Green Bay Common Council Meeting – July 21, 2026

The Green Bay Common Council met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at approximately 6:55 PM (meeting start time inferred from transcript) with all 12 alders present. The meeting included presentations, committee reports, a detailed discussion and vote on a resolution proclaiming an economic and social bill of rights, amendments to various policies, and action on the Hotel Northland financial obligations. The council approved a number of items, with notable votes on the bill of rights (9–3) and a comprehensive plan amendment (7–5).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting (moved by Alder Delee, seconded by Alder Ritterbush, unanimous).
• Approval of the agenda (moved by Alder Presley, seconded by Alder Delee, unanimous).
• Reappointment and appointment of an interim city clerk (Stacey Menke) – both approved unanimously.
• Various committee reports (Redevelopment Authority, Improvement and Services, Protection and Policy, Green Bay Police Department operator licenses, Plan Commission [with exceptions], Finance, Park, Personnel [with exceptions], Public Arts, Sustainability) were approved collectively or with individual items handled separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sarah Bashi (1770 Burgoyne Court, Apt. 80): Spoke in favor of the municipal bill of rights, stating the listed rights are human rights.
• Harvey Kay (523 Larshead St.): A UWGB professor emeritus of democracy and justice, advocated for an economic bill of rights dating back to the Founding Fathers and Franklin Roosevelt, urging support for the resolution.
• Amber Edwards (2434 Sycamore Dr.): Commissioner on the Green Bay Equal Rights Commission and community organizer for Joshua, expressed official support for the resolution, calling it a guide for future decisions.
• Steve Campbell (1207 N. Dance Ave., District 6): Former alder, opposed the resolution, arguing that rights are already protected by the Constitution and the resolution lacks measurable outcomes, legal authority, and created uncertainty.
• Mike Gazulpe (1430 Day St.): ICU nurse, spoke in favor, stating the resolution inspires hope, similar to the community quilt project.
• Christy Kaiser (2645 Bambique Rd.): Army brat and Equal Rights Commission member, supported the resolution as a starting point for dialogue.
• Amad Vera Wagner (617 S. Quincy), State Representative: Supported the resolution, highlighting Green Bay’s history of inclusion (Packers integration) and calling it a nonpartisan statement of values.
• Unnamed speaker (likely a community member): Supported the resolution as a mission statement for the city, citing Green Bay’s ranking as #1 place to live.
• Tara (chair of Equal Rights Commission): Supported the resolution, arguing it provides a common framework for fairness and dignity; mentioned measurable indicators like local jobs paying a living wage.
• Cynthia Narrat (1676 Langlade Ave.): Questioned whether employers, housing providers, and other stakeholders were given input on such a broad proclamation.
• Octavia Simpson (365 LeBern Dr., Apt. 6): Supported the resolution, sharing personal story about her father’s struggle with healthcare and job instability, emphasizing the right to a fair job.

Discussion Items

• We the People Quilt Presentation: Laura Schlei and the DGBI team explained the 250th anniversary community quilt project, with over 250 participants, now hanging in council chambers. A vinyl replica displayed on Washington and Cherry Streets.
• Announcements:
  • Alder Grant recognized the Schmidt Park Neighborhood Association’s 20th anniversary.
  • Alder Ritterbush thanked the economic development department for a bus tour, highlighting the JBS development.
  • Alder Delee announced a Grooves on the Green event at Three Sisters Park.
  • Alder Profit mentioned National Night Out (Aug 4), free transit on election days (passed at Transit Commission), and a swift city response to storm damage.
• Ordinances:
  • Second reading: amendment to responsible bidder threshold (from $25,000 to $50,000) was referred back to staff to add state statute language.
  • Rezoning 703, 707, 713 Roy Ave from neighborhood commercial to low-density residential – approved unanimously after amendment to correct lot numbers.
  • General ordinance 1126 adopted unanimously.
• Resolution: Proclaiming an Economic and Social Bill of Rights for Green Bay (Item 5 from Protection and Policy committee):
  • Sponsor Alder Shelton described it as a vision statement akin to the Declaration of Independence, guiding future policy on housing, climate, parks, etc.
  • Questions from Alder Grant about measurability and actionable steps; Alder Shelton emphasized it as a set of principles.
  • Alder Hutchison supported the right to clean drinking water, though acknowledged the city already has excellent water.
  • Alder Profit noted the document helps frame advocacy at state and federal levels.
  • Alder Morgan raised concerns about legality under state statutes (minimum wage, rent control), arguing the city cannot implement many of the items.
  • Alder Hinkfuss viewed it as a set of core values.
  • Alder Presley argued that stating a right allows the public to hold the council accountable, and the city can work within legal limits.
  • Public testimony (8 supporters, 1 opponent, 1 questioner) – strong support from community leaders and residents.
  • Final debate: Alder Hutchison urged a no vote, citing lack of implementation plan, funding, legal authority, and calling for more stakeholder input. Alder Grant worried the resolution is misleading and actions speak louder than words.
  • Alder Presley expressed frustration with a “no” attitude, wanting a council that fights for residents.
  • Alder Delee saw it as a framework for improving Green Bay.
  • Vote: 9 in favor (Alders Shelton, Hutchison, Presley, Prophet, Delee, Hinkfuss, Orlovsky, [other names not specified]) vs. 3 opposed (Alders Grant, Morgan, [third not identified]). The resolution passed 9–3.
• Item 6 from Protection and Policy – Duplicate ballot complaints report: Originally a proclamation; committee had directed staff to present a report. An amendment to strike everything after the first sentence (keeping only the direction to present a full report on Aug 18) was moved by Alder Hutchison and seconded by Alder Profit. After debate, amendment passed 8–4. The amended item was then approved unanimously.
• Plan Commission Item 2 – Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Go Big Green Bay): Staff proposed changing a land use designation from low-density residential to mixed residential in a future growth area near Woodside/Humboldt. Alder Grant (district alder) moved to deny, citing resident opposition and the plan being only a year old. Motion to deny failed 5–7. Motion to approve (by Alder Prophet) passed unanimously (voice vote, no roll call).
• Personnel Committee Item 2 – Bereavement leave policy: Alder Presley amended the policy to include three days of paid bereavement for pregnancy loss (miscarriage/stillbirth). The amendment was approved unanimously. The item was then approved as amended.
• Personnel Committee Item 4 – (an additional communication): Moved to table by Alder Profit because it had not gone through proper committee process. Motion to table passed unanimously.
• Public Arts Commission: Alder Prophet moved to amend from 10 sculptures to 5 for the rotating arts program, and to have staff work with neighborhood associations on locations. Amendment approved unanimously. Report approved as amended.
• Committee of the Whole – Sidewalk builder license: Approved for NNL Concrete Construction and Everett’s Construction subject to risk manager approval (unanimous).
• Committee of the Whole – Hotel Northland financial obligations: Council entered closed session to discuss litigation strategy. After reconvening, the council heard from Blake Malica of Tertium Development (prospective buyer), who outlined plans to revive the hotel (paving parking lot, dinner service, bowling alley, room updates). Attorney Cochard explained the city’s position: the city guaranteed a federal loan, is in fourth position behind lenders, and without approving the release and accepting $1 million from the sale (deed in lieu of foreclosure), the city would likely get nothing. The council approved the release and related agreements (motion by Alder Prophet, second by Alder Delee, unanimous voice vote).
• Resolutions and Ordinances: Several resolutions were suspended and adopted unanimously. First-reading ordinances were advanced to second reading.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution Proclaiming Economic and Social Bill of Rights: Passed 9–3 (Alders Shelton, Hutchison, Presley, Prophet, Delee, Hinkfuss, Orlovsky, and two others in favor; Alders Grant, Morgan, and one other opposed). The resolution is a non-binding vision statement.
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Go Big Green Bay): Approved (motion to deny failed 5–7; motion to approve passed by voice vote). The land use designation for the area near Woodside/Humboldt changed from low-density residential to mixed residential.
• Bereavement Leave Policy Amendment: Approved unanimously to include paid leave for pregnancy loss.
• Duplicate Ballot Complaint Report: Approved as amended (8–4) to direct staff to present findings report on August 18, without additional language about personnel issues.
• Public Arts Commission – Sculpture Program: Approved as amended (unanimous) to proceed with 5 sculptures and involve neighborhood associations.
• Hotel Northland Financial Release and Sale: Approved unanimously to release the city’s mortgage and development agreement in exchange for $1 million from the sale proceeds, accepting the deed in lieu of foreclosure.
• Sidewalk Builder Licenses: Approved (unanimous) for two companies.
• All other committee reports and routine items were approved. The meeting adjourned after approximately 2.5 hours (estimated).