MANITOWOC – Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors is asking legislators for the state of Wisconsin to provide increased mental health funding for county governments in the state's 2025-2027 biennial budget.
The resolution states: "Manitowoc County is concerned that the public mental health system in Wisconsin is in need of additional resources to respond appropriately to the needs of individuals with persistent mental illness as well as those experiencing a mental health crisis."
The resolution was passed unanimously during the Sept. 17 county board meeting.
During that meeting, Supervisor Jim Brey said the resolution was important because it shows state legislators that voters are watching what they do.
"It shows our legislators that we are looking at this stuff and we're going to be watching them regardless of what side of the aisle they're on. These things are important for local government," Brey said.
County governments are responsible for carrying out state mandates and requirements for the medical assistance program and the community support programs . The resolution states that funding from the state has not kept pace over the years with the increased costs for services of the Community Support Programs and crisis intervention.
Manitowoc listening session with council member Brett Norell takes place tonight
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels and council member Brett Norell, the Common Council representative for District 9, will host a listening session at City Hall at 6 p.m. Oct. 9.
Nickels said in a September Facebook post that there will be listening sessions with all 10 council members this year.
District 8 council member Bill Schlei hosted a listening session in September and District 7 council member Tim Boldt hosted a listening session in August.
St. Nazianz receives federal funding for wastewater treatment plant updates
The village of St. Nazianz will receive a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will be used in updating the infrastructure of the wastewater treatment plant and increasing the plant's efficiency.
According to the USDA, the wastewater treatment plant was built in 1980 and has had several modifications to its sludge storage and pumping system over the years. Now, more improvements are necessary for operation control, effluent quality and compliance to meet the Northeast Lakeshore phosphorus total maximum daily load compliance limits.
St. Nazianz's wastewater treatment plant is one of 116 projects in the nation getting funds from the USDA to "expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, safe drinking water and good-paying jobs for people in rural and tribal communities," according to a news release from the USDA.
Citizens invited to take survey on Manitowoc Zoning Code
City of Manitowoc is looking for residents to provide input on the city's zoning code.
According to a news release, "the survey is intended to build on the vision in the Comprehensive Plan and implement the vision in the future development of the city."
The zoning code determines what is allowed to be developed on all properties within the city, including what can happen, where, and how big or small buildings and land uses can be.
The code also organizes the city into neighborhoods, downtown, commercial corridors, industrial areas and more.
The survey will be available at manitowoc.org/zoning-survey through Oct. 18 and all responses are anonymous.
For more information, call the city of Manitowoc Community Development Office at 920-686-6930.
Grant assists Two Rivers in Neshotah Park improvement project
The city of Two Rivers Parks & Recreation Department was awarded a $209,500 grant from the Department of Natural Resources Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program .
The grant, which requires a one-to-one match from the city, will help fund a $419,000 project to improve access and recreation at Neshotah Park .
The improvements include replacing tennis courts on 21st Street with native plants and pollinator gardens, a pedestrian trail from the concession stand to Garfield Street, a pedestrian trail from 21st Street to the beach along Pierce Street, expanded parking along Pierce Street, native plants and stormwater swales along Pierce Street, two new picnic shelters, renovation of the restroom near the horseshoe pits, interpretative and wayfinding signage throughout the park.
The city also plans to resurface Pierce Street from 21st Street to Zlatnik Street in addition to the park improvements.
Fall leaf pickup schedule released for Manitowoc and Two Rivers
Manitowoc
Leaf pickup has already started in Manitowoc and will continue through Nov. 22, depending on the weather. Residents who live on a street with a parking lane should place their leaves in the parking lane. Residents who live on a street without a parking lane should place their leaves on the terrace between the curb and the sidewalk. Leaf pickup happens in conjunction with street sweeping between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. There is a residential parking ban during that same time on the day of street sweeping. No brush or garden waste will be picked up during that time.
Two Rivers
Leaf pickup will be Oct. 15-Dec. 1, depending on the weather. Residents are asked to place their leaves in the street gutter and not on the terrace area between the curb and the sidewalk. Bagged leaves, branches, sod and other yard waste will not be collected.
Local government meetings
Find the latest on local government meetings at these links:
More info: City of Manitowoc meetings
More info: Manitowoc County meetings
More info: Manitowoc Public School District meetings
More info: City of Two Rivers meetings
More info: Two Rivers Public Schools meetings
Have a story tip or public interest concern? Contact Alisa M. Schafer at aschafer@gannett.com . "Watchdog Wednesday" is a weekly series that aims to give you the news you need to stay on top of local government .
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County calls for more mental health funding from state, and 5 more local government updates
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