The Board of Public Works of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Jim Brey Conference Room at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Alderperson Norell and was attended by six members (Koski, Reed, Alfred, Nycz, Norell, Reckelberg). Two members (Nickels and Beeman) were absent. The board considered a noxious weed assessment appeal, approved two change orders, and approved multiple pay estimates for engineering and public works projects. Noxious Weed Assessment Appeal - Agenda Item 26-0683: A property owner appeal for a noxious weed assessment at 1911 Marshall St. The property owner explained that the lawnmower didn't start and that the overgrown area was behind a 7-foot privacy fence and not visible from the road. They requested a reassessment or a more reasonable charge. The board discussed that the city only responds to complaints and that the assessed amount ($47) reflected actual contractor costs. The board acknowledged the property owner's frustration but stated that the assessment was conducted according to Wisconsin statutes and city policy. A motion to deny the appeal was made by Nycz and seconded by Reckelberg, and it passed 6-0. Change Orders - Vinton Construction Company, CO 3 & Final for Lincoln Park Zoo Wetland (WO-25-13): Closing out quantities with no net change. - 5th Pocket Skateparks, CO 1 for 2026 Manitowoc Skatepark Expansion Project (WS-26-15): Increase of $14,500 for additional concrete maintenance discovered during the project. A motion to approve the change orders was made by Nycz and seconded by Reckelberg, and it passed 6-0. Pay Estimates - The board approved the following pay estimates for engineering and public works projects (all passed 6-0): - Seiler Bros Construction, Inc., 2026 Remove and Replace Sidewalks (WS-26-3), Est. 3: $36,417.19 - Northeast Asphalt, Inc., Asphalt Paving I (WS-26-4), Est. 2: $48,383.34 - Vinton Construction Company, Silver Creek Stream Restoration (WS-26-19), Est. 1: $458,068.45 - RA Smith, Franklin Street Reconstruction, Professional Services for July 1–31, 2026, Est. 6: $15,500.24 - Foth Infrastructure & Environmental, LLC, Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (Project 0026M118.00), Est. 1: $6,619.97 - Strand Associates, Design of Rubick Field Dry Detention (Project 3516.036), Est. 22 & Final: $7,300.00 - AECOM, 2020-2021 Former Town of Newton Gravel Pit (Project 60135471), Est. 25: $63,006.84 - Alfson Excavating, Sanitary Sewer Relay Project (WU-26-8), Est. 1: $184,430.84 - Vinton Construction Company, 2025 Lincoln Park Zoo Wetland Aviary (WO-25-13), Est. 5 & Final: $16,501.85 Contractor's Payroll Affidavits - None were submitted. Key Outcomes - Noxious weed assessment appeal denied (motion 6-0). The property owner was advised that the next step is to take the matter to the Common Council. - Two change orders approved (motion 6-0). - Nine pay estimates approved (motion 6-0). - Meeting adjourned at 4:11 PM (motion 6-0).
Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Public Meetings - Manitowoc, WisconsinThe Manitowoc Plan Commission met on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The commission approved two conditional use permits (a temporary warming shelter and a trucking transloading facility) and received an update on the ongoing zoning code rewrite. All votes were unanimous (6-0). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 7, 2026 Plan Commission meeting were approved by a unanimous vote (motion by Schlei, second by Hornung). Public Hearings & Testimony PC 11-2026: Manitowoc Warming Shelter (2601 S 10th Street) - Ken Walters (2703 S 23rd Street) – Expressed gratitude for community support, shared a personal success story of a shelter guest who achieved sobriety and employment, and noted that about 20% of guests return the following year no longer needing services. - Pastor Matt Sauer (1819 S 25th Street) – Provided data: last season the shelter served 83 unique individuals, providing 1,650 nights of shelter plus 112 hotel nights. Of 64 survey respondents, 57 stated they lived in Manitowoc County and 44 within the city. He emphasized that guests are local residents and that the shelter offers a safe, organized alternative to sleeping outside. He requested approval. - Pastor Heather Keck (1519 20th Street, Two Rivers) – Representing St. Paul Lutheran Church, she reported that neighboring property owners expressed support for the shelter. She requested the commission pass the permit to the City Council. PC 12-2026: T.J. Potter Trucking (2800 Viebahn Street) - No public comments were received. Staff reported that notices were mailed and no calls or communications were received. Discussion Items Warming Shelter Conditional Use Permit (PC 11-2026) - Staff (P. Braun) summarized the proposal for a temporary 150-day warming shelter at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with a maximum of 12 guests. Life-safety walkthroughs by building inspection, fire, and police found minor items but no major issues. - Motion (Hornung, second by Schlei): To approve the permit with amendments removing Conditions N (76-night limit per individual) and O (lottery system) and modifying Condition C to state that the shelter shall not exceed the legal occupancy limit as determined by building inspection for life safety, but no fewer than 12 individuals. - Discussion: Commissioner Hornung argued that the Plan Commission’s role is land use, not operations, and that trust should be extended to the shelter operators. Commissioner Steinbrenner expressed concern that the removed conditions were unnecessary. Commissioner Koski asked if Condition N had a legal basis; Chairman Nickels clarified it was originally for data collection, and the shelter has now provided that data, showing only two individuals were affected. Commissioner Nickels also questioned whether the 12-person cap could be increased given the building’s compliance with code; staff agreed to verify the maximum with building inspection before the Council meeting. - Vote: The motion carried unanimously (6-0). The permit will be forwarded to the Common Council for its September 21, 2026 meeting, which will include a public hearing. T.J. Potter Trucking Conditional Use Permit (PC 12-2026) - Staff noted the 15.80-acre site at 2800 Viebahn Street, zoned I-2 Heavy Industrial, will be used for laydown, storage, and transloading of large machinery. Conditions are similar to a previously approved permit for a nearby location. Applicant plans to clean up, regrade, add gravel, and use dust palliatives. Operating hours: 7 AM–5 PM weekdays with limited Saturday morning work. - Motion (Schlei, second by Hornung) to approve the conditional use permit as presented. Unanimously approved (6-0). Also forwarded to the Council for September 21. Old Business: Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite (PC 3-2024) - P. Braun provided an update: the full draft code will be sent to commissioners by August 27 (via OneDrive). A memo summarizing major changes will be published September 2. The plan is to bring the code back to the Plan Commission on September 23, 2026, with additional time available if needed. The subdivision code (Chapter 21) will be rewritten and adopted simultaneously. The floodplain ordinance will become a standalone chapter. - Commissioner Hornung asked about notification for property owners who may become legally non-conforming under the new code. Braun noted he informally mentions the rewrite to property owners but suggested formal notification should be considered. Braun added that staff tried to keep existing zoning designations consistent, but some changes are inevitable. Key Outcomes - Warming Shelter Conditional Use Permit: Approved with amendments (removal of Conditions N & O, modification of Condition C) and referred to Council (6-0). - T.J. Potter Trucking Conditional Use Permit: Approved as presented and referred to Council (6-0). - Zoning Code Rewrite: Draft to be distributed; next discussion at September 23 Plan Commission meeting. A memo of major changes will be provided by September 2. - Miscellaneous: Five certified survey maps and four site plans were noted but no action was taken. Manitowoc County activities: None. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM (motion by Hornung, second by Schlei, unanimous).
The Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees met on August 25, 2026 at 5:01 PM. The meeting was called to order by President Pam Brick. The agenda included routine approvals, a public comment regarding management practices, committee updates, approval of the 2027 budget, a bathroom renovation bid, and policy updates. Public Comments & Testimony - A member of the public spoke during public comment, alleging harassment, retaliation, and unethical management practices at the library. The speaker stated they were terminated and claimed the reorganization plan was used as a pretext to target employees. They described tactics including creating a hostile environment, surveillance, and intimidation. They demanded the return of personal property (jump drive). Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the July 27 regular board meeting, August 10 personnel committee, and August 17 finance committee was moved by Pauwels, seconded by O'Connor, and passed unanimously (7-0). - The financial reports for July 2026 (budget status for funds 2810 and 2813, check register, financial summary) were moved by Able, seconded by Kaderabek, and approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Correspondence: The board acknowledged a letter from Nhi Quach providing a summer reflection. The director reminded trustees of the process to submit correspondence for discussion. - Administrative Reports: The director presented the July 2026 Director's Report, Manager Highlights, Monthly Statistics, and press articles. Thanks were given to two departing employees. - Personnel Committee Update: Chair Pam Brick presented a reorganization plan and new organizational chart. The committee recommended approval. Motion by Peters, seconded by Keehan, passed unanimously. - Finance Committee Update: Chris Able presented the proposed 2027 library budget, prepared under both the current and proposed organizational structures. The finance committee unanimously recommended approval. Discussion noted the budget may be amended once city cost estimates (e.g., health care) are finalized. Motion to approve by Able, seconded by O'Connor, passed unanimously. - New Business – Bathroom Renovation Bid: Three bids were received; the lowest bid ($120,000) was recommended per city policy. A board member expressed concern over the large difference with the second highest bid ($197,000). The board was assured that the city engineering department had reviewed the bids. Motion to approve by Able, seconded by Kaderabek, passed 6-0-1 with Pauwels abstaining. - New Business – Employee Alcohol/Drug Policy: The revised Employee Alcohol Misuse Prevention and Anti-Drug Policy for Non-DOT employees, aligned with city policy, was presented. Motion to approve by Kaderabek, seconded by Able, passed unanimously. - New Business – Committee Updates: The board appointed Margaret as the new Personnel Committee Chair. The Finance Committee chair continues to be held by the treasurer by default. Old Business - Facilities and Building Updates: Stacey Bialek reported that HVAC and exhaust fans were upgraded, outdated lighting replaced with LED, and old banner holders removed. Landscaping and a volunteer day are planned. Key Outcomes - The minutes from three prior meetings were approved. - The financial reports for July 2026 were approved. - The library reorganization plan and new organizational chart were approved. - The 2027 library budget was approved, subject to adjustment based on city final numbers. - The 2nd floor bathroom renovation bid was awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. - The revised employee alcohol and drug policy was approved. - Margaret was appointed Personnel Committee Chair. - The meeting adjourned at 5:23 PM.
Note on date discrepancy: The official minutes list the meeting date as Monday, August 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time. The user-provided timestamp indicates the meeting occurred on August 20, 2026, at 20:15 UTC (3:15 PM Central). This summary uses the user-provided date. The Library Board Finance Committee met to review and recommend the proposed 2027 Library Budget. Chairperson Chris Able called the meeting to order at 2:08 PM. All five committee members (Brick, Able, Goetz, Norell, Pauwels) were present, along with library staff and other officials. Discussion Items - 2027 Budget Overview: Library staff presented the 2027 budget in both new and current organizational structures to ensure accuracy. The budget maintained status quo on operating expenses except for minor increases in automated material handler (AMH) and OCLC online catalog fees. Building insurance costs from the city were not yet known and may fluctuate. - Personnel and Salary Reductions: Committee member Margaret Goetz noted a 21% drop in salary/wages under the public services line (from $560,572 to $443,490). Staff explained that cost-of-living raises had not yet been added, and two part-time positions (currently vacant) would not be refilled in the new structure. The funds are being reallocated, partly to add a manager position. Health insurance costs decreased by 50% because a full-time specialist position was budgeted at single rather than family coverage. - IT Support and System Administrator Position: The system administrator job in IT is being eliminated because the city is considering providing IT support separately from the library. If that plan does not proceed, the committee acknowledged that a budget amendment would be needed to restore IT support, as it is vital for public-facing operations. - Fund Balance and HVAC Project: The budget shows a negative fund balance of -$129,533 due to the HVAC project funded from reserves. Otherwise, the fund balance would be positive and within the target range of 10–15% of expenditures. No fund balance usage is anticipated for 2026 operations, partly due to savings from the vacant IT position. - Future Variables: Health insurance may see a double-digit increase despite a change in third-party administrators. Salary increases will depend on the mayor’s proposed budget. Staff will continue to monitor and adjust. Key Outcomes - Motion to Recommend 2027 Budget: Moved by Brick, seconded by Pauwels, to recommend the 2027 Library Budget as presented to the full Library Board for approval. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:23 PM. Next steps: The full Library Board will consider the recommended budget. The committee may need to revisit budget allocations depending on the city’s final decisions on IT support and the mayor’s budget proposals.
The Board of Public Works met on August 19, 2026, to set a bond amount for a blasting permit requested by Alan Winchester, who sought to detonate propellant and primers as a safety demonstration at their ammunition manufacturing facility. The bond is required under Manitowoc Municipal Code Section 6.090. After discussion, the board set the bond at $0. Discussion Items - Blasting Permit Bond: The board considered the required bond amount for a blasting permit. Fire Chief Benjamin Kraynek explained that the applicant, Alan Winchester, plans to detonate two 45-pound kegs of slow and fast burning smokeless propellant along with 1,000 small pistol primers as a safety demonstration for employees at their industrial park facility. The permit application will include a site plan, notification to neighbors, utility checks, and other safety measures. The fire chief has the authority to approve or deny the permit after the bond is set. - Motion for $1 Million Bond: Alderman Reckelberg moved to require a $1 million bond. The motion failed for lack of a second. - Motion for $0 Bond: Alderman Reed moved, seconded by City Attorney Nycz, to require a $0 bond. The board discussed that the applicant likely has substantial liability insurance and that the bond is not required to cover damages if insurance is adequate. The fire chief will obtain proof of insurance as part of the permit application. The motion carried unanimously (8-0). - Request for Update: Mayor Nickels requested that the fire chief provide an update to the board once the permit is granted, including details on the applicant's liability coverage. Key Outcomes - The Board of Public Works set the blasting permit bond at $0 (motion by Reed, seconded by Nycz, passed 8-0). - The fire chief will proceed with the permit review process and will send an update to the board upon approval. - The meeting adjourned at 4:13 PM.
The Common Council of Manitowoc met on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, with a remote Zoom option. Nine alderpersons were present (Beeman, Cummings, Anderson, Schlei, Sitkiewitz, Norell, Reckelberg, Brey, Benzinger); Alderperson Dunbar was excused. The meeting included presentations, a public hearing, public input, appointments, a consent agenda, and numerous committee reports. All votes were unanimous except one abstention on a parking ordinance. Presentations - Oath of Office & Badge Pinning: City Clerk administered oaths to Fire Lieutenant Phillip Stodola and Motor Pump Operator Tyler Fischer. Family and fire department members attended for support. - Commendation to WOMT Radio: Presented a commendation honoring WOMT's 100th anniversary of serving the community as a trusted local news and entertainment source. Mark Seaver, Mark Stehafer, and Terry Stevenson accepted on behalf of the station, expressing gratitude and commitment to local broadcasting. - Dedication of Jim Brey Conference Room: Mayor announced that the conference room north of the council chambers will now be known as the Jim Brey Conference Room, honoring Brey’s 30+ years of public service at city and county levels. Alderperson Jodi Brey (relative) expressed appreciation. Public Hearing A public hearing was held at 6:31 PM on a proposed street vacation for an unnamed street between Deerbrook Lane, Homestead Road, and Kellner Street. The City Clerk confirmed proper publication on August 3, 10, and 17, 2026. City Planner Adam explained the purpose: to vacate a portion of an existing street and rededicate a portion just north to create more buildable lots south of the previous road while maintaining a sanitary sewer line within the right-of-way. The Plan Commission had approved without objection. No members of the public appeared to speak. The hearing was closed, and the item was later considered under the Plan Commission report. Public Input Two residents addressed the council: - Sean Shimke presented a petition with 844 signatures from local taxpayers opposing the city's contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate reader cameras. He argued the cameras constitute an unconstitutional digital dragnet and that the city bypassed voter input by funding them through vague budget labels. He demanded a roll-call vote at the next council meeting to place a moratorium on the cameras and remove them. He claimed the police chief and mayor signed off without public debate, and criticized the budget for a 3.7 million dollar increase, including 1.23 million for payroll and benefits, funded by an 8.31% property tax hike. - Carl Kimmis (resident of Two Rivers; daughter lives in Manitowoc) described an incident on June 26, 2026, involving police response to his daughter's situation with an ex-husband. He alleged police misconduct, lying, and failure to press charges, and requested a meeting with council members to present video evidence. He asked if there was a contact like Jim Brey to hear his concerns. The mayor directed him to council members' contact information on the city website. Appointments and Business Presented by the Mayor Mayor made appointments to two committees: - Crime Prevention Committee: Gabriella DeVry - Municipal Tree Commission: Andy Janicy Both appointments were approved unanimously (motion by Sitkiewitz, second by Reckelberg). Consent Agenda The consent agenda was approved unanimously without removal. It included: - Minutes of July 20, 2026. - Finance Committee items: 2nd Qtr 2026 Claims Report from City Attorney’s Office; 2nd Qtr 2026 Budget Exception Report; Class B liquor license for Green Street F&S LLC; Hecker/Viebahn Agricultural Land Lease Renewal with Charmwood Farms (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031); Operator’s licenses for E. Whatley (1-year), M. Malczewski (2-year), I. Reyes (1-year); General City Claims totaling $6,095,559.95. - Public Works Committee items: Award of bid to Hamann Construction for Manitowoc Public Library renovation ($310,583.00); Award to Aqualis for televising sewers ($28,741.20). - Public Safety Committee item: Denial of parking prohibition on S. 35th Street/Lindbergh Drive but approval to install double yellow centerline pavement marking on the curve. - Parks & Recreation Committee items: Approval of events (Manitowalk vs ALS, High School Girls Fall League, Flyover Silver Creek, Halloween Glow Space Race); Waiver of fees (Annual Celebration of Clients, Shipbuilders Fastpitch tryouts). Committee Reports Committee of the Whole – No business. Finance Committee – Four items approved unanimously: 1. 26-0698: Scope of engagement for issuance of up to $5,637,072 in Taxable Private LSL Replacement Revenue Bonds (Safe Drinking Water Loan). 2. 26-0699: Resolution authorizing the bond issuance and sale, and approval of the Financial Assistance Agreement. 3. 26-0707: Partial release of easement for Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing LLC, Lot 1 of Certified Survey. 4. 26-0737: Resolution authorizing submission of a WEDC Idle Sites Grant application for infrastructure at the River Point District. Personnel Committee – Approved unanimously: 1. 26-0738: Resolution to revise employee alcohol misuse prevention and anti-drug policies for both non-DOT and DOT-regulated employees. Public Works Committee – Four items approved unanimously: 1. 26-0700: Amendment No. 1 for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan. 2. 26-0704: Funding for storm sewer repair on easement at Waldo and Fleetwood Drive (CAWG funding). 3. 26-0706: Approval of usage of Quay Street Dock for loading concrete trucks (clarified by Alderman Schlei that they are loading trucks, not concrete on the dock; only for a couple of days). 4. 26-0742: 2026 Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location Contract with Transit Technologies. Public Safety Committee – Five items approved unanimously, with one abstention: 1. 26-0725: Ambulance service agreement with Roncalli High School. 2. 26-0726: Ambulance service agreement with Lincoln High School. 3. 26-0739: Ordinance to amend Section 10.390 (Parking Prohibited on Riverview Drive and Meadow Lane). Vote: 8-0-1 – Alderman Anderson abstained because he is an employee of Holy Family Memorial, which the ordinance affects. 4. 26-0740: Ordinance to amend Section 10.170 (Through Intersections – S 22nd St and Summit St) to install a stop sign. Parks & Recreation Committee – Approved unanimously: 1. 26-0745: Report recommending approval of multiple special events subject to council action: Manitowoc Metalfest 4 (9/11-12/2026), Hoods & Hops 5th Annual Classic Car Show (10/4/2026), Festival Foods Turkey Trot (11/26/2026, with noise ordinance waiver 7-8 AM, park hours waiver 5-6 AM, road closures 7-10 AM), Lincoln High School Homecoming Parade (9/25/2026), Nightmare Off 8th Street (10/3/2026), Maritime Lofts Press Event (8/27/2026). Plan Commission – Approved unanimously: 1. 26-0542: Resolution approving the discontinuance of a portion of Deerbrook Lane, in the interest of the public, per Wis. Stat. 66.1003(4). This is the same street vacation addressed in the public hearing. Other Business - The next Finance Committee meeting will be September 8, 2026 (rescheduled from Labor Day) at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. - The next Personnel Committee meeting is September 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM in chambers. - The next Public Works Committee meeting is September 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM in chambers. - The next Public Safety Committee meeting is September 14, 2026. - The next Parks & Recreation Committee meeting, originally August 26, was moved to September 2, 2026, due to a conflict with the Library Board meeting. - The next regular Common Council meeting is Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Key Outcomes - All appointments, resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and agreements were approved, many without discussion. - The only dissenting vote was Alderman Anderson's abstention on the Riverview Drive/Meadow Lane parking ordinance. - No items were removed from the consent agenda. - The meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, held a meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM at City Hall and via Zoom. The board approved minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting and considered two requests for partial releases related to industrial properties. Ten members were present, two absent. Approval of Minutes - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting. The motion, made by Hacker and seconded by Sitkiewitz, carried with 10 ayes and 0 nays. Discussion Items 26-0707: Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing LLC – Partial Release of Easement - Paul Braun reviewed the request, explaining that the easement area proposed to be partially released is not needed for drainage or utilities. Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing will use the area for a future parking lot expansion to support any building expansions. All city departments approved the partial release area. - President C. Herzog requested that the record show the release will not negatively impact drainage for the property to the south. - The board voted to approve the request and refer it to the city council. The motion, made by Sitkiewitz and seconded by Hacker, carried with 8 ayes and 2 abstentions (Hephner and Tienor). No nays. 26-0709: R2H Flavor Technology Industrial Loan – Partial Release of Liens - A. Tegen reviewed the request, stating it relates to an estate settlement. The industrial loan will be paid off in December with only a small principal remaining. The City retains collateral, and releasing five liens is a courtesy to the estate. - The board approved the action. The motion, made by Sitkiewitz and seconded by Dvoracheck, carried with 9 ayes and 1 abstention (Tienor). No nays. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned unanimously via motion by Hacker, seconded by Herzog, with 10 ayes. Key Outcomes - Approved the June 10, 2026 minutes. - Approved partial release of easement for Manitowoc Tool & Manufacturing, referred to city council. - Approved partial release of liens for R2H Flavor Technology.
The Public Safety Committee met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. All five committee members were present. The meeting covered consent agenda items, public comments on three agenda items, discussion and action on parking restrictions, stop signs, ambulance service agreements, and a budget overview. The meeting adjourned at 6:36 PM. Consent Calendar - July 2026 Public Safety Committee Minutes (26-0716) – Approved as part of consent agenda. - July 2026 Police Department Monthly Report (26-0717) – Approved. - July 2026 Fire Rescue Department Monthly Report (26-0718) – Approved. - July 2026 Building Inspection Monthly Report (26-0719) – Approved. - July 2026 Blight Fund Update (26-0720) – Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Amber Daugs (108 Riverview Drive) – Expressed support for the proposed no parking on Riverview Drive but requested additional no parking signs on the east side in front of Core Treatment Services due to repeated parking violations and safety concerns. - Brian Siler (2112 Summit Street) – Advocated for stop signs at South 22nd Street and Summit Street, citing three accidents over 15 years, including a rollover, and speeding concerns. - Eric Walsdorf (3414 Meadow Lane) – Opposed the proposed no parking on the east side of Lindbergh Drive at S. 35th Street, stating he felt “violated or discriminated against,” arguing the road is not busy, parking slows traffic, and he had never seen an accident caused by parking. - Joe Sumbers (3417 Lindbergh Drive) – Opposed the no parking proposal, stating he had lived there 30+ years with no accidents, and that removing parking would cause cars to go faster. Discussion Items - 26-0721 – No Parking on Riverview Drive and Meadow Lane – Brian Anderson, Facility Services for Holy Family Memorial, presented the request to remove six on-street parking spaces to improve safety for semi-trucks accessing the loading dock and pedestrian crosswalk visibility. Engineering Division Manager Greg Minikel supported the request due to narrow roadway width. Amber Daugs reiterated the need for additional signage on the east side of Riverview Drive. The committee voted 4-0-1 (Anderson abstained) to approve and refer to Council. - 26-0722 – Stop Signs at South 22nd Street and Summit Street – Greg Minikel recommended installing stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic due to a site obstruction on the southwest corner and two documented crashes (October 2025 and June 2026). The committee voted 5-0 to approve and refer to Council. - 26-0723 – No Parking on East Side of S. 35th Street and Lindbergh Drive – Alderperson Benzinger brought the request from a constituent concerned about a 45-degree curve. Neighbors present opposed the change. Greg Minikel noted the street is 36 feet wide, adequate for parking, and that removing parking could increase speeding. He suggested painting double yellow center lines instead. The committee voted 5-0 to deny the no parking request and instead paint double yellow lines; the item was referred to Council. - 26-0724 – Discussion on the 2027 Budget and Request of the Mayor – Mayor spoke about tight budget guidelines, no new positions, focus on retaining staff. Fire Chief requested a battalion chief position. Police Chief noted status quo budget but highlighted a need for new tasers (estimated $200,000) due to failures. The discussion included capital planning and leasing vs. purchasing. No action taken; communication placed on file. - 26-0725 – Ambulance Service Agreement with Roncalli High School – Approved with additional language in Section VI.C to define the hourly rate for events canceled less than two hours prior. Motion carried 5-0. - 26-0726 – Ambulance Service Agreement with Lincoln High School – Approved with the same additional language. Motion carried 5-0. Key Outcomes - Consent approved – Unanimous vote (5-0). - 26-0721 approved – No parking on west side of Riverview Drive and north side of Meadow Lane. Vote: 4-0-1 (Anderson abstained). Referred to Council. - 26-0722 approved – Stop signs at South 22nd and Summit (northbound/southbound). Vote: 5-0. Referred to Council. - 26-0723 denied – No parking request denied; double yellow lines to be painted. Vote: 5-0. Referred to Council. - 26-0724 placed on file – No action taken. - 26-0725 and 26-0726 approved – Both ambulance agreements with added hourly rate definition. Votes: 5-0 each. Referred to Council. - Adjournment – 6:36 PM, motion carried 5-0.
No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated.
The Public Works Committee of Manitowoc, Wisconsin met on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. Chair Bill Schlei presided. Key actions included approving an amendment to the sanitary sewer master plan, funding a storm sewer repair, and authorizing use of the Quay Street dock for concrete truck loading. A request for a new street light was denied. The committee also discussed the 2027 budget and received an update on the Town of Kossuth sewer regionalization. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from July 2, 2026: Approved unanimously by a vote of 5–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Dave & Wendy Prince (1206 Orchard Drive): Expressed concerns about repeated flooding on their street. They requested a larger storm sewer on N. 10th Street to be included in the upcoming reconstruction project. They reported losing a vehicle and spending $20,000 on flood mitigation. Greg Minikel noted that the reconstruction of N. 10th Street is expected to address the issue. Discussion Items - 2027 Budget Discussion (Item 26-0703): Mayor Nickels presented the budget timeline, with department budgets due by the end of August and an executive budget expected in October. Alderperson Sitkiewitz recommended removing Michigan Avenue (North 18th to North 13th) from the five-year road plan due to lack of consensus among residents, and suggested shifting funds to Brookfield Circle/Cypress Court for slab replacement. Chair Schlei requested signage for children near South 29th Street (Meadow to Custer) at the Able facility. The Mayor noted the approved five-year plan included about $6.8 million in road projects for 2027, but noted maintenance of existing assets would be a priority. The item was placed on file. - Town of Kossuth Sewer Regionalization (Item 25-0570, previously tabled): Dean LaFleur (RAL engineer) and Emily Micolichek (President, Kossuth Sanitary District 2) updated the committee. The proposed plan includes a 3.2-mile force main and 0.78 miles of gravity sewer to connect to Manitowoc Public Utilities (MPU). The city’s attorney is reviewing the Interconnection Agreement (IA). The committee noted that details—particularly rates and the exact transition point from force main to gravity—are still being negotiated. A deadline for DNR grant funding is the end of September. The committee tabled the item for further negotiation, with an update expected in September. No formal action was taken. - Amendment No. 1 for 2026 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (Item 26-0700): Greg Minikel requested approval to amend the agreement with Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC to include data downloading from 10 flow meters. The amendment covers a laptop, software, and technician time, considered reasonable at approximately $1,500. The motion to approve and refer to council passed unanimously (5–0). - WI DOT Functional Classification Update (Item 26-0701): Greg Minikel presented the required 10-year update for the Manitowoc-Two Rivers Urban Area. Noted corrections (e.g., North 7th should be North 8th, Fricke Drive typo) have been submitted to DOT. The committee tabled the item to bring back a final resolution in September, as the DOT deadline is mid-September. - Request for Street Light in 2200 Block of S. 9th Street (Item 26-0702): A resident requested a mid-block street light, citing a past shooting. MPU confirmed the blocks are adequately lit at intersections and recommended trimming trees instead. The committee denied the request unanimously (5–0) to avoid setting a precedent. - Storm Sewer Repair at Waldo and Fleetwood Drive (Item 26-0704): Request to use CAWG (Capital Asset Working Group) funds for an endwall repair. The endwall is undermined, with a quote of $18,937. The motion to approve funding and refer to council passed unanimously (5–0). - Usage of Quay Street Dock for Loading Concrete Trucks (Item 26-0706): Roen Salvage requested use of the dock to load concrete trucks onto a barge for North Breakwater repairs. Work would occur on three non-consecutive days in mid-September (about 12 trucks total). The committee approved the request pending a legal agreement drafted by the City Attorney, with the requirement that any damage be repaired. The motion passed unanimously (5–0). Key Outcomes - Approved and referred to council: Amendment No. 1 for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan; Storm Sewer Repair funding (CAWG); Usage of Quay Street Dock (contingent on City Attorney agreement). - Denied: Street light request in 2200 block of S. 9th Street. - Placed on file: 2027 Budget discussion. - Tabled: Town of Kossuth Sewer Regionalization (to return in September); WI DOT Functional Classification Update (to return with final resolution). - Next steps: The 2027 budget will be presented in October; the Town of Kossuth IA is to be finalized by the end of September to meet DNR deadlines.