Appleton, WI

Common Council

This is a test meeting of the Appleton Common Council. The agenda contains only routine procedural items such as call to order, roll call, approval of previous minutes, and committee reports. No substantive policy decisions, ordinances, or public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of previous council meeting minutes (19-0314)
• Committee reports including Safety and Licensing Committee minutes with an amendment changing premises hours to 10
• Practice ordinance file (24-0894)
• Business presented by the mayor (19-0313)

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee will hold a public hearing regarding the 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program year. The meeting also includes updates on the Neighbors in Action Workshop and an inspection division permit summary report.

• Public hearing for 2027 CDBG Notice of Funding Available
• Neighbors in Action Workshop update
• Inspection Division Permit Summary Report ending 8-31-26

The Community Development Committee approved its minutes from September 9, 2026 and adjourned. A public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding availability and community needs for the 2027 program year (April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028) was held, and no one spoke. The committee also received and discussed information items on CDBG 2027 program year funding, a Neighbors in Action Workshop update, and the Inspection Division Permit Summary Report ending August 31, 2026. No substantive decisions on funding, permits, or programs were made.

• Approved minutes from the 9-9-26 meeting (5-0)
• Held public hearing on CDBG 2027 program year funding and community needs; no one spoke
• Received and discussed CDBG 2027 program year funding information (no action)
• Received and discussed Neighbors in Action Workshop update (no action)
• Received and discussed Inspection Division Permit Summary Report ending 8-31-26 (no action)
• Adjourned at 5:29 p.m. (5-0)

Safety and Licensing Committee

The Safety and Licensing Committee will hold public hearings on demerit point violations for two restaurants, consider two resolutions requesting state review of vehicle noise penalties and increasing local penalties for unnecessary noise, and act on numerous license applications including operator's, special event, liquor, pet store, and salvage dealer licenses. The agenda also includes information items on alcohol license violations, a federal grant allocation, and upcoming special events.

• Resolution #13-R-26 requesting state review of intentional disruptive motor vehicle noise and driver demerit point penalties
• Resolution #14-R-26 increasing penalties for unnecessary noise
• Demerit point violation appearances for Antojitos Mexicanos and Sai Ram Indian Cuisine
• Operator's license application for Darrius T. Smith
• Special event application for Hands Off Our Vote Information Fair and Celebration

The Safety and Licensing Committee recommended approval for a resolution requesting state review of vehicle noise penalties and referred a separate noise penalty resolution to the Legal Department. The committee also approved several special event applications, alcohol licenses, and business license renewals. Additionally, members heard appearances regarding demerit point violations for two local businesses.

• Recommended approval of Resolution #13-R-26 (3-1)
• Referred Resolution #14-R-26 to Legal Department (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Hands Off Our Vote event (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Mary Beth Neinhaus Activity Center alcohol license (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved balance of agenda items including multiple license renewals (4-0)

City Plan Commission

The Appleton City Plan Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on rezoning 1.3658 acres at 1893 W. Spencer Street from agricultural to general industrial, and on broad text amendments to the zoning and manufactured/mobile home chapters of the municipal code. It will also consider approving the Clarity Ridge extraterritorial final plat, discuss a draft moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers, and review draft amendments to Chapter 17 on subdivisions. The agenda includes procedural items like minutes approval and roll call.

• Rezoning #4-26: 1893 W. Spencer Street, 1.3658 acres, AG Agricultural to M-2 General Industrial (public hearing and action item)
• Text amendments to Chapter 23 Zoning and Chapter 11 Manufactured/Mobile Homes, covering accessory dwelling units, parking, signs, and more
• Clarity Ridge Extraterritorial Final Plat in Town of Grand Chute
• Resolution #11-R-26: Hyperscale AI Data Center Moratorium (discussion draft only)
• Draft text amendments to Chapter 17 Subdivisions (entire chapter, for discussion)

The City Plan Commission recommended approval for the rezoning of 1893 West Spencer Street, various municipal code text amendments regarding zoning and housing, and the Clarity Ridge Extraterritorial Final Plat. Additionally, the commission voted to hold the resolution for a Hyperscale AI Data Center moratorium until the November 11, 2026, meeting.

• Recommended approval of Rezoning #4-26 (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Chapter 23 and 11 code amendments (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Clarity Ridge Extraterritorial Final Plat (6-0)
• Tabled Hyperscale AI Data Center moratorium until Nov 11 (6-0)
• Approved minutes from August 26, 2026 (6-0)

Joint Review Board

The Joint Review Board is meeting to review the 2025 annual reports for Tax Incremental Financing Districts Nos. 7 and 13, located within Calumet and Winnebago Counties. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of previous minutes and public participation. No action items are listed.

• Review 2025 annual reports for TID No. 7 (Calumet County) and TID No. 13 (Winnebago County)
• Approval of minutes from September 24, 2025 meeting
• Public participation period

The Joint Review Board approved the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting and reviewed the 2025 annual reports for Tax Incremental Financing Districts Nos. 7 and 13. There was no public participation, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Reviewed 2025 annual reports for Tax Incremental Financing Districts Nos. 7 and 13

Municipal Services Committee

The Municipal Services Committee will consider several action items including a relocation order for the Badger Avenue reconstruction and a request for free parking during Small Business Saturday 2026. The committee will also review a proposed speed limit change on French Rd.

• Relocation order for right-of-way acquisition for Badger Avenue reconstruction
• Free parking in public ramps and downtown metered stalls for Small Business Saturday 2026
• $1,600 financial contribution from ADI for Small Business Saturday 2026
• Speed limit change on French Rd between Evergreen Dr and south city limits

The Municipal Services Committee recommended approval of a relocation order for right-of-way acquisition tied to the Badger Avenue reconstruction. It also recommended free downtown parking for Small Business Saturday 2026 with a $1,600 ADI contribution, and a speed limit change on French Rd. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Recommended approval of relocation order for Badger Ave right-of-way acquisition (5-0)
• Recommended free parking in public ramps and downtown metered stalls for Small Business Saturday 2026, with $1,600 ADI contribution (5-0)
• Recommended speed limit change on French Rd between Evergreen Dr and south city limits (5-0)
• Approved August 10, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)

Finance Committee

The Appleton Finance Committee will consider several spending items, including a $574,423 sole-source network equipment purchase, a $422,952 lead water service replacement contract, a $56,480 garage drain repair, and a $20 million short-term loan to the Appleton Area School District. The committee will also vote on a resolution supporting transparency for state-mandated private school voucher funding. Information items include a final payment for a water reconstruction project and library budget adjustments.

• Resolution #15-R-26 supporting transparency for state-mandated private school voucher funding
• Sole source network equipment purchase from City IT dept: $574,423.40 (total not to exceed $631,865.74)
• Lead/galvanized water service replacement award to VanRite Plumbing Inc: $422,952 (total not to exceed $444,250)
• MSB Maintenance Garage trench drain replacement to IEI General Contractors: $56,480 (total not to exceed $62,080)
• Intergovernmental agreement with Appleton Area School District to borrow up to $20 million short-term

The Finance Committee recommended approval for a $20 million short-term cash loan agreement with the Appleton Area School District. The committee also recommended several infrastructure and technology contracts, including water service replacements and network equipment acquisitions. Additionally, the committee recommended a resolution supporting transparency regarding state-mandated private school voucher funding.

• Recommended approval of $20M short-term loan to Appleton Area School District (4-0)
• Recommended resolution #15-R-26 on voucher funding transparency (3-1)
• Recommended $631,865.74 network equipment acquisition (4-0)
• Recommended $444,250 water service replacement contract (4-0)
• Recommended $62,080 maintenance garage drain replacement contract (4-0)
• Approved August 24, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The committee will review minutes from previous Advisory Panel on Sustainability and Climate Resiliency meetings. The agenda includes a revenue and expense report for Reid Golf Course and an update on the Veterans Park renaming process.

• Reid Golf Course-August, 2026 Revenue & Expense Report
• Veterans Park Renaming Process Update

The Parks and Recreation Committee met and approved the minutes from its August 10, 2026 meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the agenda consisted of information items, including updates on the Advisory Panel on Sustainability and Climate Resiliency, a revenue and expense report for Reid Golf Course, and a renaming process update for Veterans Park.

• Approved minutes of August 10, 2026 meeting (5-0)

Safety and Licensing Committee

The Safety and Licensing Committee is holding a special meeting to consider a transfer application for McFleshman's full-service retail outlet license, which would allow alcohol sales at the Lagerfest event on October 3, 2026. The meeting includes a public hearing and action on the item. Other agenda items are procedural, such as approval of minutes and roll call.

• McFleshman's Full Service Retail Outlet Transfer Application for Lagerfest (October 3, 2026)

The Safety and Licensing Committee held a special meeting to review a retail outlet transfer application. The committee voted to recommend approval for the McFleshman's Lagerfest event scheduled for October 3, 2026.

• Recommended approval of McFleshman's retail outlet transfer for Lagerfest (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:46 p.m. (5-0)

Common Council

The Appleton Common Council will consider several items recommended by committees, including the sale of city-owned land in Southpoint Commerce Park for $611,890, amendments to fire code sections, and a new ambulance service agreement with Gold Cross. The council will also vote on liquor license changes and a zoning appeals appointment. A closed session is scheduled to discuss real estate negotiations for the same land parcel.

• Approve counter-offer to F Street Appleton 6, LLC for Lot 2 of CSM 4045 at E. Vantage Dr and S. Eisenhower Dr for $611,890 ($43,000/acre)
• Approve 2026-2029 Gold Cross Shared Service Agreement for ambulance services
• Amend Municipal Code sections 6-12(a)(2) (recreational fire pits), 6-56(b) (International Fire Code), and 6-100/6-9 (fire inspections)
• Approve temporary Class B beer/liquor permit for Fox Cities Performing Arts Center at 400 W College Ave
• Approve liquor license agent changes for Aldi #69 (2310 S Kensington Dr) and Badger Motomart #3410 (1850 W Wisconsin Ave)

The Common Council approved a counter-offer to purchase Lot 2 of CSM 4045 at the southwest corner of E. Vantage Drive and S. Eisenhower Drive in Southpoint Commerce Park Plat No. 3 for $611,890 ($43,000/acre) from F Street Appleton 6, LLC. The council also approved a Board of Zoning Appeals appointment, a temporary liquor license premises amendment for the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a retail outlet transfer application for Lagerfest on October 3, 2026, and a 2026-2029 Gold Cross shared service agreement with the Appleton Fire Department. Several municipal code amendments and license changes were approved, and an operator's license application for Christopher T. Routh was denied. The council did not convene into closed session.

• Approved counter-offer to purchase Lot 2 of CSM 4045 in Southpoint Commerce Park Plat No. 3 from F Street Appleton 6, LLC for $611,890 (14-0, 1 abstained)
• Approved Board of Zoning Appeals appointment (14-0, 1 abstained)
• Approved McFleshman's Full Service Retail Outlet Transfer Application for Lagerfest on October 3, 2026 (13-0, 2 abstained)
• Approved temporary premises amendment for Fox Cities Performing Arts Center at 400 W College Ave (12-0, 3 abstained)
• Approved 2026-2029 Gold Cross shared service agreement with Appleton Fire Department
• Approved amendments to Municipal Code sections 6-12(a)(2), 6-56(b), and 6-100 and 6-9 relating to fire permits, fire code, and fire inspections
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-09 for 2026 WDNR Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant
• Denied operator's license application for Christopher T. Routh

Library Board

The Appleton Library Board is meeting to approve the August bill register, a September budget amendment, and the 2027 library budget, which includes a recommended $15,000 addition for part-time wages to support staff training and professional development. The board will also approve committee assignments for 2026-2027 and receive updates on recruitment, strategic planning, and a library system merger exploration. Several informational reports cover October programs, book sales, and a locked library fundraiser.

• Approval of August 2026 bill register
• Approval of September 2026 budget amendment
• Approve 2027 library budget with $15,000 addition for part-time wages (610800) for staff training
• Approve 2026-2027 committee assignments
• Update on Outagamie Waupaca/Nicolet Federated Library System merger exploration

The Appleton Library Board approved the August 2026 bill register, a September 2026 budget amendment, the Finance Committee's 2027 Library Budget, and the 2026-2027 committee assignments, all as part of a consent agenda. The board also approved the minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting. No substantive decisions were made outside the consent agenda; remaining items were informational reports.

• Approved August 18, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bill register, budget amendment, 2027 budget, and committees (6-0)
• Approved August 2026 bill register
• Approved September 2026 budget amendment
• Approved 2027 Library Budget from Finance Committee
• Approved 2026-2027 committees

Community Development Committee

The Community Development Committee will consider approving a counter-offer from F Street Appleton 6, LLC to buy Lot 2 of CSM 4045 at the southwest corner of E. Vantage Drive and S. Eisenhower Drive for $611,890 ($43,000/acre). The committee may also go into closed session to discuss real estate negotiations for the same property. Additionally, they will receive reports on building permits and the department's mid-year budget.

• Counter-offer to purchase Lot 2 of CSM 4045 for $611,890 ($43,000/acre)
• Closed session for real estate negotiations on Lot 2
• Inspection Division Permit Summary Report ending 7-31-26
• Community Development Department Mid-Year 2026 Budget Report

The Community Development Committee recommended approval of a counter-offer to purchase Lot 2 of CSM 4045 from F Street Appleton 6, LLC for $611,890 ($43,000/acre) at the southwest corner of E. Vantage Drive and S. Eisenhower Drive. The committee also approved minutes from two previous meetings and received reports on permits and the department budget. No closed session was held.

• Recommended approval of counter-offer to purchase Lot 2 of CSM 4045 for $611,890 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 5-27-26 meeting (4-0, Jones abstained)
• Approved minutes from 7-8-26 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:53 p.m. (5-0)

Safety and Licensing Committee

The Safety and Licensing Committee will consider a resolution establishing oversight and accountability standards for automated license plate readers and mass surveillance technologies, which was previously held. The committee will also vote on several fire code amendments, a new Gold Cross shared service agreement, and multiple alcohol license actions, including a demerit point violation appearance for Home Burger Bar.

• Resolution #9-R-26 on ALPR and mass surveillance oversight
• Appleton Fire Department 2026-2029 Gold Cross Shared Service Agreement
• Amendments to Municipal Code sections 6-100, 6-9, 6-56(b), and 6-12(a)(2) on fire inspections, fire code adoption, and recreational fire pit permits
• Class A beer/liquor license change of agent for Badger Motomart #3410 at 1850 W Wisconsin Ave
• Demerit point violation appearance for Home Burger Bar

The committee recommended approval for several municipal code amendments regarding fire inspections, fire codes, and recreational fire pits. Members also recommended approval for a shared service agreement with Gold Cross Ambulance and denied an operator's license application. A resolution concerning surveillance technology oversight was referred to staff for further review.

• Recommended denial of operator's license for Christopher T. Routh (5-0)
• Referred ALPR surveillance resolution to staff (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Gold Cross Ambulance agreement (5-0)
• Recommended approval of fire inspection code amendments (5-0)
• Recommended approval of fire code adoption amendment (5-0)
• Recommended approval of recreational fire pit permit amendment (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Fox Cities PAC temporary premises amendment (3-0)
• Approved balance of agenda items including various alcohol license changes (5-0)

Board of Health

The Appleton Board of Health will vote on Resolution #12-R-26, which sets rules governing the presence of dogs in taverns, and will also receive the Q2 2026 Health Department quarterly report, the September newsletter, and a list of newly approved noise variances. The agenda includes routine items like approving prior meeting minutes.

• Resolution #12-R-26: Rules Governing the Presence of Dogs in Taverns
• Q2 2026 Health Department Quarterly Report
• September 2026 Health Department Newsletter
• Newly approved noise variances (09.01.2026)
• Approval of minutes from 08.26.2026 meeting

The Board of Health approved Resolution #12-R-26, which establishes rules governing the presence of dogs in taverns. The board also approved the minutes from the August 26, 2026, meeting and received several informational reports from the Health Department.

• Approved August 26, 2026, meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved Resolution #12-R-26 regarding dogs in taverns (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25am (6-0)

Library Board

The Appleton Library Board's Finance Committee is meeting to review the proposed 2027 library budget and discuss the city budget process and timeline. They will also review the library's financial policy. The meeting is primarily for discussion and review, with the budget as the main action item.

• 2027 Library Budget (Action Item 26-1159)
• City Budget Process and Timeline (Information Item 26-1160)
• Financial Policy review (Information Item 26-1161)

The Appleton Library Board Finance Committee recommended approval of the amended 2027 Library Budget, adding $15,000 for part-time wages to support staff training and professional development. The recommendation passed unanimously (4-0). The board also received information on the city budget process and financial policy.

• Added $15,000 to 2027 budget for part-time wages (training/professional development) (4-0)
• Recommended amended 2027 Library Budget for approval (4-0)

Utilities Committee

The Utilities Committee is meeting to approve the minutes from its August 19, 2026 special meeting and to consider a resolution supporting a 2026 Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant. The grant resolution is the only action item on the agenda; no other substantive business is listed.

• Approval of Resolution No. 2026-09 for the 2026 WDNR Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant
• Approval of August 19, 2026 Special Utilities Committee Meeting Minutes

The Utilities Committee voted 5-0 to recommend approval of Resolution No. 2026-09, which authorizes applying for a 2026 Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant. The committee also approved the minutes from the August 19, 2026 special meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of Resolution No. 2026-09: 2026 WDNR Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant (5-0)
• Approved August 19, 2026 Special Utilities Committee Meeting Minutes (5-0)

Common Council

The Common Council will consider several committee recommendations, including a denied resolution for vehicular noise data collection. The meeting also covers various liquor license applications, police department organization changes, and several public works and fire department contracts.

• Resolution #8-R-26 regarding Excessive Vehicular Noise Data Collection (recommended for denial)
• Fire Station No. 1 window replacement contract to Tri City Glass & Door up to $67,640
• $300,000 Fox Cities CVB Tourism Development Grant for Fox Cities Exhibition Center
• Storm sewer lining contract to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC up to $292,314.83
• Liquor license applications for Appleton Concessionaires LLC, Ole's Tavern LLC, and Player 2 Arcade Bar

The Appleton Common Council approved the Downtown Business Improvement District 2027 Operating Plan, accepted a $300,000 CVB tourism grant, and awarded multiple construction and renovation contracts. The council also voted down a resolution regarding excessive vehicular noise data collection. Additionally, the council approved various alcohol licenses and internal staffing adjustments across city departments.

• Approved Downtown Business Improvement District 2027 Operating Plan (12-0)
• Failed to pass Resolution #8-R-26 for Excessive Vehicular Noise Data Collection (1-10)
• Approved Wilden Portfolio Park Subdivision Development Agreement (10-1)
• Approved Fire Station No. 1 Window Replacement Phase 1 contract to Tri City Glass & Door for $52,640 with a $15,000 contingency
• Approved $35,400 contract amendment for Fire Station No. 4 Renovation Project to Martenson & Eisele, Inc.
• Accepted Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Development Grant of $300,000 for Exhibition Center Capital Reserve Fund
• Approved Unit W-26 Sewer and Water Reconstruction Change Order #3 for $21,950
• Awarded Unit O-26 Storm Sewer CIPP Lining contract to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC for $277,314.83 with a $15,000 contingency

Finance Committee

The Appleton Finance Committee will hold a special meeting on September 2, 2026, to consider two specific action items. The committee is asked to approve a Subdivision Development Agreement for the Wilden Portfolio Park Development and a Sound Mitigation Project for the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. The agenda also includes standard procedural steps such as roll call and approval of previous minutes.

• Approval of Subdivision Development Agreement for Wilden Portfolio Park Development (North Meadows Investment LTD)
• Approval of Fox Cities Exhibition Center Sound Mitigation Project

The Finance Committee recommended approval of a Subdivision Development Agreement for the Wilden Portfolio Park Development (North Meadows Investment LTD) on a 3-1 vote, with Hartzheim opposed. The committee also recommended approval of the Fox Cities Exhibition Center Sound Mitigation Project on a 4-0 vote. Van Zeeland was excused from both votes. The meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

• Recommended approval of Subdivision Development Agreement for Wilden Portfolio Park Development (North Meadows Investment LTD) (3-1, Hartzheim nay)
• Recommended approval of Fox Cities Exhibition Center Sound Mitigation Project (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:46 p.m. (4-0)

Utilities Committee

City Plan Commission

The Appleton City Plan Commission will hold a public hearing and consider action on the Downtown Appleton Business Improvement District's 2027 Operating Plan, a resolution for a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers, and proposed zoning ordinance text amendments. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and informational items.

• Approval of minutes from August 12, 2026 meeting
• Annual review and request to approve Downtown Appleton BID 2027 Operating Plan
• Resolution #11-R-26 Hyperscale AI Data Center Moratorium (referred from Common Council)
• Proposed draft text amendments to Chapter 23 Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 11 (manufactured/mobile homes) covering multiple sections
• Public hearing/appearances

The Appleton City Plan Commission recommended approval of the Downtown Appleton Business Improvement District (BID) 2027 Operating Plan. The commission also referred a resolution for a hyperscale AI data center moratorium to city staff for review and a report at the September 23 meeting. A proposed bundle of zoning ordinance text amendments was presented and discussed but no action was taken.

• Recommended approval of Downtown BID 2027 Operating Plan (6-0)
• Referred Resolution #11-R-26 (Hyperscale AI Data Center Moratorium) to staff for report at September 23 meeting (6-0)
• Approved minutes from August 12, 2026 meeting (6-0)

Safety and Licensing Committee

The Safety and Licensing Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss Resolution #8-R-26 on excessive vehicular noise data collection. The agenda includes a public hearing, an action item on the resolution, and attachments including a statement and response. No other substantive items are listed.

• Resolution #8-R-26 Excessive Vehicular Noise Data Collection
• Public hearing on the resolution
• Attachments: Smith Statement and Response to Resolution 8-R-26

The Safety and Licensing Committee voted 5-0 to recommend denial of Resolution #8-R-26 on excessive vehicular noise data collection, after hearing public testimony. A prior motion to recommend approval failed 0-5. The committee took no other substantive action.

• Motion to recommend approval of Resolution #8-R-26 failed (0-5)
• Motion to recommend denial of Resolution #8-R-26 passed (5-0)

Board of Health

The City of Appleton Board of Health holds a special meeting to approve previous minutes and take action on a resolution regarding excessive vehicular noise data collection. The agenda also includes information items on health department newsletters, a dangerous animal declaration, and new noise variances.

• Resolution #8-R-26: Excessive Vehicular Noise Data Collection
• Approval of minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting
• Information item: Dangerous Animal Declaration for 'Simba'
• Information item: New Noise Variances approved on August 17, 2026
• Information item: Health Department Newsletters for June, July, and August 2026

The Board of Health voted 7-0 to recommend denial of Resolution #8-R-26 on excessive vehicular noise data collection, after a motion to recommend approval failed 0-7. The board also approved the minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting. No other action items were considered.

• Approved minutes of 05.13.2026 Board of Health meeting (7-0)
• Motion to recommend Resolution #8-R-26 for approval failed (0-7)
• Motion to recommend Resolution #8-R-26 for denial passed (7-0)

Human Resources & Information Technology Committee

The Human Resources & Information Technology Committee will consider several action items, including requests to overhire for the Fire Administrative and Financial Services Manager, Police Communications Specialist, and Public Works Deputy Director/City Engineer positions, as well as changes to the Police Department table of organization and an adjustment to Alderperson salaries. The committee will also receive information on the Fire Department Paramedic Sponsorship Program, allocation of salary savings for consulting services, and a recruitment status report.

• Overhire request for Fire Administrative and Financial Services Manager
• Overhire request for Police Communications Specialist
• Changes to Police Department table of organization
• Overhire request for Public Works Deputy Director/City Engineer
• Alderperson salary adjustment

The Human Resources & Information Technology Committee recommended approval of four staffing items: overhiring at the Fire Administrative and Financial Services Manager position, the Police Communications Specialist position, and the Public Works Deputy Director/City Engineer position, plus changes to the Police Department table of organization. A request to approve Alderperson salaries was held. All votes were 3-0, with members Firkus and Heffernan excused. Three information items were received without action.

• Recommended approval of overhire at Fire Administrative and Financial Services Manager position (3-0)
• Recommended approval of overhire at Police Communications Specialist position (3-0)
• Recommended approval of changes to Police Department table of organization (3-0)
• Recommended approval of overhire at Public Works Deputy Director/City Engineer position (3-0)
• Held request for approval of Alderperson salaries (3-0)
• Approved minutes from 8/5/2026 meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned at 7:04 p.m. (3-0)

Safety and Licensing Committee

The Safety and Licensing Committee will hold a public hearing on a demerit point violation for The Durty Leprechaun, consider several alcohol license applications and amendments, and act on an operator's license denial appeal. The committee will also review a proposed Appleton Police Department table of organization change and receive informational reports on fire and police department staffing and budget matters.

• Demerit point violation appearance for The Durty Leprechaun
• Operator's license denial appeal for Delane Henley
• APD Table of Organization change
• Class B Beer and Class C Wine license for Appleton Concessionaires LLC at 1717 E Witzke Blvd
• Temporary beer/wine licenses for Irish Fest, St. Joseph Parish Fall Festival, and Fox Cities Chamber events

The Safety and Licensing Committee voted 5-0 to recommend denial of Delane Henley's operator's license application. It also recommended approval of a special event application for WI Lights of Hope, a police department table of organization change, and a temporary beer license for the Fox Cities Chamber Foundation's License to Cruise and Octoberfest event (4-0, Jones abstained). The committee approved the balance of the agenda, including several alcohol license applications, and adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

• Recommended denial of Operator's License Application for Delane Henley (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Event Application for WI Lights of Hope, contingent on department approvals (5-0)
• Recommended approval of APD Table of Organization Change (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Temporary Class 'B' Beer License for Fox Cities Chamber Foundation's License to Cruise and Octoberfest (4-0, Jones abstained)
• Approved balance of agenda, including alcohol license applications for Appleton Concessionaires, Player 2 Arcade Bar, Ole's Tavern, Missfits Tavern, Irish Fest, and St. Joseph Parish (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 8/19/2026 meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned at 6:15 p.m. (5-0)

Fox Cities Transit Commission

The Fox Cities Transit Commission is meeting to decide on several action items, including whether to reject bids for the Whitman Ave. Phase 2 construction project and whether to award a contract for temporary transit center site work. The commission will also consider route modifications and approve payments for June and July 2026. Information items include financial, ridership, and key performance indicator reports.

• Decline bids for Whitman Ave. Phase 2 Construction
• Authorization to award contract for Temporary Transit Center Site Work Project
• Approval of Route Modifications
• Approval of Payments (June and July 2026)
• Financial, ridership, and quarterly KPI reports

The Fox Cities Transit Commission voted to decline bids for the Whitman Ave. Phase 2 construction project and separately authorized awarding a contract for temporary transit center site work. It also approved short-term route modifications, with Commissioner Torrance abstaining, and approved June and July 2026 payments. The commission approved minutes from its June 23, 2026 meeting and adjourned at 3:26PM; the September 8, 2026 meeting was listed as cancelled.

• Declined bids for Whitman Ave. Phase 2 construction (11-0)
• Authorized awarding contract for Temporary Transit Center Site Work Project (11-0)
• Approved route modifications (10-0, Torrance abstained)
• Approved June and July 2026 payments (11-0)
• Approved minutes from the June 23, 2026 meeting (10-0)
• Adjourned at 3:26PM (11-0)

Finance Committee

The Appleton Finance Committee will consider awarding contracts for the Fire Station No. 1 window replacement and the Unit O-26 storm sewer CIPP lining, as well as accepting a $300,000 tourism development grant for the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. The committee will also review change orders, budget amendments, and information items including a health department grant and library budget adjustments.

• Award Fire Station No. 1 Window Replacement Phase 1 to Tri City Glass & Door for $52,640 (total $67,640 with contingency)
• Award Unit O-26 Storm Sewer CIPP Lining to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC for $277,314.83 (total $292,314.83 with contingency)
• Accept $300,000 Fox Cities CVB Tourism Development Grant for Exhibition Center Capital Reserve Fund
• Approve Change Order #3 for Unit W-26 Sewer and Water Reconstruction, new total $2,740,050
• Approve $35,400 amendment to Fire Station No. 4 Renovation contract with Martenson & Eisele, Inc.

The Finance Committee recommended approval for several contracts, including window replacements for Fire Station No. 1 and sewer lining projects. The committee also authorized the acceptance of a $300,000 tourism grant and approved various budget amendments and contract adjustments for city facilities.

• Recommended $67,640 contract for Fire Station No. 1 window replacement (5-0)
• Recommended $292,314.83 contract for storm sewer CIPP lining (5-0)
• Recommended acceptance of $300,000 tourism development grant (5-0)
• Recommended $21,950 change order for sewer/water reconstruction (5-0)
• Recommended $35,400 contract amendment for Fire Station No. 4 (5-0)
• Recommended allocation of salary savings for consulting services (5-0)

Common Council

The Appleton Common Council will vote on several items recommended by committees, including the annexation of 1.3658 acres at 1893 W. Spencer Street from the Town of Grand Chute, approval of the Wilden Portfolio Park Final Plat (Thrivent Campus), and a $384,566.98 contract for wastewater treatment plant truck scale paving. The council will also consider a $57,640 sole-source purchase of digester pumps, a change in funding source for capital equipment, and various permits and licenses.

• Annexation of 1893 W. Spencer Street (Knuth Annexation) from Town of Grand Chute
• Wilden Portfolio Park Final Plat (Thrivent Campus) approval
• Vinton Construction Company contract for $384,566.98 (total not to exceed $423,023.68) for AWWTP Truck Scale Paving
• Sole-source purchase of two Hidrostal E5K-S digester circulation pumps for $57,640 from LAI, Ltd.
• Revocation of BMO Harris Bank designated parking stalls in Red Ramp effective 01-01-2027

The Common Council denied a long-term temporary occupancy permit for terrace plantings at 1102 N Superior Street, with an 8-3 vote against approval. The council also approved a special event application for the Rally for Equality, several ordinances including the Knuth Annexation, and a batch of committee action items covering licenses, contracts, and plats. A resolution for a hyperscale AI data center moratorium was referred to the City Plan Commission.

• Denied Long Term Temporary Occupancy Permit for 1102 N Superior Street (8-3)
• Approved Rally for Equality Special Event Application (11-0-2)
• Approved Ordinances #45-26 to #63-26 including Knuth Annexation (12-0-1)
• Approved sole source purchase of two Hidrostal pumps for $57,640
• Approved AWWTP Truck Scale Paving contract to Vinton Construction for $384,566.98
• Approved change of funding source for capital equipment to short-term GO debt
• Approved Knuth Annexation of 1.3658 acres at 1893 W Spencer St
• Referred Hyperscale AI Data Center Moratorium resolution to City Plan Commission

Safety and Licensing Committee

The Safety and Licensing Committee is holding a special meeting to conduct public hearings on demerit point violations for three establishments: Pizzeria Pub & Bar, Glass Nickel Pizza, and Deja Vu Martini Lounge. The committee will also consider several license applications, including a change of agent for Badger Mobil, a temporary premises amendment for Hank & Karen's, and a temporary beer license for St. Pius X Congregation's Parish Fest. Additionally, they will review a special event application for the Rally for Equality and receive reports from the fire chief, police chief, and city clerk.

• Demerit point violation hearings for Pizzeria Pub & Bar, Glass Nickel Pizza, and Deja Vu Martini Lounge
• Rally for Equality Special Event Application
• Class A beer and liquor license change of agent for SK Gas Mart LLC d/b/a Badger Mobil, new agent Amandeep Kaur, 1201 N Badger Ave
• Class B beer temporary premises amendment for Henry J. Grishaber LLC d/b/a Hank & Karen's, 1937 E John St
• Temporary Class B beer license for St. Pius X Congregation, 500 W Marquette St, for Parish Fest on Aug 21-22, 2026

The Safety and Licensing Committee recommended approval of the Rally for Equality special event application, with one abstention. It also approved the balance of the agenda, including a liquor license change of agent for Badger Mobil, a temporary premises amendment for Hank & Karen's, and a temporary beer license for St. Pius X Congregation's Parish Fest. Three demerit point violation appearances were heard but no action was recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

• Recommended approval of Rally for Equality Special Event Application (3-0, Fenton abstained)
• Approved balance of agenda items (4-0)
• Recommended approval of Class A Beer/Liquor License change of agent for SK Gas Mart LLC d/b/a Badger Mobil
• Recommended approval of temporary premises amendment for Henry J. Grishaber LLC d/b/a Hank & Karen's, contingent on Fire department approval
• Recommended approval of temporary Class B Beer License for St. Pius X Congregation Parish Fest, contingent on Health Department approval
• Approved minutes from July 22, 2026 meeting (4-0)

Utilities Committee

The Appleton Utilities Committee is holding a special meeting to approve minutes, consider a contract amendment for engineering services related to network system upgrades, and receive updates on flood studies, a storm sewer bid rejection, and water main breaks. The main action item is a proposed contract amendment with Donohue and Associates, Inc. for up to $169,445.

• Approve Contract Amendment #1 with Donohue and Associates, Inc. for Utilities Department Network System Upgrades Project, not to exceed $169,445
• Northland - Bellaire Flood Study and Northland Design Preliminary Engineering Update
• Bid rejection and No Award of Contract for Unit J-26 Mini Storm Sewer
• Water Main Break Reports for April, May, and June 2026

The Utilities Committee recommended approval of Contract Amendment #1 with Donohue and Associates, Inc. for the Utilities Department Network System Upgrades Project, not to exceed $169,445. The committee also approved minutes from the July 7 and July 15, 2026 meetings. Information items were presented on the Northland-Bellaire flood study, a bid rejection for a storm sewer project, and water main break reports.

• Recommended approval of Contract Amendment #1 with Donohue and Associates, Inc. for network system upgrades, not to exceed $169,445 (3-0, 2 excused)
• Approved July 7, 2026 Utilities Committee Meeting Minutes (3-0, 2 excused)
• Approved July 15, 2026 Special Utilities Committee Meeting Minutes (3-0, 2 excused)

Library Board

The Appleton Library Board is meeting to approve routine items including the July bill register, an August budget amendment, and two new policies (procurement and lactating employees). The board will also vote on a slate of officers and receive updates on recruitment, system migration, and summer programs.

• Approval of July 2026 bill register
• Approval of August 2026 budget amendment
• Approve Procurement and Contract Management Policy
• Approve Lactating Employees Policy
• Slate of officers: Jason Brozek as President, Bastia Looker as Vice President

The Appleton Public Library Board approved the July 2026 bill register, a $43,008 budget amendment for August 2026, and new procurement and lactating employees policies. It also approved the slate of officers for the upcoming term. All votes were unanimous (8-0).

• Approved July 2026 bill register (8-0)
• Approved $43,008 August 2026 budget amendment (8-0)
• Approved City Procurement and Contract Management Policy (8-0)
• Approved City Lactating Employees Policy (8-0)
• Approved slate of officers: Jason Brozek as President, Bastia Looker as Vice President (8-0)