Since 2007, De Pere and its sister city Amal, Sweden, have emphasized creating partnerships and sharing ideas in the realm on cultural exchange. This has been spear-headed by numerous delegation visits. Here are some highlights:
UPDATE: SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION REQUIRED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2024
May 22, 2023 Fox 11 News Report regarding sump pump installation program
Phase 1-Education and Outreach (on-going)
The Department of Public Works sent letters to properties that may be lacking a sump pump based on the age of the home and City records. The purpose of this letter is to educate residents of the detriments of inflow and infiltration as it pertains to the sanitary sewer system, sewage treatment costs, and sewer capacity. The letter gives information about the upcoming program and future mandate requiring that all properties install sump pump systems.
May 2023 Education and Outreach Letter
October 2023 Education and Outreach Letter
Phase 2-Further Field Investigation
The Department of Public Works will begin site investigations for sump pumps. The plumbing inspector will first inspect properties that self-identify as having sump pump systems in Phase 1-Education and Outreach and ensure the inspected sump pump systems are in compliance with the City of De Pere Municipal Codes. It is anticipated that the inspector will complete field and in-home inspections of these properties.
Phase 3-Foundation Drain Disconnection Program Implementation/Sump Pump Installation
Foundation Drain Disconnection Program (Sump Pump Installation) Policy
The purpose for this program is to disconnect foundation drains from the sanitary sewer and reconnect these drains to a newly installed sump pump. The sump pump will then discharge the groundwater to the surface or a storm lateral, if available and connected.
Starting retroactively dating back to January 1, 2023, the City of De Pere is administering a Foundation Drain Disconnection Program to promote the disconnection of foundation drains from the sanitary sewer and have sump pumps installed to reduce inflow and infiltration into the City's sanitary sewer.
Being a property owner led program, preliminary funding for work will be the responsibility of the property owner except for payment plans provided by contractors/plumbers. Once work is permitted and inspected by the City's Building Inspection team, the City will reimburse the property owner directly per the terms and conditions of the program. The City will reimburse the following costs for those properties who volunteer to hire a plumber to disconnect their foundation drains and install sump pumps:
The 80% reimbursement will carry through until December 31, 2024. Property owners who indicate to Engineering Staff that they are actively working towards disconnecting foundation drains and installing sump pumps prior to this date will have until June 30, 2025 to complete the work and remain eligible for the 80% reimbursement.
Starting January 1, 2025, the City will then begin to mandate foundation drain disconnection and sump pump installation for all properties within the City of De Pere. Once the mandate goes into effect, the cost share will be reduced to the following:
Mandates will be based off properties that are observed to have foundation drains through scheduled inspections through the Building Inspection Division or are observed to be actively discharging clear water to the sanitary sewer as part of the City's annual maintenance and inspection program. Once a property owner is mandated to disconnect their foundation drain and install a sump pump, they will be issued a corrective action letter and will have 60 days to complete the work.
Failure to disconnect foundation drains, install sump pumps, or repair sanitary sewer laterals after a corrective letter has been issued will be considered a failure to comply with the City of De Pere Municipal Code. These unlawful discharges of storm water, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, or inflow into the sanitary sewer may result in a monthly inflow and infiltration clear water surcharge on the monthly water bill as determined by the Director of Public Works.
A list of local plumbers who can complete this work is included in the link below.
Reimbursement is for the work required to install a sump pump and disconnect the foundation drain from the sanitary lateral. This includes digging through the basement floor to disconnect foundation drains and installing a sump pump crock, sump pump, and associated appurtenances to discharge the clear water to the lawn. Additional underdrain installation or storm sewer lateral installation to the right-of-way would not be reimbursable under this program. Please note that the foundation drain is different from the floor drain in the basement. A floor drain is a physical drain in the basement floor, whereas a foundation drain is a network of pipes underneath the basement meant to collect groundwater.
The diagram below provides examples of eligible and ineligible work associated with the program for reimbursement.
The following steps are required prior to requesting reimbursement:
The reimbursement process may take a few weeks to complete. Once Engineering Staff receives all invoices for the foundation drain disconnection, sump pump installation, and associated work, they will review for applicability. Once the reimbursement amount is determined, the corresponding invoices will be marked for reimbursement and forwarded on to administrative staff for inclusion at the next Common Council meeting for consideration and approval. Homeowners will be notified of this invoice amount once it is passed on for inclusion on the Common Council agenda. After approval and once the check is cut, Engineering Staff will send a letter to the property owner with the reimbursement check.
Exemptions
Any property not required to have a sump pump pursuant to the Uniform Dwelling Code shall be considered exempt from this program. Properties that do not have foundation drains are exempt from this program. Generally, these are properties constructed on a slab, built with a crawl space, or older structures with field stone basements. To receive an exemption, the property will need to be inspected by the Building Inspection Division and an exemption letter will be provided.
Inspections
Permitting and inspections will be completed through the City's Building Inspection Division. Contractors will be required to obtain a plumbing permit for the improvements related to disconnecting foundation drains and installing sump pumps. Work will need to be approved either through an in-person inspection by Building Inspection staff or through the review of a post-construction televising of the property owner's sanitary sewer lateral with a signed affidavit from a licensed/master plumber that the work is following the City's Municipal Code.
Looking to become a lifeguard in De Pere? To help you achieve this goal, a Lifeguard Training Class will be offered at the Ashwaubenon Community Pool (2391 S. Ridge Road) on the following 2021 dates:
Minimum age requirement is 15 to be a lifeguard and to take the course. Full attendance of all three days is mandatory to complete this course.
*****Please view clip for reference of requirements*****
Registration will be accepted at the De Pere Community Center, 600 Grant Street or online at www.deperewi.org. Course #5351.2121. The lifeguard textbook will be provided for the course.
The registration deadline is Sunday, March 21.
For further information contact the Recreation Supervisor at the De Pere Community Center, (920) 339-4066.
De Pere's Youth Flag Football program is for boys and girls who are entering grades K - 6th for the upcoming school year. Our flag football program is designed to develop skills and a foundational understanding of the game, while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship!
Games are played on Saturdays in September and October at local parks. The games are scheduled on the hour, typically between 9 am - 1 pm based on registration. Team schedules will be available approximately one week before the season starts. Additional practices may be set-up by your coach. Locations are provided during the registration process with specific field information provided in the pre-season parent welcome emails.
Schedule & standings information will be available online through Civic Rec.
If you have questions about our offerings, give our De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry Division a call at (920) 339-4097. We're always happy to help! We also encourage you to follow our De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry Facebook page, which is an excellent source for updates and information on all our upcoming activities, programs and events:
Candles can often be used for celebrations, religious observances, or mood setting in your home, but remember they also carry potential fire hazards. On average, 20 home candle fires are reported every day nationwide. At De Pere Fire Rescue, we want you to consider these safety tips and precautions to help safeguard your home and loved ones:
Basic Candle Safety Precautions
Keep Your Distance
Always Blow Out Candles
Consider Flameless Candles
Bedroom Safety
Candle-Free Zones
Power out? Don't use candles!
Safety on Special Occasions
For more information on candle safety and data related to candle-related fires, please view these online resources for:
Cost of rental is $73 (Residents) / $93 (Non-Residents) per day (Monday through Thursday), $152 (Residents) / $172 (Non-Residents) per day (Friday through Sunday and Holidays). A $25 security deposit is required for all indoor shelters, which is returned if the shelter is left in good condition. All fees must be paid when reservation is accepted at the Park and Recreation office, 925 S. Sixth St. All fees are non-refundable and are non-transferable. There is no charge for De Pere Service Groups or Youth Organizations (through high school) provided the rental is between Monday and Thursday. Only one free rental is allowed per year per Service Group/Youth Organization.
All shelters are available for reservation when not in conflict with Department sponsored programs. During summer months, indoor shelters are available from 5:00 p.m. on Fridays through 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, or on holidays. Reservations will be taken one year prior to the reservation date. Park Shelters will not be used for vending purposes and will be open to the public at all times when not being rented.
De Pere Municipal Code 30-2 (g) (h) Park Regulations
(g) Beer/wine. Beer/wine may be brought to and consumed in public parks, but the board of park commissioners may restrict parks and areas of parks and set forth times when beer/wine cannot be brought to and consumed in the public parks. The director of parks and recreation may order individual or groups of individuals to discontinue consuming beer/wine in the public park and to remove beer/wine from the public parks if he has good reason to believe that the presence and consumption of beer/wine in the public park is detrimental to the purposes of the public park.
(h) Liquor. No person shall have in his possession any intoxicating liquor in any park without first obtaining official permit from the director of parks and recreation.
Extra equipment (tables, benches, trash cans) may be requested, but not guaranteed, when a reservation is made. Keys will be required for V.F.W., Braisher and Patriot Parks for Closed Shelters/Restrooms. Keys should be picked up at the Municipal Service Center, 925 S. Sixth St., between 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 6:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. on Friday, 1-2 days prior to your scheduled event and must be returned the next working day after the scheduled reservation. Glass containers are prohibited. You are only permitted to drive vehicles near shelters to unload and load and for handicapped individuals. When this is completed, the vehicle must be moved back to the parking area. If the turf is too wet, vehicles are not permitted at any time. Outlets cannot support two large appliances, such as a roaster, large coffee pot or microwave. Renters should distribute the appliances to other outlets. The facility is expected to be left in the same condition the renter found it. The renter will be held responsible and billed for any unnecessary clean-up, losses or damages. In addition, a service charge of $25 will be assessed if City personnel are called in to correct any problem created by the renter or if an indoor facility is left unsecured.
Sec. 146-10. Noises created by Human Behavior.
(a) No person may create, assist in creating, permit, continue or permit the continuance of any unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise as may tend to annoy, inconvenience, disturb or cause discomfort to any person, or to the comfortable enjoyment of property. (b) No person occupying or having charge of any building or premises shall cause, suffer or allow any loud, excessive or unusual noise in the operation or use of any sound making or reproducing device so that such loud, excessive or unusual noise disturbs the comfort, quiet or repose of persons therein or in the vicinity.
Renters may install one additional tent no larger than 30’ x 30’ and it must be installed within a 50’ radius of the shelter you have rented. Tents that cover an area in excess of 200 square feet, require an additional tent permit from the building inspection department. The user must follow all recommended guidelines for residential and/or commercial tents, and it must be removed when your rental period ends. A copy of the certificate of insurance and endorsement that adds the city as an additional insured for this activity must be provided by the Parks Department. Note: If you plan to put up a tent which requires any type of stake to be driven into the ground, you must contact Digger’s Hotline at 1-800-242-8511. See back side of this form for tent restrictions. Renters my install one additional tent no larger than 30’ x 30’ and the tent must be installed within a 50’ radius of the shelter you have rented.
Indoor shelter capacities are required due to fire code.
VFW PARK, 730 Grant St., bordered by Grant & Allard Streets.(one indoor shelter - capacity - 55) Key required(two open shelters)
PATRIOT PARK, 1101 Colleen Lane, off Lost Dauphin (one indoor shelter - capacity 36). Key required
LEGION PARK, 1212 Charles St., bordered by Charles, Ontario and Webster Avenue (one open shelter)
BRAISHER PARK, 630 N. Winnebago, between N. Adams and N. Winnebago St. (one indoor shelter - 30) Key required
VOYAGEUR PARK, 100 Williams Street, Corner of Williams and Front St. (two open shelters).
OPTIMIST PARK, 801 Cook St., between S. Broadway and S. Erie St. (one open shelter).
PERKOFSKI BOAT LAUNCH, 1500 Fort Howard Ave., (one open shelter).
To see visuals of our park and shelter rental options, as well as other information on the above facilities, please click here.
The City of De Pere's Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department has developed a number of park rules and ordinances that we hope will make your park visit a positive experience. Your cooperation in abiding by these rules during your park visit is greatly appreciated.
Park hours are from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm. Exception: Voyageur Park hours are 4:00 am – 11:00 pm.
These are the most common rules. For a complete listing of all park ordinances contact the Park, Recreation & Forestry Department at (920) 339-4065 or visit this link.
NOTE: All wording and sections below are under construction. Any statements or information are not yet finalized.
Effective: Oct. 1, 2024
NOTE: We also offer the De Pere Dog Park if you're looking to have off-leash fun with your dog. Please click here for more information on our dog park.
For a rundown of rules related to visiting and using VFW Aquatic Facility and Legion Pool, please click here.
Since 2007, De Pere and its sister city Amal, Sweden, have emphasized creating partnerships and sharing ideas in the realm on Economic Development/Tourism. Here are some highlights:
Clocks
At one of the delegation visits, Ulrika from Amal who is in charge of their main street program admired the clock in De Pere at the end of the bridge. Ulrika searched to find a comparable clock and now the two cities share this clock.
Seroogy's
Amal Delegations have often toured Seroogy's. This connection in Seroogy's resulted in additional business as Amal ordered a special chocolate bar. This chocolate bar was given out in Amal during their 375 Anniversary in April of 2018. Over 500 chocolate bars were purchased.
The city has implemented a full lateral replacement program to address inflow and infiltration in the sanitary sewer system. The program provides an incentive for property owners with clay, concrete, ductile iron, or cast-iron laterals to repair their entire lateral with trenchless technologies versus completing just spot repairs.
There are two trenchless technologies included for reimbursement with the program: pipe bursting or lateral lining.
Pipe bursting is a technique of breaking the existing lateral while pulling a new pipe through the existing lateral. There are two excavations required, one in the basement floor and the other at the sanitary sewer main. Once completed, there is a new plastic pipe from the sewer main into the basement.
Sewer lateral lining involves injecting an epoxy resin into liner that is inserted into the damaged pipe. The liner is cured with heat or light to make it hard. While the pipe diameter is reduced slightly, the capacity of the lateral is not reduced due to the smooth interior of lined lateral.
The program will be divided into two parts as follows:
Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)
Inflow is water that enters the sanitary sewer system only during or immediately after rainfall from direct connections. Points of entry may include connections with roof and area drains, storm drain connections, and holes in manhole covers. Infiltration is the water that enters the sanitary sewer system from the surrounding soil. Common points of entry include broken pipes and defective joints in pipes or manhole walls. A cross between infiltration and inflow is the connection of foundation drains to sanitary laterals. The highest inflow occurs because of storm events or snow melt that contribute to excessive sanitary sewer flows. The highest infiltration flows are observed following storm events as water seeps into the system through its defects.
Lateral means the extension from the public sewer or other place of disposal beginning outside the building wall (Chapter 70 of the De Pere Municipal Code). Laterals are owned by the property owner. Nothing in this policy should be construed as changing ownership of or responsibility for the lateral from the private property owners to the City.
Sanitary sewer means a sewer that carries liquid- and water-carried wastes from residences, commercial buildings, industrial plants, and institutions, together with small quantities of groundwaters, surface waters, and storm waters that are not admitted intentionally (Chapter 70 of the De Pere Municipal Code). For this policy, the term main means sanitary sewer also.
The City of De Pere has significant inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sanitary sewer system. This water is transported to the wastewater treatment plan owned and operated by the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District. De Pere is billed to treat this clean water. Additionally, the wastewater treatment plant is receiving more water than it is designed for during rain/wet weather events. If I&I is not addressed, plant upgrades will be required. The cost for the upgrades will be passed on thru increased wastewater treatment rates.
City owned facilities: De Pere operates and maintains a sanitary sewer system which includes over 100 miles of gravity sewer mains and two lift stations. Sewer mains are maintained through cleaning, televising, reconstructing, lining, and sealing leaks.
Property owner facilities: Private laterals are the responsibility of the private property owners and often not maintained. Studies estimate that there are approximately the same number of miles of private sewer and laterals. A significant amount of I&I (clear water) is estimated to come from private laterals. For instance, as the city seals leaks around the main, the water table will increase until a point where a leak occurs on the private laterals where the clear water will then enter the system.
There are multiple opportunities for I&I on the private side of the sewer system. The diagram below shows multiple I&I locations including foundation drains, roof drain connections, and leaking laterals. The goal of the program is to address lateral leaks by rehabilitating from the sewer main to the foundation.
The program applies to city utility relay projects that include sanitary relay in the right of way, property owners. Property owners can have their sanitary lateral rehabilitated from the sewer main into the basement through pipe bursting. This program is voluntary. The city contractor will complete pipe bursting at no cost to the property owner. Below is a video from a public information meeting discussing the program.
Requirements to be eligible:
City Responsibilities:
Resident Responsibilities:
One item to note, sump pumps may run more after the lateral is rehabilitated. This is due to the groundwater not getting into the sanitary lateral.
A property owner will only be eligible for the full lateral relay using pipe bursting at the time of the project. If the City relays the sanitary lateral to the right of way as part of the project and the property owner does not participate in pipe bursting, this property will not be eligible for City participation in the future.
For most private laterals, repairs are required by the property owner. In the past, the city did not offer any cost sharing for the work. The city will provide an incentive up to 50% for full lateral replacement through pipe bursting or sewer lining. The property owner will be responsible for hiring a contractor to complete the work. A summary of the program is as follows:
Property owners will be eligible for a 50% reimbursement, up to $3,300 ($6,600 project cost). Eligible expenses will include the cost to pipe burst or line, replace the concrete floor in the basement, and permits. The cost to restore finished basements (walls, floors, finishes, etc.) along with other items such as backflow preventers, basement piping and plumbing are not eligible for reimbursement. For pipe bursting, excavation is required at the sewer main. If the sewer main is in the street, the city will restore the pavement. Excavation at the main will be done under city staff supervision.
In addition to pipe bursting, the project would add the option of sanitary lateral lining. Lining in sanitary sewer laterals is similar to sanitary sewer main lining completed by the City. Under this situation, the sewer is cleaned, a pipe liner is inserted into the pipe and cured. Like pipe bursting, sanitary sewer lateral lining would be eligible for 50% reimbursement by the City and the entire lateral, from the sanitary sewer main out in the road to the basement would need to be lined.
Private Lateral Replacement:
If you are interested in this pipe bursting program or you are in need of replacing your sanitary sewer lateral, please reach out to the City of De Pere Engineering Division at dppubwrks@deperewi.gov or call at 920-339-4061.
Please utilize the links below to access additional information discussed and presented at the De Pere Farmer's Market Sustainability Commission Booth!
June 19, 2025:
Pollinator Week and Planned Natural Landscapes
July 17, 2025:
Stormwater Awareness
August 14, 2025:
Composting and Food Waste Reduction
September 18, 2025:
Stormwater Awareness Week and stormwater art project
June 2024:
Pollinator Week and Planned Natural Landscapes
July 2024:
Composting with special guest Greener Bay Compost
August 2024:
Clean Air Initiative and Air Quality Monitors
September 2024:
Stormwater Awareness Week and stormwater art project
All summer-long 2023:
Planned Natural Landscapes (noxious/invasive plants, native/helpful plants, lawn alternatives)
Stormwater (keeping waterways clean, protect local waters, keeping leaves and grass clippings out of the street and drainage system, proper fertilizing)
Landfill alternative and proper disposal
Clean Air Initiative
July 2022:
Home Composting; Quick Reference Guide
Litter Critters/Proper Disposal/Tri-County Recycling Waste Wizard
August 2022:
DIY Tips for Conserving Energy at Home; Focus on Energy energy-saving packs; Energy Saver Calculator
September 2022:
Benefits of Planting Perennials
Proper Lawn Management for Fall
The City of De Pere has a program that allows residents to help control geese in specific parks. This program allows you to take your dog into one of these parks to harass the geese. The participant will need a free permit and a vest for their dog to participate. Please contact the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department at (920) 339-4065 for further details.
This program shall only be implemented in
Dog owners shall be permitted to enter these areas with their dog under the following conditions:
If you'd like to apply for a permit, or learn more information on this program, please view the link below:
If you have questions about our offerings, give our De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry Division a call at (920) 339-4097. We're always happy to help! We also encourage you to follow our De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry Facebook page, which is an excellent source for updates and information on all our upcoming activities, programs and events:
Youth and adult tennis lessons are offered for all ages and skill levels. These summer season classes are taught by certified coaches from the Green Bay Tennis Center.
There will be 2, five-week sessions (Monday/Wednesday; and Tuesday/Thursday). In case of inclement weather or cancelled classes, whenever possible, make-up classes will be held on Friday mornings.
Items to bring: water, sunscreen, athletic shoes; athletic attire should be worn. Racquets are provided if needed.
Please sign up for what grade you are going into for the upcoming school year.
Little Strokers: The Kindergarten – 2nd grade students will develop basic athletic skills as well as eye/hand coordination. This group will be using the ‘red’ ball. The ‘red’ balls have a 25% bounce height of a regular ball and are played on a 36’ court.
Rising Stars: The 3rd – 5th grade students will continue developing athletic, technical and competitive skills while continuing to work on and perfecting the tennis strokes introduced. This group will be using either the ‘orange’ ball or the ‘green dot’ ball. The ‘orange’ balls have a 50% bounce height of a regular ball and are played on a 60’ court. The ‘green dot’ balls have a 75% bounce height of a regular ball and are played on the full size tennis court.
6th – 12th grade students who are new to the game of tennis will learn the fundamentals of the game and be introduced to the different strokes. This class will also provide instruction for the student that is entering middle school/high school or already participates on their middle school/high school team, and are looking to build on their foundation for future play.
Adult Tennis: This class will provide the fundamentals of tennis, including stroke production, court positioning, scoring, and the rules to be able to enjoy the game on your own.
For registration, prices and deadlines to sign-up, and to learn more about our De Pere tennis program & offerings, please click this link.
Bad weather happens, so it would be helpful to you and your family to sign-up for RainedOut, to receive the most up-to-date cancellation information. For league cancellations, you may also call the automated phone line at (920) 339-4067.
Sports'tacular is a great program in De Pere to introduce youngsters to different athletic options. Come join in on all the fun of learning new sports skills every week! This class introduces the basic skills and fundamentals needed to play soccer, basketball, football, tennis, t-ball, floor hockey and many more sports. Obstacle courses and cooperative games also part of the fun! This is an excellent class to develop hand-eye-foot coordination. Good sportsmanship will be emphasized. Tennis shoes required; no sandals or crocs for safety reasons.
Classes ages range from 3 to 6 years old, and are generally held at the Westwood Elementary or the De Pere Community Center.
For registration, prices and deadlines to sign-up, and to learn more about our De Pere Sports'tacular program & offerings, please click this link.
Registration packets are available below or at the Community Center at 600 Grant St.
Rosters AND payment must be submitted together to secure a place in a league.
If you have questions about our offerings, give our De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry Division a call at (920) 339-4097. We're always happy to help! We also encourage you to follow our De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry Facebook page, which is an excellent source for updates and information on all our upcoming activities, programs and events:
The City and Sustainability Commission finds it is in the public's interests to encourage diverse landscape treatments throughout the City, particularly those landscape elements that support the preservation, restoration, and management of native plant communities, healthy pollinator communities, and soil and water conservation.
Planned Natural Landscaping is a planned, intentional, and maintained area without any noxious weeds which may include, without limitation, trees, shrubs, and native plants, or vegetation associated with a rain garden.
Planned Natural Landscapes use gardening and landscaping practices that harmonize with nature; diversifying plantings, improving wildlife habitat, and reducing lawnmower noise, air and water pollution, and yard waste. Various "natural" landscapes, planned for beauty and ease of maintenance use mainly native plants. These landscapes include wildflower meadows, butterfly gardens, and woodland habitats that attract birds.
Highlights of this ordinance includes:
A native plant is a plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. Invasive species are nonindigenous species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
If you typically mow your lawn every week (or more frequently), consider mowing every other week. Research has shown this to increase the number of individuals and species variety of pollinators. An added bonus of a less-is-more approach to lawn care is that more mowing can be associated with increased pests and allergy-causing plants like ragweed. So instead of splitting your precious free time between mowing and trips to the pharmacy to deal with seasonal allergies, perhaps this spring you can relax and enjoy a cold beverage while enjoying the buzzing and flittering critters in your yard.
Consider practicing grasscycling.
Skip watering your lawn. EPA estimates that 30% of residential water usage is devoted to outdoor uses including watering lawns and gardens. Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of water used for irrigation is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems. When watering is needed, use a sprinkler that shoots low to the ground. Sprinkle your lawn, not sidewalks, driveways, or streets. Shape soil so water will sink in, rather than run off.
Reduce or eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides. Besides being potentially harmful to our pollinators, chemicals and weed killers are not needed for a healthy lawn and they're one of the main reasons we have green algae in our lakes and streams. Get a soil test so you know if your lawn needs more nutrients. Mulch to keep the lawn healthy, so it can outcompete weeds for light, nutrients, and water. If you must fertilize, do it in the fall. Sweep up fertilizer that falls on the street and sidewalk and dispose of it properly - water and fertilizer that go into the street go directly to the river or lake.
Identification Materials:
Fun Family Activities:
Program Overview: The “Look Up De Pere” program would offer forgivable loans to existing property owners and those interested in purchasing older downtown properties for improvements to the second stories to reactivate and renovate units downtown. Property owners within the Main Street District of the City of De Pere are eligible for matching grant funds for improvements made to improve, renovate, or establish residential units above storefronts. The program would be designed as a matching grant program, the City would reimburse the property owner for up to 50% of the expense, to a maximum match of $5,000 for each unit. Each parcel with an existing building is eligible for up to a total of $30,000 (6 units). Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants while funds are available. Façade grant funds may not be used as matching funds to the “Look Up De Pere” Program; however, receiving a façade grant does not prohibit the application to this program and vice versa.
Funding Source: $150,000 housing affordability funds and TID No. 7 and TID No. 9 funds where appropriate
General Program Requirements: Units must be affordable as the following.
Income Limits (2022)
| FAMILY SIZE: | ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE |
| COUNTY, Brown: | 50,560 | 57,760 | 64,960 | 72,160 | 78,000 | 83,760 | 89,520 | 95,280 | 101,040 |
Rent Limits (2022)
| BEDROOM SIZE: | EFF | ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX |
| COUNTY, Brown: | 1264 | 1354 | 1624 | 1877 | 2094 | 2310 | 2526 |
The applicant must agree to repay the grant if they sell the building to a new entity they do not have an ownership stake during the 5 years following the implementation of the improvements. Moreover, if the applicant wishes to return to the unit to market rates, they shall also return a prorated portion of the grant. The repayment shall be prorated for any years in which the unit was held for affordable housing purposes. The grant repayment schedule shall be 20% principal reduction of the zero-interest loan for each year the unit remains affordable as defined in a loan agreement. The grant/forgivable loan capitalized lost revenue at $100 a month over the life of the grant.
Program Information:
Since 2007, De Pere and its sister city Amal, Sweden, have emphasized creating partnerships and sharing ideas in the realm of youth programs. Here are some highlights:
Exchange Students
Sister Cities partnered with AFS International Intercultural Programs (www.afs.org) to facilitate a high school student exchange between the two cities.
Amal Students to De Pere
City of Amal than developed a scholarship for students to come to De Pere on AFS and the exchanges continued
De Pere Student to Amal
Pen Pals
Elementary classes (5th and 6th graders from De Pere Foxview and Westwood have been exchanging letters as pen pals since approximately 2013. Each year we have added classes. A great opportunity to share this connection with more in the community and of different ages.
St. Norbert College
Access current standings, schedules, and more through the Civic Rec website. All standings and schedules are posted as quickly as possible. Schedules will be available no later than 1 week prior to the season start date.
If you have questions about our offerings, give our De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry Division a call at (920) 339-4097. We're always happy to help! We also encourage you to follow our De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry Facebook page, which is an excellent source for updates and information on all our upcoming activities, programs and events:
Homeowners and residents can actively participate in keeping our waters clean by reducing or eliminating the use of fertilizers on lawns, keeping grass clippings and leaves out of the streets, using salt wisely in winter months, cleaning out stormwater grates (sign up for the Adopt-a-Drain program), picking up after pets, and investing in rain barrels, among others. Get your kids involved too!
Program Overview: Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity is launching Rock the Block program, a weeklong event that brings together residents, municipalities, community partners, and donors to repair homes for eligible low-income homeowners and improve community spaces. Typically, 20 to 30 projects are completed with the help of more than 150 volunteers over a few blocks to make a big impact in the area. These projects improve and beautify neighborhoods, increase property values, and have a ripple effect on all homes in the neighborhood.
The Rock the Block is a partnership between Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity, volunteers, donors, community partners, and municipalities to provide affordable repairs and maintenance to properties. Participation will include prep work, working alongside the volunteers, and other tasks as homeowners are able.
Habitat for Humanity would manage the program and potential participants are encouraged to use the proposed Deeper Roots - Affordable Housing Stock Improvement Loan Program as a possible funding source. Working with the Habitat for Humanity program manager for multiple loans would simplify the loan process.
The cost of the program is approximately $400,000 per project year ($800,000 for two projects in the City of De Pere).
Funding:
East Side Project: $150,000 housing affordability funds
$50,000 ARPA (approved)
$200,000 private/corporate match donations
West Side Project: $150,000 housing affordability funds
$50,000 ARPA (approved)
$200,000 private/corporate match donations
Funding Contingent: The City required Habitat for Humanity to find corporate donations to match the city investment so the City can complete two separate projects. If recommended for approval, staff anticipates focusing on one east or west side neighborhood in 2024 and focusing on a neighborhood on the opposite side of the river in 2026. Habitat for Humanity can only focus on one community each year and they are also in discussions with the City of Green Bay for the program schedule.
Program Information:
Lot Purchase Program:
Program Overview: The Lot Purchase Program would allow for the purchase of new lots in existing and new subdivisions to reserve lots for affordable units. To achieve that goal, the City of De Pere would purchase lots in a proposed subdivision to sell to non-profit organizations at a reduced rate for the development of affordable housing in new subdivisions.
This program could be coupled with the request for the city to finance residential infrastructure projects. Therefore, if the developer is receiving the benefit of the city borrowing at lower interest rates and deferred special assessments, the community would receive the benefit of more affordable new homes within the community.
Homes built within the subdivisions would still be required to follow all developer-created restrictive covenants to ensure the home fits within the subdivision’s character.
Recommended Funding: TIF Affordable Housing Extension
Other TIDs appropriate
Program Funding Amount: Combined funding with Affordable Housing in Multi-Family TIF Developments Funding.
Total Funding: $1,118,527
Affordable Housing in Multifamily TIF Developments Program:
Program Overview: A program to offer additional incentives to include affordable units as defined by WHEDA and CDBG rent limits, in multi-family residential or mixed-use developments. This program could mirror the WHEDA Section 42 program, but at a local level with fewer reporting requirements.
Recommended Funding: TIF Affordable Housing Extension
Other TIDs appropriate
Program Funding Amount: Combined funding with Affordable Housing in Multi-Family TIF Developments Funding.
Total Funding: $1,118,527
Requirements: Each project would be specific to the project needs; however, some of the program requirements could include designating a certain number of units as affordable as defined as the following.
Income Limits (2022)
| FAMILY SIZE: | ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE |
| COUNTY: Brown: | 50,560 | 57,760 | 64,960 | 72,160 | 78,000 | 83,760 | 89,520 | 95,280 | 101,040 |
Rent Limits (2022)
WISCONSIN STANDARD MULTIFAMILY TAX SUBSIDY PROJECT INCOME LIMITS Estimated Maximum Rent Limits at 80% 2022 County Median Income (Effective April 18, 2022)
| BEDROOM SIZE: | EFF | ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX |
| COUNTY, Brown: | 1264 | 1354 | 1624 | 1877 | 2094 | 2310 | 2526 |
The developer shall include income limit units for 15 to 20 years and shall/must contract with WHEDA for monitoring. These example standards resemble some of the requirements of the WHEDA Section 42 Housing Tax Credit Program.
Funds could also be used to create an RFP for an affordable housing TIF Policy that the Council can use as a guide for incorporating affordable housing units into multifamily projects.
Whether you are always an ace shot or hitting volley llamas, we have a variety of pickleball leagues and programs planned for the 2025 Spring and Summer seasons. League registration will open in April and close on May 12th at 11:00 am.
Planned League Seasons: May 2025 – July 2025 and July 2025 - September 2025
Possible League Types: Doubles, Singles, Coed, Women’s, Men’s & Family
Site Design and Content Management by
CORE Business Technologies
