Minutes - Common Council

100 North Appleton Street

Appleton, WI 54911-4799

www.appletonwi.gov

City of Appleton

Meeting Minutes - Final

Common Council

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

7:00 PM

Council Chambers

CALL TO ORDER

INVOCATION

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Woodford at 7:04 p.m.

The Invocation was offered by Alderperson Lambrecht.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL OF ALDERPERSONS

Alderperson Firkus & Alderperson Dougherty appeared virtually.

15 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim,

Alderperson Christopher Croatt, Alderperson Denis Dougherty and Mayor

Jake Woodford

Present:

1 - Alderperson Vaya Jones

Excused:

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS

All Departments were represented.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

26-1022

Common Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 2026

Attachments:

CC Minutes 7-15-26.pdf

Alderperson Hartzheim moved, seconded by Alderperson Fenton, that the

Minutes be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following vote:

14 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Aye:

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim,

Alderperson Christopher Croatt and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Alderperson Vaya Jones

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

BUSINESS PRESENTED BY THE MAYOR

26-1023

Library Board & Appleton Redevelopment Authority Appointments

Attachments:

Appointments 8.5.2026 Revised.pdf

Alderperson Hartzheim moved, seconded by Alderperson Van Zeeland, that the

Appointments be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following vote:

14 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Aye:

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim,

Alderperson Christopher Croatt and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Alderperson Vaya Jones

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The following spoke regarding Item 26-0758 Resolution #7-R-26 Review Options for

Truancy Ordinance:

Greg Hartjes, AASD Superintendent

Michelle Pauli, 316 E Benton Dr

Amanda Rudd, 912 W Lorain St

Ronna Swift, 230 W Seymour St

Chad Endres, 3033 E Forest St

Mitch Anderson, W6188 Everglade Rd, Greenville

PUBLIC HEARINGS

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

ESTABLISH ORDER OF THE DAY

26-1009

Reconsideration of Item #26-0758 Review Options for Truancy

Ordinance

Alderperson Hayden moved, seconded by Alderperson Smith, that the

Reconsideration of Item 26-0758 be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the

following vote:

9 - Alderperson Brad Firkus, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland, Alderperson

Martyn Smith, Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Josh Lambrecht,

Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Christopher Croatt and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

Aye:

5 - Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson Patti

Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz and Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin

Nay:

1 - Alderperson Vaya Jones

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

26-0758

Resolution #7-R-26 Review Options for Truancy Ordinance

Attachments:

7-R-26 Review Options for Truancy Ordinance.pdf

Section 10-42 Truancy Ordinance Handout.pdf

Truancy Sunset Options.pdf

Truancy Implementation Memo.pdf

AASD Truancy Ordinance Updates Attachments.pdf

Optional Template for Reinstated Truancy Ordinance.pdf

Data for 6_24 Safety & Licensing meeting.pdf

AASD Attendance Support Process Chart.pdf

Data for 7_8 Safety & Licensing meeting.pdf

Amendment by Substitution 7.8.26.pdf

The motion to approve the Resolution failed by a vote of 7 ayes, 6 nays, and 1

abstention. Per Council rules any resolution requires an affirmative vote of a majority

of the members of the Common Council, which is eight (8) members, for passage.

The motion to approve did not receive 8 affirmative votes and therefore did not pass.

Alderperson Lambrecht moved, seconded by Alderperson Hayden, that the

Resolution be approved. Roll Call. Motion failed by the following vote:

7 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Brad Firkus, Alderperson

Martyn Smith, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim,

Alderperson Christopher Croatt and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

Aye:

6 - Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland, Alderperson

Denise Fenton, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin and Alderperson Nate Wolff

Nay:

1 - Alderperson Vaya Jones

Excused:

2 - Alderperson Patti Heffernan and Mayor Jake Woodford

Abstained:

Alderperson Dougherty was excused from the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

26-0974

Approve the installation of a peace pole within Ellen Kort Peace Park

as recommended by the Appleton Public Arts Committee

Attachments:

Memo for Rotary Peace Pole from Public Arts Committee.pdf

Alderperson Hartzheim moved, seconded by Alderperson Lambrecht, that the

Installation of a Peace Pole be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the

following vote:

11 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Adrian Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Sheri

Hartzheim and Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

3 - Alderperson Vaya Jones, Alderperson Nate Wolff and Alderperson Denis

Dougherty

Excused:

2 - Alderperson Alex Schultz and Mayor Jake Woodford

Abstained:

26-0976

Approve installation of kinetic wind sculptures in Ellen Kort Peace Park

as recommended by Appleton Public Arts Committee

Attachments:

Memo for Kinetic Wind Sculptures from Public Arts Committee.pdf

Alderperson Fenton moved, seconded by Alderperson Lambrecht, that the

Installation of Kinetic Wind Sculptures be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried

by the following vote:

12 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Adrian Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate

Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

2 - Alderperson Alex Schultz and Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

26-0998

Request to approve the 2026 Purchasing Policy.

Attachments:

2026 Purchasing Policy - threshold updates - DRAFTv1.docx

07.20.2026 Memo for Purchasing Policy Threshold Update.pdf

Alderperson Fenton moved, seconded by Alderperson Croatt, that the 2026

Purchasing Policy be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following vote:

13 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and

Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

COMMITTEE REPORTS

eL.

Balance of the action items on the agenda.

Alderperson Van Zeeland moved, Alderperson Hartzheim seconded, to approve

the balance of the agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

13 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and

Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

MINUTES OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

Request to Approve Design for 2028 Paving Reconstruction of Franklin

Street (Division Street to Drew Street)

Attachments:

A-28 Design Approval Franklin.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved

Request to approve parking change on Foster Court (follow-up to a 6-month

evaluation)

Attachments:

Foster Court (post 6-Mo eval).pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Request to adopt ordinance changes related to the Mission Ridge North

Subdivision (Phase 1)

Attachments:

Mission Ridge Phase 1 Ordinance Changes.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Request to accept SISP Grant Award and approve State-Municipal Financial

Agreement (SMFA) for Badger Avenue Signal Rehab/Retrofits

Attachments:

SISP Grant Accept and SMFA Badger FINAL.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Request to approve Long Term Temporary Occupancy Permit for Dumpster

at 2325 E Baldeagle Drive through November 11, 2026

Attachments:

Long Term Temp Occ 26-127-T.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

MINUTES OF THE SAFETY AND LICENSING COMMITTEE

26-0945

Ope Brewing Company Fixed Full Service Retail Outlet Application for

1932 W. College Avenue.

Attachments:

AB-105 Ope Brewing Company_Redacted.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

26-0946

26-0947

26-0959

Class “B” Beer and “Class B” Temporary Premises Amendment

application for the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Maria Van

Laanen, Agent, located at 400 W College Ave, contingent upon

approval from the Fire and Health department.

Attachments:

Fox Cities PAC PA Temp 06302026 REDACTED.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Class “B” Beer and “Class B” Temporary Premises Amendment

application for Holidays Pub and Grill, Carrie Steger, Agent, located at

3950 N Richmond St, contingent upon approval from the Police and

Health department.

Attachments:

Holidays Pub and Grill PA Temp 07072026 REDACTED.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Pet Store License Renewal application for Petco Animal Supplies

Stores, INC d/b/a Petco #1656, Samantha Garcia, Applicant, Located

at 3829 E Calumet St, Contingent upon approval from the Police and

Fire departments.

Attachments:

Petco Pet Store License 07012026 REDACTED.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

26-0969

Commercial Solicitation License for Fox Pest Control

Attachments:

Fox Pest Control Denial Letter & City Sealer Memo.pdf

Fox Pest Control Applications.pdf

Fox Pest Control Appleton Letter 07232026.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

26-1002

Schedule of Deposits Update

Attachments:

Memo to S&L_Council - Schedule of Deposits 7.16.2026.pdf

City of Appleton Schedule of Deposits Updates 7.20.2026.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

MINUTES OF THE CITY PLAN COMMISSION

MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

Request to award Appleton Wastewater Treatment Plant M-K Tunnel Bridge

Improvements Project contract to Staab Construction Corporation in the

amount of $119,000 with a contingency of 10 percent for a total project cost

not to exceed $130,900.

26-0958

Attachments:

Appleton Award Letter.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Request to accept SISP Grant Award and approve State-Municipal Financial

Agreement (SMFA) for Badger Avenue Signal Rehab/Retrofits.

26-0988

26-0989

Attachments:

SISP Grant Accept and SMFA Memo_Badger_w attach FINAL.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Request to approve use of $590,008 in 2026 Bridge CIP funds as contract

contingency for Olde Oneida Street Bridge over South Mill Race

Reconstruction Project.

Attachments:

Olde Oneida Bridge Contingency Memo w attach.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

Request to award Appleton Department of Utilities Network Improvements

Project Base Bid and Allowance to Van Ert Electric, in the amount of

$649,489 with 7.5% contingency of $48,712 for project total not to exceed

$698,201.

26-0990

Attachments:

260716_NetworkSystemBidAward_VanErt_FinanceMemo_rev.docx

This Report Action Item was approved.

MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF THE UTILITIES COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

COMMITTEE

26-1014

Request for Approval of changes to the Utilities Department table of

organization.

Attachments:

Utilities Re-org Memo.pdf

Utilities TO Draft.pdf

Process Specialist.pdf

Treatment Specialist.pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

26-1015

Request Approval of changes to the Community Development table of

organization.

Attachments:

CED Re-org Memo.pdf

CED TO.pdf

PlanningProgramManager (1).pdf

This Report Action Item was approved.

MINUTES OF THE FOX CITIES TRANSIT COMMISSION

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH

CONSOLIDATED ACTION ITEMS

ITEMS HELD

10.

26-0432

Resolution #2-R-26 Supporting Vegetation Analysis & Advancing a

Data-Informed Mowing Reduction Strategy

Attachments:

2-R-26 Vegetation Analysis & Mowing Reduction Strategy.pdf

2-R-26 Amendment 5-11-26.pdf

Resolution #2-R-26 AMENDED.pdf

ASAP Support of Resolution #2-R-26 Supporting Vegetation

Analysis.pdf

Alderperson Fenton moved, seconded by Alderperson Van Zeeland, that the

Resolution be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following vote:

13 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and

Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

ORDINANCES

26-1012

Ordinance #44-26

Attachments:

Ordinances to Council 8-5-26.pdf

Alderperson Fenton moved, seconded by Alderperson Hartzheim, that the

Ordinance be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following vote:

13 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and

Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

LICENSE APPLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO

COMMITTEES OF JURISDICTION

RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED BY ALDERPERSONS REFERRED TO

COMMITTEES OF JURISDICTION

OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS

26-1031

Resolution #10-R-26 Extending Tornado State of Emergency

Attachments:

10-R-26 Extending Tornado State of Emergency.pdf

Alderperson Fenton moved, seconded by Alderperson Van Zeeland, that the

Resolution be approved. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following vote:

13 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and

Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

ADJOURN

Alderperson Hartzheim moved, seconded by Alderperson Wolff, that the

meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Roll Call. Motion carried by the following

vote:

13 - Alderperson Josh Lambrecht, Alderperson Vered Meltzer, Alderperson

Brad Firkus, Alderperson Martyn Smith, Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland,

Alderperson Denise Fenton, Alderperson Patrick Hayden, Alderperson

Patti Heffernan, Alderperson Alex Schultz, Alderperson Adrian

Stancil-Martin, Alderperson Nate Wolff, Alderperson Sheri Hartzheim and

Alderperson Christopher Croatt

Aye:

2 - Alderperson Vaya Jones and Alderperson Denis Dougherty

1 - Mayor Jake Woodford

Excused:

Abstained:

Amy Molitor, City Clerk