the current policy, but the conversation pointed to a practical gap: residents can get hit with big bills before they realize usage has spiked. Council asked staff to explore better customer notifications for high usage, clearer bill messaging about the policy, and safeguards for people on auto-pay so a surprise leak doesn’t trigger a large automatic withdrawal. This is the kind of “small policy” that matters a lot when it hits a household budget.
Council adopted the required three-year harbor “intentions” plan for 2027–2029 so the City stays eligible for Wisconsin DOT harbor planning and grant funding. The plan lists dredging, seawall reconstruction near the Hamilton property, and a possible breakwater extension; staff emphasized the vote doesn’t commit the City to building any of it, but it does set the City’s grant-shopping list. Council discussion focused on costs, funding sources, navigation safety, and environmental impacts—especially around dredging and seawall work—while staff noted coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and upcoming studies. The resolution passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
Roll call vote
9 yes
Mark Bittner
yes
Doug Brandt
yes
Shannon Derby
yes
Darla LeClair
yes
Bill LeClair
yes
Tim Petri
yes
Bonnie Shimulunas
yes
Scott Stechmesser
yes
Adam Wachowski
yes
Council went into closed session under state law to discuss employment/promotion/compensation or performance evaluation information for a management-level employee. The minutes do not identify the position or whether any direction was given afterward, which limits what residents can understand about the stakes and accountability. Council returned to open session with the option to take follow-up action, but no specific action is recorded in these minutes.