neshotah beach

Staff and consultants (Stantec) presented research and early planning concepts for Lake Michigan coastal resilience, including possible shoreline protection, park enhancements, and access improvements; the team said it would refine concepts and return with more concrete options and costs later.

In the City Manager’s report, staff discussed preliminary ideas to renovate or replace the 1950s Neshotah Beach concession stand, including a goal of generating more rental and concession revenue and relying less on property taxes.

Council reviewed an architectural concept drawing for a new Neshotah Beach pavilion/concession stand and discussed possible funding sources and long-term uses for the facility.

City Council authorized staff to proceed with Neshotah Beach pavilion bathroom and kitchen upgrades with a project cost not-to-exceed $450,000; the vote was 8-0, with direction that plans and costs would be provided to the council and the public and that any grant awards would reduce the overall cost.

A Room Tax Commission representative and a private investor tied to the Cobblestone Hotel presented an alternative financing concept for an improved Neshotah Beach building using room tax dollars, event-space revenue, donations, and borrowing; council members raised concerns that taxpayers could still be responsible if revenues fall short; no vote was recorded.

City Council directed staff to proceed with a major renovation of the Neshotah Beach concession stand for 2026 with a total project cap not-to-exceed $520,000, city borrowing not-to-exceed $256,000, and an estimated city tax investment not-to-exceed $131,000 after room tax contributions; the vote was 8-1.

The Room Tax Commission approved $75,000 over three years toward the concession stand project and also committed an additional two years of $25,000 per year (total $125,000 over five years) if the city is unsuccessful in obtaining a WEDC Vibrant Spaces grant.

City Council chose an operations plan that keeps the concession stand city-run and adds beer sales, expands the menu, and uses paid beach parking, with revenue split between the Special Events Fund and the General Fund; the vote was 6-3.

City Council discussed launching a public survey to gather feedback on improvements to the Neshotah Beach concessions area, including ADA access and functionality, with a proposed timeline of January–February data collection and a March bid target; the discussion included a framing of $255,318 in anticipated borrowing and a condition that at least half of project funding come from other sources for the project to move forward.

In a director’s report, staff said Neshotah Beach improvements were headed to City Council for a borrowing vote scheduled for 2/26/26.

In a director’s report, staff indicated bids and a go/no-go decision were expected after reviewing cost estimates and survey feedback in early April.

A meeting agenda included an action item titled “Review Grant Proposal and Funding Commitment” connected to Neshotah Beach.

City Council approved borrowing up to $2,565,000 for 2026 capital projects, including $255,000 listed for the Neshotah Beach concessions project; the vote was 8-1.

Staff reported the State of Wisconsin declined the city’s $255,000 grant request for the Neshotah Pavilion improvement project, described as about 50% of the total project cost.

Council discussion reflected the pavilion project was contingent on at least 50% outside funding (including state grants and room tax contributions) to limit impacts on city taxpayers.

Council discussed next steps and the minutes summary indicates direction to pause the larger pavilion renovation and wait for more funding, including reapplying for the grant in 2027.

Council will consider awarding a contract to Signs Plus (Manitowoc) for Neshotah Park wayfinding and directional signage, not-to-exceed $56,382; the base bid is listed as $51,257 with a 10% contingency; funding is described as a DNR Stewardship grant plus remaining 2025 capital funds.

Staff will discuss pursuing roughly $400,000 through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program to support renovations of the Neshotah Beach concession stand, following the loss of previously hoped-for grant funding.