Finance Committee Meeting Summary – April 13, 2026

The Finance Committee met on April 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM with all members present (two attending via Zoom). The meeting included a closed session, approval of routine items, multiple liquor license actions, reports, ordinance changes, a software agreement, and a budget amendment. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously on a motion and second.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the initial call. After the closed session, the chair reopened public comment due to audio issues. Parker Conn of Gaffrian Kahn spoke on behalf of Applebee's, explaining that a new liquor license was needed because of a change in legal entity and the upcoming conversion to an Applebee's IHOP dual‑branded restaurant. He stated that ownership remains the same and operations will be similar with added breakfast items. He remained available for questions during the agenda item.

Discussion Items

• Closed Session (26‑0293 & 26‑0089): The committee unanimously moved into closed session under state statutes to discuss the City of Manitowoc development agreement with Gorbin and Company for the former mural site, and to confer with legal counsel on the Brown Building Center claim (over $5,000). After returning:
  • 26‑0293: Motion to instruct city staff to continue working on the development agreement. Passed.
  • 26‑0089: Motion to direct the city attorney’s office to prepare and execute settlement documents for the Brown Building Center claim in an amount not to exceed $173,315.42 and to coordinate payment with the finance department. Passed.
• 26022 – Weights & Measures Report: The city clerk presented the annual proposed schedule of assessments for 2026. No questions; approved and placed on file.
• 26‑028Q – Applebee’s Liquor License Transfer: License transfer to the new legal entity for Applebee’s Bar & Grill. No committee questions; approved.
• 26‑0283 – Knox Ventures LLC Liquor License Transfer: Approved.
• 26‑0284 – JK Elbow Room New Liquor License: Approved.
• 26‑0285 – Dos Caminos Latin Food New Liquor License: Approved.
• 26‑0286 – First Quarter Claim Report: The city attorney noted most pending claims are mailbox damage claims; one older claim is awaiting receipts. Approved and placed on file.
• 26‑0289 – Ordinance Amending Rahr‑West Art Museum Board: The ordinance reduces the board from 13 to 11 members and adds the director of tourism as a permanent member (previously an at‑large position). The mayor supported the change, noting the tourism director’s value. Approved (ordinance required separate signatures).
• 26‑0287 – Resolution to Increase Court Costs: The city attorney explained that the state now allows municipal courts to raise fees; the proposal sets the fee at $48, with the judge able to adjust within state limits. A committee member noted comfort provided the committee can revisit if needed. Approved (resolution).
• 26‑0288 – Ordinance for Enhanced Penalties: Creates a new code section clarifying that for nuisance and noise violations, prior convictions (regardless of timing) count as first offenses, similar to OWI penalties. The judge had requested this clarification. Approved.
• 26‑0290 – Ordinance Amending Taxicab Driver License Regulations: Initiated by the police department, the ordinance allows a case‑by‑case review of convictions to assess safety impact rather than automatic denial. The city attorney confirmed the change is permissible. Approved.
• 26‑0291 – Faster Fleet Management Software Agreement: A DPW representative explained that the current Win‑based system is unsupported. The new web‑based system will replace it and provide enhanced tracking for fleet, inventory, HVAC, and more. Budgeted $50,000; negotiated to $40,000 implementation plus $10,000 annual fee (five‑year agreement). The representative noted initial quotes were $80,000 and a custom system would cost $170,000. Committee discussed cost and functionality. Approved.
• 26‑0292 – 2026 Budget Amendment: Reallocates $10,000 from the removed tuition reimbursement program to HR rewards/recognition for employee events and training, and $1,500 to the mayor’s budget for registration fees (e.g., Chamber awards). Budget neutral; no tax levy increase. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were approved unanimously without opposition.
• The closed session was held; after reconvening, actions were taken on the development agreement and the settlement claim.
• Public comment was reopened to accommodate a speaker who had experienced audio issues earlier.
• Several items were designated as ordinances or resolutions requiring signature passage.
• The meeting adjourned after completing all business.