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Record of Proceedings

De Pere Common Council Regular Meeting - November 18, 2025

Common Council — Tuesday, November 18, 2025
BodyDe Pere, Wisconsin
SessionCommon Council
DateTuesday, November 18, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

0:06

At

Speaker 1

0:06

this time, we'll call to order the regular meeting of common council.

0:09

This is November 18th, 2025.

0:12

Carrie Row, please.

Speaker 2

0:13

Elder Person Carpenter.

0:14

Esther Kahn?

Speaker 1

0:15

Here.

Speaker 2

0:15

Gance?

0:16

Here, Hansen.

Speaker 1

0:17

Here.

Speaker 2

0:17

Cunninger.

0:18

We need Ledvina.

0:19

Here.

0:20

Nelson.

Speaker 1

0:22

Here.

0:23

Here.

Speaker 2

0:24

And Mayor Boyd.

Speaker 1

0:25

I am here.

0:25

Thank you.

0:26

Item two Pledge of Allegiance.

0:47

Thank you.

0:47

Item three approval of the minutes of the November 4th, 2025 common council meeting.

Speaker 3

0:55

Second.

Speaker 1

0:55

Motion by Alder Person Carpenter, seconded by Alder Person Ludmana.

0:59

Discussion comments.

1:01

Seems we're all good.

1:02

That said, all those in favor say aye.

Unassigned speaker

1:05

Aye.

Speaker 1

1:05

Aye.

1:06

Opposed?

1:07

Aye.

Unassigned speaker

1:08

Oh,

Speaker 1

1:08

sorry about that, Alder Personnel Sonal definitely pause.

1:11

Motion carries, thank you.

1:13

Item four public hearing on the proposed budget for calendar year 2026.

1:18

We will kick it off with a presentation of the 2026 budget.

1:22

Kim.

Speaker 4

1:22

Thank you, Mr.

1:23

Mayor.

1:23

Happy to be here to provide a short overview of the proposed 2026 City of De Pier budget.

1:29

Before I kick it off, I need to say thank you to the efforts of the city team to develop this year's budget and administering the budget in a responsible manner from year to year.

1:39

And I'm thankful to you, Mr.

1:40

Mayor, the Common Council, and the residents of De Pier for entrusting us to execute on their vision and mission for the community.

1:46

Next slide, Pam.

Unassigned speaker

1:49

The

Speaker 4

1:50

City of De Pereer aspires to provide an unwavering focus on a quality of life that will set a national standard for a vibrant community.

1:57

Our mission, as set forth by you, is to foster an engaged community spirit and encourage forward thinking to seize on opportunities for education, business, recreation, and culture with steadfast support for the city's history and character.

2:12

Next slide.

2:21

Encourage the growth of business, embrace enhance, connect, and activate the open space networks throughout the city.

2:30

Increase and coordinate unique activities that enliven the city and increase the sense of community.

2:35

Next slide.

3:16

Next slide, Pam.

3:18

Budget development includes a lot of inputs from many different places that are gathered at many different times.

3:25

We analyze them, we forecast them, we use to create the budget.

3:29

Here are a few highlights from the factors that influence our budget every year with the numbers that relate specifically to this year.

3:35

A few key takeaways from this slide.

4:07

This shows that we're taking on some big capital and infrastructure projects to improve the built environment for the city of De Pere.

4:14

Our reserves remain in a healthy place, and that is critical that we keep them at that upper end to maintain our bond rating.

4:22

While our project number growth hasn't been increasing that much, 164 from 2024, the value of our property continues to do so, as it does in the state and the country overall.

4:35

That said, value percentage increases seem to be showing signs of slowing a little bit or levying off.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████46%
Budget Equity Analysis██████████████████████████████31%
Fiscal Sustainability█████████████13%
Public Engagement████4%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Affordable Housing██2%
Personnel Matters██2%
Summary of Proceedings

De Pere Common Council Regular Meeting - November 18, 2025

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).

Meeting Transcript

At this time, we'll call to order the regular meeting of common council. This is November 18th, 2025. Carrie Row, please. Elder Person Carpenter. Esther Kahn? Here. Gance? Here, Hansen. Here. Cunninger. We need Ledvina. Here. Nelson. Here. Here. And Mayor Boyd. I am here. Thank you. Item two Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Item three approval of the minutes of the November 4th, 2025 common council meeting. Second. Motion by Alder Person Carpenter, seconded by Alder Person Ludmana. Discussion comments. Seems we're all good. That said, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed? Aye. Oh, sorry about that, Alder Personnel Sonal definitely pause. Motion carries, thank you. Item four public hearing on the proposed budget for calendar year 2026. We will kick it off with a presentation of the 2026 budget. Kim. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Happy to be here to provide a short overview of the proposed 2026 City of De Pier budget. Before I kick it off, I need to say thank you to the efforts of the city team to develop this year's budget and administering the budget in a responsible manner from year to year. And I'm thankful to you, Mr. Mayor, the Common Council, and the residents of De Pier for entrusting us to execute on their vision and mission for the community. Next slide, Pam. The City of De Pereer aspires to provide an unwavering focus on a quality of life that will set a national standard for a vibrant community. Our mission, as set forth by you, is to foster an engaged community spirit and encourage forward thinking to seize on opportunities for education, business, recreation, and culture with steadfast support for the city's history and character. Next slide. Encourage the growth of business, embrace enhance, connect, and activate the open space networks throughout the city. Increase and coordinate unique activities that enliven the city and increase the sense of community.

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