Public Works Committee Meeting Summary – October 21, 2026

The Milwaukee Public Works Committee convened at 9:04 AM on October 21, 2026, with Chair Coggs, Vice-Chair Westmoreland, Ald. Bauman, Ald. Taylor, and Ald. Brower present (5-0). The committee considered routine funding resolutions, a comprehensive package to combat copper cable theft, an extension of the MPS School to Work program, and a detailed DPW operations report. The meeting was adjourned at 10:52 AM.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 (Appointment): Aaron Moriak was recommended for confirmation to the Public Transportation, Utilities and Waterways Review Board to continue his advocacy for public transit and safer streets.
• Items 2-4 (Public Improvements): Resolutions were adopted for assessable improvements ($2,285,000 total), non-assessable improvements ($1,315,000 total), and non-assessable construction. (Item 4 was amended by substitute, raising the estimate from the agenda's $3,000,000 to $3,185,000).
• Item 5 (Sidewalk Replacement): Authorized area-wide and scattered sites sidewalk replacement ($1,685,000 total). DPW staff reported the waitlist currently sits at 1,200 properties, a 5-6 year backlog. A newly dedicated in-house crew is expected to reduce this wait time over the next few years.
• Item 6 (Deferred Assessments): Continued the program for indigent property owners. The 2026 city cost is $527.83, with a ten-year total of $7,480.40. Unanimously approved.
• Items 7-10, 14 (Highway Agreements): Authorized execution of state/municipal agreements with WisDOT for design, real estate, and construction on Appleton Avenue, South 27th Street, West Capitol Drive, and Kearney Street. Unanimously recommended for adoption.
• Item 16 (School to Work Program): Extended the City-MPS agreement through January 2028. Milwaukee Water Works hosts 3-4 special education students per semester, teaching them lathe work and vehicle detailing.

Discussion Items

• Items 11, 12, 13: Copper Wire Theft Package Three items formed a comprehensive response to widespread streetlight outages caused by cable theft.
  • Item 11 (Fines): Ald. Stamper introduced a substitute ordinance establishing civil citations for cable theft. Commissioner Kruschke (DPW) reported the total value of stolen cable has reached nearly $800,000. Theft incidents declined from 75 in August to 22 in October, credited to MPD coordination and several arrests. LRB representative Max Drickey described it as a civil alternative to a criminal misdemeanor. Danger was highlighted by the presence of 2,200-volt older circuits.
  • Item 12 (Prevention): Ald. Coggs sponsored a resolution directing DPW to create a strategy with MPD to harden circuits, investigate resale channels, and report back publicly. All committee members requested co-sponsorship.
  • Item 13 (Reward Program): A resolution directing DPW to establish a reward for information leading to the conviction of wire thieves. Commissioner Kruschke noted DPW can research temporary lighting for dark areas, though costs need assessment. He reported only 30 current outages with a roughly three-day turnaround for known issues. Ald. Coggs encouraged residents to use 286-CITY to report, maintain porch lights, and watch for suspicious activity.
• Item 15: Transportation Alternatives Program Authorized DPW to execute agreements with WisDOT for traffic safety improvements on Burleigh Street and Holton Street. The design cost is $688,549 (20% city share). Mike Amsden (DPW) described possible elements including protected bikeways, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions. Ald. Bauman voiced constituent concerns about congestion, citing Highland Ave and Van Buren/Ogden. MCTS is actively reviewing the Van Buren/Ogden intersection with DPW. Ald. Brower strongly defended the safety benefits of traffic calming. DPW confirmed these are federal grant funds and cannot be redirected to potholes.
• Item 17: DPW Operations Report Tom Wangerin (DPW) provided a full update. Leaf collection is active after a heavy drop; 250 bagged pickup requests have been received so far. Winter preparations include a Solar Salt pilot, driver meetings, and brine application on bridges. The equipment operator vacancy rate is roughly 55, with 30 active candidates. The entire fleet is now camera-equipped, and a public-facing plow map with a 30-minute delay will be activated for significant snow events. Ald. Coggs requested better training for staff on neighborhood walks to ensure they give accurate information. Ald. Bauman flagged debris collection issues at 25th and St. Paul along highway fence lines.

Key Outcomes

• Item 11 (Copper Cable Fines): Recommended for passage (5-0).
• Item 12 (Prevention Strategy): Recommended for adoption (5-0).
• Item 13 (Reward Program): Recommended for adoption (5-0).
• Item 15 (Transportation Alternatives): Recommended for adoption (5-0).
• Item 17 (DPW Operations): Held to call of the chair (5-0).
• Item 18 (License): Lance L. Lucas denied a Public Passenger Vehicle Driver's License due to second non-appearance (5-0).