Public Meetings - Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Green Bay Common Council met on September 16, 2025, to approve various reports, ordinances, and resolutions. Key actions included advancing a development agreement for the Fire Station Flats affordable housing project, approving a conditional use permit expansion for St. John's Ministries women's shelter, referring a personnel ordinance back to committee for salary review, and amending the notification process for department head appointments. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as amended after a correction regarding a held item on fire inspection fees. - Agenda was approved as amended to move item J3 to W5 for a first reading. - Reappointment to a board was approved. - Report of the Redevelopment Authority was approved except items 2 and 6. - Report of Improvement and Services was approved except item 4. - Report of the Protection and Policy Committee was approved. - Report of the Green Bay Police Department granting operator licenses was approved. - Plan Commission report was approved except item 2. - Report of the Finance Committee was approved. - Park Committee report was approved. - Traffic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission report was approved. - Municipal court report was received and filed. Public Comments & Testimony - Sig Stroke Manus (representing General Capital, developer) spoke in support of the Fire Station Flats project, thanking the city for collaboration and noting the project expects to begin construction next spring/summer. - Jesse Brunette (Executive Director, St. John's Ministries) requested a conditional use permit amendment to increase the women's shelter capacity from 58 to 70 and remove seasonal restrictions, citing compliance and a desire to pilot year-round services to better address homelessness. - Dave Boyce (neighbor of the women's shelter) expressed support for the expansion while raising concerns about fencing and security; offered to donate fencing materials. - Frank Torres (former security at St. John's) supported the expansion, emphasizing the vulnerability of women experiencing homelessness and the need for consistent shelter. Discussion Items - Fire Station Flats Development Agreement (Item 2 of RDA Report): Alder Johnson praised the developer and noted the project's importance for the TID and community. The item was approved. - Evidence Storage Lease Improvements (Item 6 of RDA Report): Alder Johnson questioned unexpected cost increases (approaching $1 million) and sought better future analysis. Staff explained that asbestos removal led to additional code upgrades. The item was approved using TID 21 funding. - Triangle Hill Infrastructure (Item 4 of Improvement & Services): Alder Johnson requested clarification on the scope; Director Dich confirmed it covers underground utilities but not a garage. Approved. - St. John's Ministries Conditional Use Permit (Item 2 of Plan Commission): After testimony, Alder Prophet asked about fencing requirements; staff confirmed they are part of compliance. Approved. - Personnel Ordinance for Local Health Officer (Item 4 of Personnel): Alder Johnson moved to approve but refer the salary discussion to the next Personnel Committee. After discussion, the motion was withdrawn, and the item was referred back to committee for further salary review. - Department Head Appointment Process (Item 5 of Personnel): Alder Grant moved to amend to send notification to all council members (instead of just Personnel Committee) before setting the agenda. Amendment approved, then item approved as amended. - Ordinances – Second Reading (J1-J2): Suspended rules; adopted 12-0. - Resolutions (1-5): Suspended rules; approved 12-0. - Ordinances – First Reading (1-3): Suspended rules; advanced. - Ordinance Item 4: Held over to next council meeting. - Ordinance Item 5 (J3): Received and placed on file. Key Outcomes - Approved: Fire Station Flats development agreement; evidence storage lease improvements (using TID 21 funds); Triangle Hill utility infrastructure contract. - Approved: St. John's Ministries conditional use permit amendment (women's shelter capacity increase and seasonal restriction removal). - Referred: Personnel ordinance for local health officer salary back to committee for reevaluation. - Approved as Amended: Department head appointment notification process now includes all council members. - Adopted/Advanced: Multiple ordinances and resolutions passed unanimously (12-0). - Held Over: One first-reading ordinance item postponed until next meeting.

This City Council meeting included recognitions, a public hearing on a zoning amendment, approval of several ordinances, committee reports, and a discussion on a massage establishment license. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation led by Reverend Bridget Flad Daniels of Union Congregational Church. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes and agenda. - Appointments were approved unanimously. - Report of the Redevelopment Authority approved. - Report of the Protection and Policy Committee approved except item 5. - Report of the Green Bay Police Department granting operator licenses approved. - Report of the Plan Commission approved. - Report of the Personnel Committee approved except item 4. - Report of the Park Committee approved. - Informational item: building report for July 2025 received. Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Warner (3489 Finger Road) spoke during the public hearing on the Smart Growth 2022 comprehensive plan amendment for properties at 3250 and 3542 Finger Road. He opposed the development, stating the site is a park with 38 large mature trees and is adjacent to a cemetery. He expressed a desire to keep the park and noted that the area is building up and the park would be lost. He referenced a previous sale by the church against community wishes. Discussion Items - Public Hearing (Ordinance 04-25): Alder Johnson clarified that the public hearing portion was separate; the agenda item would come up later. - Ordinances Second Reading: Item 1 (property at 3250/3542 Finger Road) – Parks Director confirmed the parcels are owned by Green Bay Area Public School District, not city parks. The ordinance was adopted unanimously after discussion. Item 3 passed with one abstention. - Improvement in Services Committee Report – Item 1: Parking utility budget. Alder Johnson voted no, citing broader concerns about parking impacts downtown and a desire for further discussion. Approved. - Improvement in Services Committee Report – Item 6: Contaminated soil contract. Alderak moved to amend from “receive and place on file” to approve the award to Peters Concrete Company for a one-year contract with estimated spend of $85,000. Approved. - Protection and Policy Committee Report – Item 5: Fee for fire inspections (new fee). Alder Johnson moved to hold the item until the next council meeting to allow more discussion, stating the fee ($335,000 in new fees) warranted additional committee conversation. Fire Chief Knot indicated no time sensitivity. Held to next meeting. - Finance Committee Report – Item 2: Neighborhood event fee. Alder Profit moved to amend the ordinance language to remove “neighborhood” and have it be “nonprofit event fee” as originally discussed. Motion passed. Then the amended item was approved. Alder Johnson also moved to refer two fees (10-741 and 18-656) back to finance committee; motion carried. - Personnel Committee Report – Item 4: Internal transfer of budgeted positions. Alder Profit moved to approve, arguing it was a smart move and department heads are trusted. Alder Presley agreed, noting council has say during budget season. A roll call vote resulted in 6-5 against approval. Then a motion to refer back to committee passed 6-5. - Massage Establishment License for Sunrise Spa (503 South Military): Attorney Cochart clarified this was not a quasi-judicial hearing. Police Chief Davis summarized background checks: an inconclusive phone number linked to an erotic massage website (hot.com), two prior incidents in 2020 and 2023 involving the applicant (one citation, one verbal warning for license display), and a conflict in ownership statements. Inspections were cleared. The applicant’s attorney, Randall, spoke virtually, denying advertising on Hot.com and stating any issues have been resolved. Motion to approve passed with ayes. - Happy Hour License Amendment: Approved for 809-813 South Broadway for September 12-13, 2025, subject to permits. Key Outcomes - Recognition of Weldon Tucker: Certificate presented for rescuing a child with autism from traffic near Bond Street. - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize: Award formally presented to the city by partners from Wellow, We All Rise, ComSA, and Casa Alba. Green Bay was chosen out of 300+ applications as one of ten national finalists and eventual winners. - Ordinance 04-25 (Finger Road property): Adopted unanimously, amending the comprehensive plan from schools, parks, and low-medium density housing to medium intensity office retail and housing. - Ordinances Second Reading: Items 1, 2, and 4 adopted unanimously; Item 3 (with one abstention) adopted. - Contaminated Soil Contract (Item 6): Approved with amendment to award to Peters Concrete. - Fire Inspection Fee (Item 5): Held to next council meeting. - Neighborhood Event Fee (Finance Item 2): Amended language to “nonprofit event fee” and approved; two other fees referred back to finance committee. - Personnel Item 4 (Internal Transfer): First motion to approve failed 6-5; motion to refer to committee passed 6-5. - Massage Establishment License (Sunrise Spa): Approved. - Resolutions: Items 1,2,4 adopted unanimously; Item 3 adopted as amended with referrals. - Ordinance First Reading: Items 1 and 2 advanced to second reading; Item 3 held until September 16, 2025.

The Green Bay Common Council met on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM (estimated) in Council Chambers. The meeting included recognitions, a public hearing, multiple ordinance votes, committee reports, and a massage establishment license discussion. The meeting adjourned after approximately 55 minutes. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. - Agenda was approved unanimously. - Appointments were confirmed unanimously. - Redevelopment Authority report approved. - Improvement in Services Committee report approved as amended (items 1 and 6 pulled separately). - Protection and Policy Committee report approved except item 5. - Green Bay Police Department Operator Licenses report approved. - Plan Commission report approved. - Finance Committee report approved as amended (item 2 amended, two fee items referred back). - Park Committee report approved. - Personnel Committee report approved except item 4 (referred back to staff). Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Warner (3489 Finger Road) spoke in opposition to zoning changes at 3250 and 3542 Finger Road. He urged preserving the park property, noting the loss of green space, the proximity to a cemetery, and the presence of 38 large mature trees. He clarified that the park was previously part of Holy Martyrs School and Church and had been sold by the pastor against community wishes. Discussion Items - Recognitions: - Mr. Weldon Tucker was recognized for rescuing a 6-year-old autistic child from traffic near Bond Street. He received a Certificate of Recognition for his heroic actions. - The city received the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize, presented by partners from Wellow, We All Rise, ComSA, and Casa Alba. Representatives (Natalie Bobsted, Robin, Said Hassan) highlighted collaborative work across sectors to improve health equity. The prize was formally handed over to the city. - Public Hearing – Zoning Change (Finger Road): The public hearing was held for Ordinance 04-25 to amend the Smart Growth 2022 comprehensive plan for 3250 and 3542 Finger Road from schools, parks, and low-medium density housing to medium intensity office, retail, and housing. Director Neerwig clarified the parcels are owned by the Green Bay Area Public School District, not a city park. The applicant seeks to reuse the land. - Ordinances – Second Reading: - Item 1 (Finger Road rezoning) – adopted unanimously (11-0). - Item 2 – adopted unanimously. - Item 3 – adopted 10-0 with one abstention. - Item 4 – adopted unanimously. - Improvement in Services Committee – Item 1: Alder Johnson requested to record a no vote on the parking utility budget, citing broader concerns. Motion to approve passed with Alder Johnson's no vote. - Improvement in Services Committee – Item 6: Alder Eck proposed an amendment to approve a one-year contract for hauling, disposal, and mobilization of contaminated soil to Peter's Concrete Company with an estimated spend of $85,000. Approved unanimously. - Protection and Policy Committee – Item 5: Alder Johnson initially moved to refer a proposed new inspection fee (approx. $335,000 total for businesses) back to committee, but instead moved to hold the item until the next council meeting for additional discussion. Motion carried. Fire Chief Nott supported the delay for further communication. - Finance Committee – Item 2: Alder Profit proposed an amendment to strike "neighborhood" from the nonprofit event fee ordinance language. Director Renierwig noted that the term is also in the underlying ordinance and would need amendment. The amendment was adopted. Alder Johnson then moved to refer two fee schedule items (10-741 and 18-656) back to finance committee. Referral passed. - Personnel Committee – Item 4: Alder Profit moved to approve a staffing reclassification (transfer within budgeted positions) rather than refer to staff. Motion failed 6-5 (Alder Grant recorded nay). Motion to refer back to staff then passed 6-5. - Massage Establishment License – Sunrise Spa: Discussion on Sunrise Spa at 503 South Military Avenue. Police Chief Davis summarized a background report showing past incidents (2010? Actually 2020 and 2023 complaints, telephone associated with erotic massage ads). The recommendation was to approve due to insufficient evidence to deny. Attorney Randall appeared virtually for the applicant, disputing the hot.com listing and noting compliance with license display requirements. Public comment heard. The license was approved. - Resolutions: Items 1, 2, and 4 were taken up together and adopted unanimously (11-0). Item 3 was adopted as amended with referrals. - Ordinances – First Reading: Items 1 and 2 were advanced to second reading. Item 3 was held until September 16, 2025. Key Outcomes - Vote tallies: - Finger Road rezoning: 11-0 (unanimous). - Contaminated soil contract: approved unanimously. - Personnel item reclassification: motion to approve failed 6-5; motion to refer passed 6-5. - Sunrise Spa license: approved (voice vote, no objection). - Resolutions 1,2,4: 11-0. - Referrals: Two fee schedule items (10-741, 18-656) referred back to finance committee. One personnel item referred back to staff. - Held items: Fire inspection fee ordinance held until next council meeting. Ordinance first reading item 3 held until September 16. - Next meeting: The next regular council meeting likely in September; specific date not stated except for item held to September 16.

[Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, but the provided timestamp states August 6, 2025. This summary uses the given date of 2025-08-06.] The Common Council met on August 6, 2025, to consider a range of agenda items including land use amendments, a property purchase and lease agreement, police department operator licenses, a software partnership, a tree removal invoice dispute, and two quasi-judicial hearings on license non-renewals. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation thanking public safety and neighborhood event organizers. The agenda was amended to move item R2 before L. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes and the agenda (as amended) were approved unanimously. - New appointments and reappointments were approved with a roll call vote of 12-0. - Ordinances on second reading for adoption were taken up with one roll call vote and passed 12-0. - Reports from the Improvement in Services (INS), Protection and Policy, Police Department (operator licenses), Plan Commission (except item 3), Finance, Personnel, Traffic Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, and Sustainability Commission were approved, with item 5 from INS referred back to committee when bids are available. - Resolutions were adopted 12-0, and ordinances on first reading were advanced to a second reading. Public Comments & Testimony - R2 – Green Bay Drop Forge Site (Purchase and Lease): Bill Hoban (1341 S. State St.) testified that the amendments discussed over recent weeks were addressed, and he confirmed agreement on the equipment list. He expressed comfort with the mutual understanding reached. - Item 05 – CityWise Software Agreement: Rick Vanderlees (2240 O’Connor Rd., President of the Apartment Association of Northeast Wisconsin and Fox Valley Apartment Association) expressed concerns about out-of-date listings, properties appearing without owner consent, and frustration from landlords. Jeremy Schmidt (CityWise, 1727 N. 119th St., Wauwatosa) and Dominic Ansela (CEO, CityWise) responded, explaining that integrations are being improved, trials are offered, and the city can terminate the contract if unsatisfied. They committed to working with the landlord association. - Park Committee Item 1 – Tree Removal Invoice: Attorney Greg Herbert (336 S. Jefferson St., representing property owner Baohee) argued that the city should pursue the tree cutter directly rather than the landowner, citing ordinance language. He noted that the city offered to dismiss a citation if the tree invoice was paid. Several alders questioned the homeowner’s responsibility and suggested small claims court as a remedy. - Quasi‑Judicial Hearings: - Sunrise Spa: Attorney Brian Randall (Amundsen Davis Law Firm, 318 S. Washington St.) represented Hua Keller, who purchased the business but did not transfer the license. He acknowledged the lapse and suggested a fine or citation as an alternative. The council denied the appeal. - Stage One Bar: Alexander Graziano (owner) apologized for earlier remarks and presented a revised security plan. He emphasized the business’s community events and willingness to implement changes. The police department presented evidence of 150 hours of police services costing $11,603, 17 meetings, 6 warnings, 3 citations, and a shooting incident where ID scanners were not used. The council denied the appeal. Discussion Items - R2 – Green Bay Drop Forge Site: Alder Johnson moved to amend the purchase and lease agreement to raise the purchaser’s financial obligation from $50,000 to $75,000 (50% split of DNR fees), add $2,000 closing cost contribution, and allow certain heavy equipment to remain on site. The amendment was adopted unanimously. After public testimony, the item was approved as amended. - Committee of the Whole – Invocation Policy: Approved without discussion. - Development Agreement 25-07 (Zero Grand Boulevard): The council moved into closed session for negotiation under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e), then returned to open session and approved the agreement. - Plan Commission Item 3 – 146 Single‑Family Subdivision (2958 Nicolay Drive and Zero Durham Road): Alder Grant opened the floor and spoke in support, noting the lots are a quarter acre (standard size) and that the developer stated a 75‑foot lot width would be a deal‑breaker. The council approved the PUD after a scrivener’s error was noted regarding signage. - Reconsideration of Item 05 – CityWise Software: After public testimony, the council debated the timing and landlord engagement. Alder Hinkfuss requested that staff work with the Apartment Association. The council approved the item, with assurances that CityWise would collaborate with the association. - Park Committee Item 1 – Tree Removal Invoice: Alder Johnson moved to deny the invoice after hearing that the municipal prosecutor would dismiss the citation if the invoice was paid. The motion passed, and Alder Johnson submitted a communication to revisit the ordinance. Key Outcomes - R2 – Green Bay Drop Forge: Approved as amended (vote: all ayes). - Development Agreement 25-07: Approved after closed session (vote: all ayes). - CityWise Software Agreement: Approved (vote: all ayes). - Tree Removal Invoice: Denied (vote: all ayes; the citation is expected to be dismissed upon payment of the invoice). - Massage Establishment License Non‑Renewal (Sunrise Spa): Denied (vote: all ayes). The appeal was not granted; the business can apply for a new license. - Class B Liquor/Beer License Non‑Renewal (Stage One): Denied (vote: all ayes). The council upheld the non‑renewal, noting the extensive history of violations and police resources required. - Quasi‑Judicial Hearing Procedures: The council clarified that the license holder must be the appellant; a correction plan can be voluntarily submitted but cannot be imposed. After a non‑renewal, there is no waiting period for reapplication, but a revocation would carry a 12‑month bar.