Manitowoc · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Manitowoc public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Franklin Street Reconstruction
A $16,952 pay estimate was approved for RA Smith's ongoing Franklin Street reconstruction work.
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.
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.
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.
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.