Public Meetings - Appleton, Wisconsin

The Appleton Common Council met on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Jake Woodford called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. Fifteen alderpersons were present, with Alderperson Patti Heffernan absent. The council approved the January 15, 2025 meeting minutes, confirmed committee appointments, heard public comment, voted on an operator license and a library grant, referred a budget item back to committee, and entered closed session to discuss a potential north side development investment. Consent Calendar - Approved the Common Council meeting minutes of January 15, 2025 (vote 14-0, Mayor abstaining). - Confirmed committee appointments (vote 14-0, Mayor abstaining). - Approved the balance of the agenda as presented (vote 14-0, Mayor abstaining), which included multiple committee recommendations: Hilton Appleton Paper Valley permanent occupancy and sign permits; acceptance of a $576,000 Wisconsin DOT Signals and ITS Standalone Program (SISP) grant; parking changes on Emmers Dr and Schaefer St by East High School; parking changes on Lightning Dr by Fire Station 6; denial of an operator license for Kelly Arndt; various tobacco/vaping and alcohol license renewals; an emergency sodium hypochlorite tank replacement resolution; a sole-source purchase of emergency generator control equipment for $653,837 (with contingency, total not to exceed $700,000); a sole-source contract for WWTP hydroblasting not to exceed $30,000; and a contract award to Norcon Corporation for Lawe Street Bridge repairs in the amount of $203,946 (with 10% contingency, total not to exceed $224,340.60). Public Comments & Testimony - Katherine Neubert (5138 N Mayflower Dr) spoke in support of her operator license application (Item 24-1496). She acknowledged a DWI and stated she had completed AODA assessments, safe driving courses, and a drinking driver course. She noted that additional documentation from her probation officer was requested but the probation office no longer provides such letters. She stated she holds an operator's license in the Town of Grand Chute and said, "I have definitely learned my lesson." Discussion Items - Operator License for Katherine Neubert (24-1496): Alderperson Croatt expressed concerns about the police department's recommendation to deny and uncertainty about rehabilitation documentation. Attorney Barons clarified that the city attorney's office believed the submitted documentation was "substantially compliant" and could support approval. Alderperson Doran sought further clarification on whether the council was required to approve; the attorney reiterated that the decision rested with the council. The council voted 12-2 to approve the license, with Alderpersons Smith and Croatt voting no. - Non-State Grant Award for Library Project (25-0021): The council considered accepting a $274,000 grant for the library project. Alderperson Hartzheim proposed an amendment stating that after final invoices are paid, any excess funds would be available for future capital projects to reduce the financial burden for local taxpayers. Director Gaza and Director Roertvit (via Alderperson Van Zeeland) explained the grant was specific to the library and a reimbursement for funds already expended. Alderperson Fenton rhetorically asked whether excess funds raised by the Friends of the Library would be returned; the response was that additional funds would be at the Friends' discretion. Alderperson Firkus argued that unspent project funds already revert to other projects through normal processes and that the amendment would feed a negative perception. The amendment failed on a vote of 3-11 (Ayes: Hartzheim, Croatt, Doran). The main motion to accept the grant and approve the budget amendment passed 12-2, with Hartzheim and Doran voting no. - Referral of 25-0020 (CEA Capital Projects Grant): Alderperson Doran requested that Item 25-0020 (Federally-funded EECGB grant and associated budget amendment, +$134,180 each) be referred back to the Finance Committee due to unanswered questions. No objections were raised, and the item was referred back. Key Outcomes - Approved operator license for Katherine Neubert (12-2, with Smith and Croatt opposed). - Approved the $274,000 non-state grant and budget amendment for the library project (12-2, with Hartzheim and Doran opposed). - Referred Item 25-0020 (EECGB grant) back to the Finance Committee. - Resolutions submitted: Alderperson Siebers submitted Resolution 1-R-25 endorsing the Appleton Fire Department's application to increase medical service level to paramedic non-transport, which was referred to the Safety and Licensing Committee. Closed Session - The council unanimously (14-0) voted to enter closed session at 7:39 PM under Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate potential investment of public funds for a development project on the city's north side. The council reconvened into open session at 8:52 PM. No action was taken in closed session. Alderperson Wolff left at 8:28 PM and was excused from the final vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 PM.

The Common Council met on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, with Alder Schultz delivering an invocation reflecting on national transitions and the California wildfires. The meeting covered routine approvals, public testimony on a contested liquor license, referral of that license back to committee, approval of the consent agenda, and a closed session for downtown land disposition. Consent Calendar - Approval of Previous Minutes: The minutes of the December 18, 2024, Common Council meeting were approved unanimously (voice vote). - Confirmation of Appointment – CDBG Advisory Committee (Item 25-0010): The mayor's appointment to the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee was confirmed without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Papenfuss (owner, Violet Social Club Salon, 823 W College Ave) and Elise Ronsman (stylist at the salon) spoke in opposition to the Class "B" Beer and Reserve "Class B" Liquor license for Delaire's LLC (d/b/a Delaire's, agent David Boulanger) at 823 W. College Ave. They argued the applicant had misrepresented the business as a spiked coffee bar in earlier communications and on plans, but later changed the name to a "gaming lounge." They cited associations with illegal gambling machines, referenced a similar application denied in Grafton, WI, and expressed safety concerns about sharing bathrooms and parking with bar patrons. They requested stipulations that would revoke the license if gambling machines were introduced. Discussion Items - Referral of Delaire's Liquor License (Item 24-0420): Alder Siebers moved to refer the license application back to the Safety and Licensing Committee, stating he had supported the license in committee based on an expectation that stipulations would be added tonight, but none were presented. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (voice vote, no opposition). The item will appear on the next Safety and Licensing Committee agenda. Key Outcomes - License Referral: The Delaire's liquor license was referred back to the Safety and Licensing Committee for further consideration, likely to develop written conditions. - Balance of Agenda Approved: All remaining committee reports and items (including contracts for illicit discharge screening, materials testing, a temporary occupancy permit, other license renewals, contract amendments, and CDBG funding allocations) were approved as a block by a roll call vote of 12-0. - Closed Session: The council voted unanimously (roll call 12-0) to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate on the disposition of public land in the Downtown District. No further business was conducted after closed session, and the meeting adjourned.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no discussion, public comments, or decisions can be summarized. Consent Calendar - No items available. Public Comments & Testimony - None recorded. Discussion Items - None. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions documented.

The Common Council of Appleton met on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Jake Woodford presided. Thirteen alderpersons were present; three were excused. The meeting included presentations, approvals of routine items, discussion on selected agenda items, and a closed session on a proposed development. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of the December 4, 2024 Common Council meeting minutes (passed 12-0). - Confirmation of appointment to a city board/committee (passed 12-0). - Parade Committee Awards Presentation – Recognized winners of the 2024 Christmas Parade: Appleton International Airport (Bernie Perlman Memorial Trophy), Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley (Best Non-Commercial), and Rennis Health/Rehab Center (Best Commercial). - Balance of the agenda (all remaining committee recommendations) approved 12-0, including: - Morrison Street Asphalt Reconstruction traffic calming design changes. - 2025 contract for closed landfill operation/maintenance/monitoring to SCS Engineers ($76,361). - Sole source purchase for various traffic equipment/technologies. - Operator license denial for Crystal Williams (Safety & Licensing Committee recommended denial). - 2025 secondhand/pawnbroker license renewals. - Alcohol license applications for Sushi Lover, Missfits Tavern, and Mad Elephant. - Police Department sole source purchase for load bearing vests. - Fire Department grant application and purchase of cardiac monitors. - Contract extension for BMC ARPA Grant Administration. - Development Agreement for Lumbini Estates (Saket, LLC). - Write-off of $49,609.68 in accounts receivable and $23,407.02 in personal property taxes. - Organic recycling contract extension with Hsu Growing Supply through 2025. - Stormwater management plan review contracts (Brown & Caldwell $80,000; raSmith $30,000). - N-24 spot repairs contract to Aqualis ($129,512.50). - Amendment to K-24 native vegetation contract (increase of $15,000 to $207,345.12). - Contract amendment 2 for wastewater treatment plant project ($18,900). - Engineering services contract for water tower coating projects to Dixon Engineering ($139,094 total). - Over hire for Deputy Director Human Resources position. - Intermunicipal agreements for specialized transportation services with Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet counties, City of Neenah, and Village of Fox Crossing (contingent on their approvals). Discussion Items - Water Rate Study Consultant (Item 24-1598): The council approved hiring Trilogy as the water rate study consultant (passed 12-0). During discussion, Alderperson Hartzheim questioned the selection of the second most expensive consultant. Director Ullman explained that factors such as proposal quality, references, and prior work were considered, and the total score included pricing. The budget for the study and PSC fees is $100,000, with approximately $50,000 estimated for the consultant. - Strategic Guide Facilitation Services (Item 24-1546): Approved hiring CP2 Consulting (passed 11-1). Alderperson Hartzheim was the sole nay vote; no discussion recorded. - Lawe Street Reconstruction Relocation Order (Item 24-1569): Approved (passed 12-0). Alderperson Schultz requested details on eminent domain acquisitions, noting many temporary limited easements. Director Youngworth explained that all but two parcels involve temporary easements needed for regrading behind sidewalks as required by DOT. Communication with property owners was handled over the past year, with generally agreeable responses. Key Outcomes - Water rate study consultant contract awarded to Trilogy (12-0). - Strategic guide facilitation contract awarded to CP2 Consulting (11-1). - Relocation order for Lawe Street reconstruction approved (12-0). - Closed session held from 7:22 PM to 8:17 PM to negotiate items related to the proposed Valley Transit Mixed Use Development; no action was taken in closed session. - Alderperson Schultz noted that the Environmental Task Force meeting at 6:00 PM that evening was not widely publicized; staff will coordinate with the task force chair to improve communication. - Meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM.

The Appleton Common Council met on December 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM with an invocation delivered by Alder Meltzer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. The meeting proceeded with routine items and concluded swiftly, with all agenda items approved without debate or public comment. Consent Calendar (Approved en bloc via Balance of the Agenda) - Approval of Previous Minutes: The minutes from the November 20, 2024 Common Council meeting were approved. - Mayor's Appointments: The mayor presented a list of committee appointments and reappointments (Item 24-1520); the council confirmed the appointments. - Committee Reports and Action Items: All committee reports were accepted and associated action items approved without discussion, including: - Request to approve the revised Reid Golf Course Rates Policy (Parks & Recreation Committee). - Award of Unit Z-25 Water Main Reconstruction (Ballard Rd at I-41) to Advance Construction, Inc. for $366,302 (plus $30,000 contingency, total not to exceed $396,302). - Award of the AWWTP Painting and Crack Sealing Project to Masonry Restoration, Inc. for $103,235 (plus $15,485 contingency, total not to exceed $118,720). - Ordinances: Ordinances 169-24 through 171-24 were adopted. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public signed up to speak on agenda items; no comments were offered. Key Outcomes - All appointments on the mayor's list were confirmed. - The balance of the agenda (including committee reports, contract awards, policy approval, and ordinances) was approved by a unanimous vote of 12 to 0. - No items were held or pulled for separate discussion. - The meeting adjourned shortly after the votes, with no other business conducted. Note: The session was brief and entirely routine, with no debates, public hearings, or special resolutions.

The Common Council of Appleton, Wisconsin, met on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Jake Woodford called the meeting to order; Alderperson Fenton offered the invocation. All department heads were present, and 15 alderpersons attended, with Alderperson Alfheim excused. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM. The council approved minutes, heard public testimony on stormwater flooding, approved a stormwater evaluation contract, amended and approved a sludge density meter purchase, approved the balance of agenda items en bloc, and adopted an ordinance. Consent Calendar - Previous meeting minutes: Minutes of the November 6, 2024, and November 13, 2024 (budget adoption) meetings were approved by a 14-0 vote; Mayor Woodford abstained and Alderperson Alfheim was excused. - Balance of agenda: The council voted 14-0 to approve all remaining action items from committee reports. These included: - Single-source contract with Desman Design Management for 2025 parking ramp repairs and maintenance for the Red, Yellow, and Green ramps, not to exceed $96,370. - Long-term temporary occupancy permit for a dumpster in a parking lane at 213 E. College Ave., from 11/28/2024 through 1/31/2025. - Amendment 1 to the 2024 Materials Testing Contract with Westwood Professional Services, increasing the contract by $100,000 to a total not exceeding $200,000. - Traffic Signal Control and Management Software Expansion service contract with Traffic Control Corporation, $102,210 plus $5,000 contingency. - Approval of Mosaic Family Health Inc. purchased parking in the Yellow Ramp. - Sole source purchase of four high service pump check valves from Dorner Company: $154,776 plus 2% contingency of $3,096, total not to exceed $157,872. - Two-year extension of the audit services contract with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for 2024 and 2025 at $81,700 and $82,500, respectively. - Change Order No. 1 to B-24 Asphalt Paving for additional sidewalk replacement in the amount of $69,212.25, reducing contingency from $50,000 to $0 and raising the contract from $1,407,816.40 to $1,477,028.65. - Extension of the purchase date to February 28, 2025, under the Phase II Development Agreement with Merge LLC for the mixed-use development on the southeast corner of W. Washington Street and N. Appleton Street in TIF District No. 11. - Single-source award to Brown and Caldwell for 2024C Stormwater Quality Modeling, not to exceed $53,620. - Amendment 3 to the 2024A Stormwater Management Plan Review Contract with Brown and Caldwell, increasing the contract by $115,000 to a total not exceeding $228,000. - Award recommendation for the WisGo Fare Collection System from the Fox Cities Transit Commission. - Three Board of Health policies: Succession of Delegation of Authority, Creation and Maintenance of Policies, and Creation and Maintenance of Procedures. Public Comments & Testimony Six residents spoke about flooding in the Northland Creek and Bellaire watershed area and requested approval of the stormwater evaluation and follow-through on actual infrastructure fixes. Their comments focused on the July 5 and July 13, 2024 storm events. - Lisa Clausen, 907 E. Pershing St., said her street floods at least twice a year and has worsened over time. She cited a 2013 study estimating $16 million in needed fixes that was rejected as too expensive and said residents are frustrated after years of unmet promises. She asked the council to approve the study and then implement a solution. - James Baer, 1800 E. Northland Ave., said his business sustained over $200,000 in damage on July 5 after contract work on Memorial Park severed his two six-inch drain pipes and did not reattach them. He said city staff initially promised follow-up but never returned, leaving him without answers after three and a half months. - Rachel Peterson, 2701 N. Viola St., described 80,000 gallons of water entering her basement in five minutes, resulting in seven feet of water and four inches of mud, with total costs likely reaching $80,000 and no insurance coverage. She said this was not a 100-year storm and that an earlier city study showed the stormwater system is not sufficient for even a 25-year storm. She urged the council to invest in preventative infrastructure. - Dexter Peterson, 2701 N. Viola St., read a letter from a neighbor at 2700 N. Viola St. asking the council to approve the funds needed to evaluate ways to eliminate or reduce the risk of a recurrence. - Mary Peeples, 2528 N. Viola St., said her family's finished basement used for adult foster care was devastated by sewage backup after manhole covers were opened; repairs took months and displaced their client. She said the city's silence after the event was 'deafening' and asked the study to focus on solutions because the problem is already clear. - Tracy Haack, 2708 N. Viola St., said she had nine feet of water in her basement, more than $60,000 in damage, and two full dumpsters of lost possessions. She noted that homeowners insurance did not cover the loss because the home is not in a floodplain, and she asked the council to remember the cost of inaction and to act on the study's findings. Discussion Items - 24-1444 - Northland Creek and Bellaire Watersheds Stormwater Evaluation: Alderperson Croatt thanked the residents for sharing their stories and acknowledged that future solutions could be very expensive, likely in the millions. Director Youngworth said the city plans a kickoff meeting in December 2024 using 2024 funds and that the evaluation will take many months, while smaller interim improvements like upsizing storm sewer pipes and changing yard drains could proceed before the full study is complete. - 24-1457 - Sludge density meter purchase: City Attorney Barons explained a name correction: Allied Instrument was the sales representative, but the contracting company is Berthold Technologies; price and scope were unchanged. The council voted to amend the item to reflect the correct company name, then approved the item as amended. Alderperson Croatt questioned the difference between the $53,342 purchase amount and the $54,000 budget amendment; Director Omen said any excess funds would remain in unspent utility fund balances. Key Outcomes - Approved the November 6 and November 13, 2024 council minutes (14-0, Mayor abstaining, Alderperson Alfheim excused). - Approved the single-source contract with Brown and Caldwell for the Northland Creek and Bellaire Watersheds Stormwater Evaluation in an amount not to exceed $301,200 (14-0). - Amended item 24-1457 to change the contractor name to Berthold Technologies, and then approved the $53,342 sludge density meter purchase with the $54,000 budget amendment (both 14-0). - Approved the balance of the agenda in one motion (14-0) covering all remaining committee report items listed above. - Approved Ordinance 168-24 by a 13-1 vote, with Alderperson Hartzheim voting no. - Adjourned at 7:40 PM.

The Appleton Common Council held a special session on November 13, 2024, to adopt the 2025 Executive Budget & Service Plan. The meeting began at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 6:11 PM. After convening as a Committee of the Whole (acting as the Finance Committee) to consider the Finance Committee's recommendations from the November 2 Budget Saturday workshop, the Council approved the budget resolution by a 12–1 vote. A motion to reconsider the Committee's report failed unanimously, finalizing the budget. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - The Council suspended its rules (13–0) to enter the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Alderperson Brad Firkus, to review the November 2 Budget Saturday workshop minutes and all department and fund budgets. - All 40+ individual budgets (Police, Fire, Library, Public Works, Parks, IT, Water, Wastewater, etc.) were approved as recommended by the Finance Committee with no additional amendments. One amendment from the Budget Saturday workshop – a $25,352 adjustment in the Library budget decreasing part-time wages and increasing fringes – had already been incorporated. - Finance Director Ullman read the 2025 Budget Resolution, which included: - General fund property tax levy: $39,293,263 - Debt service levy: $13,875,500 - Special revenue fund levy: $2,092,000 - Authorization to sell $11,301,180 in general obligation promissory notes or bonds - Authorization to sell $11,000,000 in revenue-supported bonds for water, sewer, and stormwater projects - Alderperson Chad Doran voted against the budget resolution; no other discussion occurred on the floor. Mayor Woodford thanked the Common Council, Finance Department staff (especially Director Ullman’s team working shorthanded), and department heads for their efforts. Key Outcomes - 2025 Budget Resolution adopted (12–1): Ayes – Siebers, Meltzer, Firkus, Smith, Van Zeeland, Fenton, Hayden, Jones, Alfheim, Wolff, Hartzheim, Croatt. Nay – Doran. Excused: Heffernan. Absent: Schultz. Mayor Woodford abstained. - Motion to reconsider the Report of the Committee of the Whole failed (13–0), ending the budget process. - The meeting adjourned at 6:11 PM.

The Appleton Common Council met on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 7:03 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public participation, a public hearing, committee reports, and a reconsideration of a smoking prohibition ordinance. Most items were approved with broad support, with notable votes on the 2025 Special Event Policy (12–1) and the smoking prohibition around the Valley Transit Center and Appleton Public Library (11–2 after reconsideration). The council also entered closed session to discuss real estate negotiations, reconvening without action. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (October 16, 2024): Approved 13–0 (Mayor abstained). - Proclamations: Recognized Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Youth HOPE Month, Native American Heritage Month, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Awareness Day, Appleton High School DECA Week, Crash Responder Safety Week, and Small Business Saturday. - Committee Reports (Balance of Agenda): All remaining items from committee reports were approved en bloc 13–0, including: - Occupancy permit extensions for Boldt LU/Trout College/Drew and Kimball Street. - Taxicab license renewal for L&M Carriage Service. - Three sets of municipal code text amendments (driveways/parking, official map notices, alcohol use permits) from the City Plan Commission. - CEA Review Committee Report. - Obligating $985,000 in ARPA funds to the Fox Cities Exhibition Center repositioning project. - Sole source contracts: Beneficial Reuse Management for biosolids (2025–2027); Wastecorp Pumps for a plunger pump ($35,000 with budget amendment); McMahon Associates for Summer Street Lift Station engineering ($128,310). - Three building code text amendments (Sections 4-66, 4-241, 4-546). - 9% wastewater rate increase and compost fee increase to $14/cubic yard, effective January 1, 2025. - Hiring Matrix Consulting Group for Appleton Police Department organizational/workload study. - Fringe benefit policy update. - Ordinances (139-24 to 167-24): Approved 13–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Oliver Zornow (1009 N. Oneida St.) spoke in support of the proposed smoking prohibition around Valley Transit Center and Appleton Public Library. He argued that curtailing smoking in a shared public space is necessary to ensure accessibility and safety for all, including children, and noted the city already restricts smoking in many areas. - Public Hearing (Item 24-1269): A public hearing on text amendments to Chapters 9, 16, 19, and 23 of the Municipal Code was held; no one spoke. Discussion Items - 2025 Special Event Policy (Item 24-1318): Separated from the consent agenda. Alderperson Meltzer questioned the fee structure for Jones Park lot/stage rental, which requires also renting the pavilion. Director Gazza explained the policy prevents double-booking and that the pavilion provides restrooms. Alderperson Hartzheim asked about future review; staff agreed to bring an update to the Safety and Licensing Committee after implementation. No amendments were offered. The policy was approved 12–1 (Alderperson Doran voting nay). - Reconsideration of Smoking Prohibition (Items 24-1423 and 24-1299): The council first voted 12–1 to reconsider the item that had failed 7–5 on October 16, 2024. On the underlying proposal to update Municipal Code 7-100(d) to prohibit smoking around the Valley Transit Center and Appleton Public Library, discussion followed: - Alderperson Hartzheim expressed continued opposition, suggesting more limited restrictions (e.g., keeping smoking away from the children’s garden). - Alderperson Hayden supported the measure, emphasizing child welfare and the library’s inclusive nature. - Alderperson Alfheim, a former smoker, argued that smokers will find legal places to smoke and that the restriction protects non-smokers. - Alderperson Van Zeeland noted the city’s duty to provide library services and that the American Lung Association submitted a letter of support (not in the packet). The motion to approve the smoking prohibition passed 11–2 (Alderpersons Hartzheim and Doran voting nay). Key Outcomes - Approved: 2025 Special Event Policy (12–1). - Approved: Smoking prohibition around Valley Transit Center and Appleton Public Library (11–2 after reconsideration). - Approved: All consent calendar items (13–0), including routine permits, contracts, text amendments, rate increases, and study authorizations. - Closed Session: The council convened in closed session at 7:29 PM under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to discuss real estate within city industrial parks. Reconvened at 8:01 PM with no action taken. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.

On November 6, 2024, the Appleton Common Council held a public hearing on the proposed 2025 Executive Budget & Service Plan. The meeting began at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Only one member of the public testified, representing the League of Women Voters of Appleton Fox Cities. The hearing was brief, with no other speakers, and the council adjourned shortly after. Public Comments & Testimony - Janice Quinlan (322 South Court, Appleton, District 4), speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Appleton Fox Cities, delivered a statement commending the city's budget process, which included a listening session with the mayor and virtual access to budget discussions. She specifically thanked the city clerk and election workers for managing the high voter turnout during the recent presidential election. The League expressed support for several budget items: - The opening of the new Appleton Public Library in 2025, noting its use of federal, state, and private funds to reduce the city's tax burden. - Valley Transit's two new buildings: the downtown regional multimodal transit center and the Whitman Avenue Bus Garage, which aim to enhance mass transit services. - Homelessness reduction initiatives and partnerships with nonprofits and faith communities. - Community development efforts working with ADI to implement a small developer training network to build more housing units in Appleton, addressing the lack of affordable housing. - Recycling incentives at the Glendale site, which have been positively received. - The promise of a new City of Appleton website to improve citizen accessibility and self-service. - No other members of the public spoke. The council president asked multiple times if anyone wished to speak before closing the hearing. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was declared closed after no additional speakers came forward. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed unanimously via voice vote (all ayes, no nays). The meeting adjourned immediately thereafter.