OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Milwaukee Public Works Committee Meeting – July 1, 2026

Common Council — Wednesday, July 1, 2026
BodyMilwaukee, Wisconsin
SessionCommon Council
DateWednesday, July 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:55:48
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Good morning.

0:01

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

0:06

I am Chair Warman Alderman and Melee and Todd.

0:09

We will soon be joined by Vice Chair Otterman Lamont Westmoreland.

0:13

We are currently joined by Otterman Robert Bauman to my right.

0:17

We are also joined by DPW infrastructure to his right.

0:22

Um to my left, we are joined by Miss Carmen Roman, staff assistant.

0:28

To her left, we will soon be joined by Otterman Alex Brower.

0:32

Um to the left, we are joined by Alderwoman Larisa Taylor.

0:37

Item number one, file number two six zero two eight nine.

0:42

Resolution relating to approving the levying of assessments and construction of accessible public improvement projects at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes.

0:55

Holly.

0:55

Good morning, Holly Rutin back with DPW.

0:58

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

1:02

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

1:08

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

1:12

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

1:19

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

1:28

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

1:34

In relation to this public hearing, an official notice was sent to all impacted property owners, and we will go through it in the order that it is listed on the official notice.

2:04

Autumn and momentum this item I'm gonna request it just be deleted for this year and reconsidered next year.

2:19

So I should move.

2:22

Are the microphones turned on?

2:25

I'm not I'm not hearing you very well.

2:27

Any of you, we can make an effort to speak up.

2:30

They are on.

2:33

Holly, what would be the best way to handle the deletion motion-wise for you guys?

2:38

We can delete it from the program and I would bring it back next year, so if desired.

2:43

So motion wise, it would be to delete.

2:47

Okay, the motion by Otterman Bauman is to delete with the intention of bringing it back next year.

2:54

Yes.

2:55

Are there any objections to that motion?

2:58

Um hearing none, so ordered in the 8th and 11th Aldermanic districts, West Cleveland Avenue from South 43rd Street to South 68th Street.

3:08

Install traffic homing speed humps and pinned on traffic circles.

3:12

Anyone here to provide testimony is welcome to come up to the table.

3:16

Please state your name and address before you speak and provide your testimony.

3:28

Let's start from the left from our left.

3:31

If you go first, sir.

3:32

Your name and address, testimony.

3:35

Good morning.

3:36

My name is Gregory Green.

3:37

Last name is spelled R I H N.

3:40

And I live at 4718 West Cleveland Avenue.

3:43

Okay.

3:44

I'm here to speak against the proposed project.

3:48

I've given my objections to our my alderman in detail, but I wanted to be able to address the committee, and I'm thankful for the opportunity.

3:58

I have lived at 4718 since January of 1993.

4:03

Give me 33 years of experience on that street.

4:07

I like living there.

4:09

My wife and I have never been afraid of the traffic on that street.

4:13

It's a positive value for me that it's a snow route.

4:16

When I have to get to work in the morning, it's always nice to be able to know that that street was likely plowed and had a good job done on it.

4:26

My one of my particular objections is to the traffic circles because my observation has been that evidently it's really difficult for snowflow drivers to do a clean job of plowing around those circles.

4:38

So the winter driving is going to be degraded, in my opinion.

4:42

Very likely.

4:45

So I won't say that people don't speed on that street, but that's really about my only about my third concern.

4:54

The major annoyance of traffic there is the noise, which you know we know we're not gonna be able to do much about that.

4:59

Just you know, any time, but I don't think for reasons that I'll state, I don't think that's going to be very it's changing that to a traffic circle is not going to help.

5:20

We observed, my wife and I kept a close eye on that intersection when the city had a test layout out, and I put in a temporary traffic circle at that location.

5:32

What we observed is that people came up to it, slowed down a bit, took a look, and then just drove through, disregarding the existing four-way stop sign.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████████████████████████40%
Transportation Safety█████████████████████████████29%
Workforce Development███████████11%
Personnel Matters████████8%
Historic Preservation███3%
Economic Development██2%
Public Engagement██2%
Active Transportation██2%
Water And Wastewater Management█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Milwaukee Public Works Committee Meeting – July 1, 2026

The Public Works Committee of the City of Milwaukee met on July 1, 2026, at 9:17 AM in City Hall Room 301-B, chaired by Ald. Milele A. Coggs, with members Ald. Lamont Westmoreland, Ald. Robert J. Bauman, Ald. Larresa Taylor, and Ald. Alex Brower (arrived at 10:17 AM). The committee considered 18 agenda items covering assessable and nonassessable public improvements, state highway agreements, appointments, and a detailed operations update from the Department of Public Works (DPW). The meeting adjourned at 11:13 AM.

Assessable Public Improvement Projects (Item 1 – File 260289)

Overview: Holly Rutenbeck (DPW) explained the special assessment process: bills sent after work completion, 45-day grace period without interest, then 8.5% simple interest per year; assessments over $125 can be paid over 10 years. Several sub‑projects were considered.

N. 28th St. (4th District) – Concrete Pavement Reconstruction: Ald. Bauman moved to delete the project and reconsider next year. The motion was approved without objection.

W. Cleveland Ave (8th & 11th Districts) – Traffic Calming Speed Humps and Traffic Circles:

  • Public Testimony: Gregory Rihn (4718 W. Cleveland Ave) opposed, citing concerns about snowplow efficiency, vehicle wear and tear, and potential emergency vehicle delays. John Kolbert (4407 W. Cleveland Ave) supported, reporting extreme speeding up to 65 mph and dangerous road rage. Lauren Cardenas (5110 W. Cleveland Ave) supported, describing five road rage incidents in the past month, including a physical altercation in the street near her children. A legislative aide for Ald. Samarepa (8th District) also spoke in support, noting numerous complaints about reckless driving.
  • Ald. Burgelis (11th District) expressed support, noting the project affects 194 properties, with an aldermanic survey showing 34 objections (including landlords) and 31 in support. He emphasized that infrastructure is a key leg of the three‑legged stool (enforcement, education, infrastructure).
  • Vote: Motion to approve by Ald. Bauman. Ald. Coggs abstained. Passed (4‑0‑1).

N. 55th St. at W. Garfield Ave (10th District) – Raised Crosswalk:

  • Public Testimony: Steve Kichenmeister supported the project but requested DPW evaluate signal timing at Lloyd and North Avenue to prevent traffic backups blocking residential driveways. Holly Rutenbeck committed to a follow‑up.
  • Ald. Moore supported the project. Motion to approve passed without objection.

W. Vliet St. (10th District) – Speed Tables and Pinned‑on Islands:

  • Public Testimony: Rebecca Bailey (5702 W. Vliet) supported, citing benefits for traffic calming. Judson Riggins (5617 W. Vliet) opposed, saying he had not observed high speeds and was concerned about the assessment compared to unresolved lead line replacement.
  • Jim Schlei noted a poorly attended community meeting and asked for more discussion.
  • Ald. Taylor moved to hold to the call of the chair. Approved without objection.

S. 11th St. (14th District) – Speed Humps: No public testimony. Out of 23 impacted properties, only one opposed. Ald. Dimitrijevic supported. Motion to approve passed without objection.

Other Public Improvement Resolutions (Items 2–4)

  • File 260290 (Substitute): Determined necessary to make assessable improvements; engineering cost $105,000, total $1,975,000. Substituted and recommended for adoption (4‑0, Ald. Brower excused).
  • File 260291: Nonassessable improvements; engineering cost $100,000, total $100,000. Recommended for adoption (4‑0).
  • File 260292 (Substitute): Construction of nonassessable improvements; city construction cost $1,472,000, total $1,987,240.17. Substituted and recommended for adoption (4‑0).

Honorary Street Name – José A. Olivieri (Item 5 – File 251556)

Public Testimony: Beth Ann Heirman testified to Olivieri’s 40 years of service on the United Community Center board, his tenure as board chair for 20 years, and extensive involvement with the Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee Art Museum, University of Wisconsin Regents, and other organizations. DPW confirmed the proposal meets specifications (two signs on S. 9th St. between W. Mineral and W. Washington). Ald. Perez supported. Motion to adopt passed (4‑0).

Appointments (Items 6, 16, 17)

  • File 260344 – Rebecca Gries to Board of Harbor Commissioners: Gries, executive director of Milwaukee 7, stated her goal to leverage regional economic development to make the port more competitive nationally. Recommended for confirmation (4‑0).
  • File 260268 – Reappointment of Ald. Bauman to Public Transportation, Utilities, and Waterways Review Board: Ald. Bauman abstained. Recommended for confirmation (3‑0‑1, with Ald. Bauman abstaining, Ald. Brower excused).
  • File 260366 – Appointment of Ald. Brower to the same board: Recommended for confirmation (4‑0, Ald. Brower excused).

State Highway Agreements (Items 7–11)

David Tapia (DPW) presented each item. All were recommended for adoption (4‑0 each, Ald. Brower excused):

  • N. 76th St. (STH 181): Design engineering $2,700,000 (City $675,000, grantor $2,025,000); real estate $200,000 (City $0).
  • S. 1st St. (STH 32): Design $2,235,000 (City $558,750); real estate $265,000 (City $0).
  • I‑43 North‑South Freeway (Halyard St. to Capitol Dr.): Cost decrease of $4,450,000 (City decrease $1,666,500, grantor decrease $2,783,500) due to final estimates and WisDOT taking ownership of signals.
  • W. National Ave (39th to 1st): Cost decrease of $203,700 overall; grantor share decreased by $2,678,850, City share increased by $2,475,150 due to loss of a federal RAISE grant. Project will proceed with city and state shares.
  • S. 27th St. (STH 241): Adjustment and seal replacement of 18 sanitary manholes, bioswales, and CUC manhole covers; total cost $164,500 (100% city share).

Compliance Report and Agreements (Items 12–15)

  • File 260315 – CMAR Report: Anthony Jazdzyk (DPW) presented the annual self‑evaluation of the sanitary sewer program for the DNR. Recommended for adoption (4‑0).
  • File 260319 – 43rd Street Ditch Project: James Washington (DPW) explained the intergovernmental cooperation agreement with MMSD to remove a concrete‑lined channel and replace it with a vegetated channel to slow flows and reduce flooding, similar to the Lincoln Creek project. MMSD leads design and construction; the city will provide design review. Recommended for adoption (4‑0).
  • File 260320 – Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon: Operating agreement with Badgerland Striders Running Club for the 2026 marathon, half marathon, 5K run/walk. Approved (4‑0).
  • File 260334 – Driveway Approach (517 W. Layton Ave): Approval for a width greater than 30 feet for a freight company’s remodeling. Approved (4‑0).

DPW Operations Status (Item 18 – File 191930)

Commissioner Jerrell Kruschke and City Engineer Kevin Muhs provided a comprehensive update:

  • Potholes: Record 19,270 requests in the first half of 2026 (previous annual record was 16,804); 10,800 resolved (average 6,000 in prior years). Current service lag approximately 25 days as crews prioritize major arterials then residential backlogs. The backlog is being addressed with overtime and crews from other DPW divisions (12–13 crews daily). Long‑term solution is road replacement; many local roads are beyond design life due to historic underinvestment.
  • Workforce: 264 vacancies department‑wide, including 18 Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) positions and 46 equipment operator openings. A City Laborer recruitment opens at end of July; city‑funded CDL training is available. Overall vacancy rate reduced from 25.5% (four years ago) to 12%.
  • PEO Compensation: Each PEO represents roughly $250,000 in annual value/revenue; starting salary $51,000. Discussion on using citation‑by‑mail to reduce confrontation; Kruschke suggested separate discussion on complications.
  • Heat Safety: One worker was hospitalized for overheating on June 30; protocols include earlier shifts, more breaks, hydration/electrolytes. Crews may reduce to 6‑hour days in extreme heat.
  • Data Requests: Commissioner to provide number of parking enforcement vehicles; DPW to provide protected bike lane mileage data for upcoming Public Safety meeting; DPW to attach funding history and asset management memo to the file.

Action: Motion by Ald. Bauman to hold to the call of the chair. Passed (5‑0, all members present including Ald. Brower).

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. I like to call this public works committee meeting to order. I am Chair Warman Alderman and Melee and Todd. We will soon be joined by Vice Chair Otterman Lamont Westmoreland. We are currently joined by Otterman Robert Bauman to my right. We are also joined by DPW infrastructure to his right. Um to my left, we are joined by Miss Carmen Roman, staff assistant. To her left, we will soon be joined by Otterman Alex Brower. Um to the left, we are joined by Alderwoman Larisa Taylor. Item number one, file number two six zero two eight 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. Holly. Good morning, Holly Rutin back with DPW. I'll be advising on the special assessment 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 the 8.5% interest. For those projects approved with laid billing, a bill will not be sent before January 1st, 2028. In relation to this public hearing, an official notice was sent to all impacted property owners, and we will go through it in the order that it is listed on the official notice. Autumn and momentum this item I'm gonna request it just be deleted for this year and reconsidered next year. So I should move. Are the microphones turned on? I'm not I'm not hearing you very well. Any of you, we can make an effort to speak up. They are on. Holly, what would be the best way to handle the deletion motion-wise for you guys? We can delete it from the program and I would bring it back next year, so if desired. So motion wise, it would be to delete. Okay, the motion by Otterman Bauman is to delete with the intention of bringing it back next year. Yes. Are there any objections to that motion? Um hearing none, so ordered in the 8th and 11th Aldermanic districts, West Cleveland Avenue from South 43rd Street to South 68th Street. Install traffic homing speed humps and pinned on traffic circles. Anyone here to provide testimony is welcome to come up to the table. Please state your name and address before you speak and provide your testimony. Let's start from the left from our left. If you go first, sir. Your name and address, testimony. Good morning. My name is Gregory Green. Last name is spelled R I H N. And I live at 4718 West Cleveland Avenue. Okay. I'm here to speak against the proposed project. I've given my objections to our my alderman in detail, but I wanted to be able to address the committee, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I have lived at 4718 since January of 1993. Give me 33 years of experience on that street. I like living there. My wife and I have never been afraid of the traffic on that street.

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