Manitowoc · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manitowoc public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Transit shift to smaller on-demand buses
The budget replaces large diesel buses with smaller 13-passenger vans, moving toward an on-demand transit system that costs about a quarter as much per vehicle.
Road projects and infrastructure borrowing
Major 2027 road work includes Franklin Street (South 6th to South 10th), North 10th Street with sewer repairs, Marshall Street, Orchard Lane, and North 18th Street, plus a new DPW salt shed and armory roof — driving the higher borrowing.
Kellner Street reconstruction delayed to 2030
The Kellner Street project has slid from 2027 to 2028 and now 2030 in the new road plan. The mayor says only a two-block stretch is in bad shape and whole-street projects elsewhere are a bigger priority, but Ald. Reckelberg's district is frustrated and wants it finished.
Sewer and Street Infrastructure Projects
Sewer re-lining, sanitary and storm sewer construction, and the city's asphalt paving program all got final change orders — with re-lining and paving coming in under budget. Final contractor payments were also approved.
2026 Concrete Paving Program
Vinton Construction's change order adds $51,710 to the 2026 concrete paving program, needed to coordinate with MPU's water main replacement work. The board noted it slightly exceeds the $50,000 committee authorization, a wrinkle to be resolved.
Maritime Metro Fare Increases
Maritime Metro's updated 100-page Transit Development Plan is on file for committee review, with fare rate increases to be requested when it returns in October.
Franklin Street Reconstruction
A $16,952 pay estimate was approved for RA Smith's ongoing Franklin Street reconstruction work.
N. 2nd Street Concrete Paving and Storm Sewer Repairs
The water utility is replacing lines on North 2nd Street, so the city is paying up to $50,000 to pave the rest of the road now instead of coming back later — a cost-saving move on a cul-de-sac that otherwise wouldn't rank for replacement.
Washington & Calumet Reconstruction
The council approved the real estate services agreement to get the long-awaited Calumet Avenue rebuild moving — a major corridor project residents have waited on.
Four-way stop request at S. 21st Street and Flambeau Street
A citizen-requested four-way stop was denied after engineering data showed a two-way stop already in place and no accident justification. Residents were directed to the city's formal online request process.
Paratransit (Assist to Transport) Move In-House
The city is preparing to bring paratransit service in-house as of January 1, with four new job descriptions approved as a contingency. Actual hiring waits on Public Works Committee and Council approval.
Michigan Avenue reconstruction and tree preservation
Neighbors on Michigan Ave (N. 13th to N. 18th) don't want the mature tree canopy cut down during reconstruction and want a seat at the planning table. The mayor says the project won't be in the 2027 budget and no design exists yet, but old utilities will eventually force some tree impacts.
WisDOT Functional Classification Update
Routine federal 10-year review reclassifying roads in the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area — 18th Street upgraded to principal arterial, former one-ways downgraded.
2026 Public Works Construction Payments
The board approved the final payment for the library's HVAC rooftop equipment replacement and a progress payment on the Highway 42 sanitary sewer replacement.
New sidewalks on South 21st Street and Flambeau Street
A citizen request for sidewalks near a park drew objections from an affected homeowner over wetlands, drainage onto his property, special assessments, and lack of notice. With only two accidents in 16 years, the committee found no safety need and shelved the request, though neighbors could revive it.
Waldo Blvd resurfacing design agreement (2034 project)
The state plans to resurface Waldo Boulevard from Fleetwood Drive to I-43 around 2034, and the city's only cost is a capped design contribution of $20,189. The agreement was signed early so design work can begin years ahead.
Stop signs at South 22nd Street and Summit Street
Three crashes in recent years — including a rollover — plus speeding and kids in the neighborhood prompted this request. The city engineer backed stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic on 22nd due to a sight obstruction on the southwest corner.
No parking near Holy Family Memorial on Riverview Drive and Meadow Lane
Holy Family Memorial asked the city to ban parking near its loading dock so semi-trucks can back in safely after several close calls. Only six on-street spots are affected and the hospital lot has room to spare; a neighbor also asked for a no-parking sign in front of Core Treatment Services.
Parking and speeding at the S. 35th Street and Lindbergh Drive curve
A resident wanted parking banned at the sharp 45-degree curve, but neighbors pushed back hard, saying parked cars actually slow drivers down and removing them would invite speeding. The committee agreed, denying the ban and backing a cheap painted center line instead.
E. Albert Drive reconstruction design
A contract amendment with the DOT and JT Engineering keeps the E. Albert Drive reconstruction design on track.
10th Street Streetscape Project (Chicago to Washington)
The council awarded the 10th Street (Chicago–Washington) streetscape project to Vinton Construction for $119,767.
Stop sign removal at N. 14th and New York Avenue
At Jeff Vogel's request, the council voted unanimously to take down the stop sign at North 14th and New York Avenue.
2027 paving request for Summit Street area
Popp Enterprises asked to get Summit Street and South 19th Street paved in 2027; the council approved adding it to next year's wish list.
Traffic concerns on Columbus Street
A resident reported drag racing, crashes, and dangerous uncontrolled intersections near the high school on Columbus Street and asked for stop or yield signs.