Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manitowoc public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
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.
Adult literacy program sustainability
The one-to-one adult literacy program, serving over 100 learners with one part-time coordinator, operates differently than peer programs statewide that run as independent nonprofits. Staff signaled possible changes next year but made no decision.
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.
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.
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.
Replacing VDI computers with PCs
The city plans to spend about $150,000 to swap roughly 100 VDI workstations for cloud-based PCs in 2027, avoiding an $80,000 VDI server patch and a $75,000–$80,000 server replacement in 2028. Ald. Reckelberg asked whether the machines could last another year so newly hired IT staff could manage the transition.
Transit shift to smaller on-demand buses
The budget replaces large diesel buses with smaller 13-passenger vans, moving toward an on-demand transit system that costs about a quarter as much per vehicle.
Downtown funding reduction
The mayor proposes cutting annual downtown funding from $250,000 to $50,000, redirecting dollars to public safety, with Franklin Street reconstruction expected to carry downtown improvements.
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.
Meeting and Study Room Renovation
The first-floor renovation is on track for December, but the south side project drew zero bids and had to be rebid, closing July 8. Family restrooms and HVAC controls work are also in motion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New commercial building at 1214 Washington Street
A long-vacant Washington Street parcel is finally getting a new building. The board approved the design with upgraded street-facing materials, and parking, landscaping, and driveway details will be sorted out in site plan review.
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.
Housing Authority office renovation
The renovation is nearly done — staff expect to move back in the third week of November, before Thanksgiving. Remaining work includes flooring, mailboxes, fire panel fixes, and security cameras.
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 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.
Housing Authority health insurance costs
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.
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.
Halvorsen Park Dog Park Shelter Request
A resident praised the dog park improvements and asked the city to consider adding a shelter to protect elderly visitors and their dogs from the winter wind — possibly a repurposed bus shelter.
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.
N. 2nd Street Concrete Paving and Storm Sewer Repairs
The water utility is replacing lines on North 2nd Street, so the city is paying up to $50,000 to pave the rest of the road now instead of coming back later — a cost-saving move on a cul-de-sac that otherwise wouldn't rank for replacement.
Franklin Street Reconstruction
A $16,952 pay estimate was approved for RA Smith's ongoing Franklin Street reconstruction work.
School ambulance service agreements
New agreements put city Fire Rescue ambulances under contract with Roncalli and Lincoln High Schools.
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.
Maritime Metro Fare Increases
Maritime Metro's updated 100-page Transit Development Plan is on file for committee review, with fare rate increases to be requested when it returns in October.
Official Map Amendment — Town of Manitowoc Rapids
Removing a planned street from the official map lets the Nohr family build a home, barn, and horse arena on land constrained by wetlands. South Union Road a half-mile west already provides the north-south connection the paper street was meant to serve.
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.
Town of Kossuth ambulance coverage expansion
An updated EMS service contract with the Town of Kossuth was approved, continuing regional emergency medical services coverage.
Police officer hiring pipeline
The commission approved the patrol officer eligibility list for 12 months, which is the pool of qualified candidates the police department draws from when hiring patrol officers.
Sex offender residency appeal — Jovanni Rey Ortiz
The police chief recommended denial, citing no community ties and an intentional restriction violation; the committee agreed and forwarded the denial to the Council.
Fire sprinkler compliance modernization
The Fire Department will move sprinkler and fire alarm compliance checks to a third-party administrator, eliminating the $35 city permit fee while keeping costs neutral for businesses and improving real-time oversight of deficiencies.
Prohibited parking ordinance update (MMC 10.390)
No-parking zones near two closed schools are being cleaned up, with fixed times replaced by 'when school is in session' language.
Four-way stop request at S. 21st Street and Flambeau Street
A citizen-requested four-way stop was denied after engineering data showed a two-way stop already in place and no accident justification. Residents were directed to the city's formal online request process.
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.
Visit Manitowoc office space and long-term home
The department has outgrown its leased space, especially after adding farmers market staff. The city has paid $12,000–$13,000 for Abacus plans for a build on green space near the Maritime Museum, and the goal is to own rather than rent — with the reserve fund a possible funding source.
Discover Manitowoc grant program expansion
Grant requests have doubled the roughly $40,000 available, and established regional events like the civil war reenactment no longer qualify. The board suggested raising the allocation and possibly creating a second grant program for events that fill community gaps rather than hotel stays.
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.
Manitowoc Skatepark Expansion Completion
The skatepark expansion is officially finished — the board approved the final two payments to 5th Pocket Skateparks, totaling about $97,800.
Tree Planting in City Parks
The city is spending $18,750 to have Lakeland Landscape plant trees at parks throughout Manitowoc. Expect new trees showing up in your neighborhood parks.
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.
2027 City Clerk License Fee Revisions
A batch of license fees — including garbage haulers and taxis, which require physical plates — goes up, mostly by about $5, to catch up with rising costs and neighboring communities' rates.