[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6169111,"mediaKeyId","5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9","parentId",5405157,"title","Council hears multiple massage-license appeals; some renewals denied amid online-advertising and ordinance violations","audioSeconds",4443,"startMs",8571000,"endMs",13014000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9&start=8571&end=13014","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9/thumbnail_8571000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6169111/Green-Bay/Brown-County/Wisconsin/Council-hears-multiple-massage-license-appeals-some-renewals-denied-amid-online-advertising-and-ordinance-violations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169111-6df2a5df3fafe81565a7ab53d407baee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152554&Signature=ioYcQYfYFLrYQGOtV9qNlg9hVyVop49wsu-5SwhFZpmBbz4689oaFVkk6EGQrfkF9veN12WvIz3m3UP4F1TnpU0HnmnzlyJPFNqZI5zbEqwn~Q06gym6LG9q9~2IAvHizsUVUbdSmwxliEGtPS4COylJiL~gIv2lf1t5bAothEqF-OVJLIS3wTYakhkfeh73jI7mGg9R1EXkl1GNeglCqUGsCkfYN~YXlZfUUSY040u7Z1CeNRPdx5h~wBOBT3usO0n4msXD4vXzUxgUPqRZMnOni3IwQwCFM6n4g5pyPevQmMddigTbNqBLZif2w0Bg90pihUZcMOFLEWHck6vgbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Green Bay, WI","date","2025-07-16T03:32:07Z","article","The Green Bay Common Council on July 15 conducted multiple quasi-judicial hearings on contested massage-establishment license renewals and reached different outcomes based on evidence presented about online advertising, on-site compliance and prior enforcement contacts.

Police and city staff told the council they had found online advertisements that used the same phone numbers and addresses as the applicants and that some postings described sexualized paid services. Lieutenant Mahoney of the Green Bay Police Department told the council advertising on sites that offer escort-style services and user reviews describing “handy” services were the basis for several nonrenewal recommendations. The department’s review also checked criteria including prior convictions, allegations of prostitution or human trafficking, and compliance with local licensing requirements (insurance, employee ledger, signage).

Moonlight Spa, 1740 E. Mason: The council denied the renewal after the department reported multiple website listings and a user review describing a sexual act; the owner spoke at the hearing and said she was ill and that the business is largely a single-operator operation, but the council supported the department recommendation and denied the appeal.

E Spa, 1235 S. Military: Police presented evidence that an online advertisement displayed photographs and the same phone number listed on the renewal application. The applicant’s counsel disputed agency findings and said the business had been the target of third‑party postings and that operators had no role in the advertisements; after deliberation the council voted to grant the renewal, with members citing the applicant’s cooperation and corrected documentation.

VIP Spa, 842 S. Military: Department investigators cited multiple on-site ordinance violations (two lighted signs, lack of posted liability insurance, no employee ledger for state licenses). The applicant’s counsel said the firm had corrected the items where possible (posted insurance, made ledger available) and characterized some violations as technical; council members concluded the volume of violations and the pending municipal-court citation supported non-renewal and the appeal was denied.

Cherry Spa / Leisure Spa, 1639 Deckner: The department presented online postings and historical ads tied to the same address and phone number; police said earlier advertisements and social-media posts referenced escort-style services at the site. The owner and counsel said the current business is Cherry Spa, that the owner opened in March 2024, and that earlier posts predated their operation or were posted by third parties. The council debated whether the online material tied to prior names justified denial; an initial motion to deny failed on a 4–6 vote and a subsequent motion to approve renewal passed 6–4 on a roll-call vote.

Across cases council members referenced a new city ordinance that requires establishments to keep a ledger of licensed therapists, post proof of insurance, and report staff changes to the city clerk within 10 days. City staff said they provided education and outreach after the ordinance passed, and police said they attempted compliance work before issuing citations. Council members noted the difference between educational outreach, municipal-court citation processes and the council’s responsibility on license renewals.

Outcomes: Moonlight Spa appeal denied; E Spa renewal granted; VIP Spa appeal denied; Cherry Spa renewal granted (6–4). Council members said the decisions reflected the totality of evidence — posted online advertising tied to the business contact information, on-site compliance with the new ordinance, and any pending municipal-court matters — and that license applicants may reapply if they address compliance issues and change factual circumstances.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Common Council 7-15-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Common Council on July 15 heard multiple contested massage-establishment license renewals and denied some renewals while granting others after reviewing evidence about online advertisements and compliance with a new city ordinance.","taxTitle","Green Bay, Brown County, Wisconsin","taxId",2853,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6169116,"Green Bay council adopts nonbinding resolution opposing conversion therapy; adds religious counseling language",3158,1060000,4218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9&start=1060&end=4218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9/thumbnail_1060000.jpg","/articles/6169116/Green-Bay/Brown-County/Wisconsin/Green-Bay-council-adopts-nonbinding-resolution-opposing-conversion-therapy-adds-religious-counseling-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169116-edab177f4959ea107d77dec64cffdc2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152554&Signature=jyprrCvUTEmLwPTq2KPoVKI2N3YT7nTjYWhBPcCUInG-p83MvnCuel~ydkfuYrGzbDlR-Avfs3SdkFjv7UsUOTgXtn9Ay9PgCCxwskMdJBi5dpvF~pHJzwtR7edzrciAH6ypdQHNBmefC0XsueVOAdTWLzXiXER1K~djKYWUR04g0NbZ3wDfS~INn3q0NA5-cpTkCDc-hmItnXXYFntWJFZqai-gCU42g2eC0pYrbtrm63dHlVZTkPY9dKhCDCKa3zmyJj-~0LEaXZqjFeOySc-a~UeUl7hXUPSqvzmpyw0B-A~q6AGcnlsBXmsF7yBF5vztMVBDFleHf-eIKFmgQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Green Bay Common Council voted July 15 to adopt a nonbinding resolution opposing conversion therapy practices and to express support for state-level legislation addressing the practice. The resolution was amended during that discussion to explicitly recognize religious counseling.

The item drew more than two hours of public comment from dozens of residents, faith leaders, health professionals and state lawmakers. Representative Ahmad Rivera Wagner, who said he represents a portion of the city and is a cosponsor of Senate Bill 324, urged the council to protect people from “a discredited practice,” saying “conversion therapy ends lives, causes damage.” Multiple pastors and residents in the meeting urged the council not to restrict pastoral or faith-based counseling.

Eric Kozwicki, a member of the public, urged the council to hold action until the U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision in related cases and to add language protecting religious exercise; he recommended an explicit First Amendment–based religious exemption. The council instead pursued a narrower change: Alder Johnson moved an amendment to add the words “and religious counseling” to a clause that references pastoral conversations and freedom of religion; the amendment passed 9–1.

Council members discussed the difference between a nonbinding resolution, which expresses the body’s position, and an ordinance that would create enforceable law. Several members emphasized the resolution’s nonbinding status and described it as a statement in support of state legislation and to signal support for LGBTQ+ residents. Alder Presley, a sponsor of the item, said the resolution was brought forward in response to constituent requests and to support work at the state level.

A separate motion to hold the item until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on related cases was proposed but failed for lack of a second. After additional debate the amended nonbinding resolution was approved on a 9–1 roll-call vote; the minutes record the final tally as 9–1 in favor. Council members and staff said any future ordinance action would require separate referral and would carry different legal risks that the city would need to consider.

The council’s action does not change state law or create local prohibitions; it directs staff only to file the city’s position and does not impose penalties or enforcement requirements. The resolution and the added language recognizing religious counseling are intended as policy statements to support state-level legislation and to clarify that pastoral and religious counseling were not the target of the city’s statement.","After a lengthy public comment period, the Common Council on July 15 approved a nonbinding resolution opposing conversion therapy and added explicit language to protect religious counseling; the council debated whether to wait for pending Supreme Court action but voted 9–1 to adopt the amended resolution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6169122,"Council approves MOU with developer to advance rezoning and redevelopment of 500 Day Street",163,531000,694000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9&start=531&end=694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5405157-691b3ec4700f6943229829976fb4ede9/thumbnail_531000.jpg","/articles/6169122/Green-Bay/Brown-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-MOU-with-developer-to-advance-rezoning-and-redevelopment-of-500-Day-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6169122-0f492d9871332beb20019fa675976878/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152554&Signature=F65Ow4ybiZyBAGnP2-tchoVw2~TYQ5dJn4DEEa0PgnV0wUIk7O8dma2PA5UO7~REuVJW2~qs15csVUBt70WmmeaBh0pGR27mVJgCak8iCSDfz~Js0pV8ESfij8F04ydXReHqb7Et-im7cB0D3vTaZ8K~KGQcSuy2L7HzOym7WwOs2OCoGpUFDOkzWoS8H2pYJwDzlXv8Rcel53FpWueFZAdAkePkPiUr6ApCqlSjIf6bnGPqQtNM3d108DcOPbJFe1ICIF-TME9jMdQUntt2EI-F0uc32d1pSEdcme9RXv2CU3TpCyHlpl~gHkT~mShBGyYypsIcuTnEBoBbLxZPFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Green Bay Common Council on July 15 approved a memorandum of understanding with Scout Development GB LLC that lays out a framework to pursue rezoning and redevelopment of 500 Day Street. The council opened the floor for public comment, heard from a representative of the prospective developer and then approved the request subject to final legal review.

The memorandum, presented by Director Rainier Wig of the planning staff, sets out the city’s and the developer’s early expectations and schedules. “We’re recommending that we execute this memorandum of understanding,” Wig said, adding that the developer intends to submit a planned unit development application in November. The memorandum also notes that Georgia Pacific remains the legal property owner at this stage.

Developer Chester McDonald told council members he was encouraged by recent meetings and described progress as “very positive movement,” saying “all the goals are still the same.” Councilmembers who spoke in favor said they had been kept informed by staff and by neighborhood representatives. Alder Johnson said she had connected with Alder Prophet, whose district includes the property, and that Prophet was “good with what has been proposed.” Alder Provitt said she appreciated the additional materials provided since the item was last held.

Related zoning ordinances that would implement changes tied to the property were put on hold until Nov. 11 to coincide with the expected PUD application. Council discussion made clear the MOU is intended to be an early-stage, nonbinding framework to organize collaboration between the city and Scout Development on land use, infrastructure, and potential funding coordination. The council voted to approve the MOU and to hold the related ordinance items to Nov. 11 so the PUD process can be pursued in an orderly way.

City staff and the developer indicated next steps include finalizing the MOU language with the city attorney and the property owner and accepting a formal PUD application in November. The MOU does not approve rezoning; it establishes a good-faith process for the applicant to pursue formal approvals through the Planning Commission and then the Common Council.

Officials said additional details — including final application materials, project specifics, and any financial incentives — will be considered only after the PUD application is filed and undergoes standard public review.","The Common Council voted July 15 to execute a memorandum of understanding with Scout Development GB LLC to create a framework for rezoning and redevelopment of 500 Day Street; staff and the developer plan a PUD application in November and two related ordinances were held until Nov. 11.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears multiple massage-license appeals; some renewals denied amid online-advertising and ordinance violations

Green Bay council adopts nonbinding resolution opposing conversion therapy; adds religious counseling language

Council approves MOU with developer to advance rezoning and redevelopment of 500 Day Street