Aldermen spar over Arrowhead Park environmental services contract; motion passes 8‑1

A motion to approve a master services agreement with Stantec for Arrowhead Park environmental services in the amount of $25,000 passed the Neenah Common Council 8‑1 on Dec. 3 after debate about prior expenditures and information provided to the council.

Chairman Lundrum reported the committee recommendation; Alderman Palneau said she would vote against the contract because she has ongoing concerns about Arrowhead Park expenditures and said she had not seen adequate documentation about the environmental attorney engagement and related work. Palneau cited a prior January 2024 excavating expense of $72,000 for 22 borings and said the council lacked information needed to make decisions on additional spending.

The city attorney replied that no illegal activity had occurred, that counsel engagement had been ratified previously and that many matters involve confidential legal advice not suitable for public reporting. Community development staff said technical agreements and contracts would be brought forward to council and committees for consideration. After brief discussion, the council voted to approve the Stantec agreement 8‑1.

The vote record shows recorded opposition from Alderman Palneau; the agreement is funded from Arrowhead Park carryforward funds within the 2025 capital improvements budget. The contract moves the environmental work forward; staff said additional information and related items will come to council for future review.