The Sturgeon Bay Common Council moved on a couple of recommendations from the Personnel Committee on Tuesday evening while also ending the City’s legal battle with Wal-Mart. 

The City moved on a recommendation to have Community Service Officers receive an immediate increase in wage ranges from $17-$19 per hour, with no budget impact for 2022 since hours will be adjusted accordingly.  

The Council then voted unanimously in favor of an agreement between the City and the Sturgeon Bay Professional Police Association Local 449 and Wisconsin Professional Police Association/LEER Division Local 449.  A Memorandum of Understanding on lateral entry consideration was also approved by the City, allowing the police chief to slot personnel to open positions considered lateral moves.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council then went into a closed session to discuss a proposed mediated agreement with Wal-Mart, which was suing the City in Door County Circuit Court, contesting the 2021 property assessment in which Wal-Mart paid over $135,000 in property taxes.  After 30 minutes of closed session discussion and reconvening in open session, the City voted to approve the Wal-Mart Property Assessment Settlement, which will assess 2021 at $60 per square foot and $57 in 2022.   City Administrator Josh VanLieshout told Door County Daily News that Wal-Mart initially sought $38 per square foot, with the City at $66 per square foot.

Before the business meeting, the Door County YMCA gave a presentation update on the Capital Campaign and Building Addition that is expected to begin construction later this summer and total $9.9 million.