Common Council Regular Meeting: March 17, 2026

The De Pere Common Council held its regular meeting on March 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor James Boyd presided, and all nine council members were present. The meeting, which included public hearings, a major infrastructure presentation, and several contract approvals, was adjourned at 8:46 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the March 3, 2026 Common Council meeting minutes.
• Reappointment of Dan Lindstrom and Grant Shilling to the Plan Commission (terms expiring April 30, 2029).
• Consent to a Partial Assignment and Assumption of Easement Agreement between the Central Brown County Water Authority and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

Public Hearings

• Zoning Map Amendment – PDD Overlay Removal (Kingston Preserve): Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom explained the request to remove an outdated Planned Development District overlay from 40 parcels, as it is no longer necessary under the newly adopted zoning code. The Plan Commission recommended approval. Mayor Boyd opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment. Ordinance #26-09 was adopted unanimously.
• Zoning Map Amendment – Employers Boulevard: Director Lindstrom reported the request to rezone a remnant parcel at 1200 BLK Employers Blvd from Office District to R1-45 Single-Dwelling Detached District, allowing it to be consolidated with the Kingston Preserve project. The Plan Commission recommended approval. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. Ordinance #26-10 was adopted unanimously.

Presentations & Reports

• South Bridge Connector Informational Update: Brown County Highway Commissioner Chris Hardy presented an update on the project's design. He reviewed decisions on aesthetic treatments, including a flared pier design and ashlar cut stone veneer for the Fox River Bridge, and C3 railing. Hardy reported the County accepted the name "Generations Blvd" for the corridor but decided not to name the bridge. He recommended the city communicate with property owners affected by the address change. Following Hardy, Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom reported the city's cost estimate has decreased from roughly $30 million in 2020 to approximately $15.6 million due to state and federal grants. He noted that while Segments 14-16 can be funded through TIDs, Segments 17 and 18 face a combined funding gap of $5.6 to $5.7 million. Lindstrom outlined scenarios that could reduce the general fund commitment to roughly $900,000. Future funding strategy discussions were directed to the Finance/Personnel Committee.

Public Comments

• No members of the public offered comment during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Community Service Grant Program Policies (Item 9B): The council held a discussion on potential policy changes for the grant program, including rotating eligible categories, limiting awards to a single project per cycle, and increasing the annual budget. Alderperson Carpenter noted 14 groups have applied. Alderperson Kundinger suggested maintaining five larger grants for greater impact. Alderperson Ledvina expressed support for increasing the budget to avoid discouraging applicants. Mayor Boyd proposed researching policies from other municipalities. No formal action was taken; staff was directed to benchmark against other communities.
• TID #8 Financial Statements and Fund Transfer (Item 9C): The council unanimously approved the transfer of the remaining surplus (outside the affordable housing extension) to reduce borrowing costs for capital projects in the next budget.
• Appraisal Consultant Contract (Item 9D): The council unanimously approved a four-year, $360,000 contract with Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc. (2027-2030). The contract moves the city to an alternating-year maintenance schedule. City Manager Kim Flom stated staff recommended the four-year term for flexibility. Dan Lindstrom explained the schedule helps smooth large valuation jumps common in the current market.
• Personnel Over-Hires (Items 9E & 9F): The council unanimously approved over-hires for one firefighter and one police officer. Alderperson Carpenter requested that future requests include a cost comparison against overtime expenses.
• Contract Awards and License (Items 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J): The council unanimously approved awards for the MSC Expansion (under budget), Ontario Street Reconstruction, and City-wide Concrete Street Repairs. A Class A liquor license was approved for Homegrown Farmstand.
• Certified Survey Map (Item 10A): The council unanimously approved a 3-lot certified survey map on North Wisconsin Street and William Street.

Key Outcomes & Resolutions

• Resolutions #26-19 through #26-24: The council approved these six resolutions in a single unanimous roll call vote. They authorize agreements for hydrant painting (Ferguson Waterworks), Ninth Street Interceptor construction (Green Bay Metro Sewerage District), MS4 permit annual report submission, construction materials testing (ECS Midwest), non-lapsing fund establishment, and a $28,722.98 transfer for Assistant Finance Director wages.
• Resolution #26-25 – State of Emergency Declaration: The council unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a state of emergency due to a weather disaster.
• Future Agenda Items: Mayor Boyd requested a future discussion on South Bridge Connector funding mechanisms. Alderperson Hansen requested an update on remaining Lambeau Field sales tax streetscaping funds. Alderperson Carpenter requested an update from Brown County on the Grant Street construction project's completion timeline.