Milwaukee City Council Regular Session - July 8, 2026

This meeting included consent agenda approval, public comments, and discussion on the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District intergovernmental agreement, seven Metro-funded park projects, the residential high-density redevelopment strategy, and adoption of tree code amendments. Council also reviewed letters of support and heard council reports on community needs.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from June 2 work session and regular session, and a liquor license application for Oak Union Brewing. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Teresa Breesaw (Lake Road neighborhood) opposed a proposed triplex on a narrow lot (37 feet wide, 6 bedrooms), citing concerns about a paved backyard for vehicles, loss of privacy, tree removal, and density. She urged code changes. City Manager clarified that the variance application was withdrawn and no active development proposal exists.
• Stefan Lashbrook (Llewellyn neighborhood) criticized NCPRD for delaying Milwaukee Bay Park, suggesting the city escrow SDC funds from the district until the park is resolved. He described the relationship as abusive and urged the city to play hardball.

Discussion Items

1. North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) Intergovernmental Agreement Update

City Manager presented a detailed response to questions from the June 24 NCPRD board meeting. Key points:

• Gives and gains: City would assume $1.6 million in capital costs (community center roof), $10 million for Bay Park phase 3, and $60,000/year maintenance. Gains include $3.3 million in SDCs, $900,000 Metro local share, and $658,000 Trolley Trail grant, plus control of Bay Park design.
• Utility billing: City discovered NCPRD had not paid utility bills at two properties for 30+ years; city rates are triple the previous WES rates. NCPRD has not paid since January 2026. City offered to revert to June 2025 rates temporarily to facilitate the IGA.
• The NCPRD board voted to delay consideration for three months for District Advisory Committee review.
• Council members expressed strong frustration. Council President Anderson said negotiations were not in good faith. Councilor Massey accused county commissioners of blaming Milwaukee for lack of parks in unincorporated areas and noted city subsidizes regional assets. Councilor Stephen Jordan criticized board immaturity and suggested considering withdrawal from the district.

2. Community Choice Grants (Nature in Neighborhoods)

• Metro bond program: 3,100 people participated, 22 projects funded regionally, 7 in Milwaukee out of 8 submitted. Projects (with rankings): River access at Milwaukee Bay Park (#1), Swift Roost neighborhood (#3), Spring Park habitat (#6), Kellogg Creek stormwater at Rowe Middle School (#7), Nature Skate at Watertower Park (#8), Minthorn Springs access (#10), Fernburg Wetlands (#15). Fernburg Nature Play is first alternate.
• Staff and Parks Board recommended accepting all 7, but noted risk on Rowe Middle School (landowner not yet confirmed).
• Council voted to accept all 7 projects and to also accept Fernburg Nature Play if it moves up as an alternate.

3. Residential High Density (RHD) Redevelopment Strategy

• Phase 1 (DLCD grant): code audit, market analysis, developer interviews underway. Preliminary report due late 2026; Phase 2 includes community engagement.
• Councilor Massey gave extensive critique: argued market-rate development has not produced affordable units (cited rents: $1,772 for 1-bedroom at Axle Tree, $5,450 for 2-bedroom at Waverly). He favored targeted approach, more affordable housing, land banking, and avoiding blanket RHD rezoning. He expressed concern about enriching developers without addressing affordability.
• Council agreed to continue RHD study but directed staff to schedule a separate work session on additional affordable housing strategies (e.g., homes on wheels, density bonuses, inclusionary zoning).

4. Tree Code Amendments (HB4037)

• Second reading and final roll call vote. Ordinance 2264 passed 3-1-1: Council President Anderson, Councilor Stephen Jordan, and Mayor Beatty in favor; Councilor Costerbody opposed; Councilor Massey abstained (citing concerns about state overreach but not wanting to risk legal exposure).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• City will accept all 7 Metro grant projects and pursue Fernburg Nature Play if it becomes an alternate.
• Tree code ordinance adopted (3-1-1).
• Council expressed continued commitment to NCPRD negotiations but with no formal action; frustration noted.
• Staff directed to compile affordable housing strategies for future work session.
• Council approved letters of support for Kellogg Dam grant and for Eagle Scout Jackson’s award.
• Regular session adjourned followed by executive session.