Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Common Council approved a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for 1000 Algoma Road to allow auto sales expansion, overriding staff's denial recommendation by a 10-2 vote. The council also approved a solar energy land lease agreement with One Energy Development LLC for a 5-6 megawatt project on city-owned property, with terms negotiated in closed session. A sidewalk repair dispute was resolved with the property owner at 338 Hartung Street receiving a $7,588.40 reduction from their $10,838.40 bill due to communication failures between the city and contractor.
Key Decisions (6)
Sidewalk Assessment Reduction at 338 Hartung Street
Council voted to reduce the sidewalk repair bill for property owner Steve Kirsten from $10,838.40 to $3,250, forgiving $7,588.40 for sections the owner had already repaired before the city contractor arrived. The reduction was approved due to communication failures between the property owner, city staff, and contractors.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 1000 Algoma Road
Council approved amending the comprehensive plan from neighborhood commercial to regional commercial for property at 1000 Algoma Road to allow expansion of Henches Auto Sales. Staff had recommended denial, but Plan Commission recommended approval 5-1. The property owner seeks to purchase adjacent parcel to expand auto inventory and add 10-12 jobs.
Rezoning of 1000 Algoma Road from C-2 to C-3
Council approved rezoning the property at 1000 Algoma Road from C-2 (neighborhood commercial) to C-3 (regional commercial) to accommodate auto sales expansion by Brandon and wife Henches, who have operated auto businesses in Brown County for 17 years.
One Energy Solar Land Lease Agreement
Council approved a land lease and solar easement agreement with One Energy Development LLC for a 5-6 megawatt solar project on city-owned Parcel 22-SC-513 on Algoma Road/Highway 54. The project would generate approximately $17,000 annually to the city and $13,000 to the county through state utility aid payments.
Reckless Driving Vehicle Owner Liability Ordinance
Council approved an ordinance allowing vehicle owners to be held accountable when their vehicle is used in reckless driving incidents, even if they were not the driver. Police Chief Davis confirmed a communications plan will accompany implementation.
Bernard Island Easement with Right of First Refusal Request
Council approved an easement related to Bernard Island and directed staff to discuss with county officials about acquiring a right of first refusal on future uses at Bernard Island that could complement Bay Beach operations.
Zoning Changes (1)
1000 Algoma Road
Brandon Henches
Development Activity (3)
Henches Auto Sales Expansion
Expansion of existing auto sales operation to adjacent parcel for increased vehicle inventory display and detailing bays. Owner plans to add 10-12 jobs. Current building renovated extensively with cleaning staff and high-end equipment.
One Energy Solar Project
5-6 megawatt solar installation using bifacial tracking panels, 8-9 feet tall at maximum tilt. Project includes native prairie seed mix with 30 Wisconsin species. 30-year panel warranty with expected longer lifespan. Adjacent to existing substation.
South Broadway Fire Station
New fire station construction. Project received $5 million federal funding through Congressman Weed and Senator Baldwin. Total project cost exceeds $15 million local authorization.
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Auto sales businesses seeking expansion space in Green Bay, with one operator noting they've nearly maximized space in less than one year at current location.
Infrastructure
Federal funding of $5 million secured for fire station construction indicates continued federal investment in Green Bay public safety infrastructure.
Sentiment
Council expressed concern about sidewalk repair contractor availability, noting very few licensed contractors are willing to do small sidewalk projects within 30-day deadlines.
Commercial Demand
Solar energy developers actively pursuing land lease agreements on city-owned property, with state utility aid payments providing $5,000 per megawatt annually split between city and county.