Public Works committee approves sidewalk, Erie Avenue reconstruction, beach-house renewal and Peace Park sculpture donation

The Sheboygan Public Works committee approved several contracts and renewals and accepted a donated sculpture at its meeting, moving the city forward on sidewalk repairs, a major street reconstruction and seasonal partnerships.

The committee awarded the 2026 annual sidewalk program to Klunk/Clunt Masonry for a low bid staff reported at about $196,700, below the $290,000 set aside in the capital improvement budget. Chair called for the motion, and the committee voted in favor. Director Peterson said the lower bid creates an opportunity to use remaining funds for additional sidewalk work in other parts of the city.

“I’ve been coming to a lot of these meetings and unfortunately I’ve never seen an opportunity for the public to review the design of the street,” public commenter Brian Kelly said during public comment on Erie Avenue, urging more public review and attention to speeding and dangerous crossings. The committee acknowledged the request and directed staff to confirm public-engagement steps for project design reviews.

On Erie Avenue (Taylor Drive to North 19th Street), staff told the committee the low bid came in at about $1,530,000 and that the project includes ADA-compliant ramp upgrades and new crosswalks in designated locations. Alderman Borse asked whether bump-outs or other traffic-calming features would be installed at a complicated five-way intersection; staff said they would confirm whether bump-outs were included, consult police incident data and discuss safety enhancements with the contractor.

The committee also approved a renewal of the DeLand Park Beach House services agreement with Second Revolution LLC, continuing stand-up paddleboard and surf rentals and lessons after a successful inaugural season. Staff said minor contract changes were made, including not hanging a banner over 8th Street, and warned the committee that staff may seek a Monday-city-council amendment to add internet service capacity for operations.

Mary Cozy, representing Friends of Peace Park, spoke in favor of accepting a donated sculpture and said the artist offered 4-, 5- or 6-foot options; she and staff recommended a 5- or 6-foot version to suit the planting scale. Staff described the design as a metal heart topped by two white doves and said final size and footing would be set to limit climbing and vandalism. The committee voted to accept the donation.

The committee also approved an agreement among the city, Lakeland University and Kohler Credit Union for the 2026 Memorial Day Parade with minor updates to advertising and installation logistics; staff stressed plans to ensure signage is easy to install and remove.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution 1852526 (2026 annual sidewalk program): award to Klunk/Clunt Masonry; low bid reported ≈ $196,700; motion moved by Alderman Rust, seconded by Alderman Ballinger; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution 1862526 (Erie Avenue street improvements): award to contractor (low bid reported ≈ $1,530,000); motion moved by Alderman Borse, seconded by Alderman Ballinger; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution 1872526 (DeLand Park Beach House services renewal with Second Revolution LLC): motion moved by Alderman Rust, seconded by Alderman Bellinger; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution 1882526 (Accept sculpture donation for Sheboygan Peace Park): motion moved by Alderman Ballinger, seconded by Alderman Borse; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Resolution 1912526 (2026 Memorial Day Parade agreement): motion moved by Alderman Rust, seconded by Alderman Bellinger; outcome: approved (unanimous).

What’s next: Staff said it will confirm final design details and safety measures for Erie Avenue with city engineering and police, continue coordination with contractor teams, and bring any contract amendments (for example, internet capacity at the DeLand facility) to the full council as needed. The committee adjourned and set its next meeting for 03/23/2026.