The 2 Rivers City Council directed city staff to continue planning a middle‑range renovation of the Neshoto Beach concession stand and voted to keep operations city‑run with an expanded menu and beer sales.

City staff outlined three options ranging from minimal health‑code updates to full demolition and rebuild. The room tax commission committed $75,000 over three years and offered an additional $50,000 contingency via a WEDC vibrant‑spaces grant or extra room‑tax support, producing a funding package staff said could bring the total project close to $510,000. Staff and council estimated the city’s net general‑fund tax investment would be about $130,000 after room‑tax and potential grant contributions.

Parks director Mike summarized the rationale: "If we can pull off a $130,000 total investment, completely redo the restrooms, and expand the picnic shelter into a three‑season space, we've met all of our goals that we wanted to do for the Beach master plan." Councilors emphasized that the figure is an estimate and that final costs would be set when the project is put out to bid.

Council then considered operational models. Staff presented three paths: retain city operations (status quo), lease the concession to a private operator, or a hybrid. The council voted to keep the concession city‑run, expand offerings and allow beer sales at designated times/areas, and split net revenue between special events and the general fund to preserve community programming while addressing general‑fund pressures.

Supporters said the middle‑option balances preservation of the building’s character with needed restroom and accessibility upgrades; critics questioned timing and potential borrowing while the city faces a projected budget shortfall. Council members noted there is no budgeted appropriation for the project in the 2026 operating budget and that any borrowing or final contract would return for formal approval in spring after bids and final financing details are available.

Next steps: staff will pursue grant applications, refine the funding package, bid the project in spring, and return to council with contract and borrowing details for final approval.