Green Bay Common Council Meeting - March 5, 2026

The Green Bay Common Council met on March 5, 2026, to address a range of items including road improvements, short-term rental regulations, a designated outdoor refreshment area, and several committee reports. The meeting featured extensive discussion on the Shawnee Avenue mill and pave project, amendments to short-term rental ordinances, and public comment on the proposed DORA.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes and agenda, reappointments, and several routine committee reports were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Reports from the Redevelopment Authority, Green Bay Police Department (operator licenses), Plan Commission (items 1 and 3 handled separately), Finance, Park, Personnel, Public Arts, Traffic/Bicycle/Pedestrian (item 4 held), and Sustainability commissions were approved with exceptions noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kristen Johnson (115 East Walnut Street) spoke against the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) ordinance, citing concerns about noise, late hours (10 p.m.), safety of children, and traffic safety at Walnut and Washington. She requested a neighborhood meeting to educate residents about the program. Alder Prophet committed to holding such a meeting.

Discussion Items

• Shawnee Avenue Mill and Pave (Informational): Mayor reported the project will proceed in early summer 2026. Director Justin estimated cost at $400,000–$500,000. Alder Johnson questioned the lifespan (10–20 years vs. 5 years before state reconstruction in 2031) and expressed disappointment that the city is spending wheel tax funds on a state road. Alder Galvin noted the state provides roughly $650,000 annually for state road maintenance, but the city still bears costs. No vote was taken.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Item 3, Plan Commission): Alder Hinkfuss moved to amend the application to include occupancy (marketed number) and whether the property is owner-occupied. After debate, the amendment was amended to specify "owner's primary residence" instead of "owner-occupied." Another amendment to change "maximum occupancy" to "maximum sleeping occupancy" was withdrawn. The final approved amendment requires the application to include marketed occupancy and whether the property is the owner's primary residence. The ordinance was approved as amended.
• Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) (Item 5, Protection & Policy): After public comment, the council approved the draft ordinance to allow outdoor drinking in a designated area. Alder Prophet committed to neighborhood meetings and informational materials. The ordinance will have a second reading at the next meeting.
• Appeal of Dangerous Dog Designation (Item 1, Protection & Policy): Alder Stevens moved to refer the item back to committee after additional records were provided. The petitioner agreed, and the item was referred back for further review at the next PNP meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances (Second Reading): Adopted 10-2 (roll call) after suspension of rules.
• Shawnee Avenue: No action taken; informational only.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Approved as amended (occupancy and owner's primary residence on application).
• DORA Ordinance: Approved (first reading), with second reading pending.
• Appeal Referral: Referred back to Protection & Policy Committee.
• Item 4 (Traffic): Held to next Traffic/Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission meeting after Alder Johnson's comments on Washington Street parking restrictions.
• Finance Committee Item Q5 (Innovation Fund): Reconsidered and approved with amendment clarifying that all funds over $50,000 require council approval.
• Committee of the Whole: Approved wellhead protection ordinance, special assessments for three resurfacing projects, and final authority for Irish Temper expansion.
• Resolutions: Adopted unanimously.
• Ordinances First Reading: Advanced to second reading, with item 3 (short-term rentals) advanced as amended.