HIGHWAY COMMITTEE MINUTES 4-14-2026

HIGHWAY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 14th, 2026 The Manitowoc County Highway Committee convened into an open session at The Manitowoc County Highway Department, Conference Room, 3500 STH 310, Manitowoc, Wisconsin at 4:00 P.M. on this 14th day of April, 2026. Supervisor Behnke, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Roll Call: Supervisors Kevin Behnke, Lee Engelbrecht, Susie Maresh, Scott Schiesl, Matthew Phipps. Excused: None Also Present: Commissioner Greg Grotegut, and County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer. Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Phipps, made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 17th, 2026 meeting, seconded by Supervisor Schiesl. Motion carried. Regular Business: (Public Comment): None County V – Variance Request for Non-Conforming Building (2109 CTH V) Grotegut presented maps identifying the location of the nonconforming structure within the public right-of-way. The current property owner is requesting authorization to reconstruct or repair a wall that had collapsed. The Committee engaged in discussion regarding the request, the applicable variance standards, and the potential legal consequences that granting such a variance may create. Upon conclusion of deliberations, Supervisor Phipps moved to deny the variance request. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Schiesl. Motion carried. Property Transfer from Manitowoc County to Town of Gibson – Zander Road Grotegut shared documentation for 3 separate properties that the county currently owns around a Town of Gibson bridge on Zander Road. Grotegut explained that this property should be transferred back to the town at no cost due to the town paying for the initial cost of these properties. Discussion continued. A motion was made to transfer the property at no cost to the Town of Gibson for all 3 properties by Supervisor Engelbrecht and seconded by Supervisor Schiesl. Motion carried. Project Updates Following Bid Opening Grotegut provided an update regarding anticipated savings from recently received bids. Grotegut stated that, due to the size and scope of the projects and the potential for unforeseen conditions, the budget allocations will remain in place for each project until completion. Grotegut further reported that the roof replacement project at the Manitowoc shop is currently in progress. Equipment Request for 2027 Grotegut shared the 2027 equipment request form. Grotegut stated that the department is transitioning to V-box spreaders in order to reduce salt usage and increase the use of brine. Grotegut further noted that this style of spreader provides a significant safety improvement, as operators are currently required to raise spreader boxes on I-43 during storm events. The committee engaged in discussion regarding the requests. Supervisor Schiesl moved to approve the request, and Supervisor Engelbrecht seconded the motion. Upon a vote, Supervisor Phipps voted in opposition, and the motion carried. Safety Meeting Update Grotegut provided an overview of the MSHA training and hands-on training in which all employees participated. Grotegut stated that the training went well and noted that Supervisor Behnke stopped in to observe the training. Supervisor Behnke stated that a number of new employees require training and that additional time will be needed for staff to achieve efficiency. Safe Streets and Roads for All Program Grotegut shared a fact sheet regarding the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Grotegut stated that the program supports the development of a comprehensive safety plan identifying future projects that may be eligible for federal funding. Grotegut further noted that this funding structure is similar to the manner in which airport funding is allocated. Grotegut indicated that additional information will be provided at the May meeting. 2026 Spring Commissioner Committee Agenda Grotegut shared information regarding the commissioners committee meeting to be held in Brown County this year and provided an overview of the agenda. Grotegut requested that any committee members interested in participating notify him by May 10th. Airport Lease Approvals Grotegut presented three ground leases for hangars. A motion was made by Supervisor Phipps to approve Hanger 1615, Charles Haataja lease, seconded by Supervisor Schiesl. The motion carried. A motion was made by Supervisor Phipps to approve Hanger 1609, Dan Hilmer lease, seconded by Supervisor Engelbrecht. The motion carried. A motion was made by Supervisor Phipps to approve Hanger 1613, Julie Hartlaub lease, seconded by Supervisor Maresh. The motion carried. Vouchers Motion was made by Supervisor Maresh to approve the vouchers and seconded by Supervisor Phipps. Motion carried. Next Meeting Date Will be announced after new committees are formed. Tentatively May 12th, 2026 Adjournment Supervisor Maresh made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Schiesl. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:49 p.m. Submitted by: Gregory M. Grotegut Highway Commissioner