De Pere Common Council Meeting — September 1, 2026

The Common Council met at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Council Chambers and virtually, with Mayor James Boyd presiding. All nine council members were present, and the agenda was approved unanimously. The council adopted two zoning ordinance amendments, approved a preliminary plat, two park construction contracts, a dugout mural donation, and five resolutions, and heard public comment about pedestrian safety. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.

Presentations and Recognition

• De Pere Youth Hockey Association (DYHA) presented a $50,000 check to the City of De Pere for flooring replacement at the De Pere Ice Arena. Mayor Boyd noted the arena floor repair was estimated around $150,000; the DYHA gift, user group funds, and $50,000 in unassigned reserves combine to fund the project. DYHA liaison Brandon Burgner thanked city staff.

Public Hearings

• Ordinance #26-18 — Floodplain Zoning (Chapter 16): Public hearing held on July 2026 amendments for Letter of Map Revisions. The notice was published in the Press Times on August 14 and 21, 2026. Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom explained the DNR requested additional provisions; staff and the Legal Department determined the changes were appropriate and consistent with existing regulations. No public testimony was offered. Ordinance adopted unanimously by roll call (motion Ledvina, second Gantz).

• Ordinance #26-19 — Zoning, Shipping Containers (Chapter 14): Public hearing held on July 2026 amendments to allow shipping container uses in Mixed-Use Districts. Notice published August 14 and 21, 2026. Lindstrom reported the Plan Commission reviewed the request at its June and July meetings, asked staff to research how other communities handle such uses, and sought to protect the downtown look, character, and feel. No public testimony was offered. Ordinance adopted unanimously by roll call (motion Hansen, second Gantz).

Public Comments and Testimony

• Resident Annie Ranft (134 South Washington Street) expressed concern about pedestrian safety at the George Street crosswalk and the Chicago Street roundabout. She said vehicles do not yield to pedestrians with the right of way, described a recent incident involving a driver who made an obscene gesture, and asked for illuminated red signs or enforcement and public awareness of fines. Mayor Boyd said staff would reach out to continue the conversation and decide how to route the issue.

New Business

• Minutes of the August 18, 2026 Common Council meeting approved unanimously.
• Approved unanimously a Plan Commission recommendation for a 37-lot and 1-outlot extraterritorial preliminary plat of Trellis Drive at 4546 Trellis Drive in Ledgeview (Parcels D-395-3, D-395-4-1, D-2028).
• Approved unanimously by roll call the Lunda Construction bid of $221,577 for the Voyageur Dock replacement project, with up to $28,777 from unassigned reserves. Parks Director Marty Kosobucki said an alternate bid would have had the contractor install the new dock system for roughly $12,000 more; instead, city crews will install it under contractor supervision.
• Approved unanimously by roll call the Highway Landscapers base and alternate bid of $231,139 for the Wilson Park project, with up to $52,239 from unassigned reserves. Mayor Boyd reported the Nelson family has committed up to an additional $25,000, reducing the amount needed from reserves.
• Approved unanimously a donation from Habitat for Humanity for murals on the baseball dugouts at Kelly Danen Park. Two murals, same design with colors to be determined, will be painted on the upper and lower dugouts in coordination with the Rock the Block event September 16-18. Parks Director Kosobucki noted the item normally would go to the Board of Park Commissioners first, but timing made direct council action appropriate; park user groups and the Park Board president signed off.

Resolutions

• Council voted unanimously to suspend the rules and take up Resolutions #26-84 through #26-88 in one vote. Note: the approved minutes state Alderperson Ledvina seconded the suspension motion, but the recorded roll-call result lists Alderperson Gantz as seconder.
• All five resolutions were then approved unanimously by roll call:
  • #26-84: Hold Harmless and Property Access Agreement with Walleyes for Tomorrow - Bay of Green Bay Chapter for Perkofski Boat Launch.
  • #26-85: Amendment to boat launch fees.
  • #26-86: Home improvement loan and disbursement to Cinthia Kay Dziaduch (1305 Lost Dauphin Road).
  • #26-87: Utility easement for Wisconsin Public Service (Nicolet Parking Lot/Nicolet Alley; Parcels WD-917-2 and WD-933).
  • #26-88: Parking Lease Agreement with William Street Investment Partners, LLC.

Future Agenda Items

• Alderperson Hansen asked staff to investigate including an insert about the home improvement loan program in a future water bill mailing.
• Alderperson Gantz requested an update on the downtown redevelopment project with three structures so residents can identify the hotel, apartment, and parking uses; staff agreed to email information to the council.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on agenda approval, public hearing ordinances, new business items, and resolutions were unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.