Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manitowoc public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in water utilities
Storm sewer endwall repair at Waldo Blvd. and Fleetwood Dr.
A storm sewer endwall at Waldo Blvd. and Fleetwood Dr. is being repaired under a $12,900 contract with MC Excavating. It's a small but necessary fix to keep the storm drainage system working in that area.
Sanitary Sewer Master Plan
The city paid $27,275 to Foth Infrastructure for ongoing work on its sanitary sewer master plan — the long-term roadmap for sewer infrastructure.
Separate WPDES permit for sewer collection system
Contracts awarded to televise and reline city sewers keep the underground system in good shape and reduce future failures.
Private lead service line replacement financing
Residents told the council that MPU's lead service line replacement program is uneven: some homeowners got free replacements through federal/DNR funding while others on the same program are being asked to pay 50%. Speakers demanded the council push MPU to fund everyone or no one.
Wastewater operations split between City and MPU
New ordinances formally codify a four-year-old arrangement where the city handles sewer pipes in the streets while MPU runs the treatment plant, with rates shown separately on bills.
River Heights Lift Station access road repair
The city is spending $21,300.77 to rebuild the asphalt driveway easement to the River Heights Lift Station — basic maintenance of sewer infrastructure.
Potential Citywide IT Support for the Library
The committee eliminated the library's IT system administrator job because the city is considering including the library in a consolidated citywide IT arrangement. Members emphasized public-facing systems need same-day fixes, and if the city deal doesn't pan out, they'll amend the budget to fund support.
Town of Kossuth Sewer Regionalization
KSD#2's aging plant would connect to city/MPU sewers via a forcemain and gravity line, with the city paid a transfer rate. Details on rates and capacity are still being negotiated ahead of a late-September DNR grant deadline.
Orchard Drive / N 10th Street Flooding
Chronic flooding on Orchard Drive has stranded residents, blocked emergency vehicles, and cost the Princes a car and $20,000 in mitigation. A bigger storm sewer is planned with the 2027 N 10th Street rebuild (~$1.5 million in the five-year plan).
WPS Gas Facility Easement on Magnolia Avenue
Wisconsin Public Service needs a standard right-of-way easement to install gas facilities on city property along Magnolia Avenue; the committee endorsed it.
South 19th Street Pumping Station Rehabilitation
Two payments — about $63,285 combined — support the rehabilitation of the South 19th Street pumping station, including design work by Strand Associates. It's key sanitary/utility infrastructure for the neighborhood.
Standing-water drainage problems on Carrie Lane
Since the city's 2023 ditching project, a Carrie Lane homeowner has battled standing water and grass that won't grow in the roadside ditch. He'll now install rock at his own expense to move water away, under city grade supervision.