De Pere Common Council Regular Meeting - May 5, 2026

The De Pere Common Council met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included the swearing-in of Alderperson Dustin Thill, unanimous approval of the consent agenda and annual event permits, and a major discussion on the proposed 'Lockside' redevelopment of the 100 S Broadway Block with New Land Enterprises LLC. A resident provided public comment regarding pedestrian safety.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 21, 2026 Common Council meeting.
• Approved a 3-lot extraterritorial certified survey map at 3852-3890 Creamery RD in Ledgeview.
• Approved a 3-lot extraterritorial certified survey map at 3223 Lost Dauphin RD in Lawrence.
• Approved a 3-lot extraterritorial certified survey map at 2315 Lawrence PKWY in Lawrence.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resident Mike Bragelman expressed concern about the lack of sidewalks connecting the downtown area to Voyageur Park, noting potential safety hazards for pedestrians. Staff confirmed the matter would be forwarded to the Public Works department and the Parking and Traffic Committee for follow-up.

Discussion Items

Appointments and Donation

• The Council unanimously approved Mayor Boyd's appointments to the inaugural 15-member Youth Commission, which was selected from 25 applicants.
• The Council unanimously approved the reappointments of Julie Massey (Board of Health), Pamela Manley (Green Bay Area Room Tax Commission), Jane Schueller (Historic Preservation Commission), and Jayme Sellen (Police & Fire Commission), and the new appointment of Samuel Dvorak (Sustainability Commission).
• The Council unanimously accepted a $2,500 donation from Ameriprise Financial on behalf of Greta Johnson to the Recreation Scholarship Fund.

Special Alcohol Permits for Downtown Events

• The Council unanimously approved special permit applications from Definitely De Pere for the consumption of alcohol on public ways for three event series: Tour De Pere (June 22), Alley Nights (June 19, July 17, August 21), and Music on the Plaza (June 26, July 24, August 28). Discussion included confirmation of the Tour De Pere route map.

Lockside Redevelopment Proposal with New Land Enterprises LLC

• Presentation: Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom introduced the item, explaining the discussion on terms was brought before the full council due to the project's significant community impact. Tim Gokhman, Managing Director of New Land Enterprises, and Senior Development Coordinator Joey Wisniewski presented the firm's background and the proposed 'Lockside' project. The project includes approximately 200 residential units (apartments, condos, and townhomes), 11,900 square feet of retail space, a public plaza, and a George Street extension. The estimated total project value upon completion is $70 million.
• Discussion and Staff Analysis: Lindstrom outlined the financing gap (~$12 million) and proposed TIF incentives, including a project cost reimbursement grant and an annual pay-go structure. He addressed the required building height (six stories on Broadway), stating that the height is driven by parking ratios and economic feasibility, and that the inclusion of condos on the top floor helps cap the height relative to an entirely multifamily structure. He also reviewed public benefits including brownfield remediation, stormwater improvements, public art, and increased pedestrian access.
• Public Testimony:
  • Resident Maureen VandenHogen expressed concern that the six-story height would obstruct the river view and asked if sufficient parking was provided internally. She noted the previous Cultural District Master Plan envisioned lower heights.
  • Resident Gerry Schoenfeld expressed concern about increased traffic affecting road conditions and asked the extent of the Front Street vacation (confirmed to end at the old bridge approach on George Street).
  • Resident Mike Bragelman asked about emergency vehicle access with the Front Street closure. Lindstrom responded that the plaza would be designed to accommodate fire apparatus.
  • Former Mayor Mike Walsh spoke in favor of the building height, stating vertical growth is needed in a landlocked community. He expressed concern that the George Street extension could create a fourth distinct traffic control point on Broadway.
• Outcome: The Council unanimously approved the proposed development agreement terms with New Land Enterprises LLC, directing staff to move forward with a formal development agreement and subsequent steps including a neighborhood information meeting and traffic impact analysis.

Resolutions

• Resolution #26-33: Authorizing a development agreement with Ninth Street Development, LLC for Parcel WD-D0200-4. Adopted unanimously. Lindstrom noted no traffic conflicts as the properties are under the same ownership group, and the TID financing structure will involve a 10-year bond with a seven-year call date.
• Resolution #26-34: Authorizing a Fourth Amendment to the lease agreement with Brown County Ice Management, Inc. for the De Pere Ice Recreation Center. Adopted unanimously. Parks Director Marty Kosobucki explained that St. Norbert College Hockey was removed from the Board of Advisors as they no longer use the facility, and that the revenue provision was revised to allow the City to lead the sponsorship and advertising plan. A requirement for weekly open skates from October to February was established.
• Resolutions #26-35 and #26-36: Adopted jointly after a motion to suspend the rules. They authorized the street name change for Southbridge Road, Red Maple Road, and Rockland Road to Generations Boulevard, and authorized a Memorandum of Understanding for a parking lease agreement with William Street Investment Partners LLC. Adopted unanimously.