De Pere Common Council Meeting – October 21, 2025

The De Pere Common Council met on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers and virtually. Council President Shana Defnet Ledvina presided. All alderpersons were present except Mayor James Boyd (excused); Casey Nelson attended remotely. The agenda included two public hearings, multiple staff recommendations, 16 resolutions, and a closed session to negotiate EMS contracts with the Town of Lawrence.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of October 7, 2025 meeting – Approved unanimously.
• Neighborhood Watch sign policy update (Item 8) – Approved.
• Delay of construction of new west side yard waste site (Item 9) – Approved.
• Change Order #1 for Project 25-02 (Item 10) – Approved.
• Side Letter of Agreement with IAFF Local 141 regarding overtime incentives (Item 11) – Approved.
• Side Letter of Agreement with IAFF Local 141 regarding Paramedic Reimbursement Program (Item 12) – Approved.
• 2026 benefit renewal and plan design changes (Item 13) – Approved after discussion; includes implementation of the Garner health program.
• Redevelopment Request for Proposals for parcel WD-376 (360 Main Avenue) (Item 14) – Approved.
• Resolution #25-112: one-year lease with KK Integrated Logistics (Item 15) – Adopted.
• Resolution #25-113: contractor agreement with GFL Environmental (2026-2028 garbage/recycling collection) (Item 16) – Adopted.
• Resolution #25-114: transfer of $8,909.10 for City Hall generator repairs (Item 17) – Adopted.
• Resolution #25-115: transfer of $15,295 for emergency sanitary sewer line repairs at Legion Pool (Item 18) – Adopted.
• Resolution #25-116: amendments to Employee Policy Manual (Item 19) – Adopted.
• Resolution #25-117: grant modification for immunization contract ($8,310) (Item 20) – Adopted.
• Resolution #25-118: purchase of cybersecurity services from Arctic Wolf Networks ($25,500) (Item 21) – Adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on PDD Overlays (Item 4): No public speakers. Hearing was opened and closed quickly.
• Public Hearing on Conditional Use at 600 Lewis Street (Item 5): Over a dozen residents spoke. Opponents (including Unified School District Superintendent Chris Thompson, school board member Matt Peterson, and neighbors) raised concerns about student safety due to proximity to Foxview Intermediate School (50 feet outside the 1,000-foot school zone), lack of a federal firearms license at time of application, and potential risks from unknown customers. Supporters (including fellow veterans and a neighbor) cited the applicant’s military service, character, and family gunsmithing tradition. Applicant Daniel Farnsworth stated he takes safety seriously, noted that the ATF is waiting for the CUP before issuing a license, and pointed out 58 registered sex offenders near schools. Council members expressed sympathy but noted state law limits their discretion.
• Public Comment on non-agenda items (Item 6): None.

Discussion Items

• Water Rate Application (Item 7): Public Works Director Scott Thoresen and consultant Ginny Hinz presented two rate case options: expense depreciation (cash funding) with an initial ~19% increase in 2027 but lower long-term rates, and debt financing with a ~5% initial increase but higher cumulative costs over 20 years. Council members voiced concerns about the immediate burden on residents and agreed to table the item to the next meeting to gather public input and additional data. Motion to hold carried unanimously.
• Conditional Use for Gunsmithing Business (Item 5): Staff explained that under Wisconsin Act 67 (2017), the council cannot deny a conditional use based on public opposition if the applicant meets all conditions. The permit only covers on-site customer visits; the business itself is protected by state and federal law. Council amended Resolution #25-111 to add compliance with all state and federal laws. After deliberation, the resolution was adopted unanimously (8-0).
• 2026 Benefit Renewal & Plan Design (Item 13): HR Director Shannon Metzler and broker Beck from M3 detailed the Garner health program, which reimburses employees for using high-quality, cost-efficient providers. The city expects a 20% cost savings. Employee deductibles will increase, but total out-of-pocket may decrease for those using Garner-recommended providers. Council approved after confirming no kickbacks to Garner.
• Redevelopment RFP for 360 Main Avenue (Item 14): Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom explained that an affordable housing project was not financially feasible due to rising construction costs and interest rates. The city will issue an RFP for mixed-use development.
• Closed Session (Item 22): Council entered closed session at 9:50 PM under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to negotiate EMS contracts with the Town of Lawrence. Returned at 9:59 PM and unanimously directed staff to proceed as discussed.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance #25-13 adopted unanimously to remove PDD overlays from 105 parcels on Lawrence Drive.
• Resolution #25-111 adopted (as amended) granting a conditional use permit for a Type B Home Occupation (gunsmithing) at 600 Lewis Street – vote 8-0.
• Water rate case held (tabled) to the November 4, 2025 Council meeting to allow for resident input.
• All other resolutions (Items 8-21) adopted unanimously.
• EMS contract negotiations with Town of Lawrence: Council directed staff after closed session.