[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5976113,"mediaKeyId","5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb","parentId",5842797,"title","Council authorizes up to $70,000 offer for 105 W. Winnecony for Commercial Street right‑turn lane after small business raises safety concerns","audioSeconds",1142,"startMs",417845,"endMs",1560760,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb&start=417&end=1560","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb/thumbnail_417845.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5976113/Neenah/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Council-authorizes-up-to-70000-offer-for-105-W-Winnecony-for-Commercial-Street-rightturn-lane-after-small-business-raises-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976113-88dd25002b938710b78deca193b29389/orig.mp4?Expires=1774025943&Signature=AHz8TFJvoqhhGDzGspT-rFhQfqLeYItBzPbaQelLd~nea9PDPl-y2r4p7O4DbNxP67URFQu8aj95ZAmxb5qy5FiaOAb3h3dmrzPJ~hjQS2eVUjFeffbT8bsAi3qEZyQmovzAmTQ-omMnZipEXlSJ4n1j6juzIn9K7iWfJTf-1LcZckCZTUFSSzOtq9pFUgJup-UT0~IM3VYUmgDQH15~5sVbfxZS-3kJIhuQ8hbNuu5XHQzzRr7B8GYG~FgetAXrBO44SJboOzCLHcsg6Ua3c2mtSPW6t21FHnkPKM0bmdCKr6d2fNPY5XVkUqhbJ1jouwPt8sjNYbKHsgeYRElHwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Neenah, Wisconsin","date","2025-09-23T21:20:06Z","article","The City of Neenah Common Council on Sept. 17 authorized an offer not to exceed $70,000 for 105 W. Winnecony Ave. to facilitate construction of a Commercial Street right‑turn lane, after a nearby small business owner warned the project would make access to her store unsafe.

Jennifer Kornowski, owner of Saucy Kitchen, told the council during the public forum that the planned changes “are going to be significantly and negatively impacted” for her business and urged the city to provide assistance, including moving parking and allowing a new front entrance to reduce safety risks.

Kornowski said she learned only last winter how close the project would come to her building and described difficulties for large trucks to back up safely; she asked the city to consider creating a parking area behind her building or other measures to protect customers and deliveries.

Council members and staff discussed possible assistance and safety tradeoffs. “There’s certainly different loans and grants out there,” said Director Nyforth, noting the county revolving loan fund, a GOADC administered revolving loan fund and available CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) dollars that could be evaluated if the property owner participates.

Director Keiser summarized traffic engineering findings from an ICE report and said the planned right‑turn configuration should create more, though only marginal, gaps for Church Street traffic: “I think we’ll actually have a little better situation at Church Street in Winnecony, but we’re talking very, very marginally better.”

The special finance committee had removed language making the offer a jurisdictional offer and recommended authorization for an offer not to exceed $70,000; the council approved that recommendation 8–1. Alderman Steiner moved the authorization; Alderman Borchardt seconded the motion.

Council members emphasized that any financial assistance to a tenant would need coordination with the property owner. Staff said timing and acceptance windows for offers would be worked out with the city’s real estate consultant and the city attorney.

The vote authorizes negotiating and making an offer up to $70,000 for 105 W. Winnecony Ave. to allow the Commercial Street right‑turn lane work to proceed; any acquisition or funding details beyond that authorization will be subject to later staff recommendation and legal review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","09-17-2025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Neenah Common Council on Sept. 17 authorized an offer not to exceed $70,000 for 105 W. Winnecony Ave. to enable a Commercial Street right‑turn lane after a nearby small business owner warned the project would make access to her storefront unsafe.","taxTitle","Neenah, Winnebago County, Wisconsin","taxId",51879,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5976092,"Council refers proposal to trim informational committee reports to Rules Committee after mixed feedback",1128,2979415,4108200,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb&start=2979&end=4108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb/thumbnail_2979415.jpg","/articles/5976092/Neenah/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Council-refers-proposal-to-trim-informational-committee-reports-to-Rules-Committee-after-mixed-feedback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976092-8868952f4290e153fd30772a75c73613/orig.mp4?Expires=1774025943&Signature=oUfoLHknb33EEHQtUYZ4TLwuy7MfLCCEUajSySqmetXmrCd3LJJ91ymmQ8oQ5hZSsOjY5gUx0lwHg-co9Eai~A7Gi40ySND551UsFsythgOnqT~1xLx6BiQWhIgLJ1GWCmPbdQy9HXutmGO0J8iOil2KRKfN-dOpSjmImMhBPFHQJXmz3Rmvky8eFmFXSOXT7~mSbuWZ~som4TSgN6Ez2F1fk8KhvRwV0i2kjqiDz9Mui98mPFre~ZhNrSONf2iRTML6qkBcqDJXt3ztTEkO2IpE2Q3VNRo8lZnC~TQ3t3XNoV7Zmfato9M4nl~DiVxcHpFArQIbc6wVXLnLXMj5tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council on Sept. 17 voted to refer to the Rules Committee a proposal from Alderman Ellis to stop routinely reporting informational updates from boards and commissions during council meetings and instead consider alternative formats such as an announcements section.

Alderman Ellis said informational reports that do not require council action should not occupy council floor time and recommended the matter be discussed by the Rules Committee. “Informational issues from committees that are informational only not be reported out to council,” he said.

Other council members objected. Alderman Erickson said such reports keep the public informed about what volunteers and boards are doing and that the time cost is small: “I think it’s good to share information about what’s going on in the community.” Council President Borchardt and others suggested creating a short announcements category at the end of the agenda as a possible compromise.

After discussion, the council voted 8–1 to send the proposal to the Rules Committee for more work; the committee will consider options for format and frequency and return recommendations to council.","Alderman Ellis proposed that informational reports from volunteer boards and commissions not be read at each council meeting; council voted 8–1 to send the idea to the Rules Committee for further discussion after members offered differing views about public awareness and efficiency.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5976097,"Council awards $5.9 million contract to remodel Fire Station 31 despite one dissent citing pending efficiency study",107,2589645,2697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb&start=2589&end=2697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb/thumbnail_2589645.jpg","/articles/5976097/Neenah/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Council-awards-59-million-contract-to-remodel-Fire-Station-31-despite-one-dissent-citing-pending-efficiency-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976097-3c2498ccb3d5cd1e5dcb1ba3aef5815b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774025943&Signature=mQhGg-t9aqlPGycXjACXjkuU3gM~cQK-05k8WEZjrqt0RL~THI9KeP7xWn549fHj5zC~iUnRWyPzxrc04CRc1PEkP-IVQlx6FGWqK2XZAtsDIngt6q7gnhcYj5i46sWF0t~dpzD57AfCeRlTum7Yb2kDDZm-E8fZOu-wQPbA0hSxSm4OF5jVJ95BQH-C2L2dg1kHomvGywEN1VqUhEO1ROoK4osa64Hfxiw-jedrA8cX-oFLpfXbGPETbq1DPQhmck7JAjVHJg2ELc6XqumjWWs779yWPutRcdhXHbBqiDg0CUisMbyBdAC92bvfYP3qu~ADkyaun1lFTlME-oLg5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Public Works recommended and the Common Council approved awarding the Station 31 remodel project to Millbach Construction Services for $5,899,928.37, plus a 10% contingency allowance for unforeseen costs. The motion passed 8–1.

The Board’s recommendation, presented to council on Sept. 17, followed discussion about scope and cost. Alderman Lundrum moved the award; Alderman Ellis seconded the motion.

Alderman Palmore opposed the contract, saying a forthcoming Neenah Fire Rescue efficiency study could recommend different station locations or configurations and that committing nearly $6 million now might limit future options. “What if the consultant had said the efficient use of stations weren't at this location? ... I can't support this as it's currently on our agenda,” he said.

Other members supported moving forward with the remodel, and the motion carried 8–1. The contract award includes the base contract amount recorded by the board and a 10% contingency to cover potential change orders or unforeseen conditions.

Staff will manage the contract and allowances and report back on construction scheduling and any recommended changes that arise during the remodel.","The council approved awarding the Station 31 remodel to Millbach Construction for $5,899,928.37 plus a 10% contingency after board recommendation; one alderman opposed the contract pending a pending efficiency study of fire‑rescue locations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5976102,"Council approves $2.2 million Millview Drive purchase after debate over debt and transparency",170,2265920,2436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb&start=2265&end=2436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb/thumbnail_2265920.jpg","/articles/5976102/Neenah/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-22-million-Millview-Drive-purchase-after-debate-over-debt-and-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976102-b69aaed0376693fc828ec63f658b7949/orig.mp4?Expires=1774025943&Signature=icrsCWzPMqn3LX8D0ZokcNOfYzFKBG6OLm7wPyd0qItQBtnyEgeucqd8~fdC3a919Q0RMkDf6vKHxb5XBMgnvPiCuhH8tA0VTvOT3oyzlXxU0Nq4GYo4e27dZF7m0jMkIuo4GsPPHjihIsOD9~cD-gucY1ZBr0iyTvS7iYHFCajnOO8nwmczhg8XHMgBJ8qBoc0cxU9pAo~vByBoNNkAKtbbH-~CdMxYhvLLtQeQTqlYTjqTD0Q8rhm5LmzgTrsEpXAP60MhQKfcBfiNFkSY9TJuA~EYVc1GMlElZnvOQREQ1fS3PHqMlrePaOSdhrux1u0JqTXPPHWPD457LJecIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council voted Sept. 17 to approve acquisition of 135 Millview Drive at an accepted offer price of $2,200,000, using CIP funds authorized by the council.

Alderman Steiner moved the measure and Council President Borchardt seconded; the motion passed 8–1 after extended debate about debt service, TIF financing and transparency around prior closed‑session negotiations and press reports.

Alderman Palmore raised fiscal concerns, citing projections that the city’s debt levy will increase and arguing the purchase adds to long‑term borrowing. “Our debt levy is scheduled to explode in the next 5 years from 4,400,000 to $14,000,000,” he said, and warned the real‑time debt service can burden taxpayers even when projects rely on TIF increment projections.

Palmore also questioned the process and transparency after a news report noted a private purchase: “It came out in the paper on the eighteenth that John Bergstrom bought this building. So apparently, he bought it for 2,200,000, and then he's gonna sell this for 2,200,000. That seems odd.”

Other council members said the acquisition removes obsolete structures that deter redevelopment and helps assemble parcels to attract developers; supporters said the TIF increment would ultimately pay the debt service tied to the borrowing for the purchase.

Council approved the acquisition and directed staff to continue follow‑up work related to financing and development planning for the site.","The council voted to acquire 135 Millview Drive for $2.2 million using CIP funds despite concerns about long‑term debt impact and questions about recent media reports on an external purchase.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5976108,"Council approves purchase of 1225 S. Commercial with CDBG funds amid debate over limits and lost tax revenue",447,1808250,2256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb&start=1808&end=2256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5842797-ef1f486dbe38ada21589a4c76c8e32bb/thumbnail_1808250.jpg","/articles/5976108/Neenah/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-purchase-of-1225-S-Commercial-with-CDBG-funds-amid-debate-over-limits-and-lost-tax-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976108-f992db03f25a177df693da3a9f62cdba/orig.mp4?Expires=1774025943&Signature=IAjaxjwHv0JBfUFYS3tej55Dqx9KVL4VF2h354q-0z-WxnSBSQpmlCzmNyuY~3oQS5jf~yMDIRXJv17yxxpI9cnm8cz26GcuonXVJzXzMlDnYO5F4j-WuzDUW0XD459BgoLhSNacbBsrSG0dY~5lBklLDiK6P3TBBXDb5CelPtcgXZra0WkjTNzCHpspIYnbZQL0EmIc3MflaUbnV5mWZ~2PpjySWakCjzOglOybNz11pmf4XUwccFroJntg40iXj08zxeSDzY111R3QcnBWz-XuOBcECKoYLCx6fMumPeTKILgP-yfm2pReAW3R3VUxNhso-umLwlqJeB25oKsS2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council on Sept. 17 approved a recommendation to acquire 1225 South Commercial Street at the accepted offer price of $100,000, using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as authorized by the council.

The motion, moved by Alderman Steiner and seconded by Alderman Ellis, passed 8–1 after council members debated whether CDBG‑funded land limits future uses and whether the city should continue acquiring parcels that produce little tax revenue.

Alderman Paul said he opposed using CDBG dollars for property purchase and warned about the revenue effect. “This parcel, it's $1,200 annual taxes. Take that off the levy,” he said, and noted the city owns “$1,670,000 of parcels currently that collect $0 in tax revenue.”

Director Nyforth explained federal requirements tied to CDBG funding and described options for future developers: “A developer could develop low income on it, and we could sell it to them for a dollar. Or if they wanted to build market rate apartments or a business, they would just have to pay fair market value.”

Supporters said acquiring the parcel makes the South Commercial corridor more attractive to developers and can remove obsolete buildings that deter investment. Multiple council members referred to long‑term redevelopment goals for the corridor and past successful uses of similar tools.

Council approved the acquisition; council members asked staff to continue due diligence, including environmental review and development outreach, before committing to a developer or further uses for the parcel.","The council approved acquiring 1225 South Commercial Street for $100,000 using CDBG funds despite objections about restrictions on future development and concerns over lost tax revenue from city‑owned parcels.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council authorizes up to $70,000 offer for 105 W. Winnecony for Commercial Street right‑turn lane after small business raises safety concerns

Council refers proposal to trim informational committee reports to Rules Committee after mixed feedback

Council awards $5.9 million contract to remodel Fire Station 31 despite one dissent citing pending efficiency study

Council approves $2.2 million Millview Drive purchase after debate over debt and transparency

Council approves purchase of 1225 S. Commercial with CDBG funds amid debate over limits and lost tax revenue