Public Meetings - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Administrative Review Board of Appeals convened at 9:11 AM in City Hall, Room 301‑B, with Vice‑Chair Kendrick Yandell presiding (Chair Vincent Bobot absent). Board members present were Ald. DiAndre Jackson, Alex Bruzan, Elizabeth Hammer, and Kendrick Yandell. The board heard 20 agenda items, including requests for fee waivers, code‑violation appeals, and a nuisance property designation. Actions ranged from denials (for non‑appearance or on the merits) to settlements and fee reductions. Consent Calendar - Item 2 (Daniel Kontowicz, tall grass/weeds) – Settled: city offered to waive $75 posting fee and $100 admin fee; appellant accepted, owing $237.38 (contractor fee + tax). - Items 3–5 (Rick Kouchich, Tammi Kaloti, Robert Wutke – reinspection fees) – All settled. - Item 8 (Michael Chelminsui – vacant building fees) – Settled. - Item 9 (HUAD Real Estate Trust – vacant building fees) – Settled. - Item 13 (Nikka Singh – garbage/litter) – Settled. - Item 14 (Glady Ruiz – solid waste) – Settled. - Item 15 (Kenneth Brown – reinspection fees, 3536 N 93rd) – Settled. - Item 18 (Vera Curry – graffiti nuisance) – Settled. - Item 19 (Atty. Michael Pflughoeft – nuisance property designation) – City withdrew the designation due to a procedural error; appeal became moot. - Item 20 (Atty. Michael Pflughoeft – nuisance call special charges) – Appeal denied on a 2‑1‑1 vote (Bruzan and Hammer aye to deny; Yandell nay; Jackson abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Daniel Kontowicz (Item 2) – Stated he never received a notice, was battling gout, and his front yard is under 800 sq ft. Accepted the city’s fee reduction offer. - Rick Kouchich (Item 3) – Described financial hardship due to disability and cancer; claimed an inspector was rude and that neighbors with worse conditions were not cited. The city had already waived the $1,624 in fees before the board, so no further action was possible. - Catherine Beck (Item 6) – Appealed denial of a chicken‑keeping permit. Argued that all adjacent neighbors support her chickens; the only opponent is an absentee landlord. She disputed city photos showing rodent activity and said she remedied the coop after the first denial. Board denied the appeal 4‑0. - Shirley Walker (Item 7) – Asserted her building is occupied; her daughter coordinated a reinspection with the city inspector but the city had no record. Board granted the appeal 4‑0 after she testified the inspector had agreed to visit. - Aaron (for Sydney Engstrom, Item 10) – Said a sofa and debris were left at the tenant’s request; owners hired contractors but the city’s reinspection still found junk. Board denied appeal 4‑0. - L’Oreal Allen (for Hannah Basch/Park Hill Assets, Item 11) – Explained confusion over property lines: she thought the overhanging branches belonged to a neighboring church or Park Hill Family, not her own parcel. She cut other vegetation in good faith. Board granted in part (waived $100 admin fee) and denied in part (upheld $390 contractor fee), 4‑0. - Ebony/LaTroy Blumfield (Item 12) – City waived $1,524 in reinspection fees and agreed to work with the owners on repairs; matter settled. - Atty. Michael Pflughoeft (Item 20) – Argued that the city’s notice for the February 13 warrant charge was insufficient (only stated “warrant” without a concise description of nuisance activity) and that the warrant was not a separate, distinct incident from the February 8 robbery. Officer Sheets Walker testified the warrant was a follow‑up investigation of the robbery at the same location. Discussion Items - Catherine Beck chicken permit (Item 6) – Extensive debate. The city (Lori Gallup) stated two prior denials due to enclosure distance and later rodent/uneaten‑food issues. Beck said the problems were fixed. The board noted the city’s process (neighbor approval, hearings) was followed. Motion to deny passed 4‑0, with advice that she reapply. - Shirley Walker vacant building (Item 7) – City’s inspector found property “appears vacant, secured” on Aug 25, 2026. Walker claimed the tenant was home and an inspector visited on Sep 24. The board granted the appeal, ordering the fee waived, contingent on future verification. - Hannah Basch overhanging branches (Item 11) – Debate on whether the property manager made a good‑faith effort. The city forester deemed the violation egregious and was reluctant to reduce fees. Board compromised by waiving the admin fee but upholding the contractor fee. - Atty. Michael Pflughoeft warrant charge (Item 20) – Legal arguments on notice sufficiency and whether a search warrant constitutes a separate “nuisance activity.” Board voted 2‑1 (Jackson abstaining) to deny the appeal, finding the warrant was a follow‑up to the same incident and the notice, while sparse, still provided enough information for the property owner to investigate. Key Outcomes - Denied for non‑appearance: Item 1 (Leon Davis) – 4‑0. - Denied on merits: Items 6 (Catherine Beck – chicken permit), 10 (Sydney Engstrom – garbage/litter), and 20 (Atty. Pflughoeft – warrant charge) – all 4‑0 except Item 20 which was 2‑1‑1. - Granted: Items 7 (Shirley Walker – vacant building fees) – 4‑0. - Granted in part / Denied in part: Item 11 (Hannah Basch – admin fee waived, contractor fee upheld) – 4‑0. - Settled (city waived or reduced fees): Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18. - Withdrawn by city: Item 19 (nuisance property designation – procedural defect). - Held in committee (postponed): Items 16 and 17 (Kenneth Brown – both for 7809 W Hadley) – 4‑0, to be rescheduled. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were addressed. The next meeting date was left to be coordinated with the chair.

Clifton Crump chaired the meeting in place of Chair Jose Perez. The council convened at 9:07 AM and adjourned at 10:38 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at City Hall, Room 301-B. Members Mahan, Hogans, Nwagbaraocha, and Litzsey were present; Danyus and Kroupa were absent; Perez, Stamper, and Cruz were excused. New members Isabelle Smith, Salista Lawrence-Moore, Dr. Monique Liston, and Maritza Ugarte were introduced. The meeting covered youth-centered policy root causes, grant support letters, subcommittee updates, and the 2027 meeting schedule. Consent Calendar - Member Hogans moved approval of the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes; there were no objections, and the minutes were approved. Discussion Items - Root Cause Responses and Suggestions: Ms. Christie summarized three primary root causes identified for potential city policy: higher-quality urban green spaces, addressing unhoused youth, and closing gaps in youth mental health services. The board discussed Milwaukee County's Housing First model. Member Hogans requested city-specific data on impacted communities, and Member Mahan clarified that most relevant data is held at the county level through the continuum of care. - Green Spaces and Tot Lots: The committee discussed the 52 to 54 city-owned tot lots and the lack of a clear mission for their maintenance compared with the county park system. Member Lawrence-Moore suggested repurposing vacant spaces into "third spaces" where youth can feel safe and relax without time limits, citing gardens and picnic areas as examples. The board agreed to route these issues through the newly forming Health and Wellness Subcommittee, which will include Hogans, Mahan, and Ugarte, to streamline feedback for the October 15 youth summit. - Herb Kohl Foundation Letters of Support: Ms. Christie presented a letter of interest to the Herb Kohl Foundation for a civic engagement grant supporting a community ambassador program in BID 32. Chairman Crump introduced a second request for a letter of support for the Kellogg PEAK Initiative, seeking $100,000 over 24 months to provide paid leadership opportunities for 40 Milwaukee youth. Members emphasized the need for sustainability and security, suggesting that grant applications include plans for long-term maintenance and employment of local, diverse-owned businesses. Ms. Christie clarified that the current stage is only a letter of interest and that infrastructure details would be developed if invited to submit a full proposal. - Subcommittee Updates: Dr. Velez reported that the Data Committee was accepted into a grant cohort to build out data infrastructure, adding Judge Derek Mosley for legal expertise. The committee is tracking chronic absenteeism; an upcoming Wisconsin Policy Forum report is expected, and a convening is scheduled for October 5. Ms. Christie reported that the Education and Workforce Development Committee is launching seven career and technical education pathways at North Division High School, including carpentry, welding, and IT. The committee is working to make North Division a "choice" school by engaging middle school students during summer programs and providing Employ Milwaukee mentors for 11th and 12th graders. - StriveTogether Update: Ms. Christie is scheduled to travel to Baltimore for a StriveTogether conference to develop a 90-day plan for a Cradle-to-Career pipeline in partnership with Milwaukee Succeeds. The plan involves evaluating youth employment landscapes across city departments to identify funding gaps and better align career opportunities with youth interests. - October 15 Collective Impact Summit: The EYAAC Collective Impact Summit is confirmed for October 15 at Concordia 27, with workshops on youth equity, nonprofit health, and data collection. Youth council members were encouraged to register; the regular October EYAAC meeting will take place during the lunch hour. - Young Fathers Mentorship and Workforce Development: Mr. Trasus Wright introduced Christopher, a 19-year-old Washington High School graduate, as an example of active mentorship and youth engagement. Christopher shared his goal of opening a cleaning service while currently working in maintenance at Checkers, highlighting the impact of "credible messengers." The board discussed potential collaborations with Walnut Way, the North Division greenhouse, and construction cleaning opportunities for youth in vacant housing. Chairman Crump noted that approximately $20,000 remains in the board's budget for the year and could be allocated to support similar mentorship activities or carried over. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously to approve letters of support for both the BID 32 and PEAK Initiative applications; the motion was made by Member Mahan. - The board approved the proposed 2027 meeting schedule: monthly meetings at 9:00 AM, with the exception of June 24, August, and November. - Board Member Mahan announced that Member Nwagbaraocha has been nominated for the presidency of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). - Chairman Crump committed to sending a report of findings to all board members. - The meeting adjourned at 10:38 AM.

The Board of City Service Commissioners met virtually on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. (Central) via Microsoft Teams and City Channel 25. President Frank Bach presided. All five commissioners initially answered roll call: Vice President Marilyn Miller and Commissioners Janet Cleary, Steve Smith, Heidi Wick Spoerl, and President Bach. The board approved the September 15, 2026 minutes, two Milwaukee Health Department personnel requests, a Department of Public Works permanent exemption, and two City Attorney findings of fact. It also scheduled its October 6 meeting for 2:30 p.m. General Hearing - September 15, 2026 meeting minutes (File 260729): Approved. Commissioner Smith indicated he had not been present for that prior meeting. - Kathleen Lopez temporary appointment extension (File 260761): Approved the Milwaukee Health Department's first request to extend Lopez's temporary appointment as Empowering Families of Milwaukee Program Manager for four months, from September 16, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Health Commissioner Michael Todoretis explained the position is being reevaluated due to 2027 changes to the home visiting program and that the extension would provide program continuity. Voting yes: Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl. - Dr. David Payne probationary period extension (File 260730): Approved a four-month extension from October 8, 2026 through January 8, 2027. The board had received a letter from Health Commissioner Todoretis outlining performance concerns and an action plan, plus the position's job description. Commissioner Cleary praised the letter as thorough and helpful. Voting yes: Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl. Public Hearing - Temporary Winter Relief Driver Worker permanent exemption (File 260760): Approved the Department of Public Works request to permanently exempt ten (10) part-time auxiliary positions of Temporary Winter Relief Driver Worker, Pay Range 9JN. Public Works Director of Operations Tom Langoran said these employees are used for snow and ice control and other operational emergencies, and he cited a prior-season flooding situation where they could have been used. Human Resources Manager Kristen Hennessey Urban supplied a supporting memo and job description. Voting yes: Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl. - Scott Reiske discharge appeal findings (File 260731): Approved the Office of the City Attorney's proposed findings of fact and decision. Commissioner Smith said he was not present and would not vote, though the transcript is internally inconsistent because he answered present during initial roll call. Voting yes: Miller, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl. The agenda lists the case as 'Scott Reiske'; the transcript calls him 'Scott Rice.' - Skylar Wilkerson suspension appeal findings (File 260778): Approved the Office of the City Attorney's proposed findings of fact and decision. Miller and Cleary voted yes; Smith was excused; Wick Spoerl was not present for the vote; Chair Bach voted yes. The findings were approved as submitted. Discussion Items - October 6 meeting time change: President Bach said he could chair the October 6, 2026 meeting if the start time were moved from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Commissioners agreed, and staff were directed to post that meeting for a 2:30 p.m. start. - Commissioner Cleary's announcement: Commissioner Cleary said she would not attend the October 20, 2026 meeting because she has a conference to attend. Key Outcomes - Approved the prior meeting minutes, Lopez temporary appointment extension, Payne probationary extension, permanent exemption of ten winter relief driver worker positions, and the Reiske and Wilkerson appeal findings. - Directed staff to change the October 6, 2026 meeting start time to 2:30 p.m. - Adjourned; the motion to adjourn carried with votes from Miller, Smith, Cleary, and Wick Spoerl.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Milwaukee Common Council met in the Common Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 9:25 a.m. (agenda time was 9:00 a.m.) and adjourned at 10:54 a.m.; all 15 aldermen were present at final action. The council approved the previous minutes, heard Mayor Cavalier Johnson present his proposed 2027 executive budget, and acted on reports from all standing committees, including several contested votes. Public Comments & Testimony No public comment was taken during the meeting. Mayor Johnson’s budget presentation was informational only; public comment on the 2027 budget is reserved for the joint Common Council/Mayor hearing on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber, and for the Finance and Personnel Committee public hearing on Saturday, October 17, 2026 (minutes state 9:30 a.m. at Mitchell Library; the President’s closing remarks said 9:00 a.m. at Mitchell Street Public Library). Mayor’s 2027 Budget Presentation and Referral - Mayor Johnson presented the proposed 2027 executive budget, saying the spring budget gap neared $100 million before reserve withdrawals, revenue increases, and expenditure reductions. - Proposed investments include the largest local road investment in city history, with $4 million more in high-impact paving above the current budget; modest increases in parking ticket, permit, and meter fees; no vehicle registration fee hike; continued demolition and housing programs; three full Milwaukee Police Academy classes; $1 million more for violence interruption; and funding for an additional fire truck/engine to potentially reopen a previously shuttered firehouse. - He noted ARPA funds fully sunset at the end of 2026, and stated that if state shared revenue had kept pace with inflation since 1996, Milwaukee would receive $200 million more this year. - The proposed property tax levy increase is below the rate of inflation. - Ald. Dimitrijevic moved to refer the budget to the Finance and Personnel Committee and to schedule a joint public hearing on October 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.; the motion was adopted. The Finance and Personnel Committee’s report is due at a Common Council meeting on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Consent Calendar The following unanimous or routine actions were approved on committee reports (with specific contested votes noted in later sections): - Approved minutes of September 1, 2026. - Placed on file the City Clerk’s commendatory/condolatory resolutions (14-0; Ald. Chambers excused). - Approved the Licenses Committee recommendation to renew with a 15-day suspension the Class B Tavern and Public Entertainment Premise license of Sterling O. Odom for ‘The Lower Level Lounge’ at 207 E Buffalo St LL, based on a threat to public health, safety, or welfare and failure to comply with the approved plan of operations (15-0). - Public Works Committee: approved license recommendations; passed ordinances on parking-facility data, unauthorized closure of public rights of way, closure notification/fines, and no mow May; adopted resolutions on a third self-help drop-off center, DNR Principal Forgiven Financial Assistance Agreement, South Powerline Trail cost-sharing MOU with Greenfield and West Allis, WisDOT highway agreements (North Green Bay Road/STH 57 at estimated $800,000 total, $200,000 city share and $600,000 grantor share; West Capitol Drive/STH 190 at estimated $855,000 total, $205,200 city share, $641,250 grantor share, $8,550 from Wauwatosa), MMSD Green Solutions bioswale grant along West Lapham Boulevard, various assessable/nonassessable public improvement funding resolutions (totals of $104,600, $350,000, $4,677,000, and $9,112,040.17), and placed on file lead service line and dust control communications. - Finance and Personnel Committee: adopted resolutions on BMO Harris Bank contribution account for City Vendor Fair, travel authorization, increased 2026 Tax Incremental Borrowing Authority, and Firefighters Relief Fund special purpose account; passed ordinances amending 2026 offices/positions and employee wages/benefits/regulations (15-0); placed on file multiple communications including audits, fiscal forecast, position authority, and salary recruitment-rate changes. - Judiciary and Legislation Committee: adopted resolutions on claims/settlements (April Minor, Susan Quinn, Sherry Kelly, Janet Wilhelms, Noack/Smith v. City, MBI Properties v. City), real estate tax cancellations, American Serb Hall lease for early voting site, and state legislative package opposing nicotine pouch marketing to youth; disallowed and indefinitely postponed appeals of Martha Malik and Joshua Falls. (Minutes record these as 15-0; the transcript reports 14-0 with Ald. Stamper excused during the Judiciary roll call.) - Public Safety and Health Committee: passed parking control, traffic control, and time-limited food truck zone ordinances; adopted resolutions on health department sponsorship agreements, DNR air quality monitoring station, CARGOS grant, Maternal Health fatherhood grant, Family Foundations home visiting grant, WIC grant, and third-party payer reimbursements. - Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee: passed the Climate and Equity Plan update; passed the Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub zoning change and rental property inspection program ordinances; adopted resolutions on zoning analysis fund transfer, the 15th district rental inspection designation, sale of 2872 S 8th St, TID No. 137 (310W East Tower), and BID 21 maintenance agreement for Vel R. Phillips Plaza; confirmed Ayanna Ellzey to the Housing Authority (14-0; Ald. Pratt abstained, twice after reconsideration). - Community and Economic Development Committee: adopted resolutions creating Neighborhood Improvement District No. 13 (Metcalfe Park), Business Improvement District No. 57 (Lincoln Village), declaring Viva Nuestra Herencia an official city event, and reallocating up to $3,666 from Mi Milwaukee to Hispanic Heritage Month; confirmed numerous appointments/nominations, including Kayle Phillips (14-0; Ald. Coggs abstained). - Adopted all five matters for immediate adoption: release of no-vehicular-access restrictions on West Mill Road, approval/conditional approval of final certified survey maps, release of deed restrictions for 2118 W McKinley Ave, and recognition of Week Without Driving (Oct 1–8, 2026). Discussion Items - Elected official salaries (251682 / 260544): Debate centered on salary increases for the 2028-2032 term. Ald. Brower supported the increases, arguing competitive pay is necessary to attract serious candidates; Ald. Spiker opposed, saying the 2% annual increases are new policy distinct from correcting past legal advice; Ald. Chambers said the measure corrects bad advice from the prior city attorney about the 2024 vote; Ald. Zamarripa asked for a roll call because of rising community costs. - Concrete panel replacement (260699): Ald. Burgelis successfully moved to substitute the resolution to remove up to $800,000 in contingent borrowing for contractors. Ald. Brower voted no, stating he supports in-house crews and believes the city should attract, retain, and grow its workforce; he noted city employees could earn more in the private sector and said raises proposed in the budget would not take effect until the second quarter of next year. - Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub (260294): Ald. Stamper praised neighborhood leaders Melanie and Donnell Cross and developer Anthony Casey, saying the community earned the development. The zoning change from RT3 to NS2 passed unanimously. - Rental property inspection program (260363/260362): Ald. Stamper presented data: 236 eligible rental properties in the 15th district, nearly 58% received at least one complaint between 2023 and 2025, and complaints grew from 106 in 2023 to 214 in 2025—more than doubling and about five times faster than citywide. He described the five-year pilot as data-driven, with compliant properties generally exempt from re-inspection for five years and repeated violators facing continued accountability. - Week Without Driving (260796): Ald. Moore spoke in favor of the resolution recognizing Oct 1–8, 2026 as Week Without Driving, encouraging residents and city employees to reduce driving and reflect on transportation barriers. She noted a press conference on September 28 and partnership with Milwaukee County. Key Outcomes - The 2027 budget was formally referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee; public hearings are set for October 5 and October 17, 2026, with a council report due November 6, 2026. - Substitute ordinance on elected official salaries was passed 10-5 (No: Jackson, Zamarripa, Moore, Burgelis, Spiker). - Rates of pay ordinance was passed 11-4 (No: Zamarripa, Moore, Burgelis, Spiker) after amendment adding ‘except as prohibited by s. 755.04, Wis. Stats.’ to footnote 9. - Concrete panel expediting resolution was passed 14-1 (No: Brower) after removing $800,000 contingent borrowing. - Milwaukee Police Department patrol staffing/resource communication was initially placed on file, then reconsidered and referred back to Public Safety and Health Committee due September 29, 2026. - All other committee recommendations and immediate adoption items were approved as described above.

The Fire and Police Commission's Oversight and Accountability Committee met on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 4:30 PM in City Hall Room 301-B. Chair Ruben Burgos presided, with Commissioners Krissie Fung, Christopher Snyder, and Jeff Spence present. The committee reviewed two audit reports (MPD drone unit and animal-related calls), discussed updates to citizen complaint processes, and proposed formal guidelines for audit procedures. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Resolution FPC212710 to approve the May 26, 2026 meeting minutes was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously (3-0). Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items 1. Audit Report on MPD's Airborne Assessment Team (Drones) – FPC212711 Audit Manager Sean Ratclaw presented findings from an audit of 201 drone flights (January 1–30, 2026). Key findings: No use of facial recognition, no weaponized drones, no violations of constitutional protections. One flight lacked a proper CAD number (missing the letter 'P') but was otherwise compliant. The audit recommended MPD update its Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) to require CAD numbers, conduct internal audits, and improve public reporting. Commissioners asked about flight categorization, protest monitoring, and follow-up on recommendations. No action required. 2. Audit Report on Animal-Related Calls for Service – FPC212712 Senior Auditor Natasha Anderson presented an audit of 1,028 animal-related calls in Q4 2025. Findings: 96% of calls were thoroughly investigated; 11% resulted in animals taken to MADAC. Issues included 28% of sampled calls lacking body-worn camera footage, underutilization of Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) referrals (only 4 referrals in 2025 from MPD), and instances of inappropriate euthanasia. Recommendations included assigning an MPD member to work with MADAC, training on dog bite response, and policy updates. Assistant Chief Sarno pushed back on the euthanasia finding, stating field euthanasia can be humane, and agreed to review the policy. He also noted a prior training push in 2023 that increased DNS referrals. 3. Recommended Updates to FPC Rules for Citizen Complaints – FPC212713 Compliance Auditor Chris Williams outlined a planned overhaul of citizen complaint intake guidelines and FPC rules. Key proposals: create an intake coordinator role, distinguish formal/informal complaints, and allow FPC staff with civil service protection to assist pro se complainants in citizen complaint trials. Executive Director Todd noted the board would retain authority to appoint such staff. Commissioners raised questions about capacity, conflict of interest, and transparency. The committee agreed to review a draft at a future meeting. 4. Recommended Rules/Guidelines for FPC Audit Procedures – FPC212714 Audit Manager Ratclaw proposed formalizing a post-audit process requiring MPD to respond to findings and recommendations within set timelines, with results reported to the commission and public. The guidelines would incorporate union rights and Collins Settlement Agreement requirements. Assistant Chief Sarno expressed cooperation and noted prior implementation of audit recommendations. Commissioners supported the idea and requested the draft be brought to committee first. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar (minutes) was approved unanimously. - Both audit reports (drones and animal calls) were received as communications; no further action was needed at this time. - The committee endorsed the direction of complaint process updates and audit procedure guidelines. Staff will prepare drafts for review at the next committee meeting (tentatively November 2026). - Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

The Fire and Police Commission (FPC) held its regular session on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Room 301-B. The meeting featured a major update from the Milwaukee Police Department on the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras from Flock Safety, extended public testimony largely opposing the technology, approval of a shift to periodic police officer recruitment, and adoption of several routine personnel appointments and promotions. The meeting adjourned at 9:49 PM. Consent Calendar - September 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes – Adopted by general consent. - Emergency Communications Supervisor Appointment – Adopted by general consent. - Carpenter 4 Appointment (MFD) – Adopted by general consent. - IT Project Coordinator Appointment (MPD) – Adopted by general consent. - Office Assistant II Appointment (MPD) – Adopted by general consent. - Police Facilities Laborer Appointment (MPD) – Adopted by general consent. - Youth Carpenter Apprentice Eligible List (MFD) – Adopted by general consent. Public Comments & Testimony Nineteen members of the public provided comment, nearly all opposing the continued use of Flock technology by MPD and calling for the contract to be canceled. Key speakers and their positions: - Alderwoman Marina Dmitrievich (online): Stated she will introduce a charter ordinance requiring Common Council approval for future ALPR contracts and will seek to remove Flock funding from the 2027 city budget. She asked MPD to cancel the contract. - Timothy Shafer (for Rep. Ryan Clancy): Read a statement calling for immediate cancellation of the Flock contract and for statewide legislative action against mass surveillance. - Amanda Merkwae (ACLU of Wisconsin): Argued that the internal audit does not address third-party data risks, cited inaccuracies in ALPR systems, and described transparency measures as "theater." - Emilio Detorre (Milwaukee Turners): Highlighted Flock's collection and potential sale of aggregated traffic data, and noted Racine County Sheriff's contract cancellation. - Connor Grossnickle: Raised technical accuracy concerns and suggested stopping use until accuracy is verified. - Angela Lang (BLOC): Expressed disappointment that Milwaukee has not followed other counties in canceling Flock, and appealed to commissioners' moral judgment. - Sisi Lee (UWM Student Government President): Noted UWM Police discontinued Flock on September 10. She called for service, accountability, and protection over surveillance. - Michael Dubnicka: Requested dismantling all ALPRs and banning mass surveillance technology permanently. - Arielle Winter (ACLU of Wisconsin): Reported $223,000 spent on Flock since 2022 and advocated for community control over police surveillance (CCOPS). - Julie Hueller Curcio (virtual): Questioned Chief Norman's training trip to Israel and linked international policing technology to domestic surveillance. - Kevin Sas Perez, Markell Crawford, Richard Nwabazor, and others: Expressed that MPD cannot be trusted with the technology and urged cancellation. Discussion Items Police Officer Recruitment Bulletin (Agenda Item 9) MPD presented a revision to the police officer job announcement bulletin, shifting from year-round continuous recruitment to three specific recruitment periods per year, each with a three-month application window and a month between. The change aims to improve administrative preparation and candidate follow-through. Commissioners voted to adopt the new bulletin (voice vote; no dissent). Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Camera Update (Agenda Item 10) Chief of Staff Heather Huff provided a detailed timeline of MPD's Flock usage beginning in May 2022, including two criminal cases of officer misuse (Ayala and Chapman). She outlined new guardrails after discussions with the Mayor's Office and Common Council: - Reduced user base from over 300 to about 67 supervisors only. - Limited queries to Part 1 crimes, missing persons, abductions, and drug-trafficking organization investigations. - Adopted a seven-day data retention period. - Terminated all data-sharing agreements with other agencies (previously shared with approximately 240 Wisconsin agencies and Chicago). - Created a public dashboard with usage statistics. - Implemented a monthly, independent audit by the Compliance Management Section. - Began drafting an updated SOP with explicit prohibitions on immigration-related and reproductive-health queries. Chief Norman joined virtually and defended ALPR as a valuable investigative tool, stating misuse is met with swift accountability (including terminations and criminal referrals). Commissioners expressed concern about Flock's corporate ethics and the lack of community input before deployment. Commissioner Fung pressed on audit specifics, data sharing with agencies that have 287(g) agreements, and the need for more transparent public reporting. No formal action was taken; the communication was placed on file. MPD Standard Operating Procedure Changes (Agenda Item 11) Amendments to SOP 015 (Membership in Authorized Organizations) and the Crisis Negotiation Unit Standard Operating Instruction were placed on file. Changes include adding credit/debit card payment methods and updating the hostage negotiator training course from 40 to 32 hours. Commissioners asked for the rationale behind the training reduction. Executive Director Report (Agenda Item 12) Executive Director Leon Todd reported on FPC staffing: a new research and policy analyst and an investigator have been hired; the deputy director and emergency management director positions are vacant. Commissioners thanked staff and highlighted community engagement efforts. Rescissions and Promotions (Agenda Items 13‑18) - Emergency Communications Officer I Rescission (Item 13) – Adopted (voice vote; no dissent). - Youth Fleet Apprentice Rescission (Item 14, MFD) – Adopted (voice vote; no dissent). - Crime Scene Supervisor Promotion (Item 15, MPD) - Forensic Processor Supervisor Promotion (Item 16, MPD) - Payroll Assistant 3 Promotion (Item 17, MPD) - Payroll Clerk 3 Promotion (Item 18, MPD) Items 15–18 were voted on in a block roll call. All eight commissioners present voted in favor; none opposed. MPD Human Resources Manager April confirmed each candidate had been vetted and is qualified. Key Outcomes - Police Officer Recruitment: Revised bulletin approved, transitioning to three annual recruitment periods. - ALPR Communication: Placed on file; the FPC will consider a formal resolution on the Flock contract at a future meeting. - SOP Changes and Executive Report: Placed on file without opposition. - Personnel Actions: Two rescissions and four promotions adopted unanimously. - Future Action on ALPRs: Commissioners Horwitz and Snyder indicated a desire to bring a resolution to the full board to express the FPC's position, possibly recommending termination of the Flock contract. Alderwoman Dmitrievich announced her intention to introduce charter legislation and budget amendments to limit ALPR use.

The Finance and Personnel Committee, chaired by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 9:27 AM in Room 301-B of City Hall. The committee considered 22 agenda items, including a substitute ordinance on elected official salaries, the city's five-year fiscal forecast, labor negotiations in closed session, employee wage adjustments, audits of the city's financial statements and Milwaukee Water Works, a proposal to implement a new health plan (held), the semi-annual innovation report, and several administrative resolutions. Key votes included a split 3-2 approval of the salary ordinance for elected officials for the 2028-2032 term, and unanimous approval or placement on file of most other items. Consent Calendar - Item 2 (Communication on elected official salaries) was placed on file 5-0. - Item 3 (Five-year fiscal forecast) was placed on file 5-0. - Item 5 (Employee wages, benefits, regulations) was recommended for passage 5-0. - Item 7 (Audit of 2025 financial statements) placed on file 5-0. - Item 8 (Audit of Milwaukee Water Works financial administration) placed on file 4-0 (Dimitrijevic excused). - Item 9 (Positions ordinance for Water Main Replacement and GIS) placed on file 4-0 (Dimitrijevic excused). - Item 10 (Innovation Office semi-annual report) placed on file 5-0 with a request for future reporting on UCC call intake and resolution data. - Item 11 (Increase 2026 Tax Incremental Borrowing Authority from $25M to $65M) recommended for adoption 5-0. - Item 12 (Firefighters Relief Fund expenditure) recommended for adoption 5-0. - Item 13 (Vacancy requests, fund transfers, equipment) approved 5-0. - Item 14 (Sole source contract waivers) placed on file 5-0. - Item 15 (BMO Harris contribution account for Vendor Fair) recommended for adoption 5-0. - Items 17-19 (Salary ordinance amendments for recruitment rates and clerical corrections) placed on file 5-0. - Item 21 (Further amend 2026 offices and positions) recommended for passage 5-0. - Item 22 (Travel authorization) recommended for adoption 5-0. Discussion Items - Items 1 & 2 – Salaries for elected officials (251682 & 260726): City Attorney Evan Goyke explained that state law prohibits the current council from voting themselves a raise during their term, so the substitute ordinance sets automatic 2% annual increases for the mayor and council beginning in April 2028, with the possibility for future councils to decline them. The 8% catch-up proposed earlier for other elected officials was reduced to 2% per year because those officials are eligible for raises now. Ald. Spiker and Burgelis voted against, citing economic conditions and a preference for a more progressive approach. The ordinance passed 3-2 (Dimitrijevic, Coggs, Moore aye; Burgelis, Spiker no). The companion communication (item 2) was placed on file. - Item 3 – Five-year fiscal forecast (260606): Comptroller Bill Christianson presented the first-ever forecast, projecting budget deficits growing from $52.5M in 2027 to $104.5M in 2031 under baseline assumptions, with a structural deficit due to expenditure growth outpacing revenue. Reserves can only temporarily bridge the gap. Scenarios showed deficits ranging from $87.3M (favorable) to $160.8M (unfavorable) by 2031. Key reserves (tax stabilization fund) grew to $125M in 2025. The report emphasizes the need for state action. Committee members discussed the tax stabilization fund's appropriate balance (16.7% of operating revenues best practice) and the transportation fund's cash deficit. Chair noted the forecast will guide budget discussions. - Item 4 – Labor negotiations (241273): The committee convened into closed session at 10:58 AM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) for bargaining reasons, reconvening at 11:29 AM. The communication was held to the call of the chair. - Item 5 – Employee wages, benefits, regulations (260546): DER requested authority to raise the vacation accrual cap for employees working on the Workday project during a blackout period, with a 12-month use window and 80-hour cap. Approved 5-0. - Item 6 – UnitedHealthcare NexusACO program (260550): Held to call of the chair at the administration's request. Chair requested additional information: coinsurance details, an equity impact statement, analysis from the Office of Compliance and Engagement, percentage of staff using each tier, and history of tier differentiation. - Item 7 & 8 – Audits: BakerTilly presented an unmodified opinion on the 2025 financial statements; comptroller noted growth in public debt amortization fund ($62.1M), tax stabilization fund ($125M), and the general fund advance to transportation fund increased to $35.4M. The Water Works audit found two medium-risk findings: travel expenses approved by subordinates and late expense reports, and improper pro card sharing. Recommendations partially implemented. - Item 9 – Water Works positions: Two positions (Civil Engineer 3 and GIS Analyst) added to support lead service line replacement and expanded GIS use, funded by department revenue. - Item 10 – Innovation Office semi-annual report: Jim Bohl presented on projects: ADU architectural renderings, gateway signage, a virtual assistant widget (MIL), expanded employee health clinics, youth apprenticeships, state innovation grant applications, and a front desk virtual agent system to reduce call wait times. Pilot data showed 27% call reduction on weekends. Committee requested future reporting on call intake/resolution data and annual updates on new technology integration. - Item 11 – Tax Incremental Borrowing Authority: Increased from $25M to $65M for TID-supported infrastructure projects (street paving, pedestrian safety). No impact on tax levy. - Item 16 – Local Business Enterprise bid incentive report (260479): Held to call of the chair. - Item 20 – Amend 2026 rates of pay (260544): Substitute A changed the originally proposed 8% catch-up for other elected officials to 2% per year for 2028-2032, and added the city attorney to those eligible. Passed 5-0, with Alds. Burgelis and Spiker objecting to Part 8 (elected officials). Key Outcomes - Item 1 (Salaries for mayor and council): Recommended for passage 3-2. Objections by Burgelis and Spiker noted. - Item 2 (Communication on salaries): Placed on file 5-0. - Item 3 (Fiscal forecast): Placed on file 5-0. - Item 4 (Labor negotiations): Held to call of chair after closed session. - Item 5 (Employee benefits): Recommended for passage 5-0. - Item 6 (Health plan): Held; further information requested. - Items 7-15, 17-19, 21-22: Approved or placed on file as noted above. - Item 20: Recommended for passage 5-0 with objections to Part 8. - Meeting adjourned at 1:09 PM.

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 4:12 PM in City Hall Room 301-B, adjourning at 6:31 PM. All six commissioners were present. Key actions included approval of the 2027 Public Housing Authority (PHA) Annual Plan, authorization to join the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), and awards of fire alarm replacement contracts for College Court and Mitchell Court. Board members also received reports on operational stability, occupancy, housing voucher programs, and public safety. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (R13798): The minutes of the August 19, 2026 regular Board meeting were approved (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused – Commissioner Snyder). - Travaux Board Documents (R13799): Documents shared with the Travaux Board of Directors on August 27, 2026, were received and approved as part of the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Listening Session (R13800): Three members of the public provided two-minute comments: - Cornelius Sawyer (Resident Advisory Board member, Highland RO President) stated that public comments on the Annual PHA Plan should be reviewed by the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) before being presented to the HACM Board. - Ky Rembert (Milwaukee County Response Team representative, speaking for Brittney D’Villie) reported that Alderwoman Moore, Alderwoman Wasserman, and Commissioner Burrell were informed of issues at Westlawn Gardens but no follow-up occurred. Issues included multiple shootings at a neighbor’s residence, restraining orders against neighbors, and a claim of back rent from the Westlawn office. - Brittney D’Villie (Westlawn Gardens resident, PBV participant) requested a review of documentation regarding alleged back rent and harassment from neighbors. - Public Hearing on 2027 PHA Annual Plan (R13801): One speaker addressed the Board: - Cornelius Sawyer repeated that public comments on the plan should be reviewed by the RAB beforehand. He noted that a resident representative for Scattered Sites has not voted since COVID-19, leaving residents feeling unrepresented. He also stated that the RAB is supposed to have a budget, which he has not seen presented, and asked for greater attention to resident participation. Discussion Items - 2027 PHA Annual Plan Approval (R13802): Patricia Dee (HACM Administrative Services Supervisor) explained that the plan is a required HUD document outlining agency goals and objectives. Paul Williams (CNI Coordinator) described the RAB engagement process, noting that 14 of 15 RAB members participated in two meetings. Commissioners thanked staff for providing pre-meeting briefings. The resolution to submit the plan to HUD was adopted (5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused). - Reasonable Accommodation Case System Policy (R13803): Secretary-Executive Director Harold S. Ince, Jr. requested a hold, stating that the manual would be revised to cover only Public Housing, Affordable Housing, and Market Rate Housing, as CVR Associates maintains its own Section 504 program. The Board voted to hold the item in commission (voice vote; 1 abstention noted) and requested a copy of CVR’s reasonable accommodation policy. - Wisconsin Retirement System Participation (R13804): Todd Slusar (Senior HR Business Partner) explained that Act 12 closed the City of Milwaukee’s pension system (CEMERS) to new hires in 2023. HACM had previously authorized a 401(k) plan but never established it. Joining WRS effective January 1, 2027, would affect only 5 current employees at an estimated annual cost of $18,000, and would aid recruitment and retention. The resolution was adopted (6 ayes, 0 nays). - Fire Alarm Replacement – College Court (R13805): The contract was awarded to Roman Electric Company, Inc. (West Allis) for $1,677,564. Zena Farah (COO Real Estate) reported 15 after-hours fire alarm service calls in the prior 90 days. Brad Burdy (Maintenance Specialist) noted the 25-year-old system has obsolete parts. The resolution was adopted (6 ayes, 0 nays). - Fire Alarm Replacement – Mitchell Court (R13806): The contract was awarded to Roman Electric Company, Inc. for $896,929. Zena Farah reported 16 after-hours service calls in the same period. The resolution was adopted (6 ayes, 0 nays). - Board Member Survey (R13807): Chair Charlotte Hayslett introduced the annual survey, intended to evaluate Board effectiveness, identify training needs, and support strategic planning. The survey will be administered anonymously by a third party, with responses subject to public records law. It will be distributed in fall 2026. - Secretary-Executive Director’s Report (R13808): Harold Ince provided a 90-day update, reporting improved operational stability, financial transparency, cross-department communication, and staff engagement. Key risks include data/financial system weaknesses and middle-management capacity. - CVR Monthly Report: Tina Royalty (HCV Director) and Tracey Sheffield (CVR SVP) reported: 3 new customer service staff hired in August; 1,981 lobby visits; 5,200 inbound/outbound calls; 57 vouchers issued from the waitlist (98 pending review); and a plan to transition 92 Emergency Housing Voucher families to the HCV program before the December 31, 2026, sunset. The recertification backlog decreased from 504 to 487. A system communication issue where participants saw a green checkmark but no further status is being resolved with Yardi. - Occupancy Update: Zena Farah and Marquetta Treadway (Director of Leasing and Compliance) stated Public Housing occupancy is 94%, with a goal of 96% by October 2026. The primary barrier is unit turnaround, not application processing. Three hired contractors completed few units due to budget overruns; alternative contractors will be sought. The waitlist purge was completed August 17, 2026. Approximately 200 Department of Neighborhood Services work orders require priority. Three new maintenance staff started; 6–8 vacancies remain. - Public Safety Report: Marlon Davis (Chief of Public Safety) reported 57% officer-initiated activity vs. 43% calls for service. Community engagement included a pop-up event at Merrill Park, an August cleanup at Hillside Terrace, and a Safe Night Out at Carver Park. An addendum on Westlawn Gardens highlighted concentrated issues at Maple and Beach buildings, and a new camera bank supplied by Milwaukee Police District 4 was installed. Chief Davis discussed ongoing partnership strategies and training. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolutions: - Consent agenda (minutes and Travaux documents). - Submission of 2027 PHA Annual Plan to HUD (5-0-1). - HACM participation in Wisconsin Retirement System effective January 1, 2027 (6-0). - Fire alarm replacement contract for College Court ($1,677,564) (6-0). - Fire alarm replacement contract for Mitchell Court ($896,929) (6-0). - Held Over: - Reasonable Accommodation Case System Policy & Procedural Manual (R13803), pending revision and receipt of CVR Associates’ policy. - Directives & Next Steps: - Staff to provide by the next Board meeting: number of rent-ready vacant units, length of waitlist after purge, and updated Resident Handbook for review. - CVR Associates to revise unclear recertification language in the participant portal in coordination with Yardi. - Staff to explore incorporating Milwaukee Police Department Office of Management Analysis and Planning (OMAP) reports into future Public Safety reports. - The annual Board effectiveness survey will be administered in fall 2026 by a third party.

The Board of City Service Commissioners met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in City Hall Room 301-A and via Microsoft Teams (public access was also available by phone and City Channel 25). The agenda scheduled the meeting for 9:00 a.m.; it was called to order at 9:09 a.m. Present: President Frank Bock, Vice President Marilyn Miller, and Commissioner Janet Cleary. Excused: Commissioners Steve Smith and Heidi Wick Spoerl. The board unanimously approved the September 8, 2026, meeting minutes, then conducted a quasi-judicial appeal hearing on the 15-day unpaid suspension of Skylar Wilkerson, Equipment Operator 1, Department of Public Works (Operation Division, Sanitation Section). Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Approved the September 8, 2026, meeting minutes (File 260715). Motion by Commissioner Janet Cleary, seconded by Vice President Marilyn Miller. Vote: 3-0 (Bock, Miller, Cleary); Smith and Wick Spoerl excused. Suspension Appeal Hearing — Skylar Wilkerson (File 260714) - Legal basis. Under state statute and CSC rules, an employee may appeal a second unpaid suspension imposed within six months of a prior unpaid suspension. The suspension before the board was a 15-day unpaid suspension signed July 16, 2026, following a May 12, 2026, accident involving the city garbage truck Wilkerson was operating. - The city's position. The department's witness testified that the city had cause to issue the 15-day suspension and that it was appropriate discipline. The witness described the suspension as addressing three infractions and emphasized the work rule requiring employees to contact fleet services as soon as practical — "if possible at the scene" — so an accident report can be generated and the scene preserved so evidence is not altered. The city's rules on preventable accidents, including reporting duties, were entered into the record. - Prior discipline. The city presented Wilkerson's prior disciplinary history (including memos, performance improvement plans, and a one-day suspension) as background. A commissioner noted that the department had jumped from a one-day to a 15-day suspension, and asked how often the city had made such a jump; the witness responded that it had occurred in the past, but usually for "a much more dramatic problem than this." - The appellant's position. Counsel for Wilkerson argued that the suspension letter's explicit reasons were the three stated infractions; that Wilkerson's manager — not Wilkerson — placed the call reporting the accident; that the May 12 incident did not fit the patterns of Wilkerson's prior incidents (e.g., a prior fuel-overhang incident involving turning too sharply or failing to notice small things); and that no cost assessment for the damage had been completed, with prior incidents used as a stand-in for the cost estimate during the city's review. - Testimony details. The witness could not recall similar prior incidents to the May 12 accident, testified that comparable remedial training for such incidents typically ran 16 to 24 hours (a practice the witness said the department does not use), and acknowledged that the city cannot be aware of an accident unless it is notified. - Board deliberation. The board questioned the proportionality of the discipline, what records the decision-maker actually relied on, whether similar incidents had drawn similar discipline, and the fact that the suspension notice did not, by practice, recite the employee's full disciplinary history. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 8, 2026, meeting minutes (File 260715): carried 3-0. - Moved into closed session (motion by Commissioner Cleary, seconded by Vice President Miller; carried 3-0) to deliberate on the suspension appeal under the state open-meetings exception for discussion of a specific employee's discipline, which "if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect" on the employee. - The open session was adjourned by motion after the closed session. The excerpted record provided does not include the board's final written determination on the 15-day suspension appeal.