Public Meetings - Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The Community Development Authority (CDA) of Manitowoc met on May 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the City Hall Hearing Room and via Zoom. Chair J. Stangel called the meeting to order at 4:01 PM. Five members were present (Dunbar, Cummings, Stangel, McMeans, Bartow) and two absent (Tienor, Maloney). Staff present included Adam Tegen and Jen Bartz. Serena Lewis also attended. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 18, 2026): Moved by Cummings, seconded by Dunbar, approved unanimously (5-0). - Financial Reports and Monthly Expenditures: Moved by Cummings, seconded by Dunbar, approved unanimously (5-0). Discussion Items - NSpire Inspection Update: Serena Lewis reported that Manitou Manor received a score of 96 out of 100. Only minor updates are needed, such as removal of door stops and draft stoppers from tenant doors. - Office Renovation/Construction Update: Lewis provided an update on the ongoing project, noting structural issues causing a small delay. The construction company is working with an architectural engineer to determine next steps. - Interest Bearing Accounts: Lewis shared that HUD recently announced any interest earned over $500 must be returned to the Department of Health and Human Services. Specifics are still unclear, and she is working with the accountant to get clarification. Adam Tegen added that it is likely related to federal funds only. Ald. M. Cummings stated that her accountant should guide her on this change as they are the compensated experts. - Wage Study and Employee Compensation: Lewis provided an overview of the budget, pointing to specific areas of increase, and proposed wage increases for the office manager and maintenance manager. Chair Stangel asked if incoming funds would cover the proposed budget; Lewis confirmed yes, noting maintenance staff are working hard to keep costs down despite maintaining an older building. - Closed Session: The board voted unanimously (5-0) to convene in closed session at 4:16 PM to discuss compensation for employees at Manitou Manor under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c). They reconvened in open session at 4:46 PM. Member Bartow left at that time, leaving four members present. - Compensation for Employees at Manitou Manor (after closed session): Committee members discussed employee compensation and individual salary step placement as part of the FY27 budget discussion. - FY27 Budget: Discussion ensued. Members agreed to approve the budget with wage adjustments as discussed and directed Lewis to work with the accountant to ensure cost adjustments can be met. They agreed to keep the Office Manager title as is, but delegate authority and responsibilities to the individual in the position. Moved by Cummings, seconded by Dunbar, the FY27 budget was adopted as amended by a vote of 4-0 (with Bartow absent). - Design Review Application (934 S 10th Street): This item was taken off the table. (No further action noted in minutes.) - Revolving Loan Funds Update: Adam Tegen shared that the revolving loan program funds have been returned to DEHCR, and the City is only managing loan payoffs going forward. The program will still exist but will be managed at a regional level. Financials will now be shared annually. - Other Business Updates: Tegen provided updates on River Point District, 1512 Washington Street, and Lakeshore Mall. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of March 18, 2026 (5-0). - Approved monthly financial reports (5-0). - Approved FY27 Budget with wage adjustments (4-0). - Directed staff to work with accountant on interest-bearing accounts and budget adjustments. - Noted that the revolving loan program is transitioning to regional management. The meeting adjourned at 5:03 PM on a motion by Dunbar, seconded by Cummings (4-0).

The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:25 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. The sole agenda item was a resolution to authorize the acquisition of the Madison School property. The meeting was brief, with no public comments. The committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the resolution to the full Common Council. Discussion Items - 26-0458 Resolution to Authorize Acquisition of Madison School: Council President Sitkiewitz moved to adopt the resolution as presented, seconded by Norell. No discussion was held. The motion carried by a vote of 10-0, with all present members voting in favor and one member absent (Cummings). Key Outcomes - The committee recommended adoption of the resolution to the full Common Council by a unanimous vote (10-0). The resolution will be forwarded for signatures and presented to the council later that evening.

The Common Council met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers (and via Zoom), adjourning at 7:15 PM. All 10 alderpersons were present. The meeting featured police officer oath ceremonies, a commendation for the retiring Fire Chief Todd Blaser, unanimous approval of mayoral appointments and a consent agenda, and several committee reports. The most contentious item was a policy for regulating intersections, which passed 6-5 after the mayor cast the tie-breaking vote. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of April 20 and April 21, 2026 Common Council meetings. - Accepted resignation of Basil Buchko from the Library Board. - Approved reports of the Special Events Committee: waiver of fees for Manitowoc County Drug Court Picnic (8/15/2026); approval of Maritime Marathon (6/7/2026), Lights in Lincoln Park (11/24–12/30/2026), and Aviary Grand Opening 2 Mile Walk date change to 7/18/2026. - Approved Finance Committee items: 1st Quarter 2026 Budget Exception Report; Class B liquor and beer license for Harbor Petroleum LLC dba Spices Restaurant and Bar; Capital Asset Working Group membership appointments; Finance Committee meeting schedule change (5:30 PM or after Personnel Committee on first Monday of each month, starting June 1, 2026); General City Claims totaling $7,652,493.93; various licenses subject to conditions. - Approved Personnel Committee item: Classification & Market Review and Job Description Updates for Surveyor/Engineering Technician. - Approved Public Works Committee items: Adopt a Highway program for Rapids Road; agreement with Mulch Express for wood chips; grant of snow removal assessment appeal (3819 Waldo Blvd); third & final payment of $64,563.00 to Schaus Mechanical Inc. for Library HVAC work; revision of special assessments SW2026-0180 ($447.85 to $228.15) and SW2026-0087 ($1,863.72 to $1,662.11). - Approved Public Safety Committee items: denial of sex offender residency board appeal (Domonique Singleton); denial of Manitowoc Fire Rescue billing dispute (incident 26-0812). - All consent items passed unanimously (10-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Appointments and Business Presented by the Mayor - Alder Appointments (26-0460): Approved unanimously (10-0). - Citizen Appointments (26-0461): Approved unanimously (10-0) after remarks from Alder Schlei encouraging public participation in citizen committees. Committee Reports Committee of the Whole - 26-0453: Approved Garden Faire Extraordinaire on 6/13/2026, including road closure of S 12th and S 11th Streets between Washington and Marshall from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. (Unanimous) - 26-0458: Adopted resolution authorizing acquisition of Madison School property from the school district. (Unanimous) Finance Committee - 26-0404: Approved two-year operator's license for B. Ploederl under WI State Statute 111.335. (Unanimous) - 26-0431: Approved permanent extension of premises for Dos Caminos Latin Food LLC to include parking lot and patio tables for liquor/beer sales at 2525 Menasha Ave. (Unanimous) - 26-0454: Granted variance to Legacy Christian School of Manitowoc/Only C Good, LLC under Section IX of I-43 Industrial Park West Silver Creek Protective Covenants for operation of a school, exclusively for Legacy Christian School. (Unanimous) - 26-0459: Adopted ordinance amending Section 1.030 to change District 7 polling place location. (Unanimous) - Finance Committee also noted future meetings will shift to first Monday of the month at 5:30 PM (or after Personnel Committee). Personnel Committee - 26-0396: Adopted resolution to hire seasonal employees related to elected officials, department heads, or supervisory personnel. (Unanimous roll call) Public Works Committee - 26-0405: Approved request to add rock in ditch at Carrie Lane & Harvest Circle, with work coordinated by Public Works. (Unanimous) - 26-0409: Approved request from Jeff Vogel to remove stop sign at N. 14th & New York Avenue. (Unanimous) Public Safety Committee - 26-0412: Approved Policy for Regulating Intersections after extensive debate. The policy establishes a framework and criteria (e.g., traffic volumes, accident history, pedestrian needs) for evaluating requests for intersection controls (stop signs, yield signs, crosswalks). It was developed over months by a committee formed in November 2025. Discussion Items - The primary discussion centered on the Policy for Regulating Intersections. Alder Reckelberg (committee chair) noted that less than 60% of Manitowoc intersections had any controls, compared to 80-90% in similar cities like Green Bay and Sheboygan, and argued the policy provides needed consistency. Alder Sitkewitz opposed, criticizing the criteria as subjective (e.g., how to determine if an accident would have been avoided by a stop sign) and pointing out that the initial map does not address uncontrolled intersections in many parts of the city (north and west). Alder Cummings supported the policy, citing inconsistent intersections in his ward and noting that the policy allows alders to bring concerns to committee for review. Alder Dunbar expressed concern that the criteria rely on reported accidents and miss near-misses, but supported the policy as a starting point. Alder Schlei noted that near his home (Jackson School area) there are nine uncontrolled intersections within two blocks, but the policy map did not address them. City Attorney noted the language on traffic volumes is pre-existing city policy and derived from the Wisconsin Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items and most committee reports approved unanimously. - Policy for Regulating Intersections passed 6-5 (Ayes: Beeman, Cummings, Anderson, Reckelberg, Benzinger, and Mayor Nickels; Nays: Dunbar, Schlei, Sitkewitz, Norell, Brey). Mayor Nickels broke the tie, noting implementation of actual stop signs will come before council in a future meeting. - The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Note: The official agenda and minutes list this meeting as taking place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The user-provided date (May 14, 2026) is used per instructions, but the discrepancy is noted here. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of Manitowoc met on May 14, 2026 (per user directive) at 4:00 PM in City Hall and via Zoom. President Chris Herzog called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM. Seven members were present, four were absent. Staff members Paul Braun and Jen Bartz attended, along with Todd Mitchler, Audrey DiMarco, and Ivy Voeltz. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 11, 2026): Moved by Hacker, seconded by Tegen. Approved unanimously (7 ayes, 0 nays). Discussion Items - Legacy Christian School / Only C Good, LLC – Variance Request (Parcel 449-008-011): - Paul Braun reviewed the location and the request for a variance to the Protective Covenants West of Silver Creek. He noted that the underlying I-1 Light Industrial zoning would permit schools without covenants. - Audrey DiMarco, School Board Chair, provided enrollment statistics and stated the school had toured alternative locations. She expressed that the site offers room to grow without major modifications and noted that currently no student bussing is provided. In response to a question about future bussing, she stated a city bus stop is already on site. - Discussion covered wetlands, flood plains to the north, and neighboring buildable lots. - Braun stated that staff recommends approval, calling the proposal a good reuse of an underutilized building that encourages reinvestment and complements other industrial park users. Key Outcomes - Variance Approval (Legacy Christian School): Motion by Dennis Tienor, seconded by Paul Hacker. President Herzog amended the motion to make the variance exclusive to the tenant (Legacy Christian School) rather than the use generally. The motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstention (Tim Hephner). The matter will be referred to the Common Council. - Election of Officers (One-Year Term): Motion by Hacker, seconded by Tienor, to re-elect the current officers to their existing positions. Carried unanimously (7 ayes). - President: Chris Herzog - Vice President: Tim Hephner - Treasurer: Dennis Tienor - Secretary: Adam Tegen - Adjournment: Motion by Tegen, seconded by Hacker, to adjourn at 4:25 PM. Carried unanimously.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be produced. The meeting is presumed to have occurred on the specified date and time, but no details are available.

The Manitowoc Police and Fire Commission met on May 13, 2026 (note: the agenda and minutes list the meeting date as May 12, 2026; the user-provided date is used per instruction). All five commissioners were present: Vander Bloomen, Sauer, Zigmunt, Schema, and Wellner. The meeting lasted from 4:30 PM to 4:39 PM. There was no public comment. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the April 2026 Police and Fire Commission minutes, the April 2026 Police Department Monthly Report, the April 2026 Fire Rescue Department Monthly Report, and the April 2026 Building Inspection Monthly Report. - During discussion, the Police Chief noted that calls for service in April 2026 were down approximately 50 compared to the previous April, ordinance citations down about 15, field warnings down around 70, and traffic citations down about 40. - The Fire Chief reported that year-to-date through April 2026, the department had 1,850 EMS calls and 304 fire calls, totaling 2,154 calls, on par with the previous year. Budget usage stood at 29.12% of the 2026 budget through the end of April. - The Building Inspection Supervisor reported that activity was on par with 2025, with an increase in permit activity as spring weather arrived. Discussion Items - Fire Rescue Department Battalion Chief Eligibility List (Item 26-0423): The Fire Chief reported that interviews were held on May 8, 2026, for the battalion chief position, which opened due to Jeremy Wagner's pending promotion to assistant chief. Five internal candidates were interviewed. The chief requested approval of an eligibility list of those five candidates, valid for six months. - A debate ensued regarding whether a commission member should have been present for the interviews. Commissioner Mike requested future involvement of a commission member in battalion chief interviews, citing benefits for fairness, oversight, and relationship-building. Another commissioner disagreed, stating that such involvement is not required or mandatory, and that the department's use of external chiefs from Sheboygan, Two Rivers, and Grand Chute as subject matter experts provided sufficient unbiased evaluation. - After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to approve the eligibility list for six months. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (5-0). - Battalion Chief Eligibility List: Approved unanimously (5-0) for a six-month period. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:39 PM.

The Board of Public Works met on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Common Council Chambers. Six members were present (Koski, Reed, Alfred, Norell, Beeman, Reckelberg) and two were absent (Nickels, Nycz). The meeting lasted approximately three minutes, concluding at 4:03 PM. No public comments were made. Special Assessment Revisions - SW2026-0087: Revised from $1,863.72 to $1,662.11 due to a measurement error. The error occurred when the original measurement was taken by one staff member; a subsequent remeasurement confirmed the discrepancy. The Board unanimously approved the revision. - SW2026-0180: Revised from $447.85 to $228.15 due to a reduction in the number of slabs completed under the city’s Remove & Replace Sidewalk program. The contractor overcharged the slab count; the owner was assessed the corrected amount. The revision was needed because the staff member who normally follows up was on extended leave. The Board unanimously approved the revision. Pay Estimates - Schaus Mechanical Inc. – Library HVAC Rooftop Condenser/Compressor & HVAC Main Controls (WB-25-15): Estimate 3rd & Final for $64,563.00. - Ayres Associates, Inc. – STH 42 Sanitary Sewer Replacement (Project 45-0596.70): Estimate 6 for $2,977.87. Both pay estimates were approved unanimously. No change orders or contractor’s payroll affidavits were presented. Key Outcomes - Approved revision of special assessment SW2026-0087 (motion by Beeman, second by Koski; vote 6-0). - Approved revision of special assessment SW2026-0180 (motion by Beeman, second by Reed; vote 6-0). - Approved pay estimates for Schaus Mechanical Inc. and Ayres Associates (motion by Beeman, second by Reed; vote 6-0). - Adjourned at 4:03 PM (motion by Reed, second by Beeman; vote 6-0).

The Public Safety Committee of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, met on May 11, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The committee approved a new policy to regulate uncontrolled intersections on the near south side and denied an appeal for a sex offender residency transfer. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously without any items pulled for discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - James Pfeiffer (2111 Pheasant Drive, Manitowoc) addressed the committee regarding a bill he received, noting he was available to answer questions if needed. - Jacqueline Singleton (2401 Washington Street, Manitowoc) represented her husband Dominique Singleton, requesting an appeal of the denied residency change to Manitowoc. She stated she is a pharmacist and working resident, and expressed belief in his rehabilitation. - Patricia Moore of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Dominique's mother, supported the appeal, noting the crime was non-contact and occurred many years ago, and that he has completed programs and certifications. Discussion Items Policy for Regulating Intersections - Chair provided history: following complaints and two serious accidents on the near south side, a subcommittee studied uncontrolled intersections. Comparing to Green Bay and Sheboygan (80-85% controlled intersections), Manitowoc had barely 60%. The subcommittee included the chair, mayor, police chief, public works and engineering staff, and met from December 2025 through April 2026. The resulting map proposes new signage for all uncontrolled intersections on the near south side. A process exists for future adjustments by aldermen or public. The cost is not a budget breaker. The committee voted unanimously to approve and pass to city council. Sex Offender Residency Board Appeal for Dominique Singleton - Police Chief explained his recommendation to deny the residency change from Waukesha to Manitowoc. Reasons: multiple probation/parole violations, a cocaine conviction (October 2025), and the applicant failed to disclose pending cocaine charges on his application. The committee heard from the applicant's wife and mother in support. After closed session, the committee voted unanimously to support the chief's findings and deny the appeal. Key Outcomes - The intersection policy was approved by a unanimous vote and will be forwarded to the city council for final action. - The sex offender residency appeal (Dominique Singleton) was denied unanimously, following the police chief's recommendation. Note: Closed session held under Wisconsin statute 19.85(1)(f) for personnel matters; no details were disclosed.

The Public Works Committee of Manitowoc met on May 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers, chaired by Vice Chair Brian Anderson. Four members were present (Anderson, Sitkiewitz, Brey, and Benzinger); one was absent (Schlei). The committee unanimously approved all actions, covering a stop sign removal, a ditch rock placement, a policy for intersection regulation, continuation of the Adopt a Highway program, and a meeting time change. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (26-0411): The minutes from the April 1, 2026 Public Infrastructure Committee meeting were approved unanimously by a 4-0 vote. (Motion by Sitkiewitz, second by Brey) Discussion Items - Stop Sign Removal at N. 14th & New York Avenue (26-0409): Jeff Vogel requested moving the stop sign. City Engineer G. Minikel recommended removal, stating that alley exits are already required to stop under state law and that similar alleys often lack signs. After discussion about visibility and the alley's history, the committee voted unanimously to remove the sign and refer the action to the Common Council. (Motion by Sitkiewitz, second by Brey) - Ditch Rock Placement at Carrie Lane & Harvest Circle (26-0405): Resident Steve VanderGrift requested permission to place rock and flat stone in the ditch to address standing water, erosion, and mowing difficulties. Staff noted the ditch was rebuilt in 2023 and expressed concerns about setting a precedent. The committee approved working with the Engineering and Public Works departments to ensure proper drainage while maintaining positive pitch; the property owner must sign an Understanding of Acceptance and a Right-of-Way Use Permit. The motion passed unanimously and was referred to council. (Motion by Sitkiewitz, second by Brey) - Policy for Regulating Intersections (26-0412): Deputy Director D. Koski presented a draft policy developed by an Ad-Hoc Committee (including the mayor, aldermen, police chiefs, and city attorney) to standardize evaluation of stop sign requests using criteria such as traffic volume, crash history, land use, and sight visibility. The policy would also implement signage changes on accompanying maps. After discussion about subjectivity and the current lack of a formal policy, the committee voted unanimously to refer the policy to the Public Safety Committee for further review. (Motion by Brey, second by Benzinger) - Adopt a Highway Program for Rapids Road (26-0407): G. Minikel reported that the Manitowoc County Highway Commissioner inquired about continuation of the Adopt a Highway program on Rapids Road (from Hwy 151 to Waldo Blvd), which was transferred to the city. The committee directed staff to work with the county or a private group to continue the program, with the city providing garbage pickup. The motion passed unanimously and was placed on the consent agenda. (Motion by Sitkiewitz, second by Brey) - Meeting Time Change (26-0408): The committee confirmed that future meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM, effective immediately. Key Outcomes - Stop sign at N. 14th & New York Avenue to be removed; referral to Common Council. - Ditch rock project approved with engineering oversight and property owner agreements; referral to Common Council. - Intersection regulation policy referred to Public Safety Committee for further review. - Adopt a Highway program on Rapids Road to be continued; staff to negotiate agreement with county or private group. - Committee meeting time permanently changed to first Thursday of the month.