De Pere · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth volunteer opportunities at community events
The commission was tracking volunteer needs, including the December 10 Holiday Lights event at Voyageur Park, which needs six youth volunteers.
BID board vacancies and term limits
Two members are resigning and one seat was already open, leaving three openings on the seven-member board. The board also plans to add term limits to its bylaws in 2027.
Recreation scholarship donation
The Pink Flamingo Classic donated another $250 to the recreation scholarship fund, which helps local families afford city recreation programs. Staff are looking at loosening guidelines to help more families.
Nicolet Ale Works premises expansion
The downtown brewery can now serve alcohol on its mezzanine, second floor, and balcony, adding seating and event space.
De Pere Deacons Hockey liquor license renewal
The hockey organization's Class "B" beer license at 1450 Ft. Howard Ave. was renewed without objection — routine but it keeps the rink's concessions and bar operating.
Four-way stop request at Suburban and Grant
Residents asked for an all-way stop near the route to West De Pere High School, but a traffic study didn't support it and staff said no. A traffic circle may be considered when the county rebuilds Grant Street years from now.
Board of Review stipend increase
Citizen members of the Board of Review — the only compensated city board — will get their stipend raised from $35 to $85 per half-day session, or $150 for a full day, to reflect the going rate in other communities.
Westwood Elementary orchard removal
Commissioners learned Westwood Elementary cut down its school orchard without notifying the city, possibly to maximize space on the school site. The commission had hoped the conservation corps might help replant there.
Fire truck history project pays off
The completed fire truck history research is already useful — the fire chief says it will help apply for grants to restore the old wagon and could become a brochure or parade material.
WPS utility easement in Nicolet parking lot
A new easement lets WPS serve 301-305 Main Avenue, with the city protected on relocation costs if it redevelops the site later.
Business sponsorships for community events
Local businesses fully funded the summer fireworks show and sponsored beer gardens and special events, keeping those costs off taxpayers.
Property tax rescission on St. Norbert College parcel
The appraiser failed to remove a tax-exempt college parcel from the 2025 roll, so St. Norbert paid $2,637.02 it didn't owe. The committee approved the refund under the state's palpable error statute.
Youth Commission liaison term change
The city is changing the De Pere Youth Commission's alderperson liaison from a three-year term to a one-year term to match how other alderperson appointments work. Staff will also sweep other boards for similar inconsistencies.
Municipal code amendments on appointments and permit appeals
Code cleanups let the mayor appoint the youth commission liaison like other board appointments, add DNR-required waste collection language, and route food truck and solicitor permit appeals to the License Committee instead of the full council.
Adopt a Drain program growth
Volunteers logged 11 drain cleanings removing 36 gallons of debris from storm inlets this year, tracking slightly below last year. A fall social media push around Stormwater Week in September is planned.
'See a Sign, Lend a Hand' neighbor-help initiative
Launching in October during Good Neighbor Week, residents in need can post a yard sign asking for help with mowing, raking, or shoveling — and neighbors, including high school and college students, can lend a hand.
Medical advisor attendance at board meetings
A board member raised that the medical director hasn't attended any meeting since her appointment and isn't shown properly in the minutes. She's not required to attend and isn't a voting member, but the board wants clearer records and hopes she'll visit periodically.
Teen Movie in the Park and FAFSA Night
Two youth events are in the works: a free Teen Movie in the Park on August 19 (rain date August 20) at Voyageur Park, with a social-media poll to pick the film, and a free FAFSA Night tentatively set for Fall 2026 to help families navigate college financial aid.
Fox Point restroom roof repair
A storm damaged the Fox Point restroom roof; instead of patching shingles, the Council is spending $4,504 from reserves on a metal roof it already planned.
Walleye habitat shoreline improvement
Walleyes for Tomorrow will haul about 450 tons of gravel across the Perkofski boat launch this winter to improve walleye habitat, with an MOU making the group responsible for any road damage.
Parking ramp internet service
TDS will provide internet at the 224 N. Wisconsin parking ramp, chiefly for security cameras and gate systems.
James Street Parkway dock signage
Alderperson Hansen asked for a sign at James Street Parkway near the docks to make clear the area is publicly accessible, not private property of the adjacent restaurant.
Youth Commission involvement in historic preservation
The new Youth Commission is now official via ordinance — the city can start recruiting young members.
Transportation utility legal status
Alderperson Hansen asked for an update on the transportation utility idea that was tabled years ago amid court cases — a potential new way to fund street maintenance.
New liquor license for TownePlace Suites hotel
The TownePlace Suites downtown hotel can now serve beer and wine to guests. It's a small convenience for travelers and a modest boost for the hotel's business.
APWA National Snow and Ice Control Award
De Pere's street department won a national award for winter road operations — one of only six cities recognized nationally. The crew uses brine systems, GPS tracking, and smart salting to keep roads safe while cutting salt use.
Park Donations Accepted
The council accepted a $2,500 tree donation from the Packers and Green Bay Packaging, plus $2,500 from WI United FC Soccer for soccer field treatment at Southwest Park.
De Pere City Band 50th Anniversary
The city band has been bringing free summer concerts to Voyager Park since 1976. The mayor proclaimed its 50th anniversary and band members invited residents to five summer concerts.
Legion Park Disc Golf Course Improvements
Alderperson Hansen wants a course map display, scorecards, and hole signage with distances at the recently improved Legion Park disc golf course. The idea will go to the Park Board.
Brown County trail extension at Perkofski Boat Launch
Brown County will extend a trail from Ashwaubomay to the boat launch, crossing about 30 feet of city property to connect.
New city website provider (Govstack)
The current website provider is exiting, so the city is switching to Govstack for $15,204. Ald. Hansen got assurance the popular design will carry over in improved form.
2027 Gap Sidewalk Orders and Special Charges
The council adopted the 2027 gap sidewalk orders and special charges, meaning some property owners will be assessed for sidewalk gaps adjacent to their properties.
Ninth Street strip mall driveway traffic concerns
A resident worries the new strip mall's connecting driveway to Festival Foods will create turning conflicts near the post office, Shell station and Walgreens. Staff will study it once the development is functioning.
Four-way stop request denied at Charles and Michigan
A resident request for a four-way stop didn't come close to traffic warrants — 561 and 324 vehicles per day versus thresholds measured in vehicles per hour. No change to the intersection.
Generations Boulevard street renaming
Southbridge, Red Maple and Rockland Roads on the Southern Bridge Bypass will be renamed Generations Boulevard.
Downtown parking lease with William Street Investment Partners
An MOU with William Street Investment Partners LLC sets up a parking lease agreement downtown.
Downtown summer event alcohol permits
Three Definitely De Pere events — Tour De Pere, Alley Nights, and Music on the Plaza — sought special permits letting attendees drink beer in public areas downtown. The committee approved all three unanimously; final sign-off comes from the Common Council.
Farewell to Alderperson Dan Carpenter
After ten years on the council and a long prior career as a city employee, Dan Carpenter is leaving the District 4 seat. Colleagues credit him with shaping the Shapco downtown development and the South Bridge Connector.
Power loading ban at boat launches
New ordinance prohibits power loading at city boat launches — a rule aimed at protecting launch ramps and waterways.
Forte payment processing for beer gardens and pools
The city was considering the Forte merchant-services platform with a service fee model for beer garden and pool payments — affecting how residents pay at those facilities.
New alcohol licenses for downtown and west-side businesses
A Colombian restaurant on Main Ave is picking up a liquor license after The Porch Bar closed, and a new entertainment spot on American Boulevard wants to serve beer and wine. Both now go to the Council for final approval.
New liquor licenses for two local businesses
Two businesses — Colombian Flavors on Main Avenue and Big Cheddar Bounce on American Boulevard — can now serve beer, liquor, or wine, helping round out downtown and family entertainment options.
Robotic mowers for city baseball fields
De Pere Baseball is chipping in $5,000 so parks staff can deploy quiet robotic mowers at Kelly Danen and Southwest Park. Mowers run overnight until 9 a.m., with signs keeping players off freshly cut fields.
Reid Street banner advertising for sustainability campaigns
Only five months a year allow banners on Reid Street, so staff proposed pollinator banners in April, Adopt a Drain in September, and salt-awareness in November — about $500 each. Commissioners are also exploring radio and cinema ads as alternatives.
Termination of grant consulting contract with MSA Professional Services
The city paid a consultant to hunt for grants but got little value — mostly notices staff already received. Ending the contract saves money, and staff say grant opportunities still reach the right departments. If a major grant needs professional grant-writing, they'll hire help per-project.
New consent agenda format
A redesigned agenda bundles routine items into one vote to save five to ten minutes per meeting, with a cleaner layout for residents. Anything potentially controversial gets pulled to new business, and any council member can move an item off consent by majority vote.