Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The City of Manitowoc Personnel Committee met on October 5, 2026 at 5:04 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Members present: Alderpeople Norell (Chair), Sitkiewitz, and Beeman. Absent: Schlei and Benzinger. The meeting covered health insurance premiums, park on‑call pay, paratransit job positions, a salary survey report, and a police contract update. Consent Calendar - 26‑0855 Approval of September 8, 2026 Personnel Committee minutes. - 26‑0856 Review of legal fees billed through August 2026. - 26‑0859 Report on health plan. - 26‑0860 Report on HR office initiatives October 2026. - 26‑0861 Report on City Attorney’s office initiatives October 2026. - 26‑0857 Quarterly PTO award report. - 26‑0858 Quarterly timecard batch report. The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no items removed. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were offered in person or received in advance. Discussion Items 26‑0866 Recommendations from McClone for 2027 Benefit Plans Human Resources Director Jessie Lillibridge and McClone broker Tera Nelson presented a recommended 13% increase in health insurance premiums for 2027, citing a $1.4 million deficit in the self‑funded plan. They outlined several “levers” that could reduce costs (e.g., spousal surcharge, tobacco surcharge, higher deductibles, changes to the stop‑loss level, adjusting the employer/employee contribution split) but noted these would shift more cost to employees. Committee members (Alderpeople Sitkiewitz and Nycz) expressed interest in evaluating those options to address the deficit, while others questioned the timing given the 13% increase already proposed. McClone noted that the average market increase is 15–22% and that changing plan design could add additional burden. After extended debate, the committee did not vote on the premium increase or any plan changes. Instead, Lillibridge was directed to work with McClone to provide the committee and the Mayor with variable scenarios (including all the listed options) by the October 19, 2026 Common Council meeting. No action was taken on this item. 26‑0865 Approval of Parks On‑Call Premium Pay Lillibridge explained that the newly separated Parks and Recreation Department needs an on‑call schedule similar to the Department of Public Works. The committee approved the premium pay and referred the item to the Parks and Recreation Committee. (Motion by Sitkiewitz, seconded by Beeman; vote 3‑0.) 26‑0863 Approval of Job Positions and Pricing for In‑House Paratransit Lillibridge presented four job descriptions (Mobility Services Operator full‑time, part‑time with CDL, part‑time, and Mobility Services Coordinator) in case the City brings “Assist to Transport” paratransit services in‑house. The committee approved the job descriptions as presented, but added a condition: no advertising, recruitment, hiring, or filling of these positions until both the Public Works Committee and Common Council approve the transition. (Motion by Sitkiewitz, seconded by Beeman; vote 3‑0.) 26‑0864 Annual Reporting from Salary Survey for Compensation Plan Adjustment Lillibridge presented the annual salary survey data showing adjustments other municipalities made. The item was informational only and was placed on file without a formal vote. 26‑0670 Update on Police Contract Bargaining The committee convened in closed session at 5:35 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) for bargaining purposes. They reconvened in open session at 6:12 PM and took no action on the police contract. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Parks on‑call premium pay approved (3‑0) and referred to Parks and Recreation Committee. - Paratransit job descriptions approved (3‑0) with condition that hiring only proceed after Public Works and Council approval. - Salary survey report placed on file (no vote). - Police contract bargaining discussed in closed session; no action taken. - No decision on 2027 health plan; HR will provide variable cost scenarios to the committee and Mayor by October 19, 2026 for action at Common Council.

The Tourism Committee met on October 1, 2026 at noon to review discretionary expenditures of room tax dollars for the 2027 budget. The meeting included discussion on revenue trends, marketing strategies, grant programs, and future needs. A quorum was present. Committee members introduced themselves to new administrator Sue Keppi. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the previous meeting by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Room Tax Revenue & Budget Overview (Courtney): The room tax collection has averaged $725,000 per year, but the city budgets conservatively at $700,000. Collections are trending up in 2026, partly due to the new Hampton Inn. The department has a reserve fund of approximately $800,000–$1,000,000 from prior years. The 2027 budget will reflect changes, including lower salaries and a revamped visitor guide (two-to-three-year lifecycle, Manitowoc-centric). Future office space needs were discussed; plans for a build on green space near Shipbuilders have been developed (Abacus plans) but direction is pending. Financing options exist within the reserve. - Marketing and Sales Priorities: Committee members emphasized the need for more in-person sales outreach (conference/group tourism) and increasing sponsorships at events like Circle Wisconsin and NTA. The department plans to improve CRM usage and shift to more customized FAM tours after cancellations this year. Paid broadcast opportunities (e.g., Morning Blend in Milwaukee, Minneapolis co-op) have been successful. Photography and video assets are a high priority for 2027 investments. - Grant Programs: The Discover Manitowoc grant (budgeted at $40,000) has seen demand double the available funds. Members suggested creating a separate grant for meetings/conferences or a sustainability grant for established events. Chad Harrington and Kevin Cullen expressed support for expanding parameters to better distinguish between events that bring 'heads in beds' and those that enhance community appeal. Haley Remel suggested applying for MPI (Meeting Planners International) membership to reach planners. The committee discussed potentially increasing the grant total to $50,000. - Other Ideas: A hop-on hop-off trolley connecting attractions on peak days (similar to Sheboygan/Fox Cities) was raised. Waterborne tourism opportunities (e.g., cruise ships, bike cruises) were noted as long-term possibilities. Key Outcomes - The committee's feedback and recommendations will be presented by staff to the Room Tax Commission for final 2027 budget approval (due August 21, 2026 to finance, with Room Tax Commission approval first Tuesday of October). - Staff will consider adding a meetings/conferences grant or expanding the existing grant program parameters. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2026 at noon to discuss overall goals and visioning for 2027. - Chad Harrington offered to assist with redesigning the grant process. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The Public Works Committee convened on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers, with all five members present. The meeting featured extensive public comment and deliberation on the Michigan Avenue reconstruction project, followed by unanimous approvals of several infrastructure and administrative items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (26-0879): The committee approved the minutes from the September 3, 2026, meeting by a 5-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony Several residents from the Michigan Avenue area spoke primarily about the proposed street reconstruction between North 13th and North 18th Streets. - Amanda Sieracki (1415 Michigan Ave) requested that the city explore alternatives to preserve mature trees, citing a Fish Creek project that replaced utilities and storm sewer while protecting trees, and advocated for a neighborhood committee in planning. - Biff Hansen (1502 Michigan Ave) thanked the committee for delaying the project but expressed concern that assurances from a spring meeting (narrow street, parking one side, tree preservation) were dropped during a neighborhood walkthrough. He questioned information accuracy regarding truck routes and state reimbursement, and urged the city to consider alternative approaches used in Madison, Milwaukee, and Eau Claire. - Conor Benham (1304 Michigan Ave) questioned the need for widening the street and asked about the status of the city’s Complete Streets resolution. He stated that removing trees would be a mistake and advocated for repaving without expanding the street. - Sheila Hansen (1502 Michigan Ave) emphasized the aesthetic and historic value of the Michigan Avenue tree canopy, compared it to Lincoln Boulevard, and requested that the committee work to preserve trees. During the discussion item, Jenny Schneider (1518 Michigan Ave) reiterated the neighborhood’s desire for collaboration, asked about alternative designs that could save more trees, and requested involvement in planning, including access to arborist assessments and tree commission input. Discussion Items - Proposed Reconstruction of Michigan Avenue – North 13th to North 18th Street (26-0881): The committee discussed the project’s status. Alderman Sitkiewitz noted the committee had previously recommended not including the project in the 2027 budget. Mayor confirmed that, consistent with the committee’s direction, he does not plan to include Michigan Avenue in the 2027 budget. City Engineer Dan Koski stated no final design exists; only a preliminary layout based on a 36‑foot width was prepared. He explained that aging utilities under the street require replacement, which will impact tree roots, and noted that the city’s forester found more than half of the trees to be dead, diseased, dying, or dangerous (4D). He stressed that staff wants to preserve trees but faces physical constraints. Committee members expressed openness: Alderman Brey suggested including residents in planning to improve transparency. Chair Schlei noted that other communities (Fish Creek, Waukesha) require annual assessments for features like bump-outs and parklets, and said he will ask about alternatives at an upcoming convention. The item was placed on file with no action. Note: The agenda listed this as a discussion and action item, but no vote was taken on a reconstruction plan. - WDNR WPDES Permit – Separate Permit for Collection System (26-0878): The committee approved the recommendation to separate the city’s collection system permit from the Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU) treatment permit, as is common in similar cities and supported by the DNR. The change reflects existing operational segregation and will require separate compliance reports. - Ayres Contract Amendment No. 1 for Washington & Calumet Sanitary Sewer Plan Preparation (26-0868): The committee approved a $31,000 amendment for surveying approximately 100 manholes to verify grades for sewer design, ensuring accurate plans and avoiding costly rework. - Transit Development Plan (TDP) and Fare Increase Approval (26-0877): The committee approved the TDP, which includes route efficiencies, marketing recommendations, capital improvements, exploration of on-demand services, and recommended fare increases (first since before COVID). A public hearing will be scheduled at the October Common Council meeting. - DOT Proposed Functional Classification Update – Manitowoc-Two Rivers Urban Area (26-0876): The committee approved the final resolution and updated classification maps, fulfilling the federal 10-year review. Changes include upgrading North 18th Street to principal arterial and downgrading several former one-way streets. - CAWG Unbudgeted Request for Concrete Paving on N. 2nd Street (Reed Ave to North-Dead End) (26-0875): The committee approved an additional concrete paving request (including curb, gutter, and some driveway replacement) not to exceed $55,000, triggered by MPU water main work. The request was referred to the Common Council. - Authorizing Resolution – DPW to Sign Real Estate Documents for Washington & Calumet Reconstruction Project (26-0867): The committee approved a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to sign real estate acquisition documents for the project’s 150–200 parcels, with 100% state reimbursement. Unusual or high-cost requests will be brought back to the committee. Key Outcomes The committee took the following actions: - Michigan Avenue Reconstruction: Placed on file; no vote on a plan; project excluded from the proposed 2027 budget. - All other items were approved unanimously (5-0) and, where applicable, referred to the Common Council for final approval. - Next Steps: The transit fare increase and TDP will be subject to a public hearing at the October Council meeting. The Washington & Calumet authorizing resolution will also go before the Council. The meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM.

The meeting of the Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order by President Pam Brick at 5:01 p.m. on September 28, 2026. Six members were present and four were absent. Due to technical difficulties, no audio or video recording was available for the first 7.5 minutes. The board approved minutes and financial reports, heard a Summer Reading Program recap discussed compensation-performance management changes and received facilities updates. The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m. Consent Calendar No items were considered under a consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were made. Discussion Items - 2026 Summer Reading Program Recap: Sharon Verbeten presented the final report showing a 14% increase in adult registrants and 9% increase in teams compared to the prior year. Raffle baskets and donated prizes (Brewers and Timber Rattlers tickets) contributed to higher participation. Outreach to MPSD decreased because of fewer summer school locations. Story times on the road averaged 30–60 attendees per event. The program was supported financially by the Friends of the Library. - Compensation-Performance Management Recommendation: The board discussed proposed changes to city policy moving from a combined cost-of-living and performance rating system to quarterly check-ins and separate budget-based annual adjustments. The rationale included greater consistency and decoupling. The motion was moved by Peters and seconded by Able. Key Outcomes - Approval of August 24 2026 Meeting Minutes: Moved by Able seconded by Norell; passed 6–0. - Approval of August 2026 Financial Reports: Moved by Able seconded by Keehan; passed 6–0. - Approval of Compensation-Performance Management Changes: Moved by Peters seconded by Able; passed6–0. - Facilities & Building Update: Stacy Bialek reported completion of building venting and cleaning staff training on emergency procedures and upcoming projects including South Side and family restroom renovations.

The City of Manitowoc Plan Commission met on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Six of eight members were present (Mayor Nickels, Koski, Hornung, Diedrich, Steinbrenner, Wetenkamp). The meeting lasted until 6:51 PM and included a public hearing on an official map amendment and a lengthy discussion on the Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite. Routine items and certified survey maps were also addressed. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August 26, 2026 and September 15, 2026 Plan Commission meetings were approved as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing – Official Map Amendment (Nohr): No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Staff reported that two adjacent property owners (Rogene Berringer and Karen Elsenpeter) had previously called with general questions and stated they were not opposed to the amendment. Discussion Items - PC 13-2026: Nohr – Amendment to the Official Map: Staff explained the request to remove a planned north-south street from the official map on a parcel between Middle Road and Dutch Road (Parcel 010-029-002-001.00). The property owners, Kevin and Hannah Nohr, plan to build a residence, barn, and horse arena but face setback constraints due to a large wetland centered on the property. Removing the official map street would allow construction while connectivity is maintained via S. Union Road a half-mile to the west. The amendment was approved unanimously (6-0) and referred to the Common Council for their October 19, 2026 meeting. - Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite (Old Business): Commissioners reviewed a draft of the new zoning code. Key discussion points included: - The need for an updated fee schedule to accompany the new code. - Clarification of procedural terminology (e.g., using “recommend amendment” rather than “approve” for Plan Commission actions as a recommending body). - Whether the Plan Commission or Common Council should have final authority on conditional use permits; the consultant recommended giving the commission authority for most cases, but the current draft maintains council approval for controversial uses. - Emergency homeless shelters and warming shelters: Existing homeless shelters (Haven and Hope House) currently house more than 12 individuals, conflicting with the draft’s 12-person limit. Staff had contacted shelter directors and will revise language to avoid negative impacts. The warming shelter is envisioned to remain at St. Paul’s temporarily. - Cottage housing provisions and other minor technical issues (setbacks, outside sales/display, notification distances). - Timeline: A Committee of the Whole meeting with the Council is set for October 19, 2026 for feedback. Staff will finalize edits by November 11, the Plan Commission will make its final recommendation at a rescheduled November 18 meeting, and the Common Council will adopt in December 2026 with effective date January 1, 2027. - Other Codes: Staff noted that the Chapter 21 subdivision code and a revised floodplain ordinance will also come through Plan Commission, with adoption targeted for December 2026. - Certified Survey Maps: Two CSMs were presented without discussion (Mark Kaderabek and Blue Badger Holdings, LLC). No action recorded. Key Outcomes - Official Map Amendment (PC 13-2026): Approved unanimously (6-0) and referred to Common Council for final action on October 19, 2026. - Zoning Code Rewrite: No vote taken; the commission set a timeline for public engagement and final adoption by December 2026. Staff will adjust language on emergency shelters, fee schedules, and procedures based on commissioner input. - Meeting Adjourned: 6:51 PM on a motion by Diedrich, seconded by Wetenkamp, carried unanimously.

The Board of Public Works met on September 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the Jim Brey Conference Room. The meeting lasted approximately 2 minutes and covered only the approval of several pay estimates for engineering and public works projects. There were no change orders, no contractor payroll affidavits, and no public comments. Pay Estimates City Clerk submitted six pay estimates from the City Engineer for approval. The estimates were: - MSA Professional Services Agreement, STH 42 ID 4100-42-22 Project, Estimate No. 1: $22,095.00 - Vinton Construction, 2026 Concrete Paving I, Estimate No. 3: $178,662.62 - Alfson Excavating, Sanitary Sewer Relay Project, Estimate No. 2: $9,699.28 - Seiler Bros Construction, Inc., 2026 Complaints Remove & Replace Sidewalks, Estimate No. 2: $39,742.25 - Vinton Construction Company, Silver Creek Stream Restoration, Estimate No. 2: $143,517.30 - Foth Infrastructure & Environmental, LLC, Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, Estimate No. 2: $6,619.97 (Clerk's note indicated this amount was incorrect and would be paid later.) A motion was made by Nycz, seconded by Reckelberg, to approve the payments. The motion passed unanimously (8 ayes: Nickels, Koski, Reed, Alfred, Nycz, Norell, Beeman, Reckelberg). Key Outcomes - All five correct estimates were approved for payment. The incorrect Foth estimate was noted and deferred. - Meeting adjourned at 4:02 PM. Note: The raw transcript contained discrepancies in contractor names (e.g., "Vincent" instead of Vinton, "Silo" instead of Seiler, "Benton" instead of Vinton), but the official minutes reflect the correct names.

The Manitowoc Common Council met on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:40 p.m. in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. All 10 alderpersons were present. The meeting covered a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, two public hearings, public input on several issues, committee reports, and numerous unanimous approvals of ordinances, resolutions, licenses, contracts, and appointments. Presentations - Fire Prevention Week Proclamation (26‑0818): Mayor Nickels proclaimed October 4–11, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week. Fire Chief Ben Cranick spoke about the increasing risk of lithium‑ion battery fires (three such fires in the city this year) and the department’s partnership with the Red Cross to provide free smoke detector installations. Public Hearings - Temporary Warming Shelter (26‑0820): A public hearing was held on a Conditional Use Permit request for a 12‑bed temporary warming shelter at 2601 S. 10th Street (St. Paul Lutheran Church). The planning commission recommended approval (5‑1) with 17 conditions, including a 76‑day limit per individual. Two speakers (Ken Walters, steering committee president; Pastor Matt Sauer, executive director) expressed gratitude and requested approval. The hearing closed with no opposition. - Bulk Storage/Transloading (26‑0821): A hearing on a Conditional Use Permit for T.J. Potter Trucking to establish a storage and transloading area at 2800 Viebahn Street in the I‑2 Heavy Industrial district. No members of the public spoke. The planning commission had recommended approval with 10 conditions. Public Comments & Testimony Nine individuals addressed the Council during the public input period: - Jack Kirchman raised concerns about inequity in lead service line replacement funding, noting that some homeowners (including his daughter) received 100% forgiveness while others were offered only 50% forgiveness. He asked for clarity and fairness. - Brian Schultz echoed the lead‑line concerns, urging the Council to ensure equal treatment for all taxpayers. - Jeff Rochan requested that the historic schooner Utopia be allowed to dock at city hall’s dock for about one month each season. The vessel is now owned by a veterans’ mental health nonprofit and would be a tourism draw. - Jeff Bell thanked the Council for improvements at Halverson Park (cemented entrances, tree work) on behalf of a group of dog owners. - Linda and Annette Kaminsky both supported including school voucher information on property tax bills to inform taxpayers about how education funds are distributed. Linda noted the voucher program’s cost rose from $82,000 to an estimated $7 million. - Sherry and Michael Pearson spoke against the Flock ALPR cameras. Sherry cited Flock’s contract breaches and privacy concerns; Michael requested the Council end the contract and not replace it with similar surveillance, calling for public input sessions and warrants before any searches. - Carl Kimis (with his daughter present) complained about police response to a domestic incident on June 26, alleging the officer failed to enforce trespassing and theft laws and instead “coddled” the ex‑husband. He asked the Council to review video evidence. - Marina R. Jones (remote) appealed three noxious weed/grass‑cutting assessments on her property at 1727 Johnston Drive. She explained that notices were sent to her former address during a divorce and that she had since arranged mowing herself. She asked the Council to rescind or reduce the assessments. - Patrick (last speaker) urged the Council to pay attention to public comments and criticized police handling of the incident described by Mr. Kimis, while also expressing support for ALPR cameras. Discussion Items - Consideration of Including School Voucher Information on Tax Bills (26‑0845): This item was tabled during the Committee of the Whole discussion and will be revisited at a future meeting. - Public Utility and Wastewater Code Amendments (26‑0850, 26‑0851): Ordinances amending Chapters 12 (Public Utilities) and 25 (Wastewater Facilities) were adopted unanimously with no discussion. - Appointments (26‑0839): Kelsey Bieber was appointed to the Rahr West Art Museum Board (unanimous). David Diedrich was unanimously nominated to the Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission for a five‑year term (Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2031). - Consent Agenda: All items were approved en bloc without removal. Key consent items included: minutes; resignation of Shooter Loch from Room Tax Commission; PetSkull Brewing temporary premises extension for MetalFest 4 (Sept. 11‑12, 2026); general city claims of $9,166,774.84; various public works payments and agreements (e.g., $119,811 for library restroom renovation to Hamann Construction); and a fire rescue billing dispute denial. - Finance Committee Items: Approved purchase of a John Deere utility tractor (≤ $50,000) for Parks & Recreation; two‑year operator’s license for R. Silbernagel; Class B liquor license for Knox Ventures LLC at 1222 S. Alverno Road; rental of an additional DS200 tabulator for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election; resolutions for ornamental street lighting in River Point Development (N. 11th St. and Future Chicago St.) at 0% city cost; and a resolution authorizing submission of a FY2026 PROTECT grant application on behalf of Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. - Personnel Committee Items: Approved compensation‑performance management revisions; discontinuation of retiree insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2027; building inspector LTE job description and pay rate for Fire Rescue Department; extension of the Fire Department’s 48/96 shift schedule through 2027; and suspension of elements of the 2026 performance process. - Public Works Committee Items: Adopted resolutions for street lights in Deerbrook Crossing, Mariner’s Lux, and Abbey Ridge Phase 2 subdivisions (all 0% city contribution); approved a State‑Municipal Financial Agreement for Waldo Blvd. (Fleetwood Dr. to I‑43); adopted an ordinance amending Solid Waste Recycling and Disposal (Chapter 13.010); and approved a stormwater management facility maintenance agreement with Manitowoc Storage Solutions, LLC. - Parks & Recreation Committee Item (26‑0767): The Council voted unanimously to include $100,000 in the 2027 capital budget for resurfacing the Miracle League ball diamond at Miracles Park. Committee chair Cummings noted the program serves 143 participants and that the city’s contribution would be a match for grants from the West Foundation and other partners. - Plan Commission Items: Approved (unanimously) the Conditional Use Permit for The Neighborhood of Manitowoc County, Inc. (temporary warming shelter at 2601 S. 10th St.) with 17 conditions; approved the Conditional Use Permit for T.J. Potter Trucking (bulk storage/transloading at 2800 Viebahn St.) with 10 conditions; and adopted an ordinance amending Section 22.010 (Official Map – Master Subdivision Plans) for Deerbrook Lane. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (10‑0) on each motion taken during the meeting. - Fire Prevention Week proclaimed for October 4–11, 2026. - Temporary warming shelter Conditional Use Permit approved, allowing a 12‑bed shelter at St. Paul Lutheran Church; individuals are limited to 76 nights per season. - T.J. Potter Trucking Conditional Use Permit approved for the Viebahn Street property. - School voucher information on tax bills tabled; future Committee of the Whole meeting expected before October 19 Council meeting. - Flock ALPR cameras – no decision made; several speakers urged termination of the contract. The city had previously announced deactivation, but the contract runs through early 2027. - Appointments confirmed: Kelsey Bieber to Rahr West Art Museum Board; David Diedrich to Public Utilities Commission. - Budget/funding approvals: $9.17M in general claims; $50,000 for a utility tractor; $119,811 for library restroom renovation; $100,000 placeholder for 2027 Miracle League diamond surfacing; and authorization for a PROTECT grant submission. - Policy changes: Retiree insurance eliminated effective Jan. 1, 2027; Fire Department 48/96 schedule extended through 2027; Solid Waste ordinance amended; public utility and wastewater code amendments adopted. - Next regular Common Council meeting: Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Note: The agenda listed a public input period, but the minutes state that public input is not part of the official record. The transcript confirms that public input was accepted, and the mayor declared it closed.

The Committee of the Whole of the Manitowoc Common Council met on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. All 11 council members were present. The meeting included a presentation on the school voucher program, discussion on including voucher information on property tax bills, and approval of two ordinance amendments. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 PM. Presentations - School Voucher Program Discussion (Agenda Item 26-0819): Manitowoc Public School District Superintendent Lee Thennes, Two Rivers School District Superintendent Diane Johnson, and Two Rivers Finance Director Mary Kay Slattery presented an overview of the school voucher program, its history, how it works, and its financial impact on local school districts. They reported that in the 2025-26 school year, the voucher levy for Two Rivers was over $1 million (20% increase from prior year), costing $182.57 on a $200,000 home. For Manitowoc, the voucher levy was approximately $6.0 million, representing over 20% of the district's total levy, costing $266.04 on a $200,000 home. They requested that the city consider adding transparency to property tax bills, either through a line item or an informational insert, to inform taxpayers that a portion of the school levy is for vouchers and not spent by the district. The Two Rivers City Council had already voted 5-4 to include it on their tax bill. The town of Two Rivers declined but agreed to an insert. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Including School Voucher Information on City Property Tax Bills (Agenda Item 26-0845): Alder Benzinger moved to direct city staff to design and include a comprehensive informational insert with annual property tax bills, detailing mill rates, tax impact per $100,000 assessed value for each taxing entity, a breakdown of city major tax categories, and data on the financial cost of private school vouchers to the school district. According to the meeting minutes, the motion did not receive a second; however, the transcript suggests a second was made. After debate, Alder Nickels moved to table the request, seconded by Alder Reckelberg. The motion to table carried unanimously (11-0). The item was tabled for further consideration at a future meeting. - Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12 (Public Utilities) (Agenda Item 26-0850): The council considered an ordinance to codify the operational split between the city's wastewater collection system and the treatment facility, which had been managed by Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU) for about four years. The ordinance clarifies responsibilities, limits, and rates. A motion to approve the ordinance as presented carried unanimously (11-0). - Ordinance to Amend Chapter 25 (Wastewater Facilities) (Agenda Item 26-0851): The council considered a complementary ordinance amending the wastewater facilities code. A motion to approve as presented carried unanimously (11-0). Key Outcomes - Item 26-0845 (Tax Bill Voucher Information): Tabled by unanimous vote. No action taken. - Item 26-0850 (Ordinance re Public Utilities): Approved unanimously. - Item 26-0851 (Ordinance re Wastewater Facilities): Approved unanimously.

The Community Development Authority of the City of Manitowoc held a meeting on September 16, 2026. According to the agenda, the meeting was scheduled for 4:00 PM at City Hall and via Zoom. However, the provided meeting time is 10:00:00+00:00 (UTC), which conflicts with the agenda's stated time. No transcript or minutes were provided, so the summary is limited to the items listed on the agenda. No decisions, discussions, or public comments are available for reporting. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the July 15, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items (as listed on agenda) - 26-0813: Financial Report and Approval of Monthly Expenditures (attachment: Financials June 2026). - 26-0814: Rent Increase (attachment: Fair Market Rent 2027 Board Report). - 26-0815: Writing Off Bad Debt (attachment: Allowance of doubtful accounts FYE 7-1-25 to 6-30-2026). - 26-0816: Office Renovation/Construction Update (no attachment). - 26-0817: Design Review/Facade Grant Application for 316 N 8th Street (attachment: CDA Staff Approval). - Other Business: River Point District Update, 1512 Washington Street Update, Lakeshore Mall Update. Key Outcomes No outcomes are recorded because no transcript or minutes were supplied. The agenda indicates possible action items, but the results of votes or decisions are unknown. Note: The meeting time discrepancy between the agenda (4:00 PM local) and the provided timestamp (10:00 UTC) is unresolved. The actual proceedings cannot be reconstructed from the available materials.