Milwaukee Board of City Service Commissioners Approves Personnel Actions and Findings - September 22, 2026

The Board of City Service Commissioners met virtually on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. (Central) via Microsoft Teams and City Channel 25. President Frank Bach presided. All five commissioners initially answered roll call: Vice President Marilyn Miller and Commissioners Janet Cleary, Steve Smith, Heidi Wick Spoerl, and President Bach. The board approved the September 15, 2026 minutes, two Milwaukee Health Department personnel requests, a Department of Public Works permanent exemption, and two City Attorney findings of fact. It also scheduled its October 6 meeting for 2:30 p.m.

General Hearing

• September 15, 2026 meeting minutes (File 260729): Approved. Commissioner Smith indicated he had not been present for that prior meeting.
• Kathleen Lopez temporary appointment extension (File 260761): Approved the Milwaukee Health Department's first request to extend Lopez's temporary appointment as Empowering Families of Milwaukee Program Manager for four months, from September 16, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Health Commissioner Michael Todoretis explained the position is being reevaluated due to 2027 changes to the home visiting program and that the extension would provide program continuity. Voting yes: Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl.
• Dr. David Payne probationary period extension (File 260730): Approved a four-month extension from October 8, 2026 through January 8, 2027. The board had received a letter from Health Commissioner Todoretis outlining performance concerns and an action plan, plus the position's job description. Commissioner Cleary praised the letter as thorough and helpful. Voting yes: Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl.

Public Hearing

• Temporary Winter Relief Driver Worker permanent exemption (File 260760): Approved the Department of Public Works request to permanently exempt ten (10) part-time auxiliary positions of Temporary Winter Relief Driver Worker, Pay Range 9JN. Public Works Director of Operations Tom Langoran said these employees are used for snow and ice control and other operational emergencies, and he cited a prior-season flooding situation where they could have been used. Human Resources Manager Kristen Hennessey Urban supplied a supporting memo and job description. Voting yes: Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl.
• Scott Reiske discharge appeal findings (File 260731): Approved the Office of the City Attorney's proposed findings of fact and decision. Commissioner Smith said he was not present and would not vote, though the transcript is internally inconsistent because he answered present during initial roll call. Voting yes: Miller, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl. The agenda lists the case as 'Scott Reiske'; the transcript calls him 'Scott Rice.'
• Skylar Wilkerson suspension appeal findings (File 260778): Approved the Office of the City Attorney's proposed findings of fact and decision. Miller and Cleary voted yes; Smith was excused; Wick Spoerl was not present for the vote; Chair Bach voted yes. The findings were approved as submitted.

Discussion Items

• October 6 meeting time change: President Bach said he could chair the October 6, 2026 meeting if the start time were moved from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Commissioners agreed, and staff were directed to post that meeting for a 2:30 p.m. start.
• Commissioner Cleary's announcement: Commissioner Cleary said she would not attend the October 20, 2026 meeting because she has a conference to attend.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the prior meeting minutes, Lopez temporary appointment extension, Payne probationary extension, permanent exemption of ten winter relief driver worker positions, and the Reiske and Wilkerson appeal findings.
• Directed staff to change the October 6, 2026 meeting start time to 2:30 p.m.
• Adjourned; the motion to adjourn carried with votes from Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl.