Neenah swears in Brian D. Borchard as mayor; Dan Steiner elected council president

Brian D. Borchard was sworn in as mayor of Neenah at the city council organizational meeting. A judge administered the oath, and Borchard repeated the pledge to support the U.S. and Wisconsin constitutions and to "faithfully discharge the duties of the mayor to the best of my ability." Mayor Borchard thanked staff, family and campaign supporters and said he will approach the role "with humility, dedication, and a commitment to serve this entire community."

Pastor Jeff Vannon Huvil offered an invocation, urging a civic ethic "that we are here for the sake of each other." Huvil identified himself as an ELCA pastor and senior pastor and head of staff at Messiah Lutheran Church on Madison’s east side.

Early in the meeting, the council adopted the rules of order inherited from the previous council after a motion and electronic vote. The council then opened nominations for council president; Alderman Dan Steiner was nominated, accepted and elected by a council vote. The mayor read a slate of mayoral appointments to standing and special committees (including finance and personnel, public service and safety, and various external commission seats) and council voted to confirm the slate. Several appointments were for one-year terms expiring April 2027; Frank Cuthbert was appointed to the library board to a three-year term expiring in 2029 by unanimous consent.

The meeting included short remarks by newly sworn aldermen, who expressed eagerness to serve and listed committee assignments. The council also scheduled committee meeting dates and confirmed chairs and vice chairs for several committees.

The meeting adjourned after routine organizational business and public reminders that meeting recordings and agendas are available on the city website.