Green Bay Common Council Meeting - May 20, 2026
Green Bay Common Council Meeting - May 20, 2026
The Green Bay Common Council met on May 20, 2026, to consider a range of items including routine approvals, a liquor license non-renewal, a conditional use permit for a homeless shelter, and new fleet management software. The meeting featured extensive public testimony on the shelter proposal and a separate debate on the liquor license matter. Several amendments were adopted, and final votes were taken on all agenda items.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of previous meeting approved unanimously.
- Agenda approved as presented.
- Report of the Redevelopment Authority approved.
- Improvement and Services report approved.
- Protection and Policy Committee report approved, with the exception of Item 9 (Whiskey Rose liquor license), which was handled separately.
- Police Department operator licenses approved.
- Plant Commission report approved, with the exception of Item 2 (Safe Haven Hope Center conditional use permit), handled separately.
- Parks Committee report approved.
- Personnel report approved.
- Informational items (building report and municipal court report) received.
- Resolution 1 adopted unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Whiskey Rose Liquor License (Item 9): Rick Hirbin, owner of Whiskey Rose (formerly Getaway), testified that he had reduced police calls from 52 to 13 and that an officer was targeting him. Attorney John D'Angelo stated they are working with the city prosecutor on citations and asked the council to reconsider the non-renewal. Council was advised this was only a notice of intent, not a hearing, and testimony would be heard at a later hearing if requested.
- Safe Haven Hope Center (Item 2): Multiple speakers testified in support of the conditional use permit for a 20-bed supervised shelter at 315 South Jefferson Street.
- Sarah Hanson (2426 Deprey St, Frankin) presented the model as evidence-based, serving high-need individuals with structured support and accountability, noting 80–125 people sleeping outside nightly in Brown County.
- Binky Alstein (board member) emphasized housing first and dignity.
- Stephanie Guzman (2711 Melcore Dr) shared personal history of homelessness and urged support.
- Don Radford (408 S. Beard St) cited historical community ties and called the status quo untenable.
- Tony Greeno (315 S. Jefferson St, resident) spoke of his sobriety journey and stability at the shelter.
- Susan Wortela (currently at women's center) shared personal experience of homelessness.
- Kathy Aretto (102 S. Ashland Ave, staff member) described operations, no police calls in two months, and harm reduction philosophy.
- Owner of Tarlton Theater (405 W. Walnut St) shared personal experience of houselessness and pledged a fundraiser.
- Amy Zellner (822 Pine St) spoke of a deceased parent due to homelessness.
- Jesse Burnett (executive director, St. John's Ministries) clarified that St. John's did have capacity (max 128 men vs. permit for 140; peaked at 50 women out of 70) and that they shelter transgender individuals, though placement is based on self-identification? He noted policies for low-barrier shelter.
- Tim Turlet (resident of Safe Haven) criticized St. John's policies as overly strict.
- Father Paul Jamuth (413 St. John St) supported the shelter as an alternative for those who don't fit traditional shelters.
- Christopher Pearson (315 S. Jefferson St, resident) credited the shelter with his sobriety.
- Sarah Lobbert (900 Clement St, volunteer) described the welcoming atmosphere.
- Sonny Lang (board secretary) noted the grassroots nature and that a short-term rental alliance has offered help.
- Lizard King (611 Abrams St) spoke as a transgender man, highlighting gaps in shelter for transgender individuals and supporting Safe Haven's inclusive model.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance Amendment (I2): Alder Motion proposed amending an ordinance to revise setbacks and allow construction in specific development areas. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the ordinance as amended also passed unanimously.
- Whiskey Rose Liquor License: After public testimony, council discussed procedural aspects. Alder Eck asked for police reports but was advised by the attorney that this was only a notice of intent, not a hearing. The item was approved as presented, with Alder Morgan abstaining from the portion related to the Green Bay Blue Urban Baseball team? (Note: abstention noted but not clear on vote tally? The motion to approve was made and seconded, and the ayes had it.)
- Safe Haven Hope Center Conditional Use Permit: Extensive discussion followed public testimony.
- Alder Profit moved to add a condition requiring the applicant to appear before the council in approximately six months to provide a status report. The amendment was adopted (voice vote).
- Alder Grant moved an amendment requiring the organization to work with the Green Bay Police Department for disposal of all confiscated drugs, changing 'may' to 'shall'. Police Chief Davis supported the change. The amendment was adopted.
- Councillors debated the organization's initial operation without permits, but several members expressed support for the merit and need. The motion to approve as amended passed on a voice vote.
- Fleet Management Software (Key Cafe, Finance Committee Item 5): Alder Hinkfitz moved to approve the purchase of Key Cafe scheduling software using ARPA funds, arguing it would improve vehicle sharing and reduce long-term costs. Alder Grant and Alder Eck preferred it be included in the budget, but the motion to approve carried on a voice vote.
- Resolution 2: This resolution was amended to reflect the conditions added to the Safe Haven permit. The amended resolution was adopted with a board vote of 10 to 2.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance I2: Adopted unanimously after amendment.
- Whiskey Rose Liquor License: Notice of non-renewal approved as part of the Protection and Policy Committee report. (No formal hearing held; notice to be sent.)
- Safe Haven Hope Center Conditional Use Permit: Approved with two additional conditions: a six-month status report to council, and mandatory cooperation with police for drug disposal.
- Key Cafe Software: Approved using ARPA funds.
- Resolution 1: Adopted unanimously.
- Resolution 2 (Safe Haven): Adopted as amended, 10-2.
Meeting Transcript
18th, Clerk. Yes, thank you, Honor. We have 12 members of the room and 12 members voting. All right. Thank you, Clerk. Please now rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for invocation offered by Alder Delee. And into the Republic or which as we near the end, as we near the close of the 25-26 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 parts 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. Let's let's make the most of it. Let's support one another, show up for our kids, and continue building the kind of community we're proud to be a part of. A community where people look out for each other, where families feel connected, and where every kid has a place to belong. And as a city council, this is our responsibility too. We have the opportunity and the obligation to invest in the spaces and opportunities that bring the vision to that vision to life. That means supporting our parks, strengthening our neighborhoods, ensuring safe spaces for kids to play and families to gather, and continue to partner with schools, organizations, and local leaders who are doing the work on the ground every day. It means listening to our residents, being present in our community, and making decisions that reflect not just today's needs, but the future we want for our children. If we do that, if we lead with intention, collaboration, and care, then we're not just take talking about a stronger community. 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. Uh next up is approval of the minutes. Motion to approve made by Alder Eck. There's second. Seconded by Alder Hinkfiz. Uh any changes? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Oppose nay. The ayes have it. Minutes are approved. Approval the agenda. Motion to approve made by Alder Eck. Seconded by Alder Dalee. Um any changes here? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Oppose nay. The ayes have it. The agenda has been approved. Report by the mayor. Um, just wanted to mention um an event that that we have every year on Memorial Day at Admiral Flatley Park put on by the United Patriotic Society.
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