Public Meetings - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Finance & Personnel Committee of the City of Milwaukee met on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:14 a.m. in Room 301-B of City Hall. Chaired by Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, the committee considered 15 agenda items including reimbursement policies, mental health benefits expansion, annual wellness program updates, personnel reclassifications, contract approvals, and grant acceptance. The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m. Consent Calendar - Item 5 – Vacancy requests, fund transfers, and equipment requests (Communication 260093): Approved 4-0 (Ald. Spiker excused). - Item 6 – Approval of sole source contract changes (Communication 260095): Approved 3-0 (Alds. Spiker and Coggs excused). - Item 8 – Classification studies (Communication 260098): Placed on file 4-0 (Ald. Coggs excused). - Item 9 – Clerical/administrative corrections to Salary and Positions Ordinances (Communication 252216): Placed on file 4-0 (Ald. Coggs excused). - Items 13–15 – Resolutions and ordinances deemed no longer necessary (Files 190232, 210231, 251683): All placed on file 4-0 (Ald. Coggs excused). Discussion Items - Item 1 (260120) – Reimbursement allowances for Granville-Havenwoods Advisory Council: Sponsored by Ald. Taylor. The council has 9 volunteer members, proposed $20 per meeting per member (approx. $1,600 annually). Committee members expressed fiscal concerns, requested data on total city spending on similar reimbursements across all eligible bodies. Ald. Burgelis moved to hold to call of chair; motion prevailed 5-0. - Item 2 (252188) – Enhancement of EAP/Mental Health Benefits: Molly King (DER) presented a proposal to transition from United Healthcare to Spring Health, increasing therapy visits from 3 to 6 per issue, reducing appointment wait time from 6 days to 2 days, and adding precision matching and care navigation. The annual cost increase is approximately $65,000, but officials argued savings from reduced absenteeism and ER use. Ald. Moore moved adoption; prevailed 5-0. - Item 3 (251940) – Comprehensive Health & Wellness Program 2025 report: Presented by DER and Froedtert Workforce Health. Highlights included 80% employee participation in at least one healthy reward activity, 21% reaching the gold tier (125 points, $350 to FSA). Discussion focused on participation rates among police (68%) and fire (72%), and potential to increase incentive levels. Recommended for placing on file 4-0 (Ald. Dimitrijevic excused). - Item 4 (260152) – DPW Operations Division position amendments: Chuck Schumacher (DPW) explained elimination of three vacant Equipment Operator 3 positions and creation of three Program Assistant III positions to support new routing software (Samsara, Routeware). Budget neutral. Ald. Spiker questioned the need for new admin positions when technology was expected to create efficiencies. Placed on file 5-0. - Item 7 (260097) – Waivers for single/sole source contract amendments: Included an $18,000 increase for Axon body cameras/tasers (total now $13.774 million) and a $175,000 extension for Safeguard Recruiting’s police recruitment campaign (through April 2027). Leon Todd (FPC) reported applications nearly doubled since the contract began (742 applications Aug–Dec 2025; over 1,000 in 2026 so far) but cautioned that hires have not yet increased proportionally. Placed on file 4-0 (Ald. Coggs excused). Key Outcomes - Held to call of chair: Item 1 (Granville-Havenwoods reimbursement). - Recommended for adoption: Item 2 (EAP program) 5-0; Item 10 (Lead Hazard Reduction grant) 4-0 (Ald. Coggs excused). - Recommended for passage: Item 11 (Rates of pay ordinance, amended to remove Granville-Havenwoods clause) 4-0; Item 12 (Positions ordinance) 4-0. - Placed on file: Items 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15. - Approved: Items 5, 6. - Further information requested: Staff to compile historical spending on board/commission reimbursements and provide data on healthy rewards spending by tier before budget deliberations.

The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee met on May 27, 2026, at 9:02 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall, Milwaukee. All five members (Bauman, Stamper, Coggs, Jackson, Spiker) were present. The committee recommended approval of seven property transactions, two tax incremental district (TID) amendments, and placed various items on file. A lengthy discussion on the Residents Preference Program annual report and a debate over the Revive Milwaukee program's role in the King Park TID led to the committee holding companion files temporarily before ultimately recommending adoption with caveats. The meeting adjourned at 10:09 AM. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (260053): Recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing the acceptance of an unsolicited offer from Maxon Industries, Inc. to purchase a 1.6-acre portion (about 69,696 sq ft) of the city-owned tax deed property at 6600 North Teutonia Avenue for a phased expansion. Maxon Industries, a family-held heavy construction equipment manufacturer (founded 1972, employs 30, plans to grow to 45-50), will add 12,000-15,000 sq ft to its existing 30,000 sq ft facility. The buyer will install a new curb cut on Teutonia Avenue. Unanimous 5-0 vote. - Item 2 (260054): Recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing the sale-back to former owners of the city-owned tax-deeded property at 1318 West Ring Street (6th District). Unanimous 5-0 vote. - Item 3 (260056): Recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing the sale-back to former owners of the city-owned tax-deeded property at 3769 North 2nd Street (6th District). Unanimous 5-0 vote. - Item 4 (260052): Recommended adoption of a resolution authorizing the sale of the city-owned tax deed property at 420 East North Avenue to Ryan Champagne, owner of the abutting commercial building at 416 East North Avenue, for $1,500 (assessed value). Champagne intends to add an outdoor patio and green space for a doggy daycare business. Unanimous 5-0 vote. - Item 5 (252196): Recommended adoption of a resolution declaring the DPW parking lot at 1335 North 12th Street as surplus and accepting an unsolicited offer from Vliet Street Lofts, LLC (Gorman & Company / Lutheran Social Services) for $21,000. The lot will be used for ancillary surface parking for a $30 million redevelopment at 1220 West Vliet Street, with over $50,000 in improvements (new street lighting, pavement). Unanimous 5-0 vote. - Item 6 (252247): Recommended adoption of a substitute resolution allowing a minor modification to the Riverwest Apartments Detailed Planned Development to permit an additional Type A wall sign on the mixed-use building at 1132 East North Avenue. The sign is for FoodRight Inc., a nonprofit that operates the Riverwest Food Accelerator and runs youth culinary education programs. Alderman Brower expressed support. Unanimous 5-0 vote. - Item 7 (252192): Recommended adoption of a resolution approving a Project Plan and Development Agreement, authorizing expenditures, and creating Tax Incremental District No. 133 (2711 West Wells, 4th District). This item had been returned to committee for a technical timing requirement; a full presentation was given at the prior meeting. Unanimous 5-0 vote. Discussion Items - Items 8 & 9 (260049 & 260050): TID No. 67 Amendment No. 2 and King Park Land Conveyance. The Department of City Development (DCD) presented Amendment No. 2 to Tax Incremental District No. 67 (Pabst Brewery/The Brewery Project). The amendment would provide up to $22,450,000: $16,700,000 for public infrastructure, $500,000 for commercial corridor programs, $1,500,000 for property acquisition and site work, $1,500,000 for housing programs, $1,500,000 for contingency, and $750,000 in administrative costs. The district, created in 2006 with $29 million, has generated over $240 million in incremental value. - The amendment focuses on the King Park neighborhood west of I-43, which was decimated by urban renewal and highway construction. Key features: $13 million for street repaving/reconstruction, $2 million for improvements to King Park (athletic fields, partial berm removal, path/lighting upgrades), and acquisition of 19 privately owned lots from a single owner (Fountain Sierra LLC) for under $200,000 (within the $1.5 million acquisition budget). The companion resolution (260050) authorizes conveyance of 13 RACM-owned vacant lots to the city, consolidating ownership of approximately 38 vacant lots for future development. - A significant debate emerged over the potential use of these lots for the Revive Milwaukee program (which aims to build housing on demolition sites using $2.8 million in funds). Alderman Bauman and Alderwoman Coggs strongly objected to linking this project with Revive, arguing the King Park site should be a standalone, comprehensively master-planned development (like a subdivision) given its size and location. Ald. Coggs stressed that Revive should be reserved for recent demolition sites, not lots vacant for 50 years. DCD staff clarified that no land sales to Revive developers have occurred and any such sales would require future council approval. After clarification, the committee recommended adoption of both resolutions (unanimous 5-0), with Ald. Bauman stating he did not want to hear the word "revive" used in connection with this project again. - Items 10 & 11 (251773 & 252240): NS Enforcement and Penalties for Multi-Unit Residential Properties. These two substitute ordinances, relating to Department of Neighborhood Services enforcement of code violations and penalties for nuisance properties, were heard at the prior meeting. The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to refer them to the Steering & Rules Committee for future consideration. - Item 12 (260086): 2025 Residents Preference Program (RPP) Annual Report. Mary Reed from the Department of Compliance and Engagement presented the full report. Key data: In 2025, six private development construction projects closed with total project costs of $138.97 million, including $7.2 million in city-funded TIF dollars. All projects fell short of the 40% RPP participation requirement. The three projects with best-effort agreements (Corcoran Street, 1887 Riverwalk, 103 West Clybourne) are not subject to enforcement. The three projects that required compliance (Bronzeville Estates, Five Points, MLK Library and Apartments) were issued letters of non-compliance; no RPP adjustment plans were entered into voluntarily, and no enforcement remedies (e.g., withholding TIF funds) were used. The committee discussed enforcement, the lack of connection with the ACRE program, and the need for targeted outreach to underrepresented zip codes (particularly 53206, 53208, 53210, 53216). The report was received and placed on file unanimously (5-0). The committee also requested a breakdown of participation numbers by trade and zip code. Key Outcomes - Property Sales Approved: Unanimous recommendations to adopt resolutions for seven property transactions (Items 1-7). - TID No. 67 Amendment and King Park Land Conveyance: Unanimous recommendations to adopt both resolutions (Items 8 & 9), with the understanding that Revive Milwaukee program funds will not be used for the King Park lots and that all future land sales and development plans will require separate council approval. - Code Enforcement Ordinances Referred: Items 10 and 11 referred to the Steering & Rules Committee for further consideration. - RPP Report Received: 2025 annual report placed on file; DCE directed to provide a breakdown of participation by trade and zip code, and to collaborate with DCD on future presentations and enforcement strategies. - Old Business Placed on File: Items 13-16 (2024 RPP report, TID close-out reporting ordinance, plan commission appeal ordinance, and a tax deed property sale) were placed on file as no longer necessary.

The hearing was conducted by Hearing Examiner David Feiss with Commissioners Chrissy Fung, Ruben Burgos, and Breeze Spencer. The matter involved the discharge of Captain Todd Christensen for failure to respond to seven medical runs while serving as captain at Station 31 Blue Shift. The parties stipulated to Phase I, admitting violations of multiple MFD rules and just cause factors 1-5. Phase II addressed just cause factors 6 (fair and non-discriminatory application of rules) and 7 (proportionality of discipline to seriousness and service record). Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Stipulation Read into Record: The parties agreed that Christensen violated 24 specific rules and that the chief could establish just cause factors 1 through 5. The only contested issues were factor 6 (whether the rules were applied fairly and without discrimination) and factor 7 (whether discharge reasonably relates to the seriousness of violations and Christensen’s service record). - Testimony of Assistant Chief Joshua Parrish: Parrish detailed the investigation, which included reviewing 30,000–40,000 data rows, interviewing personnel, and identifying that Christensen failed to respond to seven runs (March–September 2025). He stated that Christensen admitted to the violations and that the department’s trust was irrevocably broken. Parrish testified that discharge was appropriate given Christensen’s role as house captain, the frequency of the offenses, and the fact that a newer firefighter believed the behavior was normal. He noted that two other terminated members (Lieutenant Bushman and HEO Hart) were later reinstated as firefighters after appeals, but that Christensen was not offered similar terms because his union did not initiate an appeal. - Testimony of Deputy Chief Robert Hartung and Battalion Chief Joel Recklitz: Both character witnesses testified that Christensen had a long history of dedicated service and could still contribute to the department if reinstated, but both acknowledged the seriousness of the violations and the breach of trust. - Testimony of Todd Christensen: Christensen testified about his 27-year career, multiple awards, and teaching roles. He admitted to the violations and stated they stemmed from a misguided belief that the medic unit did not need his engine. He disclosed a PTSD diagnosis and argued that the termination time was changed from February 5 to February 4 to prevent him from filing a duty disability retirement application. He expressed remorse and willingness to serve in a non-emergency support role. - Closing Arguments: The city argued that discharge was necessary due to the fundamental breach of trust and that no lesser role existed that would not require emergency response. The appellant argued that the termination was discriminatory because the timeline was altered to block his disability application, and that his 27-year record and lack of prior discipline warranted a lesser penalty. Key Outcomes - The Fire and Police Commission unanimously found that the chief met his burden by a preponderance of the evidence on both just cause factors. - The commission ruled that the rules were applied fairly and without discrimination, and that discharge reasonably relates to the seriousness of the violations given Christensen’s role, the frequency of the offenses, and the erosion of trust. - The commission upheld the permanent discharge of Captain Todd Christensen from the Milwaukee Fire Department. - The 10-day rule for issuing a written decision was waived.

The Judiciary & Legislation Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on May 26, 2026, at 9:11 AM in Room 301-B, City Hall. Chair Ald. DiAndre Jackson presided. The committee considered 20 agenda items including a resolution regarding an ICE detention, appointments, property damage claims, election planning, and legal settlements. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM after a closed session. Public Comments & Testimony - Resolution 260006 (Elvira Benitez detention): Several speakers testified in support of the resolution calling for the release of Elvira Benitez, a Sheboygan Falls resident detained by ICE since March 10, 2026. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, translating for Julio Basurto (small business owner), stated that such detentions spread fear and harm the business community (business down 30–60% on South Side). Laiza Ibarra, a DACA recipient, expressed fear and support. Ricardo Chavez, Benitez's spouse, described her deteriorating health and denial of medical care. Ald. Zamarripa and President Perez supported and joined as co-sponsors. The committee recommended adoption 4–0. Discussion Items - Item 2: Appointment to Equal Rights Commission: Madeline Miranda-Navarro, a public health professional and community engagement coordinator, was appointed to the Equal Rights Commission. Recommended for confirmation 4–0. - Items 3–9: Claims for damages: The committee heard claims from residents regarding tree damage to vehicles and property. For each, city forestry and attorney representatives presented evidence of no prior notice or negligence. Most claims were recommended for disallowance and indefinite postponement (denial). Item 4 (Barbara Robinson) was held to call of chair to allow submission of photographs. Claimants expressed frustration but were advised of next steps in litigation. - Item 10: Election Commission communication: Paulina Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, briefed the committee on plans for using funds saved from the cancelled February 2026 primary. The commission is preparing for high turnout in the August primary and November general election, including changes to central count location (Italian Community Center), additional poll workers, and contingency planning with MPS. The communication was placed on file 4–0. - Item 11: In-person absentee voting locations: The committee considered a resolution designating seven early voting sites for the August primary and ten for the November general election (adding Mitchell Street Library, Clinton Rose Senior Center, and Marquette Memorial Union). Ald. Pratt moved to add Villard Square Library; the amendment passed. The substitute resolution was recommended for adoption 4–0. Discussion included security coordination with police and private venue agreements. - Item 12: Legislative updates: Jordan Primoco (Intergovernmental Relations) and Justin Morales (Legislative Affairs) provided an update on the failed state tax deal (failed in Senate) and the passage of the Truth in Planning bill extending TIF extensions from one to two years, which will support affordable housing. They noted the city is developing a new legislative package focusing on revenue diversification. The communication was held to call of chair 4–0. - Item 13: Homeowners association legislation: Held to call of chair 4–0 given legislative session ended. - Items 14–18: Legal settlements and claims (closed session): The committee entered closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to confer with the City Attorney on litigation matters. Following closed session, they approved settlements in Niki Robinson, et al. v. City of Milwaukee (3–0, Perez abstained), payment of claim of John Ambeau Jr. (4–0), payment of claim of Estate of Hayley Linville (3–0, Perez abstained), and authorized hiring outside counsel for election-related needs (4–0). The settlement of Tiffany Lewis v. City of Milwaukee was held to call of chair 4–0. - Items 19–20: Tax foreclosure ordinances/resolutions: These items were recommended for placing on file as no longer necessary (4–0). Key Outcomes - Adopted (recommended to full Council): Resolution 260006 (Elvira Benitez release), appointment of Madeline Miranda-Navarro, substitute resolution 260099 (absentee voting locations), settlement in Niki Robinson lawsuit, payment of claims for John Ambeau Jr. and Estate of Hayley Linville, and authorization for outside election counsel. - Denied/Disallowed: Claims of Julius Adway, Mary Johnson, Jackie Williams, Julian Woodruff, Steven Brandenburg, Unique Long (all recommended for disallowance and indefinite postponement). Claim of Barbara Robinson held to call of chair; claim of Julian Woodruff denied due to no-show. - Placed on File: Election Commission communication (item 10) and tax foreclosure items (19, 20). - Held to Call of Chair: Legislative updates (item 12), homeowners association resolution (item 13), and Tiffany Lewis settlement (item 17). - Votes: All votes were 4–0 except where noted (abstentions by Perez on two items). Ald. Westmoreland was excused.

The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) Oversight and Accountability Committee met on May 26, 2026, at 4:30 PM in City Hall, Room 301-B, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with remote viewing available via City Channel Live Stream 2. All five commissioners attended: Chair Ruben Burgos and Commissioners Miriam Horwitz, Christopher Snyder, Jeff Spence, and Krissie Fung. The agenda covered approval of the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes; a summary of 2026 citizen complaints; citizen complaint trials and referrals; a use-of-force statistical report; 911 call wait times; and MPD/MFD response times. No public comments were offered. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared to comment. After Chair Burgos asked staff whether anyone was appearing virtually, he closed the public comment portion without testimony. Discussion Items - Citizen Complaint Report (Item 3): FPC staff presented a standalone summary of citizen complaint categories and dispositions received to date in 2026, noting it was nearly identical to the monthly report but allowed more time for review. Commissioner Horwitz asked to track complaints filed in Spanish or through the language line, and to identify the outcome categories of sustained complaints. Staff responded that complaints filed by MPD members are generally not disclosed to the department unless disclosure is needed, although the FPC uses the department's records system. Commissioner Burgos expressed concern that many complaints were referred to MPD rather than investigated by the FPC, saying complainants who file with the FPC generally do so deliberately and likely want the FPC to handle the matter. Only two complaints were referred to IED in the first quarter of 2026. Burgos also said that middle-case complaints should not be seen as lacking gravity. - Citizen Complaint Trials – Clinical Program (Item 4, FPC 212545): Staff proposed exploring a clinical legal program with Marquette University or the University of Wisconsin to represent self-represented parties in citizen complaint trials. Staff noted that the FPC charges no filing fee and provides both sides with an electronic courtesy copy of the entire record, and that appellants are notified by email, when an appeal is filed, of their right to hire an attorney. Commissioner Burgos said: "I'm one who's in favor of continuing to research this and finding a resource to help those who quite frankly may not have the resources to help themselves." He described the arrangement as between the litigant and the clinical program, independent of the FPC, and cited past cases in which self-represented parties did not understand the structured nature of the hearing. Commissioners noted that police and fire personnel generally have union-provided attorneys, so the program would primarily help unrepresented complainants. No objections were raised; no vote was taken. - Referrals for Citizen Complaint Trials (Item 5, FPC 212546): Chair Burgos explained that for non-disciplinary outcomes he has authority to order policy review or counseling, while suspensions of five days or less may be grieved but not appealed to the FPC Board. He described these middle cases as harder to decide and discussed a recent case in which investigators questioned whether enough follow-up occurred to support a good decision. The file was a communication file requiring no further action. Commissioners discussed whether the rules should be revisited after a clinical program is in place. - Use of Force Report (Item 6): A use-of-force statistical report by Barbara Cooley was presented, comparing across years and aspects of use of force. The report did not include specific investigation outcomes; those are published in at least two other reports, including quarterly discipline reports. One commissioner noted that in all but one incident in which an officer received a reprimand, the allegations were not sustained, unfounded, exonerated, or resulted in a finding of no code of conduct violation. Commissioner Burgos requested more information about incidents in which officers fired their weapons at a person but did not hit them, since those incidents still constitute use of deadly force. - 911 Call Wait Times (Item 7, FPC 212548): Staff communicated the Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 911 call wait time reports. The item was informational; no further action was required. - MPD and MFD Response Times (Item 8, FPC 212549): Staff communicated Q1 and Q2 2025 Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department response times. Fire travel time was reported as about two minutes and change, similar to the previous two quarters. A commissioner asked whether DEC or another agency has established a response-time standard. A commissioner also noted that response districts include many different neighborhoods. Commissioner Burgos asked whether response times could be analyzed at the neighborhood level, noting that residents in predominantly African American sections of the city may perceive police response as slower; he said he did not know what the data would reveal but that it was worth examining. Key Outcomes - Motion by Jeff Spence, seconded by Christopher Snyder, to approve the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes under FPC 212543. The motion passed 5–0, with all commissioners voting Aye. - The citizen complaint report (Item 3) was received as a communication file; no further action required. - The citizen complaint trial referral communication (FPC 212546) required no further action at this time. - The 911 call wait time report (FPC 212548) and the MPD/MFD response time report (FPC 212549) were received as communications. - The committee expressed no objections to staff continuing to research a clinical legal program; no formal vote was taken. - Motion to adjourn made by Miriam Horwitz, seconded by Christopher Snyder. Notes on Source Discrepancies - The agenda lists Miriam Horwitz as Vice-Chair, while the minutes list Krissie Fung as Vice-Chair. The transcript spells names as Fong, Horowitz, and Schneider. Spellings vary across documents. - The agenda lists the meeting start time as 4:30 PM; the system timestamp for the meeting indicates 2026-05-26T10:30:00+00:00. This summary uses the agenda's 4:30 PM start time.

The Public Safety and Health Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 9:06 AM in City Hall Room 301-B under Chair Ald. Scott Spiker. The meeting concluded at 11:54 AM. All five committee members (Spiker, Burgelis, Taylor, Moore, Chambers Jr.) were present. The agenda covered parking and traffic controls, grant acceptances, updates on the habitual parking violator ordinance, a report from the Safety and Civic Commission, the 4th of July citywide safety plan, police recruitment efforts, a proposed modification to MPD Use of Force policy (SOP 460), FPC annual policy review, SOP updates, and 911 call wait times. Several old files were also placed on file. Consent Calendar - File 260036 (Parking controls ordinance): Recommended for passage unanimously (5-0). Changes include removing no-parking restrictions near West State/Kilborn/Wells to free up parking for residents and businesses; implementing a 2-hour parking zone on East Corcoran Ave (7 a.m.–7 p.m. except Sundays); extending 25-minute meter parking on Sundays (8 a.m.–9 p.m.) on North Prospect Ave. All changes coordinated with local alders. - File 260037 (Traffic controls ordinance): Recommended for passage unanimously (5-0). Proposes all-way stop signs at Orchard & 32nd, Chambers & Fratney, Burleigh & Fratney, Auer & Fratney; and removal of one-way traffic flow on N. 22nd St. between Highland and Juneau to support Milwaukee High School of the Arts dismissal plan. All coordinated with local alders. - File 260071 (2026 WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Grant from WI DHS): Recommended for adoption unanimously (5-0). Annual grant of $110,000 for the WIC program. - File 251855 (2025-2029 Lead Hazard Reduction & Healthy Homes Grant from HUD): Recommended for adoption and referred to Finance & Personnel Committee (due back 5/28/2026) unanimously (5-0). Four-year $7.7 million HUD grant to address lead hazard reduction in 300 units (160 by Habitat for Humanity, remainder by Milwaukee Health Department). Includes healthy homes funds for smoke alarms, asthma prevention, etc. Grant starts now; a prior HUD grant is already two years in. Discussion Items - File 251583 – Habitual Parking Violators (HPV) ordinance update: DPW Parking Services Manager Peter Knox presented a status report. Since November 1, 2025, about $1 million in citations have been collected (20,000 citations). Breakdown: 2,190 tows (as of May 15, 2026) – 1,033 paid at tow lot, 916 set court dates. Proactive payments: 972 paid online, 465 over counter, 700 via tax intercept. 28,000 warning letters sent; 531 people set up payment plans proactively. Tows concentrated in west-side districts (e.g., District 15, District 6). Committee questions about time-of-day towing and coordination with municipal court. Item held to call of chair (5-0). - File 230676 – Safety and Civic Commission report: Chair Byron Marshall and members reported activities: distributed 5,000 voter engagement postcards, 500 backpacks for back-to-school, free Narcan and gun locks at events, child safety seat distribution, listening session on red-light cameras (51 attendees). Four subcommittees: civic/voter engagement, traffic/sanitation/litter, educational achievement, reducing demand for drugs/mental health. Commissioners noted many appointments are expired (some since 2019, 2020). Ald. Chambers expressed lack of awareness and coordination with other city efforts. Item held to call of chair (5-0) for future update. - File 260081 – 4th of July citywide safety plan: Sponsored by Ald. Bauman. Presentations from MPD (Chief of Staff Heather Hough, Asst. Chief Steven Johnson), Summerfest (President/CEO Sarah Pancheri, Associate Security Director Wesam Yaghnam), and Office of Community Wellness & Safety (Jasmine Morton, Julien Phifer). Summerfest operates normally noon–midnight; fireworks show 9:15-9:30 p.m. (20 minutes) supported by Harley-Davidson. Summerfest named a national “250 block party” by the nonpartisan Semiquincentennial Commission, one of five sites nationwide, but no new programming confirmed. MPD and partners will implement enhanced citywide staffing (overtime on holiday), collaboration with federal/state partners (including FBI and DHS intelligence sharing), but no “boots on the ground” from federal agencies confirmed. DCWS will deploy orange shirts, monitor parks (Washington, Lincoln, Humboldt), social media, and conduct public education. Item placed on file (5-0). - File 240887 – Police recruiting update: FPC Director Leon Todd reported that applications meeting minimum qualifications increased from 1,291 (2024) to 1,804 (2025). As of May 19, 2026, 964 applicants; projected 2,000 for 2026. However, class sizes remain 30-45 (target 65 per class). Big drop-off points: written test no-shows, physical readiness test (PRT) – especially for women (pass rate 15-30% vs 85% for men), and psychological evaluations. New initiatives: “Express Test” (1.5 hours, can be taken online/phone) starting June 2026; request to state LESB for alternative PRT; new psychological vendor (National Testing Network) with screen-out philosophy. MPD Chief of Staff Hough added details on marketing/communications team (three people – small for city size); a media producer position was filled to boost recruitment messaging. Committee held item to call of chair (5-0). - File 251663 – SOP 460 Use of Force modification (sponsored by Ald. Burgelis): Proposed to restore a requirement that MPD officers document why they drew their weapon to effectuate an arrest – a requirement removed in 2024 (sunset from Sterling Brown agreement). FPC unanimously recommended adoption on May 7. MPD Chief of Staff Hough requested 30 days to meet and confer with unions to find a less burdensome reporting method (e.g., checkbox), citing administrative and supervisory review burden. MPA President Alex Ayala opposed the change, arguing that displaying a firearm is a common tool and reporting it would create detrimental records for promotions. FPC Commissioner Krissie Fung supported the change for transparency. After multiple motions (hold failed 2-3 and 2-2-1?; approval failed 1-3-1; reconsideration; finally placed on file 3-2: Ayes – Spiker, Moore, Chambers Jr.; Noes – Burgelis, Taylor). The item was effectively killed at committee. - File 260038 – FPC 2025 Annual Policy Review: No changes recommended by FPC; item placed on file (5-0). - File 260134 – FPC Standard Operating Procedures updates: Five routine/administrative changes (SOPs 263, 467, 475, 675, and chaplaincy instruction). Item placed on file (5-0). - File 260025 – 911 Call Wait Times and Dispatch/Response Times: FPC presented quarterly reports for Q1 2026, Q3-Q4 2025. Performance exceeded targets: in Q1 2026, 99.3% of 911 calls answered within 15 seconds, 100% within 90 seconds; zero outlier calls (3 minutes) for emergencies. Non-emergency outlier calls reduced to 91. All police and fire calls met 90% and 95% thresholds. Item placed on file (5-0). Key Outcomes - Parking and traffic control ordinances (Items 1-2) recommended for passage. - WIC and Lead Hazard Reduction grants (Items 3-4) recommended for adoption (Item 4 referred to Finance & Personnel). - Habitual Parking Violators update (Item 5) held to call of chair. - Safety and Civic Commission report (Item 6) held to call of chair. - 4th of July safety plan (Item 7) placed on file. - Police recruiting update (Item 8) held to call of chair. - SOP 460 Use of Force modification (Item 9) placed on file (3-2) after multiple failed motions; effectively defeated. - FPC Annual Policy Review, SOP updates, 911 wait times (Items 10-12) placed on file. - Old files 251063, 150648, 141884, 130208 (Items 13-16) placed on file as no longer necessary.

The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) held its regular session on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 5:32 p.m. in City Hall Room 301-B. Six commissioners were present (Spence, World-Patterson, Burgos, Spencer, Evans, Snyder); three were excused (Horwitz, Ramey, Fung). Vice Chair Bree Spencer chaired in the absence of Chair Miriam Horwitz. The meeting covered 18 agenda items, including public comment, consent agenda, a revised police sergeant job announcement, a duty-to-intervene SOP modification, a report on low-acuity calls, the 2025 vehicle pursuit report, and several personnel actions. Consent Calendar - Items 2–8 were adopted by general consent without debate: approval of May 7, 2026 meeting minutes; appointments to Helpdesk Specialist II (2), Police Services Specialist – Investigator, and Office Assistant III positions; and approval of Electronic Technician 1, 2, and 3 eligible lists for the Milwaukee Police Department. Public Comments & Testimony - Omar Barberena (Voces de la Frontera) expressed full support for the resolution to protect Milwaukee residents from aggressive ICE tactics, citing constitutional violations and public safety concerns. - Tiffany Stark voiced frustration with the lack of communication from the common council (“the elders”) and the rejection of the commission’s unanimous vehicle pursuit motion. She called for more public input and criticized Act 12. - Representative Ryan Clancy strongly supported the SOP modification, stating it is “beyond ridiculous” that such legislation is necessary. He criticized MPD Chief Norman for refusing to commit to enforcing state and local law against ICE violations, and he endorsed Substitute C. - Ann Ritchey supported changing the SOP to apply the same duty-to-intervene standards to federal officers. She preferred Substitute B because it included a duty to investigate. - Bruce Wiggins (728 E. Pleasant Street) supported the previous speakers and asked whether the resolution would protect voting rights (he was told it does not). - Amy Donahue briefly added her support for an SOP to protect Milwaukee from ICE. - Jim Carpenter (Peace Action co-chair) urged the commission to take a moral stand against ICE, citing alleged crimes by ICE and the kidnapping of Salah Sarsour. He asked that MPD protect all residents. - Julie Hueller-Curcio (virtual) asked about MPD training tracking systems, record retention, and transparency regarding foreign training (e.g., Chief Norman’s trip to Israel). She requested that training concerns be added to a future FPC agenda. Discussion Items - Item 9 (Police Sergeant Job Announcement Bulletin): Moved before public comment. The executive director explained changes: reducing the continuous service requirement from seven to six years, and allowing officers with at least two years of detective experience to test with a minimum five years total service. The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote. - Item 10 (Duty to Intervene SOP – Common Council File No. 251799): After extensive discussion, the commission voted to recommend Substitute C (the city attorney’s recommendation) to the Common Council. Substitute C removes the duty to investigate but retains the duty to intervene and report unreasonable uses of force, including by federal officers. The vote was 6–0. Alderman Brower committed to working with the city attorney on a separate SOP for investigations. Commissioner Spencer noted that existing investigatory rules already cover such matters. - Item 11 (Low-Acuity Calls / Alternative Response): Assistant Chief Josh Parrish (MFD) presented a detailed overview of the Community Intervention Task Force (CITF) work, including Dr. Amy Watson’s report, the potential for telephonic/video response, and plans to integrate behavioral health clinicians. The item was held to the call of the chair (motion carried). - Item 12 (2025 Vehicle Pursuit Report): The executive director summarized the report: 970 pursuits in 2025 (up from 957 in 2024), 76% due to reckless driving, nine fatalities (six third-party), and increasing speeds (70% over 75 mph). The report was placed on file. - Item 13 (MPD SOP Changes – SOP 010 Absence): The change clarifies funeral leave verification and removes an optional holiday for civilian members (César Chávez Day). The communication was placed on file. - Item 14 (Executive Director Report – Staffing and Operations): The report included updated citizen complaint categories. Placed on file. Key Outcomes - Item 9 (Sergeant Job Announcement): Adopted unanimously (6-0). - Item 10 (Duty to Intervene SOP): Motion to recommend Substitute C carried 6-0. The recommendation will go to the Common Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee. - Item 11 (Low-Acuity Calls): Held to the call of the chair (motion carried). - Item 12 (Vehicle Pursuit Report): Placed on file. - Item 13 (MPD SOP Changes): Placed on file. - Item 14 (Executive Director Report): Placed on file. - Item 15 (Emergency Communications Manager promotion – Hannah Lore Rodriguez): Approved 6-0. - Item 16 (Seven Emergency Communications Officer II promotions): Approved 6-0. - Item 17 (Crime Analyst II promotion – Caleb Belsiger): Approved 6-0. - Item 18 (Probation extension for a Police Sergeant): Approved by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

The Fire and Police Commission of Milwaukee met in executive session on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at City Hall, Room 301-B. The meeting commenced at 4:33 p.m. and adjourned at 5:17 p.m., lasting 44 minutes. Vice Chair Bree Spencer presided in the absence of Chair Miriam Horwitz. Seven commissioners were present (Burgos, Evans, Fung, Snyder, Spence, World-Patterson, Spencer), and two were excused (Horwitz, Ramey). The sole agenda item was a closed-session discussion regarding litigation involving the Commission and/or the city. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - None in open session; all substantive discussion occurred in closed session. Key Outcomes - Motion to convene in closed session: Commissioner Chris Snyder moved, seconded by Commissioner Ruben Burgos, to enter closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.85(1)(g) to confer with a representative of the City Attorney's Office on litigation strategy. The motion passed unanimously (7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m. following the closed session. No additional votes or directives were taken in open session. - The board did not reconvene in open session after the closed session.

The Community & Economic Development Committee met on May 20, 2026, at 1:30 PM in City Hall, Room 301-B. The committee unanimously recommended four agenda items for adoption, substitution, or placement on file, including a resolution to declare the MKELove Summer Kickback an official city event, a report on the Milwaukee Arts Board annual report, a substitute ordinance updating residential preference program requirements for construction contracts, and a file to place an ordinance on the emerging youth achievement advisory council as no longer needed. Consent Calendar - None. All items were individually discussed and voted on. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments from non-committee members were recorded. Discussion Items - Item 1 (260121): Substitute resolution declaring the MKELove Summer Kickback an official City event and reallocating funds from the MKE Community Excellence Fund. - President José G. Pérez presented the resolution, stating the event is led by young people and will take place at Casiesco Park on June 13, 2026. He noted the need to raise matching funds. - Ald. Stamper and Ald. Dimitrijevic expressed support and requested co-sponsorship. Ald. Moore initially raised a question about funds being transferred from Lit Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), but President Pérez clarified the funds were reallocated from a canceled Caesar Chavez event. - The committee unanimously recommended adoption. - Item 2 (260048): Communication from DCD relating to the Milwaukee Arts Board annual report. - Sally Svetic (DCD) presented a slideshow on the Arts Board's activities, including: - Sustaining Grant Program: $267,600 awarded to 49 organizations in 2026, supporting 3,100 artists and serving over 435,000 people through 7,800+ sessions (2024 data). - Public Art Conservation Fund: $10,000/year for conserving public art, with recent projects including restoration of murals and planters. - Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) Program: Second iteration partnering with the Fire Department to address safe housing, with an 18-month timeline starting July 1, 2026. - Ald. Moore asked about how residents can connect with arts funding; Svetic directed them to the Arts Board website and email. - The committee unanimously recommended placing the communication on file. - Item 3 (252102): Substitute ordinance relating to residential preference program (RPP) requirements for construction contracts. - Mary Reed (Director, Department of Compliance and Engagement) presented the substitute, which amends ordinances 309 and 355 to update the definition of Special Impact Areas (SIAs) for RPP bonus participation. - Background: Every three years, LRB reviews ZIP codes for high/extreme poverty (40%+ poverty rate). In 2026, ZIP 53215 (Ald. Moore's district) fell off the SIA list, reducing incentives for developers to hire from that area. - The substitute adds high poverty (20%+ poverty rate) and extreme poverty (40%+ poverty rate) ZIP codes to the SIA list, broadens the review period from 3 to 5 years, and makes the change retroactive to January 1, 2026, to capture hours already worked. - Ald. Moore expressed support, noting 53215 is a growing diverse area. Ald. Jackson also supported, highlighting benefits for developers. - The committee first substituted the ordinance (motion by Ald. Dimitrijevic), then recommended passage unanimously. - Item 4 (241929): Ordinance relating to the membership of the emerging youth achievement advisory council (placed on file as no longer needed). - Ald. Moore moved to place on file, noting the council is no longer active. Unanimously approved. Key Outcomes - Item 1: Recommended for adoption (5-0). Resolution declares MKELove Summer Kickback an official city event and reallocates funds from the MKE Community Excellence Fund. - Item 2: Recommended for placing on file (5-0). Milwaukee Arts Board annual report accepted. - Item 3: First motion to substitute the ordinance prevailed (5-0). Second motion to recommend passage prevailed (5-0). The substitute ordinance updates RPP SIA definitions and extends review period to 5 years. - Item 4: Recommended for placing on file (5-0). Ordinance on emerging youth achievement advisory council membership no longer needed. - Meeting adjourned at 2:07 PM.