Public Meetings - New Berlin, Wisconsin

The New Berlin Common Council met on April 28, 2026, at 6:15 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. During the open session, the council unanimously approved the consent agenda, heard public comment, and then entered a closed session to discuss legal services negotiations with Attorney Mark G. Blum and litigation strategy for Clark vs. City of New Berlin. Reconvening to open session, the council approved an interim contract extension for Attorney Blum and resolved the pending litigation. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously (5-0) approved the consent agenda, which included the following items: - Approval of the April 14, 2026, Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes. - Approval of Water Utility claims ($40,196.56), Sewer Utility claims ($52,861.43), and General City claims ($870,678.19, including a $99,774.40 We Energies EFT payment). - Appointment of William Jonas to the City of New Berlin Ethics Board for a term expiring April 30, 2029. - Election of an alderperson to the Plan Commission (requiring a two-thirds vote). - Approval of the New Berlin Fire Department's AED Library Program. - Recommendation to approve the Human Resources Department reorganization, creating an HR Manager position and transitioning the Benefits & Leave Specialist to a Benefits Administrator role. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Leah Donald (3480 Southware Road) spoke during Privilege of the Floor. She expressed opposition to the proposed contract extension with Attorney Mark G. Blum, citing a conflict of interest based on his past affiliation with a partner of the former city attorney. She also opposed the creation of the HR Manager position, arguing it would contribute to a further increase in property taxes, which she stated have risen by approximately $1,000 to $1,500 for her in the last two years. - Ms. Donald voiced support for Joe Strival's election to the Plan Commission and urged the Council to issue a Request for Proposals for a new legal firm to provide a 'clean break' from current representation. Closed Session (Discussion Item) - The Council convened in closed session at 6:18 PM pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate on a contract for legal services with Attorney Mark G. Blum, and under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to receive legal advice regarding Clark vs. City of New Berlin. Attorney Mark G. Blum recused himself from the discussion regarding his contract. - The Council reconvened to open session at 6:41 PM. Key Outcomes - Extension of Contract for Legal Services: The Council voted 5-0 to approve an extension of Attorney Mark G. Blum's contract through December 31, 2026. Council President Harenda noted the interim arrangement allows the city to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for legal services to be issued for 2027. - Resolution of Litigation: The Council voted 5-0 to approve the claim in Clark vs. City of New Berlin as outlined by the City Attorney. - Meeting Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.

The New Berlin Common Council met on April 14, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting began at approximately 6:05 PM, proceeded through a unanimous consent agenda, and included two closed session items. City Clerk Rubina R. Medina reported a 48% overall voter turnout for the spring election and a 90% absentee ballot return rate. Key actions included awarding a watermain replacement contract, approving ambulance fee increases, setting public hearings for a large development area, and resolving litigation and a property agreement in closed session. Public Comments & Testimony - One resident spoke in strong opposition to the proposed rezoning and TIF district for properties in the South Moorland Road Corridor and Grange Avenue area. The speaker expressed skepticism that commercial development has lowered their taxes, argued the area is "one of the last pretty areas on the east side of New Berlin," and stated a willingness to spend time and money to fight the development, referencing a past successful preservation effort ("Trees on the Move" / Wildwood Preserve). - Patrick Theodus, representing Suncat Property Group (the applicant for the rezoning), expressed excitement about the project, stating the site is "perfect for this use." Consent Calendar The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). It included the following items: - Approval of the March 24, 2026, Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes. - Utility & Finance: Approval of Water Utility claims ($168,661.60), Sewer Utility claims ($872,399.19), and General City claims ($1,791,792.10). - Miscellaneous: - Ambulance Fee Increase: Approved increases to ambulance billing fees effective June 1, 2026 ($300 increase to non-resident base rates for BLS, ALS, and Critical Care; $250 increase to resident base rates), with further $50 annual increases on January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028. - Rezone (179th Street): Set a public hearing for May 4, 2026, to rezone properties at 2445 & 2345 S. 179th Street to remove C-1 zoning. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Future Land Use Map): Set a joint public hearing for June 1, 2026, to amend the Future Land Use Map for parcels owned by Loomis Farm, LLC (80.22 acres) and Maureen E. Bosch Revocable Trust (39.83 acres) from Business Park/Industrial & Urban Residential to Business Park/Industrial. - Rezone (Moorland Road Corridor): Set a joint public hearing for June 1, 2026, to rezone multiple parcels (totaling over 250 acres) to facilitate a large development project. - TID 6 Project Plan: Approved an $18,000 agreement with Ehlers & Associates to prepare a project plan for Tax Incremental District 6, and set a public hearing for June 1, 2026, for the affected properties. - Joint Review Board Meetings: Authorized the City of New Berlin Joint Review Board to conduct meetings electronically. Discussion Items - Reports: City Clerk Medina reported that overall voter turnout was 48% and that 90% of absentee voters returned their ballots. She thanked the Clerk’s Office staff and Election Day officials for their efforts. Council President Harenda expressed the Council’s appreciation for the Clerk’s work on the election. - Greenridge Watermain Replacement: The Council discussed and awarded the construction contract for the Greenridge Watermain Replacement and Road Rehabilitation Project to Stark Pavement Corp. in the amount of $3,370,552.00 ($2,618,674 base bid and $751,878 alternate area bid). The total is comprised of a Water portion ($532,945), Water Resources portion ($362,534), and Engineering's Road Rehabilitation component ($2,475,072.24). The motion passed 6-0. - Mayoral Appointments: The Council approved the list of Mayoral Appointments as presented (Motion passed 6-0). - Closed Session Justification: City Attorney Mark Blum explained the statutory basis for the two closed session items. Within the context of a recent Court of Appeals decision, he outlined the rationale for the closed session: receiving legal advice on the Carter vs. City of New Berlin litigation and deliberating on the negotiated agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Spitz regarding the Jacob's Ridge lift station. The Council voted 6-0 to enter closed session at 6:30 PM. Key Outcomes - Litigation Resolution: The Council voted unanimously (6-0) to approve a judgment agreement in the Carter vs. City of New Berlin case, as presented by the City Attorney. - Property Agreement: The Council voted unanimously (6-0) to approve an agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Spitz related to the reconstruction of the Jacob’s Ridge lift station, per the City Attorney. - Construction Contract Awarded: The Greenridge Watermain Replacement and Road Rehabilitation contract was awarded to Stark Pavement Corp. - Public Hearings Scheduled: Multiple public hearings were set for May 4, 2026, and June 1, 2026, related to zoning and land use changes for a large development area on the city's southeast side, and for the creation of TID 6. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.

The New Berlin Common Council met on April 14, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers for a special two-session meeting. The first session closed the previous council term and honored outgoing District 2 Alderperson Scott La Fever, who was absent. Following an invocation by Richard Piontek, the session adjourned sine die at 5:06 PM (5-0). In the second session, newly elected officials were sworn in and the council organized for the new term. Installation of Elected Officials - City Clerk Rubina R. Medina administered the oath of office to three alderpersons: - Meg Gardner (District 2) – Newly elected. - Kenneth A. Harenda II (District 4) – Re-elected. - Dennis Horbinski (District 6) – Re-elected. Election of Council President - Alderperson Hopkins nominated Ken Harenda, supported by Alderperson Maxey. The motion passed 5-0, with Harenda abstaining as nominee. Remarks from Elected Officials - Alderperson Meg Gardner (District 2): Described the moment as full-circle, recalling her father's swearing-in for the same seat in 1984. She thanked her family, particularly her mother who drove her while she knocked on over 1,370 doors. She committed to collaborative and thoughtful decision-making. - Alderperson Ken Harenda (District 4): Thanked the community and emphasized the need for cooperation to address future challenges. - Alderperson Dennis Horbinski (District 6): Thanked his wife and constituents. He reflected on the progress the city has made in planning and resource allocation since he joined the council in 2011 and pledged to continue serving the community's best interests. Key Outcomes - The previous council term was formally ended (sine die) at 5:06 PM (5-0). - Three alderpersons were sworn into office for Districts 2, 4, and 6. - Ken Harenda was unanimously elected Council President for the new term. - The new council's inaugural meeting was adjourned at 5:16 PM (6-0).

The New Berlin Common Council met electronically via Zoom on March 24, 2026, at 7:10 PM (following a Privilege of the Floor session that began at 6:50 PM). The meeting was held remotely due to in-person absentee voting occurring in the Council Chambers. Six alderpersons were present (Hopkins, La Fever, Harenda, Stribl, Horbinski, Kroupa); Alderperson Dave Maxey was excused. A quorum was declared, and the meeting was properly noticed. The agenda was amended on March 23, 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the March 10, 2026 Common Council Meeting Minutes (6-0). - Consent Agenda (approved 6-0): Included the following items recommended unanimously by the Committee of the Whole: - March 10, 2026 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes. - Utility & Finance: Approval of March 25, 2026 claims: Water Utility $15,714.08, Sewer Utility $317,776.83, and General City $679,777.43 (including General City checks dated March 4, 2026 for $284,955.97, tax overpayment checks totaling $12,617.81, and a We Energies EFT payment of $97,672.76). - Resolution No. 2026-03: Authorizing Emergency Management Manager Jim Burns to submit an application to the State of Wisconsin Disaster Fund for potential reimbursement of eligible expenses related to the August 2025 flood event. - 2026 Roadway Maintenance Joint and Crack Cleaning and Sealing Project: Contract with Thunder Road, LLC and inspection services by Ruekert & Mielke, Inc., contingent upon receipt of signed agreement and insurance. - Greenridge Watermain Replacement Project: Agreement with CBS2 for inspection services for the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation portion, contingent upon receipt of signed agreement and insurance. - Live Fire Training Tower Rehabilitation Project: Denial of the base bid and Alternates 1 and 2 from Level Up Construction totaling $847,560, based on best interest of the City. - 4th of July fireworks display: Contract with Chrome Fireworks for $40,000. Public Comments & Testimony - Six residents spoke during Privilege of the Floor, all in opposition to the proposed Milwaukee Rescue Mission 'New Journey' development. Key concerns included: - Jeffrey Paul (20855 West Lawnsdale Road) argued the facility is not beneficial to New Berlin, criticized its use of a church designation as a loophole, and questioned the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. - Jeanette Nock (14370 West Maylord Drive) raised concerns about strain on police and fire/paramedic resources, lack of public transportation, tax exemption for churches, and the program's focus on Milwaukee County residents. - Aaron Maney (16225 West Heatherly Drive) questioned why the item was on the agenda since the Common Council had already voted against the land division and the matter was before the Board of Appeals; he also asked about a potential council vote to remove the property from a tax incentive district. - Tyler Brenner (15101 West Small) argued that the city violated its own use code by defining a residential treatment facility as an accessory use to a church, stating dwellings are not permitted in M1 zoning. He claimed the proper respondent in the pending lawsuit is the Board of Appeals, not the City. - Mary Fennig (5090 South Small Road) cited personal experience with a similar facility in West Allis, reporting needles, garbage, and belongings left on her property, and urged denial of the project. - Tammy (2085 West Lawnsdale Road) expressed concerns about increased taxes, safety for children, high failure rates of rehab programs, and the lack of public transportation for discharged individuals. Discussion Items - Fourth of July Commission Contracts: Alderperson Stribl noted that all 4th of July festivities are funded through fundraising efforts and do not rely on taxpayer dollars. The Council approved three contracts unanimously (6-0 each): - Portable sanitation services with Pat's Services, Inc. for $10,645 (July 1–6, 2026). - Drone show with BCI Entertainment, LLC for $25,000 (July 2, 2026). - Tent rentals and related services with Area Tent for $22,823.03 (July 3–5, 2026). - Closed Session: Council President Harenda, citing public requests, asked to remove the closed session item (litigation update on the New Berlin Citizens United Board of Appeals Case and Petition for Writ of Mandamus by DeMoCat, LLC et al. vs. City of New Berlin) from the agenda. No motion was made to enter closed session; the item was bypassed without discussion. Key Outcomes - All votes on the consent calendar and individual items were unanimous (6-0). - The meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.

The New Berlin Common Council convened on January 13, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers following the Committee of the Whole meeting. The meeting featured extensive public comment concerning two major issues: a proposed residential recovery facility by the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and a city flood control property acquisition program. The Council voted on several items, notably denying a certified survey map central to the Rescue Mission project in a 4-3 vote, while unanimously approving flood control grants and the consent agenda. Consent Calendar - Minutes: December 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes approved unanimously (7-0). - Utility & Finance: Approved Water Utility claims ($6,034.28 for Dec 24; $960.11 for Jan 14), Sewer Utility claims ($10,569.76), General City claims ($792,812.52 and $183,644.97), including a We Energies EFT payment ($45,319.79). - Licenses & Permits: Approved the 2026 Garbage Hauler License for WM Franklin Hauling. - Miscellaneous: Approved Resolution 2026-1 designating polling places; authorized the Director of Finance to sign the Declaration of Official Intent for the 2026 Debt Issue; approved the 2026 Salary Grade Table. Public Comments & Testimony The Council extended the privilege of the floor significantly to accommodate numerous speakers. Milwaukee Rescue Mission / New Journey House (5295 S. Moorland Rd): - Opposition: Many residents, including former city administrator Jim Gadski, nearby resident Tyler Brenner, substance abuse counselor Aaron B., retired Milwaukee Police Sergeant Janice Shum, and others (Mike Schmidt, Ryan Anderson, John Polkilla, Julie Laphart, Karen Wolf, Robert Milly, Candy Offerman, Gary Hans, Robin, Michael Primus, Jim Grandell) voiced strong opposition. They argued the facility is improperly classified as a church (citing a 3% chapel space), that the application was a "false flag" to avoid a public hearing under RLUIPA, and expressed concerns about public safety, a 40-70% early recovery relapse rate, lack of public transportation, strain on emergency services, loss of tax base, and a lack of transparency from the city and applicant. - Support: Several residents and Mandy Andrews spoke in support, highlighting the program's voluntary and structured nature, 24/7 security, extensive background checks, and the organization's successful track record. One speaker noted the existing New Journey program generated only 7 EMT calls in the last year. - Applicant Response: Patrick Vanderburgh, CEO of Milwaukee Rescue Mission, addressed inaccuracies, stating the program is an inpatient recovery facility (not a shelter), has generated 8 EMT calls in two years, and the organization has agreed to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). Flood Control Grant / Property Acquisition (WRM 04-25): - Residents Judy & John Dominic and Karen Hart expressed anger at receiving a letter shortly before Christmas stating the City intended to acquire their floodway properties. They criticized the $500,000 offer for four properties as inadequate and the timing and tone of the communication as insensitive. Mayor Ament clarified the acquisition program is entirely voluntary. Discussion Items - Plan Commission Item 7A – LD-2502142 (Milwaukee Rescue Mission CSM): Alderperson Stribl moved to deny the Certified Survey Map, citing unresolved questions, flag lot issues, and the impact on the TIF district. The City Attorney clarified that denial of the CSM solely consolidates two existing lots and does not affect the facility's separate land use approval, which remains code-compliant. Alderperson Horbinski emphasized the Council's duty to follow statutes and the advice of legal counsel. Alderperson Kroupa noted the difficulty of overturning a 2020 approval of the lots. Alderperson Harenda supported denial, stating more discussion was needed on flag lot regulations. - Water Resource Management Item 8A – WRM 04-25 (Flood Control Grant): Alderperson Harenda moved to approve. Alderperson Hopkins expressed concern over the wording and timing of the notification letter sent to property owners, requesting more sensitive communication in the future. Mayor Ament reiterated the program is voluntary. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: December 9, 2025 Common Council meeting minutes approved (7-0). - Plan Commission: - Item 7A Denied: Motion to deny the 1-Lot Certified Survey Map (LD-2502142) for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission passed 4-3. Voting in favor of denial: Alderpersons Stribl, Maxey, La Fever, and Harenda. Voting against denial: Alderpersons Hopkins, Horbinski, and Kroupa. - Item 7B Approved: 2-Lot Certified Survey Map for the George M Woelfel Survivor Trust (LD-2502371) approved (7-0). - Water Resource Management Resolutions Approved (all 7-0): - WRM 04-25: Municipal Flood Control Grant application and voluntary property acquisition (up to 50% city cost share). - WRM 05-25: Purchase of de-icing/salt reduction calibration equipment. - WRM 06-25: Purchase of CCTV equipment. - Consent Agenda Approved (7-0): All items on the Consent Agenda were approved, including Committee of the Whole minutes, utility and finance claims, garbage hauler license, polling places resolution, debt issue authorization, and salary grade table. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.