Green Bay Common Council Meeting - May 19, 2026
Green Bay Common Council Meeting - May 19, 2026
The Green Bay Common Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with all 12 members present and voting. The meeting included approval of multiple agenda items, public testimony on a liquor license non-renewal and a conditional use permit for a homeless shelter, and debate on a vehicle fleet management software purchase.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes and agenda approved unanimously.
- Reports from the Redevelopment Authority, Improvement in Services, Protection and Policy Committee (with the exception of item 9), Police Department operator licenses (with the exception of item 2), Finance Committee (with the exception of item 5), Parks Committee, and Personnel were approved without separate discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Liquor License Non-Renewal (Jam Rock/Whiskey Rose): Rick Hierman (owner) testified that he reduced police calls from 52 to 13 and alleged a specific officer is targeting his business. Attorney John D'Angelo stated they are negotiating citations with the city prosecutor. Council was advised this was only a notice of intent, not a hearing; the notice was approved.
- Conditional Use Permit (Safe Haven Hope Center at 315 S Jefferson St): Numerous speakers supported the permit. Sarah Hansen (program director) cited point-in-time counts of 80–125 people sleeping outside in Brown County and described the Housing First, harm-reduction model serving up to 20 adults. Residents and board members testified to the program's positive impact. Kathy Aretto (executive director) noted that in nearly two months there had been zero police calls. Jesse Burnett (St. John's Ministries) clarified his shelter's policies and capacity. Others shared personal experiences of homelessness and recovery. No opposition speakers were registered, though some concerns were raised about operating without permits during cold weather.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance I2: Amendment to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow housing construction by adjusting setback requirements. Approved as amended.
- Conditional Use Permit (Safe Haven Hope Center): Council discussed staffing, programming, drug disposal policies, and accountability. Two amendments were added: (1) the applicant must report to the council in six months on operations and compliance; (2) all drug confiscation must be coordinated with the Green Bay Police Department for safe disposal. Council also addressed concerns about the organization's reaction to a warning letter issued for operating without permits during extreme cold.
- Key Cafe Software (Finance Committee Item 5): Council debated whether to fund a vehicle scheduling software from ARPA funds or through the regular budget. Supporters argued the software would improve fleet efficiency and reduce long-term costs. A motion to approve passed on a voice vote (with nays noted).
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance I1 (second reading) adopted unanimously.
- Ordinance I2 adopted as amended unanimously.
- Protection and Policy Committee report approved, including a notice of intent to non-renew the liquor license for Jam Rock/Whiskey Rose.
- Conditional use permit for Safe Haven Hope Center approved with two amendments (six-month reporting and drug disposal with police). The related resolution passed 10–2.
- Finance Committee report approved with the Key Cafe software item approved.
- Other reports approved as consented.
Meeting Transcript
Call to order the meeting of our common council for Tuesday, May 19th. Recording in progress. Yes, thank your honor. We have twelve members in the room and twelve members voting in stick part. All right, thank you, Clerk. Please now rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for invocation offered by Alder De Lee. I pledge of allegiance. As we near the end, as we near the close of the twenty five twenty-six school year, I'd like to take a moment to recognize something special. An entire community of students who showed up, put in work, grew, and pushed forward. From our youngest learners to those taking their next big step this year mattered. It shaped futures, built confidence, and created momentum. We also need to recognize the people who made that possible. To our teachers, support staff, and school leaders, thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your patience, and your relentless commitment to our kids. You don't just teach lessons, you create environments where students feel safe, supported, and valued. You are mentors, role models, problem solvers, and steady voices in moments that matter more than most people ever see. What you do goes far beyond academics, and our community is stronger because of you. Now, as we turn the page into summer, we welcome a different kind of energy. This is the season of ball fields and busy parks, of early mornings and late nights of kids chasing goals, friendships growing stronger, and families finding time to just be together. It's the sound of games, the feeling of fresh air, and the simple moments that end up meaning the most. We're actively building one. Here's to a safe, active, and memorable summer for our students, our families, and everyone who calls this community home. Thanks for sharing those words, Alder. Appreciate it. Next up is approval of the minutes. Motion to approve made by Alder Eck. Is there a second? Seconded by Alder Hinkfis. Uh any changes? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Oppose nay. The ayes have it. The minutes are approved. Approval the agenda. Motion to approve made by Elder Eck. Seconded by Alder Delee. Any changes here? Seeing none. All in favor say aye. Aye. Oppose nay. The ayes have it. The agenda has been approved. Report by the mayor. Um just wanted to mention an event that we have every year on Memorial Day at Admiral Flatley Park put on by the United Patriotic Society. Uh Alder Eck has been there in the past. I know others have as well. And so just wanted to invite um the city council and all members of the public to join me at Admiral Flatley Park. I think things get going at four o'clock on Monday on Memorial Day. Uh so as you all know, it's not just a long weekend.
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