Neenah council approves fleet purchases, roundabout study, bridge design and HVAC upgrade

The Neenah Common Council on Feb. 19 unanimously approved five items recommended by the Public Services & Safety Committee, authorizing two public-works vehicle purchases, an intergovernmental agreement for a roundabout feasibility study, bridge repair design services and a City Hall HVAC control upgrade.

Committee Chair Alderman Lundrum recommended approval of a 2025 single-axle chassis from Packer City International of Appleton and an equipment package from Monroe Truck Company of De Pere; the motion included purchase of one 2‑way radio and up to $1,000 in additional safety equipment and passed 8-0. The committee next recommended a 2025 tandem-axle chassis purchase described in the agenda as $126,539.25 for the chassis and $231,614 for the equipment package, plus up to $1,000 for radio/safety equipment. Finance Director Rasmussen told the council that the total cost is $359,153.30, of which $315,000 is budgeted in 2025 capital equipment funds and the remaining $44,153.30 will come from the capital equipment fund balance; the motion passed 8-0.

The council authorized staff to sign an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with the City of Menasha for a roundabout feasibility analysis at Nicolay Boulevard and Commercial Street. Alderman Palmo asked why the agreement listed no dollar amount and whether Menasha had budgeted a contribution; Palmo noted the city’s budget shows $15,000. A staff member replied that Menasha has budgeted for the project and that earlier discussions suggested Menasha’s share would likely be no more than about $8,000. Staff said the memorandum of understanding gives the cities the ability to select the consultant together and that final cost decisions would follow receipt of consultant proposals. The motion to authorize signing passed 8-0.

Council members also approved a professional-services agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company to design repairs to the North Commercial Street bridge in an amount not to exceed $16,500; that motion passed 8-0. Finally, the council approved a second-floor VAV (variable air volume) control upgrade at City Hall from Energy Control and Design in the amount of $76,914, to be funded from 2025 budgeted funds and from savings achieved by deferring a planned windowsill purchase; that motion passed 8-0.

Votes at a glance: - Purchase: 2025 International single-axle chassis and equipment package (Packer City International; Monroe Truck Company). Additional radio/safety equipment not to exceed $1,000. Outcome: approved, vote 8-0. - Purchase: 2025 International tandem-axle chassis and equipment package (Packer City International; Monroe Truck Company). Total requested: $359,153.30; funding: $315,000 (2025 capital equipment budget) and $44,153.30 (capital equipment fund balance). Outcome: approved, vote 8-0. - Intergovernmental cooperation agreement with City of Menasha for a roundabout feasibility analysis at Nicolay Boulevard and Commercial Street. Outcome: authorized to sign, vote 8-0. (Budget details to be finalized after consultant proposals; city budget lists $15,000.) - Professional services: Alfred Benesch & Company — North Commercial Street bridge design, not to exceed $16,500. Outcome: approved, vote 8-0. - City Hall second-floor VAV control upgrade: Energy Control and Design — $76,914; funding from 2025 budget and deferred windowsill purchase. Outcome: approved, vote 8-0.

Council members and staff framed most items as routine capital-equipment and infrastructure actions; the only extended exchange occurred on the roundabout agreement, where Alderman Palmo pressed staff for clarity on anticipated costs and Menasha’s contribution and staff said the cities would finalize scope and cost after consultant proposals. No public comments were recorded during the committee report. Implementation steps for the approved procurements include standard contract execution and project scheduling by city staff.