Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
37 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
The committee wrapped up a grievance filed by the Green Bay Firefighters by adopting the official written findings. It stems from a decision made at the September 29 meeting, and the document will be signed and issued, ending the process.
Rewrite of alcohol beverage licensing code
Chapter 4 of the municipal code gets its first full overhaul in years, swapping stipulation agreements for correction meetings and dropping a blanket 24-hour surveillance camera mandate.
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)
The police department is running Commander, Captain, and Detective promotional processes with healthy applicant pools for the first two, and the Detective posting just opened. The commission will later approve the selection panels and final picks.
Alcohol server license appeals and application clarity
Four residents appealed denials of their bartender/operator licenses, and the committee keeps running into confusion over the conviction disclosure question. Members signaled they may ask staff to rewrite the application wording.
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.
2026 Commission Goals and Priorities
The commission kicked off planning for 2027, asking members to submit ideas by November 1 and urging alignment with the city budget calendar so proposals aren't doomed by timing.
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.
Temporary speed tables for neighborhood traffic calming
Up to $40,000 in CDBG funds will buy three sets of temporary speed tables for neighborhoods where speeding is a top complaint. The city will pilot them, collect speed data, and install permanent versions where they work.
Brown County All Hazards Mitigation Plan
The committee backed a resolution supporting the county's all-hazards mitigation plan at the fire department's request — a step toward coordinated emergency preparedness.
Operator's license appeals for applicants with criminal records
Four people appealed denials of their alcohol-serving licenses, mostly over old felony convictions. The committee weighed rehabilitation, disclosure, and time since offense, recommending approval for all who appeared — with the full council making the final call September 15.
Excess animal permit and chronic nuisance calls on Nicolet Drive
Doug Gottlieb's three-dog permit denial was appealed amid 29 police calls and 19 animal citations since October 2025. The committee gave him a month to bring neighbor and trainer letters showing conditions have improved.
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.
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 many vehicles marketed to families as e-bikes are actually motorcycles capable of very high speeds, and is working on state law clarification and judge education.
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.
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 committee approved roughly $257,000 in police equipment — Tesla patrol cars, an ATV, UTVs, a rescue boat, and an evidence racking system. It updates aging gear and rescue capability but spends general city funds.
Traffic Enforcement Unit Safety Plan report
The Police Department gave its regular report on the Traffic Enforcement Unit's traffic safety plan — informational only, no vote taken.
Police fleet adds electric Tesla patrol vehicles
After comparing EV options, the committee approved two Tesla Model Y patrol cars, which cost less than the Mustang Mach E or electric Blazer alternatives and use existing charging infrastructure. One alderperson raised concerns that Teslas can't be serviced locally in Green Bay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fire department radios and emergency sirens
The council spent about $284,000 on new fire radios and four emergency notification sirens.