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Manitowoc council refers Royal Oak sidewalk proposal to Board of Public Works for study
Summary
After hearing a resident request and committee discussion, the council voted 8–1 to refer a proposed sidewalk project in the Royal Oak subdivision to the Board of Public Works and direct staff to investigate public‑health and safety needs and costs.
The Manitowoc Common Council voted to refer a proposal for sidewalks in the Royal Oak subdivision to the Board of Public Works and directed staff to investigate whether sidewalks are necessary for public health and safety. The referral was adopted on an 8–1 vote.
Resident Amy Worgan urged the council to install sidewalks throughout the Royal Oak subdivision, calling the existing patchwork of sidewalks a safety issue and telling the council, "It's also a safety issue." Alderman Rekleberg, who said he had walked the neighborhood previously, moved to refer the matter to the Board of Public Works so the board could evaluate necessity and the staff could compile supporting data.
City Attorney advised the council that the municipal code (MMC 7.09) assigns the Board of Public Works authority to determine when sidewalks are necessary; the attorney said the city does not have an ordinance that automatically requires sidewalks in every case and explained the board's typical considerations would include accident data, traffic counts and whether pedestrians are being put at risk by walking in the street.
Council members debated neighborhood sentiment and cost responsibilities for property owners. The motion to send the proposal to the Board of Public Works and direct staff to investigate carried 8–1. Alderman Bolt voted no.
What happens next: the Board of Public Works will evaluate the Royal Oak locations listed in Doc. 16 66 (specified blocks of Canal Street, Red Fox Lane and Deerbrook Lane) using staff-provided data on safety and traffic; any Board recommendation would come back to the council for final action.
