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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

New Berlin Common Council Meeting Summary – January 13, 2026

Common Council — Tuesday, January 13, 2026

BodyNew Berlin, Wisconsin

SessionCommon Council

DateTuesday, January 13, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

0:14

I'm just

Speaker 1

0:14

going to take a minute for the people that are watching on stream to switch over to the council meeting.

Unassigned speaker

0:54

Okay,

Speaker 1

0:54

we're now live under the County Council.

Speaker 2

0:57

Great chip.

0:58

Welcome to the City of New World County Council meeting for January 15, 2026.

1:04

It is 611.

1:08

And before we actually start the meeting, we have privilege of the floor.

Unassigned speaker

1:13

And

Speaker 2

1:13

this is your opportunity to address to the council.

1:19

I'll read the rules for privilege of the floor.

1:22

Speakers are limited to three minutes each.

1:25

The total public comment period will not exceed 30 minutes unless extended and 15-minute increments by the mayor or the town council.

1:36

Comments must relate to the issues subject to common council action and pertain to city of New Berlin.

1:42

Comments are not limited to items on the current agenda.

1:47

Personal attacks, inflammatory remarks, or disrespect towards council members, city staff, or anyone else, it is not permitted.

1:57

When multiple individuals wish to speak, the mayor or the council made women speakers to one opportunity per meeting to ensure broad participation.

2:08

This is a public comment period, not a debate.

2:11

Comment should not be used to provoke argument or engage in back and forth discussion.

2:17

To foster a respectful and welcoming environment, attendees are kindly asked to observe quietly and refrain from audible reactions during public comment or council discussion.

2:30

Applause, cheering moving, or other disruptions are not permitted.

2:35

We want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable expressing reviews in a respectful setting where all voices could be heard without intimidation or interruption.

2:45

In accordance with proper rules of order of the city meeting protocol, the mayor or the city clerk may intervene if needed

Unassigned speaker

2:53

Speaker 2

2:54

preserve order and decorum.

2:56

Your cooperation

Unassigned speaker

2:57

Speaker 2

2:58

appreciated.

2:59

So I will open the privilege of the floor.

3:02

And

Speaker 1

3:07

so when you signed in, um you did mark if you wanted to speak.

3:11

So we're going to call all those individuals first at the end.

3:14

If you decide that you do want to speak during privilege of the floor, then you are more than welcome to come up, okay?

3:22

Sure.

Unassigned speaker

3:26

Okay, the

Speaker 2

3:27

first up is Jim Gadski.

3:29

And Sarah Kenneth's own website and friend you'll be next.

3:34

So if you want to

Speaker 1

3:36

get it.

3:37

And then we just ask that you state your name and the address for the record.

3:41

I do have a timer here.

3:42

I will announce 30 seconds when you have 30 seconds, and then you'll just hear that when your three minutes is out.

3:48

Okay.

Speaker 2

4:05

I'm here this evening to speak to my concerns

Speaker 3

4:07

about the Milwaukee Resolution facility proposed for Westbridge Park.

4:12

I understand the discussion is this evening is limited exclusively to the issue of the land division, but since there was no public process by which any of the citizens could offer their concerns about the propriety of this project, I will take a moment to express my underlying concerns as a resident, a father, and a grandfather.

4:30

First of all, when I was involved in writing the TIF proposal for Westbridge in the 1990s, the idea was that we would assist in the creation of a business park that would provide quality development and tax relief to the community.

Unassigned speaker

4:50

Three decades ago, my administration and staff put in the first of tens of thousands of hours to recruit and place developers, builders, and businesses that enhance the Westridge Park and a continuous town corporate park that followed.

Speaker 2

5:05

Provided a framework for one of the most successful TIFF

Speaker 3

5:08

districts in the history of the state, a district that has provided quality homes, entertainment, and shopping, along with thousands of jobs, and tax relief.

5:17

From 1997 to 2001, the staff and political leadership of the city has selected the occupants of Westbridge and town.

5:24

And for every developer who was allowed to build there, we denied 10 proposals that didn't fit.

Unassigned speaker

5:30

And

Speaker 2

5:30

Speaker 3

5:31

never were successfully sued by any proposed developer.

5:37

Not only will this project not provide help to the overburdened taxpayers in the city, it will exacerbate the existing problems.

5:45

Facility will not pay taxes.

6:17

Milwaukee Rescue Mission in the City of Milwaukee is responsible for 215 fire and rescue calls for service every year.

6:24

That's not a lot for a big city like Milwaukee,

Speaker 2

6:26

but for New

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Engagement██████████████████████22%

Community Engagement██████████████████18%

Procedural█████████████13%

Public Safety███████████11%

Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%

Homelessness███████7%

Water And Wastewater Management██████6%

Pending Litigation██████6%

Mental Health Awareness████4%

Summary of Proceedings

New Berlin Common Council Meeting – January 13, 2026

The New Berlin Common Council convened on January 13, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers following the Committee of the Whole meeting. The meeting featured extensive public comment concerning two major issues: a proposed residential recovery facility by the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and a city flood control property acquisition program. The Council voted on several items, notably denying a certified survey map central to the Rescue Mission project in a 4-3 vote, while unanimously approving flood control grants and the consent agenda.

Consent Calendar

Minutes: December 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes approved unanimously (7-0).
Utility & Finance: Approved Water Utility claims ($6,034.28 for Dec 24; $960.11 for Jan 14), Sewer Utility claims ($10,569.76), General City claims ($792,812.52 and $183,644.97), including a We Energies EFT payment ($45,319.79).
Licenses & Permits: Approved the 2026 Garbage Hauler License for WM Franklin Hauling.
Miscellaneous: Approved Resolution 2026-1 designating polling places; authorized the Director of Finance to sign the Declaration of Official Intent for the 2026 Debt Issue; approved the 2026 Salary Grade Table.

Public Comments & Testimony

The Council extended the privilege of the floor significantly to accommodate numerous speakers.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission / New Journey House (5295 S. Moorland Rd):

Opposition: Many residents, including former city administrator Jim Gadski, nearby resident Tyler Brenner, substance abuse counselor Aaron B., retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Janice Shum, and others (Mike Schmidt, Ryan Anderson, John Polkilla, Julie Laphart, Karen Wolf, Robert Milly, Candy Offerman, Gary Hans, Robin, Michael Primus, Jim Grandell) voiced strong opposition. They argued the facility is improperly classified as a church (citing a 3% chapel space), that the application was a "false flag" to avoid a public hearing under RLUIPA, and expressed concerns about public safety, a 40-70% early recovery relapse rate, lack of public transportation, strain on emergency services, loss of tax base, and a lack of transparency from the city and applicant.
Support: Several residents and Mandy Andrews spoke in support, highlighting the program's voluntary and structured nature, 24/7 security, extensive background checks, and the organization's successful track record. One speaker noted the existing New Journey program generated only 7 EMT calls in the last year.
Applicant Response: Patrick Vanderburgh, CEO of Milwaukee Rescue Mission, addressed inaccuracies, stating the program is an inpatient recovery facility (not a shelter), has generated 8 EMT calls in two years, and the organization has agreed to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

Flood Control Grant / Property Acquisition (WRM 04-25):

Residents Judy & John Dominic and Karen Hart expressed anger at receiving a letter shortly before Christmas stating the City intended to acquire their floodway properties. They criticized the $500,000 offer for four properties as inadequate and the timing and tone of the communication as insensitive. Mayor Ament clarified the acquisition program is entirely voluntary.

Discussion Items

Plan Commission Item 7A – LD-2502142 (Milwaukee Rescue Mission CSM): Alderperson Stribl moved to deny the Certified Survey Map, citing unresolved questions, flag lot issues, and the impact on the TIF district. The City Attorney clarified that denial of the CSM solely consolidates two existing lots and does not affect the facility's separate land use approval, which remains code-compliant. Alderperson Horbinski emphasized the Council's duty to follow statutes and the advice of legal counsel. Alderperson Kroupa noted the difficulty of overturning a 2020 approval of the lots. Alderperson Harenda supported denial, stating more discussion was needed on flag lot regulations.
Water Resource Management Item 8A – WRM 04-25 (Flood Control Grant): Alderperson Harenda moved to approve. Alderperson Hopkins expressed concern over the wording and timing of the notification letter sent to property owners, requesting more sensitive communication in the future. Mayor Ament reiterated the program is voluntary.

Key Outcomes

Minutes Approved: December 9, 2025 Common Council meeting minutes approved (7-0).
Plan Commission:
- Item 7A Denied: Motion to deny the 1-Lot Certified Survey Map (LD-2502142) for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission passed 4-3. Voting in favor of denial: Alderpersons Stribl, Maxey, La Fever, and Harenda. Voting against denial: Alderpersons Hopkins, Horbinski, and Kroupa.
- Item 7B Approved: 2-Lot Certified Survey Map for the George M Woelfel Survivor Trust (LD-2502371) approved (7-0).
Water Resource Management Resolutions Approved (all 7-0):
- WRM 04-25: Municipal Flood Control Grant application and voluntary property acquisition (up to 50% city cost share).
- WRM 05-25: Purchase of de-icing/salt reduction calibration equipment.
- WRM 06-25: Purchase of CCTV equipment.
Consent Agenda Approved (7-0): All items on the Consent Agenda were approved, including Committee of the Whole minutes, utility and finance claims, garbage hauler license, polling places resolution, debt issue authorization, and salary grade table.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.

Meeting Transcript

I'm just going to take a minute for the people that are watching on stream to switch over to the council meeting. Okay, we're now live under the County Council. Great chip. Welcome to the City of New World County Council meeting for January 15, 2026. It is 611. And before we actually start the meeting, we have privilege of the floor. And this is your opportunity to address to the council. I'll read the rules for privilege of the floor. Speakers are limited to three minutes each. The total public comment period will not exceed 30 minutes unless extended and 15-minute increments by the mayor or the town council. Comments must relate to the issues subject to common council action and pertain to city of New Berlin. Comments are not limited to items on the current agenda. Personal attacks, inflammatory remarks, or disrespect towards council members, city staff, or anyone else, it is not permitted. When multiple individuals wish to speak, the mayor or the council made women speakers to one opportunity per meeting to ensure broad participation. This is a public comment period, not a debate. Comment should not be used to provoke argument or engage in back and forth discussion. To foster a respectful and welcoming environment, attendees are kindly asked to observe quietly and refrain from audible reactions during public comment or council discussion. Applause, cheering moving, or other disruptions are not permitted. We want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable expressing reviews in a respectful setting where all voices could be heard without intimidation or interruption. In accordance with proper rules of order of the city meeting protocol, the mayor or the city clerk may intervene if needed to preserve order and decorum. Your cooperation is appreciated. So I will open the privilege of the floor. And so when you signed in, um you did mark if you wanted to speak. So we're going to call all those individuals first at the end. If you decide that you do want to speak during privilege of the floor, then you are more than welcome to come up, okay? Sure. Okay, the first up is Jim Gadski. And Sarah Kenneth's own website and friend you'll be next. So if you want to get it. And then we just ask that you state your name and the address for the record. I do have a timer here. I will announce 30 seconds when you have 30 seconds, and then you'll just hear that when your three minutes is out. Okay. I'm here this evening to speak to my concerns about the Milwaukee Resolution facility proposed for Westbridge Park. I understand the discussion is this evening is limited exclusively to the issue of the land division, but since there was no public process by which any of the citizens could offer their concerns about the propriety of this project, I will take a moment to express my underlying concerns as a resident, a father, and a grandfather. First of all, when I was involved in writing the TIF proposal for Westbridge in the 1990s, the idea was that we would assist in the creation of a business park that would provide quality development and tax relief to the community. Three decades ago, my administration and staff put in the first of tens of thousands of hours to recruit and place developers, builders, and businesses that enhance the Westridge Park and a continuous town corporate park that followed. Provided a framework for one of the most successful TIFF districts in the history of the state, a district that has provided quality homes, entertainment, and shopping, along with thousands of jobs, and tax relief.

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New Berlin Common Council Meeting – January 13, 2026

Consent Calendar

Minutes: December 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes approved unanimously (7-0).

Utility & Finance: Approved Water Utility claims ($6,034.28 for Dec 24; $960.11 for Jan 14), Sewer Utility claims ($10,569.76), General City claims ($792,812.52 and $183,644.97), including a We Energies EFT payment ($45,319.79).

Licenses & Permits: Approved the 2026 Garbage Hauler License for WM Franklin Hauling.

Miscellaneous: Approved Resolution 2026-1 designating polling places; authorized the Director of Finance to sign the Declaration of Official Intent for the 2026 Debt Issue; approved the 2026 Salary Grade Table.

Public Comments & Testimony

The Council extended the privilege of the floor significantly to accommodate numerous speakers.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission / New Journey House (5295 S. Moorland Rd):

Opposition: Many residents, including former city administrator Jim Gadski, nearby resident Tyler Brenner, substance abuse counselor Aaron B., retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Janice Shum, and others (Mike Schmidt, Ryan Anderson, John Polkilla, Julie Laphart, Karen Wolf, Robert Milly, Candy Offerman, Gary Hans, Robin, Michael Primus, Jim Grandell) voiced strong opposition. They argued the facility is improperly classified as a church (citing a 3% chapel space), that the application was a "false flag" to avoid a public hearing under RLUIPA, and expressed concerns about public safety, a 40-70% early recovery relapse rate, lack of public transportation, strain on emergency services, loss of tax base, and a lack of transparency from the city and applicant.

Support: Several residents and Mandy Andrews spoke in support, highlighting the program's voluntary and structured nature, 24/7 security, extensive background checks, and the organization's successful track record. One speaker noted the existing New Journey program generated only 7 EMT calls in the last year.

Applicant Response: Patrick Vanderburgh, CEO of Milwaukee Rescue Mission, addressed inaccuracies, stating the program is an inpatient recovery facility (not a shelter), has generated 8 EMT calls in two years, and the organization has agreed to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

Flood Control Grant / Property Acquisition (WRM 04-25):

Residents Judy & John Dominic and Karen Hart expressed anger at receiving a letter shortly before Christmas stating the City intended to acquire their floodway properties. They criticized the $500,000 offer for four properties as inadequate and the timing and tone of the communication as insensitive. Mayor Ament clarified the acquisition program is entirely voluntary.

Discussion Items

Plan Commission Item 7A – LD-2502142 (Milwaukee Rescue Mission CSM): Alderperson Stribl moved to deny the Certified Survey Map, citing unresolved questions, flag lot issues, and the impact on the TIF district. The City Attorney clarified that denial of the CSM solely consolidates two existing lots and does not affect the facility's separate land use approval, which remains code-compliant. Alderperson Horbinski emphasized the Council's duty to follow statutes and the advice of legal counsel. Alderperson Kroupa noted the difficulty of overturning a 2020 approval of the lots. Alderperson Harenda supported denial, stating more discussion was needed on flag lot regulations.

Water Resource Management Item 8A – WRM 04-25 (Flood Control Grant): Alderperson Harenda moved to approve. Alderperson Hopkins expressed concern over the wording and timing of the notification letter sent to property owners, requesting more sensitive communication in the future. Mayor Ament reiterated the program is voluntary.

Key Outcomes

Minutes Approved: December 9, 2025 Common Council meeting minutes approved (7-0).

Plan Commission:

Item 7A Denied: Motion to deny the 1-Lot Certified Survey Map (LD-2502142) for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission passed 4-3. Voting in favor of denial: Alderpersons Stribl, Maxey, La Fever, and Harenda. Voting against denial: Alderpersons Hopkins, Horbinski, and Kroupa.
Item 7B Approved: 2-Lot Certified Survey Map for the George M Woelfel Survivor Trust (LD-2502371) approved (7-0).

Water Resource Management Resolutions Approved (all 7-0):

WRM 04-25: Municipal Flood Control Grant application and voluntary property acquisition (up to 50% city cost share).
WRM 05-25: Purchase of de-icing/salt reduction calibration equipment.
WRM 06-25: Purchase of CCTV equipment.

Consent Agenda Approved (7-0): All items on the Consent Agenda were approved, including Committee of the Whole minutes, utility and finance claims, garbage hauler license, polling places resolution, debt issue authorization, and salary grade table.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.

Meeting Transcript