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 along Mariners Trail and Memorial Drive; the team said it would refine concepts and return with options and costs later.

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

Council reviewed an architectural drawing for a proposed new beach pavilion/concession stand and discussed possible funding sources and long-term uses; the current facility was described as needing replacement or upgrades soon.

City Council authorized staff to proceed with Neshotah Beach pavilion bathroom and kitchen upgrades with a project cost not-to-exceed $450,000; direction included sharing plans and costs publicly and using any grant awards to reduce the overall cost.

Staff presented three options for the Neshotah Beach concession stand: a basic code-focused fix (~$43,000), a major interior rework (~$360,636), or a new building with expanded restrooms and year-round indoor rental space.

Councilmembers’ general consensus (as described in the meeting summary) favored the major remodel option, with interest in fully enclosing/opening the covered patio area; no formal decision was recorded.

Staff discussed a possible paid parking plan for Lots 2 and 3 on 10 peak beach days in 2026 at $10/day, potentially staffed by seasonal workers or community groups that could receive a share as fundraising; no decision 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 motion passed 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 motion passed 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; the timeline discussed was survey launch mid-week, data collection in January–February, and an aim to bid the project in March.

The meeting record described a budget framing of $255,318 in anticipated borrowing, with a requirement that at least half of the 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.

Staff indicated bids and a go/no-go decision on the Neshotah Beach improvements were expected after reviewing cost estimates and survey feedback in early April.

City Council approved a plan for borrowing up to $2,565,000 for 2026 capital projects, with $2,215,000 supported by the property tax levy and $350,000 supported by the Electric Utility; the resolution passed 8-1.

The borrowing plan included $255,000 listed for the Neshotah Beach concessions project.

At a City Council work session, 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 combining room tax dollars with event-space revenue, donations, and borrowing, with a stated goal of reducing general-fund impact.

Council members raised concerns that if projected revenues do not materialize, the city would still be responsible for making payments; no vote was recorded for this discussion item.

City 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.

Staff and council discussion reflected that 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.

City Council approved a not-to-exceed $56,382 contract with Signs Plus for Neshotah Park wayfinding and directional signage (gateway signs, kiosks, and trail posts); the vote was 7-1 with Petri voting no.

Staff said the signage project would be funded by a DNR Stewardship grant plus remaining 2025 capital funds and would not impact the General Fund; staff said the not-to-exceed amount includes a 10% contingency that could cover related amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and trash cans.

City Council discussed pursuing roughly $400,000 through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program for concession stand renovations after another hoped-for grant did not come through; no formal action was recorded.

City Council approved applying for a $260,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant tied to renovations and economic-development upgrades at the Neshotah Beach Concession Stand and Bathhouse; the vote passed 6-2.

Discussion included concerns about practical costs (including kitchen build-out needs) and whether the project would demonstrate enough job creation to be competitive for the grant; staff emphasized the vote only authorizes submitting the application and that bidding and a later council decision would still be required if awarded.