Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in public safety
Pedestrian Safety at Flicker and Red Wing
A resident asked for a stop sign near a popular new playground, but traffic counts were too low to warrant it. The board asked staff to take another look at a yield sign or crosswalk solution.
Youth mental health trends and resources
The Health Department presented on youth mental health trends and challenges and asked commissioners for input on belonging and social connectedness initiatives in De Pere. Commissioners pitched ideas for events and programs to help teens feel more included and connected.
Ledgeview fire services agreement
The city is negotiating an intergovernmental agreement to provide fire services to the Town of Ledgeview. After a closed session, the council told staff to keep working through a joint working group.
Operator license denials appealed by bartenders
Two bartenders whose operator licenses were denied over past offenses — misdemeanors for Sandra Rodriguez and three OWIs for Chelsea Cure — appealed in person and were approved unanimously. Their cases now head to the Common Council.
LifePak 35 cardiac monitors for Fire Department
The fire department is upgrading two of its three ambulance cardiac monitors to the newer LifePak 35, paid for entirely with state EMS grant money. Faster detection of cardiac emergencies can save lives.
Regional food truck fire inspections
De Pere joins a Fox Valley coalition where food trucks get one standardized NFPA fire inspection and a sticker honored across the region — saving city inspectors time and easing vendor frustration. Health department inspections are unaffected.
Sustainable state funding for local public health departments
The council threw its support behind a push for sustainable state funding of local public health departments. Better state support could stabilize the services your county and city health departments provide.
Shared animal response services with Howard (CART)
De Pere and the Village of Howard will share Citizen Animal Response Team (CART) services under a new intergovernmental agreement. That means coordinated volunteer help for animal emergencies across both communities.
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.
Declining childhood vaccination rates
Alderperson Hansen raised media reports of falling childhood vaccination rates; the health department confirmed De Pere mirrors the statewide trend and is responding with public messaging and provider connections.
Interim fire chief support from Ledgeview
The commission confirmed a new Battalion Chief and two new firefighters, and added two candidates to the firefighter eligibility list. That's leadership continuity and added staffing capacity for the fire department.
Fox River Fire District Automatic Aid Agreement
An updated automatic aid agreement with the Fox River Fire District was approved, keeping fire and emergency services coordination current.
Parking ramp internet service
TDS will provide internet at the 224 N. Wisconsin parking ramp, chiefly for security cameras and gate systems.
Environmental health inspection capacity
The city's single sanitarian is over capacity on inspections as De Pere grows. The health department plans a shared-service partnership for weights and measures inspections in the upcoming budget.
Service fees for missed inspections
New code amendments let the city charge fees when property owners don't show for inspections or keep ignoring violations — a 'stick' aimed at repeat offenders who only act after a final warning letter.
Fire Rescue staffing and record call volume
Call volume has jumped 250% since 1987 while full-time staffing barely grew, causing delays on overlapping calls. The SAFER grant would add two firefighter/paramedics with the feds covering most costs for three years.
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.
Senior safety expo and severe weather preparedness
The council declared a state of emergency for weather disaster damage — an unfortunate but standard step that can unlock assistance.
Rising Lyme disease and tick activity
Lyme disease numbers climb every year, and board members report heavy tick activity already this spring. The health department is distributing tick prevention kits.
Hydrant painting costs jump 73%
Only one contractor bid on painting the city's fire hydrants, and the price jumped from $112.50 to $195 per hydrant. The board accepted it anyway rather than delay the work.
Chronic nuisance determination upheld on appeal
The council held a full quasi-judicial hearing on Rachael Carriveau's appeal of a chronic nuisance property designation and unanimously denied it. The police chief's abatement plan for the property now stands.
Health Department Strategic Plan 2026-2030
The department's first five-year plan shaped by public surveys sets its mission, vision, values and priorities through 2030, tied to state DHS Chapter 140 requirements.
Narcan distribution and opioid response
The department gives free Narcan to anyone who wants it and now partners with the fire department on training and a leave-behind program for homes that could benefit.
Election tabulation equipment agreement with Brown County
The city joined the county's 2026 intergovernmental agreement for election tabulation equipment — keeping De Pere's voting equipment consistent and supported.