Todd M. Blaser

The board discussed bids for the 2026 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Construction project as well as bids for the 2026 Epoxy Pavement Marking Program, referring both sets of bids to the Department of Public Infrastructure for evaluation. Additionally, the board approved several engineering and public works payment estimates, including designs for the Rubick Field Dry Detention, the Franklin Street Reconstruction, the Newton Gravel Pit Water Main Extension, the Restore Maritime Bluff project, and a lift station evaluation.

The Common Council meeting addressed various municipal matters including proclamations, committee reports, and administrative business. Key agenda items included the approval of special events and associated road closures, financial agreements such as a DNR grant and an ARPA subrecipient agreement, and procurement for police squad camera systems and property rights. The Council also handled personnel matters, including an administrative restructure for the police department, seasonal pay rates, and the appointment of a new Fire Chief. Public infrastructure projects were authorized, including paving and sidewalk repair bids, while various licenses and public safety agreements, such as the School Resource Officer contract, were approved.

The Industrial Development Corporation reviewed and approved a request from Redline Plastics to purchase 9.71 acres of land for expansion and parking. The approval was subject to specific conditions, including a repurchase clause for any undeveloped portion of the land after 10 years and a requirement that the existing gravel area north of the building must be paved by December 31, 2026.

The board discussed Manitowoc Public Housing business, including a financial report and an update on office renovations and vacancies. Additionally, the authority approved the Design Review Application for the Maritime Lofts workforce housing project at 1550 Washington Street and the offer to purchase lots on River Point Drive for a single-family housing development. Financial reports for the Housing Revolving Loan Fund were reviewed, and the board approved a revised loan for Patriot Pup. Finally, staff provided updates on the River Point District, 1512 Washington Street, and the Lakeshore Mall redevelopment efforts.

The Plan Commission conducted annual reviews for several Conditional Use Permits regarding transitional housing establishments, resulting in the approval of re-issuances with various condition modifications. The Commission also reviewed a permit for a construction storage yard and discussed updates regarding the Chapter 15 Zoning Code Rewrite, including potential alignment with state statutes and zoning map adjustments. Additionally, the meeting included a review of Certified Survey Maps for local development projects.