Public Meetings - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) met on November 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM in City Hall Room 301-B to consider multiple certificates of appropriateness, two proposed historic designations, and routine staff-approved items. Key actions included approvals for mothball status, a pavilion storage extension, chimney removal, after-the-fact rehabilitation, and a new garage with a front porch expansion. Two designation items were held due to improper notification. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Staff-approved Certificates of Appropriateness (items 8–24): Approved en bloc after a motion and second. These included routine repairs, replacements, and alterations across various historic districts and individually designated properties. - Minutes of October 5, 2026: Approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Emma Rudd (Executive Director, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance) provided an update on the Catherine Foley Tavern (item 1): The building is structurally stabilized, roof protected, engineering and design work completed through design development, and federal and state historic tax credits approved. A capital campaign is planned for 2027. She also noted ongoing graffiti abatement and a temporary protection on the exterior fire escape. - Jocelyn Slocum (Museum Director, Pabst Mansion) reported no change to the side pavilion, which remains in stable storage with no future plans (item 2). - Craig Conkle (owner of 2619 W. State Street) assured the commission there would be no demolition on his property and referenced orange fencing around three properties in the area, but no demolition permits were found in the system. - Keith Barnes (homeowner and architect, 2615 N. Summit Ave) presented the garage and porch expansion proposal (item 6). He explained the proposed LP SmartSide stucco panels cost less than a third of traditional stucco and considered the accessory structure’s location appropriate for modern materials. - Jim Stearns (neighbor at 2605 N. Summit) expressed support for the garage, noting it would allow turning around on the property instead of backing into the street, improving safety. Discussion Items - Item 1: Catherine Foley Tavern Mothball Status (266 E. Erie Street) – Staff recommended approval for another six months. The commission approved unanimously. - Item 2: Pabst Mansion Side Pavilion (2000 W. Wisconsin Avenue) – Staff recommended renewal of the certificate for another six months. Approved unanimously. - Items 3 & 7: Permanent Historic Designations – The Clara & Charles Donges House (2619 W. State Street) and expansion of St. Benedict the Moor Church designation (1015 N. 9th Street) were held to the next meeting (December 7, 2026) on advice of the city clerk due to improper notification of owners. The commission discussed the possibility of a demolition permit and the ability to file a temporary designation if needed. - Item 4: Chimney Removal at 2419 N. Wahl Ave – The rear chimney, no longer in use and structurally compromised, was proposed for removal down to the roofline. Staff noted two more prominent chimneys remain and recommended approval with a condition to patch the roof with matching shingles. Approved. - Item 5: After-the-fact Exterior Rehabilitation at 116 W. Brown Street – The property owner (Connect the Dots Property Investments LLC) performed extensive work without permits or a certificate of appropriateness. Staff detailed numerous inappropriate treatments (engineered wood siding, glass block windows, removed hood molds, infilled balcony, partial deck construction). The commission approved with seven specific conditions, including replacement of glass block with wood sash windows (privacy glass allowed for bathrooms), replication of removed window hood molds, a stoop and ground-level patio instead of the raised deck, and resolution of the rear door issue. - Item 6: New Detached Garage and Front Porch Expansion at 2615 N. Summit Ave – The front porch would be extended nine feet on each side with brick knee walls and a planter bed to allow a 24-inch railing (per code). The three-car garage (37 ft x 25 ft, 21 ft tall) would be located in the rear corner, minimally visible from the street. Staff raised concerns about the proposed LP SmartSide pebbled stucco panel (engineered wood with resin coating). After discussion about cost, drainage, and appropriate use on an accessory structure, the commission allowed the material, with the condition that other trim be natural wood. Also required a sidewalk from the personnel door. Approved with staff’s recommendations as modified. Key Outcomes - Approved item 1 (mothball status) – motion and second, all aye. - Approved item 2 (Pabst Mansion pavilion) – motion and second, all aye. - Held items 3 and 7 to December 7, 2026, due to improper notification. - Approved item 4 (chimney removal) – motion and second, all aye. - Approved item 5 (after-the-fact rehabilitation) with seven conditions as recommended by staff – motion and second, all aye. - Approved item 6 (garage and porch expansion) with staff recommendations and allowance of LP SmartSide panels – motion and second, all aye. - Approved consent calendar (items 8–24) en bloc. - Approved minutes of October 5, 2026. - Adjourned – motion and second, all aye.

The Milwaukee Finance and Personnel Committee convened on October 29, 2026, for its annual Budget Amendment Day. The marathon session was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM but actually convened at 9:38 AM and adjourned at 8:53 PM. The committee, chaired by Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and including Aldermen Burgelis, Spiker, Coggs, and Moore, considered over 100 amendments to the Mayor's proposed 2027 budget. After extensive debate on funding priorities, the committee approved a final budget package that increased the total city budget from $2.261 billion to $2.266 billion, raised the levy-supported budget from $1.768 billion to $1.773 billion, and increased the property tax levy from $341.412 million to $345.3 million. Discussion Items Wages, Employee Compensation, and Personnel - Amendment 1 (Omnibus): Sponsored by the Chair and supported by Ald. Spiker as a citywide improvement, this sweeping amendment was approved 5-0. It restored Sunday hours at four library branches plus Central Library, restored position authority for nine street light positions, and created a $50,000 bonus fund for electrical workers. It added $750,000 to the Wages Supplement Fund to increase the residency incentive by 0.5% and boost Healthy Rewards benefits to $500. The amendment reduced the planned overnight parking permit increase to $75 from the mayor's proposed $110 and shifted $6 million towards borrowing for High Impact Paving. - Amendment 14 & 85 (Wage Increases): Ald. Brower and others proposed several versions of a $1 or $2 per hour raise for general city employees, intended to replace the mayor's 2% raise. Proponents argued this would disproportionately benefit the lowest-paid workers. Proposals faced significant hurdles regarding funding sources, often requiring cuts to other departments, and legal complications regarding implementation. Multiple substitutes failed. - Amendment 24 (Executive Assistants): Chair Dimitrijevic restructured the Executive Administrative Assistant program in the City Clerk's office, converting six part-time positions into three full-time positions with benefits to improve stability and retention. The bilingual designation was removed per the Department of Employee Relations guidance. Ald. Spiker expressed concerns about reduced scheduling flexibility. The amendment passed 3-1-1. - Amendment 37 (Equal Rights Specialist): The committee considered two versions to restore an Equal Rights Specialist position in the Department of Compliance and Engagement that was omitted from the mayor's budget. DCE Director Mary Reed did not contest the position but argued the proposed funding sources were problematic. Deputy Director Ramos stated the work could be absorbed. The Chair of the Equal Rights Commission advocated for the distinct role. Both the levy-funded version (37A) and the facility-rental funded version (37B) failed. Public Safety - Amendment 27 (27A): Ald. Chambers offered a major reallocation package approved 3-2. It reduced police vehicle borrowing by $1.6 million to fund a new fire engine, cut $500,000 from police facilities maintenance for traffic calming measures, and created a $300,000 Good Neighbor Special Fund for block clubs. Ald. Spiker and Ald. Burgelis opposed the cuts to police operations, while Alds. Coggs and Moore supported the community investments. - Amendment 62 (Patrol Coverage): Ald. Burgelis offered a footnote urging the Chief of Police to close the gap in neighborhood patrol coverage. The original language was a directive ('shall'), which the City Attorney flagged as overstepping the council's authority. The language was softened to 'urge' (62B), and it passed 5-0. - Amendment 63 (Litigation Reporting): Ald. Coggs directed the Police Department to report annually on changes to procedures and training resulting from settlements and litigation. Passed 5-0. Infrastructure and Public Works - Amendment 73: Ald. Burgelis redirected $350,000 allocated for a fifth pothole-filling machine to purchase vehicles for the Electrical Services division. The amendment passed 3-2. - Amendments 67-72: A series of footnotes directing DPW on operational transparency were passed unanimously. These included creating a public-facing dashboard for pothole and streetlight repairs, developing a youth electrical apprenticeship program, conducting an audit of streetlights on main streets, creating a street sweeping map, and exploring external partnerships. Economic Development and Food Access - Amendment 29 (29A): Ald. Jackson (via Ald. Burgelis) created a $1.8 million Grocery Store and Pharmacy Retention special purpose account. The funding was offset by a withdrawal from the Tax Stabilization Fund. The City Attorney recommended an SPA assigned to a department, but the amended version accepted an unassigned SPA requiring council resolutions for disbursement. Passed 5-0. - Amendment 23 (Corridor Beautification): Ald. Stamper proposed a $100,000 levy-funded program for painting city-owned commercial properties. The department noted potential operational challenges. Ald. Spiker and Ald. Coggs had concerns about the levy impact. The amendment was withdrawn for revision. - Amendment 92 (We Energies Study): Ald. Brower proposed $1.35 million in borrowing for a feasibility study on creating a municipal utility. Ald. Spiker questioned the financial prudence of borrowing for an exploratory study. The Environmental Collaboration Office Director suggested lower-cost options. Ald. Moore supported the investment. The amendment failed 2-2-1. Department Oversight and Governance - Amendments 33-36: Ald. Moore directed the Department of Community Wellness and Safety to provide plans, closeout reports, carryover reports, and quarterly reports. All passed 5-0. - Amendments 40-42: A series of footnotes directed the Department of Employee Relations to conduct a market study for electrical services, report on chronically vacant positions, and develop a plan to expedite eligible lists for hiring. All passed. Citizen Services and Library - Amendments 55-60: A package of footnotes was passed unanimously. These included directing the library to explore a historic preservation surcharge for facility rentals, urging work on philanthropic sponsorship of Sunday hours, promoting seed libraries, exploring checking out cultural institution memberships, developing a marketing plan for Sunday hours, and moving positions between branch libraries and Central Library. - Amendments 50-51: Ald. Coggs directed the Health Department to work with established doula programs to create contract bidding opportunities and to report biannually on doula contracting. Both passed 5-0. Rejected and Withdrawn Items - Amendment 26 (Eviction Free MKE): Ald. Brower's $100,000 for the Legal Aid Society's eviction defense program failed 1-3-1. Ald. Moore and Ald. Spiker voted no, citing concerns about setting a precedent for directly funding non-profits. - Amendment 81 (League of Municipalities): Ald. Burgelis's attempt to cut $47,000 from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities membership failed 2-3. - Amendment 94 (Fire Apparatus): Ald. Burgelis's proposal to borrow $4.8 million for three new fire engines failed 2-2-1. - Amendment 109 (Hop Fare System): A footnote creating a voluntary QR-based fare system for the Hop to fund homeless outreach failed 2-3. Key Outcomes - Budget Approved by Committee: The entire 2027 budget package (Item 1) and its companion bills were referred to the full Common Council without recommendation by a vote of 5-0. - Major Levy Increase: The committee approved a property tax levy increase to $345.3 million. - Library Services Expanded: Sunday hours were restored at four branches plus Central Library, defying the mayor's proposal to cut them. - Wage Debates Deferred: Decisions on a $1 per hour raise and targeted raises for low-wage workers failed to pass in committee, pushing the discussion to the full Common Council. - Fire vs. Police Funding Rebalanced: Ald. Chambers' reallocation plan, which cut police vehicle borrowing and facilities funding to pay for a fire engine and community programs, passed 3-2. - Oversight Increased: Numerous footnotes were adopted, requiring enhanced transparency and reporting from the DPW, Police Department, Library, DER, DCWS, and Health Department. - Major Proposals Rejected: The We Energies feasibility study and a major fire apparatus borrowing request were rejected by the committee.

The Finance & Personnel Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on 2026-10-28. The agenda listed a 9:00 a.m. start; the committee convened at 9:27 a.m. and adjourned at 10:20 a.m. in Room 301-B, City Hall. All five members were present: Chair Marina Dimitrijevic, Vice-Chair Peter Burgelis, and Alders Scott P. Spiker, Milele A. Coggs, and Sharlen P. Moore. The committee advanced an ALPR contract oversight charter ordinance, acted on grant and contract files, and moved a series of 2027 budget items toward the Common Council. Consent Calendar - Approved the Department of Administration vacancy, fund transfer, and equipment request communication (File 260894) by a 5-0 vote. - Placed on file the Department of Employee Relations clerical/administrative salary and position corrections (File 260788) by a 4-0 vote; Ald. Burgelis was excused. - Recommended adoption of the travel/convention attendance resolution (File 260895) by a 4-0 vote; Ald. Burgelis was excused. - Recommended passage of the 2026 and 2027 pay and position ordinance amendments (Files 260790, 260791, 260896, and 260897) by 4-0 votes; Ald. Burgelis was excused. - Recommended adoption of the 2026-27 National Wastewater Surveillance System, 2026-2027 Preventive Health, and 2027 Family Planning grant resolutions (Files 260821, 260853, and 260854) by 5-0 votes. - Placed on file the Milwaukee Public Schools tax levy communication (File 260285), Wisconsin transportation aid and revenue communications (Files 260702-260704), public comments on the Mayor's 2027 Proposed Executive Budget (File 260682), and the UnitedHealthcare NexusACO resolution (File 260550), each by 5-0 votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Fire and Police Commissioner Krissie Fung testified in support of the ALPR charter ordinance. She said the measure addresses an oversight and transparency gap created by the sole-source waiver process and by Act 12, cited the Fire and Police Commission's recent ALPR audit report, and described overwhelming public concern about unchecked surveillance technology. She also noted that Milwaukee County has moved to a closed-circuit camera system and stated that, where the FPC cannot act, she would rather the Common Council be able to act because it holds the power of the purse. Discussion Items - Budget review timeline (transcript opening). An unidentified speaker expressed frustration that 11 budget amendments were distributed after hours the night before, leaving roughly four business hours for review before the next meeting, and asked whether that meeting could be delayed. Another speaker acknowledged the frustration, said the meeting was properly noticed, and said they would relay the feedback to the Council president and that a letter on process changes would be sent. - Automated license plate reader (ALPR) contracts (File 260809). The committee considered a substitute charter ordinance to require ALPR contracts to come before the Common Council. Ald. Moore moved Proposed Substitute B to correct a typo; the substitution prevailed 5-0. Chair Dimitrijevic passed the gavel to Vice-Chair Burgelis, and Alds. Coggs, Taylor, and Burgelis were added as cosponsors. Sponsors argued that ALPR surveillance affects roughly half a million residents and that prior contracting had little council participation, so the change would provide democratic oversight and public transparency. Ald. Spiker questioned whether the ordinance should be broadened to cover facial recognition and other surveillance technology and what threshold should trigger council review; administration representatives said they did not anticipate a major backlog and had no definitive objection. MPD Chief of Staff Heather Hough said MPD views ALPR as a useful public safety tool and will continue to follow procurement rules. Ald. Brower and Ald. Taylor expressed support; Ald. Taylor cited Grand Rapids' civilian oversight model. Assistant City Attorney Kathy Block said the ordinance would not preclude the committee from asking the Fire and Police Commission for input, but that institutionalizing such a step would require a separate ordinance. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend passage. - HIDTA and BioWatch grant resolutions (Files 260549 and 260849). Laura Engan of the Milwaukee Police Department said the 2026-2027 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program grant would bring about $286,000 in federal funding with a $58,000 city match, primarily for overtime, a public safety specialist investigator, and supplies. Fire Chief Aaron Lipski said the BioWatch grant supports a dormant biological-agent monitoring system that can reduce fatalities from a biological release by 66%. Because a Public Safety and Health Committee member objected and some committee members received information in closed session, Ald. Spiker moved to refer both resolutions to the Common Council without recommendation; each referral prevailed 5-0. - Single/sole-source contract changes (File 260327). Purchasing Director Rhonda Kelsey reviewed five contracts: a $65,000 Fire and Police Commission contract with Bree Spencer/Bridger Agency LLC for a public safety careers program at Milwaukee Public Schools; a $6.2 million five-year Johnson Controls HVAC maintenance contract for DPW; a GovAI contract amendment including a public-facing AI agent for the city website (the transcript lists an addition of $48,950,000 while also giving a $97,900 total contract amount, an apparent transcription inconsistency); a Neighborly Software amendment adding $49,344 to $49,999 for a $99,343 total through October 21, 2027; and a Community Medical Services/Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative amendment adding $250,000 for a $682,640 total through March 18, 2028. The committee approved the file 4-0; Ald. Burgelis was excused. - 2027 budget rate, fee, and charge package (Files 260700, 260701, 260749, 260753, 260763, 260765, 260767-260772). The committee voted 5-0 to refer without recommendation the salary equalization ordinance, position ordinance, parking fund debt-service payment, Tax Stabilization Fund withdrawal, 2027 tax rate, fee increases, street lighting fee, local sewerage charge, solid waste charge, snow and ice removal cost recovery charge, stormwater ERU rate, and extra garbage cart fee. The agenda noted these items could be referred to the November 6, 2026 Common Council Budget Adoption Meeting. - 2027 budget implementation files (Files 260764, 260748, and 260750). The charter ordinance, ordinance, and resolution implementing 2027 budget provisions were held to the call of the chair by a 5-0 vote. Key Outcomes - Recommended passage of the ALPR charter ordinance Substitute 2 (File 260809) by a 5-0 vote. The sponsor noted the change would require a two-thirds Common Council vote and then mayoral action, with a 60-day publication period; the next 2027 ALPR contract deadline was cited as a reason to move the proposal forward. - Referred the HIDTA (File 260549) and BioWatch (File 260849) grant resolutions to the Common Council without recommendation by 5-0 votes. - Recommended adoption of the three Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant resolutions (Files 260821, 260853, and 260854) by 5-0 votes. - Approved the vacancy/fund transfer/equipment communication (File 260894) 5-0 and the sole-source contract communication (File 260327) 4-0, with Ald. Burgelis excused. - Recommended passage of pay/position ordinances and adoption of the travel resolution by 4-0 votes, with Ald. Burgelis excused; placed DER corrections on file 4-0. - Referred the 2027 budget rate, fee, charge, tax, and position items (Files 260700, 260701, 260749, 260753, 260763, 260765, and 260767-260772) to the Common Council without recommendation by 5-0 votes, with the November 6, 2026 Budget Adoption Meeting as the potential next step. - Held the 2027 budget implementation files (260764, 260748, and 260750) to the call of the chair. - Placed on file MPS/state fiscal communications, budget public comments, and the obsolete UnitedHealthcare NexusACO resolution.

The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee met Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Room 301-B of Milwaukee City Hall. The meeting was scheduled for 9:00 a.m., convened at 9:07 a.m., and adjourned at 11:13 a.m. Members present were Chair Ald. Robert J. Bauman, Vice-Chair Ald. Russell W. Stamper II, Ald. Milele A. Coggs (joining remotely), Ald. DiAndre Jackson, and Ald. Scott P. Spiker. The committee considered 16 items, including an ordinance on expired Board of Zoning Appeals approvals, an accessory dwelling unit design-package agreement, data center policy and dashboard resolutions, a downtown Planned Development zoning change, a Tax Incremental District amendment, and ten City-owned property sale-backs. Consent Calendar - Items 7-16, the tax-deeded property sale-back resolutions, were each approved unanimously (4-0, with Ald. Coggs excused). These authorize sale-backs to former owners of City-owned properties at: 1810 West Fairmount Avenue (1st Ald. Dist.); 4450 North 37th Street (7th); 2754A North 12th Street (15th); 2318 West Maple Street (8th); 6930B North Raintree Drive (9th); 1241A West Scott Street (12th); 1960B South 7th Street (12th); 1116 West Scott Street (12th); 1628-30 North 24th Street (15th); and 2543-45 North 36th Street (15th). Public Comments & Testimony - Cade Gerlach, resident of 700 East Kilbourn Avenue, expressed full support for the Zenith development, saying more housing supply helps stabilize rents and citing a $100-per-month rent reduction he negotiated after a previous high-rise was built. - Allen Cooper, property owner at 815 North Cass Street, raised concerns about additional alley traffic from 30 parking spaces, noise pollution from HVAC systems, construction vibration and potential cracking of older masonry buildings, garbage pickup in the alley, and requested a regular point of contact with the development team. The development team responded that parking ventilation would be at the top of the tower, they had offered pre-construction building inspections, and they would provide a project contact. - Curtis Oquist, property manager at 835 North Cass Street, opposed the development, arguing that removing the surface parking lot would worsen street parking shortages for nearby tenants and visitors, and questioned why the east elevation was not shown. He suggested the City build a public parking structure instead. Discussion Items - File 260563 - BOZA expired appeals notification: Ald. Jackson moved substitution of the file with Proposed Substitute A (5-0). Appearing for discussion were sponsors Ald. Perez, Ald. Westmoreland, Ald. Taylor, DCD's Tanya Fonseca, BOZA's India Gaar, and DNS Deputy Commissioner Mike Mazmanian. The ordinance would require notification when Board of Zoning Appeals approvals expire, but discussion covered enforcement gaps, the end of the proactive BOZA periodic inspection program due to staffing shortages, currently 10 special enforcement inspectors (down from 16 in 2020), and the possibility of automated renewal notices through ITMD. BOZA staff estimated 18 to 50 expirations per month over the next three months. City Plan Commission had recommended unanimous approval at its October 19 public hearing. Ald. Spiker moved to hold the file for one cycle to obtain ITMD input; the motion prevailed 5-0. - File 260884 - ADU design packages: The resolution authorizes the Commissioner of City Development to execute an agreement, funded by the Daniel Hoan Foundation, to make free accessory dwelling unit design packages available to the public. Designers from Navarte Development and Dream Builders said the packages would be customizable within limits and intended to be permitted by right. Discussion addressed the need for flexibility, neighborhood character, historic district compatibility, and prior city design-catalog efforts. The committee recommended adoption 5-0. - File 260497 - Data processing center policy recommendations: Ald. Pratt and co-sponsors presented a substitute resolution directing DCD to work with city agencies, outside experts, and stakeholders to recommend policies and regulations to prevent negative environmental, neighborhood, and community impacts of data processing centers. DCD Deputy Commissioner Sam Leichtling committed to a six-month deadline for policy recommendations. Ald. Perez, Stamper, Jackson, Bauman, and Spiker were added as cosponsors. Recommended for adoption 5-0. - File 260637 - Data center dashboard: A substitute resolution creating a public-facing data center dashboard was discussed. DCD noted that some requested data may be difficult to present because current records do not consistently track data centers, and an official dashboard may be more feasible once a city definition and permit tracking exist. Recommended for adoption 5-0. - File 260533 - Zenith Detailed Planned Development zoning change: DCD and the project team (New Land Enterprises, Korb Architects) presented a request to rezone 711 East Kilbourn Avenue and 822 North Van Buren Street from the General Planned Development known as Bookends to a Detailed Planned Development known as Zenith. The approved 2008 Bookends plan already permitted up to 230 residential units and a 20-story building on the site. The proposed Zenith is a 25-story, for-sale condominium tower with up to 226 units, 412 indoor parking spaces, and 68 bicycle spaces. The site's current assessed value is $2,148,400; projected construction cost is over $150 million. Chair Bauman noted that the 2008 approval had already established the property owner's right to build a high-rise. City Plan Commission recommended approval on September 28 after a public hearing. Following public testimony, the committee recommended passage 5-0. - File 260874 - TID No. 70 (735 N Water) Amendment No. 5: DCD's Alyssa Remington presented a fifth amendment adding $4 million in project costs: $3.75 million for City Hall Square Plaza design and construction, $100,000 for Water Street median improvements, $50,000 for 35 river rescue ring stations at $1,400 each, and $100,000 in administrative fees. The district has a current value exceeding $35 million and generates about $450,000 in annual increment, and is projected to be paid off by 2029. Ald. Stamper moved substitution of the file (4-0, Ald. Coggs excused), and the committee recommended adoption 4-0. Key Outcomes - File 260563: Substitute adopted (5-0); ordinance held to call of the chair for one cycle (5-0). - File 260884: Recommended for adoption (5-0). - File 260497: Recommended for adoption (5-0); five additional cosponsors added. - File 260637: Recommended for adoption (5-0). - File 260533: Recommended for passage (5-0). - File 260874: Substitute adopted (4-0) and recommended for adoption (4-0), with Ald. Coggs excused. - Files 260745, 260876, 260877, 260879, 260747, 260743, 260746, 260875, 260744, 260878: Each recommended for adoption (4-0), with Ald. Coggs excused. - The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m.

The Judiciary & Legislation Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall. Chair Ald. DiAndre Jackson presided, with all five members present (Jackson, Westmoreland, Pratt, Bauman, Perez). The committee considered 17 agenda items, including claims against the city, a legislative package update, code revisions, tax cancellations, and litigation matters. The meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM after a closed session. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 – El Greco, Inc./John Gliatis claim: John Gliatis, owner of El Greco restaurant, testified that a sewer backup in October 2025 caused $28,000 in damages, alleging a city-installed streetlight foundation may have contributed. City Attorney Kevin Todd recommended denial, citing no causal connection. Committee members questioned the proximity and excavation method. The committee recommended disallowance. - Item 8 – Greater Milwaukee Auto Auction claim: Kristi Church, president of the auction, stated a stolen 2019 Mercedes was recovered by police and sold by the city tow lot without notifying her business, causing $27,000 loss. Tow lot managers Nicole Anderson and Tammy Stephan explained they followed procedures, contacting the lien holder. MPD Officer James Lewis noted a 7:40 AM call to the auction, but Church said the business was closed. Committee recommended denial. - Item 9 – Detra Rodgers claim: Ms. Rodgers (by phone) argued the Milwaukee Fire Department unnecessarily forced entry into her rental property during a dumpster fire, causing $8,080.65 in damages. Fire Department Assistant Chief Parish defended the action as standard protocol. The committee first considered a $1,000 settlement, which Rodgers rejected, then voted 4-1 to recommend denial. Ald. Westmoreland dissented. Discussion Items - Item 10 – 2027-2028 Legislative Package: Jordan Primakow and Shianyia Thao (Intergovernmental Relations) and Justin Morales and Calvin Lee (Legislative Affairs) presented a streamlined biannual package. They outlined five guiding pillars, focused on diversifying city revenues and removing state-imposed limitations. The committee held the communication to the call of the chair. - Item 11 – Code Revisions Ordinance: A substitute ordinance correcting errors, clarifying language, and removing obsolete provisions. Committee recommended passage. - Item 12 – Tax Cancellations: Assessment Appeals Director Dan Campbell requested refunds totaling $15,004 for five parcels on the 2025 tax roll. Committee recommended adoption. - Item 13 – Ordinance on Prospective Litigation Settlement Agreements: Not ready; held to call of chair. - Item 14 – Communication from City Attorney on Settlement Agreements: Placed on file after discussion in closed session. Key Outcomes - Claims Denied (Items 1, 3, 5, 8, 9): The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend disallowance for AT&T Mobility (Item 1), El Greco/John Gliatis (Item 3), Luis Hernandez Lopez (Item 5), and Greater Milwaukee Auto Auction (Item 8). For Detra Rodgers (Item 9), the committee voted 4-1 to recommend disallowance after she rejected a $1,000 settlement offer. - Claims Held (Items 2, 4, 6, 7): Claims by Cassandra Miller, Drew Hall, Celester Perkins, and Malcolm Washington were held to the call of the chair, primarily due to first-time non-appearances or unresolved representation. - Legislative Package (Item 10): Held to call of chair for further refinement. - Code Revisions (Item 11): Recommended for passage (5-0). - Tax Cancellations (Item 12): Recommended for adoption (5-0). - Litigation Matters (Items 15-17): After closed session, the committee recommended adoption of the settlement in Jacob Enriquez v. City of Milwaukee (Item 15), the resolution on settlement indemnification (Item 16), and authorization to retain outside counsel for toxic exposure litigation (Item 17), all by 5-0 votes. - Closed Session: The committee convened in closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) for attorney-client advice on items 14-17. - Next Steps: Denied claims will go before the full Common Council on November 4, 2026. Claimants may then file suit in circuit court.

(Note: Official meeting minutes record this meeting as occurring on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The date of October 22, 2026, is used per the summary directive.) The Community and Economic Development Committee, chaired by Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II, convened to act on several Business Improvement District (BID) appointments, a Youth Council anti-vaping initiative, and a district Thanksgiving giveaway. All five committee members were present: Ald. Stamper, Ald. Dimitrijevic, Ald. Jackson, Ald. Chambers Jr., and Ald. Moore. Consent Calendar - Reappointment of Steve Bartelt to BID 21 (Recommended for Confirmation 5-0). - Appointment of Cristian Flores to BID 32 (Recommended for Confirmation 5-0). - Substitute resolution authorizing expenditure for the Fifth District Thanksgiving Giveaway (Recommended for Adoption 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken beyond the scheduled agenda items. Discussion Items - Reappointment of Steve Bartelt (BID 21): Matt Dorner, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown BID 21, expressed strong support for the reappointment, highlighting Bartelt's active role on the executive committee and Marcus Corporation's significant investment in downtown Milwaukee. - BID 27 Appointments (Held): Ald. DiAndre Jackson moved to hold the appointments and reappointments of Kira Byas-Bolton, Edgar Sabino, Carlton Butts, and Paul Rubitsky to the call of the chair. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). - Appointment of Cristian Flores (BID 32): Flores stated a background in community work inspired by his father and his recent role at the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), expressing a goal to support small businesses. - Walker's Point Innovation District (Held): A resolution to allow the City Clerk to spend up to $75,000 on the district was held to the call of the chair at the request of Ald. Perez (5-0). - Youth Council Anti-Nicotine Scholarship Contest: Ald. Jackson presented a substitute resolution utilizing JUUL settlement funds. Ald. Stamper expressed concern about the high prevalence of vaping among high school students and suggested future regulation. Ald. Moore noted that flavored products and discreet devices target youth. The committee requested the Youth Council present the developed campaign. Ald. Stamper and Ald. Moore were added as co-sponsors. The resolution was recommended for adoption (5-0). - BID 27 2027 Operating Plan: Held to the call of the chair alongside the BID 27 appointments (5-0). - Fifth District Thanksgiving Giveaway: Ald. Westmoreland explained the event is a gift-card giveaway, now in its second year, in partnership with Milwaukee Harley-Davidson. A request by Ald. Burgelis to attach a separate funding file was deemed ineligible by legislative reference staff. Key Outcomes - Recommended for Confirmation (5-0): - Steve Bartelt to BID 21. - Cristian Flores to BID 32. - Recommended for Adoption (5-0): - Youth Council Anti-Nicotine Scholarship Contest. - Fifth District Thanksgiving Giveaway expenditure. - Held to Call of the Chair (5-0): - All four BID 27 appointments/reappointments. - Walker's Point Innovation District resolution. - BID 27 2027 Operating Plan.

The Public Safety and Health Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Room 301-B at City Hall, Milwaukee. The meeting was scheduled for 9:00 AM, convened at 9:10 AM, and adjourned at 11:41 AM. Chair Ald. Scott P. Spiker presided; Vice-Chair Ald. Peter Burgelis and Ald. Larresa Taylor, Ald. Sharlen P. Moore, and Ald. Mark Chambers Jr. were present. The committee considered 16 agenda items covering parking and traffic ordinances, emergency preparedness, health department grants, police and fire equipment funding, and Fire and Police Commission policy updates. After the open-session items, the committee briefly convened in closed session for City Attorney legal advice, then returned to open session to vote on the final three grant resolutions. Parking, Traffic, and Street Vending Ordinances - File 260844 (parking controls): Department of Public Works staff presented changes removing time-of-day parking restrictions on the south side of Wisconsin Avenue between Hawley and 55th and on the south side of Wells Street west of Hawley Road; creating a no-parking-any-time zone at the southwest corner of Canal and Roundhouse to help truck access to the Palermo's facility; and creating a 50-foot no-parking-any-time zone at the northeast corner of Howard and 16th for safety reasons. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend passage. - File 260845 (traffic controls): DPW proposed removing the through-highway designation on South Third Street between Howard and Bolivar, installing an all-way stop at Waterford and Third, and removing a no-left-turn restriction for northbound motorists on Oakland Avenue just north of Kenwood. Staff said the through-highway removal was administrative and reflected current residential land uses and traffic patterns. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend passage. - File 260924 (selling articles from parked vehicles): Ald. Coggs, the sponsor, said a resident near the affected block had complained about vendors and customers outside his window until 3:00 AM. She said the resident supported business but needed sleep, and this one-block restriction was the tailored solution for that location. Ald. Moore asked whether other areas had similar issues; Ald. Coggs said other areas have been brought to her by police and have different solutions. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend passage. City Hall Campus Emergency Preparedness Report and Committee Sunset - File 260934 (Emergency Preparedness Committee report): President Perez said a May 2025 incident exposed gaps in emergency notification and response, and he thanked the task force. Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski and City Clerk Jim Owczarski presented the report. Action items grew from 28 to 32; 27 were completed, 4 were pending, 0 were standing by, and 1 was paused indefinitely. Early wins included connecting the 911 system to the City Hall security desk, PA system training, Code Red emergency alert testing, a learning management system for training, building emergency codes, panic button testing, security camera checks, MPD full-building access, and clarified city hall operating hours. Chief Lipski also described pending work on an incident command system, reactivation of a security operations manager position, and a review of the Central Safety Committee's role. The committee voted 5-0 to place the communication on file. - File 260847 (substitute ordinance relating to the City Hall Campus Emergency Preparedness Committee): City Clerk Jim Owczarski explained the ordinance sunsets the committee after completing its assigned report. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend passage. Health Department Grants and Agreements - File 260821 (National Wastewater Surveillance System grant): The grant, passed through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, funds staff and consumables for the Milwaukee Health Department's wastewater surveillance testing, which the department has scaled up since the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee recommended adoption and referred it to the Finance and Personnel Committee, due back 10/29/2026, 5-0. - File 260831 (emergency preparedness dedicated staff): This authorizes the Commissioner of Health to enter into an agreement with the State of Wisconsin to place a Strategic National Stockpile fellow at the Milwaukee Health Department for emergency preparedness support. Staff said the position is fully state and federally funded for an expected five-year duration. The committee recommended adoption, 5-0. - File 260852 (STD Infertility Prevention Grant amendment): Staff clarified that the agenda title should read 2027, not 2026. The amendment adds approximately $40,000 to the existing grant to prevent long-term reproductive consequences from STIs. The committee recommended adoption, 5-0. - File 260853 (Preventive Health Grant): This recurring award of approximately $58,000 supports population health strategy personnel, community outreach, and collaboration with strategic partners. The committee recommended adoption and referred it to Finance and Personnel, due back 10/29/2026, 5-0. - File 260854 (Family Planning Grant): This annual, state-funded grant supports family planning clinics in Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee, and covers a share of STI clinic staff, supplies, and other costs. The committee recommended adoption and referred it to Finance and Personnel, due back 10/29/2026, 5-0. - File 260859 (WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grant): This grant supports the Women, Infants, and Children program with breastfeeding education and one-on-one support for families. The health department speaker estimated the total funding at about $30,000, while the written analysis showed $48,000; she confirmed the grant is entirely state funded. The committee recommended adoption, 5-0. COPS Technology and Equipment Grant - File 260883 (COPS Technology and Equipment Program): Milwaukee Police Department staff presented a $1,031,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant for the public safety radio upgrade project. The grant funds the deployment of 815 additional subscriber radios for system growth and operational use. MPD staff said the department's budget request had included $1.4 million for radio replacement, but that local tax levy funding was reduced once this grant was confirmed. Ald. Chambers questioned why replacement radios were needed so soon after the more than $40 million radio upgrade and asked for a memo explaining the replacement cycle; the chair directed MPD to provide that memo to the committee. MPD staff explained that the radios are handheld and vehicle units that work on the newly purchased platform, and that replacement is an ongoing equipment cost rather than a technology upgrade. The committee recommended adoption without opposition. Fire and Police Commission Standard Operating Procedures - File 260834 (FPC communication on Standard Operating Procedures): Fire and Police Commission Executive Director Leon Todd summarized policy changes heard at FPC meetings in September and October. These included routine updates to SOPs on limited duty status, financial crime complaints, critical incident review, merit awards, computer equipment and systems, and social networking/department images; school resource officer assignment changes; a provision allowing sexual assault victims to choose their interview location when practical; and a juvenile procedures update aligning with the Wisconsin Supreme Court's State v. K.R.C. ruling on Miranda warnings before custodial questioning of juveniles at school. Todd also noted a substantive change to SOP 530 on nuisance premises, requiring districts to submit monthly occurrence reports for properties with three or more dispatches in the preceding month. Milwaukee Police Department Chief of Staff Heather Hoffman said the nuisance property change was fast-tracked in collaboration with Common Ground and that monthly reports can be shared with alders on request. The committee voted 5-0 to place the communication on file. Closed Session and Final Grant Resolutions - The committee convened in closed session under Wis. Stat. s. 19.85(1)(g) to receive City Attorney advice regarding litigation, then returned to open session to act on the remaining items. - File 260549 (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program grant): The total project is $320,959, including $262,715 in federal funding and a $58,244 city match through existing salary and fringe benefit costs. The committee recommended adoption and referred it to Finance and Personnel, due back 10/29/2026, on a 4-1 vote; Ald. Chambers Jr. objected and voted no. - File 260849 (BioWatch Grant Program): The grant is approximately $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to begin daily collection of the BioWatch bio-monitoring system. The committee recommended adoption and referred it to Finance and Personnel, due back 10/29/2026, on a 4-1 vote; Ald. Chambers Jr. objected and voted no. - File 260882 (FY2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant): The total award to the City of Milwaukee is $946,496 with no local match required. The city will distribute subawards of $408,248 to Milwaukee County and $130,000 to the Milwaukee Bar Association, which serves as fiscal agent for the Milwaukee Community Justice Council. MPD priorities include supplies, equipment, and temporary contract employees. The committee recommended adoption on a 4-1 vote; Ald. Chambers Jr. objected and voted no. Key Outcomes - All items except the final three were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition. - Files 260821, 260853, 260854, 260549, and 260849 were referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee with a due-back date of 10/29/2026. - The City Hall Campus Emergency Preparedness report and the Fire and Police Commission SOP communication were placed on file. - MPD was directed to provide the committee with a memo detailing the radio replacement cycle for the COPS grant. - The remaining grant resolutions were recommended to the full Common Council on 4-1 votes, with Ald. Chambers Jr. as the sole no vote.

The Charter School Review Committee met virtually (5:03 PM) to review annual performance reports for five Milwaukee charter schools. Chair Kevin Ingram opened by sharing insights from a recent meeting with Wisconsin DPI, highlighting the agency’s “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative and posing three reflective questions about school vision, professional resources, and graduate readiness. Dr. Baylor then presented each school’s data (demographics, academic outcomes, culture/climate survey results) followed by committee discussion. The committee voted on each school’s monitoring recommendation. Consent Calendar - Minutes of March 26, 2026 – Approved unanimously. Discussion Items 1. Darrell Lynn Hines College Preparatory Academy of Excellence (DLHA) - Enrollment: 209 students; 97.1% free/reduced lunch; 20% special education. - Attendance: 87.7% (K‑5), 86.2% (6‑8). - Licensure: Partially met – one expired teacher license, one administrator lacking appropriate licensure (position no longer requires it). Current teachers licensed; one teacher on a license-with-stipulations pending DPI review. - Academic Growth (local measures): reading 71% (elem.), 66% (middle); math 62% (elem.), 71% (middle); writing 77% (elem.), 88% (middle); 100% of IEP students met at least one goal. - Forward Exam Proficiency: 3‑5 ELA 14.1%, math 6.3%; 6‑8 ELA 14.1%, math 15.6%. - Year‑to‑year Progress: ELA 38.2%, math 30.9%. - Contract Compliance: Progress target of 35% was not met in math (29%); overall 37% of students in developing/approaching range made progress. - Scorecard: Elementary 65.3%, Middle 63.3%, Weighted 64.7%. - Culture/Climate: Improved in all categories except ambitious instruction (flat). Gaps in facility conditions, middle‑school academic culture, discipline consistency. - Improvement Goals: Restorative practices, academic‑culture norms for middle school, structured family engagement. - Recommendation: Five‑year contract renewal with continued annual monitoring, emphasis on reading and math. - Committee Questions: Bill Christianson asked about strengthening academic culture; Principal Dr. Fletcher described tiered instruction and social‑emotional learning. Dr. Brookshire inquired about special education services; Dr. Fletcher explained push‑in/pull‑out models. Chair followed up on licensure status. - Vote: Motion carried unanimously. 2. Downtown Montessori Academy (DMA) - Enrollment: 232 students; 14.7% free/reduced lunch; 14.5% special education. - Attendance: 94.5% (K‑5), 95% (6‑8). - Licensure: All teachers appropriately licensed. - Academic Growth: reading 86% (elem.), 69% (middle); math 75% (elem.), 74% (middle); writing 78% (elem.), 81% (middle); 86% of IEP students met at least one goal. - Forward Exam Proficiency: 3‑5 ELA 69.8%, math 33.3%; 6‑8 ELA 90.5%, math 73.8%. - Year‑to‑year Progress: ELA 89.6%, math 67.5%. - Contract Compliance: ELA 71.4%, math 54.3% met (target ≥35%). - Scorecard: Elementary 80.4%, Middle 83.6%, Weighted 81%. - Culture/Climate: Overall 75.8% (proficient), but declines in supportive environment (−20), collaborative teachers (−15), effective leaders (−29), involved families (−5.6). Staff reported limited PD and unclear career pathways. - Improvement Goals: Structured professional development, establish parent advisory committee with board seat (already completed), strengthen math instruction in grades 1‑5. - Recommendation: Continue annual monitoring with emphasis on math. - Committee Questions: Bill Christianson asked about the gap between high academics and lower climate scores. Interim Principal Dawn Zant and board member Lauren Taylor cited leadership transitions; Dawn listed measures including shared‑decision‑making teams and increased visibility. Chair commended the school for maintaining certified staff through transition and for having a parent on the board. - Vote: Motion carried unanimously. 3. Escuela Verde (EV) - Enrollment: 111 students; 100% free/reduced lunch; 24% special education; 30.6% ESL. - Licensure: All teachers appropriately licensed. - Academic Growth (STAR): Reading growth percentages presented inconsistently (40% and 80% of students met goal in different parts of the presentation); math growth reported at 55%. - Pre‑ACT Secure (9‑10): English 18.6% proficient, math 0% proficient. - Four‑Year Graduation Rate (2024‑25): 73.1%; 93.3% post‑secondary acceptance; $400,000+ in scholarships. - ACT Progress (11th graders): 64.5% made progress over pre‑ACT. - Contract Compliance: 10th grade improvement 40% (target 50%); 11th grade 64.5%. - Scorecard: 72.8% (single grade‑band). - Culture/Climate: Declines from previous cycle; supportive environment and ambitious instruction flagged. Staff reported isolation, fragmented curriculum. - Improvement Goals: Structured onboarding/mentorship for new teachers, strengthen instructional rigor, improve student voice on policies. - Recommendation: Continue annual monitoring with emphasis on reading and math. - Committee Questions: Bill Christianson asked about downward trends and instructional guidance. School representatives acknowledged turnover and the challenge of project‑based learning; they have begun more regular teacher meetings. Chair encouraged the school to embrace the feedback and use it to fuel innovation. - Vote: Motion by Bill Christianson, second by Dr. Davis; carried unanimously. 4. Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) - Enrollment: 1,734 students (K‑12); 100% free/reduced lunch; 12.4% special education. - Attendance: 88.3% (K‑5), 87.2% (6‑8), 82.2% (9‑12). - Licensure: 32 issues (14 expired, 9 pending, 8 no file, 1 invalid lifetime). School reports many teachers struggling to pass licensure tests; HR case‑managing each individual. - Academic Growth: reading 57% (elem.), 77% (middle), 57% (high school); math 55% (elem.), 66% (middle), 52% (high school); writing 54% (elem.), 49% (middle), 66% (high school); IEP goals met: 88% (elem.), 58% (middle), 77% (high school). - Forward Exam Proficiency: 3‑5 ELA 12%, math 9.4%; 6‑8 ELA 20.2%, math 22.3%. - Pre‑ACT Secure (9‑10): English 12%, math 3.3%. - Four‑Year Graduation Rate: 93.5% (2025); 97.1% post‑secondary acceptance; $5.3 million in scholarships. - ACT Progress: 59.2% of 11th graders improved. - Year‑to‑year Progress: ELA 43.3%, math 34.7%. - Scorecard: Elementary 57.5%, Middle 60.8%, High School 75.7%, Weighted 62.1%. - Culture/Climate: Overall 74.5% (developing); supportive environment up 6.2 points; effective leaders down 6.9. Staff reported limited decision‑making influence and inconsistent discipline across grade levels. - Improvement Goals: Increase academic rigor and student ownership (especially math), strengthen PLCs and coaching, ensure speech/language pathology staffing, build coherence in discipline and communication across campuses. - Recommendation: Continue annual monitoring with emphasis on reading and math. - Committee Questions: Dr. Davis asked about middle‑school suspensions and restorative practices; Dr. Mallet described dean PLCs and SEL curriculum. Dr. Brookshire inquired about low 9‑10 English and math; Dr. Mallet outlined a new ninth‑grade cohort structure. Chair asked about licensure improvement; Dr. Mallet noted investment in test preparation and study groups. Chair also cautioned about growth‑related staffing challenges. Dr. Brookshire pressed on the elementary scorecard under 60%; Dr. Mallet responded with focus on early literacy and math fluency. - Vote: Motion by Bill Christianson, second by Dr. Davis; carried unanimously. 5. Milwaukee Math and Science Academy (MMSA) - Enrollment: 230 students (K‑8); 94.8% free/reduced lunch; 20% special education; 13.5% ELL. - Attendance: 85.8% (K‑5), 83.2% (6‑8). - Licensure: Two concerns – one teacher in support role working toward bachelor’s (no license), one teacher with expired license scheduled for test. - Academic Growth (MAP): Reading 65% (overall seems), math data unclear; growth percentages for reading and math were reported with apparent transcription inconsistencies. Writing 80% (elem.), 51% (middle); 100% of IEP students met at least one goal. - Forward Exam Proficiency: 3‑5 ELA 23.6%, math 13.9%; 6‑8 ELA 11.3%, math 3.2%. - Year‑to‑year Progress: ELA 40.7%, math 27.2%. - Contract Compliance (progress): ELA 34.7% (target 35%), math 27.8%. - Scorecard: Elementary 63.2%, Middle 59.8%, Weighted 22.2% (appears inconsistent with component scores). - Culture/Climate: Overall 88.8% (proficient), improved in all areas. Staff reported strong professional culture; students raised fairness and discipline concerns. - Improvement Goals: Improve foundational math/reading through core instruction; extend relational strengths to formal student voice and career development; build SEL/digital citizenship programming; diversify certified staff. - Recommendation: Continue annual monitoring with emphasis on reading and math. - Committee Questions: Chair asked about current licensure; principal confirmed one teacher in support role finishing degree, one testing. Bill Christianson opened for broader comment; principal addressed support‑staff development and student‑voice gaps. Dr. Davis asked about enrollment retention (76.7%); principal cited academic/behavioral attrition and new strategies (positive calls, summer bridge). Dr. Brookshire questioned math performance and student/teacher beliefs; principal described bridging NWEA to Forward exam with multi‑step problem practice and CISA support. Chair asked about parent involvement; principal noted opportunities but limited uptake. Chair also encouraged outreach to DPI regarding Portrait of a Graduate. - Vote: Motion by Bill Christianson, second by Dr. Davis; carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - All five schools’ recommendations were approved unanimously. - DLHA received a recommendation for a five‑year contract renewal with continued annual monitoring and emphasis on reading and math. - DMA, EV, MAS, and MMSA received recommendations to continue annual academic monitoring and reporting, each with emphasis on reading and/or math outcomes. - No action was taken on administrative matters (Item 8) as there were no formal proposals. - The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

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).