De Pere Common Council Regular Meeting – February 18, 2026

The De Pere Common Council met on February 18, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers and virtually. The meeting included a quasi-judicial hearing on a nuisance abatement appeal, approval of several infrastructure contracts, a decision on Ice Arena improvements, adoption of multiple resolutions and ordinances, and a request for an update on the southern bridge naming.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the February 3, 2026 Common Council meeting was approved unanimously.
• Item 7I: Recommendation from the License Committee on a Reserve Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage/"Class B" Intoxicating Liquor License for Foxxy's Sports Pub & Grub LLC (DBA Foxxy's Sports Pub & Grub), 419 Main Av., Agent Timothy Czarneski, was received and placed on file by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Nuisance Abatement Appeal (Item 7A): The Council conducted a quasi-judicial hearing on the appeal of Rachael Carriveau against a chronic nuisance determination by the De Pere Police Department for her residence at 1380 Shearing Road, Apartment 24. City Attorney Joanne Bungert outlined the procedure. Assistant City Attorney Eric Erdman presented testimony from Officer Joe Johnson and Police Chief Jeremy Muraski, detailing four qualifying calls for service (October 24, 2025; December 12, 2025; January 7, 2026; January 13, 2026) categorized as disorderly conduct and truancy. The appellant, Rachael Carriveau, testified in her own defense, arguing that the calls were due to her daughter's behavioral issues and a contentious custody situation with her ex-partner, and that proper procedures were not followed. After testimony, the Council deliberated in closed session from 8:42 PM to 9:22 PM. Upon returning, they voted unanimously to deny the appeal, adopting findings of fact that the chronic nuisance determination was reasonable. Ms. Carriveau was informed of further appeal rights to circuit court.
• Merchant Services (Item 7B): Finance Director Pam Manley recommended approving Forte for merchant services using a service fee model for Beer Gardens and pools, reducing the minimum fee from $2 to $1. The vendor is the same as used by other city departments. Approved unanimously.
• Infrastructure Contracts (Items 7C-7G): Several contracts were awarded unanimously:
  • Contract 25-04 American Boulevard Utility Extension: $1,086,000.
  • Contract 26-03 Sewer Lining: $339,997.
  • Contract 26-05 Sidewalk and Curb Repairs: $395,215.
  • Contract 26-13 Crackfilling: $91,850.
  • Contract 26-15 Sewer Televising: $38,958.
• Water Rate Structure (Item 7H): Approved a declining rate structure for water volume charges related to the Public Service Commission Rate Case. Unanimous.
• Temporary Municipal Judge (Item 7J): Approved an agreement with the Honorable Gregg Schreiber to act as a temporary Municipal Judge at $225 per service date, subject to City Attorney approval. Unanimous.
• Ice Arena Improvements (Item 8A): The Council considered options for the De Pere Ice Arena. After discussion, they approved the “Stay the Course +1” option, which continues current repairs and adds staff support for advertising revenue and user group engagement. Parks Director Marty Kosobucki noted top priorities include repairing the dehumidification system, flooring, HVAC units, and electrical panels. The Council indicated willingness to consider larger investments (e.g., $2 million or $4 million options) if private fundraising of at least $1.25 million is achieved. Unanimous.
• Resolutions 9A-9E: Suspended rules and adopted unanimously: Resolution #26-06 (Tax Equivalent Payment for Water Utility), #26-07 (Revised SMFA for I-41/Southbridge Road Interchange), #26-08 (Installment Payments for Sidewalk Repairs), #26-09 (Mudjacking Contract with Badger Concrete Lifting), #26-10 (Professional Services with Allyson Brunette Consulting for Sustainability Commission).
• Resolution 9F: Adopted unanimously to rescind property taxes for parcels ED-6 and WD-478-1 and pay net taxes from Unassigned Reserves, due to a misunderstanding regarding annual exemption reporting. Clerk Carey Danen explained the error.
• Resolution 9G: Adopted unanimously to authorize a Classification and Compensation Study with The Archer Company, LLC for $34,390. Human Resources Generalist Tracy Hood described the selection process among six proposals; a panel from various departments chose Archer. Alderperson Carpenter expressed a desire for Council involvement in future compensation study selections.
• Resolution 9H: Adopted unanimously to authorize a demolition contract with Dark Horse Deconstruction LLC for 126 South Broadway Street. The RFP used weighted criteria; staff considered past experience.
• Ordinances 10A-10D: Suspended rules and adopted unanimously: Ordinance #26-05 (Traffic recommendations), #26-06 (Amending multiple code chapters), #26-07 (Elective officials terms), #26-08 (Licenses and permits).

Key Outcomes

• Nuisance Abatement Appeal Denied: The Common Council denied the appeal of Rachael Carriveau, upholding the police chief's chronic nuisance determination. The decision is appealable to circuit court.
• Infrastructure Contracts Awarded: Over $1.95 million in contracts awarded for utility extension, sewer lining, sidewalk/curb repairs, crackfilling, and sewer televising.
• Ice Arena Future: Council adopted the “Stay the Course +1” plan, with potential for larger investments contingent on private fundraising.
• Resolutions and Ordinances Adopted: Seven resolutions and four ordinances passed unanimously.
• Future Agenda: Alderperson Hansen requested an update from Brown County on the naming of the southern bridge (previously supported the name Arthur Altmeyer).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:02 PM.