De Pere City Council District 1
It’s been a while since I published anything on my website! Please follow my social media accounts for more frequent postings and sharing’s of City happenings.
It’s been a busy year for the City and as I reflect, I feel so much gratitude for our employees and all that they do to keep De Pere running smoothly and to ensure that De Pere remains a wonderful place to live, work and play. I am so excited to see what 2026 brings!
2024 Budget Update:
The 2024 Budget was approved by the Common Council on November 21.
Some highlights:
The full budget document can be found at the following link:
Common Council Fall Updates:
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
The Police Department requested an organizational change in September that would restructure the Traffic Enforcement Specialist and the Community Resource Officer into two newly created roles of Community Police Officers. The new positions will be assigned to each side of the river and will continue to carry out the duties of those positions that are being restructured. The benefit to this change is that these officers will have the ability to be more active in their assignment and take on a more hands on and proactive approach to mitigating issues and solving problems for their assigned side of the river. More to come on these new positions in early January.
At the September 17 Meeting, the City Council unanimously approved its portion of funding for the Southern Bridge Corridor with a total estimated amount of 24.7 million dollars. TID is estimated to cover the bulk of this amount, with the possibility of funding the rest through borrowing as the project is completed over the upcoming years.
The City Council approved an agreement with Immel Construction on a potential development at 360 Main Avenue that would include commercial space, underground parking, and workforce/affordable housing. Phase 1 will look at project feasibility, design, construction budget estimates and preliminary project schedule, and financial analysis.
The City’s Health Director, Debbie Armbruster, will be retiring this year. Debbie has been the City’s Health Director for the past 7 years and we are so grateful to her for her guidance and commitment to the City’s health program, especially throughout the COVID pandemic. The Council confirmed the appointment of Chrystal Woller at its last meeting. Chrystal most recently worked as the Health and Wellness Services Director at St. Norbert College and prior to that role was the City of De Pere Health Director from 2013-2016. We are excited to welcome Chrystal back and wish Debbie the best as she ventures into retirement!
As always, you can find all meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
Grateful to serve the residents of District 1.
Shana Ledvina and Amy Kundinger – District 1, De Pere
I hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed the beautiful summer we had!
The Parks and Recreation Department worked with Mead and Hunt over the summer to update the Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan. You likely saw social media posts or received a postcard at a number of De Pere summer events with instructions to fill out the online survey. Results of the survey and updates will be coming soon. The survey is still open and can be found at the link below:
The Parks and Rec Department also enlisted the help of Graef to develop a master plan for Wilson Park on De Pere’s west side near St. Norbert College. The hope is to either budget for or fundraise to incorporate the design and transform Wilson Park into a passive engagement space for students and residents alike.
Lawton and Legion Parks will both see updates soon as new playgrounds are being installed later this month, thanks to distributions via ARPA funding received by the City.
While driving down Main Ave, you may have noticed that the overpass grass is no longer being cut. Due to safety issues and concerns with our insurance company, the City will no longer cut the grass in the area. The City will also be closing the sidewalk that passes underneath the overpass for similar reason. A bypass will be available for pedestrians looking to cross from one side of the overpass to the other.
The City Development Services Department has a new Housing Stock Improvement Program (“Deeper Roots”) that is geared towards modernizing and improving the housing stock in De Pere while maintaining affordability for homeowners and buyers. They’ve also rolled out the Experience De Pere Business Recruitment Grant Program that incentivizes De Pere entrepreneurs with expenses associated with starting a new business. For more information, you can reach out the the Development Services Team at 920-339-4050.
Community Service Grant Applications are accepted every June and December. The City Council approved $600 to Eagle Scout Kevin Rafferty for his Gaga pit project at Altmeyer School and another $600 to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds for kids that don’t have one. You can contact the City Clerk’s office at 920-339-4050 for more information.
The City Council voted in July to name the new southern bridge “Arthur J. Altmeyer Bridge” and to propose “Generations” (suffix to be determined) for the new road connecting the southern bypass. Arthur J. Altmeyer was born in De Pere and was the US Commissioner for Social Security from 1946-1953 and was a key figure in the design and implementation of the Social Security Program.
The City’s Police and Fire Departments have made the purchase of a former Coast Guard boat to use for safety and emergency responses on the Fox River as well for the Parks and Public Works Departments to use for maintenance of city piers and boat launches.
The Nelson Family Pavilion, which will replace the current restroom facility at Voyageur Park, will be breaking ground in the next few weeks with opening to the public slated for June 2024. Stay tuned for updates on a groundbreaking ceremony!
As always, you can find all meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
Always grateful to serve the residents of District 1.
Shana Ledvina – District 1, De Pere
De Pere Common Council March Updates:
Wisconsin VFW Post 2113 has graciously donated a flagpole and two firefighter memorial markers to be placed at each station. The east side flagpole and memorial will be placed at the existing bell location in front of the Fire Department. A big thanks to the VFW for honoring and recognizing the men and women who formerly and currently serve the citizens of De Pere.
Several public works improvement projects were unanimously approved, totaling over $3.2 million dollars. Projects include pavement rehabilitation of Ridgeway and East River Drive, sewer lining and utility construction.
The City Council approved the Sustainability Commission’s Clean Air Initiative. This is an educational campaign that will be rolled out by the Sustainability Commission over the coming months. You can learn more at the following link:
citywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=4&ID=23684&MeetingID=2926
The City Council considered a change to overnight parking which resulted in a recommendation from the Council to wait until the parking study information is completed and shared before a decision is made. Some options included removing all limitations, issuing overnight parking passes, alternate side parking, and seasonal overnight parking.
The City Council voted unanimously to close the sidewalk at the 600 block of Main Ave. This sidewalk goes under the railroad tracks and is a dangerous walkway. A safer alternative route has been identified for pedestrians. A map can be found at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=4&ID=23681&MeetingID=2926
Pamela Manley was appointed the new Finance Director-Treasurer; she will be a tremendous asset to the community and we are so excited to welcome her to De Pere.
As always, you can find all meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
Your De Pere District 1 Alders –
Amy Chandik Kundinger & Shana Ledvina
Last night, the City of De Pere Common Council voted unanimously to approve the following projects to be funded via ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding. The total amount of ARPA funding received by De Pere was $2,613,573. A huge thank you to City Staff for bringing forward these deserving projects!
Fire Rescue – Station #1 Apparatus Bay Painting – $15,000
IT – AC Unit in City Hall Datacenter – $30,000
Parks, Recreation and Forestry – Nelson Family Pavilion – $500,000
Parks, Recreation and Forestry – Tree and Stump Removal – $200,000
Public Works – Water Main Replacement – $316,000
Development Services – De Pere Housing Action Plan – $10,000
Development Services – “Housing and Affordable Housing Stock Improvement Loan Program” – $100,000
Fire/Rescue – Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator Replacement – $115,000
Main Street Alley Project – $100,000
Police – Safety Needs for Evidence Submittal Room – $36,200
Police – Automated License Plate Reader – $80,000
Police – City Camera System, East Side – $125,000
Development Services – “Habitat for Humanity Rock the Block” – $100,000
Fire/Rescue – Extractor Turnout Gear Washer – $7,500
Fire/Rescue – 4 gas air monitor and calibration station – $3,000
Tour of America’s Dairyland – $30,000
Parks, Recreation and Forestry – Replacement of Lawton Playground – $75,000
Parks, Recreation and Forestry – Replacement of Legion Park Playground – $140,000
Police – Police Department Security and Access Control – $26,000
Public Works – Replacement of Clock Tower and Third and Main – $40,000
Public Works – Sump Pump Installation Program – $341,873
Development Services – ADA Audit of City Facilities – $65,000
Residential Historic District Signage – $15,000
Fire/Rescue – Replace 3 LUCAS CPR Devices – $51,000
Parks, Recreation and Forestry – Renovation of Legion Ball Field – $75,000
Police – Video Evidence Computer and Software – $17,000
Hello De Pere!
A Summary of Common Council Fall/Winter Updates:
De Pere Fire Rescue celebrated 150 years of service to the City of De Pere. We are grateful to our Fire Rescue team for their service and commitment to keeping our city safe.
The City graciously accepted a generous donation of 2 soccer goals valued at approximately $15,000 from Wisconsin United FC. These goals were used at Lambeau Field for the Bayern Munich vs Man City soccer match and will be placed at Southwest Park on Field #1.
Anthony Wachewicz was appointed the new City Attorney in November; he will be a tremendous asset to the community and we are so excited to have him on board.
The City of De Pere celebrated its 15 year anniversary of Sister City partnership with Åmål, Sweden. Mayor Boyd and a contingent of community members traveled to Åmål this December and enjoyed meeting with community members and leaders, sharing ideas and meals, and taking in all there is to see and do in their beautiful City.
The 2023 Budget was approved unanimously at the second meeting in November. City staff worked hard to present a budget that minimally increased expenditures while continuing to meet the expectations and needs of the community. The 2023 budget includes a 5.1% increase in the property tax levy and a 6.85% decrease in the property tax mill rate .The proposed mill rate for 2023 is $5.85 per $1,000 ($0.42 lower than 2022). The City maintains an Aa2 rating from Moody’s Investors Service for its general obligation debt, which is the second highest rating possible.
The full budget document can be located below:
Effective January 1, 2023, the City has a new zoning code. We appreciate the tremendous amount of work that went into this project and we hope you find the new document more user friendly than the previous code. You can find the full document below:
The following non-profits each received $600 in Community Service Grants from the Common Council in December:
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, De Pere chapter – Public Bed Build
NEW Master Gardeners Association – Locktenders Native Plant Garden at Voyageur Park Riverwalk
De Pere VFW Post 2113 – Beautification of Central Veteran Sites
Lovin’ the Skin I’m In – hair care products drive for families of color experiencing homelessness
Community Service Grant Applications are accepted biannually; you can find more information about the application process here: https://www.deperewi.gov/topic/index.php?topicid=425&structureid=87
As always, you can find all meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
We hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.
Shana Ledvina and Amy Kundinger – District 1, De Pere
Common Council Summer Updates:
Attorney Judy Schmidt-Lehman retired after more than 25 years of service to the City. Assistant City Attorney Kristen Johnson has been appointed to the position of City Attorney with Attorney Eric Erdman replacing her. We wish Judy all the best!
The City has graciously accepted a $100,000 donation from First Congregational Church for the installation of a playground at Kelly Danen Park. The park equipment has been selected by the Board of Park Commissioners and we can look forward to seeing the installation of the new playground next year.
The City Council has approved a plan to replace Legion Pool. The technical design will begin in 2025, with construction starting in 2026, pending review of economic climate at that time. If the pool sustains catastrophic failure as defined as costing $250,000 or more this would trigger an immediate review of the plan and timeline. In addition to catastrophic failures, any event projected to cost more than $50,000 in repairs to Legion Pool shall generate a review of the Legion Pool timeline.
You’ll see new art installments soon thanks to Definitely De Pere – “Falling Water” will be installed on Fourth Street and “New Dawn” at the George Street Landing.
The City of De Pere’s IT Department has received four awards from Wisconsin Community Media for the 2022 Best of the Midwest Media Fest. Justine Braun/De Pere TV submitted the following videos: The Mayor’s Corner and the Walsh Plaza Dedication videos received Awards of Merit, and the Mayor’s Corner Promotion and the video highlighting the street department called The Story of a Street Sign received Awards of Excellence. Our City Staff creates fantastic content; you can check out the City’s YouTube channel at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/c/deperewi
Community Survey results are in and can be found here:
As always, you can find all meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
We hope you had a wonderful summer with family and friends.
Shana Ledvina and Amy Kundinger – District 1, De Pere
Greetings, District 1 –
District 2 and District 3 have new representation – Alderpersons Pamela Gantz and Devin Perock were sworn in on April 19 for their first terms; Alderperson Dan Carpenter was re-elected to his fourth term, and I was re-elected to my second term. Mayor James Boyd was also re-elected to his second term in office. To see the current list of elected officials and their bios, click here: https://www.deperewi.gov/mayor/
The De Pere Police Department has been allocated a grant from the State of Wisconsin. Part of the grant allocation is being used to purchase E-bikes for patrol units. The City has an extensive spread of trails and hosts large-scale public events. The use of E-Bikes will allow a more effective way to patrol and monitor special events in which large and dense crowds make vehicular patrol almost impossible. Additionally, studies have shown that having officers on bike patrol is an effective form of community policing and engagement. The department will also use some of the funds to replace 20-year-old patrol rifles. Our current rifles are unreliable and ill-equipped. The new rifles will be better equipped with optical sights that have a much higher degree of accuracy, which is important for officers to have in the event they need to respond to an active shooter situation.
The City Council has approved the latest community survey, to be conducted by the St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute. Residents will be notified of the survey by postcard, water bill insert, and social media posts. Receiving this data from residents helps us to shape the decisions we make at the Council level.
The City of De Pere will be participating in No Mow May for the second year in a row – residents can visit the following link to find out more and to sign up to participate.
https://www.deperewi.gov/topic/subtopic.php?topicid=533&structureid=3
All City meeting agendas, minutes, and videos can be found at the following link.
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
Warmer weather is on its way – enjoy!
Amy Kundinger and Shana Ledvina – District 1, De Pere
Alderperson Shana Ledvina