Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The City of Manitowoc Police and Fire Commission met on the date indicated above; the agenda and minutes list the meeting as Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Building lower level and via Zoom. The provided timestamp for this summary is October 14, 2026, 20:45 UTC, which differs from the agenda and minutes date; this discrepancy is noted. All five commissioners were present: Vander Bloomen, Sauer, Zigmunt, Wellner, and Schema. Consent Calendar - No items were removed from the consent agenda. The commission approved the following items by one motion, 5-0. - September 2026 Police and Fire Commission Minutes – Approved. - September 2026 Police Department Monthly Report – The police department presenter said year-to-date calls for service through September 2026 were approximately 600 lower than through September 2025; traffic citations were lower in September; six OWIs were reported in September; and year-to-date traffic crashes totaled 761 through September 2025 and 727 through September 2026. - September 2026 Fire Rescue Department Monthly Report – The presenter said operations were on par and slightly ahead of last year, with 911 calls driving higher call volume; the department could see another record year if trends continue. Regular Orange Cross activity at Holy Family was noted as adding to call volume. - September 2026 Building Inspection Monthly Report – The building inspector supervisor reported activity on par with last year and noted the department had already met its budgeted permit-fee revenue for the year. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was offered. Discussion Items - Police Department Patrol Officer Eligibility List (26-0926) – The police chief reported that the department had interviewed Thomas Bianchi and was comfortable placing him on the patrol officer eligibility list. The chief apologized for a miscommunication, noting that no Police and Fire Commission member was on the interview panel. Bianchi was in his final week of military service and planned to return to the area; he is originally from Two Rivers. The request was to place Bianchi on the eligibility list for 12 months. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda, including all four September 2026 reports, was approved unanimously (5-0). - The Patrol Officer Eligibility List was approved for 12 months (motion by Schema, second by Vander Bloomen; carried 5-0). - The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. (motion by Sauer, second by Schema; carried 5-0).

The meeting convened at 09:30 UTC on October 14, 2026. No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided in the source material, so no substantive discussion items, public comments, or decisions can be summarized.

The Public Safety Committee met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers with remote participation via Zoom. Members present: Reckelberg, Beeman, Anderson, and Benzinger; Alderperson Cummings was excused. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 2026 Public Safety minutes, Police Department monthly report, Fire Rescue Department monthly report, Building Inspection monthly report, and Blight Fund update by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Residents of Menasha Avenue spoke during the speeding concern item. Richard Oz (4619 Menasha Ave), Diane Robinson (4550 Menasha Ave), and Tammy Jariski (4405 Menasha Ave) described frequent speeding, multiple accidents near Kellner and Menasha, dangerous conditions for elderly residents crossing the street, and near-misses. They urged adding stop signs or a traffic control device at Kellner or Canal, lowering the speed limit, and increasing enforcement. They also noted an upcoming development of about 40 homes in the area, which they argued would increase traffic and risk. Discussion Items - 26-0918 Sex Offender Residency Board Appeal: Police Chief Musial recommended denial. The applicant was homeless, had no community ties, had never lived in Manitowoc, previously denied under Chief Reimer, and intentionally violated a restriction by going past the victim's residence. The committee voted unanimously to deny and refer to Council. - 26-0919 Four-Way Stop Request: A request for a 4-way stop at S. 21st Street and Flambeau Street was reviewed. Engineering staff recommended denial, citing traffic volumes that do not warrant a 4-way stop and accident data showing only one accident in five years, caused by failure to stop at the existing stop sign. The committee voted unanimously to deny and refer to Council. - 26-0921 Speeding on Menasha Avenue: Following public testimony, Chief Musial committed to step up traffic enforcement, create a patrol log documenting times and locations, contact businesses with speeding drivers (e.g., construction and waste companies), and look into additional technologies such as urban SDK. The committee placed the communication on file. - 26-0920 Fire Sprinkler System Compliance Checks: Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Wagner presented a proposal to transition to a third-party administrator (LIV Safe) for fire sprinkler and alarm compliance checks. The program would provide real-time digital reporting, cost the city nothing, and improve compliance. The current $35 permit fee would be eliminated; the minutes state this made the change cost-neutral for businesses, though the transcript indicates the city would add $12 to the $23 LIV Safe report fee to keep the total at $35. The committee unanimously approved and referred to Council. - 26-0922 Ordinance Amending Section 10.390: The ordinance updates no-parking restrictions near schools, removes closed schools, and ties restrictions to school hours rather than fixed times. Approved as amended and referred to Council. - 26-0923 Town of Kossuth EMS Service Contract: Fire Chief Kraynek reported that MFRD currently covers three-quarters of the Town of Kossuth. With Mishicot Ambulance dissolving, the town requested MFRD cover the remaining quarter (approximately 10.5 square miles and 500 residents). The plan is to include the entire township in a one-year contract for 2027. Approved and referred to Council. - 26-0924 Fire Rescue Billing Dispute: The committee convened in closed session and reconvened to deny the billing dispute for incident 26-2610. Motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - All action items except the ordinance and contract update were referred to Council; consent items were approved. - The four-way stop request was denied. - The sex offender residency appeal was denied. - The fire sprinkler compliance program was approved for referral. - The Menasha Avenue speeding complaint was placed on file with enforcement and monitoring actions directed. - The Town of Kossuth EMS contract expansion was approved for referral. - The billing dispute was denied.

The Tourism Committee met to review discretionary room tax spending and gather recommendations for the 2027 Visit Manitowoc budget. Chair Paul Hoffman led the meeting; Courtney of Visit Manitowoc presented the budget context and took suggestions. Attendees included Amy Meyer, Haley Remel, Chad Harrington, and Kevin Cullen. Jackie Salazo, Samantha Hamill, and the mayor were absent. Sue Keppi, the new admin, was introduced. The committee had a quorum. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes by voice vote, with no opposition. Room Tax and 2027 Budget Context - Courtney explained that the committee's role is to recommend discretionary room tax expenditures to the Room Tax Commission, which oversees the tourism budget. Visit Manitowoc's budget is due to the mayor and finance department on August 21, and the Room Tax Commission will act on it the first Tuesday of October. - Room tax revenues have averaged about $725,000 per year, while the city budgets conservatively at $700,000. 2026 collections are currently trending above 2025, with each month a few thousand dollars ahead; the new Hampton hotel is adding to overall collections rather than merely shifting business. - The room tax reserve is roughly in the $800,000 range, and council has committed that all room tax revenue must be spent on tourism, unlike municipalities where 30% can go elsewhere. - Historical discretionary or miscellaneous spending ranged from about $5,000 to $12,000 per year for opportunities such as the Milwaukee Morning Blend; some of those items have since become regular budget line items. - The 2027 budget will look different: salaries are lower, visitor guides are being split with Two Rivers into a more Manitowoc-centric guide planned for two to three years, and the department is still determining the long-term home for Visit Manitowoc. Office Space and Future Home - Courtney said the current location is a great spot but no longer fits the team: two full-time staff, the new admin, a seasonal employee, another seasonal job description not yet filled, and the farmers market manager and supplies. She is setting up an additional workstation before Erica returns from maternity leave. - The Room Tax Commission previously approved about $12,000–$13,000 for Abacus plans and a survey for green space between Shipbuilders and the city parking lot next to the Maritime Museum. Courtney is waiting for direction on whether to continue that project, pursue another downtown purchase, or consider financing; the city prefers owning over renting. Marketing, Sales, and Group Business Recommendations - Committee members emphasized investing in sales capacity and face-to-face conference recruitment, especially after staffing gaps this year. Courtney said she is exploring Circle Wisconsin sponsorships, the NTA Exchange in Madison next year, CRM lead follow-up, and pre- and post-fam tours. - On fam tours, Courtney said 2026 had many cancellations, especially in late spring and early summer; the department is shifting to smaller, customized tours instead of large general tours to reduce last-minute cancellations. - Members suggested creating conference or group-tourism support grants—not necessarily bid fees—to attract groups such as a 250-person conference. Kevin noted that multi-day conferences often generate museum-to-museum touring and other local spending, and he supported looking closely at this idea. - Haley Remel suggested the city support or join MPI, Meeting Planners International, Wisconsin chapter; Farm Wisconsin has applied to host an MPI event. Courtney said MPI membership was discontinued when underutilized but is something to add for 2027. - A member proposed a hop-on/hop-off trolley on peak days connecting outlying attractions, similar to Sheboygan or Fox Cities. Courtney said Hilbert Trolleys has been a good partner and the idea is fun and visual. Photography, Video, and Paid Media - Members asked for marketing assets showcasing attractions beyond downtown. Courtney said photography and video are likely the largest recurring marketing increase for 2027; after a major investment in 2023, this year included an eight-hour shoot plus farmers market and sand-sculpting shoots. She is waiting on quotes. - Courtney reported paid media success: the Milwaukee Morning Blend, Travel Wisconsin co-op marketing averaging about $15,000 per year, out-of-state broadcast co-ops in Minneapolis this year and Chicago and Des Moines in prior years, and WTMJ radio segments. Several visitors said the Minneapolis segment prompted their July trip. Discover Manitowoc Grants - The Discover Manitowoc grant pool has been $40,000 per year, and requests have been roughly double the available amount. Members discussed adding a separate meetings or conference grant, expanding the existing grant, or adding an enhancement or sustainability category for established events such as 15-year-old Civil War reenactments and anniversary events drawing visitors from 10 states. - In old business, grant recipients appreciated the funds, while some non-recipients continued to express need; one member credited Discover funding and Facebook ads with increased food truck rally attendance. A member suggested recommending an increase in the grant program, possibly to $50,000, and Courtney said she would add that to her notes. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - The committee will forward its 2027 recommendations to the Room Tax Commission, including conference and group support, MPI membership, trolley and attraction connectivity, photography and video investment, and Discover Manitowoc grant changes or an increase. - No formal vote was taken on budget recommendations; the discussion will inform Courtney's budget submission due August 21, with Room Tax Commission action scheduled for the first Tuesday in October. - The next committee meeting is set for December 9 at noon in the hearing room, focused on 2027 goals and visioning. - A member volunteered to help refine the grant process; Courtney noted the grants typically launch in January. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The available raw transcript is incomplete, and no agenda or minutes were provided for this meeting. The only captured content is a brief statement by an unidentified speaker. Recorded Remarks - The speaker stated that they "swung for the fences on this one and got the $1.9 million in change" and had been "diligently working on this," beginning to say "Initially we..." before the transcript cuts off. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions, votes, or next steps were recorded in the available material.

Note: The meeting agenda and minutes indicate the actual meeting date was October 7, 2026, but the user-specified date for this summary is October 8, 2026. The Board of Public Works met on the specified date to consider a contract for tree planting, multiple change orders, and a series of pay estimates for various engineering and public works projects. All actions were approved unanimously by the members present. Discussion Items - Agreement 26-05 – Tree Planting at Various Parks: The Board approved a $18,750 contract with Lakeland Landscape, Inc. for tree planting at city parks. The motion passed with a 6-0 vote (Ayes: Koski, Alfred, Nycz, Norell, Reckelberg, Swokowski; Absent: Nickels, Beeman). - Change Orders: Four change orders were presented and approved unanimously (7-0): - Gorman & Company, CO 1 & Final for 2026 Supplemental Remediation at Former Mirro Site (WO-26-11): $0.00 to finalize quantities. During the meeting, the chair initially read the change amount as $67,059.76, but the minutes clarify the contract change is $0.00 and 0 days. City representative Adam explained the change reallocates funds for contaminated waste disposal discovered on-site, with no cost to the city. - Visu-Sewer, Inc., CO 1 & Final for 2026 Re-Lining Sewers (WU-26-7): a decrease of $6,504.00. - Alfson Excavating LLC, CO 1 & Final for 2026 Sanitary & Storm Sewer Construction (WU-26-08): an increase of $15,651.89. - Northeast Asphalt, Inc., CO 1 & Final for 2026 Asphalt Paving Program (WS-26-4): a decrease of $3,867.08. - Pay Estimates for Various Engineering/Public Works Projects: Eleven pay estimates were presented and approved unanimously (7-0). Notable amounts include: - 5th Pocket Skateparks, Inc., Manitowoc Skatepark Expansion, Est. 3: $92,850.00 - 5th Pocket Skateparks, Inc., Manitowoc Skatepark Expansion, Est. 4 & Final: $4,959.00 - Foth Infrastructure & Environmental, LLC, Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, Est. 2: $27,274.70 - Ayres Associates, Inc., STH 42 Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Est. 10: $1,021.77 - RA Smith, Franklin Street Reconstruction, Est. 7: $16,951.74 - Seiler Bros Construction, Inc., 2026 Complaints Remove & Replace Sidewalks, Est. 3: $3,319.57 - Northeast Asphalt, Inc., Asphalt Paving I, Est. 3 & Final: $2,802.70 - Gorman and Company, 2026 Supplemental Environmental Remediation at Former Mirro Site, Est. 1 & Final: $145,011.19 - Visu Sewer, 2026 Re-Lining Sewer Project, Est. 2 & Final: $9,013.65 - Alfson Excavating, Sanitary Sewer Relay Project, Est. 3 & Final: $20,644.98 - Scott Construction, Inc., Seal Coat Program, Est. 1 & Final: $136,345.40 - Contractor's Payroll Affidavits: None were submitted. Key Outcomes - All five motions (Agreement, Change Orders, Pay Estimates, and Adjournment) carried unanimously with either 6-0 or 7-0 votes. - The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. following a motion by Nycz, seconded by Beeman.

The Parks and Recreation Committee of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, convened on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall (900 Quay Street). The meeting was held in hybrid format (in‑person and via Zoom). No detailed minutes or transcript of the proceedings were available for this summary; the information below is derived solely from the published agenda. Consent Calendar - Minutes from September 2, 2026 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting (Agenda Item 26‑0897): These minutes were included on the consent agenda for approval by one motion unless a committee member requested removal. Discussion Items - 26‑0900 Special Event Reports (August 27 – September 30, 2026): Several special event applications were reported, including Coldest Night of the Year (Feb 27, 2027), EWC Softball Jamboree (Apr 21, 2027), Roncalli Softball Tournament (May 15, 2027), Faith Church Easter Sunrise Service (Mar 28, 2027), and Roncalli Cross Country Invitational (Sep 11, 2027). These items were eligible for council approval after committee action. - 26‑0899 Lincoln Park Zoo Animal Acquisition and Disposition Policy Update: A memo and updated policy document were presented for committee consideration. - 26‑0901 Recommendation for Approval to Explore Opportunities to Fill Vacant Bear Exhibit: A memo regarding the vacant bear exhibit at Lincoln Park Zoo was submitted for discussion. - 26‑0865 Approval of Parks On‑Call Premium Pay: A memo on Parks On‑Call Duty Request was considered for approval. Key Outcomes No votes, decisions, or directives were recorded in the available agenda. This summary reflects only the items listed for discussion and action on the published agenda. Further details would require the meeting minutes or transcript.

The Brownfields Advisory Committee met on October 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Manitowoc City Hall and via Zoom. The agenda included approval of minutes from October 1, 2025, updates on several brownfield grants (2024 EPA Cleanup Grant – Mirro, 2025 EPA Community Wide Assessment Grant, 2026–2027 WEDC grants for River Point and Former Lakeshore Mall), and discussion of future grant opportunities. Only a partial transcript is available, capturing one statement. Discussion Items - 2024 EPA Cleanup Grant Update – Mirro: A committee member reported that the city successfully secured a $1.9 million EPA Cleanup Grant for the Mirro site, describing the effort as "swung for the fences". The member noted that work on the grant has been diligent since initial application. No further details were captured in the transcript. Key Outcomes - No formal votes, decisions, or actions are recorded in the available transcript. The committee presumably continued reviewing other agenda items not documented. Note: The transcript is incomplete; only the opening statement of the Mirro grant update was captured.

Note: The instruction specifies this meeting took place at 2026-10-07 10:15:00+00:00 (UTC), while the agenda lists the start time as 4:00 PM Central Time (21:00 UTC). This discrepancy is noted; the summary uses the instruction’s date/time for the title. The Brownfields Advisory Committee convened on October 7, 2026, to discuss updates on federal and state brownfield grants and future funding opportunities. Only a brief, fragmentary excerpt from the meeting transcript is available (“So the second round was intended to be a little bit more of removing some”), which prevents a detailed reconstruction of discussions or decisions. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 26-0869): Minutes from the October 1, 2025, meeting were listed for approval. No action or vote is recorded in the available materials. Discussion Items - 2024 EPA Cleanup Grant Update – Mirro (Item 26-0870): An update on the cleanup grant for the former Mirro site was scheduled but no details are available. - 2025 EPA Community Wide Assessment Grant Update (Item 26-0871): An update on the community‑wide assessment grant was listed. - 2026 WEDC Brownfield Grant Update – River Point (Item 26-0872): An update on the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant for the River Point site was on the agenda. - 2027 WEDC Brownfield Grant Update – Former Lakeshore Mall (Item 26-0873): An update on the future grant for the former Lakeshore Mall was scheduled. - 2026/2027 Grant Opportunities (Item 26-0874): The committee was to discuss upcoming EPA Cleanup Grant(s) and WEDC opportunities. No further information is recorded. Key Outcomes No motions, votes, formal decisions, or directives are documented in the provided transcript or minutes. The meeting concluded with adjournment. (Note: The transcript contains only one partial statement; the summary above is based solely on the agenda items and the available fragment.)