Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manitowoc public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
25 issues with high priority
Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite
The city is replacing its 40-year-old zoning code with a modern, user-friendly version featuring new downtown districts and stronger landscaping and buffering rules. It could take effect January 1, 2027, shaping what can be built where for decades.
New housing subdivisions at Dearbrook Lane and River Point
The council approved a tax increment financing term sheet for a project on River Point Drive Lots 1 and 2 and told staff to finish the development agreement and land sale — public money helping launch a private development.
2027 Executive Budget and property tax increase
The mayor's proposed budget raises the city tax rate 2.78% — about $41 a year on a $250,000 home — while adding six positions and borrowing $7.84 million. For the first time in years, the city would borrow more than it pays off, and $3.5 million of reserves would be used.
Library Sunday closures beginning 2027
The proposed 2027 Library Budget keeps operating costs essentially flat while leaving two part-time positions unfilled and dropping the IT system administrator job. The bet is that the city will provide consolidated IT support, and committee members made clear the budget would be amended if that doesn't happen.
Kellner Street reconstruction delayed to 2030
The Kellner Street project has slid from 2027 to 2028 and now 2030 in the new road plan. The mayor says only a two-block stretch is in bad shape and whole-street projects elsewhere are a bigger priority, but Ald. Reckelberg's district is frustrated and wants it finished.
Road projects and infrastructure borrowing
Major 2027 road work includes Franklin Street (South 6th to South 10th), North 10th Street with sewer repairs, Marshall Street, Orchard Lane, and North 18th Street, plus a new DPW salt shed and armory roof — driving the higher borrowing.
Public safety staffing additions
The budget adds three firefighter paramedics to keep fire stations staffed as EMS demand grows, plus a police detective focused on internet crimes against children — the mayor's top priority.
2027 City Budget for Police and Fire
The Finance Committee got its first look at the 2027 Executive Budget and will hold deliberation meetings on November 2, 4, and 5. No decisions were made yet — this is where spending priorities get hammered out.
Sewer and Street Infrastructure Projects
Sewer re-lining, sanitary and storm sewer construction, and the city's asphalt paving program all got final change orders — with re-lining and paving coming in under budget. Final contractor payments were also approved.
2026 Concrete Paving Program
Vinton Construction's change order adds $51,710 to the 2026 concrete paving program, needed to coordinate with MPU's water main replacement work. The board noted it slightly exceeds the $50,000 committee authorization, a wrinkle to be resolved.
1512 Washington Street housing project
After months of EPA and state funding delays, the Miro project's financing looks ready to close, with construction mobilization around November 1 and required partial occupancy by December 31, 2027.
2027 Employee Health Insurance Premium Increase
City employees face a proposed 13% health premium increase for 2027, and the self-funded plan is already $1.4 million in the red. The committee wants cost-saving options — like a spousal surcharge — priced out before the Council decides on October 19.
River Point District infrastructure grant application
The city will apply for a WEDC Idle Sites Grant to help fund infrastructure at the River Point District redevelopment area.
TID 22 — River Point District Development Outlook
Condos, contaminated-soil cleanup, and a hunt for a multifamily developer are all moving. Permit applications could land any day and soil hauling starts November 2.
FY27 Budget and Wages at Manitou Manor
Housing Authority staff keep their Prevea 360 coverage with only about a 4-4.5% premium bump — far less than the ~13% increase the city itself is facing.
Former Mirro Site Environmental Remediation
Crews found extra contamination to explore at the former Mirro site, so the city reallocated remediation funds — at no added cost — and approved the final $145,011 payment wrapping up the supplemental cleanup.
Lakeshore Mall redevelopment
Apartment foundations are in and infrastructure is done; single-family homes will be built and sold by Tycorn in phases over about five years. Commercial interest remains thin until homes are up.
2027 Health Insurance Premium Increase and Plan Deficit
City employees face a proposed 13% health premium increase for 2027, and the self-funded plan is already $1.4 million in the red. The committee wants cost-saving options — like a spousal surcharge — priced out before the Council decides on October 19.
School voucher cost transparency on tax bills
The council is considering adding a line showing how much of a property tax bill goes to voucher schools versus public schools. It was tabled this meeting but will return; supporters say taxpayers deserve transparency as voucher costs have grown from $82,000 to a projected $7 million.
Washington & Calumet Reconstruction
The council approved the real estate services agreement to get the long-awaited Calumet Avenue rebuild moving — a major corridor project residents have waited on.
Madison School and Lakeview Park redevelopment
Two developer proposals (Mike Howe Builders and Americon & 3 Amigos) for redeveloping the old Madison School and Lakeview Park were discussed behind closed doors, with no action taken.
Franklin Street Reconstruction
A $16,952 pay estimate was approved for RA Smith's ongoing Franklin Street reconstruction work.
Speeding on Menasha Avenue (Platt Street to Risch Lane)
Residents described dangerous speeding, frequent crashes including a flipped vehicle, and having to cross the street to reach mailboxes. The chief pledged targeted enforcement and a public patrol log, and the committee invited a formal stop-sign request for Kellner Road through the city's online process.
2027 Room Tax Budget Priorities
Visit Manitowoc gathers board input each year on how to spend discretionary room tax dollars. Collections run about $725,000 annually and council has committed all of it to tourism, but the department is weighing big needs like a permanent home against marketing investments.
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.