By Lee Reinsch
Correspondent
DE PERE – People once again will be able to buy drinks and stroll with them legally through the downtown De Pere farmers markets.
On Tuesday, June 1, the De Pere Common Council approved a recommendation from the License Committee for a special permit for Definitely De Pere for the markets.
Farmers markets are held from 3-8 p.m. Thursdays June 17 through Aug. 26, and from 3-7 p.m. Thursdays in September through Sept. 23 on the George Street Plaza, between Wisconsin Street and Broadway.
Council President Jonathon Hansen voted the sole nay vote, saying some of his constituents voiced concerns.
The board approved Definitely De Pere’s request for $10,000 in funding from the public art initiative allocation of the city’s excess stadium tax fund for the 2021 East/West Music Series.
Definitely De Pere Executive Director Tina Quigley told the board she anticipates the series will grow and become self-supporting.
A shot and a beer (garden)
The board also heard an update from De Pere Public Health Officer Debbie Armbruster on immunization efforts.
So far, her department has administered more than 3,000 doses and held 51 vaccine clinics.
In an effort to encourage more people to get a vaccine, the health department will hold a vaccination clinic at this summer’s Beer Garden music events at Voyageur Park.
Local businesses are teaming up to provide incentives, including Seroogy’s Homemade Chocolates, and The Green Room comedy club.
Transit service
The council also heard a presentation from Green Bay Metropolitan Transit Director Patty Kiewiz on microtransit and on-demand transportation used for limited areas where demand for regular bus routes is lower, including parts of De Pere.
Green Bay Metro Transit Authority has tested it on a small scale since last August.
The Transit Authority is hearing comments and taking input through June 15 on proposed changes to services offered.
A public hearing on the changes is 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at the Green Bay Metro, 901 University Ave.
VFW pool facility grant
A grant of $3,500 from the Walmart Foundation will help the city purchase furnishings, equipment and supplies for the VFW Aquatic Facility and Community Center.
In specific, some items the money will pay for include three televisions and mounts, a refrigerator, a microwave, first-aid kits and supplies, a cash register, dry erase boards, signs, storage shelves, cubicles, three hoses, a ladder, trash and recycling containers and other office and cleaning supplies.
The board unanimously approved the grant award.
In memoriam
The board also approved funding of $5,000 to create a memorial to honor the city’s late arborist, Jerry Hasenberg, Jr., who died April 1 in an accident while on the job.
Money from the memorial fund will be used to plant trees in city parks and to create an area for reflecting in front of the Municipal Services Center.