Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of Manitowoc met on June 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Hall’s 1st Floor Hearing Room and via Zoom. The meeting was briefly recessed due to a weather event evacuation from 4:01 PM to 4:24 PM. Seven members were present (Hephner, Dvoracheck, Herzog, Tienor, Hacker, Tegen, Brey); five were absent (Sitkiewitz, Diederichs, Townsend, Jagemann, Dulmes). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (May 13, 2026): Moved by Hacker, seconded by Dvoracheck. The motion carried by a vote of 7–0. Discussion Items - Olin Winchester, LLC – Land Lease and Option to Purchase (Part of Parcel 449-008-010): A. Tegen provided an overview, noting that the previous lease expired May 31, 2026, and Olin Winchester is currently engaged in capital planning, requesting a three-year lease. He reviewed the proposed terms and conditions. D. Tienor questioned whether safety concerns had been considered if the site was no longer used for its intended purpose, as the committee understood the leased site was used for safe storage of materials. A. Tegen responded that the company is now safely storing those materials within its existing campus. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve and Refer to Council: Moved by Brey, seconded by Tienor to approve the request for a land lease extension and option to purchase and refer it to the Common Council. The motion carried unanimously (7–0). - Adjournment: Moved by Hacker, seconded by Tegen, the meeting adjourned at 4:29 PM (7–0).

No transcript, agenda, or minutes were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no discussion items, public comments, or outcomes can be summarized.

The Police and Fire Commission of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, met on June 10, 2026 (per provided date; actual agenda indicates June 9) to approve routine reports and establish eligibility lists for police officer and lieutenant positions. All five commissioners were present. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approved the May 2026 Police and Fire Commission minutes. - Accepted the May 2026 Police Department Monthly Report, which showed 2,403 calls for service (virtually identical to May 2025's 2,397), 87 accidents (same as 2025), and 15 OWI arrests in May 2026 vs. none recorded in May 2025 (noted as possibly omitted from prior report). - Accepted the May 2026 Fire Rescue Monthly Report, showing 587 total calls (480 EMS, 107 fire responses) with a slight uptick in structure fires but overall on par with previous years. Discussion Items - Police Patrol Officer Eligibility List: The department requested to add Daniel Johnson to the eligibility list for 12 months. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). - Police Patrol Lieutenant Eligibility List: The department requested to add four officers—Matthew Bauman, Tim Clinker, Steve Nolan, and Jacob Schokas—for 3 months. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). A minor correction was noted regarding a memo error. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items were approved by a single motion, 5-0. - The patrol officer eligibility list (12 months) and patrol lieutenant eligibility list (3 months) were both approved unanimously, 5-0. - Meeting adjourned at 4:38 PM.

The Board of Review of the City of Manitowoc met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by City Clerk Reed, and four of seven members were present (Alderpersons Reed, Cummings, Anderson, and Benzinger), constituting a quorum. The meeting lasted the required minimum of two hours, concluding at 7:00 PM. Key actions included the election of officers, approval of previous minutes, granting a waiver for a late objection notice, denial of a request for sworn written testimony, hearing a formal objection to a property assessment, receiving the annual assessment report, and certifying the 2026 assessment roll. Consent Calendar - Notice of Meeting Publication: Verified as published in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair: Alderperson Cummings was elected Chair; Alderperson Benzinger was elected Vice-Chair by unanimous vote. - Mandatory Training Verification: City Clerk Reed confirmed she attended the required Board of Review training and filed the affidavit with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. - Confidentiality Ordinance Verification: The City's ordinance (Municipal Code 23.140) on confidentiality of income and expense information provided to the assessor was confirmed in effect. - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 28, 2025 Board of Review meeting were approved unanimously. - Receipt of Assessment Roll: The Assessor presented the assessment roll to the City Clerk, along with the Assessor's Affidavit affirming its correctness. - Verification of Open Book Changes: The Assessor confirmed that all open book changes were included in the assessment roll. - Corrections of Error: No corrections of error were reported under Wis. Stat. §70.43. - Taxpayer Examination of Assessment Data: The roll was made available for taxpayer examination throughout the meeting. Discussion Items - Waiver of 48-Hour Notice of Intent to Object: The Board reviewed a waiver request from Faye LeClair-French for parcel 585-001-190, citing inability to connect with the Assessor during the Open Book period. After discussion, the Board voted 3-1 (Ayes: Anderson, Benzinger, Cummings; Nay: Reed) to grant the waiver. - Request to Testify by Sworn Written Statement: A property owner submitted a request to testify by sworn written statement, but the documentation did not meet standards for sworn testimony (no opportunity to be sworn). The Board voted unanimously (4-0) to deny the request after the City Attorney advised that no credible evidence was provided. - Objection Hearing – Laura Ruelle (1602 New York Ave.): The Board heard the objection at 5:20 PM. Property owner Laura Ruelle and Richard Janco provided oral testimony and photos, arguing the property's assessed value of $152,500 (land $18,500, improvements $134,000) should be lowered to $100,000 due to extensive undisclosed damage (roof leaks, ceiling collapse, electrical issues, etc.). The City Assessor presented comparable sales and noted the property was purchased for $157,000 in 2024, and the assessment had already been reduced from $171,500 in 2025 to the current $152,500. The Assessor argued the best evidence of value was the recent arm's-length sale. After deliberation, the Board voted unanimously (4-0) to sustain the Assessor's valuation. - Annual Assessment Report: The Assessor presented the 2026 annual report, noting it was a maintenance year with an estimated overall ratio of 94%. Total locally assessed value was $3,455,607,200. The report covered sales analysis, permit processing, field inspections, and compliance status. The Board reviewed the level of assessment and uniform standards. Key Outcomes - Waiver Granted: Motion to grant waiver of 48-hour notice for Faye LeClair-French passed 3-1. - Sworn Testimony Denied: Motion to deny request for sworn written testimony passed unanimously (4-0). - Objection Denied/Sustained: Motion to sustain the Assessor's valuation for Laura Ruelle (parcel 705-000-090) passed unanimously (4-0). The property's assessed value remains $152,500. Appeal rights were explained. - Assessment Roll Certified: Motion to certify the 2026 assessment roll passed unanimously (4-0). - No Additional Meetings Scheduled: The Board determined no further meetings were needed. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn sine die at 7:00 PM passed unanimously (4-0). Note: The meeting must remain in session for at least two hours; adjournment occurred at 7:00 PM, exactly fulfilling that requirement.

The Board of Public Works of Manitowoc, Wisconsin met on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers. Six members were present (Koski, Reed, Alfred, Nycz, Norell, Reckelberg) and two were absent (Nickels, Beeman). The meeting adjourned at 4:04 PM. Discussion Items - Bids for Manitowoc Public Library Renovation of Meeting & Study Room Spaces (Project WB-26-18): No bids were received. The board took no action. - Bids for Silver Creek Stream Restoration (Project WS-26-19): One e-bid was received from Vinton Construction Company in the amount of $654,950 (with bid bond). A motion was made by Nycz and seconded by Reckelberg to refer the bid to the Department of Public Works for tabulation. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). - Equipment Quote – Backhoe Loader (Quote QE-26-4): A quote for a CAT 430 backhoe loader was presented. A motion by Nycz and seconded by Reed referred the quote to the Department of Public Works for tabulation. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). - Change Orders: One change order was submitted: New Restoration & Recovery Services LLC (Aqualis), Change Order 2 & Final for 2026 Televising Misc. Sewers – I (WU-26-5), a reduction of $1,388.71. A motion by Nycz and seconded by Reed approved the change order unanimously (6-0). - Pay Estimates, Various Engineering/Public Works Projects: Three pay estimates were approved unanimously (motion by Nycz, seconded by Reckelberg): - New Restoration & Recovery Services (Aqualis): 2026 Televising Miscellaneous Sewers I (WU-26-5), Estimate 2 & Final, $68,958.84. - Philippi Quality Construction: Lincoln Park Fieldhouse Windows Door Replacement (WB-25-14), Estimate 2 & Final, $10,706.00. - Ayres Associates, Inc.: STH 42 Sanitary Sewer Replacement (Project 45-0596.70), Estimate 7, $1,573.39. Key Outcomes - The library renovation project received no bids; no action was taken. - The Silver Creek Stream Restoration bid was referred to the Department of Public Works for tabulation. - The backhoe loader quote was referred to the Department of Public Works for tabulation. - Change Order 2 & Final for New Restoration & Recovery Services was approved. - Three pay estimates were approved for payment. - No contractor's payroll affidavits were submitted.

The Public Safety Committee of the City of Manitowoc met on June 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Chair Reckelberg called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken: present were Reckelberg, Beeman, Anderson, and Benzinger; Cummings was excused. No public comments were received. The committee approved the consent agenda and then discussed and voted on three ordinance amendments to the Manitowoc Municipal Code (MMC) regulating through intersections, arteries of through traffic exceptions, and four-way stops. All three ordinances were passed unanimously and referred to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The May 2026 Public Safety Committee minutes were approved as part of the consent agenda. - Police Department Monthly Report (May 2026): Approved. - Fire Rescue Department Monthly Report (May 2026): Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made, either in person or via Zoom. Discussion Items - Ordinance 26-0509 – Amendment to MMC Section 10.170 (Through Intersections): The committee discussed the ordinance minimally. No questions or concerns were raised. A motion was made by Beeman, seconded by Benzinger, to adopt as amended and refer to Council. - Ordinance 26-0510 – Amendment to MMC Section 10.150 (Arteries of Through Traffic–Exceptions): Alderperson Benzinger noted difficulty reading the verbiage, particularly regarding the description of "35 North 5th Street" and "Maritime Drive." Chair Reckelberg explained that he had consulted the City Attorney, who indicated the three separate ordinances (this one, 26-0509, and 26-0511) are necessary because different traffic control types (four-way stops, one-way/two-way stops) are governed by different code sections. Reckelberg also mentioned receiving an email from Greg Mangle stating that the ordinance for Section 10.150 had an error: it should read "35 North 5th Street" instead of "57 Selfie Fifth Street." The committee decided to pass the ordinance to the City Council with any necessary language or direction corrections, and to verify the correct wording with the engineers. Motion by Beeman, seconded by Benzinger, to adopt as amended and refer to Council. - Ordinance 26-0511 – Amendment to MMC Section 10.230 (Four-Way Stop): No questions or concerns. Motion by Beeman, seconded by Anderson, to adopt as amended and refer to Council. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (4-0, Cummings excused). - Ordinance 26-0509: Motion carried unanimously (4-0, Cummings excused) – adopted as amended and referred to City Council. - Ordinance 26-0510: Motion carried unanimously (4-0, Cummings excused) – adopted as amended with a note to correct any language/direction errors (specifically the address in the description) and referred to Council. - Ordinance 26-0511: Motion carried unanimously (4-0, Cummings excused) – adopted as amended and referred to City Council. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM. Note: The committee acknowledged that all three ordinances will appear on the City Council's non-consent agenda.

The Finance Committee of the City of Manitowoc met on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Vice-Chair Alderperson Reckelberg presided. Present: Reckelberg, Schlei, and Brey. Alderperson Sitkiewitz was excused, and Alderperson Dunbar was absent. The committee unanimously approved two action items: the transfer of Assessor Department supervision to the Finance Director and authorization to negotiate a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan contract with the selected firm. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the May 5, 2026 Finance Committee meeting were approved and placed on file as part of the consent agenda. Motion carried by a vote of 3–0 (Reckelberg, Schlei, Brey aye; Sitkiewitz excused; Dunbar absent). Discussion Items Assessor Department Supervision Transfer (Item 26-0501) Staff explained that since the assessor function became a contracted service, operational oversight had been minimal. The transfer from the Community Development Director to the Finance Director aligns with the Manitowoc municipal code and reflects supervision that has been performed operationally since before 2016. The committee approved the transfer on a motion by Schlei, seconded by Brey; vote: 3–0. Sanitary Sewer Master Plan RFP and Authorization to Negotiate (Item 26-0502) The city currently has multiple outdated sewer service plans. A request for proposals (RFP) was issued to four entities; three proposals were received. Staff (including Greg Minical, Dan Koske, and Billy Hutterer) unanimously recommended Fouth as the best proposal. The estimated cost is approximately $200,000 for a 12-month process spanning two fiscal years. The plan includes a rate analysis and capital improvement planning for the next 5–20 years. Funding options included the sewer enterprise fund (Fund 6300), which has accumulated reserves from recent fee increases (5% in 2023 and 5% in 2024) and is generating positive net income. The plan involves 10–12 flow meters; city staff will assist with monitoring. The committee authorized staff to continue negotiations with Fouth and bring a contract back for approval. Motion by Schlei, seconded by Brey; vote: 3–0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (minutes) approved unanimously. - Assessor Department supervision transfer approved unanimously. - Authorization to negotiate Sanitary Sewer Master Plan contract with Fouth approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned. No public comments were received.

The City of Manitowoc Personnel Committee met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers and via Zoom. Members present were Norell, Schlei, Beeman, and Benzinger; Ald. Sitkiewitz was absent. The committee approved the consent agenda, recommended approval of updated 2026 seasonal hiring pay rates, approved a resolution related to hiring relatives of city personnel, placed aldermanic compensation on file, and convened in closed session to discuss contract negotiations with the Manitowoc Professional Police Association. No public comment was offered. Consent Calendar - Approved the May 4, 2026 Personnel Committee minutes (26-0472). - Reviewed legal fees billed through May 2026 (26-0473). - Reviewed the health plan report (26-0474). - Reviewed Human Resources office initiatives for June 2026 (26-0475). - Reviewed City Attorney's office initiatives for June 2026 (26-0476). - Motion by Schlei, second by Beeman, carried 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered in person, online, or by previously submitted comment. Discussion Items - 26-0477 - Updated Seasonal Hiring Pay Rates for 2026: Human Resources presented a request to add a seasonal stock room clerk apprentice in the DPW shop with a proposed pay range of $16 to $18 per hour. Staff noted that some job titles still need updating from DPI to DPW and Parks & Recreation, and those updates would be handled during budget season. The committee voted 4-0 to recommend approval. - 26-0478 - Resolution to Hire Seasonal Employees Related to Elected Officials, Department Heads, or Supervisory Personnel: Human Resources stated that two additional hires are related to city employees - one in the Police Department and one in Streets/DPW. The resolution is required for each such hire and requires a roll call vote by the Common Council. The committee voted 4-0 to approve and refer it to council. - 26-0479 - Aldermanic Compensation: A committee member advised against beginning a compensation discussion at this time, citing economic conditions and the fact that an adjustment was approved not long ago, and suggested revisiting the topic closer to budget time. The committee voted 4-0 to place the item on file. - 26-0481 - Opening of Contract Negotiations with Manitowoc Professional Police Association: The committee moved into closed session at 5:06 p.m. under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) for bargaining purposes, with a roll call vote of 4-0. The closed session minutes are redacted. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Seasonal pay rate request recommended for approval by a 4-0 vote. - Resolution related to hiring seasonal employees connected to city personnel approved and referred to council. - Aldermanic compensation discussion placed on file. - Closed session held from 5:06 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.; after reconvening in open session, no action was taken on the police association contract item. - The meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m. - After adjournment, committee members informally agreed to move future Personnel Committee meeting start times to 5:00 p.m.

The Board of Public Works met on May 28, 2026, at City Hall in the 1st Floor Hearing Room. Five members were present, constituting a quorum; the meeting was called to order by Alderperson Beeman. The primary agenda item was approval of pay estimates for various engineering and public works projects. No change orders or contractor payroll affidavits were submitted. Note: The published agenda and minutes identify the meeting date as May 27, 2026, while the meeting timestamp for this summary is May 28, 2026; this discrepancy is noted. Pay Estimates City Clerk Mackenzie Reed presented the following City Engineer's estimates for approval and payment: - Vinton Construction Company, Red Arrow Beach Access Improvements, WS-26-14, Estimate 2: $232,590.66 - Vinton Construction Company, South 19th Street Pumping Station Rehabilitation, WU-24-10, Estimate 11: $61,652.00 - Vinton Construction Company, 2025 River Point Development Phase 4, WS-25-2, Estimate 6: $17,298.36 - RA Smith, Franklin Street Reconstruction, Estimate 3: $16,077.51 - Strand Associates, Design of Rubick Field Dry Detention, Project 3516.036, Estimate 19: $18,700.00 - RA Smith, Newton Gravel Pit Water Main Extension Phases 2-3, Estimate 26: $884.00 - Strand Associates, South 19th Pumping Station, Project 3516.033, Estimate 27: $1,633.17 - Mulch Express of Wisconsin, 2026 Furnish & Install Wood Chips, AGMT-26-03, Estimate 1 & Final: $15,844.66 Alderperson Nycz moved to approve the payments, seconded by Alderperson Reed. The motion carried unanimously with 5 ayes (Koski, Reed, Nycz, Beeman, Beeman). Minor transcript discrepancies include contractor name spellings ("Benton Construction"/"Venton Construction" vs. Vinton Construction) and the wood chips project description ("furniture and installed" vs. "Furnish & Install"). Change Orders None. Contractor's Payroll Affidavits None. Adjournment Alderperson Nycz moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderperson Reed. The meeting adjourned at 4:02 PM. Key Outcomes - All eight pay estimates totaling $364,680.36 were approved in a single unanimous vote (5-0). - No change orders or contractor payroll affidavits were considered. - Meeting adjourned at 4:02 PM.