At its August meeting, the Manitowoc City Council voted against an amendment that would have removed a requirement that out-of-state travel by city employees receive Personnel Committee approval, leaving the current approval process intact.

The amendment was proposed by Alderman Reickelberg, who moved “that article 8 be stricken from the change” to the employee policy manual. The motion to strike the language failed on a 2–6 vote. The council then adopted the remainder of the personnel policy changes by voice vote.

Council discussion focused on whether out-of-state travel approvals duplicate budget oversight. Alderman Dunbar and Alderman Norell argued that travel is already budgeted and reviewed by finance and committee processes, and that adding another committee step would duplicate review. Other council members said requiring committee review for out-of-state travel provides an extra layer of oversight and local familiarity with events paying for travel.

Council members clarified that the employee policy still requires employees to complete the out-of-state travel form and obtain department-head approval before travel is authorized. The council also noted that some conferences or travel may be paid for by outside funds or grants and therefore do not always increase city budget obligations.

The debate drew multiple speakers and sustained discussion before the amendment vote. The final, amended personnel policy passed after the amendment failed.

The Personnel Committee will next meet Thursday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers to finalize related implementation details.