Two Rivers Committees
All the committees and boards that run Two Rivers, and who’s on them.
Get to Know The City Committees
Two Rivers has a wide range of committees and boards that make decisions shaping the town. This page is your guide to understanding their purpose and who serves on them. Whether you’re thinking about applying to serve or just want to learn more about how the city works, you’ll find information here to get you started.
Committees and Boards List
Learn about the committees that guide Two Rivers and who leads them.
City Council
The city council exercises all legislative and general ordinance powers as outlined in Wisconsin Statutes §§ 64.01–64.15, which establish the council-manager form of government. This structure separates legislative and executive functions, assigning legislative duties to the council and executive responsibilities to the city manager.
Nine members:
• Elected by residents in the Spring election to three-year terms.
Current membership:
• Scott Stechmesser
• Darla LeClair
• Bill LeClair
• Mark Bittner
• Doug Brandt
• Shannon Derby
• Tim Petri
• Adam Wachowski
• Bonnie Shimulunas
Wisconsin Legislature: Chapter 64
Advisory Recreation Board (ARB)
Provides recommendations for maintaining and improving city parks and developing recreational programs and activities to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Seven members:
• Recreation director
• Two council members
• Youth representative
• Three other residents
• Residents are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms, approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Travis Kadow
• Daniel Cortte
• Brian Gallagher
• Erin Lamal
• Robert Reed Jr.
• Jason Scharping
• Dorothy Tinkham Delo
• Scott Stechmesser
• Adam Wachowski
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-6
Board of Appeals
The board reviews appeals when someone believes a city official has made a mistake in enforcing local rules or ordinances. They also handle special requests for exceptions to these rules if required. In specific cases, the board can approve limited changes (called variances) to the rules if strict enforcement would cause unnecessary problems, as long as these changes align with the purpose of the rules, protect public safety, and ensure fairness.
Five members:
• Members are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms, approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Jayne Rulseh
• Preston Jones
• Roger Russove
• Randall Ammerman
Wis. Stats. § 62.23(7)(e)
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-2
Board of Canvassers
The board of canvassers checks, confirms, and officially approves election results to ensure they are accurate and valid.
Three members:
• City Clerk
• Two qualified electors
• Electors are appointed by the Clerk to two-year terms.
Current membership:
• Jean Andrews
• Susan Matczynski
• Julie Hart
• Ronald Abney
Wisconsin Legislature: 7.53
Board of Education
This is a state-jurisdiction board and does not fall under city control.
The school board is responsible for overseeing the operation and management of public schools within its district. Its powers and duties include setting educational policies, managing the district’s budget, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, approving curriculum and materials, ensuring compliance with state and federal education laws, and advocating for the educational needs of the community. The board also has the authority to make decisions about facilities, programs, and policies to provide quality education for all students.
Seven members:
• Members are elected in the Spring election to three-year terms.
Current membership:
• Jennifer Henrickson
• Tim Klinkner
• Gary Shavlik
• Randy Williams
• Wendy Brandt
• Zak Peterson
• Lori Zimney
Branding and Marketing Committee
No longer seems to meet.
Advises the city council, city manager, Room Tax Commission, Business and Industrial Development Committee, and Community Development Authority on community branding and marketing. Recommends strategies to promote Two Rivers for residential, commercial, and industrial development, tourism, and other purposes, either independently or upon request.
Seven members:
• Up to two city staff
• Two council members
• Up to five residents
• Members are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms, approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Curt Andrews
• Gina Krahn
• Emilee Rysticken
• Abbie Diaz
• Michael Ditmer
• Travis Stevens
• Darla LeClair
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-12
Business and Industrial Development Committee (BIDC)
Same membership as the Community Development Authority (CDA). Meets at the same time.
Advises the city council, city manager, and plan commission on industrial development. Promotes the city’s industrial advantages, collects data on suitable industries, and compiles information on areas suitable for development. Encourages proper zoning and industrialization, supports attracting new industries, and assists businesses with any community problems they have. Surveys the city’s climate for industrial and economic growth and recommends the use of city-owned properties for industrial purposes.
Nine members:
• Two council members
• Seven residents
• Members are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms, approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Betty Bittner
• Tracey Koach
• Tom Christensen
• Gregory Coenen
• David Kalista
• Keith Lyons
• Daniel Wettstein
• Scott Stechmesser
• Shannon Derby
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-10
Business Improvement District (BID) Board
Works to retain, expand, and assist businesses of all sizes and identifies and attracts new or relocating businesses to the City of Two Rivers.
Nine members:
• Two council members
• Seven residents
• Members are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Tom Christensen
• Theresa Kronforst
• Bill Kiel
• JoAnne Kouba
• Amy MacMillan
• Marv Moore
• Jim VanLanen, Jr.
Ordinance reference is unknown.
Central Park West 365 Planning Committee
This committee’s mission seems complete and is no longer meeting.
Originally created as the “Splash Pad and Ice Rink Planning Committee” and renamed mid-project.
Purpose:
• Convenient, central location for access and use by residents
• Highly visible location on Washington Street/STH 42, to encourage use by visitors
• Proximity to downtown businesses, to strengthen Two Rivers’ central business district
• Proximity to downtown area hotels, to serve as an amenity for their guests
• Ready access to support facilities at the J.E. Hamilton Community House, for restrooms, concessions, winter warming and skate rentals
• Opportunity to redesign and refresh this important public space in the midst of the community, including possible replacement/repositioning of the band stand
Seven members:
• Advisory Rec Board members
• Main Street board members
• Business owners
• Residents
Current membership:
• Wendy Brandt
• Gina Krahn
• Nathan Kronforst
• Kathy Peterson
• Jayne Rulseh
• Theresa Leiberg
• Scott Stechmesser
• Darla LeClair
• Tracey Koach
Commission for Equal Opportunities in Housing
No meeting documents are published; unclear if this board has ever met.
Enforces the Fair Housing Act and other federal and state laws to ensure equal access to housing without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Wisconsin Statutes §§ 106.50(1) states that “it is the duty of the political subdivisions to assist in the orderly prevention or removal of all discrimination in housing through the powers granted under ss. 66.0125 and 66.1011.”
Unknown number of members:
• Unknown number of council members
• Unknown number of residents
• Members are appointed by the city manager to two-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Unknown
Wisconsin Legislature: 106.50
Committee on Aging
Identifies concerns of older citizens and makes recommendations to protect their well-being, rights, and quality of life. Advises the Advisory Recreation Board and city manager on senior citizen issues.
Eight members:
• One council member
• Seven residents
• Members are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Betty Bittner
• Ruth Kadow
• Jackie Ackerman
• Kyle Korinek
• Kim Graves
• Mark Bittner
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-11
Community Development Authority (CDA)
Same membership as the Business and Industrial Development Committee (BIDC). Meets at the same time.
Leads efforts to eliminate blight, promote urban renewal, and oversee housing and redevelopment projects in Two Rivers. Operates under state and federal laws, including the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, to support community development. Acts as the city’s agent for redevelopment projects, ensuring they align with the comprehensive plan developed by the plan commission, which retains responsibility for the city’s long-term planning.
Seven members:
• Two council members
• Five residents with expertise in urban renewal, community development, or housing
• Members are appointed by the city manager to four-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Betty Bittner
• Tracey Koach
• Gregory Coenen
• David Kalista
• Keith Lyons
• Scott Stechmesser
• Shannon Derby
Wis. Stats. § 66.1335
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-7
Environmental Advisory Board (EAB)
Provides support to the public works committee of the city council. Such support includes advice and feedback on policies and initiatives related to environmental protection, sustainability and resiliency, as well as community education and resource mobilization to assist in implementation of such policies and initiatives.
Nine members:
• Two council members
• Six residents from fields such as business, industry, organized labor, and environmental organizations
• One student in an advisory role
• Members are appointed by the city manager to two-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Tracey Koach
• Corinne Weis
• Donald DeBruyn
• Heather Gross
• John Tillotson
• Darla LeClair
• Doug Brandt
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-5
Explore Two Rivers Board of Directors
Non-profit board supported by city funds. Not a direct city government-run board.
Promotes travel to Two Rivers, mostly for overnight stays as room tax monies forwarded to this organization have to be used for that purpose. Operates as a nonprofit organization responsible for utilizing room tax revenues in compliance with Wisconsin state laws, which mandates that municipalities forward room tax revenues to a tourism entity for tourism promotion and development.
Nine members:
• One council member
• Two non-voting city staff
• Six additional members
Current membership:
• John Wyrostek, President (Friends of Point Beach State Park)
• Unfilled, Vice President
• Curt Andrews, Treasurer (Room Tax Commission; Cool City Brewery; Wine Not LLC)
• Unfilled, Secretary
• Erin Dembski (Point Beach State Forest)
• Michael Ditmer (The Agency Creative; Still Bend)
• Mike Mathis (Two Rivers Parks & Rec Director)
• Todd Nilson (Clocktower Advisors)
• Melissa Nyssen (Violet Inn)
• Tonya Prosser (Village Inn)
• Joe Metzen (Two Rivers Tourism Director)
Wisconsin Legislature: 66.0615(1m)(d)
Library Board of Trustees
Oversees the management and policy development of the public library, ensuring free access to knowledge and information for all residents. Holds exclusive control over library funds, property, and staffing, including the appointment of the library director and determination of staff compensation, in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 43.
Nine members:
• One school district administrator (or designee)
• Eight residents
• Members are appointed by the city manager to two-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Kathryn Gadd
• Stanley Palmer
• David Pennefeather
• Sharon Sleger
• Don Weiss
• Ned Guyette
• Mary Glaser
• Katie Stone
• Shannon Derby
Wisconsin Legislature: Chapter 43
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-8
Main Street Board of Directors
Non-profit board supported by property taxes. Not a direct city government-run board.
Funded through a Business Improvement District (BID), local commercial property owners contribute through special assessments on their property taxes. These funds are managed by the Main Street nonprofit organization to improve the downtown district through projects like building facade improvements, streetscaping, events, and business support to foster a vibrant and attractive downtown for residents and visitors.
Membership requirements are unclear.
Current membership:
• Joe Baeten, President (Baeten Lakeshore Properties)
• Kristine Pigeon, Vice President (Weichert/Cornerstone Real Estate)
• Devin Kumbalek, Secretary (Shoreline Credit Union)
• Nicholas Meissner, Treasurer (Shoreline Credit Union)
• Curt Andrews (Cool City Brewing; Wine Not LLC)
• Nathan Kronforst (White Cap Insurance Agency)
• Steve Kanter (Retired, Shoreline Hometown Credit Union)
• Michael Ditmer (The Agency Creative; Still Bend)
• Jason Ring (Executive Director)
• Greg Buckley (City Manager)
• Darla LeClair (City Council)
Personnel and Finance Committee
Oversees city personnel policies and financial matters, including budgets, salaries, and overall fiscal management.
Three members:
• Three council members
Current membership:
• Mark Bittner
• Adam Wachowski
• Bonnie Shimulunas
Plan Commission
Develops and adopts the city’s comprehensive plan to guide physical development, ensuring coordinated and harmonious growth that promotes public health, safety, and general welfare. Reviews and makes recommendations on public buildings, land acquisitions, plats, and zoning matters, aligning with Wisconsin Statutes § 62.23.
Seven members:
• City manager (presiding officer)
• City engineer
• One council member
• Four citizen members with related and recognized experience and qualifications
• Members are appointed by the city manager to three-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Kay Koach
• Rick Inman
• Kristin Lee
• Adam Wachowski
Wisconsin Legislature: 62.23
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-1
Police and Fire Commission (PFC)
Oversees the appointment, promotion, discipline, and dismissal of the Police and Fire Chiefs and their subordinates, ensuring the effective and ethical operation of the city’s police and fire departments. Operates under the authority granted by Wisconsin Statutes § 62.13.
Five resident members:
• No appointment shall be made which will result in more than three members of the board belonging to the same political party.
• Members are appointed by the city manager to five-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Mike Canty
• Kris LaFond
• Sandy Rohrick
• Jack Gadzala
• Brad Yaggie
Wisconsin Legislature: 62.13
Two Rivers Ordinance 2-5-3
Public Utilities Committee
Provides oversight and guidance on city utility operations, including water, sewer, and electricity, ensuring reliable and efficient services for residents.
Three members:
• Three council members
Current membership:
• Darla LeClair
• Shannon Derby
• Tim Petri
Public Works Committee
Reviews and advises on infrastructure projects, maintenance of city facilities, and public works operations such as roads, drainage, and sanitation.
Three members:
• Three council members
Current membership:
• Scott Stechmesser
• Bill LeClair
• Doug Brandt
Room Tax Commission
Manages and allocates room tax revenues collected from lodging facilities within the city. Ensures these funds are used to promote tourism, attract visitors, and support local economic development in compliance with Wisconsin Statutes § 66.0615. At least 70% of the revenue must fund tourism-related purposes, such as marketing and events that drive overnight stays. The remaining funds may be used for other city needs.
Five members:
• City manager
• City council president (or appointed council member)
• Two additional members (council members or general public)
• One representative of the Wisconsin hotel and motel industry (owner, operator, or manager of a lodging facility within city limits)
• Members are appointed by the city manager to one-year terms and approved by city council.
Current membership:
• Curt Andrews
• Rick Carey
• Bill LeClair
• Mark Bittner
Wisconsin Legislature: 66.0615
Two Rivers Ordinance 6-11-9
Two Rivers Business Association (TRBA)
Non-profit board. Not a city government-run board.
Supports the growth and enrichment of businesses in Two Rivers and the Lakeshore.
Objectives:
• Provide opportunities to share information, network and collaborate in a fun and engaging environment
• Foster a sense of community among members
• Improve the business climate for members
• Create dialogue between members and community leaders, legislators, other interest groups, and the general public
• Raise public awareness about member contributions to the economic development, physical improvements, and vibrancy of Two Rivers and the Lakeshore.
Members must be business owners or entrepreneurs.
Board of Directors:
• Colt Peterson, President (US Cellular)
• Pam Wargin, Vice President (American Family Insurance)
• Chad Naidl, Treasurer (Clifton Larson Allen)
• Peter Crabbe, (Hamilton Museum)
• Marcia Donlon (Village Inn)
• Patti Glaser (Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital)
• Amy MacMillen (1st Anderson Real Estate)
• Kevin Meyers (Meyers Design)
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