Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green Bay public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues 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.
Historic design review at 638 S Monroe Avenue
A homeowner in the Astor historic district needed approval to replace a rear window and redo a jump porch. Because the work isn't visible from the street and touches only non-historic elements, it sailed through without controversy.
Solar for Good grant opportunity
Local nonprofits and community organizations can apply for up to $50,000 in solar grants through RENEW Wisconsin's Solar for Good program, with applications due October 31.
Revolving loan fund health and delinquent borrower
One borrower that was behind is now current, the city is moving toward foreclosure on the GeneTax Solutions building, and a few newer loans are slightly late on first payments. Staff says it's a timing issue, not a crisis.
Privacy fencing on through lots along Lakeside Place
Homes fronting both Lakeside Place and East Shore Drive can't legally build tall privacy fences facing Lakeside. The board granted one, treating Lakeside Place as functionally an alley — a precedent relevant to other bay-side through lots.
Agricultural lease rates on city farmland
The city leases about 105 acres of farmland to local farmers while it waits to develop it. Rates go up $20 to $150 per acre — still below state and county averages — with one parcel on a shorter lease because of the coming solar farm.
Residential use in Office-Residential district at 920 Crooks Street
Ann Larscheid received a conditional use permit letting her single-family home continue in the Office-Residential zone, with conditions if the use lapses.
920 Crooks Street single-family use in OR zone
A single-family home that predates the office-residential zoning needs a conditional use permit so its owner can sell. Commissioners noted this will keep happening along South Webster and discussed getting ahead of it citywide.
Alcohol license grants
The council approved a full slate of new beer and liquor licenses for stores, bars, restaurants and a hotel, plus limited outdoor expansions and a festival pouring permit.
Conditional use permits for homes in the S-RLI district
Five permits allow single-family homes within a special residential-light-industrial district on S. Chestnut Avenue and S. Broadway, with conditions.
Flock camera public support request
A resident came to ask about public support for Flock cameras, but the topic wasn't on the agenda.
Public art map update and tourism rack card
The city's public art map is six years out of date, so staff are updating the inventory and map and designing a rack card with QR codes linking visitors to both permanent and rotating public art — aimed at getting tourists to plan visits around the city's artwork.
Residential variance standards and application form
Board members flagged a 'bait and switch' problem: the variance application form lists the three-step statutory test, but the board judges on five different factors. Staff noted the five factors already appear on page four of the seven-page form.
Mason Manor rent adjustment
At the December 1 contract renewal, rents will move to project-based voucher standards, bringing in about $9,866 more per month (roughly $118,000 a year) without raising what tenants pay.
Waste Reduction Work Group activity
The commission's waste reduction work group shared its latest update, covering ongoing efforts to cut landfill waste citywide.
Transit garage vacuum replacement
The garage's original industrial vacuum system — in place since the building was built — will be replaced for up to $175,000. Federal Buy America compliance questions are still being sorted out.
Utility finances and staffing
The July and August financial report was accepted, and the general manager flagged a filter plant operator opening plus the departure of Executive Assistant Pam Beilke — staffing changes that could affect utility operations.
2027 recycling agreement with Brown County
A free annual renewal that keeps Brown County's recycling education and outreach going, which the city needs to keep its state grant funding.
JBS Park sculpture purchase
A $90,000 lit seed-pod sculpture — part of the original publicly vetted JBS park design — will be purchased using developer art money and neighborhood enhancement funds rather than general tax dollars.
Foreclosure at 1028 9th Street
The RDA will foreclose on a delinquent business loan after the borrower — a tax prep business — stopped communicating and paying in April, owing roughly $195,000 plus back taxes.
Revolving loan fund reallocation to parks
HUD rules forced the city to move $200,000 out of the business loan fund because early payoffs pushed it over carryover limits. The money goes to park improvements in lower-income neighborhoods instead of new business loans.
Communication process for appointed city members
Ald. Delie wants a clearer communication process for appointed commission and committee members. The committee sent it to staff to review the onboarding process and check how neighboring cities do it before anything is adopted.
Rethinking the comprehensive plan's land use map
Staff floated replacing the parcel-by-parcel future land use map with a district-level matrix rating uses desirable, allowable or undesirable — which could mean fewer time-consuming comp plan amendments for applicants. It's early; no action yet.
Home Electrification seminar
Menasha Utilities is hosting a free beginner-friendly seminar on switching gas appliances to electric, including rebates and incentives. Open to all residents, not just Menasha customers.
Better communication on construction projects
Ald. Delie's push for the city to improve how it tells residents about upcoming and ongoing construction projects was referred to staff for review.
2027 Employee Insurance Changes
The council set up income continuation insurance for employees starting in 2027 and switched the pharmacy benefits manager to SmithRx and the Family Savings Plan administrator to Associated Bank.
'No Outlet' sign on Northway Drive
Northway Drive loops confusingly into Highland View Lane, and drivers don't realize the northern leg dead-ends. A permanent "No Outlet" sign was approved just north of Sitka Street.
Porlier Pier removal
The long-delayed removal of the rotting, unsafe Porlier fishing pier finally got a contractor — $242,660.90 to Zenith Tech — with no replacement currently funded.
Weise Street railroad crossing closure
After railroad-safety orders, Public Works will close part of the 700 block of Weise Street. Businesses have alternate routes; the railroad will build the permanent closure.
Metal shed permit rules under scrutiny
Commissioner Miller argued the $375 CUP requirement for any metal-sided shed over 120 square feet is arbitrary — vinyl is fine, metal isn't — and asked staff to look at an easier path for homeowners.
Partial closure of 700 block of Weise Street
The city's Public Works Department requested and received approval to close part of the 700 block of Weise Street.
Oversized metal shed at 2265 Ironwood Drive
A homeowner got permission for a metal shed bigger than the 120-square-foot residential limit, with a promise to fix corrosion or remove the building.
Zoning code changes for animal boarding facilities, kennels and shelters
The city is updating its zoning rules for animal boarding facilities, kennels and shelters, and the commission approved the text amendments.
Traffic control at Tyrolian Drive and South Le Capitaine Circle
Ald. Hutchison asked for extra traffic control at this intersection, but the commission denied the request after a consultant review found no crash history there.
Traffic control at Buckthorn Trail and Crestwood Springs Drive
A request to add traffic control at this T-intersection was received and filed after a consultant found no crashes there and no cut-through risk, so no stop or yield signs are coming.
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.
Funeral leave modernization
Employees can now use bereavement days for tasks around a death — handling affairs, travel, family needs — not just the funeral itself. No extra days, just more flexibility.
36-month Cellcom contract
A three-year Cellcom contract was approved after being referred to staff in May — routine telecom procurement.
Volunteer time limited to city charities
The committee approved paid volunteer time for employees but added a restriction — hours can only be served with City of Green Bay charities. One alder objected to the limit.
Badger Greenway site improvements contract
Northeast Asphalt, Inc. will build the Badger Greenway site improvements for $374,000.40, including the base bid and Alternate No. 2.
Paid volunteer day for city employees
Full-time employees get one paid day per year to volunteer, with verification and no carryover. The committee limited it to City of Green Bay charities on a 3-1 vote, so taxpayer-funded time benefits the city itself.
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.
Taller industrial storage buildings near I-43
GLC Minerals can now build mineral storage structures up to 70 feet tall on its Bylsby Avenue site — a big lift from the standard 35-foot cap. Since the whole area is industrial and largely shielded from homes, the commission saw little downside.
Lambeau Field public vehicle restrictions
A police-requested ordinance amendment would keep taxis and other city-licensed public vehicles out of Lambeau Field parking lots during pro and college games, to manage traffic flow. Ride-shares like Uber can't be regulated under state law.
Badger Tracks neighborhood sign placement
The newly formed Badger Tracks Neighborhood Association got the OK to place its sign on city-maintained green space across from Fireman's Park at West Mason Street and Bentwood Drive. The association pays for everything, and staff will pick the exact spot to protect trees and keep sightlines safe.
Badger Tracks neighborhood sign at Fireman's Park
A newly formed neighborhood association wants to place its sign on city-owned green space next to Fireman's Park. The association pays for and maintains the sign; city staff will pick the exact spot to protect mature trees and keep sightlines clear for drivers.
Historic preservation survey grant
The city accepted a $20,000 state grant requiring no local match to designate a new historic district — the fifth round of such funding the city has used.
Board's new role in massage establishment license appeals
Starting under a 2023 ordinance, the board will hear appeals when the city denies a massage establishment license. Law staff explained the review process, background checks, and the substantial-evidence standard the board will apply.
Neighborhood parking changes made permanent
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.
Front-yard parking at 1300 Edgewood Drive
A homeowner sought a variance to the rule that driveways must lead directly to a garage or legal parking stall. The board's unanimous denial keeps the standard setback requirement in place for this R1 Low Density Residential property.