City Council
Council approved a paid parking pilot for Neshotah Beach in 2026 and told staff to move ahead with up to $450,000 in pavilion bathroom/kitchen upgrades. The meeting drew a long line of residents warning the city not to commercialize the beach or push costs onto locals.
Council approved a 2026 paid parking pilot at Neshotah Beach, with a requirement that Parks & Rec report which 10 days will be enforced so residents can be notified. Public comments showed deep concern about neighborhood spillover parking, fairness, and the city’s direction at the lakefront.
Council authorized staff to proceed with Neshotah Beach pavilion investments up to $450,000 for bathroom and kitchen upgrades, with plans/costs to be shared with council and the public and any grant awards used to reduce the total. This keeps the project moving even as many residents asked for delays and more public engagement.
Council changed traffic rules in Chapter 8-1, passing the ordinance 7-1 after school district representatives spoke in favor, calling it a no-cost student safety feature. One councilmember voted no.
Promoted National Wreaths Day on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. and said people can donate $17 per wreath.
Urged the city to make a fiscally responsible choice for the beach, including who runs and maintains the concession stand, and said green space shouldn’t be compromised.
Asked the council to delay decisions until the public is engaged, saying residents felt the project was already in motion and they weren’t aware there were multiple options; opposed the proposed concession stand.
Said the beach draws many users from outside Manitowoc County and argued those users should help pay for upgrades.
Opposed paid parking at the beach, calling it unwelcoming and saying it would deter quick visits and hurt families looking for a free outing.
Said he’s worried about the park’s future for coming generations and urged the city to leave it as it is; opposed the proposed concession stand.
Said she loved the city’s “timeless” feel and felt the concession stand upgrade process seemed rushed and focused on tourism; opposed the proposed concession stand.
Said she was knocked down by an electric bike on the sidewalk at Neshotah Beach and argued ordinances aren’t enforced; raised ADA concerns about a spiral staircase in the proposed concession stand.
Opposed selling beer in parks, saying it’s a revenue source for nonprofits; asked the city to explore options for local residents during the paid parking pilot; opposed the proposed concession stand.
Said he’s not in favor of commercializing the Neshotah Beach area and warned that commercialized waterfronts can limit public access.
Said public spaces have been shrinking and it feels like the city is chasing tourism dollars; opposed the concession stand upgrades and urged looking at bringing the current facility up to code.
Urged only minimal concession stand upgrades to keep it working; called paid parking “ridiculous” and warned it could push parking onto nearby streets and create safety issues for residents backing out of driveways.
Called Neshotah Beach a community asset that shouldn’t be treated as a money-maker; said there should be something for citizens in any paid parking plan; opposed the proposed upgrades and urged spending only to make it functional.
Asked the council to consider the ordinance change for student bus safety and requested a list of costs/materials for concession stand upgrades.
Complimented the tone of the night’s presentations and asked for similar calm interaction on Facebook.
Urged the city to stop spending taxpayer money and said the city doesn’t need a $2 million concession stand.
Spoke against the concession stand upgrade and the paid parking pilot program.
Spoke against the proposed concession stand and said taxes are getting out of control.
Warned that parking fees could push traffic into neighborhoods and create congestion at the beach.
Said bare-minimum concession stand work might not be enough and suggested private changing rooms and more bathroom stalls; said it’s unrealistic to expect taxes never to increase and urged making improvements for citizens, not just visitors.
Reported receiving many messages about the beach project, code of conduct violations, the perpetual care flower fund, and a complaint about ducks and chickens.
Relayed a complaint that a councilmember couldn’t be heard at meetings and reminded everyone to speak into the microphone.
Reported receiving numerous communications about the Neshotah Beach concession stand.