OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Milwaukee Common Council Meeting: July 14, 2026

Common Council — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
BodyMilwaukee, Wisconsin
SessionCommon Council
DateTuesday, July 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:13:25

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

President Chambers Excused Brouwer Bellman Westmoreland Cogs President Jackson Zamaripa Taylor here Moore Present Burg Ellis President Spiker here Dmitry Evich here Stamper Excused Mr.

0:28

President President 13 members are present to our excused 13 members present to excuse please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to be followed by a moment of silent meditation of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands on nation under God.

1:12

Are there any corrections to the Common Council Journal of Proceedings for the meetings of July 23rd, 2026?

1:18

There are no corrections to the journal.

1:22

There being no corrections, the minutes of this meeting stand approved.

1:25

Alder Woman Moore now moves that the Common Council resolve itself into committee of the whole for the purpose of making a number of presentations.

1:33

Hearing no objection, so ordered.

1:37

Will Mr.

1:38

Homer Blow please come forward, escorted by Alder Woman Charlene Moore.

1:45

Homer Blow, a Milwaukee native, is celebrating his 35th anniversary as a radio personality, and in late June held his 32nd annual birthday party for the kids.

1:56

He has used his platform as a radio DJ to make a significant and positive impact on the community and to give Milwaukee residents an opportunity to speak up and speak out.

2:07

He has always been an outspoken advocate for kids and young people in Milwaukee.

2:13

Alder Woman Moore, the floor is yours.

2:16

Thank you so much, uh, Mr.

2:18

President.

2:18

Thank you all so much for this opportunity.

2:22

Listen, I have known Homer um for many years.

2:28

And you know, when I think about the service he has done for our community, you know, as I was reading over all the things that he was doing, I was just like, oh my gosh, I didn't even know some of the things that he was engaged in.

2:43

And when you're a true community member, when you just give, that's just what you do.

2:47

That's just who it is that you are.

2:49

And Homer has always used his voice and his platform to talk about critical issues and um to you know connect people in our community.

2:59

And it was just one of those moments where I was just like, you know what, let's take this opportunity to really honor someone that has been so intro instrumental in our community.

3:09

I do want to read, you know, his proclamation because again, as I was going over all the things he was doing, I was just like, oh my goodness, we have such a gem um in this community.

3:19

So um I want to just read his proclamation.

3:24

Homer Blow was recognized for more than three decades of uplifting the community in conjunction with his 35th anniversary as a radio personality and 32nd annual birthday party for the kids, which took place on June 27, 2026.

3:42

If you haven't, uh side note, if you have not gone um to the 32nd, you know, to the birthday parties, please go.

3:48

It is an amazing time.

3:50

Whereas Homer Blow is a native of Milwaukee who has been a local radio personality for 35 years and has used his platform as a radio DJ to make a significant and positive impact on the community and to give Milwaukee residents an opportunity to speak up and speak out.

4:08

Homer Blow started his radio program, keep it real, the next level to not only play popular music but to address local issues and have open discussions about them on the airwaves.

4:19

I'm gonna skip down some things.

4:21

Homer Blow serve um service, service to the community has been inspiring, marked by his annual Homer Blow birthday party for the kids, which serves thousands, literally thousands, of children's and family each year.

4:36

Homer Blow regularly gives back to the community over the years by donating his time to work with multiple charities and organizations such as the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Running Rebels, the Boys and Girls Club, Fathers for Pro Fathers Making Progress, League for League of Martin, Brotherhood of Firefighters, Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, Planned Parenthood of Milwaukee, Mental Health Services, the United Way, and many, many others.

5:13

And for giving back to our community.

5:15

Homer, I would like you to say a few words.

5:18

Yeah.

5:25

To my city of Milwaukee, thank you.

5:28

To the full common council.

5:30

Thank you.

5:31

When you do a lot of the things that I do, we don't do it for recognition.

5:37

We don't do it for accolades.

5:39

It really comes from my heart.

5:41

And I I love my city.

5:46

I've had people try to get me to move other places, but Milwaukee is my home.

5:52

Milwaukee needs my help.

5:55

Milwaukee needs my uh gifts that I've been blessed with.

5:59

And so here I continue to reside.

6:03

I know Milwaukee has some issues, but if we all do our parts, we can work to get through those issues.

6:10

We have some children that may be doing different things, but I like to do that party to show our children that somebody loves you.

6:18

We love you, we care about you.

6:20

And that's one of the passions that I have when doing this party to be able to see thousands of children and families out enjoying themselves to where they can be kids because we have to guard them so much.

6:34

So I want them to be able to understand, like, hey, this is fun.

6:38

Thank you, Homer Blow.

6:40

Thank you, Homer Blow.

6:41

But it's coming from the heart.

6:43

I'm not asking for anything.

6:45

Uh I just like to try to give, whether I'm trying to tell people where to find food, where I'm trying to help families get book bags, whatever it is that I can do, that's what's in my heart.

6:57

I have to thank my wife Cheryl, who is over there, uh, who has just stood by me uh as I continue this journey.

7:06

And whenever I receive a year in with whatever I'm doing, I always add thirty-five years and counting because the work is not over.

7:17

My radio career is not over.

7:19

Making sure that our community is taken care of, it's not over.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████52%
Community Engagement███████████████17%
Business Licensing██████████████16%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████12%
Youth Programs██2%
Transportation Safety█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Milwaukee Common Council Meeting

July 14, 2026 | 9:29 AM – 10:42 AM | Common Council Chamber

This meeting of the Milwaukee Common Council was called to order at 9:29 AM with 14 members present and one excused (Ald. Stamper). The agenda included presentations, committee reports, license matters, public works projects, finance and personnel actions, judiciary items, public safety ordinances, zoning changes, tax incremental district approvals, and two matters for immediate adoption. Key debates centered on a license suspension for a convenience store and a state highway agreement for West National Avenue.

Consent Calendar

  • Commendatory/Condolatory Resolutions (File 260378): Fourteen resolutions recognizing individuals and organizations were placed on file on a 14-0 vote. (Minutes p. 1-2)
  • Licenses Committee Report – Routine Approvals: The Council approved, as amended, the Licenses Committee recommendations, which included approval with warning letters for McDonald’s (7451 W. Appleton Ave), Clark gas station (9040 W. Silver Spring Dr), renewal of Greige (408 W. Florida St #104) with changed hours, and transfer of Macrina’s Sport Bar (1663 S. 11th St) with hookah services. (Minutes p. 2-3; Transcript)
  • Public Works Items 4-12, 14-17: Adopted unanimously (14-0) with one abstention on item 5 (Ald. Burgelis) and one abstention on item 18 (Ald. Bauman) and item 20 (Ald. Brower). These included honorary street naming, assessable/nonassessable improvements, state highway agreements for North 76th St, South 1st St, I-43, South 27th St, West National Ave (originally item 13, see below), the 2025 Compliance Maintenance Report, the 43rd Street Ditch MMSD agreement, the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon operating agreement, and a driveway approval. (Minutes p. 5-11)
  • Finance & Personnel Items 21-35: All passed / adopted / placed on file by 14-0 votes. Included amendments to 2026 offices and pay rates, travel authorizations, RFPs for stop-loss insurance and workers’ comp administration, grant acceptance (Well Woman Program, StriveTogether), fund transfers, and communications on compensation/classification. (Minutes p. 12-16)
  • Judiciary & Legislation Items 36-46: Passed/adopted/placed on file/disallowed by 14-0 votes. Included a code correction ordinance, claim settlements (Julie Kaufmann, Antoine Young, Metropolitan Associates, Layton Grove Apartments), and disallowance of four claims. (Minutes p. 17-20)
  • Public Safety & Health Items 47-56: All passed/adopted/confirmed by 14-0 votes. Included parking and traffic control ordinances, a substitute on exception street parking (Ald. Zamarripa’s Substitute A), dangerous/exotic animals ordinance, lead hazard abatement agreements, a genital ulcer disease grant, and appointments to the Safety and Civic Commission, Fire and Police Commission. (Minutes p. 21-24)
  • Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Items 58-66: Passed/adopted by 14-0 votes, with one abstention on item 65 (Ald. Zamarripa). Included zoning changes for The Everett Multifamily and 1215 W. Layton Ave, creation of TID #134 (Austin Commons), amendments to TIDs #72 (Bishops Creek), #74 (North 35th & Capitol), #62 (DRS Power), fund transfer for planning, and sale of city-owned tax deed properties. (Minutes p. 25-27)
  • Community & Economic Development Items 67-70: Adopted/confirmed by 14-0 votes. Included $10,000 for the 2nd District Back to School Festival and appointments to BIDs #26 and #37. (Minutes p. 29-30)
  • Communications on File: Multiple appointments and reports ordered on file without objection. (Transcript)
  • Matters for Immediate Adoption (Items 71-72): Adopted 14-0. Included final certified survey maps and approval of the HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run for Bronzeville Week 2026. (Minutes p. 30)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • License Hearing – Magic Foods (Balkar Singh): Atty. David Halbrooks, representing the applicant, argued that no ordinance or criminal violations were alleged; incidents were mostly loitering where the operator called police. He noted the operator held six community meetings, installed cameras and no-loitering signs, and agreed to additional concessions requested by the alder (security guard 3-9 PM, point-of-sale scanner, no alcohol sales 8-9 AM and 2-3:30 PM). He stated the business was “not the problem” regarding neighborhood liquor store saturation. (Transcript)
  • Atty. Travis Gresham from the City Attorney’s Office presented findings of fact and conclusions of law but did not make substantive arguments. (Transcript)
  • No additional public testimony was taken during the meeting.

Discussion Items

  • Magic Foods License Suspension: The Licenses Committee had recommended a 20-day suspension for the Class A liquor license of Balkar Singh (Magic Foods, 2876 N 16th St) based on police reports and community testimony about loitering and non‑compliance. Ald. Jackson moved to increase the suspension from 20 to 30 days. After debate (Ald. Zamarripa noted the 20-day was a compromise negotiated with Ald. Stamper, and Ald. Burgelis cited lack of prior discipline), the motion failed 5-7-2 (aye: Chambers, Bauman, Westmoreland, Jackson, Perez; no: Pratt, Brower, Zamarripa, Moore, Burgelis, Spiker, Dimitrijevic; abstain: Coggs, Taylor). The Council then approved the committee recommendation as amended (including the four additional licenses) on a 14-0 vote. (Minutes p. 2-4; Transcript)
  • West National Avenue Agreement (Item 13, File 260314): The Public Works Committee recommended adoption of a 7th Revision State/Municipal Agreement for West National Avenue (39th St to 1st St) with a net cost decrease of $203,700. Ald. Chambers moved to return the file to committee, citing lack of outreach from DPW regarding stakeholder concerns on the eastern portion of the design. Ald. Zamarripa (8th District) objected, fearing construction delays. Ald. Coggs noted the Wisconsin DOT requires paperwork by August 1st and urged expedited action if returned. The Council voted 10-3-1-1 to refer back to committee (aye: Pratt, Chambers, Bauman, Westmoreland, Jackson, Taylor, Burgelis, Perez, Spiker, Dimitrijevic; no: Brower, Zamarripa, Moore; abstain: Coggs; excused: Stamper). (Minutes p. 8; Transcript)
  • Presentation – Homer Blow: Ald. Moore led a recognition of Homer Blow for his 35th anniversary as a radio personality and his 32nd annual birthday party for kids. Blow addressed the Council, expressing gratitude and commitment to Milwaukee. The Council unanimously placed the commendatory resolution on file. (Minutes p. 1; Transcript)

Key Outcomes

  • Magic Foods License: Approved renewal with a 20‑day suspension (14-0) after a failed attempt to increase to 30 days. The operator must implement security guard hours, point-of-sale scanner, and restricted alcohol sales. (Minutes p. 3-4)
  • West National Avenue (Item 13): Referred back to the Public Works Committee (10-3-1-1) due to unresolved stakeholder concerns. The matter is expected to return before the August break. (Minutes p. 8, Transcript)
  • Tax Incremental Districts: Created TID #134 (Austin Commons) and amended plans for TIDs #72, #74, and #62, all approved 14-0. (Minutes p. 25-27)
  • Appointments Confirmed: Rebecca Gries to Harbor Commissioners, Ald. Brower to Public Transportation/Utilities/Waterways Review Board, John Fletcher to Safety and Civic Commission, Dana World-Patterson and LaNelle Ramey to Fire and Police Commission, and three BID board members. (Minutes p. 10-11, 23-24, 29)
  • Funds Reserved: Up to $1,500,000 from the Common Council Contingent Fund was appropriated to the Damages and Claims Fund for lawsuit settlements. (Minutes p. 14)
  • Lead Hazard Abatement: Authorized the Commissioner of Health to execute agreements for lead hazard abatement in residential properties. (Minutes p. 22)
  • State Highway Agreements: Executed for North 76th St, South 1st St, I-43, and South 27th St; the West National Ave agreement was sent back to committee. (Minutes p. 5-8)

The meeting adjourned at 10:42 AM.

Meeting Transcript

President Chambers Excused Brouwer Bellman Westmoreland Cogs President Jackson Zamaripa Taylor here Moore Present Burg Ellis President Spiker here Dmitry Evich here Stamper Excused Mr. President President 13 members are present to our excused 13 members present to excuse please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to be followed by a moment of silent meditation of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands on nation under God. Are there any corrections to the Common Council Journal of Proceedings for the meetings of July 23rd, 2026? There are no corrections to the journal. There being no corrections, the minutes of this meeting stand approved. Alder Woman Moore now moves that the Common Council resolve itself into committee of the whole for the purpose of making a number of presentations. Hearing no objection, so ordered. Will Mr. Homer Blow please come forward, escorted by Alder Woman Charlene Moore. Homer Blow, a Milwaukee native, is celebrating his 35th anniversary as a radio personality, and in late June held his 32nd annual birthday party for the kids. He has used his platform as a radio DJ to make a significant and positive impact on the community and to give Milwaukee residents an opportunity to speak up and speak out. He has always been an outspoken advocate for kids and young people in Milwaukee. Alder Woman Moore, the floor is yours. Thank you so much, uh, Mr. President. Thank you all so much for this opportunity. Listen, I have known Homer um for many years. And you know, when I think about the service he has done for our community, you know, as I was reading over all the things that he was doing, I was just like, oh my gosh, I didn't even know some of the things that he was engaged in. And when you're a true community member, when you just give, that's just what you do. That's just who it is that you are. And Homer has always used his voice and his platform to talk about critical issues and um to you know connect people in our community. And it was just one of those moments where I was just like, you know what, let's take this opportunity to really honor someone that has been so intro instrumental in our community. I do want to read, you know, his proclamation because again, as I was going over all the things he was doing, I was just like, oh my goodness, we have such a gem um in this community. So um I want to just read his proclamation. Homer Blow was recognized for more than three decades of uplifting the community in conjunction with his 35th anniversary as a radio personality and 32nd annual birthday party for the kids, which took place on June 27, 2026. If you haven't, uh side note, if you have not gone um to the 32nd, you know, to the birthday parties, please go. It is an amazing time. Whereas Homer Blow is a native of Milwaukee who has been a local radio personality for 35 years and has used his platform as a radio DJ to make a significant and positive impact on the community and to give Milwaukee residents an opportunity to speak up and speak out. Homer Blow started his radio program, keep it real, the next level to not only play popular music but to address local issues and have open discussions about them on the airwaves. I'm gonna skip down some things. Homer Blow serve um service, service to the community has been inspiring, marked by his annual Homer Blow birthday party for the kids, which serves thousands, literally thousands, of children's and family each year. Homer Blow regularly gives back to the community over the years by donating his time to work with multiple charities and organizations such as the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Running Rebels, the Boys and Girls Club, Fathers for Pro Fathers Making Progress, League for League of Martin, Brotherhood of Firefighters, Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative, Planned Parenthood of Milwaukee, Mental Health Services, the United Way, and many, many others. And for giving back to our community. Homer, I would like you to say a few words. Yeah. To my city of Milwaukee, thank you. To the full common council. Thank you. When you do a lot of the things that I do, we don't do it for recognition. We don't do it for accolades. It really comes from my heart. And I I love my city. I've had people try to get me to move other places, but Milwaukee is my home. Milwaukee needs my help. Milwaukee needs my uh gifts that I've been blessed with. And so here I continue to reside. I know Milwaukee has some issues, but if we all do our parts, we can work to get through those issues. We have some children that may be doing different things, but I like to do that party to show our children that somebody loves you. We love you, we care about you. And that's one of the passions that I have when doing this party to be able to see thousands of children and families out enjoying themselves to where they can be kids because we have to guard them so much.

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