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stormwater management

Storm runoff, drainage fixes, and flood and leak-related water flow issues

What to Watch
Whether the city shares the grant amount, any required local match, and a clearer map/timeline for Mariners Trail work at upcoming utility discussions.
Coming Up
The Story

The clearest recent move: City Council voted 7-0 to apply for a state DNR stormwater grant tied to Mariners Trail runoff and pollution-control work. Next up, the Public Utilities Committee has stormwater utility updates on its June 1 agenda.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 7-0 City Council · Apr 20, 2026

    26-067 Resolution Authorizing 2026/27 DNR Non-Point Source and Storm Grant Application

    Motion to adopt the resolution.

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
  2. passed Public Utilities Committee · Mar 2, 2026

    Annual MS4 Repot - Overview

    Motion to authorize Director Heckenlaible to sign the 2025 MS4 Annual Stormwater Report and submit it to the WDNR by the end of March 2026

  3. passed Public Utilities Committee · Mar 2, 2026

    Annual MS4 Repot - Overview

    Motion to authorize Director Heckenlaible to sign the 2025 MS4 Annual Stormwater Report and submit it to the WDNR by the end of March 2026

  4. passed 6-0 Plan Commission · Dec 8, 2025

    Request for a Conditional Use Permit for the operation of self-storage units, located at Columbus Street, Parcel No. 202-201-010-9, in Industrial District I-2, submitted by Brian Backler

    Motion made to recommend approval of the CUP to the City Council.

    Adam Wachowski Yes
    Pat Klein Yes
    Matt Heckenlaible Yes
    Kristin Lee Yes
    Kay Koach Yes
    Rick Inman Yes
Record

  1. Staff and consultants (Stantec) presented research and early planning concepts related to erosion, flooding, and long-term shoreline management.

    Joint Meeting of Plan Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, Advisory Recreation Board, & City Council

  2. Attendees reviewed concept boards showing possible shoreline protection, park enhancements, access improvements, and upgrades to waysides along Mariners Trail and Memorial Drive.

    Joint Meeting of Plan Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, Advisory Recreation Board, & City Council

  3. The session was used for feedback; the team said it would review comments, refine concepts, and return with updates, including more concrete options and cost estimates later.

    Joint Meeting of Plan Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, Advisory Recreation Board, & City Council

  4. A Plan Commission agenda included a request for a zoning variance to operate self-storage units on Columbus Street (Parcel No. 202-201-010-9) in Industrial District I-2, submitted by Brian Backler.

    Plan Commission

  5. Staff reported a mismatch between drinking water sent out (about 1 MGD) and wastewater received at the plant (about 2 MGD), presented as evidence of stormwater entering the sewer system (inflow/infiltration).

    Environmental Advisory Board

  6. Staff said wastewater flows spike during spring thaw and heavy rain and take days to settle, which they said points to leaks and stormwater getting into the sewer system.

    Environmental Advisory Board

  7. Staff said there was no immediate operational crisis related to the extra flow.

    Environmental Advisory Board

  8. Staff stated their current approach is to treat the extra water because they believe it is cheaper than a full-scale fix, focusing on obvious low-cost repairs and trying to measure any reduction.

    Environmental Advisory Board

  9. A Public Utilities Committee agenda included an item titled “Storm water utility: updates and action, as needed.”

    Public Utilities Committee

  10. That same agenda included an item titled “Annual MS4 report - overview.”

    Public Utilities Committee

  11. That same agenda included an item titled “Urban non-point stormwater grant update.”

    Public Utilities Committee

  12. City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City to apply for 2026/27 Wisconsin DNR Non-Point Source and Storm grant funding for stormwater/pollution-control work, including authority to execute required agreements and handle compliance requirements if the grant is awarded.

    City Council

  13. The resolution passed 7-0.

    City Council

  14. The meeting summary stated the grant-funded work would continue stormwater management improvements planned with Stantec along Mariners Trail.

    City Council
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