Bill Schley elected Manitowoc common council president in 6–4 vote
April 17, 2024 | Manitowoc, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
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Alderman Bill Schley was elected president of the Manitowoc Common Council in a 6–4 roll-call vote during the council’s organizational meeting. The clerk reported six votes for Schley and four for Brett Vanderkin, and the mayor announced Schley as council president; the clerk then administered the oath for the office.
Alderman Eric Sikwitz nominated Schley, praising his leadership across committees and his ability to build consensus. "I think Bill has really taken a leadership role of the council," Sikwitz said, citing Schley’s work on the board of review and committee leadership.
Schley, speaking on his nomination, outlined his municipal experience and availability for the role. Alderman Bill Schley said he had chaired the public safety committee, served on personnel and finance committees and worked previously as a gubernatorial and congressional aide, adding that those roles helped him learn procedures and build working relationships with city department directors. "I have a unique schedule...my management allows me to set my own schedule on my own time knowing that I was an alder," Schley said, explaining his ability to meet the time demands of the presidency.
Alderman Todd Rekelberg nominated Brett Vanderkin and described Vanderkin’s involvement in revising the city’s sign ordinance and outreach to vendors and merchants. Vanderkin also spoke briefly about prioritizing transparency and substantive debate.
After the roll call — conducted in order by aldermanic district — the clerk confirmed the tally (6 votes for Schley, 4 for Vanderkin) and the mayor invited Schley to the dais to be sworn in. Schley took the oath for President of the Common Council and was congratulated by colleagues.
The council then proceeded to a drawing for seats and continued its organizational business. The council’s next regular meeting was announced for May 20, when members will also take a group photo.
Action taken: election of council president (Bill Schley) by roll-call vote, outcome: approved (6–4).
Alderman Eric Sikwitz nominated Schley, praising his leadership across committees and his ability to build consensus. "I think Bill has really taken a leadership role of the council," Sikwitz said, citing Schley’s work on the board of review and committee leadership.
Schley, speaking on his nomination, outlined his municipal experience and availability for the role. Alderman Bill Schley said he had chaired the public safety committee, served on personnel and finance committees and worked previously as a gubernatorial and congressional aide, adding that those roles helped him learn procedures and build working relationships with city department directors. "I have a unique schedule...my management allows me to set my own schedule on my own time knowing that I was an alder," Schley said, explaining his ability to meet the time demands of the presidency.
Alderman Todd Rekelberg nominated Brett Vanderkin and described Vanderkin’s involvement in revising the city’s sign ordinance and outreach to vendors and merchants. Vanderkin also spoke briefly about prioritizing transparency and substantive debate.
After the roll call — conducted in order by aldermanic district — the clerk confirmed the tally (6 votes for Schley, 4 for Vanderkin) and the mayor invited Schley to the dais to be sworn in. Schley took the oath for President of the Common Council and was congratulated by colleagues.
The council then proceeded to a drawing for seats and continued its organizational business. The council’s next regular meeting was announced for May 20, when members will also take a group photo.
Action taken: election of council president (Bill Schley) by roll-call vote, outcome: approved (6–4).
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