Public Meetings - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Finance & Personnel Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on May 6, 2026, from 9:19 AM to 1:07 PM, with all five members present (Chair Dimitrijevic, Vice-Chair Burgelis, Alds. Spiker, Coggs, Moore). The committee considered 26 agenda items, including appointments, financial reports, ARPA fund reallocation, payroll, and bond issues. The most debated item was the reallocation of $617,215 in unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Public Comments & Testimony - Lianna Bishop, Zilber Family Foundation, testified in support of The Bridge Project, which provides unconditional cash stipends to low-income pregnant mothers. She cited a 67% decrease in housing instability and over 1,000 applications for 122 initial spots. - Colleen Foley, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, testified in support of Eviction Free MKE (right to counsel). She reported that in 2025 the program served 2,088 city residents and has served over 31,000 since 2021. Default judgment rates dropped 40% and eviction filings fell 13% citywide. Every dollar invested yields $4.66 return. - State Representative Ryan Clancy (District 19) testified in support of both programs, emphasizing their transformative impact and urging the committee to “double down on proven strategies.” Discussion Items - Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline Report (Item 1): Comptroller’s Office presented the 2025 annual report. The hotline received 83 complaints (vs. 79 in 2024), 14 actionable, 3 substantiated. Abuse remained the most common type. A motion to place on file carried 5-0. - ARPA Fund Reallocation (Item 7): The administration proposed reallocating $617,215 from closed-out projects to various programs. Two substitute amendments were offered: Substitute A (Ald. Spiker) would allocate $300,000 to The Bridge Project and $317,214.37 to Eviction Free MKE. Substitute E (Ald. Burgelis and Moore) proposed a broader split: $150,000 to Eviction Free MKE, $150,000 to Employ Milwaukee Earn & Learn, $55,000 to the City’s Summer Youth Intern Program, $120,000 to ECO energy efficiency upgrades, $75,000 to down payment assistance, and $67,000 to The Bridge Project. After extensive debate, Substitute A’s components failed on separate roll calls (first: 1-3-1; second: 2-2-1). Substitute E was introduced but before a vote, the committee voted 4-1 to hold the item to the call of the chair, with a plan for a special committee meeting before the May 12 Common Council meeting. - Pension Cost Recovery (Item 8): Adopted unanimously; directs departments to prepare summary on reimbursable overtime and extra-duty contract pension costs. - City Information Management Committee (Item 9): Ordinance passed to expand membership and increase meeting cadence to bi-monthly due to rapid changes in IT and AI. - Vacancy and Fund Transfer Agenda (Item 10): Approved with one exception: the Media Producer position for Police Department was held for further discussion at the Public Safety and Health Committee. Other positions approved. Fund transfers were also approved, including $2.5M from DPW Infrastructure salaries to operating due to higher-than-expected vacancy rates. - Carryover of Fund Balances (Item 11) and Contingent Fund (Item 12): Adopted to close 2025 financial books. - Fire and Police Revenue Reimbursements (Items 13-14): Adopted. - Sole Source Contracts (Items 15-16): Approved/placed on file after presentation by Purchasing. - Classification Studies (Item 17): Placed on file; included market study for lab positions in Waterworks and Health Department, costing $450,000 annually. DER noted this is the final large market study in a five-year cycle. - Sewerage System Revenue Bonds (Items 18-20): Adopted in order. The refunding will release $9 million in trustee-held funds and achieve $1.5 million annual debt service savings through 2033 in the sewer fund. - Grants (Items 21-22): Adopted. - Travel, Rates of Pay, Positions (Items 23-25): Adopted. - Place on File (Item 26): Resolution creating ARPA Funding Allocation Task Force placed on file as no longer necessary. Key Outcomes - Appointments confirmed: Jerry Allen and Deborah Ford to Employees’ Retirement System Annuity and Pension Board; Steve Mahan and Molly King to Deferred Compensation Plan Board. (All 5-0) - Health & Wellness Program (Item 6) held to call of chair. - ARPA Funds (Item 7) held 4-1; special committee meeting to be scheduled before May 12. - Police Media Producer position held for further review. - All other items adopted/passed as noted, mostly unanimously. - Meeting adjourned at 1:07 PM.

The Board of City Service Commissioners (CSC) met virtually on May 5, 2026, at 1:30 PM, adjourning at 1:59 PM. Commissioners Bock (President), Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl were present; Vice President Miller was excused. The meeting covered routine approvals of meeting minutes, classification reports, temporary appointments, probationary extensions, and a position re-exemption. Public testimony raised concerns about pay administration for Milwaukee Waterworks laboratory staff, leading to a discussion that separated the classification study from subsequent pay matrix decisions. Consent Calendar - Approval of April 21, 2026, meeting minutes – Approved unanimously (4-0). - Probationary Report(s) – Placed on file; no action required as no reclassified positions had probation recommendations. - Temporary appointment extension for Amber Graham (Program Assistant 1, DPW) – Extended for 7 months (May 10, 2026, through December 19, 2026). Approved unanimously (4-0). - Temporary appointment extension for LaShaunda Everett (Fleet Operations Manager, DPW) – Extended for 6 months (May 24, 2026, through November 24, 2026). Approved unanimously (4-0). - Probationary period extension for Carl Chopp (Administrative Services Manager, DOA) – Extended 3 months (April 29, 2026, through July 28, 2026). Approved unanimously (4-0). - Re-exemption of the Residential Property Disposition Manager position (DCD) – Approved unanimously (4-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Ian Gunther, President of AFSCME Local 47 (City of Milwaukee Workers Union), spoke on behalf of water quality section staff regarding the Laboratories Market Study (item 4). He read a letter detailing concerns about pay matrix placement for the 22 Milwaukee Waterworks laboratory employees. Key statistics cited: only 3 staff have over 20 years of experience, 14 have under 5 years (including 6 hired within the last year), and a 20% turnover rate. The letter requested a matrix placement formula: 1% credit per year of service (up to 15%), 1% credit for maintaining Wisconsin DNR certifications (up to 3%), and 1% credit for advanced degrees beyond minimum requirements (up to 2%). Examples of experienced staff (Shannon De La Cruz, Lindsay Gaziowski, Brian Minka) were provided to illustrate the need for recognizing senior expertise. The letter also highlighted the case of Jen Irby, who was excluded from a $10,000 raise when moving between sections, and recommended that all water treatment positions be evaluated together. Discussion Items - Classification Report(s) – Laboratories Market Study (Item 4): Sarah Sinsky (Compensation Services) presented one report covering positions in the Milwaukee Health Department and DPW Milwaukee Waterworks laboratories. The report recommended retitling “Virologist” to “Microbiologist” and “Virologist Senior” to “Microbiologist Senior” to better reflect duties. After Mr. Gunther’s testimony, President Bock noted the letter was received only 45 minutes before the meeting, making it difficult to consider the complex pay administration issues. Lauri Rollings (Assistant City Attorney) clarified that the matrix placement is an administrative decision, not governed by CSC rules, and that delaying the classification report would push approval to fall due to an upcoming transition. Commissioners Smith, Cleary, and Bock agreed the classification report itself was sound and should be approved, while referring the matrix placement concerns to the Department of Employee Relations (DER) and Milwaukee Waterworks management for separate evaluation. Key Outcomes - Classification Report approved (4-0). The Laboratories Market Study and title changes are adopted. - Matrix placement issues referred to DER and department management for review; no action by the CSC. - All other agenda items approved unanimously (4-0) as listed in the Consent Calendar. - Commissioner Smith’s announcement: Submitted a resignation letter to the mayor’s office but will remain on the commission until a successor is found. He recommended that future commissioners have legal or human resources backgrounds.

The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 9:06 a.m. in Room 301-B of City Hall. Chair Ald. Robert J. Bauman presided, with members Ald. Russell W. Stamper, II (Vice-Chair), Ald. Milele A. Coggs, Ald. DiAndre Jackson, and Ald. Scott P. Spiker present. The committee considered 21 agenda items, including two ordinance changes targeting chronic nuisance landlords, multiple zoning changes, Tax Incremental District (TID) amendments, a revenue bond authorization for multifamily housing acquisitions, and numerous tax-deeded property sale-backs. Public Comments & Testimony - Atty. Kirsten Pezewski (legal counsel for the Rental Property Association of Wisconsin, Inc.) testified on Items 1 and 2. She expressed concerns about the proposed ordinances and requested additional time to review the files, noting that many of her members are small landlords who could be disproportionately affected. - Ald. Larresa Taylor (9th District) stated her opposition to Item 10 (revenue bonds for Arbor Ridge Apartments and St. James Place), arguing that converting the existing market-rate luxury apartments to affordable housing would remove units that are working well for her district. She noted the developer had not contacted her before the meeting. - Ald. Jose Perez (Common Council President, 12th District) spoke in support of Items 1 and 2, emphasizing the need for better enforcement against large landlords with repeated violations. - Ald. Taylor also testified in support of Item 5 (zoning change for senior housing at 11919 W Bradley Road), highlighting the need for memory care facilities in her district. Discussion Items 1. DNS Enforcement & Penalties for Multi-Unit Residential Properties (Items 1-2) - Item 1 (File 251773): Substitute ordinance relating to Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) enforcement of code violations for multi-unit residential properties. The ordinance would define a "multi-unit residential nuisance" and allow DNS to designate properties with multiple violations, giving owners a chance to submit a corrective plan. Special penalties up to three times the standard range could be applied. - Item 2 (File 252240): Ordinance relating to penalties for code violations on multi-unit residential nuisance properties. This file creates subcategories for violations so DNS can issue citations directly in Municipal Court, bypassing the designation and appeals process. - Discussion included testimony from DNS Deputy Commissioner Mike Mazmanian and LRB’s Gunnar Raasch, who explained the current court process and data tracking in the Accela system. Ald. Bauman, Stamper, and Perez noted the need to target large landlords who treat fines as a cost of doing business. - Both files were amended with Proposed Substitute A (Ald. Stamper’s motion, 5-0) and then held to the call of the chair (5-0) to allow additional City Attorney review and compilation of data. 2. Minor Modification to St. Rita Square DPD (Item 3) - File 252012: Substitute resolution for a minor modification to the Detailed Planned Development (DPD) at 728 E. Pleasant Street to add building signage for the senior living facility. The signage would comply with code (no more than 4 feet into right-of-way, at least 10 feet above sidewalk). City Plan Commission recommended approval unanimously on April 27, 2026. Ald. Brower (sponsor) supports. The committee recommended adoption (5-0). 3. Zoning Change from Industrial Heavy to Industrial Mixed (Item 4) - File 251867: Substitute ordinance to rezone 2156 and 2166 S. 4th Street from IH to IM. The property (former St. Anthony’s school) is partially used as a daycare; the change allows a wider mix of uses (schools, offices, studios) and includes a city-owned vacant lot for future Riverwalk extension. No public objections. The committee recommended passage (5-0). 4. Zoning Change for Senior Housing at 11919 W. Bradley Road (Item 5) - File 251606: Substitute ordinance to rezone approximately 15 acres from RS2 to RM3 for construction of 101 senior housing units (townhouse-style flats) on church-owned land. The church (Kingdom Faith Fellowship) will remain. The proposal includes 80% market-rate and 20% workforce housing units, with future phases for memory care and school expansion. City Plan Commission recommended approval. The committee recommended passage (5-0). 5. TID 56 Amendment for Donations to TIDs 89 and 106 (Item 6) - File 252191: Resolution approving Amendment No. 8 to Tax Incremental District No. 56 (Erie Jefferson) to donate surplus increment ($1,514,000 to TID 89 and $1,294,000 to TID 106). TID 56 (four high-value properties near the river) has generated over $77 million in revenue since 2004. The donations will cover project costs for affordable housing developments at Garfield & North (TID 89) and McKinley School (TID 106). The committee recommended adoption (5-0). 6. Creation of TID 133 for Affordable Senior Housing (Item 7) - File 252192: Resolution approving the project plan and development agreement for TID No. 133 at 2711 W. Wells Street. The district will support new construction of 124 affordable rental units for seniors (30-80% AMI), with 14 units for veterans and 18 for supportive housing. Total project cost is $50.7 million, with up to $2.6 million in developer financing from the TID. The developer is Milwaukee Development Corporation (nonprofit). The committee recommended adoption (5-0). 7. Lease with ABM Industry Groups for Parking Lot (Item 8) - File 252195: Resolution authorizing a five-year lease of a city-owned parking lot at 634 N. 5th Street (behind Vel R. Phillips Plaza) to ABM Industry Groups, LLC. The lease includes a 90-day termination clause, keeping the site available for a potential convention hotel. The committee recommended adoption (4-0, Ald. Coggs excused). 8. Conveyance to MPS for MLK Jr. Playfield Expansion (Item 9) - File 252194: Resolution authorizing the conveyor of two RACM-owned vacant lots to the City in trust for Milwaukee Public Schools to expand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Playfield. The property was acquired in the 1980s. The committee recommended adoption (4-0, Ald. Coggs excused). 9. Revenue Bonds for Arbor Ridge Apartments and St. James Place (Item 10) - File 260026: Substitute resolution approving the issuance of conduit revenue bonds by the Public Finance Authority for the acquisition of two multifamily properties (374 total units) by Bedford Arbor Ridge, LLC and Bedford St. James, LLC. The developers (Post Real Estate Group) proposed converting the market-rate units to 100% affordable housing, with 40% of units at 60% AMI and 60% at 80% AMI, and $2.25 million in upgrades. The local alderman, Ald. Taylor, opposed the project. After a presentation from bond counsel and developers (appearing via teleconference), the committee substituted the file (5-0) and then voted to place it on file (effectively denying it, 5-0). 10. Tax-Deeded Property Sale-Backs (Items 11-21) - Eleven resolutions authorizing the sale-back of city-owned tax-deeded properties to former owners. All properties are located in the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 15th Aldermanic Districts. Item 11 (1847 N. 2nd St.) was amended with a substitute adding a reversionary clause to allow the city to retake title if restoration conditions are not met. Each sale-back requires a restoration agreement with DNS. All items were recommended for adoption unanimously (5-0 or 4-0 on items with excused members). Key Outcomes - Items 1 and 2: Substituted and held to call of the chair for further review (5-0 each). - Items 3-7: Recommended for adoption or passage (all 5-0). - Item 8 and 9: Recommended for adoption (4-0, Coggs excused). - Item 10: Substituted (5-0) and then placed on file (denied) (5-0). - Items 11-21: All recommended for adoption (Item 11 with substitute; others as filed; votes 5-0 or 4-0). - The meeting adjourned at 10:47 a.m.

The Judiciary and Legislation Committee met on May 4, 2026, to consider several claims, receive legislative updates, discuss the 2026 property assessments, and act on resolutions. Key actions included denial of a claim for vehicle damage from a manhole cover, adoption of a legislative update, approval of a resolution supporting speed limiting devices for repeat reckless drivers, and receiving the assessor's annual presentation. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was used; each item was considered individually. Public Comments & Testimony - Peyton Reznor (claimant, Oak Creek, WI) testified regarding her claim for vehicle damage. She stated that a manhole cover blew off during torrential rains on August 10, 2025, totaling her Jeep. She had owned the vehicle for only a month and a half. The city denied the claim, citing no prior notice of the defect and that the event was a nature-induced mishap. Discussion Items - Claims (Items 1–6): The committee addressed six claims. Most were held or denied without objection. Notable was Item 6 (Peyton Reznor claim). The city attorney recommended denial, stating that the city had no notice of the missing manhole cover and was not negligent. DPW Sewer Services Manager Jason Sanders explained that 14.5 inches of rainfall caused sewer back pressure to blow the lid off, possibly propelling it 4 feet into the air. The lid had been patched over with asphalt in the bike lane. Alderman Bauman moved denial; Alderman Price objected, but the motion carried. The committee clerk noted that the full Common Council would consider the recommendation on May 12, 2026. - Legislative Updates (Item 7): Jordan Primaco and Katie Yeager (Intergovernmental Relations Division) presented a summary of state legislation from the 2025–2026 session. Key bills passed include: Truth in Planning (Act 237) – expands affordable housing funds; WEDA program fixes (Act 238) – broadens loan uses; historic preservation tax credit (Act 239); battery stewardship programs (Acts 170, 171); $732 million bonding authority for water infrastructure (Act 15); postpartum Medicaid extension to one year; breast cancer screening coverage (Act 103); state film office (Act 15); and the Transform Milwaukee Jobs program update (Act 176). The governor vetoed Assembly Bill 165, which would have restricted local government programs. The presentation also covered the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais (6–3) weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Legislative Affairs noted that Wisconsin’s state and local maps are likely safe through 2030, but challenges to congressional maps could arise. The committee also noted that Democrats introduced 500 bills this session, of which only five received a committee hearing. Alderman Westmoreland thanked the team for work on DACA licensure (Act 240), which affects about 5,100 dreamers in Wisconsin. The update was received and filed. - Amendment to State Legislative Package (Item 8): Alderman Stamper introduced a substitute resolution to add support for legislation requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for vehicles owned by individuals repeatedly convicted of reckless driving. He noted that Maryland and other states have passed similar laws. The device would prevent speeding. Alderman Stamper emphasized that this targets high-risk drivers and provides an alternative to license suspension. Intergovernmental Relations noted that a similar bill was introduced by Rep. Goodwin and Sen. Larson but did not advance. The committee discussed cost burdens and design flexibility. The resolution was adopted unanimously. - 2026 Assessments Presentation (Item 9): Deputy Commissioner Ryan Ranker and Real Estate Modeler Colin Williams presented the annual revaluation. Key points: The city is divided into 140 residential neighborhoods; assessments are based on arms-length sales, with over 5,000 usable sales this year. The citywide total assessment increased 6% (residential +6.43%, commercial +5.31%). The 4th Aldermanic District had the lowest residential change (-1.4%), and the 7th District had the highest (+13.1%). Neighborhood 2960 (near 35th and Center) saw a 26% increase. The assessor’s office uses an income approach for commercial properties, and while they aim for 100% of market value, they acknowledged challenges with large landlords like Barata. Alderman Bauman referenced a Marquette Law School report that found Barata’s properties were assessed at 34% of market value based on private mortgage documents; the assessor agreed to review the data. The committee discussed the appeals process: open book runs April 20–May 18, 2026; formal objections deadline May 18, 2026; Board of Review begins May 29, 2026. About 30% of formal appeals result in an adjustment. The presentation was received and filed. - Municipal Court Non-Traffic Deposit Schedule (Item 11): A representative from the court presented the annual schedule. Two changes: state law increased clerk fees from $38 to $48, and totals were adjusted for the discontinuation of the penny. Alderman Bauman clarified that this schedule does not apply to housing code violations, which are handled via summons and complaint. The schedule was approved. - Settlement Resolution (Item 13): Deputy City Attorney Naomi Sanders presented a resolution correcting a clerical error in a prior file (reference to 2025 instead of 2026). The resolution appropriates up to $150 million for the 2026 damages and claims fund and authorizes settlement of Barry Beverly v. City of Milwaukee. The resolution was adopted. Key Outcomes - Claim of Peyton Reznor denied (motion by Alderman Bauman, one objection from Alderman Price). - Legislative update received and filed; staff thanked outgoing Katie Yeager. - Resolution supporting speed limiting devices for repeat reckless drivers adopted (unanimous). - 2026 assessment presentation received and filed; the assessor agreed to follow up on Barata assessment concerns. - Municipal court non-traffic deposit schedule approved (unanimous). - Settlement resolution for Barry Beverly v. City approved (unanimous). - Item 12 held at the request of Alderman Bauman. - The committee also noted that the full Common Council meets on May 12, 2026, to consider the claim denial recommendation.

The Historic Preservation Commission of Milwaukee met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 3:02 PM in City Hall Room 301-B. The meeting was chaired by Jordan Morales and all seven commissioners were present. The commission considered seven Certificates of Appropriateness, reviewed a National Register nomination for the Mitchell Park Domes, and voted on the Cream of the Cream City awards. The meeting adjourned at 4:42 PM. Consent Calendar - Items 4–7 (Staff-Approved COAs): Approved unanimously (7-0). Included: - Exterior signage at 1119 W Historic Mitchell St (Mitchell Street Historic District). - Wooden fence at 2607 N Grant Blvd (Grant Boulevard Historic District). - Partial roof replacement at 3003 N Sherman Blvd (Sherman Boulevard Historic District). - Exterior security camera doorbells at 3002 W Kilbourn Ave (Concordia Historic District). - Item 8: Approval of April 13, 2026, minutes: Approved without objection. Discussion Items - Item 1: Mothball Status for Catherine Foley Tavern (266 E. Erie St): Carl Bahneman (MPA board member) reported recent graffiti was remediated, the building is secure and stable, and weekly checks continue. No issues from the April storm. MPA is working with UWM on a board-up intervention design. A fundraising event (“Brick by Brick”) is scheduled at Brown Deer Country Club. The mothball period is six months. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7-0). - Item 2: Mural at 918 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Historic District): This was a holdover from the previous month to allow a test panel. Applicant Seeds of Health (CEO Jody Weber, architect Bob Morris, and artist Tia Richardson) presented results. The test panel (Polytab cloth) was applied and removed without damaging the brick, as confirmed by memos from Holton Brothers and State Painting Company. The artist agreed to waive artist rights for future removal. The mural will be painted off-site with community participation (over 600 people already involved) and adhered to the wall. The artist described using a breathable adhesive with a perm rating of 37 metric perms (comparable to Tyvek). Commissioners raised concerns about long-term maintenance and ownership changes; Seeds of Health stated strong intent to retain the building. Staff recommended approval with conditions for breathable adhesive. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7-0). - Item 3: Door Hood at 1060 E. Juneau Ave (First Ward Triangle Historic District): Gina Mittnacht (president of the owning LLC) described the property as “frozen in time” with historic furnishings, currently used by the Milwaukee Junior League. The new door hood (copper-faced, wood brackets) will protect the entrance after removal of a non-historic garage addition. Staff found the design consistent with the historic character. The applicant also revealed plans to donate the property to a 501(c)(3) for perpetual preservation. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7-0). - Item 9: National Register Nomination for Mitchell Park Domes (524 S. Layton Blvd): Graduate intern Dilruba Shuvra presented a pre-recorded presentation supporting the nomination. The domes are significant at the state level under Criterion C (architecture, engineering) as a unique conoidal form, and at the national level under Criterion C (engineering) as the work of master engineer Charles Whitney. The domes were commissioned in 1954, designed by architect Donald Gribb, and patented in 1965. They are the only conoidal domes used as a conservatory. The commission approved the nomination unanimously (7-0) and will submit comments to the state review board by May 15. - Item 10: Cream of the Cream City Awards: Staff presented eight nominees. Commissioners discussed the need to improve outreach and prestige of the awards. Voting was conducted by paper ballot. Winners (those receiving a majority vote) were: - Commercial/Large Multifamily: Hilton Milwaukee City Center - Residential (1-4 Family): SNSHN - Theo Lery Duplexes - Preservation Advocacy: Prairie Springs on Park (Urban Ecology Center) - Religious Property: Gesu - Sensitive Infill: Allen Building No awards were given in the Education category. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 21, 2026, at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. Key Outcomes - All seven Certificates of Appropriateness were adopted unanimously (7-0). - The National Register nomination for the Mitchell Park Domes was approved and will be forwarded to the state review board. - Five Cream of the Cream City award winners were selected; the ceremony will be held May 21, 2026. - The commission will consider improving outreach for future awards, including possibly switching to an every-other-year cycle. - Preservation Commission training is scheduled for May 16, 2026, in Fond du Lac.

The Public Safety and Health Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council convened on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 9:04 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall. Chair Ald. Scott Spiker presided, with Ald. Peter Burgelis, Ald. Larresa Taylor, Ald. Sharlen P. Moore, and Ald. Mark Chambers Jr. present. The meeting adjourned at 11:28 AM after considering 17 agenda items, including a major opioid settlement spending plan, a briefing on vehicular street takeovers, and numerous routine grant resolutions. Consent Calendar - Parking Controls Ordinance (File 252156): Recommended for passage unanimously (5-0). Changes include removing a no-parking zone on N. 37th St., creating one-hour parking zones near Global Power Components, three-hour metered parking at UWM dorms, five new accessible parking spaces, and an overnight parking exception on N. Palmer St. Ald. Burgelis noted that the one-hour zones are needed because the company's operations have caused neighborhood disruption; he indicated restrictions may be revisited. - Traffic Controls Ordinance (File 252157): Recommended for passage unanimously (5-0). Installs an all-way stop at Melvina & 83rd St. and removes a yield sign at Reynolds Place & Pierce St. - Beach Water Monitoring Grant (File 252136): Recommended for adoption unanimously (4-0, Chambers excused). Accepts $20,000 from WDNR to fund summer beach water testing at three county beaches in the city. - Healthy Food Establishment Special Fund (File 252158): Recommended for adoption unanimously (4-0, Chambers excused). Authorizes the Health Commissioner to award grants from this fund to address food deserts. - 2026 WIC Grant Amendment (File 252186): Recommended for adoption unanimously (4-0, Chambers excused). Adjusts grant term to align with a new state fiscal calendar. - Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Enforcement Grant (File 252119): Recommended for adoption unanimously (4-0, Chambers excused). Accepts $25,200 from WisDOT (with $6,300 match) for high-visibility enforcement; Marquette University Police Department is a new partner. - Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant (File 252135): Recommended for adoption unanimously (4-0, Chambers absent). Accepts $946,496 total; city's share of $480,248 funds MPD equipment and temporary contracts. - Domestic Violence High Risk Team Grant (File 252174): Recommended for adoption and referral to Finance & Personnel unanimously (4-0, Chambers excused). Accepts $448,751 extension to continue identifying high-risk homicide cases. - Congenital Disorder/Newborn Screening Grant (File 252126): Recommended for adoption and referral to Finance & Personnel unanimously (4-0, Chambers excused). Accepts $300,000 from Wisconsin DHS for newborn follow-up care. - Fire & Police Commission SOPs (File 252147): Recommended for placing on file (4-0, Chambers absent) except for the new Foot Pursuit policy (SOP 100), which was held to allow Aldermen to review a missing summary memo. Other SOPs, including modifications to canine policy (adding electronic storage detection canine) and creation of Crash Reconstruction Unit SOI, were accepted. - Trauma Care Resolution (File 211260) & Community Intervention Task Force Agreement (File 220510): Both placed on file as no longer necessary (4-0, Chambers excused). Discussion Items Opioid Settlement Funds Expenditure (File 260007) The committee heard a detailed presentation from Health Commissioner Dr. Totoraitis, MFD Chief Lipski, and other officials on a comprehensive plan to invest opioid settlement funds over three years. Key points: - The plan targets roughly $5.6 million for a “whole of government” approach covering prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery, while avoiding duplication with Milwaukee County’s larger investments. - Focus areas include expanding the Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative (MORI), the Scales Neighborhood Nursing Program, workforce development (e.g., credible clinicians), and harm reduction supplies. - A collaborative work group has guided development; evaluation metrics and quarterly reporting to the Board of Health are planned. - The Health Department aims to issue RFPs and subgrants by late summer, with a focus on making processes accessible to small community organizations. - Ald. Chambers expressed concern about lack of prior communication and asked why the Department of Community Wellness & Safety (DCWS) was not included earlier; he abstained from the vote, urging that DCWS receive a financial role before full Council. - Ald. Moore and Ald. Burgelis expressed support, with Burgelis noting the settlement is insufficient compared to industry harm. - President Perez (sponsor) emphasized the need for community involvement in RFP selection and clear outcome metrics. The resolution was recommended for adoption on a 4-0-1 vote (Chambers abstaining). Ald. Spiker, Burgelis, Moore, and Taylor added as co-sponsors. Vehicular Street Takeovers (File 260024) MPD Chief of Staff Heather Hough, Inspectors Sheronda Grant and Paul Lau, and DCWS representatives briefed the committee on the response to a series of street takeovers on April 25-26, 2026. Key details: - Nine identified street takeovers generated 17 calls for service between 11 PM and 2:40 AM. During the same period, MPD officers were dispatched to 165 total calls citywide. - Enforcement results: 2 vehicles towed, 1 arrest on scene (for reckless driving, operating while revoked, no ignition interlock; over $1,400 in fines), and 7 citations issued (2 for spectating, 1 for reckless driving, 4 others). - MPD's Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested the alleged primary organizer (a non-Milwaukee resident) on a felony reckless endangerment charge; three other main actors are identified. - Challenges: participants flee quickly, wear masks, and use social media to organize. MPD noted a communication gap between the Department of Emergency Communications and districts, which is being addressed to improve coordination. - MPD is preparing for summer with dedicated “Summer Guardian” deployments starting in three weeks and urged residents to call 911 immediately and send videos to IFCMilwaukee.gov. - DCWS representative Quinn Taylor said the department's role is prevention and post-event community support, not active intervention during takeovers. DCWS monitors social media to remove promoting content and shares intelligence with law enforcement. - Several alders, including Perez, Taylor, Dmitrijevic, and Chambers, stressed the need for stronger deterrence, potential owner-liability citations, and inter-jurisdictional coordination. The communication was held to the call of the chair on a 4-0-1 vote (Chambers excused). Clinic Closure Prevention (File 251407, Reconsidered) Ald. Coggs explained that the resolution formalizes a budget footnote tasking the Health Department and Department of Employee Relations to develop strategies preventing clinic closures due to staffing shortages. The Health Department expressed support. The resolution was recommended for adoption unanimously (5-0) after being held earlier for sponsor availability. Key Outcomes - Opioid Settlement Plan: Recommended for adoption (4-0-1) with a path to grant issuance by late summer. Ald. Chambers abstained but indicated he may support at Council if DCWS receives a funding role. - Street Takeover Strategy: Held for continued monitoring; MPD committed to improving real-time coordination and pursuing felony charges against organizers. DCWS to support with prevention messaging. - Grant Approvals: All routine grant resolutions were recommended for adoption, with two referred to the Finance & Personnel Committee (due back May 7, 2026). - SOPs: Foot pursuit policy (new) held for document review; all other SOP changes placed on file. - Next Steps: Committee will revisit the street takeover file as needed, and the Health Department will return with detailed RFP scopes. The foot pursuit memo will be supplied before the next meeting.

The Community and Economic Development Committee of the Milwaukee Common Council met on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 1:35 PM to 2:01 PM in City Hall, Room 301-B. Chair Alderman Russell W. Stamper II presided, with all five members present (Stamper, Dimitrijevic, Jackson, Chambers Jr., and Moore). The committee considered nine agenda items, including an ordinance to add youth members to an advisory council, appointments to Business Improvement District 51 and the Milwaukee Arts Board, and a resolution accepting a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant for regional food systems. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Ordinance on Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council Membership (Item 1) - File 250659: A substitute ordinance to add two youth members (likely high school graduates) to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council, reducing terms to two years for flexibility. Clifton Crump, Policy and Administration Director for President Perez, presented the ordinance, stating that youth must be “at the table” when decisions affecting them are discussed. The ordinance aligns with a recent partnership with Milwaukee Succeeds to identify youth for board service. - Ald. Sharlen Moore recommended exploring a small stipend for youth members and ensuring meeting times are convenient for high school or college-age participants. Crump noted that the board is currently unpaid and paying only youth could trigger rules requiring compensating all members, but the office will seek private funds or other solutions. - Ald. Mark Chambers Jr. moved to recommend passage; the motion prevailed 5-0. Appointments to Business Improvement District 51 (Items 2–5) - Beth Handle (Item 2, 12th District): Owner of Milwaukee Kayak Company (14 seasons), appointed to represent Harbor District. Confirmed on motion by Ald. Moore (5-0). - John Rossetto (Item 3, 12th District): Reappointed; noted for perfect attendance. Confirmed on motion by Ald. Dimitrijevic (5-0). - David Stegeman (Item 4, 14th District): Representing River One area; employer Michaels Corporation. Ald. Dimitrijevic praised his company’s investment for sparking positive growth. Confirmed on motion by Ald. Dimitrijevic (5-0). - Colleen Cheney-Trawinski (Item 5, 14th District): Active in South Side, bridging Harbor District and Lincoln Village. Ald. Dimitrijevic thanked her for unpaid service. Confirmed on motion by Ald. Dimitrijevic (5-0). Appointments to Milwaukee Arts Board (Items 6–7) - Erin Fonseca (Item 6, 6th District): Manager of after-school arts and humanities programming for Milwaukee Recreation; former teacher and artist. Confirmed on motion by Ald. Jackson (5-0). - Melissa Muller (Item 7, 10th District): Fund development consultant and artist; organizes Washington Park Wednesdays concert series. Ald. Moore shared a long personal connection and moved confirmation. Confirmed 5-0. Appointment to Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council (Item 8) - Maritza Ugarte (Item 8): Appointment by the Mayor. Applicant was not present. Ald. Chambers moved to hold the item at the call of the chair; motion prevailed 5-0. Resolution on USDA Regional Food System Partnerships Grant (Item 9) - File 252209: Resolution to accept and fund a U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service Regional Food System Partnerships Program grant. Mario Higgins, Director of Community Development Grants Administration, presented the grant, which is just short of $1,000,000 (approximately $1,000,000 per the minutes) over three years, plus a city match. The city serves as the fiscal agent, with most resources directed to Milwaukee. - The grant aims to develop a replicable model for regional food system transformation, improving food access and economic opportunity in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin. Partners include Dane County (Madison) and Brown County. Targeted Milwaukee zip codes are 53205, 53206, and 53208. Key activities include convening partners, technical assistance for food enterprises, infrastructure for food recovery and composting, and coordination with the Health Department. - A project coordinator (to be hired via RFP) will manage cross-county work; the committee discussed whether a contractor or city staffer would be more cost-effective. Mini-grants ($300,000 total) will be awarded to local organizations. Grant compliance manager Matt Balistrieri will dedicate 40% time. - Ald. Chambers moved to recommend adoption; the motion prevailed 5-0. Key Outcomes - All five votes were unanimous (5-0). - The ordinance to add youth members to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council was recommended for passage and will go to the full Common Council. - Four appointments to BID 51 (Beth Handle, John Rossetto, David Stegeman, Colleen Cheney-Trawinski) and two appointments to the Milwaukee Arts Board (Erin Fonseca, Melissa Muller) were recommended for confirmation. - The appointment of Maritza Ugarte to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council was held pending her appearance. - The resolution accepting the USDA grant was recommended for adoption, with the administration to return to the committee with more detail before launch.

The Milwaukee Public Works Committee convened on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 9:19 a.m. (agenda listed 9:00 a.m.) in City Hall Room 301-B. Chairwoman Milele A. Coggs presided, with Vice Chair Lamont Westmoreland, Aldermen Robert J. Bauman, Larresa Taylor, and Alex Brower present. The committee considered 22 agenda items, including resolutions on assessable and nonassessable public improvements, a flooding response communication, sidewalk dining permit fees, a dedicated sidewalk replacement crew, weekend road repairs, pothole patching, dockless mobility regulations, and several lease amendments and easements. The meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m. Consent Calendar - Items 1–4 (Assessable/Nonassessable Improvements): Approved unanimously (5-0) after public hearings. Included traffic calming speed humps in multiple aldermanic districts (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th). Public testimony was received for the 3rd District (Jason Kuwayama in support) and 14th District (Ms. Perez in support). - Item 6 (Verizon Lease Amendment): Approved 5-0. - Item 7 (T-Mobile Lease Amendment): Approved 5-0. - Item 8 (WE Energies Easement): Approved 4-1 (Ald. Bauman opposed, noting no fee for the easement). - Item 10 (Sidewalk Dining Permit Fees): Recommended for passage 5-0; reduces renewal fee from $2/sq.ft. to $1/sq.ft. for renewing applicants. - Item 11 (Scattered-Site Sidewalk Replacement Crew): Recommended for adoption 5-0; department provided an update that equipment and staffing are being procured, with mobilization expected in July 2026. - Item 13 (Utility Easements – MALO WI, LLC): Approved 5-0. - Item 14 (CMAQR Route Optimization Grant): Approved 5-0. - Item 15 (Security Zones in Entertainment Districts): Recommended for adoption 5-0; directs departments to develop a plan for potential security perimeters. - Item 16 (Termination of Restrictive Covenant – 1245-47 & 1233 N. Water St.): Approved 5-0. - Items 17 & 18 (Dockless Mobility – Resolutions/Ordinances): Placed on file 5-0; DPW outlined planned geofencing restrictions for scooter use downtown (no-ride zones from April through October 2026). - Item 22 (Charter Ordinance – Milwaukee Water Works): Placed on file as no longer needed, 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 1 (Traffic Calming – 3rd District): Jason Kuwayama spoke in support of speed humps on East Kane Place, citing traffic diversion from Brady Street. He thanked Ald. Brower for his attention to the district. - Item 1 (Traffic Calming – 14th District): Ms. Perez (South 7th Street) supported speed humps, describing daily racing and speeding from expressway traffic. - Item 5 (Flooding): Ald. Pratt introduced the communication due to widespread flooding April 13–17. E-comments were noted; Chair Coggs encouraged DPW to read and respond to them. No live public testimony was taken, but the committee held the item to allow for future reporting. - Item 10 (Sidewalk Dining Fees): Ald. Dimitrijevic spoke in favor of reducing the renewal fee, citing small business concerns. - Item 21 (Licenses – Public Passenger Vehicle): Applicants Andrew and Sheldon Rousey were present but the item was held due to the absence of an assistant city attorney; the committee decided to hear the matter at a future meeting. Discussion Items - Item 5 – Flooding Communication: DPW Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke detailed the storm sequence (April 13–17), noting 1,714 sewer calls, 321 forestry calls, and 7 inches of rain over five days. Planned operational changes include permanent signage and guaranteed street sweeping in exception parking areas, and a shift to full bagging for leaf collection to reduce curb-line debris. MMSD Executive Director Kevin Shafer presented regional infrastructure, the deep tunnel system, and accelerated flood management projects (35th Street Basin, Jackson Park, Wilson Park, Al Roe Steel Basin). Alds. Coggs, Pratt, Moore, Chambers, and others raised concerns about repeated flooding in specific hotspots (e.g., Capitol Avenue, Lincoln Creek), property value impacts, and the need for a legislative voice on the joint city-county task force. The item was held to call of the chair for future reporting. - Item 12 & 19 – Weekend Road Repairs & Pothole Patching: Combined discussion. Kevin Muhs (City Engineer) reported a record year for pothole service requests (nearly 11,000 by April 30, vs. average 4,500). Staff are working overtime and Saturdays; hot mix asphalt was available from April 6 but supplies were intermittent. Ald. Pratt advocated for expanding repair hours (including weekends) and earlier starts. Ald. Chambers stressed proactive identification of potholes. DPW noted contractor interest is low due to working conditions. The committee placed both communications on file. - Item 15 – Security Zones in Entertainment Districts: Ald. Bauman introduced the resolution to study the feasibility of creating security perimeters (e.g., fencing, checkpoints) in areas like Water Street to reduce violence. The resolution passed, with Chair Coggs emphasizing that all neighborhoods deserve equal consideration. - Item 17 & 18 – Dockless Mobility Systems: DPW outlined a geofencing plan for scooter no-ride zones downtown, effective April through October 2026, with cut-throughs for mobility. The plan is already operational; these administrative actions render the legislative files unnecessary. Key Outcomes - Votes: All actions were unanimous (5-0) except Item 8 (4-1, Bauman opposed) and Item 21 (held, with Ald. Brower excused). - Items Held to Call of the Chair: - Item 5 (Flooding Communication) – for future task force report. - Item 9 (Coastal Management Grant) – no department representative present. - Item 20 (DPW Operations Status) – covered in other discussions. - Item 21 (License Applications) – due to lack of assistant city attorney. - Referrals/Next Steps: - DPW to develop and communicate leaf bagging plan and exception parking signage. - DPW to provide a hot list of frequently flooded intersections and explore funding for leaf bag subsidies. - City-county flood mitigation task force to include alderperson representation. - DPW to provide costing for additional pothole patching equipment and staff (Ald. Westmoreland requested a paper on a “money-no-object” scenario). - DPW to audit sidewalk dining fees and provide district-by-district data. - DPW to report back on sidewalk replacement crew implementation by July 2026. - License applications for Andrew and Sheldon Rousey to be rescheduled with legal counsel present.

The Administrative Review Board of Appeals (ARBA) of the City of Milwaukee convened on April 28, 2026, at 9:03 AM and adjourned at 11:26 AM. The board, chaired by Vincent Bobot, with members Kendrick Yandell, Elizabeth Hammer, and Alex Bruzan present (Ald. DiAndre Jackson excused), heard 13 appeals regarding vacant building registration fees, snow removal fees, garbage and litter nuisance fees, and reinspection fees. The meeting was held in City Hall Room 303 with a virtual option. Discussion Items and Key Outcomes - Appeal 26033 – Jonathan Apo, POHAKUVENTURES LLC (vacant building registration fees, 1315 W Finn Pl.): Denied due to nonappearance. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 26037 – Aaron Mues, MK3 Holdings, LLC (snow removal fees, 5101 W Lincoln Ave.): Settled prior to hearing. - Appeal 26035 – Chase Hoffman and Erin Pfaff-Hoffman (snow removal fees, 3672 S 20th St.): Held in committee at the appellant's request. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 26032 – Felicia Mayo (garbage and litter nuisance fees, 4327 N 25th St.): Denied due to nonappearance. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 25191 – Michael Rice (garbage and litter nuisance fees, 2739 N 9th St.): Denied after testimony from the property owner and tenant. The tenant argued that the city removed debris beyond the original order. The board found the city's cleanup order valid. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 25185 – Mohd Nassar (garbage and litter nuisance fees, 4383 N 27th St.): Denied due to nonappearance. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 26011 – Robby Sergent, Sergent Investments, LLC (tall grass and weeds nuisance fees, 1231 N 32nd St.): Settled. - Appeal 26003 – Robby Sergent (garbage and litter nuisance fees, 1626 N 38th St.): Granted. The appellant testified that a city-owned sign was placed incorrectly, causing him to leave debris on what he believed was city property. The board credited his testimony. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 25188 – Ronald Mueller (garbage and litter nuisance fees, 3015 W Chambers St.): Granted in part, denied in part. The city recommended reducing the fee from $1,382.56 to $691.28, acknowledging that some debris was in the public right-of-way. The board accepted the compromise. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 25187 – Ronald Mueller (reinspection fees, 2947 N 30th St.): Held in committee. The city offered to waive the $3,048 in 2026 reinspection fees if Mr. Mueller either obtains an outdoor storage occupancy permit or removes all debris from the lot by August 31, 2026. Mr. Mueller accepted. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 26039 – Lonnie Slocum, Graceful Livving LLC (reinspection fees, 6266 W Port Ave.): Held in committee. The $508 fee was conditionally waived: Mr. Slocum must contact Inspector David Kagel by 9:00 AM on April 29, 2026, and schedule a reinspection within a week. If the reinspection passes, the fee is waived; if it fails, a new $508 fee will apply. Mr. Slocum accepted. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 26036 – Oscar Alejandro Gaeta (reinspection fees, 3263 S 3rd St.): Granted. The city agreed to waive the $508 reinspection fee, as Mr. Gaeta is pursuing compliance through a fence permit and variance. Vote: 4-0. - Appeal 26038 – Scott Henry (snow removal fees, 2937-39 N Murray Ave.): Granted. The city's inspector acknowledged incorrect date stamps on photos, leading the board to grant the appeal. Vote: 4-0. Closed Session After the public agenda, the board moved into closed session at 11:26 AM to discuss litigation under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g). The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026.