stormwater management

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

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

The meeting functioned as a feedback session; the team said it would review comments, refine concepts, and return with updates at future meetings, with more concrete options and costs expected later.

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.

The resolution authorizing the DNR stormwater grant application passed 7-0.

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

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 inflow/infiltration and stormwater entering the sewer system.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

That same Public Utilities Committee agenda included an item titled “Annual MS4 report - overview.”

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

An agenda item titled “Storm water utility: updates and action, as needed — Annual MS4 report - overview” appeared, without documented minutes details in the available record.

Public Utilities Committee included “Storm water utility: updates and action as needed” for updates and any needed action, without a specific topic listed.