Public Meetings - De Pere, Wisconsin

The Common Council of the City of De Pere held its regular meeting on December 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor James Boyd presided, and all nine alderpersons were present (Dan Carpenter, Mike Eserkaln, Pamela Gantz, Jonathon Hansen, Amy Kundinger, Shana Ledvina, Casey Nelson, Devin Perock). The meeting included a public hearing on a zoning amendment, a presentation on the future of the De Pere Ice Arena, unanimous approval of several resolutions, and a closed session for property acquisition. Public Hearing and Comments - Zoning Map Amendment (815 Fox River Drive): Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom presented a Plan Commission recommendation to rezone the parcel from R2-60 (Two-Unit District) to RM-1 (Multi-Unit [3-6 Units] District) to allow for a three-unit residential development. During the review process, one neighboring property owner expressed opposition, but no one spoke during the public hearing. The Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-20 approving the zoning map amendment. - Public Comment (Item 5): No members of the public offered comments on matters not on the agenda. Community Service Grants - The Council considered four applications for $1,000 in remaining annual grant funds. Alderperson James Boyd moved, and Alderperson Dan Carpenter seconded, to suspend the rules and award $250 to each applicant in a single roll call vote, which passed unanimously. - Applicants included: St. Norbert College Campus Safety (Stop the Bleed initiative), Sleep in Heavenly Peace (De Pere Chapter), Lovin the Skin I'm In (Trauma Summit for Black youth), and De Pere VFW Post 2113 (Bicentennial Park Flagpole Monument Rebuild). - VFW Project Detail: Randy Hansen of VFW Post 2113 addressed the Council, describing the $24,622 project to rebuild the aging monument ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The Nelson Family Fund has pledged $20,000 toward the privately funded project. Parks Director Marty Kosobucki noted a time capsule will be removed from the current monument and given to the De Pere Historical Society, with discussion on creating a new one. - Discussion on Guidelines: Several alderpersons noted that some organizations (e.g., Lovin the Skin I'm In) serve a broader area than De Pere and that certain applicants have received grants multiple times. Alderperson Dan Carpenter requested a future agenda item to establish formal application guidelines and criteria for the community service grant program, particularly regarding geographic focus. Discussion Items - De Pere Ice Arena Presentation (Item 10): Parks Director Marty Kosobucki gave a detailed presentation on the condition of the 50-year-old facility (built 1974). - Background: The city owns the land and building but leases operations to Brown County Ice Management (BCIM). The facility operates as an enterprise fund with no general tax levy support, funded by a $35/hour surcharge and a profit-share management fee. The facility fund holds roughly $104,284, which is dwarfed by the $260,000 in Priority 1 repairs identified in the 2024 Facility Condition Assessment. - Usage: The arena hosts De Pere Youth Hockey, Greater Green Bay Figure Skating Club, De Pere Voyagers, and De Pere Deacons. It draws over 64,000 visitors annually from 393 zip codes. Only 27% of user-group participants are from De Pere. BCIM estimates that even with their new rink, 70% of the current ice time would have no home without the De Pere facility. - Renovation Options: 1) "Stay the Course +1" – maintain current operations and repair as break; 2) "Provide the Stepladder" ($2M) – renovate and address ADA compliance, requiring significant fundraising and $750k in city bonding ($60k/year debt service); 3) "Be the Heavy" ($4M) – replace front half of building for year-round use, requiring $1.5M fundraising and $2.5M in city bonding ($196k/year debt service). A new build ($10-15M) was dismissed as infeasible without a major donor. - Discussion Points: Council members discussed potential hybrid renovation options, increasing the surcharge, fundraising roles of user groups, and the need for community input. Mayor Boyd highlighted the city's existing capital queue of approximately $100 million for projects like the South Bridge Connector, Main Avenue, and the Municipal Service Center. Staff recommended extending the BCIM contract for one year to allow for thorough deliberation without rushing a decision. No formal vote was taken on the future of the arena. Mayor Boyd emphasized the Council's intent to preserve and improve the facility in partnership with user groups. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Minutes of the December 2, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - Ordinances & Resolutions Adopted Unanimously: - Ordinance 25-20 (Zoning Map Amendment for 815 Fox River Drive). - Resolution 25-128 (Fees for 2026 Services). - Resolution 25-129 (Designating Public Depositories). - Resolution 25-130 (State Debt Collection Agreement). - Resolution 25-131 (DHS Grant Modification). - Resolution 25-132 (Amerilux Lease for Municipal Service Center relocation). - Resolution 25-133 (Parking Ramp Contracts: PARCS $108,844 and Caulking $52,667). - Other Unanimous Approvals: - Board of Public Works recommendations on parking/traffic. - 2026 private sanitary sewer lateral reimbursement rates (Alderperson Carpenter urged residents to apply). - Updates to the Tax Refund Intercept Program (TRIP) agreements. - Appointment of election officials for 2026-2027. - Appointment of Julie Massey to the Board of Health (term expiring December 2026). - Community Service Grants ($250 each to four applicants). - Staff directed to proceed as directed on the acquisition of Parcel WD-387-1 (following closed session). - Closed Session (Item 19): The Council met in closed session from 8:55 PM to 9:12 PM to deliberate on the acquisition of Parcel WD-387-1. Upon returning to open session, they voted unanimously to proceed as directed. - Future Agenda Items: Alderperson Carpenter requested two future agenda items for the Finance/Personnel Committee: establishing guidelines for the Community Service Grant program and considering the Brown County Ice Management contract. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.

The De Pere Common Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers at 335 South Broadway and virtually. All nine voting members were present: Dan Carpenter, Mike Eserkaln (remote), Pamela Gantz, Jonathon Hansen, Amy Kundinger, Shana Ledvina, Casey Nelson (remote), Devin Perock, and Mayor James Boyd. The council unanimously approved the previous meeting minutes, a Class A liquor license, creation of a Youth Commission, two annexation ordinances, and a resolution establishing new wards. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM. Call to Order and Routine Approvals - Roll call was taken, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. - Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Common Council meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Alderperson Dan Carpenter, seconded by Alderperson Shana Ledvina. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was made on matters not on the agenda; the public comment period was opened three times. Discussion Items - License Committee Recommendation: The council approved the recommendation for a Class A fermented malt beverage and Class A intoxicating liquor license for Bhawani Mart LLC, dba De Pere Minimart, 821 George St., agent Karuna Kunwar, Green Bay, WI. Motion by Alderperson Dan Carpenter, seconded by Alderperson Pamela Gantz. - Youth Commission: The council approved the Finance-Personnel Committee recommendation to create a Youth Commission. Motion by Mayor James Boyd, seconded by Alderperson Amy Kundinger. Alderperson Dan Carpenter asked about the planned size; Deputy Clerk Jesse Pake responded that the number had not been decided, but the first-year maximum would be 15, depending on applications. Alderperson Shana Ledvina asked whether the Clerk's Office would oversee meetings; the proposal is for Clerk's Office oversight, with Deputy Clerk Pake leading the effort. Ledvina expressed support for the idea. Staff expect the commission to be operational by May after additional legwork. Teen advisors currently serving on the Sustainability Board and Board of Park Commissioners will continue. Alderperson Pamela Gantz thanked staff and called the commission a great opportunity. Deputy Clerk Pake's research found very few Wisconsin communities with a youth commission: about four total, including a couple of county-level youth commissions. - Ordinance 25-18: The council adopted, by unanimous roll call, Ordinance 25-18 repealing and recreating Ordinance 25-16 and annexing Parcel L-481 to the City of De Pere. Motion by James Boyd, seconded by Alderperson Shana Ledvina. - Ordinance 25-19: The council adopted, by unanimous roll call, Ordinance 25-19 repealing and recreating Ordinance 25-17 and annexing territory owned by Vanpay and Radue Homes, Inc., Parcels R-29-1, R-39, R-110, and R-114. Motion by Alderperson Jonathon Hansen, seconded by Alderperson Pamela Gantz. Alderperson Hansen flagged a typographical error in Section 4.2 (page 32): the text said the Department's determination that the Town of Rockland would not be able to provide sanitary sewer and water supply services to the annexed territory is erroneous, but it should refer to the City of De Pere. City Attorney Joanne Bungert confirmed the correction would be made in the final signed copy; the approved minutes record the correction as having been made. - Resolution 25-127 Establishing Wards: The council adopted, by unanimous roll call, Resolution 25-127 establishing wards. Motion by Alderperson Dan Carpenter, seconded by Alderperson Devin Perock. Alderperson Jonathon Hansen asked why new wards were necessary for the handful of new residents in annexed territories rather than absorbing them into adjacent wards. City Attorney Joanne Bungert explained that although the territory is contiguous to existing wards, the legislative and county supervisory districts differ, so Wisconsin election statutes require creation of new wards; population requirements have an exception for annexation. Hansen also asked about a vacant future-parkland parcel south of Old Martin Road previously placed in Ward 9. Bungert responded that it had been an island territory absorbed into Ward 9 under the island-territory exception, but because the new legislative maps align with current city boundaries, Ward 9 is now surrounded by a different ward; the alignment is expected to be cleaned up at the next decennial census and redistricting. Key Outcomes - All action items were approved or adopted unanimously: minutes, the liquor license, the Youth Commission, Ordinance 25-18, Ordinance 25-19, and Resolution 25-127. - The annexation ordinances and ward resolution each passed by the same 9-0 roll call vote. - One correction to Ordinance 25-19 was confirmed for the final version to be signed. - No future agenda items were offered, and the meeting adjourned by unanimous vote at 7:41 PM on a motion by Mayor James Boyd, seconded by Alderperson Dan Carpenter. Future Agenda Items and Adjournment - No future agenda items were identified. - The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM.

The De Pere Common Council met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers and virtually. Mayor James Boyd presided. The Council approved the 2026 city budget totaling $91,721,452, adopted associated tax levies, passed multiple zoning and annexation ordinances, and approved various contracts, appointments, and resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the November 4, 2025 Common Council meeting were approved unanimously. - License Committee Recommendation (Rose Antepenko): Approved unanimously to allow Rose Antepenko to appear before the License Committee regarding the denial of her operator license application. - Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. Capitol Police: Approved unanimously. - Changes to 2026 Special Event Fees: Approved unanimously. - Consent to Collateral Assignment of Payment Rights (Phoenix of De Pere, LLC and Community First Credit Union): Approved unanimously. - Appointment to Board of Appeals: Cody Martin appointed by Mayor Boyd, term expiring June 30, 2028, approved unanimously. - Reappointment to Sustainability Commission: Nicole Slavin reappointed by Mayor Boyd, term expiring November 30, 2028, approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items: None. - Public Hearing on 2026 Budget: No public comments; hearing declared closed. - Public Hearing on Zoning Map Amendment (Employers Boulevard/Lawrence Drive): No public comments; hearing declared closed. - Public Hearing on Revisions to Chapter 14 Zoning Ordinance: No public comments; hearing declared closed. - Testimony on Annexation Ordinance 25-17: Rockland Town Chairman Dennis Cashman addressed the Council, stating that a landowner (Rita Vanderlinden) did not sign the petition and is against the annexation, as parcels were sold under land contract. City Attorney Joanne Bungert noted that the Wisconsin Department of Administration reviewed the petition and found no ownership discrepancies, and that statutory pathways exist for challenges. The Council proceeded with the vote. Discussion Items - Presentation and Approval of 2026 City Budget: City Manager Kim Flom presented the proposed $91,721,452 budget, highlighting a 2.44% increase in operating expenses, a 34.75% increase in the debt service fund levy reflecting major capital investments, and a 0.62% increase in the municipal assessed mill rate to $5.46. The total property tax mill rate is estimated to decrease 2.13% for the West De Pere School District and 1.86% for the Unified De Pere School District. Reserves remain healthy. Finance Director Pam Manley explained the budget model, noting levy limit restrictions and a 2% fee increase where possible. Alderperson Carpenter moved to amend the budget by removing $4,500 for the street tree subsidy, arguing it is not a proper use of city funds. The motion failed with Alderpersons Eserkaln, Gantz, Hansen, Kundinger, Ledvina, and Mayor Boyd voting no. The budget was then approved unanimously by roll call. Resolution 25-123 adopting the tax levy for city purposes was also adopted unanimously. - Zoning Map Amendment (Ordinance 25-14): The Council held a public hearing and unanimously adopted an ordinance rezoning Parcel WD-D0031-1 at 1100 block Employers Boulevard/Lawrence Drive from Office District to RM-2 Multi-Unit (7+ Units) Residential District. Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom reported the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval, finding the change consistent with the comprehensive plan and noting the proposed affordable housing component. - Revisions to Chapter 14 Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 25-15): The Council held a public hearing and unanimously adopted an ordinance amending the zoning code. Changes include: updating community living arrangement density classifications, revising outdoor storage location requirements, and extending dark-sky compliant lighting standards to multifamily residential properties requiring site plan approval. - Update from Fire Department on New Ambulance: Fire Chief Brett Jansen reported that the new 2024 four-wheel drive Freightliner ambulance was delivered on October 24, 2025, replacing a 2017 model. It features a power load system and liquid spring suspension for improved safety and patient comfort. Currently stationed at Station 1, it will move to Station 2 after warranty work. Chief Jansen thanked the Council for approving the purchase in 2023-2024. - Emergency Medical Services Contract with Town of Lawrence: Approved unanimously. The contract aligns with the Ledgeview agreement and improves payment methodology. - Commercial and Property Insurance Provider: Approved unanimously to switch to The League of Wisconsin Municipalities Insurance and Wisconsin Municipal Property Insurance Company, resulting in substantial savings. - Small Enterprise Municipal Agreement with ESRI (Resolution 25-124): Adopted unanimously to authorize a GIS software agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. - Sale of Business Park Property to Soft Light Photography LLC (Resolution 25-125): Adopted unanimously to authorize the sale of Parcel ED-2384. Alderperson Carpenter noted a minor discrepancy in acreage (1.188 vs. 1.19) which was clarified. - Annexation Ordinances: Ordinance 25-16 (Parcel L-481) adopted unanimously. Ordinance 25-17 (Vanpay and Radue Homes; Parcels R-29-1, R-39, R-110, R-114) adopted unanimously after discussion and public testimony. The Council determined that statutory pathways exist for the town or petitioner to challenge validity and chose to proceed. - Real Estate Purchase for Parking Ramp (Resolution 25-126): Adopted unanimously to authorize purchase of real property and an easement at 206 N. Wisconsin Street for construction of a city parking ramp, subject to final Law Department review. The Council did not enter closed session. Key Outcomes - 2026 Budget Approved: The $91,721,452 budget and corresponding tax levy (Resolution 25-123) were both approved unanimously. A proposed amendment to remove $4,500 for street tree subsidies failed (2-6). - Zoning Map Amendment Approved: Ordinance 25-14 rezoned Employers Boulevard/Lawrence Drive parcel to RM-2 Multi-Unit Residential District (unanimous). - Zoning Code Revisions Approved: Ordinance 25-15 updated Chapter 14 (unanimous). - EMS Contract with Town of Lawrence Approved: Unanimous. - Insurance Carrier Change Approved: Unanimous, resulting in cost savings. - Annexations Approved: Two annexation ordinances (25-16 and 25-17) adopted unanimously, despite a landowner objection in the second case. - Property Purchase for Parking Ramp Approved: Resolution 25-126 authorized purchase of 206 N. Wisconsin Street (unanimous). - Appointments and Reappointments: Cody Martin appointed to Board of Appeals; Nicole Slavin reappointed to Sustainability Commission (both unanimous).

The De Pere Common Council met at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Council Chambers at 335 South Broadway and virtually. All nine alderpersons and Mayor James Boyd were present. The council approved routine items, made a significant water-rate funding decision, and authorized construction contracts for a public parking ramp. The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Approved the minutes of the October 21, 2025 Common Council meeting unanimously. - Accepted a $1,680 donation from De Pere Baseball to repair the Gandrud Field outfield fence. Alderperson Carpenter asked how the city would pay its half; staff believed it was already included in the Parks Department budget. - Approved a 4-lot extraterritorial certified survey map at 2400 BLK French Road in Lawrence (Parcels L-454-3 and L-2078) unanimously. - Approved the De Pere Business Improvement District 2026 Operating Plan unanimously. Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom said the funding mechanism was unchanged, but allocations were slightly different as the BID board takes a more hands-on role. - Adopted Resolution 25-119 unanimously by roll call, granting a planning option to purchase to Ehlinger Properties, LLC for part of the West Business Park parcel WD-L492-B-5. - Adopted Resolution 25-120 unanimously by roll call, approving a utility facilities easement agreement with the Central Brown County Water Authority for Parcel WD-1050 at 0 Lawrence Drive. Public Comments & Testimony - None. The mayor called for public comments three times; no one spoke. Discussion Items Water Rate Application: Cash Funding vs. Debt Financing vs. Hybrid - City Manager Kim Flom reviewed the water utility’s history: it is an enterprise fund, and the Public Service Commission (PSC) sets rates. Key history included a 12% rate increase in 2011, years of operating revenue covering expenses but not the 1% annual water-main replacement target beginning in 2017, temporary gap funding from other funds from 2017–2020, a 19% conventional rate case increase in 2021, and a formalized $5.2 million long-term advance owed by the water utility to the general fund and sewer fund. - Staff presented two base options. Debt financing would keep near-term consumer rates lower but add interest and issuance costs; staff estimated a $1 million borrowing would cost about $1.5 million over time, create intergenerational inequity, and increase debt burden. Cash funding through PSC-authorized expense depreciation would mean a higher rate upfront but lower costs over time and a debt-free utility; staff noted only four municipalities had used it, so De Pere would be the fifth. - Staff also presented a hybrid option requested by council: borrow about $1 million per year through 2028, then switch to cash funding in 2029. The hybrid was estimated to produce a 5.3% increase in 2026 and a 16.1% increase in 2029. By contrast, immediate cash funding was estimated at roughly 18.75% if effective in 2027, growing to about 21% if deferred to 2029. - Alderperson Carpenter strongly opposed debt financing and favored immediate cash funding, saying it was better to “rip the band-aid off” than pass debt to future ratepayers. Alderperson Ledvina agreed and supported cash funding. Alderperson Nelson also leaned toward cash funding. Mayor Boyd and Alderpersons Hansen and Gantz initially favored the hybrid because of current inflationary pressures. Alderperson Hansen noted the hybrid relied on a future council continuing with expense depreciation. - Alderperson Hansen also raised a constituent’s concern about the declining-block rate structure, where larger water users pay lower per-unit rates. Staff said council could consider changing the rate structure as part of the rate case, but no decision was needed that night. - Mayor Boyd moved to approve the hybrid model, seconded by Alderperson Gantz. Alderperson Carpenter moved to amend to the original cash funding/expense depreciation option, seconded by Alderperson Kundinger. The amendment passed 6–3, with Mayor Boyd and Alderpersons Hansen and Gantz opposed. The amended motion then passed 7–2, with Mayor Boyd and Alderperson Hansen voting no. Council direction was to pursue a conventional rate case using expense depreciation/cash funding, with the PSC setting the actual rates. Public Parking Ramp at 230 North Wisconsin - Resolution 25-121 authorized Miron Construction Co., Inc. to award contracts related to construction of the public parking ramp on Parcel ED-875, 230 North Wisconsin, in an amount totaling $6,035,448.00. Alderperson Hansen asked whether it was common for the construction manager at risk to also bid on project contracts. Dan Lindstrom explained the RFP intentionally did not cap self-performance, Miron was the lowest qualified bidder on some packages, and only two construction managers at risk applied. The resolution was adopted unanimously by roll call. - Resolution 25-122 authorized an amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) contract with Miron Construction regarding the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the same parking ramp project. Staff explained the GMP is part of the CMaR process and does not prevent change orders; this was the city’s first CMaR project. The resolution was adopted unanimously by roll call. - Staff displayed a rendering of the parking ramp and noted a third bid round would cover parking access/control equipment and caulking, which were included as allowances in the GMP. Future Agenda Items - Alderperson Hansen requested an update on the Unified School District of De Pere traffic study for Chicago and Merrill Streets, noting its relationship to next year’s Merrill Street reconstruction. The request was referred to the Board of Public Works. Key Outcomes - Approved, as amended 7–2, the recommendation from the Board of Public Works to pursue a conventional water rate application using cash funding/expense depreciation, discontinuing the debt-financing method for water utility capital. - Authorized Miron Construction to award parking ramp construction contracts totaling $6,035,448.00 and approved the related CMaR Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment, both unanimously. - Referred the Unified School District traffic study update to the Board of Public Works for a future agenda.