Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in public safety with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.