De Pere Common Council Regular Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Common Council of the City of De Pere held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM. The agenda included a public hearing on a zoning map amendment, a significant update on the former Irwin School property, approval of the 2027 Classification and Compensation Study, a closed session to negotiate a fire services agreement with the Town of Ledgeview, and a 2027 budget update.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the September 1, 2026 meeting.
• Reappointed Carol Karls to the Redevelopment Authority.
• Approved a 2-lot certified survey map at 2015-2025 Venture Avenue.
• Authorized participation in the Fox Valley Regional Fire Departments Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Inspection Program.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pedestrian Safety Concerns: Resident Annie Ranft (134A South Washington Street) addressed the Council regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Wisconsin and George Streets and near the De Pere High School roundabout. She proposed solutions including reverting to no left turns on green, requiring vehicles to wait until pedestrians reach the curb, and installing flashing lights similar to those on Broadway. She noted that difficulty crossing discourages some residents from attending the farmers market. These concerns were referred to the Parking and Traffic Committee (meeting early October) and the Board of Public Works (October/November).

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing & Zoning Map Amendment (5A): Development Services Director Dan Lindstrom presented a zoning map amendment request for parcels at Lawrence Drive and Southbridge Road. The proposal aims to remove an outdated Planned Development District (PDD) overlay and rezone land to facilitate a multifamily project. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. Ordinance #26-20 approving the amendment was adopted unanimously by roll call vote.
• License Committee Items (8A, 8B): The Council approved a request from Nicholas Madsen to appear before the License Committee regarding his denied operator license application. The Council also approved the renewal of a Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage license for De Pere Deacons Hockey Team, Inc.
• Fire Department Equipment (8C): The Council authorized the purchase of LifePak 35 Cardiac Monitors for the Fire Department, utilizing the Wisconsin DHS Emergency Medical Services Funding Assistance Program.
• Classification & Compensation Study (8D): Human Resources Director Shannon Metzler and consultant Marianne Oyaas of the Archer Company presented the 2027 study covering 103 non-represented employees. The study found the City's pay ranges were solid overall, with some positions identified as slightly low or high for the market. No pay reductions were recommended. An $88,415 implementation cost was approved for inclusion in the 2027 budget. Alderperson Hansen inquired about job title changes for the Administrative Specialist position, which Oyaas explained were modernizations reflecting market standards and level differences.
• Parking Rates (8E): Approved parking rates for the garage located at 224 N Wisconsin Street.
• Former Irwin School Property (9A): Director Lindstrom provided an update on development options. He stated that efforts to preserve the school building were exhausted after two developers and a non-profit found the renovation cost prohibitive. A new developer proposes demolishing the school and constructing 24 townhome units. Lindstrom compared incentive costs: $287,000 per unit to renovate the school versus $114,000 per unit for new construction. The current TIF district could support $1.35 million against a $2.75 million request, leaving a $400,000 gap. Alderperson Hansen requested the financial data for public communication. The Council directed staff to continue discussions with the new developer, acknowledging the need for a timely resolution as the district continues to deteriorate.
• Ordinance (10): Ordinance #26-21, amending the Board of Review stipend in Municipal Code Section 10-6, was adopted.
• Resolutions (11): The Council suspended the rules and approved Resolutions #26-89 through #26-94 in a single roll call vote. These included a right-of-way vacation on S Front Street, adoption of the Brown County All Hazards Mitigation Plan, amendments to TIF Districts 9, 15, and 17, and a development agreement with Ehlinger Properties LLC for Business Park Property.
• 2027 Budget Update (12): City Manager Kim Flom reported that the organization is feeling pressure from levy limits set at 2.29%, which is below CPI and annual operational needs. She expressed confidence in delivering a balanced budget. The budget study session is scheduled for October 14th.
• Future Agenda Items (13): Alderperson Hansen reported resident concerns about the deteriorating railroad crossing on Grant Street, noting unreturned calls to CN Railroad since February. He suggested beginning a process with the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads (OCR) if the issue is not resolved soon. The matter was referred to the Board of Public Works.
• Fire Services for Ledgeview (8F): The Council moved this item to the end of the agenda. They convened in closed session at 8:12 PM to negotiate the intergovernmental agreement for fire services with the Town of Ledgeview. Returning to open session at 8:43 PM, the Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with a working group to continue negotiations.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Map Amendment (Ordinance #26-20): Adopted.
• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Madsen Operator License Appeal: Approved.
• De Pere Deacons Hockey License: Renewal approved.
• LifePak 35 Cardiac Monitors: Purchase authorized.
• Classification & Compensation Study: $88,415 implementation approved.
• Parking Rates (224 N Wisconsin St): Approved.
• Board of Review Stipend (Ordinance #26-21): Adopted.
• Resolutions #26-89 to #26-94: Approved collectively.
• Irwin School Property: Staff directed to continue discussions with a developer on a 24-unit townhome plan involving demolition of the school.
• Ledgeview Fire Services Agreement: Staff directed to form a working group to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement.
• Pedestrian Safety (Public Comment): Referred to Parking & Traffic Committee and Board of Public Works.
• Grant Street Railroad Crossing: Referred to Board of Public Works.