The Committee on Aging mostly heard updates from local partners, with a recurring theme: winter services and volunteer safety are still a limiting factor for meal delivery. Members also got a City Council update hinting at possible city involvement in the Hamilton property to influence future waterfront access and development.
Key Decisions
City Council update flagged the Hamilton property as a “significant opportunity,” with the city possibly buying it to steer development and protect access to the waterway—early signals residents should watch because it could shape lakefront use and cost real money later.
ADRC reiterated that weather-related meal delivery cancellations are driven by volunteer driver safety, especially on rural routes—important context for seniors and families who rely on deliveries in winter.
Parks & Rec previewed upcoming Neshotah upgrades and said a fact sheet will be released to address “misinformation” about concession stand funding—suggesting ongoing confusion the city is trying to clean up after the fact.
Public Input
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
Agenda Items
COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Aging and Disability Resource - Wendy Hutterer
The ADRC emphasized that weather alerts and meal delivery cancellations are based on keeping volunteer drivers safe, with rural routes called out as a particular concern. They also previewed two anniversary celebrations (20 years for ADRC Manitowoc County and 15 years since joining with Kewaunee), with details to come. For residents, the operational takeaway is that winter reliability is constrained by volunteer safety, not just demand.
The committee heard that the City Council planned three meetings in January and is digging into housing, property, land discussions, and how appraisals are handled. The biggest forward-looking note was the Hamilton property: the city may consider buying it to control development and protect access to the waterway. That’s the kind of early-stage talk that can turn into a major land deal quickly, so residents who care about waterfront access should track what comes next.
COMMITTEE REPORTS C. Recreation Department Programs - Mike Mathis
Parks & Rec reported strong turnout for Cool City Christmas (350+ kids) and noted skating is open at Washington Park with “real ice.” The department said it’s working on goals to publish later, highlighted a 2026 recreation economy USEPA grant, and listed upcoming programming and projects including Bands on the Beach and Neshotah upgrades this spring/summer. They also said they’re looking for fundraising for cemetery perpetual-care flowers and a community band investment fund, and plan to release a fact sheet to address confusion about concession stand funding—an indicator the city’s messaging hasn’t been clear enough up front.
COMMITTEE REPORTS D. Senior Center - Heather lhlenfeldt
The Senior Center reviewed its 2025 annual report and discussed upcoming fundraising, including new trip programming intended to raise money. For residents, this is a reminder that the center is leaning on fundraising to support activities—worth watching if services start depending more on donations than stable support.
TRIAD reported it finished fundraising and ran several community-facing activities including senior center movies, Shop with a Cop, Coffee with the Chiefs, and bingo at the Senior Center. This was presented as a positive status update with no next steps or requests tied to city action.
The school district shared that the TR Proud capital campaign continues and that updates will be provided at School Board meetings. They reported 15 community volunteers currently helping students (literacy, math, etc.) and said 2026 will push for more support for the math program; they also noted walking at the school is available starting at 3:45 p.m. While not a city decision, it’s a concrete call for more community involvement and support.
The American Legion Auxiliary reported its 2025 wreath project was successful, with over 620 wreaths laid. They said the group will push for more volunteer members in 2026. This was informational, but it also signals ongoing reliance on volunteers for community traditions and service projects.
In a brief discussion, Mark Bittner pointed to city departments getting out into the community and said it makes a difference. The minutes don’t capture any specific action items, deadlines, or follow-ups—so residents are left with a general sentiment rather than a plan.