Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in public safety with low priority
Grass and weeds abatement charge appeal at 811 Ernst Drive
The city cut long grass and weeds at 811 Ernst Drive and billed the owner $451.54; the owner is appealing. Staff say the work was done per ordinance and recommend denying the appeal.
Clarification of Assistant Fire Chief Lateral Transfer
News reports wrongly said Eric Jeltema was promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations; he'd actually already made assistant chief in January. The commission only votes on promotions, not lateral moves at the same level.
Public vehicle regulations amendment
The committee advanced an amendment to Section 10-460 of the municipal code governing public vehicles, which now goes to the Common Council.
Sand and salt storage at the Westside Municipal Garage
The Street Department stopped using its outdoor salt and sand bunker because WisDOT requires materials to be covered and manually uncovering it in winter storms was unsafe. A new $115,245 tension fabric structure will fix that.
Excess animal permit dispute at 2566 Remington Court
Diana Krause and Dan Tilot appealed the denial of their excess animal permit; after testimony, the council sided with them 8-4.
Dangerous dog appeal denial
Carl Kurowski appealed a dangerous dog declaration, spoke to the council, and the appeal was denied 11-0.
Board member terms and reappointments
Two board seats expire in May 2026. Heidi Michel said she'll stay on; staff will check with Brian Skaletski.
Commissioner orientation and powers
New commissioners got a rundown of what the Equal Rights Commission can and cannot do under city ordinance, including quorum rules, open meetings and records law, and its annual reporting duty to the mayor and council.
Fire department mental health app
The fire department launched a mental wellness app for firefighters, paid for with state FAP money, offering counseling and health resources on their phones.
Contractor licensing for sidewalk, tree, sprinkler, and waste services
The city renewed licenses for ten contractors allowed to do sidewalk, tree, sprinkler, and private waste collection work in Green Bay — the same license list Ald. Galvin noted can be hard for homeowners to actually book.
338 Hartung Street Sidewalk Replacement Appeal
A property owner is fighting a $10,838.40 city bill for sidewalk replacement. The owner spent $1,640 on mudjacking and grinding but never told the city the work was done, so crews replaced the sidewalk anyway on October 2. The committee wants more time and will revisit it January 28.
Police violation report for liquor and massage establishments
The monthly report showed two liquor law violations, three DA referrals, and incidents at Alibi Tavern, Whiskey Rose Saloon, and the Sardine Can, including a stipulation violation at Alibi over lacking video surveillance.