Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The New Berlin Common Council convened on May 12, 2026. The meeting was formally called to order at 6:47 PM, following a Privilege of the Floor session which began at 6:39 PM. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the City Clerk confirmed a quorum with five alderpersons present (Hopkins, Maxey, Gardner, Harenda, Kroupa) and two excused (Stribl, Horbinski). All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous (5-0). The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM.
The Consent Agenda (Item 10) was moved by Alderperson Kroupa and seconded by Alderperson Gardner, passing unanimously. This bundle included the following routine approvals:
Two residents addressed the Council during the Privilege of the Floor, both speaking in support of a public safety referendum.
Reports
Plan Commission The Council approved all Plan Commission recommendations unanimously (5-0), subject to conditions outlined in the respective staff reports.
Utility Committee The Council approved two utility contracts with Visu-Sewer, LLC, as recommended unanimously by the Utility Committee.
All right, or bad. And again, help everybody to the city of the uncommon council meeting for May 12, 2026. It is 639. And uh before we start the meeting, we have a privilege of the floor. I'll read the rules for privileges. Reflection of the floor. Um speakers are limited to three minutes each. Formal public comment periods will not exceed 30 minutes, no less extended. Give 15 minute increments by the mayor or common council. Common sponsors relating to issues subject to common council action and pertain to the city of New Berlin. Comments are not limited to items on the current agenda. Personal tax, inflammatory remarks or disrespect towards council members, city staff, or others are not permitted. When multiple individuals wish to speak, the mayor or council may limit speakers to one opportunity per meeting to ensure broad participation. Not a debate. Comments should not be used to provoke arguments or engage in back and forth discussion. So to uh foster respectful and welcoming environment, attendees are kindly asked to observe quietly and refrain from audible reactions during public comments and council discussion. We want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable expressing their views in a respectful setting where all voices can be heard without intimidation or interruption. According to Robert Jewel's order, the city meeting protocol, the mayor or city clerk, intervene as needed to preserve order and decorum. And as always, your operations appreciated to all but not privilege to the floor. Anyone who'd like to address the common council, if you do it, please come up. Give us your name and address it before you make your presentation. I serve as one of your firefighters. And we are trying to support the referendum to address firefighters and staff in the attack. Every day, firefighters are expected to do more with less. The demands on emergency services continue to grow. Not just fighters, the medical calls, rescues. They expect trade help to wrap quickly and professionally and safely. Staffing directly affects our ability to meet that expectation. This discussion is not about the luxury or convenience, it's about providing a safe and effective level of service to the community, and the firefighters responding to where it's easy. Adequate staffing needs faster response times, enough personnel headquarters is safe. And crews that are not stretched beyond reasonable limits in the afternoon. Public safety is the most important investment in the community to make. Public safety is not a luxury. We are name it. You