OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Milwaukee Public Works Committee Meeting Summary - March 11, 2026

Common Council — Wednesday, March 11, 2026
BodyMilwaukee, Wisconsin
SessionCommon Council
DateWednesday, March 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:12:00

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good morning.

0:02

I like to call this public works committee a meeting to order.

0:06

I am chairwoman Alderwoman Mulala A.

0:09

Cogs, we are joined to my right by Vice Chair Alderman Lamont West Morning to his right.

0:15

We are joined by Alderman by Balming.

0:18

Um to his right, we are joined by DPW infrastructure.

0:24

Um to my left, we are joined by um staff assistant Carmen Rowman to her left.

0:31

We are joined by Alderman Alex Brower.

0:36

To his left, we are joined by Alderman Larissa Taylor.

0:42

Item number one, file number two, five one eight seven nine resolution relating to approving the levying of assessments and construction of accessible public improvement projects at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes.

1:05

Good morning.

1:06

Holly Rutenbeck with DPW.

1:08

I will be advising on the special assessment process process and project details.

1:12

For those projects approved this morning, a bill will be sent to each property owner sometime after completion of the work.

1:18

Within 45 days upon receipt of the bill, the full amount may be paid without interest.

1:23

If the bill is not paid within the 45-day grace period, a charge of 8.5% simple interest per year will be added.

1:31

If the assessment is at least 125 dollars, the assessment can be paid over a period of 10 years on the tax roll at 8.5% interest.

1:39

For those projects approved with late billing, a bill will not be sent before January 1st, 2028.

1:47

An official notice of public hearing was sent to all impacted property owners in relation to the projects that are on this public hearing.

1:55

The first item, second in the second aldermanic district.

1:59

Alley between West Vrowns Avenue, West Hope Avenue, North 62nd Street, North 63rd Street, concrete alley pavement reconstruction, replace some abutting side sidewalk and driveway approaches, grading, storm drainage facilities, and permeable pavement as necessary.

2:17

Sir anyone here to provide testimony on this item.

2:23

Out of 27 impacted properties, all responses were in favor, and the alderman supports the project.

2:35

Are there any objections to that motion?

2:38

Hearing none, so ordered.

2:40

In the sixth Aldermanic district, alley between West Hopkins Street, West Townsend Street, North 22nd Street, North 23rd Street, concrete alley pavement reconstruction, replace some abutting walk and driveway approaches, grading, storm drainage facilities, and permeable pavement as necessary.

2:58

Is anyone here to provide testimony on that item?

3:03

And I'll leave this one to you, Alderwoman.

3:06

Were there any cards?

3:08

There were.

3:11

Okay.

3:12

I support it.

3:14

Um Alderman Westmorland would move adoption.

3:19

Are there any objections to the motion?

3:22

Hearing none, so ordered.

3:25

In the 8th Aldermanic District, alley between West Greenfield Avenue, West Orchard Street, South 22nd Street, South 23rd Street, Concrete Alley Pavement Reconstruction, replace some abutting walk and driveway approaches, grading, storm drainage facilities, and permeable pavement as necessary.

3:44

And Patty's here from the Alder Woman's office.

3:46

We only received one postcard back, and it was opposed, but was from a landlord who doesn't live on the block.

3:51

And Joe Castor was concerned he might show up, so she asked me to come and say she's in full support.

3:59

Thank you.

4:00

Alderman Brouwer would move adoption.

4:02

Are there any objections to that motion?

4:05

Hearing none, so ordered I'm sure.

4:07

Alderman Brown.

4:08

Yeah, I don't have an objection.

4:09

I'll just to just some questions that we've talked about some of these things at this committee, but I just refresh my memory.

4:14

Um property owners, um, adjacent property owners pay 50% of the cost.

4:20

Is that is that correct?

4:23

That is correct, but they do not pay for any of the green infrastructure.

4:26

We do receive a grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan's Ridge District, so that does not impact their assessment cost.

4:33

No, that's and that's really good to hear.

4:35

Um, I guess it um what I'm seeing on here permeable pavement as necessary, so are these projects intended to have that, or are we trying to do that for everything going forward?

4:43

Or what's what's the status that Holly?

4:44

Yes, so it is our intent that every alley repaving project would have the center four feet with permeable pavement.

4:50

However, there are certain alleys and situations where it's not a suitable fit.

4:55

But for each one where we have it listed in this official notice, it is proposed to have permeable pavement in the center four feet.

5:01

Okay, so there's is there's no particular reason that this says as necessary and not just says permeable pavement, period.

5:09

Well, so it would only be in the center four feet so that our garbage trucks can actually straddle the permeable pavers, and then also some of them are T-shaped or I shaped at those little intersections and around the actual uh catch basin to the is concrete, so not the entire thing is pay permeable pavement, just portions of it.

5:29

Though that makes sense to me, and we wouldn't want the permeable portion in the center to come to a T at the word where these alleys T intersect because then we could have vehicle traffic going over them, the potentially um I mean basically we get a weight issue with the with the permeable pavement, right?

5:45

Yes, and we do compact all of the you know materials and aggregate under the permeable pavement, so cars can still drive over the permeable pavement when they're driving in and out of their garages, it's not going to impact the functionality or the appearance or anything like that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering and Infrastructure███████████████15%
Public Works█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Business Licensing█████████9%
Environmental Protection████████8%
Public Engagement██████6%
Pending Litigation██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Milwaukee Public Works Committee Meeting

March 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 11:24 AM | City Hall Room 301-B

The Public Works Committee, chaired by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, convened on March 11, 2026, to consider 15 agenda items covering infrastructure projects, lease agreements, environmental programs, and a contested license application. All five committee members (Coggs, Westmoreland, Bauman, Taylor, Brower) were present. The meeting lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Consent Calendar & Unanimous Approvals

  • File #251879 (Amended): Approved levying assessments for assessable public improvements at various locations. City cost: $1,012,000; total cost: $1,630,000. Includes alley reconstruction in the 2nd, 6th, 8th, and 15th districts, plus street work in the 10th district. One landlord objected in the 8th district but did not live on the block; the alderwoman expressed full support. Ald. Bauman clarified property owners pay 50% of costs (excluding green infrastructure) per ordinance. Ald. Brower questioned permeable pavement details. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251880 (Substituted): Determined necessity for nonassessable public improvements. Engineering cost: $267,000; total cost: $1,551,000. Substituted to add one project. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251881 (Substituted): Approved construction of nonassessable public improvements. Construction cost: $42,513,574; total cost: $57,951,316. Substituted for technical corrections and added projects for spring bidding. Passed 5-0.
  • File #250986: Approved first lease amendment with TowerCo 2013 LLC for a cell tower site at 3929 S. 6th Street (13th District). Extended lease to 2060; current rent $42,758.48, increasing 5% annually to $44,896.41. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251882: Extended the Active Streets for Businesses Program for the 2026 season (typically March 15–November 15, with a winter session). DPW noted plans to transition the program to the Licensing Division. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251884: Accepted MMSD private property inflow/infiltration grant for the Grassland Manor neighborhood (7th District; N. 53rd St. to N. 60th St., W. Vienna Ave. to W. Capitol Dr.) for sanitary lateral replacements. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251777 (Substitute): Authorized amendment to Water Service Agreement with Village of Menomonee Falls, adding ~450 properties (over 90% residential) to the water service area. Annual revenue increase ~$40,000; costs ~$8,000. Subcontinental divide implications discussed but DNR found no Great Lakes Compact issues. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251860: Authorized a 1st revision to the State/Municipal Agreement for the Hopkins Protected Bike Lane project, adjusting limits from 34th St. to 31st St. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251861: Directed the Commissioner of Public Works to execute a State/Municipal Financial Agreement for temporary street lighting on STH 181 (County Line Rd. to Mequon Rd.) at an estimated $80,500 (100% city share). Passed 5-0.
  • File #251808: Approved an ordinance amending the City's Official Map, primarily reflecting alley vacations and right-of-way adjustments. Passed 5-0.
  • File #251809: Placed on file a DPW communication regarding spring leaf collection, with extensive discussion (see below). Passed 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Stella's Playground (File #251701): Rese Schneider (Stella's mother) testified that after her daughter's 2023 cancerous brain tumor diagnosis and surgery, Stella lost the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and smile. In summer 2024 at Reservoir Park, while using a walker, Stella told her mother, "Mom, playgrounds aren't for me." This inspired the family to create Milwaukee's first universally accessible and inclusive playground. They have raised over $1.1 million of the $2 million goal. Community engagement included groups such as Islands of Brilliance, Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Alliance, Independence First, and Vision Forward.
  • Taxi License Application (File #251664): Muhammad Sarfraz testified that he was convicted of second-degree sexual assault with a weapon (the incident occurred ~16 years ago, with a 10-year sentence and 5 years of supervision; released 2020). He claimed he did not receive a fair trial, was forced to plead guilty, and described the incident as an "accident" and a "family matter." He stated he has completed treatment and has three daughters. He has been on the sex offender registry. No other testimony was given. Atty. Gresham (City Attorney) explained the legal standard requiring a substantial relationship between the conviction and the license; sexual assault has a clear nexus to public passenger vehicle driving.

Discussion Items

  • River Skimmer Agreement (File #251875): DPW presented a substitute agreement with MMSD for the River Skimmer (trash-collection boat) operation from 2026-2035. The boat operates April–October, ~110-137 days/year, removing 1,100–1,600 cubic yards of debris annually. The city's share is $61,200/year. Ald. Bauman questioned the adequacy of service levels, suggesting the city could increase funding to expand operations. He noted significant complaints from riverfront constituents and suggested outreach to Riverkeepers and the Third Ward BID. The committee held the file but passed it with the expectation that DPW would engage stakeholders and share findings with the Council.
  • Spring Leaf Collection (File #251809): Extensive discussion on the aftermath of fall 2025 leaf collection, disrupted by a November 29 snowstorm. Spring rake-out period: March 1–March 15. DPW has continued opportunistic pickup since December and will use a "final round" approach similar to fall. A pilot bagged-leaf program was introduced, using paper compostable bags (no plastic). Commissioner Kruschke noted the city collected ~70% of leaves in fall; the remaining 30% are now being addressed. Challenges include parked cars blocking curb lanes (especially on exception streets), mud after leaf removal, and limited equipment/manpower. Ald. Bauman and Ald. Brower discussed options like no-parking signs, alternate-side parking, and a full bag-only system. Ald. Brower raised environmental concerns about raking (loss of insect habitat). DPW will evaluate the spring pilot and report back in June to inform fall policy decisions.

Key Outcomes

  • Stella's Playground (File #251701): Unanimously recommended for adoption (5-0). The city will contribute to bathroom facility upgrades; the playground company (Kompan) and local firm GRG Playscapes are designing the universally accessible playground at Reservoir Park. DPW will manage the project and provide updates.
  • Low-Emission Vehicles (File #251854): Held to the call of the chair pending further information.
  • Taxi License Denial (File #251664): The committee voted 4-1 to deny Muhammad Sarfraz's application for a public passenger vehicle driver's license. Ald. Coggs moved denial, citing insufficient "acceptance/acknowledgement" and lack of "redemptive reflection" from the applicant. Ald. Taylor highlighted the lasting impact on survivors. Ald. Bauman voted no (the dissenting vote). The motion prevailed.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. I like to call this public works committee a meeting to order. I am chairwoman Alderwoman Mulala A. Cogs, we are joined to my right by Vice Chair Alderman Lamont West Morning to his right. We are joined by Alderman by Balming. Um to his right, we are joined by DPW infrastructure. Um to my left, we are joined by um staff assistant Carmen Rowman to her left. We are joined by Alderman Alex Brower. To his left, we are joined by Alderman Larissa Taylor. Item number one, file number two, five one eight seven nine resolution relating to approving the levying of assessments and construction of accessible public improvement projects at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes. Good morning. Holly Rutenbeck with DPW. I will be advising on the special assessment process process and project details. For those projects approved this morning, a bill will be sent to each property owner sometime after completion of the work. Within 45 days upon receipt of the bill, the full amount may be paid without interest. If the bill is not paid within the 45-day grace period, a charge of 8.5% simple interest per year will be added. If the assessment is at least 125 dollars, the assessment can be paid over a period of 10 years on the tax roll at 8.5% interest. For those projects approved with late billing, a bill will not be sent before January 1st, 2028. An official notice of public hearing was sent to all impacted property owners in relation to the projects that are on this public hearing. The first item, second in the second aldermanic district. Alley between West Vrowns Avenue, West Hope Avenue, North 62nd Street, North 63rd Street, concrete alley pavement reconstruction, replace some abutting side sidewalk and driveway approaches, grading, storm drainage facilities, and permeable pavement as necessary. Sir anyone here to provide testimony on this item. Out of 27 impacted properties, all responses were in favor, and the alderman supports the project. Are there any objections to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered. In the sixth Aldermanic district, alley between West Hopkins Street, West Townsend Street, North 22nd Street, North 23rd Street, concrete alley pavement reconstruction, replace some abutting walk and driveway approaches, grading, storm drainage facilities, and permeable pavement as necessary. Is anyone here to provide testimony on that item? And I'll leave this one to you, Alderwoman. Were there any cards? There were. Okay. I support it. Um Alderman Westmorland would move adoption. Are there any objections to the motion? Hearing none, so ordered. In the 8th Aldermanic District, alley between West Greenfield Avenue, West Orchard Street, South 22nd Street, South 23rd Street, Concrete Alley Pavement Reconstruction, replace some abutting walk and driveway approaches, grading, storm drainage facilities, and permeable pavement as necessary. And Patty's here from the Alder Woman's office. We only received one postcard back, and it was opposed, but was from a landlord who doesn't live on the block. And Joe Castor was concerned he might show up, so she asked me to come and say she's in full support. Thank you. Alderman Brouwer would move adoption. Are there any objections to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered I'm sure. Alderman Brown. Yeah, I don't have an objection. I'll just to just some questions that we've talked about some of these things at this committee, but I just refresh my memory. Um property owners, um, adjacent property owners pay 50% of the cost. Is that is that correct? That is correct, but they do not pay for any of the green infrastructure. We do receive a grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan's Ridge District, so that does not impact their assessment cost.

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