The Finance Committee of the City of Manitowoc met on November 2, 2026, to approve consent agenda items, ordinances, and an alcohol permit, and to begin deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget. All formal actions received unanimous approval from the five members present. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the October 5, 2026 and October 26, 2026 Finance Committee meetings. - 3rd Quarter 2026 Investment Report. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public involved in the Red Arrow Park project requested funds in the 2027 capital budget for bathroom renovations and extension of the roof line at the park, citing heavy usage (100–150 people at picnics). He also proposed renaming JC Drive to "Red Arrow Park Lane" from 10th Street to Green Street. - Frank Wesley (733 North 7th Street) commended the city for the open house event that day, expressed appreciation for the city’s equipment, library, and staff, and shared personal observations about the community. Discussion Items - 26-0991 – 3rd Quarter 2026 Claims Report from the City Attorney’s Office: Placed on file after a brief presentation showing claims brought, awards, settlements, and dispositions. - 26-0992 – Fee Reversal Request for Manitowalk vs. ALS Event: Approved rescinding a special events late application invoice, supported by Parks & Recreation. - 26-0993 – Ordinance amending Section 11.010 (3-day waiting period for temporary Class B licenses): Approved to comply with a state requirement, consistent with other municipalities. - 26-0994 – Ordinance amending Section 3.120 (Rahr-West Museum Boards and Association): Approved to remove references to a defunct association and correct board hiring/firing provisions to match current practice. - 26-0995 – Producer Full-Service Retail Sales Application (AB-105) from 3 Sheeps Brewing for Ladies of Bluegrass event (April 16–17, 2027 at Expo Drive): Approved with hours restricted to 5–11 p.m., the first such application under 2023 Wisconsin Act 73. - 2027 Budget Discussion (Item 26-0978): The committee reviewed the executive budget presentation. Key elements presented: - Proposed 2.78% tax rate increase, $3.5 million fund balance utilization, $7.84 million borrowing. - Six new positions initially listed (three firefighters, one detective, two IT), but the mayor clarified that eight full-time positions are actually proposed when including two full-time paratransit drivers; ten part-time paratransit positions are also planned. The IT and paratransit positions are expected to be budget neutral. - Compensation plan: 3.1% structure adjustment plus 0.4% payroll expense for a 3.5% total employee increase. - Health insurance costs rising 13%. - One-time expenditures: $20,000 for engineering reorganization consulting, $50,000 for management training, and $120,000 to replace virtual desktop infrastructure with standard PCs. - Public safety investments: three firefighter‑paramedics, one police detective, and replacement tasers. - Downtown funding reduced by $200,000 but includes $50,000 for seasonal flowers. - Committee members discussed adding a summary sheet of multi‑year projects and improving the five‑year road plan process. - No formal action taken; further meetings scheduled for Wednesday (public safety personnel) and Thursday (infrastructure). Key Outcomes - All votes (consent agenda, claims report, fee reversal, Ordinance sections 11.010 and 3.120, and the AB-105 application) passed unanimously (5-0). - The budget discussion was informational; the committee will continue deliberations at subsequent meetings: - Wednesday, November 3 (or later): Focus on police and fire departments. - Thursday, November 4 (or later): Focus on infrastructure and public works after the Public Works Committee meeting.
Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Public Meetings - Manitowoc, WisconsinThe Personnel Committee of the City of Manitowoc met on November 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. All five committee members were present (Norell, Sitkiewitz, Schlei, Beeman, Benzinger). The committee approved several routine items and discussed a lifeguard certification reimbursement policy, exit interview data, seasonal pay rates for 2027, and a benefit plan authorization resolution. No public comments were received. The committee also convened in closed session to discuss police contract bargaining from 5:08 PM to 5:21 PM, taking no action upon reconvening. The meeting adjourned at 5:22 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the October 5, 2026 Personnel Committee meeting were approved. - Review of legal fees billed through September 2026 was accepted. - Report on the health plan was accepted. - Report on Human Resources office initiatives was accepted. - Report on City Attorney's office initiatives was accepted. - All consent items were approved unanimously by a 5-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke or submitted comments. Discussion Items - Seasonal Lifeguard Certification Reimbursement Policy (Item 26-0987): Parks and Recreation Director Brock Wetenkamp presented a policy to reimburse seasonal lifeguards for the city's $200 training fee after completing 25 shifts during the summer season, with the goal of improving recruitment and retention. The $50 American Red Cross certification fee is not reimbursable and must be paid by the employee. The committee approved the policy and referred it to the City Council by a 5-0 vote. - Exit Interview Data Summary (Item 26-0862): Human Resources Director Jessie Lillibridge reported that 14 exit interviews have been conducted since January 2026. Participation is voluntary, and not all departing employees complete an interview. The data highlighted reasons for departure including supervisory concerns. A committee member expressed appreciation for the report and noted that new touch-base processes may address some issues. No action was taken. - 2027 Seasonal Hiring Pay Rates (Item 26-0975): Lillibridge presented the annual request to approve updated pay rates for seasonal and limited-term employees, effective January 1, 2027. The rates are based on the current budget and department head recommendations, including new positions and revised pay ranges. The committee approved the rates and referred them to Council by a 5-0 vote. - 2027 Benefit Plan Document Authorization Resolution (Item 26-0977): As an annual authorization, the committee approved a resolution authorizing the Human Resources Director and Finance Director to sign all benefit-related documents for health, dental, and other plans. The resolution was approved and referred to Council by a 5-0 vote. - Update on Police Contract Bargaining (Item 26-0670): The committee discussed police contract bargaining in closed session from 5:08 PM to 5:21 PM, citing Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)(e) for competitive or bargaining reasons. Upon reconvening in open session, the committee announced that no action was taken. Key Outcomes - All routine consent agenda items were approved unanimously. - The Seasonal Lifeguard Certification Reimbursement Policy was approved and referred to the full City Council for final adoption. - The updated 2027 seasonal hiring pay rates were approved and referred to Council. - The 2027 benefit plan document authorization resolution was approved and referred to Council. - The police contract bargaining update was discussed in closed session; no action was taken. - All votes recorded were 5-0 in favor.
The Manitowoc Plan Commission met on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The commission approved prior minutes, held a public hearing on a conditional use permit for outdoor storage, heard updates on the zoning and subdivision code rewrites, and approved two final plats. Approval of Minutes - Motion by Commissioner Dan, seconded by Commissioner Steinbrenner, approved the September 23, 2026 Plan Commission minutes as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Pat Tice, a neighboring property owner across the street, telephoned opposition to the Brey CUP but did not attend; he said outdoor storage would not complement the neighborhood and noted the site's history of garbage issues. - Kirk Bry, applicant and owner of Brey Property Management/360 Storage, testified in support. He said he initially thought the parking lot could be used for neighbor storage, that most users live nearby, and he requested a larger mapped storage area and flexibility on screening. Public Hearing: PC 16-2026 - Brey Property Management, 601 Reed Avenue (Conditional Use Permit for Outside Storage) - Staff said the property was rezoned in 2025 from B-1 neighborhood business to B-3 general business for an interior climate-controlled storage use; outdoor storage in B-3 requires a conditional use permit. - In September 2026, the zoning administrator issued a violation letter for unauthorized outdoor storage, including trailers, boats, campers, snowmobiles, a trampoline, a vending machine, building materials, and debris. Most of the items were cleaned up after the letter. - The proposed CUP would allow only campers, RVs, boats, and trailers that are maintained, roadworthy, properly licensed/registered, and moveable; no abandoned or junk vehicles; no other outside items; and natural screening along property lines. - Staff counted about 100 parking-stall equivalents in the three mapped storage areas. The applicant said he would use far fewer, estimating about 14 spaces on the west side, 9 on the east side, and minimal use of the rear lot. - Staff noted that under 2017 state law, a city cannot simply deny a conditional use permit but can impose and enforce conditions. Staff recommended approval with the mapped areas and conditions, and did not support enlarging the area. - Commissioners discussed the large scale of the change from B-1 to outdoor storage and the future zoning code, under which the use would become legal non-conforming and could not be expanded. Item M was amended to require maintaining existing screening vegetation to the city planner's satisfaction, rather than all existing trees and shrubs. - The motion to approve the CUP as presented, with amended item M, carried. Recorded nays included Brock and Dan Horning. Old Business: PC 3-2024 - Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite (Update) - Staff reported that the Committee of the Whole review raised no major concerns; the only item mentioned was a state statute provision on possible compensation for plan commissioners. - Next steps: Plan Commission formal recommendation on November 18, 2026; Common Council public hearing on December 21, 2026; adoption targeted for January 1, 2027. - The city attorney is drafting language on emergency warming shelters, warming shelters, and transitional housing, and the consultant's legal review is expected in early November. Commissioners requested final draft language early enough to review before the November meeting. New Business: PC 14-2026 - Chapter 21 Subdivision Code Rewrite (Update) - Staff described the rewrite as a reorganization and clarification of the existing subdivision code rather than a major substantive change. - It incorporates the new state statute prohibiting cities from tying subdivision plat approval to utility installation and moves technical specifications into the engineering design manual. The target adoption date is January 1, 2027. No action was taken. New Business: PC 8-2026 - TLG Holdings LLC, Final Plat for Deerbrook Crossing Subdivision No. 1 - Staff recommended approval for the 16-lot subdivision near Deerbrook Lane and Kellner Street. Prior street vacation and official map amendment were completed; state and county review were completed; fees were paid; only a drainage plan remained outstanding. - The commission unanimously approved the final plat. New Business: PC 16-2026 - Row, Row, Row LLC / Radue Homes Inc., Final Plat for The Row at Riverpoint Subdivision - Staff recommended approval for the 21-lot townhome subdivision at the 1100 and 1200 block of River Point Drive. Streets and utilities are installed, but the plat had not yet been sent to the state. - Because of substandard soils, the developer needs to install a substantial number of helical piers before frost and requested an early start permit. Since two lots already exist, early work on those lots could begin before final plat approval. - The commission approved the final plat. Motion by Commissioner Brock, seconded by Commissioner Bill. Miscellaneous - The agenda listed a certified survey map for Roger Holschbach in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4, Section 13, T18N, R23E, Town of Newton, and a site plan summary for SP 13-2026, 7 Brews, 4441 Calumet Avenue. No county activities were reported. No discussion was held on these items before adjournment. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 23, 2026 Plan Commission minutes. - Approved the Brey Property Management CUP with conditions and amended item M; Brock and Dan Horning voted no. - Approved the Deerbrook Crossing Subdivision No. 1 final plat unanimously. - Approved The Row at Riverpoint Subdivision final plat. - Received updates on the zoning and subdivision code rewrites; formal zoning recommendation is scheduled for November 18, 2026, council public hearing on December 21, 2026, with January 1, 2027 as the targeted adoption date. - The next Plan Commission meeting is November 18, 2026; the meeting then adjourned. Note: The printed agenda assigns the same case number, PC 16-2026, to both the Brey public hearing and The Row at Riverpoint final plat item; this summary uses the agenda headings as listed.
Date: October 27, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM (start) Location: Manitowoc Public Library The Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting, addressing routine approvals, receiving informational reports, and making decisions on the adult literacy program and 2027 operating hours. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the previous month's meeting by unanimous voice vote. - Financial Reports: The board accepted the financial reports for funds 2810 and 2813, and the public check register through September 2026, after brief discussion about a budget line variance. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted during the meeting; no one was present online or in person to speak. Discussion Items - Personnel Committee Meeting: The board discussed scheduling a personnel committee meeting for Director Margaret's annual review. Options of Monday, November 9 or Tuesday, November 10 at 4:30 or 5:00 PM were mentioned, but no formal vote was taken; the committee will follow up. - Adult Literacy Program (1:1 Program): Trustee Margaret presented concerns about the program's sustainability and effectiveness, noting that similar programs in other communities operate as independent 501(c)(3) literacy councils with dedicated staff and funding. Director Karen Hansen confirmed that the current model (operated by the library with limited staff) is not sustainable and that the administration is considering future changes. The information was provided for board awareness; no action was taken. - 2027 Operating Hours Proposal: Director Hansen proposed a change to year-round operating hours, eliminating Sunday openings, shortening Friday hours by one hour (closing at 5 PM instead of 6 PM), and extending Saturday hours (9 AM to 5 PM). The change was presented as a way to better align staffing with patron use and improve staff morale. Discussion included concerns about patron impact (families, homeless individuals, job seekers) and the value of Sunday access, balanced against staff retention and operational efficiency. A motion was made to approve the new hours and the associated holiday closure calendar. Key Outcomes - 2027 Operating Hours Approved: The board voted to approve the proposed changes (closed Sundays, Friday hours 9–5, Saturday hours 9–5) and the holiday closure schedule for 2027. The vote passed; at least one trustee opposed the change (specific tally not recorded). - South Side Project Update: Trustee Daisy reported on ongoing renovations, including LED lighting retrofitting, carpet replacement, and preparation for upcoming demolition and rebuilding. No board action required. The meeting adjourned following the old business report.
The Finance Committee met on October 26, 2026, for an initial review of the City of Manitowoc's proposed 2027 budget. No action was taken; the meeting centered on the road improvement schedule and IT equipment replacement. Discussion Items - Road Project Schedule: Alderperson Reckelberg expressed concern that Kellner Street had been moved from the 2028 plan to 2030, despite community expectations. The Mayor explained that the deferral was due to higher-priority streets (e.g., North 10th Street) and the city's practice of paving full street lengths rather than short sections. Public Works Director Dan noted the schedule is a recommendation that can be adjusted. - VDI Computer Replacement: A $150,000 proposal to replace 100 VDI computers was discussed. An alderperson questioned the timing, suggesting hiring IT staff first might ensure a smoother transition. Staff clarified that $80,000 in VDI maintenance costs would be saved by proceeding with replacement in 2027 rather than extending the current system. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken on the budget. - The committee scheduled additional meetings for November 2, 4, and 5 to continue budget discussions.
On October 26, 2026, the Manitowoc Common Council held a special meeting at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom to receive the 2027 Executive Budget presentation from Mayor Nickels. Eight alderpersons were present (Dunbar, Beeman, Cummings, Schlei, Sitkiewitz, Reckelberg, Brey, Benzinger); two were absent (Anderson, Norell). The only action item was a call for a public hearing on the budget. 2027 Executive Budget Presentation Mayor Nickels presented the 2027 budget, emphasizing public safety as the top priority. Key proposals include: - Tax Levy: A 2.78% increase in the assessed tax rate. For an average home valued at $250,000, city taxes would rise by $41.27 annually ($3.44/month). - Fund Balance & Borrowing: $3.5 million from fund balance and $7.84 million in new borrowing. The mayor noted this is the first budget in his tenure where new borrowing exceeds debt repayment, calling it a difficult but necessary decision to fund critical infrastructure and equipment. - New Positions: Six new positions: three firefighter/paramedics, one police detective focused on internet crimes against children, an IT supervisor, and an IT help desk support staff. - Employee Compensation: 3.5% wage increase for non-represented employees; a 13% increase in health insurance premiums (both employer and employee shares). $50,000 allocated for management training, $20,000 for an engineering reorganization consultant. - IT Services: Transition from fully contracted IT (via MPU) to two in-house positions; elimination of remaining virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) with migration to cloud-based PCs. - Police Equipment: Phase-in replacement of Tasers (est. $80,000/year), with no funding for Flock license plate readers in this budget. - Infrastructure Projects: Major road projects (Franklin Street, North 10th Street, Marshall Street, Orchard Lane, North 18th Street); replacement of DPW salt shed; CP Armory roof; various equipment purchases; purchase of 13-passenger buses for transit to move toward on-demand service. - Downtown Funding: Reduced from $250,000 to $50,000, with the mayor noting that major downtown projects (River Point District) are nearing completion and priority shifted to public safety. - Visitor Center: Proposed purchase of the current Visit Manitowoc building funded by room tax, to be converted into a 24/7 visitor center with public restrooms and storage. The mayor stated that the budget reflects feedback to "take care of what we have" and acknowledged difficult trade-offs. No council questions were recorded during the meeting. Key Outcomes - Motion to Call Public Hearing: Alderperson Sitkiewitz moved, seconded by Schlei, to set a public hearing on the 2027 General City Budget for Monday, November 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The motion passed unanimously (8-0). The council also has the option of a November 23 meeting if needed. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:57 PM.
The Board of Public Works of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, met on October 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers. All eight members (Nickels, Koski, Reed, Alfred, Nycz, Norell, Beeman, Reckelberg) were present. The board approved a storm sewer endwall repair contract, one change order for concrete paving, and five pay estimates for various engineering and public works projects. All motions passed unanimously (8-0). Consent Calendar - Agreement with MC Excavating, LLC: Approved a contract for $12,900.00 to repair a storm sewer endwall at Waldo Blvd. and Fleetwood Dr. (Motion by Nycz, seconded by Beeman). - Change Order No. 2 for Vinton Construction Company: Approved a change order for $51,710.00 for the 2026 Concrete Paving Program (WS-26-1). The change was necessary to add work on the other lane in coordination with MPU's water main replacement to meet the timeline. A board member noted that the related cog request had a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 (or $55,000 per transcript), but the change order itself was $51,710; the board proceeded with approval. (Motion by Nycz, seconded by Reckelberg). - Pay Estimates: Approved five pay estimates totaling $132,712.85: - Lakeland Landscape, Inc. – Tree Planting for Parks (Est. 1 & Final): $18,750.00 - RA Smith – Franklin Street Reconstruction (Est. 7): $22,284.50 - AECOM – 2020-2021 Former Town of Newton Gravel Pit (Est. 25): $52,006.11 - Foth Infrastructure & Environmental, LLC – Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (Est. 3): $19,489.40 - Bob Braun Excavating, LLC – Reconstruct Asphalt Roadway to River Heights Lift Station (Est. 1): $20,182.84 (Motion by Nycz, seconded by Norell). Other Business - Contractor's Payroll Affidavits: None submitted. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 4:03 PM. (Motion by Nycz, seconded by Reed).
The Manitowoc Community Development Authority (CDA) met on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM at City Hall and via Zoom. All seven members were present. The meeting covered public housing financials and health insurance, a design review for a new commercial building at 1214 Washington Street, and updates on major redevelopment projects including River Point District, 1512 Washington Street, and Lakeshore Mall. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 16, 2026): Approved unanimously by a 7–0 vote. Discussion Items - Financial Report and Monthly Expenditures (July 2026): Staff reviewed the budget. Discussion clarified that a 13% net income figure represented a positive gain (not a loss). Members requested future reports include month-over-month comparisons and prior-year data for better context. The report was approved unanimously. - Health Insurance (Manitowoc Housing Authority): Staff presented 2027 rate options for employee health plans. The board reviewed a 4% premium increase for the current Prevea 360 plan, which remained significantly lower than the city’s projected 13% increase. Members agreed to continue with Prevea 360. Motion approved unanimously. - Office Renovation/Construction Update: Staff reported that contractors are on track to complete the second-floor office renovation by the third week of November 2026. Work includes painting, lighting, flooring, mailboxes, and a new call box. Minor issues with fire panel codes and camera wiring are being addressed. Tenants are expected to move in before Thanksgiving. - Design Review – 1214 Washington Street: The applicant proposed a metal building for equipment storage. Staff recommended upgrading the right-of-way facing facade to cement board and using metal only for sides and roof. Discussion covered parking surfaces (gravel with partial concrete), shared drive easements, landscaping, and site plan requirements. The board approved the design review subject to staff conditions (7–0). - Other Business Updates: - River Point District: The developer (Redoo Homes) is finalizing permits for condominiums. Contaminated soil removal begins November 2. A multifamily developer has been selected after a setback. EPA grant closure is pending final signatures. - 1512 Washington Street: A coffee shop (Ziggy's Coffee) is moving forward after resolving site plan issues. Village Square property owner is interviewing demolition contractors for interior work. - Lakeshore Mall: Apartment foundations are in; single-family home permits expected soon. Infrastructure (stormwater pond, paving) is essentially complete. No commercial tenants yet. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, financial report, and health insurance plan (all 7–0). - Approved design review for 1214 Washington Street with conditions (7–0). - Staff directed to improve financial reporting format to include month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons. - Meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM. Note: The transcript included a brief excerpt from a separate Board of Public Works meeting, which was not part of the CDA agenda and has been excluded.
The Common Council of Manitowoc met on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 6:39 p.m. in Council Chambers, with Council President Eric Sitkiewitz serving as Acting Mayor due to Mayor Nickels' absence. Ten alderpersons attended all votes passed unanimously (10-0). The meeting included oaths of office, three public hearings, public comments on a dog park and school vouchers, approval of a consent agenda, and action on multiple committee recommendations. Presentations & Oaths - Fire Lieutenants Kevin Fabian and Kevin Wilke, and Motor Pump Operator Craig Buyeske took the oath of office and received badge pinning. Public Hearings - Transit Fare Increase (26-0935): No members of the public spoke. Kevin from Maritime Metro explained the fare increase is part of a required Transit Development Plan to balance costs while keeping rates lower than other agencies in the state. - Forestry Assessments (26-0936): Codi Knorr of 1407 N 23rd St appeared to object to his proposed assessment. The Council referred his objection to the Board of Public Works for further discussion. - Official Map Change (26-0937): No public speakers. Adam from Planning staff explained the property owner wants to develop a parcel, and the change still preserves the overall transportation network. The Planning Commission recommended approval. Public Input - Lisa Nikosch (resident): Expressed appreciation for the new dog park at Halvorsen Park, noting the concrete, trees, and upkeep enhanced the experience for dogs and their owners. She requested adding a bus‑shelter style structure for protection from wind and cold weather, saying multiple park users supported the idea. - Chris Abel (715 N 5th St, speaking as an individual): Thanked the Council for agreeing to include a flyer from the Manitowoc Public School District (MPSD) as an insert in city tax bills, showing the effect of the school voucher program on the local tax levy. He provided statistics: for the 2025‑2026 school year, vouchers consumed 23.06% of the MPSD levy ($7,223,770 of a total $31,329,041 levy) – equal to $1 out of every $4.35. He said transparency is essential for taxpayers to decide their own views on vouchers. Consent Calendar All items on the Consent Agenda were approved without discussion. Highlights included: - Approval of the September 21, 2026 Council minutes. - Acceptance of the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. - Issuance of a $2,000 credit card for the Tourism Department's Marketing Manager. - Refund of a special events late fee for Gumby's Club Fore A Cure. - Unbudgeted Capital Asset Working Group (CAWG) requests: $15,000 for storm sewer repair at Waldo & Fleetwood; $50,000 for concrete paving on N. 2nd Street (Reed Ave to dead end). - General City claims totaling $2,749,503.28. - Various payment approvals from the Board of Public Works, including $136,345.40 to Scott Construction for seal coating, $20,644.98 to Alfson Excavating for sanitary sewer relay, $145,011.19 to Gorman and Company for Mirro Site remediation, and $4,959.00 to 5th Pocket Skateparks for skatepark expansion. - A tree‑planting agreement with Lakeland Landscape, Inc. for multiple city parks. - Denial of a sex offender residency board appeal, denial of a request for a 4‑way stop at S. 21st & Flambeau St., and denial of a fire rescue billing dispute. - Parks on‑call premium pay, animal acquisition policy update, special event reports, and authorization to explore opportunities to fill the vacant bear exhibit. Committee Reports & Actions Committee of the Whole (26-0845): Approved a motion to allow MPSD to provide the city with a flyer regarding school voucher information to be inserted in property tax bills. MPSD will incur any additional postage costs, and must submit the flyer by the date the city budget is adopted. Finance Committee: - Approved an agreement with General Code, LLC for eCode360 software to manage the Manitowoc Municipal Code. - Adopted a resolution to increase the annual Mobile Home Park license fee from $75 to $100, effective January 1, 2027. - Adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 11 of the Municipal Code (licenses and permits). Personnel Committee: - Approved job descriptions and pricing for positions needed if paratransit services are moved in‑house, but with the condition that no advertising, recruiting, or hiring occurs until the Public Works Committee and Common Council approve the in‑house operation. - Approved the 2027 benefit plans as recommended by McClone. To mitigate a 13% premium increase, changes include raising the stop‑loss cap from $100,000 to $115,000 per claimant and increasing deductibles (e.g., from $2,000/$4,000 to $3,000/$6,000). These adjustments kept the increase at 13% rather than the potential 28%. Public Works Committee: - Adopted an authorizing resolution allowing the DPW to sign real estate documents for the Washington & Calumet Reconstruction Project. - Approved an unbudgeted CAWG request for concrete paving on N. 2nd Street (Reed Ave to dead end) not to exceed $55,000. - Approved the Transit Development Plan (TDP) and fare increases for Maritime Metro. - Adopted a resolution updating the City's Functional Classification System. - Approved a stormwater management facility maintenance agreement with Maritime Lofts, LLC. - Approved the nuisance abatement report, with the assessment for 1407 N 23rd St (Codi Knorr's objection) referred back to the Board of Public Works. Public Safety Committee: - Adopted an ordinance amending Section 10.390 (prohibited parking) relating to school zones and specific streets. - Approved an updated EMS service contract with the Town of Kossuth. - Adopted an ordinance amending Section 6.170 (fire suppression systems). Plan Commission: - Adopted an ordinance amending Section 22.010 (Official Map – Master Subdivision Plans) for the parcel between Middle Road and Dutch Road, consistent with the public hearing. Key Outcomes - All votes on action items passed unanimously (10-0). - The next Special Common Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., where the Mayor will present the 2027 Executive Budget, followed by the Finance Committee meeting. - The next Regular Common Council meeting is Monday, November 16, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole met Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Nine alders were present (Schlei, Norell, Sitkiewitz, Beeman, Reckelberg, Cummings, Dunbar, Brey, Benzinger); Alders Nickels and Anderson were absent. The committee acted on a previously tabled property tax insert motion, received an update on the zoning code rewrite, and entered closed session to discuss Madison School and Lakeview Park redevelopment proposals before adjourning at 6:34 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Sherry Lobbs (921 N. 43rd St.) spoke in support of placing school voucher financial information on city property tax bills. She said she had been unaware of the voucher program until this year and learned about it through the League of Women Voters. She expressed concern about the rate of increase in dollars going to private schools and stated taxpayers should know how much of their tax money leaves the Manitowoc Public School District for schools "not accountable the way MPSD is." The minutes note the public comment portion is not made part of the official record. Previously Tabled Item: School Voucher Information on Property Tax Bills (26-0845) - Council President Sitkiewitz read the tabled motion by Alder Benzinger, which would have directed staff to design and mail an annual comprehensive insert with property tax bills, including mill rates and tax impacts for each taxing entity, a city budget breakdown, and MPSD-provided voucher cost data. - Several alders discussed alternatives. Alder Norell suggested website links and questioned adding another insert to the roughly 13,500 tax bills the city sends each year. Alder Cummings opposed the original motion, saying a figure like $6,015,748 for private vouchers would be meaningless without context; he preferred links/URLs. Alder Reckelberg also opposed the original motion, citing the burden on the finance director, but said he could support a simple line item. Alder Dunbar noted that 41% of property owners in Manitowoc are over age 55 and argued a printed flyer would better serve older residents than a website or QR code. Alders Schlei and Brey agreed with supporting a flyer/insert; Alder Brey disclosed she works for MPSD. - Council President Sitkiewitz said a taxing entity should own and explain its own tax information rather than the city adding a line item. He moved to amend the motion to allow MPSD to provide the city with a one-page flyer it prepares, to be included with city tax bills, with MPSD responsible for any additional postage costs and with the flyer due by the date the city budget is adopted. Alder Reckelberg seconded. The amendment passed by voice vote; the amended motion then carried unanimously (9-0). Zoning Code Rewrite (26-0062) - Community Development Director Adam Tegen presented an update on the Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite. He said the current code is about 40 years old, has been amended many times, and is being replaced rather than patched. The rewrite is intended to be more user-friendly, with appendices listing permitted uses, land-use definitions, and graphics for dimensional standards. - Tegen highlighted proposed new districts: CC2 for the downtown/city center and CC1 for the transitional ring around downtown. He said the code adds quality-of-development standards, including landscaping, buffering between incompatible uses, screening of mechanicals, and building design on all frontages. - Timeline: The draft was previously circulated; the planning commission will next review it, with a public hearing in November, council consideration in December, and a goal of implementation January 1, 2027. No formal action was taken. Note: The agenda and minutes identify this as "Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite," while an attachment is titled "Ch 35 ZoningStaff review copy." Redevelopment Proposals for Madison School and Lakeview Park (26-0791) - The committee considered redevelopment proposals from Mike Howe Builders and Americon & 3 Amigos. After discussion, it moved into closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate/negotiate purchasing of public properties. The closed session motion carried 9-0. The committee reconvened in open session and took no action on the proposals. Key Outcomes - Approved, as amended, the request to allow the Manitowoc Public School District to provide a one-page flyer for inclusion with city property tax bills, with MPSD paying any additional postage; the vote was unanimous among the nine members present. Staff was directed to work with MPSD on including the flyer in this year's tax bill mailing. - Received the zoning code rewrite update for future planning commission and council review; no action taken. - Discussed Madison School and Lakeview Park redevelopment proposals in closed session; no action taken. - Adjourned at 6:34 p.m.