Neenah council approves volunteer-management software, bond authorizations and ordinance update

The Neenah City Council on June 17 approved a package of administrative, procurement and policy items, including purchase of Better Impact volunteer-management software for the Friends of Neenah volunteer program and several formal actions emerging from recent committee meetings.

Public comment: Frank Hubert, representing the Friends of Neenah, urged council approval of Better Impact, describing the platform as a central hub for volunteer sign-ups, hour tracking, liability-waiver management and background-check records. "This software is the tool that can organize volunteering events by allowing residents to sign up through the city's website, track volunteer hours, maintain a database of our volunteers, keep records of liability waivers and background checks," Hubert said.

Committee recommendations and council actions: The Finance & Personnel Committee recommended two bond-authorizing resolutions be advanced: Resolution 2026-04 (parameters to issue up to $16,845,000 in general obligation promissory notes, Series 2026A) and Resolution 2026-05 (up to $2,850,000 taxable GO promissory notes, Series 2026B). The council advanced those items (motions made at committee); final vote tallies for each bond resolution were not specified on the public record in the transcript.

Ordinance and intergovernmental agreement: The Public Services & Safety Committee recommended and the council approved Ordinance 2026-11 (repealing and replacing chapter 11, article 4, section 11-86 concerning sale and discharge of fur) on a recorded vote of 7–1. The council also approved an intermunicipal agreement with the city of Manashian to evaluate the Nickel Boulevard roundabout (vote 8–0).

Volunteer software: The council approved the purchase and implementation of Better Impact for the Friends of Neenah at a cost not to exceed $3,945, funded from remaining ARPA interest earnings, with future annual subscription and maintenance costs to be included in the information systems operating budget. During discussion, council members asked about the vendor selection process and hosting; the volunteer coordinator said she compared Better Impact with Salesforce and Civic Champs, found Better Impact to be more established and cost-effective for local needs, and said the product is cloud-based. The city also received a $695 implementation scholarship, lowering initial implementation costs.

Other council business: The council approved a first amendment to the Solaris on Main development agreement (8–0), adjustments to pay rates for three mechanics effective July 1, 2026 (8–0), and awarded Contract 6-26 (epoxy pavement markings) to Sentry Traffic for $74,850 (8–0). Several routine reports — business improvement district updates, library summer programming and arts/landmarks updates — were presented without formal action.

Next steps: Staff noted that future annual subscription costs for Better Impact will be budgeted in information systems, that planning and outreach will accompany the volunteer software launch, and that staff will return with broader compensation recommendations later in the summer.

Direct quotes are attributed to speakers recorded on the meeting transcript. Numbers and funding sources cited reflect the council record.