Green Bay Common Council Meeting - August 6, 2025

[Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, but the provided timestamp states August 6, 2025. This summary uses the given date of 2025-08-06.]

The Common Council met on August 6, 2025, to consider a range of agenda items including land use amendments, a property purchase and lease agreement, police department operator licenses, a software partnership, a tree removal invoice dispute, and two quasi-judicial hearings on license non-renewals. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation thanking public safety and neighborhood event organizers. The agenda was amended to move item R2 before L.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes and the agenda (as amended) were approved unanimously.
• New appointments and reappointments were approved with a roll call vote of 12-0.
• Ordinances on second reading for adoption were taken up with one roll call vote and passed 12-0.
• Reports from the Improvement in Services (INS), Protection and Policy, Police Department (operator licenses), Plan Commission (except item 3), Finance, Personnel, Traffic Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission, and Sustainability Commission were approved, with item 5 from INS referred back to committee when bids are available.
• Resolutions were adopted 12-0, and ordinances on first reading were advanced to a second reading.

Public Comments & Testimony

• R2 – Green Bay Drop Forge Site (Purchase and Lease): Bill Hoban (1341 S. State St.) testified that the amendments discussed over recent weeks were addressed, and he confirmed agreement on the equipment list. He expressed comfort with the mutual understanding reached.
• Item 05 – CityWise Software Agreement: Rick Vanderlees (2240 O’Connor Rd., President of the Apartment Association of Northeast Wisconsin and Fox Valley Apartment Association) expressed concerns about out-of-date listings, properties appearing without owner consent, and frustration from landlords. Jeremy Schmidt (CityWise, 1727 N. 119th St., Wauwatosa) and Dominic Ansela (CEO, CityWise) responded, explaining that integrations are being improved, trials are offered, and the city can terminate the contract if unsatisfied. They committed to working with the landlord association.
• Park Committee Item 1 – Tree Removal Invoice: Attorney Greg Herbert (336 S. Jefferson St., representing property owner Baohee) argued that the city should pursue the tree cutter directly rather than the landowner, citing ordinance language. He noted that the city offered to dismiss a citation if the tree invoice was paid. Several alders questioned the homeowner’s responsibility and suggested small claims court as a remedy.
• Quasi‑Judicial Hearings:
  • Sunrise Spa: Attorney Brian Randall (Amundsen Davis Law Firm, 318 S. Washington St.) represented Hua Keller, who purchased the business but did not transfer the license. He acknowledged the lapse and suggested a fine or citation as an alternative. The council denied the appeal.
  • Stage One Bar: Alexander Graziano (owner) apologized for earlier remarks and presented a revised security plan. He emphasized the business’s community events and willingness to implement changes. The police department presented evidence of 150 hours of police services costing $11,603, 17 meetings, 6 warnings, 3 citations, and a shooting incident where ID scanners were not used. The council denied the appeal.

Discussion Items

• R2 – Green Bay Drop Forge Site: Alder Johnson moved to amend the purchase and lease agreement to raise the purchaser’s financial obligation from $50,000 to $75,000 (50% split of DNR fees), add $2,000 closing cost contribution, and allow certain heavy equipment to remain on site. The amendment was adopted unanimously. After public testimony, the item was approved as amended.
• Committee of the Whole – Invocation Policy: Approved without discussion.
• Development Agreement 25-07 (Zero Grand Boulevard): The council moved into closed session for negotiation under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e), then returned to open session and approved the agreement.
• Plan Commission Item 3 – 146 Single‑Family Subdivision (2958 Nicolay Drive and Zero Durham Road): Alder Grant opened the floor and spoke in support, noting the lots are a quarter acre (standard size) and that the developer stated a 75‑foot lot width would be a deal‑breaker. The council approved the PUD after a scrivener’s error was noted regarding signage.
• Reconsideration of Item 05 – CityWise Software: After public testimony, the council debated the timing and landlord engagement. Alder Hinkfuss requested that staff work with the Apartment Association. The council approved the item, with assurances that CityWise would collaborate with the association.
• Park Committee Item 1 – Tree Removal Invoice: Alder Johnson moved to deny the invoice after hearing that the municipal prosecutor would dismiss the citation if the invoice was paid. The motion passed, and Alder Johnson submitted a communication to revisit the ordinance.

Key Outcomes

• R2 – Green Bay Drop Forge: Approved as amended (vote: all ayes).
• Development Agreement 25-07: Approved after closed session (vote: all ayes).
• CityWise Software Agreement: Approved (vote: all ayes).
• Tree Removal Invoice: Denied (vote: all ayes; the citation is expected to be dismissed upon payment of the invoice).
• Massage Establishment License Non‑Renewal (Sunrise Spa): Denied (vote: all ayes). The appeal was not granted; the business can apply for a new license.
• Class B Liquor/Beer License Non‑Renewal (Stage One): Denied (vote: all ayes). The council upheld the non‑renewal, noting the extensive history of violations and police resources required.
• Quasi‑Judicial Hearing Procedures: The council clarified that the license holder must be the appellant; a correction plan can be voluntarily submitted but cannot be imposed. After a non‑renewal, there is no waiting period for reapplication, but a revocation would carry a 12‑month bar.