City Council
Two Rivers council approved the 2026 city budget and tax levy, then voted to move ahead with a $520,000 Neshotah Beach concession stand renovation and a new operating plan that adds beer sales and paid parking. The meeting drew heavy public comment, much of it pushing back on spending priorities and the city’s plan to end the cemetery “perpetual flowers” program.
Council voted to proceed with a major Neshotah Beach concession stand renovation capped at $520,000, including up to $256,000 in city borrowing; the debate spilled into public comment, with residents questioning priorities and the price tag.
Council adopted the 2026 tax levy at $5,745,073 (up 4.05%); two councilmembers voted no, signaling real disagreement on the size of the levy even as the full budget later passed.
Council chose a new concession stand operating model that keeps it city-run but adds beer sales and paid beach parking, with revenue split between special events and the General Fund; it passed 6-3.
Supported a 2% budget increase for the Lester Public Library, citing national recognition, awards, and outreach despite smaller staffing than in past years.
Supported the 2% library increase, saying the library is an “equalizer” that provides internet access and community programming.
Said he was denied entry to Manitowoc’s Lincoln Park Christmas Light Zoo display while using an electric scooter because it only allowed automobiles, and he felt discriminated against.
Said information from the City Manager has been incomplete and urged the council to rein in the City Manager.
Asked why Two Rivers doesn’t plow the Mariners Trail in winter when Manitowoc does; offered to donate an ATV with a plow and said a local bike shop owner would plow it.
Asked for more time to find a solution for the cemetery perpetual flowers program, saying families made sacrifices to buy in and crowdfunding needs more than a few months.
Questioned spending priorities, contrasting a proposed $520,000 concession stand project with ending perpetual cemetery flowers; urged the council to delay the concession stand to 2027 and fully fund flowers in 2026.
Criticized plans for the beach pavilion and said the city should honor obligations tied to perpetual cemetery flowers; also raised concerns about population decline and lack of well-paying jobs.
Supported improving the Neshotah Beach concession stand and focusing on tourism; also asked for less negative social media commentary about city projects and officials.
Spoke about researching the perpetual flowers issue and said florists were told about two months earlier not to plant due to the city’s decision; asked the city to fund the program to preserve family memories.
Raised concerns about population decline and the shift away from industry; questioned whether tourism brings enough revenue to support local businesses and urged fiscal responsibility.
Called for civility in public discourse, especially online, and described uncivil treatment after her Plan Commission appointment and when she questioned bus route changes.
Presented a petition seeking a binding referendum on the concession stand project, saying it gathered 165+ signatures in 24 hours; asked the council to fully fund perpetual flowers for 2026 and table the concession stand for a Spring 2026 public vote.
Supported the perpetual cemetery flower program as a long-standing tradition; questioned rising concession stand costs and raised concerns about liability tied to beer sales.
Urged the council to prioritize essential needs over discretionary projects and to listen to constituents on the concession stand; said major spending needs public support.
Spoke about preserving Two Rivers traditions and worried they are being gradually lost.
Argued tourism is necessary for the city’s future but said it needs balance with industry and commerce; also noted poor property conditions he saw while looking for housing.
Supported the Lester Public Library and praised staff, saying the library plays an important role in education and community engagement.
Said short-term rentals don’t benefit the city as much as year-round residents; suggested promoting winter sports and winter tourism to support businesses year-round.
Said Two Rivers is no longer an industrial town and urged the council to assess current realities, serve retired residents, and figure out what tourists actually want.
Supported the 2% library budget increase, saying library programs helped his family build community connections after moving to Two Rivers 15 years ago.
Said city traditions are being lost and pointed to removed recreational spaces like baseball diamonds and tennis courts; urged preserving traditions important to the community.
Questioned why the council added over $500,000 for the concession stand after previously voting to delay action until next year, and cited projections of a $600,000 budget shortfall in 2027.
Reported resident contacts about not plowing the Mariners Trail (he said it’s a budget constraint, though Raider Trail is plowed), plus messages about the budget increase, the concession stand, and support for the library.
Said the Thanksgiving community meal served 100+ people and she heard residents supporting the library and asking questions about the concession stand and cemetery flowers.
Shared feedback from a resident in the perpetual flower program who said flowers were sometimes planted but not maintained, leaving dead flowers that don’t properly honor the deceased.