Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Warming Shelter Conditional Use Permit – Conditions N and O - The meeting was called to confirm the Plan Commission’s intent after the August 26, 2026 Plan Commission meeting, where members appeared to favor eliminating conditions N and O from the permit. - Those conditions were part of the same set of conditions used the prior year for a location on State Street. Pastor Sauer indicated the shelter does not currently have an alternative system ready to replace those conditions. - 2025 statistics were discussed: the shelter was reportedly full on the 76th night, and two people were affected on that occasion. - Some commissioners, including Hornung, argued that the Plan Commission’s purview is land use, not operational shelter details, and expressed support for removing N and O. Others raised concerns about a new gas station near the location, the possibility that other municipalities could rely on Manitowoc if the 76-night limit increased, and the shelter’s ability to manage a different system. - City Attorney Eric Nycz advised that the city has legal authority to impose conditions and that, as long as the shelter is under the approved number and meets code, the condition is permissible. - A motion to eliminate N and O was discussed, but the final motion supported approval of the permit as presented, with all conditions retained. - The Plan Commission’s recommendation was forwarded to the Common Council, which could accept or change it at its September 21, 2026 meeting. Zoning Code Rewrite Update - The Commission reviewed the draft zoning code rewrite, including eliminating Chapter 15 and clarifying definitions. - The new code is expected to define “warming shelter” more clearly and to update transitional housing definitions so that shelters fall under the appropriate use category. - No pending project or state-mandated deadline requires completion by a specific date, giving the Council time to review. - Commissioner comments and edits were forwarded to consultants Dominic and Tim. Dominic was expected to attend the following week’s meeting to discuss the draft further. - Public outreach plans were discussed, including whether a city-wide zoning change requires public hearings in every affected area. Newspaper notice for the entire code change was anticipated, and the Commission asked to publicize changes affecting neighborhoods citywide, including smaller lots, flexible setbacks, and the “cottage concept” example from Sheboygan. Key Outcomes - The Plan Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit with the existing conditions, including N and O, rather than removing them. - The Common Council was expected to consider the conditional use permit recommendation on Monday, September 21, 2026, and could modify or accept it. - The zoning code rewrite will continue with consultant coordination; commissioners were asked to submit additional edits, and the next consultant meeting was scheduled for the following week.

The Public Safety Committee of the Manitowoc Common Council met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, with remote participation available via Zoom. The agenda included the consent calendar, a request for new sidewalks on South 21st Street and Flambeau Street, and public testimony urging the committee to recommend terminating the city's contract with Flock Safety surveillance cameras. The committee approved the August minutes, discussed the sidewalk request at length, and deferred the item pending additional information. The Flock Safety topic was not on the agenda, so the committee could not deliberate on it, but the chair indicated it would be scheduled for a future meeting. Consent Calendar - The August 2026 Public Safety Committee minutes (Item 26-0808) were approved unanimously by consent. No items were removed from the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident firmly asked the committee to send a recommendation to the Common Council to officially terminate the city's contract with Flock Safety and immediately discontinue use of the cameras. The speaker argued the city should draw the line before surveillance technology gets ahead of the law and expressed concern about Axon's broader technology ecosystem, including devices that can intercept cell phone traffic and capture IMEI, geolocation, metadata, and unencrypted data. - The same speaker stated the city is spending at least approximately $38,000 on Flock Safety with 13 cameras generating about 20 alerts in 30 days, and that data is shared with approximately 177 other agencies within the state. When the speaker asked the police chief about those agencies' data policies, the chief reportedly said it was not his responsibility. - The speaker also raised concerns about contract terms that could permit federal government access to data without a warrant and the possibility of gag orders, and noted that the city's body cameras do not collect the same data as Axon surveillance cameras and do not involve contracts with Israel, which the speaker described as a separate concern. - A second resident expressed concern that people should not have to wonder whether visiting a doctor, attending a place of worship, participating in a protest, or meeting with a political group would be tracked and stored in a government database, arguing that surveillance and public safety cannot fully coexist when the public does not know who data is shared with. - The committee chair responded that Flock Safety was not listed on the agenda, so committee members could not discuss it, but stated the topic would be posted for a future committee meeting. Discussion Items - The committee discussed a request for new sidewalks on South 21st Street from Summit to Flambeau, and on Flambeau from 18th to 23rd Street. The request stemmed from a citizen who reported nearly being hit while walking with a stroller. - The district alderperson reported visiting each affected property owner over two to three weeks at night; all but two neighbors said they did not want a sidewalk. The alderperson explained that the Board of Public Works can determine sidewalks are necessary for public health and safety, which could technically authorize installation despite resident opposition, but emphasized the decision rests with the committee, board, and council. - The alderperson noted this was the first such sidewalk request in approximately 16 years, with no supporting accident data. Of two prior reported incidents, one was described as a wintertime accident involving speed and slippery conditions, and the other as a backing accident. - Committee members discussed costs and assessments, the sidewalk construction process (typically following paving, with assessments spread over time), and the possibility of pursuing only Flambeau, only 21st, both, or neither. Concerns were raised about wetlands and gullies in the area and whether sidewalks would be installed on one or both sides of the street. - The committee agreed it would benefit from a more firmed-up proposal and additional details before passing a recommendation to the Board of Public Works, and noted that no construction would occur until approximately 2028, so the item was not urgent. Key Outcomes - The August 2026 Public Safety Committee minutes were approved unanimously. - No action was taken on Flock Safety because the topic was not on the agenda; the chair indicated it would be scheduled for a future committee meeting. - The sidewalk request was deferred; the committee sought additional details before forwarding a recommendation to the Board of Public Works.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting date. Therefore, no substantive summary of discussions, decisions, or public testimony can be generated. This placeholder summary reflects the absence of source material.

(Note: The official agenda and minutes list the meeting date as September 8, 2026; however, the provided instruction specifies September 9, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date. Additionally, the transcript references a Commissioner Waller who is not listed in the official roll call of commissioners.) The Police and Fire Commission met on September 9, 2026, at 4:30 PM at the Public Safety Building Lower Level and via Zoom. All five commissioners were present: Vander Bloomen, Sauer, Zigmunt, Wellner, and Schema. The meeting lasted approximately 5 minutes, adjourning at 4:35 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously the July 2026 Police and Fire Commission minutes. - Approved July and August 2026 Police Department monthly reports. During discussion, it was noted that calls for service in July 2026 were down by approximately 150 compared to July 2025; adult criminal charges decreased from 135 (July 2025) to 117 (July 2026); OWI citations were 12 (no July 2025 comparison available); field warnings were 573 in July 2026. - Approved July and August 2026 Fire Rescue Department monthly reports. It was reported that August 2026 was the busiest call volume month of the year, with 590 ambulance calls plus additional fire calls. Every month of 2026 so far has been busier than the corresponding month in 2025, putting the department on pace to exceed last year's total call volume. - Approved July and August 2026 Building Inspection monthly reports. The building inspection supervisor indicated that permit volume and dollar values are on pace to match or slightly exceed last year, with summer being the peak inspection season. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. One online attendee was present but did not speak. Discussion Items - Police Department Patrol Officer Eligibility List: The commission considered a request to approve an eligibility list of five candidates—John Henning, Jocelyn Manders, Devin Hinkle, Laura Methison, and Haley Quinn—for a period of 12 months. The transcript notes that Commissioner Waller (not listed in official roll call) was on the interview panel and had no issues with the candidates. - Police Department Detective Eligibility List: Commissioner Wellner noted that the agenda document incorrectly titled the position as "police detective sergeant" and requested it be corrected to "police detective." After striking "sergeant," the commission considered a list of three candidates—Officer Amber Field, Officer Kyle Novak, and Officer Joe McDonald—for a period of three months. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the consent agenda carried 5-0 (all ayes). - Motion to approve the Patrol Officer Eligibility List (12 months) carried 5-0. Motion by Schema, seconded by Vander Bloomen. - Motion to approve the Detective Eligibility List (3 months) carried 5-0. Motion by Vander Bloomen, seconded by Schema. The document was amended to remove the word "sergeant." - Motion to adjourn at 4:35 PM carried 5-0. Motion by Schema, seconded by Sauer.

The Board of Public Works met Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers and via Zoom, with a quorum present. The board heard two assessment appeals, approved a lift-station access road contract, and accepted change orders and pay estimates. All votes were unanimous. Noxious Weed Assessment Appeal – 1727 Johnston Drive - The appellant, identified as Ms. Jones, asked the board to waive or reduce the noxious weed assessments on the property. She described a recently finalized, contentious divorce, prior intimidation by her ex-husband, a delayed change of address, financial hardship as a low-income student, and said she had begun paying someone to maintain the property. - A board member said the city operates on a complaint-based system and had followed its protocol; the work was done by paid third-party contractors, the property's lawn is currently overgrown, and granting relief would place the cost on other city taxpayers. - In response to Alderman Recklberg, staff said the city does not offer installment plans for noxious weed assessments. The assessment is added to the tax bill and is due by January 31, but property owners may make partial payments before the assessment is placed on the tax roll. - The board voted unanimously to deny the appeal. The denial will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action on Monday, September 21, 2026, and the owner may address the council at that meeting. Snow Removal Assessment Appeal – 701 N. 7th Street - Landon Evey, a new Manitowoc resident and first-time home buyer, appealed the $300 snow removal assessment. He said he was unfamiliar with the city's sidewalk-clearing rule, received the invoice about two months after the event, and asked for the charge to be waived or reduced. - Staff explained that snow complaints are also complaint-based, and the ordinance requires snow on sidewalks at 6:00 a.m. to be removed by 8:00 p.m.; enforcement action can occur after that time and is not necessarily tied to a 24-hour deadline. The complaint in this case and Evey's shoveling occurred on the same day. - A board member proposed a one-time waiver with the condition that if a future snow violation occurs, the owner would have no right to appeal. The motion carried unanimously. - The waiver recommendation will also go to the Common Council on September 21, 2026. The board noted Evey's alderperson is likely Mike Cummings and suggested he confirm the outcome with that office. Agreement with Bob Braun Excavating, LLC - The board approved an agreement with Bob Braun Excavating, LLC to reconstruct the asphalt roadway within the access easement to the River Heights Lift Station for a contract price of $21,300.77. - City staff said two quotes were received and this was the lower of the two, and the work is a maintenance item for the driveway serving the lift station. Change Orders - Approved a first-and-final change order with Brickline Inc. for the 2026 epoxy pavement marking program, increasing the contract by $15,208.61, attributed to four new railroad-signal-related requirements and final quantities. - Approved a first-and-final change order with Silar Brothers Construction for the 2026 remove-and-replace sidewalks program, decreasing the contract by $61,811.77 and reducing contract time by 11 days. Staff cited final quantities and narrower, 4-foot sidewalks in the area compared with the 5-foot width used in estimates. Pay Estimates - Approved the following pay estimates unanimously: - Saddle Brothers Construction, estimate no. 1, 2026 remove/replace sidewalks, $28,877.65. - Air's Associates, estimate no. 9, 2026 sanitary sewer replacement, $1,516.55. - Brickline Inc., estimate no. 1, 2026 epoxy pavement marking program, $132,070.89. - Silver Brothers Construction, estimate no. 4 and final, 2026 remove/replace sidewalks, $3,397.00. - Farner Asphalt Sealers LLC, estimate no. 1 and final, seal coat program, $136,345.40. - Brickline Inc., estimate no. 2 and final, 2026 epoxy pavement marking program, $16,667.00. Key Outcomes - Denied the noxious weed assessment appeal for 1727 Johnston Drive. - Granted a one-time waiver of the snow removal assessment for 701 N. 7th Street, with no future appeal eligibility for a similar violation. - Approved the Bob Braun Excavating contract, both change orders, and all presented pay estimates. - Noted there were no contractor payroll affidavits. - Adjourned.

The Committee of the Whole met on September 8, 2026, at 5:45 PM in Council Chambers to discuss and take action on redevelopment proposals for the former Madison School site and adjacent Lakeview Park parcels. Community Development Director Adam Tegen provided background on the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which was sent to 40-50 development groups. Two proposals were brought forward for consideration: one from Mike Howe Builders (in partnership with Vinton Construction) and one from Americon Construction and Three Amigos. The meeting included open session presentations, followed by a closed session for deliberation, and reconvened in open session with no final action taken. Discussion Items - Mike Howe Builders Presentation – Mike Howe presented a concept called “Madison Bluffs at Lake Michigan,” featuring 12 lots for 24 two-family condominiums on the bluff. The proposal is self-financed, with an estimated $2.5 million investment for demolition and infrastructure. Howe projected approximately $300,000 in annual tax revenue to the city once complete. He noted he has received five informal inquiries from potential buyers. The project would require no city funding, but a due diligence period is requested to assess soil conditions and existing structures. - Americon Construction and Three Amigos Presentation – Jake Buzzwell presented three concept options for the approximately 8-acre site, with the preferred concept (Concept 3) being a mixed-use lakefront neighborhood. Concept 3 includes 13 detached single-family homes, 12 townhomes, a 273-unit apartment building, an amenity clubhouse and pool, and a developer-funded public overlook. The project is projected to generate over $30 million in incremental tax value. Buzzwell emphasized integration with the surrounding neighborhood, with building heights not exceeding existing 35-foot roof lines. The developers are seeking partnership and would ideally sell the single-family lots to a local developer. They have managed 13–14 hundred units across Wisconsin, with over $350 million in assets. - Closed Session – Following presentations, the committee unanimously (9-0) moved into closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss purchasing, investing, or competitive/bargaining matters related to the proposals. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken on either proposal during the open session. - City staff (Community Development Director Adam Tegen) was directed to meet with both developer teams to refine their proposals based on feedback received from the council during closed session. - The meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.

The Finance Committee of the City of Manitowoc met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. All members were present except Alderperson Dunbar. The committee approved a consent agenda, discussed several action items, and entered closed session to deliberate on a contested operator's license application. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the August 3, 2026 Finance Committee meeting (unanimous vote of 4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Rory Silbernagel, resident of Manitowoc, addressed the committee regarding his two-year operator's license application (260249), which had initially been recommended for denial. He stated he is appealing that decision because the license is required for his job at a Meyer gas station in Manitowoc. He noted he has maintained a clean record since 2015, regularly attends NA and AA meetings (20–30 times per year), and already holds a liquor license in the village of Cleveland, Manitowoc County. He emphasized that the gas station is not a bar and no open containers would be present. Discussion Items - Nomination to Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission (Item 26-0803): Alderperson Reckelberg nominated David J. Diedrich for reappointment to a five-year term (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2031). No other nominations were made. The committee voted unanimously (4-0) to forward the recommendation to the Common Council. - Temporary Extension of Premises for Petskull Brewing (Item 26-0804): The committee approved a request from Petskull Brewing Company LLC to temporarily extend its premises to the grass lot behind the brewery adjacent to York Street for the Manitowoc MetalFest 4 event on September 11–12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The vote was unanimous (4-0). - Unbudgeted Purchase of John Deere Utility Tractor (Item 26-0805): The Parks & Recreation Department requested approval to purchase a John Deere utility tractor for an amount not to exceed $50,000. The request was unbudgeted because the previously approved project (a like-for-like replacement of a Holder tractor, initially budgeted at $183,000 with a $25,000 trade-in) was revised after the Holder tractor incurred additional repairs and was deemed inefficient. Approximately $5,000 of the remaining $8,000 from the original borrowing will be used toward this purchase. The new tractor is smaller, does not require special licensing to operate, and will better serve the department's needs. The committee approved the request unanimously (4-0). Closed Session - The committee voted unanimously (4-0) to enter closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.85(1)(a) to deliberate on the operator's license application of R. Silbernagel (Item 26-0806), which involved a quasi-judicial matter. Key Outcomes - Operator's License for R. Silbernagel (Item 26-0806): Following closed session, the committee reconvened in open session and voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend approval of the two-year operator's license to the Common Council, pursuant to Wisconsin State Statute 111.335. The final vote by the Common Council is scheduled for the meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The Personnel Committee of the City of Manitowoc met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM and adjourned at 5:32 PM after a closed session. All five committee members (Norell, Sitkiewitz, Schlei, Beeman, Benzinger) were present throughout. No public comments were submitted or offered. Consent Calendar - 26-0755: Approved the August 3, 2026 Personnel Committee minutes. - 26-0756: Reviewed legal fees billed through August 2026. - 26-0757: Reviewed the health plan report (Medical & Dental through July 2026). - 26-0758: Received the Human Resources office initiatives report for September 2026. - 26-0759: Received the City Attorney’s office initiatives report for August 2026. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a 5–0 voice vote. Discussion Items 26-0760: Update on Benefit Plan and Performance from McClone Tera Nelson from McClone presented an overview of the past year’s highlights and upcoming changes for 2027. Key points included: - A planned move to United Healthcare as the self-funded third-party administrator (TPA) from Health Partners in 2027, citing improved network discounts and in-house knowledge. - The transition to National RX Pharmacy in 2026 resulted in over $20,000 in additional rebates in the first quarter of 2026 alone. - The city’s transplant policy helps mitigate high-dollar claims risk. - Medicare education meetings were scheduled for later that week to assist employees over 65. - The Manitowoc Clinic partnership saw a cost avoidance by adjusting the city’s share based on actual employee utilization rather than the school district’s higher usage. - Future considerations: introducing tiered employee contribution structures (beyond single/family), adding an ID theft program (Aurora) in 2027, potentially changing the EAP vendor back to Aurora, and possibly moving to a new HSA administrator with better technology. - No action was taken; the update was placed on file. A committee member asked about what Medicare-eligible employees should bring to the education meetings; Nelson advised they would already have premium data and employees could bring medication lists for detail. 26-0669: Discussion and Recommendation on Compensation-Performance Management Human Resources Director Jessie Lillibridge presented a proposed revision to the city’s performance management process, shifting from an annual review tied directly to compensation to a quarterly check-in coaching model. The goal is to strengthen performance management, provide clearer expectations, and allow timely coaching. The compensation maintenance strategy reflects input from alders. Committee members expressed strong support: - Alder Schlei called the quarterly check-in concept “fantastic” and emphasized the importance of two-way feedback. - Alder Sitkiewitz stressed that proper education and training for managers are critical to implementation, noting the previous plan lacked that component, and hoped the mayor would include funding in the budget. - The motion to approve and refer to Council passed unanimously (5–0). 26-0770: Recommendation to Suspend Elements of 2026 Performance Lillibridge explained that suspending certain elements of the current performance process is needed to prepare for the new plan launching January 1, 2027, including setting new deadlines and training managers. The motion to approve and refer to Council passed unanimously (5–0). 26-0761: Retiree Insurance Discontinuation Beginning January 1, 2027 Lillibridge outlined the rationale: very low participation in retiree insurance plans. The recommendation is to grandfather current retirees but discontinue offering retiree coverage to employees leaving the city after January 1, 2027. COBRA coverage will still be available. The motion to approve and refer to Council passed unanimously (5–0). 26-0762: Request to Approve Building Inspection-LTE Job Description, Pay Rate, and Ability to Fill the Open Position Fire Chief Ben Kraynek explained that due to an unexpected four-to-eight-week absence of the city’s sole commercial building inspector, a limited-term employee (LTE) position is needed to keep projects moving. The plan is to contract with a former commercial building inspector. The motion to approve and refer to Council passed unanimously (5–0). Closed Session At 5:20 PM, the committee voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss: - 26-0763: Fire Department 48/96 schedule extension through 2027 (under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e)). - 26-0769: Unpaid leave of absence request for a Police Department employee (under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c)). The closed session lasted 11 minutes; the committee reconvened in open session at 5:31 PM. Key Outcomes - 26-0763: Approved the recommendation to extend the Fire Department’s 48/96 schedule through 2027 (side letter) and referred it to Council. No open discussion. Vote: 5–0. - 26-0769: Approved the unpaid leave of absence request for the Police Department employee. No open discussion. Vote: 5–0. - All actions requiring Council referral will appear on the Common Council’s non-consent agenda.

The City of Manitowoc Public Works Committee met on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Chairman Bill Schlei called the meeting to order; all five committee members were present: Schlei, Anderson, Sitkiewitz, Brey, and Benzinger. Staff members D. Koski, G. Minikel, and S. Birr also attended. The committee unanimously approved the consent agenda, an ordinance amendment, a state-municipal financial agreement, and three subdivision street lighting resolutions. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the August 6, 2026 Public Works Committee meeting by unanimous vote. No items were removed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. One attendee joined online, but offered no comment. Discussion Items - Ordinance to Amend 13.010 Solid Waste Recycling and Disposal (26-0789): Staff explained a request from the Fire Department to move the waste oil drop-off from the Public Safety building to the Department of Public Works (DPW). The new DPW location would be by overhead door A, covered by security cameras, and available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. when staffed. Chairman Schlei noted that residents can also take waste oil to AutoZone or O'Reilly Auto Parts after 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., with accepted amounts varying by store. The committee approved the ordinance and referred it to Council. - Maritime Metro Transit Development Plan (TDP) (26-0780): Staff presented the roughly 100-page plan, developed over the past year. No action was requested. The plan was placed on file, and staff said it will return in October with rate increases reflected in the plan. - State-Municipal Financial Agreement (SMFA) for Waldo Blvd - Fleetwood Drive to I-43 (26-0779): Staff said the agreement initiates design work for funding anticipated in 2034, following a prior two-inch overlay that typically lasts 10 to 15 years. The city is responsible for a portion of design costs, capped at $20,189 for priority one plan development, with no construction cost to the city. Alderperson Sitkiewitz noted the project was originally part of the Waldo redesign before being pulled out during the design phase. The committee approved the agreement and referred it to Council. - Street Lighting Resolutions for Abbey Ridge Phase 2, Mariner's Lux, and Deerbrook Crossing Phase 1 (26-0777, 26-0776, 26-0775): Staff described the resolutions as standard roadway lighting for developments, with a 0% city contribution toward installation; developers pay the full installation cost, while the city is responsible for maintenance and energy costs, including a fixed charge of $12 per month depending on the location. The Mariner's Lux charge was slightly higher. The resolutions were approved pending staff finalization, including a fiscal note, and were referred to Council. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 6, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously. - Approved Ordinance 26-0789 and referred it to Council unanimously. - Placed the Maritime Metro Transit Development Plan on file; no action taken. - Approved SMFA 26-0779 and referred it to Council unanimously. - Approved street lighting Resolutions 26-0777, 26-0776, and 26-0775 pending staff finalization, each unanimously, and referred them to Council. - Adjourned at 5:41 p.m.