May 18, 2026 · 6:00 PM

City Council

The Council voted to apply for up to $75,000 in state grant money to replace Veterans Park docks, with the city on the hook for a $25,000 match later. It also changed the rules to ban animals in designated downtown event areas during Applefest.

Key Decisions

Council approved applying for a DNR boating grant to replace Veterans Park docks (project capped at $100,000). This is only the “apply” step—council explicitly said the real funding decision comes later, but the city match would be $25,000 if it moves forward.

Council changed the city code to prohibit animals in designated downtown special event areas during Applefest, matching restrictions already used for other big events. This is a quality-of-life and enforcement change that will affect residents and visitors who bring pets.

City staff reported storm cleanup will continue with curbside debris pickup, and that most storm costs will hit the Electric Utility (with some impact to the General Fund). That’s an early signal residents should watch for how costs show up in utility finances and city budgeting.

Public Input · 1 speaker

Name not given (city resident)

Praised the community for coming together to deal with storm aftermath.

Agenda Items

26-095 Resolution Authorizing Application for DNR Stewardship Recreational Boating Grant to Replace Docks at Veterans Park in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $100,000 Total Project Cost

Passed 7-1

Council voted to authorize applying for a Wisconsin DNR recreational boating grant to replace docks at Veterans Park, with the total project capped at $100,000. The city match would be $25,000, described as coming from boat launch fees, sponsorships, and 2027 borrowing—but council noted the final “do we fund this” decision will come later. One council member tried to table it, but that motion died for lack of a second, and the grant-application vote passed anyway.

📄 See in official document: Page 2

Roll call vote 7 yes 1 no 1 absent

Mark Bittner yes

Doug Brandt yes

Katherine Dahlke no

Shannon Derby yes

Darla LeClair yes

Bill LeClair yes

Tim Petri yes

Scott Stechmesser yes

Adam Wachowski absent

dnr grant Full history → veterans park docks replacement Full history →

26-096 Ordinance Amending Section 6-5-9 of the Municipal Code of the City of Two Rivers Regarding Animals Prohibited During Downtown Special Events

Passed 8-0

Council voted to change the city’s rules to prohibit animals in designated downtown special event areas during Applefest, at the Rotary Club’s request. The minutes say this is meant to align Applefest with restrictions already used for other major community events. For residents, the practical change is simple: if you bring a pet downtown during Applefest, expect new limits and enforcement.

📄 See in official document: Page 2

Roll call vote 8 yes 1 absent

Mark Bittner yes

Doug Brandt yes

Katherine Dahlke yes

Shannon Derby yes

Darla LeClair yes

Bill LeClair yes

Tim Petri yes

Scott Stechmesser yes

Adam Wachowski absent

animals prohibited during downtown special events Full history →

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

The City Manager said storm cleanup will continue, including city trucks picking up debris left at the curb. He also said most storm-related costs will land on the Electric Utility, with a smaller hit to the General Fund—important because it hints at where residents may feel the financial impact first. He also flagged harbor dredging for 2027 and noted an upcoming ribbon cutting for Uncorked Book Lounge.

📄 See in official document: Page 2

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