Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
47 issues in public safety with medium priority
Lincoln School area signage changes
The Traffic Engineer's recommended sign modifications around Lincoln School were approved, aimed at keeping kids safer around the school.
School pickup congestion at Lincoln Elementary
Cars parking both sides of narrow Caroline Street during pickup are jamming the road, made worse by school consolidation and nearby construction. New signs will restrict parking to one side while allowing quick student loading.
West Side Municipal Garage HVAC improvements
The city hired an engineering firm to design heating and cooling upgrades for the West Side Municipal Garage, the first step of a facility improvement project.
Thermal imaging camera purchase
The city is buying 30 Bullard TXS thermal imaging camera bundles — gear that helps firefighters see through smoke and find people in the dark.
Firefighters grievance (GBPPA Grievance 2026-01) finalized
Green Bay Fire Fighters Local 141 grieved the assignment of delivering mold remediation kits for the Department of Health Services. The committee ruled the work is not "rescue work" under Section 8.4 of the labor agreement, upholding the grievance unanimously — a ruling with implications for what duties firefighters can be assigned.
Rewrite of alcohol beverage licensing code
Routine report showing a quiet month: no liquor or massage violations, three citations, and a few disturbance calls downtown.
Firefighter intern hiring pipeline
Thirteen former fire department interns never got a shot at applying under the old one-time hiring process. The commission approved giving them first chance through the same Public Safety Answers test and interviews before opening recruitment to the public.
Police promotional processes (Commander, Captain, Detective)
Two Green Bay patrol officers are being promoted to sergeant, filling supervisor roles in the Police Department. Sergeant ranks affect how patrol shifts and neighborhood policing are supervised day to day.
2025 Justice Assistance Grant acceptance
The council approved a $62,043 federal grant for justice-related programs with no local match, after the Finance Committee deadlocked 2-2.
Firefighters union grievance over mold remediation kit deliveries
Green Bay Fire Fighters Local 141 grieved the assignment of delivering mold remediation kits for the Department of Health Services. The committee ruled the work is not "rescue work" under Section 8.4 of the labor agreement, upholding the grievance unanimously — a ruling with implications for what duties firefighters can be assigned.
Huron Road pedestrian crossing at Highland Center Drive
After years of enhancements and repeated study, a 24-hour count found only about 26 pedestrians crossing Huron Road at Highland Center Drive — far below warrants for more signs, markings, or a flashing beacon. The request was placed on file, though the coming Eaton Heights expansion could justify looking again.
Homeless outreach funding
The authority authorized a roughly $25,000 donation to support homeless initiatives with the Brown County Housing Authority and House of Hope, helping get a new service effort off the ground.
Liquor license near a school at 510 S. Monroe
The council said no to waiving the 300-foot school buffer for a liquor license, but allowed a beer license for a food pantry at the same address.
Station 7 HVAC replacement
A $384,000 replacement of aging HVAC equipment at Fire Station 7, keeping the station functional for crews and equipment.
Temporary speed tables in CDBG neighborhoods
Up to $40,000 in federal block grant money buys three sets of temporary speed tables to slow traffic in eligible neighborhoods.
Brown County All Hazards Mitigation Plan
The committee endorsed a resolution supporting adoption of the county's All Hazards Mitigation Plan, which shapes how the region prepares for disasters and can affect federal mitigation funding.
Phishing scam targeting COA applicants
An applicant at 837 S Jackson Street got a fake email impersonating the commission chair and city finance director demanding payment to 'satisfy' his COA. Staff said they'll redact applicant contact info from online packets.
Signage around new Bart Starr Elementary School
The school district's plan for signage locations around the new Bart Starr Elementary School at 7th Street and Chantel Street was approved, setting up traffic signage for the new school's surroundings.
Second-quarter serious injury crashes
Green Bay recorded 18 serious-injury crashes in the second quarter of 2026, with no fatalities, though a few cases brought criminal charges. Enforcement is concentrated on crash-prone corridors like East Shore Drive.
E-bike and e-scooter regulation gaps
Police reported a statewide spike in pedestrian crashes and a growing enforcement problem with high-powered e-bikes and unicycles that don't fit any legal category. Officers are educating judges and the city may regulate where and how fast these devices can ride.
Detective vacancy filled in Police Investigations Division
The Green Bay Police Department's Investigations Division had an open Detective position, and promoting Officer Eric Elbe fills it. That means staffing for investigating cases that matter to residents — from property crimes to more serious investigations.
Night parking ordinance changes
The Emilie Street 900 block moves from permit-only to 4-hour weekday parking, the 2-hour limits on Hubbard Street are gone, and Washington Street's overnight and loading rules were adjusted. All were trial-period changes that stuck.
2026-27 Liquor and Beer License Renewals
The council approved the annual renewal list for alcohol licenses covering fifteen bars, restaurants, and retailers. The big note: Jam-Rock GB LLC at 700 Bodart St. was recommended for non-renewal by the police department, meaning that establishment's license may lapse.
Police equipment and vehicle purchases
The police department got two Tesla Model Ys, three Polaris off-road vehicles, a rescue boat, and an evidence racking system — roughly $257,600 total.
Traffic Enforcement Unit Safety Plan report
The police report showed crashes declining after rough winter weather, one preliminary 2025 fatality on Cherry Street, and active speed task forces and travel-safety grants. The traffic division remains one officer short.
Annual Civil Rights Certification
The board certified yearly to HUD that its housing programs comply with fair housing, disability and anti-discrimination laws — a requirement to keep receiving federal housing funds.
Homelessness services and supportive housing
Outreach staff have housed 45 formerly homeless people this year; the city council approved a conditional use permit for the Safe Haven Hope Center (up to 19 residents) and a 20-person rooming house conversion on Cherry Street, with neighbors reporting fewer problems than before.
Police fleet purchase
The Council bought 13 hybrid Ford Interceptors for $688,584 and sent staff to look for alternatives to two $89,390 Teslas that may be hard to service locally.
Electric police vehicle feasibility (Tesla Model Y)
The committee held off on two Tesla squad cars and wants staff to confirm cheaper EV options exist that can be serviced locally — a practical concern about maintenance access in Green Bay.
EQi assessment removed from police entry hiring
The police department will stop paying for the EQi emotional intelligence test for entry-level officer candidates because it duplicates background and psychological checks. It stays for promotional exams, where it provides coaching insight.
New Fire Station 3 construction
Police are at 180 filled positions with more retirements expected by year's end, and the department is still exploring options for its existing facility. Fire is preparing a station cost estimate due within six weeks.
Battalion Chief promotions
The approved promotional list sets who is eligible for Battalion Chief promotion in the Fire Department — a key leadership rank that affects fire operations citywide.
Fire department radios and emergency sirens
The council spent about $284,000 on new fire radios and four emergency notification sirens.
City Hall parapet wall repairs
Masonry repairs to preserve the City Hall facade, awarded to the low bidder for about $75,700 from the parks department budget.
Police violation report and chronic nuisance enforcement
Police reported one liquor violation and an arrest at a Main Street bar, and answered questions about the chronic nuisance case against 100 Bar & Grill, where a missed court date has led a judge to require a mandatory appearance.
Operator's license denials and second chances
Four applicants appealed license denials over past convictions. Two with strong employment and recovery stories got approvals; two who didn't show up got holds to May 11. Members noted these licenses are often tied to keeping a job.
Police Department leadership restructuring
Two Green Bay patrol officers are moving up to sergeant, filling supervisory ranks in the police department. The promotions come from the department's established eligibility lists, so the process followed its standard promotional procedure.
Traffic Manager position reclassification
The city is creating a dedicated Traffic Manager to lead the Traffic Division, oversee traffic calming and safety projects, and advise the Traffic, Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission. The pay grade bump costs about $14,155 more per year but is budgeted. Residents should see more focused attention on traffic signals, signage, and safety measures.
Homeless outreach presentation
The city's Homeless Outreach Case Coordinators, Pete Silski and Jeremy Pingel, presented on their work connecting un housed residents with services.
Second sworn animal control officer funding
Ald. Galvin's push to find funding for a second animal control officer at the police department was placed on file after staff explored funding sources.
Liquor establishment violations and compliance
Police logged eight liquor law violations and 14 citations in two weeks, including pepper spray contamination at 100 Bar & Grill and ID-scanner violations at two bars. Repeat problems could affect those establishments' licenses.
Dangerous dog declaration appeal
Carl Kurowski appealed a dangerous dog designation, and the matter came back to the committee after the Council referred it back. A 3-1 vote denied the appeal, so the declaration stands.
Battalion Chief promotional process overhaul
The Fire Department revamped how it promotes Battalion Chiefs, adding an electronic peer review copied from the Police Department's model and more realistic scenario testing of everyday management tasks.
2026 Commission Goals and Priorities
The commission picked five focus areas for the year — jobs and wages, health and recreation, housing, voting and public participation, and community relations — and split into working groups that will report back at quarterly meetings.
Pedestrian crossing beacons near parks
Resident Tarl Knight asked for rapid-flash crossing beacons where kids cross South Ashland and South Broadway to reach parks — the requests were placed on file for study.
Pedestrian crossing beacon requests held
Tarl Knight's requests for rapid-flashing beacons near Tank Park and on South Broadway were sent back to the Traffic Commission for January 26 — kids crossing to parks remain the sticking point.
Operator's license appeal — Brian Sanchez
A bartender with a stalking conviction under a deferred prosecution agreement appealed the denial of his license to serve alcohol. The committee tied 2-2, so the council decides January 20 with no recommendation from this committee.