Green Bay Common Council Meeting: July 8, 2026

The Green Bay Common Council met on July 8, 2026, to conduct routine business and a quasi-judicial hearing regarding the non-renewal of a Class B liquor license for Jamrock, located at 700 Bodart Street. The council voted to deny the appeal, resulting in the non-renewal of the license.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes and agenda passed unanimously.
• Appointments and reappointments approved without discussion.
• Ordinances second reading adopted (12-0).
• Committee reports (INS, Protection and Policy, Police Department granting operator licenses, Plan Commission, Finance, Park, Traffic Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission) approved, with items 1 and 3 of the Traffic Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission report referred back to committee.
• Resolutions adopted unanimously.
• Ordinances first reading advanced to second reading.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the general meeting. During the quasi-judicial hearing, the appellant and his attorney presented testimony, but no public members spoke.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Report: Mayor thanked staff and community for the Fourth of July celebration, announced City Night at Joanne's on July 9, 2026, at 7:30 PM, and congratulated Chief Ray Pheaton on his appointment.
• Council Announcements: Alder Delee announced "Grooves on the Green" on July 10, 2026, at Badger Park. Alder Eck announced the Green Bay Fringe Festival from July 16-19, 2026.
• Quasi-Judicial Hearing: Non-Renewal of Liquor License for Jamrock
  • The hearing was held to consider the Green Bay Police Department's recommendation to non-renew the Class B liquor license for Jamrock (700 Bodart Street) on grounds of public safety and violations of municipal code.
  • City's Case (Attorney Mays): Presented evidence of multiple incidents, including a January 27, 2024, incident where the licensee (Mr. Neil) served an intoxicated patron after hours, brandished a firearm, and failed to call police; a minor disturbance on June 16, 2024; a physical disturbance on July 1, 2025; a drug transaction involving cocaine inside the bar on October 1, 2025; a disturbance with drug possession on November 7, 2025; and violations of stipulation agreements (failure to maintain a working ID scanner, failure to provide video footage within five days). Attorney Mays argued the totality of circumstances warranted non-renewal.
  • Appellant's Case (Attorney Heather Richmond and Mr. Neal): Argued that the 2024 case was dismissed (though later refiled), that the licensee took corrective actions (no trespass orders, app-based ID scanner), and that many incidents occurred outside the bar and were not under his control. Mr. Neal testified that the 2024 altercation was in self-defense after a patron threatened him, and that he did not call police due to fear. He stated the ID scanner app had a payment issue but was quickly resolved.
  • Council Questions: Council members questioned both parties about the 2024 incident (why police were not called, why lights were turned off, the gun discharge), the effectiveness of the ID scanner, and the licensee's accountability. Chief Davis clarified that bullet fragments were found and that the case had been refiled. He noted that the stipulation agreement required a working ID scanner and that the bar had failed to meet those requirements.
  • Council Deliberation: Several aldermen expressed concern about the licensee's lack of accountability, failure to follow the remediation plan, and the severity of the 2024 incident. Alder Grant noted that while the licensee had good intentions, follow-through was lacking. Alder Morgan criticized the lack of firearm training and the decision to invite an intoxicated person into the bar after hours. Alder Delee emphasized the absence of accountability. Alder Presley framed the decision as a risk assessment, noting the high standards required for liquor licenses.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Deny the Appeal: Alder Profit moved to deny the appeal (i.e., uphold the non-renewal), seconded by Alder Morgan. The motion passed on a voice vote (all ayes). The appeal was denied, meaning the Class B liquor license for Jamrock will not be renewed.
• Referral of Items 1 and 3 (Traffic Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission): Alder Hinkfis moved to refer both items back to committee; the motion passed unanimously.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following the vote.