Manitowoc County Board met Nov. 5, 2026. The board heard committee reports, received proclamations for America Recycles Day and Crash Responder Safety Week, debated several budget amendments (including a proposed UW-Manitowoc roof project and pavement borrowing), approved a 2% employee wage acceleration, and adopted the 2027 budget and levy as amended.
Discussion Points
•Multiple supervisors argued both for and against adding projects to the budget, weighing maintenance needs against tax and levy impacts.
•Opponents argued the roof is not actively leaking and urged postponement to control levy increases.
•Opponents warned that accelerating raises compounds future budgets and increases levy pressure.
•Proponent cited maintenance program and contractual use by the school district.
•Staff warned some changes would increase the levy and affect future budgets through compounding obligations.
•Supporters argued the change would aid recruitment and retention.
Decisions
•Adopt 2027 budget and property levy as amended (21–3).
Manitowoc - County Board of Supervisors Minutes - 11/05/2026
The Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors approved a levy-limit adjustment and adopted the 2027 budget and property levy after considering four failed amendments and one successful wage-schedule amendment. The board also approved consent-agenda items, including seven Expo-Ice Center Board appointments.
Discussion Points
•The board considered proposed budget amendments for Hillside building roofing, County Trunk Highway B paving borrowing, employee wage timing and a Personnel Department wage study.
Decisions
•Resolution 2026/2028-58 adopting the 2027 budget and property levy as amended passed 21-3.
•The board approved Resolution 2026/2028-57 by a 23-1 vote.
•The consent agenda, including seven Expo-Ice Center Board appointments and the Oct. 26, 2026, minutes, was approved unanimously.
•The employee wage-schedule amendment passed, increasing the levy by $173,779.
•The Hillside roofing, County Trunk Highway B borrowing and wage-study amendments failed.
•The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. following a motion adopted by acclamation.
Agenda: County Board Session - Consideration and Possible Adoption of the Budget - November 05, 2026
The Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet Nov. 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at The Heritage Center. The agenda includes a Finance Committee resolution proposing a $125,905 adjustment to the county's 2027 levy limit and several consent appointments to the Expo-Ice Center Board.
Discussion Points
•Consent appointment of seven members to Expo‑Ice Center Board for three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2029.
•Packet states county reviewed levy-limit calculation and determined statutory requirements are met for a $125,905 adjustment.
County board meeting covering proclamations, public comment on the proposed executive budget (employee morale and opioid fund transfer), committee reports, and three board resolutions on jail nursing, sick leave policy, and workers' compensation; multiple committee budget items were noted. Date not specified.
Discussion Points
•Board conducted roll-call votes with recorded tallies.
•Committee to continue review of departmental budgets.
•Corporation counsel explained sick-leave categories and alignment.
•Denial of village culvert cost-share and village snowplow request with contingency.
•Public commenter argued opioid funds should remain with human services for oversight and continuity.
•Public comment raised concerns about morale, pay, and vacant positions.
•Reported surplus and revised deficit figures.
•RICE grant of $29,700 approved; environmental health fees already adopted by resolution.
•Speakers cited past opposition to transferring funds and said human services staff are qualified to administer programs.
•Speakers described increased caseloads and staff departures tied to budget choices.
•Vote to cut mechanic position and partial airport IT cuts.
•WIC caseloads rose and will be monitored.
Decisions
•All three resolutions approved as recorded.
Directions
•Grant funds to be routed to finance for budget adjustments.
Minutes: County Board Session - Public Hearing on the Budget - October 26, 2026
Manitowoc County Board held its regular meeting Oct. 26, 2026. Public commenters raised concerns about employee morale and a proposed 90-day hiring freeze in the County Executive’s 2027 budget; the board approved a consent agenda of appointments and zoning actions and adopted three personnel-related resolutions, including a reallocation in the Sheriff’s Department that passed 21-2.
Discussion Points
•Judge Rohrer questioned the need for a new opioid task force, citing last year’s vote to reject it.
•Judges raised employee morale and hiring concerns tied to the proposed 90-day hiring freeze.
•No fiscal or textual details were captured in the meeting transcript.
•No implementation or fiscal details were recorded during the meeting.
•No public speakers during the consent agenda call; supervisors moved to approve a set of items without separate debate.
•Resolution proposes converting a jail nurse to a licensed practical nurse.
•Resolution was proposed to authorize self-insurance for worker’s compensation.
•Sick-leave policy amendment was proposed and unanimously adopted.
•Two supervisors recorded 'no' votes; no further debate recorded.
Agenda: County Board Session - Public Hearing on the Budget - October 26, 2026
Manitowoc County Board is scheduled to consider multiple zoning map amendments, fee-schedule updates for the Health and Planning & Zoning departments, a conservation grant application, personnel changes in the sheriff’s jail staffing, and revisions to sick-leave policy at its Oct. 26, 2026 meeting at The Heritage Center.
Discussion Points
•Appendix A attached to the resolution lists specific license and inspection categories and fees.
•Appendix A lists fees across POWTS approvals, zoning permits, Board of Adjustment fees, and application fees for telecommunication and wind-energy systems.
•Applicant petitioned Aug. 14, 2026; commission held Sept. 28 hearing and recommended approval.
•Applicant petitioned Aug. 14, 2026; public hearing held Sept. 28, 2026.
•Applicant petitioned Sept. 9, 2026; public hearing held Sept. 28, 2026.
•Board of Health reviewed and recommended fee adjustments beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
•CCA program may reimburse 50% of eligible project costs; packet authorizes accepting up to $4,200 if awarded.
•Commission found rezoning consistent with criteria and the Town of Meeme supports the request.
•Commission recommended approval; rezoning would allow sale to Binversies for ag seed storage.
•Employees with Old Sick Leave currently must exhaust those balances before using new annual sick leave; proposed change reverses that requirement for sick leave credited on or after Jan. 1, 2027.
•Employees with Old Sick Leave must still use ten days of Old Sick Leave annually before using the Family Medical Leave Bank.
•One vacant 1.0 FTE Jail Nurse position to be reclassified to a 1.0 FTE Licensed Practical Nurse.
•Petition submitted Sept. 9, 2026; Town of Meeme approved Aug. 24, 2026.
•Position classification change from salaried pay grade C45 to hourly pay grade B25; projected annual tax-levy decrease of $10,572 for wages only.
•Project total cost identified as $8,400.
•The Planning and Park Commission reviewed and recommended the schedule at its Sept. 28, 2026 meeting.
•Town of Eaton supports the rezoning; parcel described as not highly productive farmland.
•Town of Rockland supports the rezoning; packet notes wetlands and drainage considerations.
Minutes: County Executive Presents Budget - October 06, 2026
Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors convened Oct. 6, 2026 at the Heritage Center. County Executive Tyler Martell presented the proposed 2027 budget priorities emphasizing limited tax increases and reduced borrowing; a public hearing on the budget was scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026.
Discussion Points
•Chairman Phipps announced date and location for the 2027 budget public hearing.
•Tyler Martell presented 2027 budget priorities emphasizing limited tax increases, reduced borrowing, avoiding one‑time funding for long‑term problems, and focusing on employee investment and innovation.
Decisions
•Meeting adjourned by motion adopted by acclamation at 6:45 p.m.
•Public hearing scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026 at the Heritage Center.
Directions
•Public hearing on the 2027 budget scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026 at the Heritage Center.
Manitowoc County Executive Tyler Martel presented a proposed 2027 budget that he described as balanced and free of one-time funding, proposing a $35,835,147.87 levy (about a 3.9% county portion increase for a typical taxpayer) while outlining cuts to capital requests, vacant-position eliminations and new reserves for human services. The board heard questions and a separate presentation on the committee review and amendment timeline for the budget.
Discussion Points
•Budget presented as balanced and free of one-time funding.
•Estimated additional investment just under $1,000,000.
•Executive offered to take follow-up questions during the month.
•Executive proposes seeding a Human Services Stabilization Fund with $1,000,000.
•Highway department directed to seek town and village contracting to offset costs, with a $250,000 revenue goal.
•Human services placements are costly and unpredictable; a single placement can cost over $2,000/day.
•Key dates: public hearing Oct. 26; finance committee by Oct. 29; board consideration Nov. 5; adoption by Nov. 15.
•Levy of $35,835,147.87 proposed, with a typical county‑portion increase of about 3.9% for a median home.
•No formal agreement presented; details subject to committee review.
•Opioid settlement funds will be disbursed only at the recommendation of a task force to ensure abatement spending.
•Oversight committees must review departmental budget requests and can request department heads to attend meetings.
•Proposal includes $2,400,000 in borrowing for road projects, less than last year.
•Proposal to resurface ~16.8 miles of county highway in 2027 following a 17‑year rotation.
•Proposed 1% pay increase in January and 1% in July (2% total) contingent on performance reviews.
•Proposed amendments should be routed to the finance committee by ordinance timelines (noted discrepancy between Nov. 1 and Oct. 29 dates).
•Proposed SRO partnership with Breedville School District in 2027 with cost sharing.
•Recommend 6% increase in health insurance contributions and a second plan option.
•SRO to be stationed in Reesville during school year and assist county in summer to reduce overtime.
Directions
•Oversight committees should meet before Oct. 26 to allow time for amendments to reach finance committee.
Minutes: County Board Session - September 15, 2026
Manitowoc County Board on Sept. 15, 2026 sent a proposed ATV/UTV ordinance back to the Highway Committee after public comment and a board vote; the consent agenda passed and multiple routine committee reports were delivered.
Discussion Points
•Appointments and multiple zoning ordinances were presented on the consent agenda and approved without debate.
•Multiple committee chairs reported; transcript contains no detailed committee action items to the full board.
•Multiple members and public commenters raised conflict concerns with state/DNR rules, noise control, enforcement, and fee allocation.
•Public commenters raised potential conflict with state/DNR rules, noise regulation, fee allocation, and enforcement concerns.
Decisions
•Consent agenda approved unanimously.
•Measure referred to Highway Committee (passed 21–4).
•Meeting adjourned by acclamation at 7:52 p.m.
•No board decision taken directly from public comment; public input informed later referral to committee.
Directions
•Ordinance referred back to Highway Committee for further review and revision.
The Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors met for routine business including proclamations, committee reports, and three recorded votes: the consent agenda (25-0), a $2,450,000 general obligation promissory note sale (24-1), and authorization to apply for a PSAP grant (25-0). Committee reports covered public safety software, highway projects including an ATV/UTV ordinance draft, human services budgeting pressures, and preparations for the county fair.
Discussion Points
•A small group of youth are in costly placements, including out-of-state placements costing ~ $1,400/day.
•Committee approved drafting an ordinance based on sheriff and committee direction.
•County IT reviewed integration and other county examples were cited.
•Finance committee reduced the requested borrowing from $3,450,000 to $2,450,000 citing highway bid savings and surplus sales tax revenue.
•Public comment at highway committee meeting was largely in favor of permitting ATV/UTV use on county roads.
•Referrals to human services down significantly compared with 2011, but a higher percentage lead to petitions to the DA.
•Several ceremonial proclamations were read recognizing emergency management, juror service, and a church anniversary.
•Treasurer's office staffing issues and a projected $1,100,000 human services deficit were raised as related fiscal concerns.
•Two dispatch-related software systems were described: G2 Phoenix pre-alerting and GovX AI QA.
Decisions
•Board authorized PSAP grant application (25-0).
•No formal board action required for proclamations
•No new program commitments recorded; continued oversight planned.
•Proceed with drafting; no board vote recorded on ordinance text.
•Resolution awarding sale of $2,450,000 promissory notes approved (24-1).
Directions
•Corporation counsel to draft ordinance language for committee/board consideration.
•Monitor placements and hold vacancies to control the budget.
•Proceed to apply for PSAP grant funding to cover implementation costs.
•Proceed with the bond sale under the reduced amount; include part-time position in next budget for treasurer per committee recommendation.
Two Rivers City Council Meeting for Monday, August 3, 2026
The Two Rivers City Council met Aug. 3, 2026. Council approved a noise‑waiver for a music event at Heroes Venture Arcade, tabled an appeal of a denied operator's license pending proof of a payment plan, denied a property‑damage claim, and authorized revenue bonds to fund water and sewer infrastructure; staff also presented the city's independent audit and the manager flagged upcoming work sessions on fluoride and the WPPI contract.
Discussion Points
•Applicant said bartending is essential income and asked for grace.
•Auditors reported a clean audit opinion and explained two routine findings: auditor‑prepared financials and year‑end adjustments.
•Council members pressed for consistent application of waivers and consideration of reducing limits after 11 p.m.
•Council was reminded of the EPA municipal lead and copper rule 10‑year compliance timeline beginning November 2027.
•Finance Director discussed coverage ratios and estimated annual debt service impacts.
•Legal counsel noted the claim may be outside the 120‑day statutory filing period.
•Manager reported mid‑year budget shows improvement and announced tower repaint and community events.
•Manager scheduled a fluoride work session for Aug. 31 and a WPPI contract session for Sept. 28.
•Owner described licensing and mitigation steps and contested that events had produced complaints.
•Police explained fines sent to state collections and lack of a payment plan on city records.
•Single‑audit work found an internal‑control gap: the city lacked a documented suspension/debarment verification for vendors when federal funds were used.
•Staff emphasized the opportunity to accelerate replacements while principal forgiveness funds are available; council was told the program will double annual replacement pace for 2027.
•Staff presented November 2024 photo showing prior damage and insurance review found no evidence public works caused additional damage.
•Staff recapped previous events and decibel readings and recommended approval at 75 dB until midnight.
•Staff summarized the scope (CIPP lining, lateral replacements) and financing mechanism (revenue bonds via state clean water fund).
Decisions
•Appeal tabled for two weeks pending documentation.
•Audit accepted by council; staff to follow up on single‑audit finding.
•Council adopted resolution authorizing bond issuance.
•Motion to approve noise waiver passed by roll call; waiver authorized as requested.
•Resolution authorizing bond issuance approved.
•Resolution disallowing claim adopted; clerk to send statutory notice.
Directions
•Applicant to provide proof of a payment plan to police before next meeting.
•Council accepted the audit and requested staff implement a simple internal control to verify vendor suspension/debarment status for federally funded contracts.
•Proceed to close financing and begin planning for 2027 work.
•Proceed with closing on the financing; manage project to limit resident disruption.
•Staff to bring waiver frequency/ordinance clarification to upcoming work session.
•Staff to prepare materials for scheduled work sessions and to publicize upcoming events and voting deadlines.
Two Rivers City Council Work Session for Monday, July 27, 2026
Two Rivers City Council held a July 27, 2026 meeting that centered on a council-led review of the city’s water fluoridation program. Council heard a public commenter in favor, a caller opposed, staff and a water director described operational and safety issues, and council asked staff to gather more information from other communities; no vote was taken on fluoridation.
Discussion Points
•Additive handling hazards and required continuous ventilation and PPE.
•Caller reported individual health concerns (thyroid) and personal water filtering.
•Equipment corrosion observed from handling additive and need for maintenance costs.
•Feasibility of school-based distribution and community pick-up programs.
•Monitoring protocols: staff said raw water ~0.1 mg/L, dosing targets ~0.7 mg/L and monthly split samples with the state verify accuracy.
•Motion to allow remote participation by two members.
•Operational/employee safety concerns handling raw fluorosilicic acid at the treatment plant.
•Personal testimony in favor of fluoridation based on lifelong benefit.
•Roll call vote recorded several 'Aye' votes and chair announced motion carried.
•Use of $12,000 annual budget to procure tablets and toothpaste for targeted distribution.
•Whether to keep fluoride in Two Rivers' municipal water, balancing historical benefits against recent research concerns and vulnerable populations' exposure.
Decisions
•Motion approved to allow remote participation.
•No formal decision on fluoridation; staff instructed to research and report back.
Directions
•Staff to compile specific answers to council questions and return at a future work session.
•Staff to contact 13 communities referenced in materials and Oneida/Onondaga to collect lessons learned and any monitoring/results.
•Staff to investigate and report on alternatives and implementation logistics.
Manitowoc County Board convened for its regular meeting: invocation and pledge, public comment opposing proposed data centers and transmission lines, approval of the consent agenda, committee reports across health, finance, highway, human services and personnel, and votes creating FTEs for death-investigation and a benefits specialist. Several committee reports included budget figures and program recommendations.
Discussion Points
•AI feedback tool for dispatchers and voice pre‑alert system presentations.
•Claimed developers used nondisclosure agreements and door‑to‑door purchases to acquire land.
•Claim that American Transmission Company seeks eminent domain to route power to a private data center.
•Concern that reducing veteran‑service FTEs might cut direct assistance to veterans.
•County Executive's statement that funding is already in 2026 budget.
•Denied driveway permit on County Highway LS.
•GTA funding tiers and 2026 county receipt $2,142,772.
•How the benefits specialist role differs from veteran service officer work.
•Human services projects a $274,000 deficit and has applied for $160,000 in grants.
•June sales‑tax collections just under $4,200,000; 2026 budget target $8,150,000.
•Recommendation to add API/CAD integration to 2027 budget and explore 2026 funds.
•Recruitment and interim coverage for finance director position.
•Referenced Town of Mishicot comprehensive plan priorities.
•Staffing levels: 24 dispatchers with annual loss of roughly seven.
•Tabling FBO RFP due to county‑owned facility concerns.
•Whether an incoming medical examiner should influence hires.
•Whether to add FTEs now or wait for 2027 budget.
Decisions
•Driveway appeal denied; FBO RFP tabled
•Resolution 2026‑2028‑33 approved 23–1
•Resolution 2026-2028-34 approved 23–1
Directions
•Continue review of ATV/UTV access.
•County executive to consider $2,500 one‑time integration request for 2027.
•Notify towns about winter snow removal changes.
•Proceed with FTE reclassification and benefits eligibility for incumbent staff.
•Proceed with reclassification based on the veterans director's recommendation.
Two Rivers City Council Meeting for Monday, July 20, 2026
The Two Rivers City Council met July 20, 2026. Agenda highlights: a school-district presentation urging tax-bill transparency for state voucher payments; a public hearing and approval of special assessments and a contract for asphalt resurfacing on EMTT/18th/19th Streets; a proposed long-term extension of the WPPI power-supply contract (tabled to a work session); and several recognitions and routine consent items.
Discussion Points
•Applicant Patricia Finland present; staff recommended a 75 dB waiver based on no recent formal complaints at comparable events.
•Council asked about past complaint history and zoning context.
•Council emphasized better public communication and renter notification before construction.
•Council members questioned the prudence of an 18‑year extension and requested more due diligence and alternatives analysis.
•Council noted low bid came in under estimate and asked about contingency and included patch locations.
•District levy attributable to vouchers exceeded $1 million this year and accounted for roughly 13.7% of the levy in the example year.
•District officials said voucher deductions are finalized in early October and can be difficult to plan for in local budgets.
•Jordan introduced as a new CSO; award citations read for Cody Dit, Ross Blaha, and Tony Blaha.
•Presenters requested a tax‑bill line showing voucher levy for taxpayer transparency.
•Resident objection argued no appraisal was performed and called the work routine maintenance rather than a special assessment.
•Resident raised noise concerns tied to Snowfest's decibel policy.
•Some council members requested a representative to attend WPPI's shareholders meeting for broader member input.
•Staff explained overall contract components and that assessment portion had been subdivided from the base for the affected segment.
•Staff reported bid came in $30,000 below estimate and provided per‑front‑foot average of about $46–$48.
•Transit ridership increasing per resident comment.
•WPPI reps explained financing and prepay mechanisms that could lower average purchase costs and stressed portfolio diversity.
Decisions
•Contract awarded to MCC Incorporated; staff to proceed under contingency limits.
•Council adopted the final resolution authorizing the special assessments.
•Item tabled to a work session; local deadline Dec. 31, 2026, remains for final action if council chooses.
•Waiver approved by roll call.
Directions
•Grant waiver with specified decibel limit and end time; staff to monitor and enforce if complaints arise.
•Procurement to finalize award and coordinate implementation details with contractor and communications team.
•Staff to advise council on local authority to add a tax‑bill line and coordinate with neighboring taxing jurisdictions; presenters to pursue legislative outreach for broader reporting changes.
•Staff to provide final assessment notices and increase direct resident communications; contractor to provide door‑hanger notifications to occupants.
•Table item to a future work session; staff to prepare comparative analysis, invite WPPI representatives, and coordinate member feedback.
Two Rivers Special City Council Meeting for Monday, July 13, 2026
City council held a July 13, 2026 special meeting focused on three noise-ordinance waiver requests for downtown venues and a brief update on a beach paid-parking pilot; council approved modified waivers for Heroes Venture Arcade and approved Whiskey's requests, and staff reported preliminary parking revenue.
Discussion Points
•Business owners argued occasional events help local economy and can comply with limits
•Clarification of end time (11 p.m.) and consistency with other approvals
•Council signaled a future work session to discuss consistency and enforcement
•History of previous tests with Whiskey D and the challenge of noise/vibration over the river
•How to measure noise and vibration (where to place meter; named complainant vs. nearest residential property)
•Meter placement and methodology for complaint-based measurements
•Owner's assurance of compliance with decibel limits
•Pilot generated $3,120 over two days, with 312 transactions and 1.4 turnover per spot
•Residents described sleep disruption and vibration concerns
•Staff projected $15,000 over a 10-day pilot and $50k–$60k seasonally if scaled and automated
•Vibration standard: enclosed house with closed windows as testing condition
•Whether waivers should be limited by frequency and consistency in the code
•Whether waivers should be limited in frequency and duration to preserve neighborhood quiet
Decisions
•Approve modified waiver for Heroes Venture Arcade (75 dB until midnight; vibration protections) — passed 5–3.
•Approve Whiskey waivers as requested, 75 dB until 11 p.m.
Directions
•Council to review noise and vibration ordinances at a future work session for consistency.
•Schedule work session to review noise and vibration ordinance language and enforcement procedures.
•Staff to prepare ordinance review for a future work session focused on consistent standards and enforcement mechanisms.
Two Rivers City Council Work Session for Monday, June 29, 2026
City council work session on June 29, 2026, focused on three redevelopment concepts for the 14-acre former Hamilton property and on a growing sludge-disposal problem tied to PFAS/PFOA found in landfill leachate; council also approved a resolution to preserve eligibility for 2027 sewer and water funding.
Discussion Points
•Costs and staffing implications of additional parkland and the city's capacity to maintain it.
•Council raised concerns about parking, stormwater mitigation, long-term maintenance costs and market demand for large conference/hotel uses.
•Parking and stormwater impacts associated with medium/high-density development.
•Resolution is procedural: required to preserve eligibility for state loan/forgiveness programs for 2027 projects.
•Staff clarified this does not authorize construction and explained program goals for lead service-line replacement counts (target ~500).
•Staff presented treatment options (foam fractionation, RO, thermal evaporation) and short-term hauling/testing options; state grant funding may be pursued.
•Staff reported about 600 survey responses and recommended further public engagement and a Sept. 21 target for council adoption of a shared vision.
•Staff will request the Wisconsin DNR close the site investigation and seek an LGU exemption so the city can proceed with visioning and eventual procurement steps.
•Ten soil-core samples across the Hamilton site tested below DNR screening level (two micrograms per kilogram).
•Three concept plans (low, medium, high) presented for 14-acre Hamilton property; trade-offs between green space and development density highlighted.
•Two farmers that previously accepted municipal sludge have withdrawn, creating an immediate disposal shortfall for fall application.
•Wastewater effluent and solids PFAS readings, and very high PFAS levels found at old landfill discharge points.
•Whether a conference hotel would draw enough conventions vs. divert business from existing hotels.
Decisions
•No capital treatment project was approved tonight; council received the technical briefing and was informed of near-term disposal risks.
•No formal action on redevelopment concepts; council treated the presentation as informational and directed staff to continue public outreach.
•No formal cleanup or conveyance decision was made; council received the update for informational purposes.
•No formal decision; discussion will inform public outreach materials and the Sept. 21 draft concept.
•Resolution approved by roll call vote; staff to proceed with procurement planning.
Directions
•Assess foam fractionation and other technologies for feasibility and cost, and return with cost estimates and permitting implications.
•Continue additional testing (including mixes with street sweepings), pursue private liquid waste haulers, and prepare grant applications for PFAS funds.
•Post slide deck to project site and Cool City Connect; open public survey after July 4; host three public meetings (July 15, July 22, Aug. 5).
•Require staff to include parking and stormwater analysis in any draft concept returned to council.
•Return to council with a draft community vision for Sept. 21 meeting and prepare RFP development parameters once acquisition control is confirmed.
•Return to council with final contract award and program details next year.
•Staff to prepare and submit LGU exemption request to Wisconsin DNR and to post sampling/reporting materials to the project website.
•Structure contracts to allow multi-year completion and prioritize areas with higher principal forgiveness percentages.
•Use upcoming public survey and meetings to refine community priorities.
The Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors met June 16, 2026; members approved an amended initial resolution authorizing up to $2.45 million in general obligation promissory notes for capital projects (24–1), approved appointments and policy amendments on the consent agenda, authorized an SS4A grant application with local match, and added one Human Services FTE.
Discussion Points
•Amendment to reduce amount to $2,450,000 and remove law enforcement center upgrades.
•Board approved addition of 1.0 FTE in Human Services.
•Board authorized application for SS4A grant and committed local match.
•Committee appointments and policy amendments approved on consent agenda.
•Initial Resolution introducing up to $3,450,000 borrowing for capital projects.
Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting with proclamations and routine committee reports and approved several financial resolutions, including an amended borrowing authorization of $2,450,000 for capital projects (focused on road resurfacing) and authorization to apply for a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant.
Discussion Points
•2016 measurements based on older GIS were inaccurate; certified 2026 survey shows facilities noncompliant under current setbacks.
•Directions: recruit for open positions, monitor federal/state reimbursement timing, incorporate changes in next budget cycle.
•Need to commit local match if grant awarded; project scope to be defined by Highway Department.
•Need to narrow borrowing to reflect long‑lived assets and reduce long‑term debt; sales tax receipts provided one‑time funds; Human Services forecast changed due to WIMCAR advance.
•Rising case complexity and staffing vacancies in Human Services; WIMCAR advance timing changed forecast substantially.
Decisions
•Amendment to reduce borrowing to $2,450,000 and remove law enforcement center upgrades passed 24–1; final resolution passed 24–1 (3/4 required).
•Board approved an additional FTE tied to state funding; no additional budget cuts or policy changes decided at this meeting.
•Board authorized application and local match commitment by unanimous vote.
•Committee granted two variances to Cedar Springs Dairy.
Directions
•County staff to market notes and return with final terms to Finance Committee.
•Highway Department to prepare application materials and local match estimate.
•Human Services leadership to pursue recruitment and mitigation measures; county executive and finance staff to account for timing of WIMCAR funds in future budgets.
•Land Conservation and staff to document variances and update records.
Two Rivers City Council Meeting for Monday, June 15, 2026
City Council meeting of Two Rivers on 2026-06-15 included a retirement proclamation for Lester Public Library Director Jeff Dawson, a public comment and council discussion about rules for council members' external advocacy, a staff presentation and vote to contract Municipal Group for assessment services, approval of a pilot beach tent vendor lease, initial steps on street resurfacing special assessments, and a WPPI Energy briefing on a proposed long-term power-supply contract extension.
Discussion Points
•Adoption does not levy assessments but allows engineering to prepare project costs and proposed assessments.
•Council asked how WPPI would manage large new loads (data centers) and whether batteries or SMRs are viable near-term options.
•Council raised parity concerns about previous vendor arrangements and suggested possible schedule adjustments to allow more operating days.
•Dawson read a prepared statement thanking the council, staff and community.
•Proclamation highlighted $1.6M endowment growth and facility improvements credited to Dawson.
•Public commenter argued advocacy should be encouraged and applied consistently.
•Staff counsel explained the distinction between personal advocacy and representing the city without an adopted position.
•Staff framed contract as aligning with city policy to perform more frequent value maintenance.
•Staff framed pilot as low-risk opportunity and clarified designated area/insurance requirements.
•Staff showed photos and described road conditions targeted for resurfacing.
•Vendor emphasized resident education and availability; council pressed on staffing and response times.
•WPPI argued longer contract terms enable financing of transmission and generation investments and produce cost stability for members.
Decisions
•Council approved the contract by voice vote.
•Lease approved by voice vote.
•Preliminary resolution adopted; bid opening set for June 29, 2026.
•Proclamation adopted by voice vote.
Directions
•Engineering to prepare assessment report after bid opening; public hearing to be scheduled to present final numbers.
•Staff offered to provide clarifying guidance or training about when council members may represent the city versus speak personally.
•Staff to finalize contract paperwork and schedule resident outreach materials ahead of reassessment cycle.
•Staff to finalize lease and monitor operations; staff retains cancellation rights.
•WPPI to circulate formal materials in July; council to review and consider later in year.
Two Rivers Special City Council Meeting for Monday, June 8, 2026
The City Council held a special meeting June 8, 2026, and voted to adopt a resolution authorizing staff to apply for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant of $260,000 to support a concession-stand/visitor-center renovation concept. Council members and staff discussed scope (full kitchen vs. prepackaged vending), financing (a proposed $100,000 city match in 2027 plus outside matches), and the grant's long-shot odds before approving the application by roll call vote.
Discussion Points
•Clarification that tonight's resolution only authorizes application and does not commit funds.
•Cost of installing kitchen ventilation and grease traps could be high and may outweigh benefits for a small footprint project.
•Council questioned infrastructure needs (grease trap, ventilation) and compared full-kitchen costs vs. prepackaged vending.
•Grant administrators told staff the program typically funds several larger awards; local matching funds matter for scoring.
•Grant application framed as a competitive opportunity supporting small-business and entrepreneurship; plan pairs federal request with city and external matches.
•Some councilmembers prefer a prepackaged vending model to reduce capital costs.
•Staff advised seeking letters of support from hotels and food businesses to document likely economic impact.
Decisions
•Council voted to adopt the resolution authorizing application to the USDA grant (motion carried 5–2).
Directions
•If awarded, staff to return to council with full project scope, bid schedule and formal spending requests.
•If awarded, staff to return with bids and project plan for council approval.
•Staff to meet with Two Rivers board and room-tax committee and to obtain letters of support.
•Staff to preserve scope flexibility in the grant application and return with cost estimates if award occurs.
•Staff to seek letters of support from local food businesses and hotels; staff to meet with Two Rivers board and room-tax committee to finalize matching commitments.
