De Pere Common Council Meeting: April 21, 2026

The Common Council of De Pere, WI, held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers and virtually. Mayor James Boyd presided, with eight of nine Council Members present (Alderperson Thill was excused). The meeting began with a swearing-in ceremony for elected officials. The Council unanimously approved a full slate of public works contracts, routine resolutions, and elected leadership for the coming year.

Ceremony & Presentations

• Swearing-In of Elected Officials: Prior to the regular meeting, Mayor Boyd administered the oath of office to the re-elected Alderpersons and to himself. Family members were present for the brief ceremony.
• Recognition of Judge David Matyas' Service: The Council presented a plaque to the family of Judge David Matyas in recognition of his 32 years of service as Municipal Judge (1994–2026). Judge Matyas passed away weeks before the meeting. His wife, Susie Matyas, accepted the plaque, praising his fairness and dedication to De Pere.
• Sister Cities Student Exchange: Teachers Randy Soquet and Kelly Suda accompanied six students (three from each high school) from De Pere and West De Pere on an educational and cultural exchange to Åmål, Sweden (February 27 – March 8, 2026). Students shared highlights of their host family experiences, school visits, and key takeaways about Swedish culture, including the tradition of "Fika". The partnership is over 15 years old and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027. Students expressed gratitude for the community's support and spoke about the lifelong connections they made.

Public Hearings

• LeBrun Street Right-of-Way Vacation: The Council held a public hearing on Resolution 26-17 to vacate a portion of a public thoroughfare at the 1900 block of LeBrun Street. Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom explained the request was initiated because a planned cul-de-sac is no longer needed. No public speakers came forward. The Council adopted the resolution unanimously (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Traffic Safety Concerns: Resident Jean Knitter (430 Grant Street) addressed the Council regarding speeding, loud mufflers, and engine revving on Grant Street between 4th and 5th Streets. She requested enforcement action, noting the area is residential with children and elderly residents. Mayor Boyd confirmed the Police Department would investigate the concern.

Discussion Items

• Merrill Street Reconstruction (Contract 26-11): Alderperson Hansen thanked City staff and the contractor for agreeing to schedule the project to start after the school year ends and to be completed before the next school year begins, addressing constituent concerns about traffic impacts.
• Kingston Preserve Phase II (Contract 26-17): Mayor Boyd characterized the project as very significant and expressed excitement for its progression.
• Youth Commission Formation: Mayor Boyd explained the new Youth Commission will consist of 15 members. A single alderperson serving as a liaison was deemed sufficient to keep focus on youth. Alderperson Amy Kundinger was elected as the Council Liaison. The first meeting is scheduled for May 27th. The Mayor noted the strength of the applicant pool for the 15 youth positions.

Key Outcomes

• Elections by the Common Council:
  • Council President: Alderperson Shana Ledvina was unanimously elected President of the Common Council.
  • Plan Commission: Alderpersons Devin Perock and Jonathon Hansen were unanimously elected to serve on the Plan Commission.
  • Youth Commission: Alderperson Amy Kundinger was unanimously elected as the Alderperson member (liaison) to the Youth Commission for a one-year term.
• Mayoral Appointments: The Council unanimously approved Mayor Boyd's appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions.
• Public Works Contracts (Unanimously Approved): The Council approved the following contracts and bids: 26-01 Sewer/Water Relay & Street Resurfacing, 26-02 Concrete Street Paving, 26-07 Curb Repair & Street Resurfacing, 26-08 Manhole Rehabilitation, 26-11 Merrill Street Reconstruction, 26-17 Kingston Preserve Phase II Construction, 26-18 Community Center Air Handler Upgrade, and 26-21 City Hall Air Handler Replacement.
• Technology Contract: The Council approved the selection of Govstack for website provider services, funded with $15,204 from Unassigned Reserves.
• License and Administrative Resolutions: The Council approved a change of agent for the Mulva Cultural Center to Marvin A. Wall. Resolutions 26-30 (Merchant Agreement with JPMorgan Chase/Paymentech), 26-31 (Lab Services with Quest Diagnostics), and 26-32 (Amending Municipal Court Costs) were adopted in a single roll call vote after a motion to suspend the rules carried.
• Meeting Closure: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 PM.