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wastewater utility planning

Managing sewers, treatment, and stormwater to protect local waterways.

What to Watch
Whether the pipe-lining schedule and the regional Sewer Service Area Plan update timeline stay on track, and whether any future sewer rate changes are discussed.
Coming Up
The Story

The wastewater utility’s near-term work has centered on pipe-lining (sewer rehab) and a planned leadership handoff, with the lead operator expected to step into the superintendent role in early May 2026. Council has also approved up to $1.835 million in a rate-backed loan for sewer replacements and pipe-lining in multiple areas. Next up is a routine wastewater plant compliance resolution on the June 1 City Council consent agenda.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 8-0 City Council · Feb 2, 2026

    26-020 Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Up To $1,835,579 Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, and Providing for Other Details and Covenants with Respect Thereto, and Approval of Related Financial Assistance Agreement

    Motion to waive reading and adopt the resolution authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Up To $1,835,579 Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, and Providing for Other Details and Covenants with Respect Thereto, and Approval of Related Financial Assistance Agreement

    Doug Brandt Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Bonnie Shimulunas Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
Record

  1. A Public Utilities Committee agenda included an item titled “Wastewater Utility: Updates and Action.”

    Public Utilities Committee

  2. A Public Utilities Committee agenda included another item titled “Wastewater Utility: Updates and Action.”

    Public Utilities Committee

  3. Staff introduced Shawn Taddy as the new Lead Operator and said he is expected to step into the Superintendent role in early May 2026.

    Public Utilities Committee

  4. Staff said a citywide pipe-lining (sewer rehab) project is expected to start in late January or early February.

    Public Utilities Committee

  5. Staff said the regional Sewer Service Area Plan update is aiming for completion in early 2026, with the main change described as Kossuth Sanitary District (Rockwood) shifting discharge to Manitowoc along County Trunk R.

    Public Utilities Committee

  6. The topic appeared on the Environmental Advisory Board agenda.

    Environmental Advisory Board

  7. City Council approved issuing up to $1,835,579 in sewerage system revenue bonds through the Wisconsin Clean Water Fund at a stated 2.475% interest rate (rate-backed loan).

    City Council

  8. The council vote on the borrowing resolution was 8-0, and it passed.

    City Council

  9. The borrowing was described as funding sanitary sewer replacements on Harbor, 16th, and Emmet; lead service sanitary laterals; and pipe-lining (sewer rehab technique) in various locations.

    City Council

  10. The resolution materials state the borrowing is payable solely from sewer system revenues and does not constitute general obligation debt of the City.

    City Council

  11. A City Council agenda listed “26-105 Compliance Maintenance Resolution for Wastewater Treatment Plant” on the consent agenda.

    City Council
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