City Council Meeting Monday, April 06, 2026 06:00 PM Council Chambers - City Hall, 3rd Floor 1717 E. Park Street, Two Rivers, WI 54241

NOTICE: Arrangements for Addressing the City Council by Telephone, During Public Hearings or Input from the Public can be made by Contacting the City Manager's Office at 920-793-5532 or City Clerk's Office at 920-793-5526 by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting

1.CALL TO ORDER

2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3.ROLL CALL BY CITY CLERK
Councilmembers: Mark Bittner, Doug Brandt, Shannon Derby, Bill LeClair, Darla LeClair, Tim Petri, Bonnie Shimulunas, Scott Stechmesser, Adam Wachowski

4.CONSIDERATION OF ANY COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING FROM A REMOTE LOCATION

5.INTRODUCTION OF INVITED GUESTS

  1. A.26-046 Proclamation Honoring the Legacy of Kay Koach for an Extraordinary Lifetime of Service to the City of Two Rivers

  2. B.Room Tax Commissioner Curt Andrews

6.PUBLIC HEARING

  1. A.26-047 Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Amend Section 10-4-13-A(1) of the City of Two Rivers Municipal Code Entitled “Signs not requiring a permit” to Regulate the Use of Construction and Alteration Signs

    Summary: The City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Section 10-4-13, “Signs Not Requiring a Permit,” to better regulate contractor construction signs. The Plan Commission reviewed this item and unanimously recommended approval at its March 9, 2026 meeting, following prior discussion and consensus to establish a more limited display timeframe. The amendment revises existing code, which currently allows contractor signs for up to 60 days annually, to instead require removal within 30 days after construction is completed or prior to occupancy, whichever occurs first. This change provides clearer enforcement standards and helps maintain neighborhood appearance while still allowing signs during active construction.

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to waive reading and adopt the ordinance

7.INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC
Limited to 3 minutes per person - Resident addresses are requested but are not required to be given

8.COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Letters and other communications from residents

9.COUNCIL REPORTS FROM BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEES

10.CONSENT AGENDA
These titles will be read by the Council President and approved by a single Voice Vote.  Any item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion and separate vote by any City Council member. 

  1. A.26-048 Presentation of Minutes
    1. City Council Work Session, March 30, 2026

  2. B.26-049 Minutes of Meetings
    1. Room Tax Commission, December 10, 2025
    2. Plan Commission, March 9, 2026

  3. C.26-050 Applications and Petitions
    1. Temporary Class "B" Beer License for Two Rivers Fish Derby, Inc, for Two Rivers
        Fish Derby and Festival, Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026
        at Walsh Field, 2201 Polk Street
    2. Temporary Class "B" Beer and Class "B" Wine License for Heart-A-Rama for the
        Heart-A-Rama event on Thursday, April 23, Friday, April 24, Saturday, April 25, Thursday,
        April 30, Friday, May 1, and Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Community House,1710 W Park
        Street

  4. D.26-051 Appointment of Tracey Koach to a three-year term on the Plan Commission beginning April 30, 2026 and expiring May 1, 2029

  5. E.26-052 Resolution Authorizing Borrowing $496,676 from WPPI Energy at 0% Interest for Critical Utility Infrastructure Projects

    Summary: This Resolution authorizes the City to borrow $496,676 from WPPI Energy at 0% interest to fund priority utility infrastructure and equipment projects, including electric meters, security upgrades, and generator repairs at the Water Filtration Plant. These investments are intended to enhance system reliability, improve facility security, and ensure critical backup power capabilities for essential water treatment operations.

  6. F.26-053 Official Newspaper Declaration and Bid

    Summary: On March 23, 2026 city staff received a rate schedule from the Herald Times Reporter (HTR Media/Gannett) outlining legal advertising costs for publishing council proceedings and official notices, including pricing based on column inches, insertion rates, and affidavit fees. Staff requests the City Council approve the designation of the Herald Times Reporter as the City’s official newspaper for the publication of required legal notices and proceedings.

RECOMMENDED ACTION FOR CONSENT AGENDA 
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented

11.CITY COUNCIL - FORMAL ITEMS

  1. A.26-042 Application for Facade Improvement Assistance by Cool City Motel, 3009 Lincoln Avenue

    Summary: Brian Conjurski, applicant for the Cool City Motel, requests a facade improvement grant not-to-exceed $17,536 for replacing 28 exterior doors and locking systems on the property. The Conjurskis acquired the property in 2025 and are making considerable improvements to guest rooms and common areas in anticipation of the 2026 summer season. Reimbursement funds for this grant will come from TID #11 (St. Peter the Fisherman / Vinton Construction TID).

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to approve the application and award the grant as recommended by City Staff 

  2. B.26-054 Application for Facade Improvement Assistance by Lighthouse Inn, 1515 Memorial Drive

    Summary: Jim Van Lanen Jr., applicant for the Lighthouse Inn, requests a façade improvement grant not-to-exceed $10,000 for upgrading exterior lighting and signage on the property in preparation for the summer season. Reimbursement funds for this grant will come from TID #12 (Cobblestone Hotel / Sauve’s Auto Service TID).

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to approve the application and award the grant as recommended by City Staff 

  3. C.26-055 New Combination Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage and "Class B" Intoxicating Liquor License for Uncorked Book Lounge LLC at 1610 Washington Street for Agent Carrie Paczkowski for a period ending June 30, 2026

    Summary: The Uncorked Book Lounge will be a unique and welcome addition to downtown Two Rivers, offering a refined space that blends a love of literature with a vibrant social experience. This liquor license will allow Uncorked Book Lounge LLC to serve fermented malt beverages, liquor, and wine in their establishment. 

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to authorize the City Clerk to issue the license pending approval of inspections and background check

  4. D.26-056 Competitive Bid Award for Contract 1-2026 for Water Main Improvements on State Highway 42/Lincoln Avenue in the Base Bid Amount of $349,985, Plus a 10% Contingency, in the Total Amount Not-to-Exceed $384,983.50 

    Summary: A competitive bid opening on March 26, 2026 resulted in Vinton Construction Company being identified as the lowest responsible bidder for this community investment project at a cost of $349,985. This water infrastructure project includes replacement of approximately 2,200 feet of main along STH 42/Lincoln Avenue. Funding will primarily be supported through the WDNR Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to maintain and improve critical water infrastructure.

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to award the contract to Vinton Construction Company of Manitowoc, based on its lowest qualified bid, in the amount of $349,985.00 

  5. E.26-057 Ordinance to amend Section 3-1-15 and Section 1-2-1 of the Municipal Code of the City of Two Rivers regarding Fire Department Third-Party ALS Lift Assist Fees

    Summary: The proposed ordinance formalized current procedures regarding a lift assist fee to address the growing number of non-injury EMS calls, including over 330 fall-related responses in 2025 and continued activity so far in 2026. A portion of these calls, particularly from licensed healthcare facilities, require no medical treatment or transport but still utilize City fire department personnel and equipment. This has a real impact on emergency readiness and generating non-reimbursable costs. The proposed ordinance would codify the current practice of billing third-party facilities $250 per lift assist when no injury or medical necessity exists. This will place responsibility on organizations with trained staff and equipment on-site, instead of relying on the property taxpayer to lift patients that are under their care. This approach aligns with practices in other communities and supports cost recovery efforts while also maintaining response to true emergencies.

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to waive reading and adopt the ordinance

  6. F.26-058 Ordinance to amend Title 2, Chapter 2-4 of the Municipal Code of the City of Two Rivers regulating Municipal Judges and Title 1, Chapter 1-2 of the Municipal Code Regarding Municipal Court Fees

    Summary: This ordinance authorizes an adjustment from $38 to $48 for municipal court fees, as authorized by Wisconsin law, to help recover the cost of operating the City’s court system. By ensuring that a greater share of court-related expenses are covered by users of the system rather than the General Fund, this reduces reliance on property tax dollars. In doing so, it supports the City’s strategic goal of maintaining services while minimizing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to waive reading and adopt the ordinance

  7. G.26-059 Code of Conduct for City of Two Rivers Elected Officials

    Summary: At its Work Session on March 30, 2026, the City Council reached consensus on a revised Code of Conduct for City elected officials that establishes clear expectations for ethical behavior, professional conduct, and interactions with City staff, the public, and fellow Council members. This updated version has been streamlined for clarity and usability, reducing the document from 14 pages to 4, which is more consistent with common practice among peer communities. While the previous version was thorough, it was overly detailed and included requirements such as sworn complaints, notarization, affidavits, and quasi-judicial hearing procedures that created unnecessary barriers and complexity. This new version returns to the basics. Nothing is weakened, but expectations are clarified by consolidating the policy into a format that is easier to understand, apply, and enforce.

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to waive reading and adopt the 2026 Code of Conduct

  8. H.26-060 Professional Services Agreement with SafeStep LLC for Sidewalk Safety Services in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $40,000

    Summary: This is a proposed pilot program for a new way for the City to manage its sidewalk replacement program. A proposed Professional Services Agreement with SafeStep LLC for sidewalk safety services in an amount not-to-exceed $40,000. This program utilizes a cost-effective saw-cutting method to correct minor sidewalk trip hazards, allowing the City to address significantly more locations than traditional full replacement. The approach is expected to improve ADA accessibility, reduce liability risk, and extend the life of existing infrastructure, while maximizing the impact of limited capital dollars.

    Recommended Action:
    Motion to waive reading and adopt the Safe Step Sidewalk agreement in the amount not-to-exceed $40,000

12.CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

13.FOR INFORMATION ONLY
– City Council Regular Meeting, Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:00 PM
– City Council Reorganizational Meeting, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30 PM
– City Council Work Session, Monday, April 27, 2026, 6:00 PM

14.CLOSED SESSION
The City Council reserves the right to enter into Closed Session, pursuant to Wisc. Stats 19.85(1)(c). Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of a management level employee over which the Council has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. 

15.RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
To consider possible actions in follow-up to closed session discussions

16.ADJOURNMENT
Motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes of this meeting and adjourn

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City of Two Rivers will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodations in participating in this meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the ADA, please call the City Clerk's office at 920-793-5526 or email clerk@two-rivers.org at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation. For additional assistance, individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can call 711 and be connected to a telephone relay system.

It is possible that members of and possibly a quorum of governmental bodies of the municipality may be in attendance at the above stated meeting to gather information; no other action will be taken by any governmental body at the above-stated meeting other than the governmental body specifically referred to above in this notice.