Community Development Authority Meeting Summary - May 21, 2026

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).