Common Council - Regular Meeting

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

About this meeting

Government Body
Common Council
Meeting Type
Common Council
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Meeting Date
December 16, 2025

Transcript

415 sections (from 478 segments)

0:00Speaker 1

Buzz? Here. Spyker?

0:03Speaker 2

Here. Stamper?

0:25 – 0:40Speaker 5

Fantastic. That provides us a quorum. Thank you so much. We will now rise and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to be followed by a moment of silent meditation. Please stand.

1:12 – 1:23Speaker 5

Thank you very much. Are there any corrections to the Common Council Journal of Proceedings for the meetings of 11/25/2025?

1:25Speaker 1

There are no corrections to the journal.

1:26 – 1:59Speaker 5

There being no corrections, the minutes of this meeting stand approved. Alderman Milele Cogs now moves that the common council resolve itself into a committee of the whole for the purpose of making a presentation and hearing no objection so ordered. You've all probably noticed that we have very special guests this morning. We are pleased to once again welcome the third grade students from Milwaukee Public Schools Golda Meir School. They are yeah.

2:00 – 2:52Speaker 5

The students we see today and some of their family members I know some of their family members are also watching on TV, I was told by one of my students here. Our winners of the Alderperson for a Day, they authored essays that were created they authored essays in a contest that were chosen for them to share this special moment with us. This program was created in 2023 by Alderman Millele Cox. Alderperson for a day challenges these third graders to learn about city government and to consider issues that they see in their community. They wrote that short essay about what they would do to improve our community if they were Alderperson for a day.

2:52 – 3:22Speaker 5

Congratulations to each and every one of you students. We can't wait to hear the ideas that you share to help make our city better for everybody. Let's give you one more round of applause. Alderman Cogs is now coming up to begin our presentation. We're going to try something new today, and I want to let you know there is nobody more excited than the I think I speak for the whole common council.

3:22 – 3:46Speaker 5

This is one of our favorite days at City Hall. We have very busy days, a lot of demands, but having the future generation here learn and help us make decisions for our city is extremely special and brings us great joy. So thank you for doing that. What we're going to do after we hear from Alder Woman Cogs who created this program is we're trying something new. We're going to go district by district.

3:48 – 4:18Speaker 5

Alder Woman Cogs is actually going to help me call out each district. When that district is called, the student or students will introduce themselves. I actually conducted democracy in action up here with my two students and asked them what question the student should answer. Just like democracy, we could not come to a unified approach, so we came up with two ideas. You can either say what your favorite animal is or your favorite superhero.

4:18 – 4:47Speaker 5

You could also do both. That's okay. So when we call the alderperson, the student will introduce themselves and answer one of those questions, and then the alderperson will pin this is per Deborah will pin their alderperson with an official City of Milwaukee pin, meaning that you are an alderperson for the day. So with that, Alderwoman Melele Coggs, thank you for putting this program together. Let's hear it for Melele.

4:52Speaker 3

Good morning. Good morning. Come on now. We are here for the third annual all the person for a day. I know we have more energy than that. Let's try it again.

5:01Speaker 2

Good morning. Good

5:03 – 5:35Speaker 3

Alright. Thank you. As was mentioned, I am alderwoman, Melele a Cox, and I have both the pleasure and the honor of representing the 6th Automatic District. As was mentioned, this is our third time doing this. Three years ago, my son, Calfini Phillips, who is now a fifth grader at who is now a fifth grader at Golda Meier, was here on the tour of City Hall that is annually done with with Gold and Myer as they are built into their curriculum history of the city and history of city hall.

5:36 – 6:21Speaker 3

And I talked to one of the teachers, miss Bailey, about an idea of having a young person be a older person for a day. And I and I've I've had periods of time where I was the only woman of the 15 members here, so I wanted it to be a little girl. And my son said, that's not fair, mommy. It can't just be a little girl. And then he started sharing all of his ideas for all the person for a day. So what started as a little personal thing for my office in the mind of a third grader group to what you see here today as a program. And as I talked to miss Bailey, and I said, well, what do you think about this? And she was like, how many? That made me think, oh my goodness. Like, this is even bigger than I thought.

6:21 – 7:05Speaker 3

So I reached out to each of my colleagues, and they so graciously agreed to also be a part of Alderperson for a day. So it is a third grader, a teacher, and me who helped to create what you now see as person for a day. So now, what is it, 45 young people will have experience being alder person for a day. What what I know is it's always hard for us to pick through those letters because there's so many bright young people that have ideas about how to improve this city and how to improve their neighborhood. So those 15 of you who are here today know that it did not come easy, to make the decision for you to be here.

7:05 – 7:43Speaker 3

So I first wanna give applause to you all who who won. And I'll leave you with this. Part of what we want you to take away from today is you don't have to wait to become an adult to be a leader. You all are leaders now. The things that you were able to recognize, to put a voice to, and to write to your older person about that you wanna change, know that you do have the power to help change those things.

7:43 – 8:20Speaker 3

This is a city that will only be as great as you all helped to make it. And think of us here today as partners Mhmm. For you to help make the changes that you wanna see happen. So I hope to one day see some of you in these seats. I hope to read stories about your great work, and I hope to live in a city that has you all as leaders making all the great changes that you see fit. So with that, I just want you to enjoy your older person for a day. Thank you. Okay.

8:24Speaker 5

Alderman. Will you help me call out each district then? Okay. No, you go ahead. Start with. We're going go in the numeric order.

8:33Speaker 3

The 1st District, Andrea Pratt. Who are your

8:38Speaker 6

Okay. I am Alderman Andrea Pratt. My favorite superhero is Storm. I'm just setting the tone.

8:51Speaker 7

My name is Freedom Perry, and my favorite animal is a jaguar.

9:00Speaker 5

Nice. Alright. My

9:10Speaker 5

Oh, hang on. Let's make sure you're okay. Hold on one sec. We wanna hear from you. Let's try again.

9:16 – 9:27Speaker 7

My name is Beatrice Percaccio, and my favorite animal is a unicorn, and my favorite superhero is Dog Man, Cat Kid, and Lightning

9:27Speaker 8

Dude. Alright.

9:30 – 10:07Speaker 5

Thank you. Okay and then just in between, remember, we're going to put the pin on too. Thank you. Making you an official aller person for the day. Just a reminder, when we complete the introduction of our Alder people, we will do a group picture over here by the sign.

10:09Speaker 5

Congratulations on being the alder person for the day. All right. Okay. Next up.

10:24Speaker 9

Good morning. I am Alderman Mark Chambers, Jr, and my favorite superhero is the Black Panther.

10:35Speaker 7

My name is Corneau Finch, and my favorite animal is a cheetah. Alright.

10:44 – 10:55Speaker 5

Thank you. Welcome. Okay. Next up,

10:56Speaker 10

District 3. Hey, everybody. Alderman Alex Brower. My favorite superhero is Wolverine.

11:05Speaker 7

Hi. My name is Olivia Torrey, and I'm nine years old. And my favorite animal is a panda.

11:12 – 11:25Speaker 5

And you won't lose it. Congratulations. Next up, District 4.

11:25 – 11:42Speaker 1

Good morning, everybody. I'm Bob Baumann, and my favorite superhero is Superman and my favorite animal is the bears. No. Hi.

11:44Speaker 7

My name is Harvinsky Eugene, and my favorite animal is a shark.

11:49Speaker 5

Oh, nice. Congratulations.

12:03Speaker 9

Good morning.

12:04Speaker 5

Yes, next up. District 5.

12:07Speaker 1

I am Alderman Lamont Westmoreland and my favorite superhero is two time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo. My

12:19 – 12:35Speaker 7

name is Camden, and my favorite superhero is Spider Man and my and my favorite animal is a turtle.

12:35Speaker 5

Oh, that's a good one. Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. Okay. District 6.

12:43Speaker 3

Good morning. I am alderman Mimelele A. Cox. My favorite superhero is Benton. Okay.

12:52 – 13:05Speaker 7

My name is my name is Savannah Austin, and my favorite animal is a baby lion, and my favorite superhero is Wonder Woman.

13:05Speaker 5

Oh, wonderful. Okay. Congratulations. Okay. Yes.

13:14Speaker 4

We did not hear Alderwoman Cogs' favorite animal. If she could please repeat that.

13:20Speaker 3

I'm not an animal person.

13:22Speaker 5

Oh, okay. That's okay. I'm sorry, superhero. We got space for everybody. Alright. We are now on to District 7.

13:33 – 13:49Speaker 11

Thank you, madam president. I am army Deandre Jackson of the historic 7th District. My favorite superhero will be Blade. Yeah. And in theory, all black vampires should be able to walk around in sunlight, just in

13:49Speaker 2

theory. Okay.

13:56Speaker 7

name is my name is Amora Jones,

13:59 – 14:15Speaker 7

my favorite animal is a jaguar. Wonderful. My name is Jeremiah Stewart. My favorite animal is a lion and my favorite superhero is Superman. Wonderful.

14:16Speaker 5

Congratulations. We are now on District 8.

14:21Speaker 12

Good morning, madam chair. I'm alderperson Jocasta Samaripa and my favorite superhero is Wonder Woman and I'm gonna pass it to my colleague here.

14:32Speaker 7

My name is Oliver Valivia and my favorite animal is a jellyfish.

14:38Speaker 5

Oh, nice one. Awesome. We are and congratulations. We're on District 9.

14:46Speaker 13

Okay. I'm alderwoman Larissa Taylor. My favorite animal is a lion, which I share with Elias. Okay.

14:54Speaker 2

You ready? You can still say yours.

14:57Speaker 7

My name is Elias, and my favorite animal is a lion.

15:01Speaker 13

And your superhero?

15:02Speaker 7

And my super favorite superhero is Superman. Alright.

15:08Speaker 5

Wonderful. Congratulations on being a alder person for the day. District ten.

15:14Speaker 14

Good morning, colleagues. My name is Charlene Moore, district ten, my favorite shero is Harriet Tubman.

15:24Speaker 5

Wonderful. My

15:28Speaker 7

name is Menora Zhang, and my favorite animal is a wolf.

15:34Speaker 5

Okay. Congratulations.

15:37Speaker 7

My name is Amelia Moser, and my favorite animal is a zebra.

15:43Speaker 5

Wonderful. Thank you so much. We are now on District 11.

15:49 – 16:00Speaker 4

Thank you, madam president. My name is Peter, and my favorite superhero are the drivers in the department of public works that plow snow and keep our roads safe.

16:05Speaker 7

My name is Oliver Lopez O'Shea. My favorite animal is a snake, and my favorite superhero is Martin Luther King. Congratulations.

16:21 – 16:37Speaker 5

We're getting some amazing and creative ideas here. Thank you for sharing. District 12, which is also Alderman Jose Perez, and we have Abel here, so I will pass the mic. Go ahead and introduce yourself. First and last name.

16:37Speaker 7

My name is Abel Busan, and my favorite animal is cat.

16:41 – 16:52Speaker 5

Cat. Alright. Let me do this for you and make it official. Okay? Thank you so much. District 13. Good

16:53Speaker 15

morning. I'm Alderman Scott Spiker and I don't know what is wrong with the upbringing of my colleagues, but of course my favorite superheroes is my mom. Thank you very much.

17:09Speaker 7

name is Lucy Hogan Miller, and my favorite animal is a giraffe. And my favorite superhero is little Jim from dog man.

17:18Speaker 5

Dog man. Oh, wonderful.

17:22Speaker 7

Okay. Looks like he was a kid.

17:25 – 17:53Speaker 5

There's a big and little Jim. Yes. Wonderful. Thank you so much. We're on the District 14. I am alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic. I am a big fan of Princess Leia. You. Felt like a good space to share that. Thank you. And I'm gonna pass this over to my all the person for the day, who I I gotta say who I know because

17:53Speaker 7

She's my baseball coach.

17:55Speaker 5

Yes. I I have one season. We did really well. So okay. But give your first and last name.

18:02Speaker 7

My name is Teddy Davis. My favorite animal is a turtle or a cow, and and my favorite superhero is John Cena. Awesome.

18:13 – 18:27Speaker 5

And I think you said that your parents are watching on TV. So hi, mom and dad. Alright. Hi, dad. Awesome. Let me give this to you and make the in one the the two the

18:36Speaker 16

favorite animal is a lion. The And this last is who I have with me.

18:43 – 18:55Speaker 7

Hi. My name is Eleora London, and I'm eight. My favorite animal is a cat. My favorite cat is my cat, Vivi, and my favorite subject is math.

18:56 – 19:15Speaker 5

Yeah. Fantastic. Alright. Thank you so much for sharing with us. We will now take a short break for a photo. You want give it a light tap? Light tap. A little harder. Okay. Please join us over here for a quick picture.

19:15 – 24:32Speaker 5

Oh, we're lining up right here. Line up right here. Now, call back to order. And Alderwoman Taylor now moves that the Committee of the Whole rises. Hearing no objections so ordered.

24:33 – 25:01Speaker 5

On a point of personal privilege and on behalf of the honorable president Jose Perez, if he was here, he would like to take a moment to wish and to bring to wish greetings and note that today is the last common council meeting of 2025. It marks a significant transition in the staff that serves this body in this city extremely

25:02 – 26:01Speaker 5

Between the two people that I am going to introduce, they have served this community for over sixty years, nearly seventy. That is Mr. Jeff Osterman and Ms. Linda Elmer, please stand up to be recognized. Your intelligence, professionalism, and frankly, patience dealing with our diverse body mark you both as exceptional public servants.

26:02 – 26:47Speaker 5

To Linda and to Jeff, we are certain that every member of this council would say they know you, they know your worth, and you will be missed. Thank you for your service to this council and the city of Milwaukee. One more time. Just imagine the amount of individuals that you have touched over seventy years. If you let your brain embark on that path of math, it is thousands and hundreds of thousands of lives that you have made better in the city of Milwaukee.

26:47Speaker 5

Thank you. Will the city clerk please inform the common council of any commendations or condolences to be acknowledged at this time.

27:01 – 27:33Speaker 1

File number one, communication from the city clerk relating to various commendatory and condolatory resolutions to be acknowledged and affirmed by the common counsel. One, resolutions congratulating the following have been recognized during the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's Greater Together Awards Program. Doctor. Victor Amaya, Melody McCurtis, and Daniel Cross, Hardeep Kalega, Roger and Cindy Shouse. Resolution congratulating the mother of good counsel parish on the occasion of its one hundredth anniversary.

27:34 – 28:07Speaker 1

Three, resolution recognizing Anthony Tony Courtney for his contributions to the community. Four, resolution congratulating the fiftieth anniversary of a Christmas carol presented by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Five, resolution expressing condolences to the family and friends of James Jim Millott. Six, resolution expressing condolences to the family and friends of Curtis Monk senior. Seven, resolution congratulating Linda Elmer on the occasion of her retirement from the common council city clerk's office.

28:08 – 28:44Speaker 1

Eight, resolution congratulating Bernard Jerry Allen on his retirement from the city of Milwaukee's employees retirement system. Nine, resolution congratulating Sharon Zegrodnik on her retirement from the department of emergency communications. 10, resolution congratulating Lisa Olive on her retirement from the city treasurer's office. 11, resolution congratulating Frederick Larry on his retirement from the controller's office. 12, resolution congratulating Maynard MacKillan on his retirement from the Department of Public Works.

28:45 – 29:02Speaker 1

13, resolution congratulating Adam Jordanowski on his retirement from the Milwaukee Fire Department. 14, resolutions congratulating the following on their retirements from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Michael Rogan, Melvin Russell Junior.

29:05 – 29:29Speaker 5

Are there any objections to the foregoing commendations and condolences? If anyone wishes to be added as sponsor to any of the commendations or condolences, please fill out the form on your desk and submit it to the city clerk before the close of the workday. We will now take up the reports of standing committees. Alderperson Jocasta Samaripa will now present report of the Licenses Committee.

29:30 – 30:17Speaker 1

The Licenses Committee recommends passage of two, a substitute ordinance relating to alcohol beverage licenses in public spaces. The licenses committee also recommends three common counsel file number 251331 motion relating to the recommendations of the licenses relating to licenses. Included in the file are the following recommendations. Non renewal of the Class B Tavern public entertainment premise and food dealer for Angel Gutierrez Guernica based upon the preponderance of the evidence in the police report as well as aldermanic testimony that demonstrates the operation results in a threat to health, safety, or welfare of the public for failure to comply with the approved plan of operation for the premise located at 2106 West National Avenue doing business as El Jalapeno Restaurant in the 8th Aldermanic District. Written objections have been filed.

30:17 – 30:36Speaker 1

Non renewal of the extended hours establishment filling station, food dealer, and weights and measure licenses for Sudhwinder Singh based upon third non appearance for the premise located at 8661 West Brown Deer Road doing business as BP Pantry forty one in the 9th Aldermanic District. No written objections have been filed.

30:43Speaker 5

Have the members of the Common Council read the report and recommendations of the Licenses Committee as well as the objections filed in these matters? Roll call please.

30:55Speaker 1

Alderman Pratt.

30:59Speaker 2

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Broward. Aye. Baumann. Hi.

31:08Speaker 1

Westmoreland. Cox.

31:19Speaker 2

Hi. Taylor? Hi. Borg?

31:25Speaker 1

Hi. Bergalis? Hi. Spiker?

31:31Speaker 2

Hi. Stamberg? Aye.

31:41Speaker 1

Madam Chair?

31:43Speaker 1

14 ayes, one excused.

31:47 – 32:19Speaker 5

Are any of the following or their councils present? And if so, do they wish to address the common council? Angel Gutierrez Garnica. Okay. Thank you. Alderson Zamariba moves that the common council resolve itself into a committee of the whole for the purpose of taking testimony in these matters. Hearing no objections, so ordered. Okay.

32:19Speaker 17

Thank you, madam chair.

32:20 – 32:33Speaker 5

Oh, one second. I just have to make one more announcement. Both sides are limited to five minutes and must confine their remarks to the report and the recommendation of the committee. Please introduce yourself and please begin with your five minutes, sir.

32:33 – 32:57Speaker 17

Thank you, Madam Chair. For those who don't know me, refer to the little people here, my name is Mike Maiselman and I'm a lawyer. And I'm representing Jalapeno Restaurant LLC. I wasn't present at the licensing hearing. I was brought on after the fact. And I've been working extensively with woman, Wonder Woman, Joe Costa. You are Wonder Woman, right?

32:59 – 33:27Speaker 17

Okay. Well, I thought that was your favorite person. You're not Superman like Alderman Baumann. And I think we put together, I hope, something that will work and address all the concerns of the older woman and of the neighbors. There were some a lot of after hour issues. And so we are willing to close as opposed to close time at ten a. M. Sunday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday at eleven a. M.

33:29Speaker 17

to close I'm sorry?

33:30 – 34:11Speaker 17

P. M. Yes. We used to close at bar close. And we will open our doors at eight a. M. As opposed to 06:00 in the morning. We will attend the MPD District two private safety meetings and we will join the VIA Community Development Corporation. Like I said, Alderman Zamoriba and I have been working on this for the last week and a half, and I hope we have an understanding that this will address everybody's concerns. I'm not here to make apologies. Well, my client is sorry, but I'm not here to make any excuses for what they did. We're at your mercy. Thank you.

34:13 – 34:27Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Any discussion or any motions with respect to these matters? Also please come on up the city attorney.

34:33 – 34:44Speaker 2

Assistant City Attorney Travis Gresham appearing for the city attorney's office. You have before you the finding of findings of fact and conclusions of law, and I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

34:44 – 35:08Speaker 5

Any questions by members for the city attorney's office? Okay. It's none at this time. Thank you. And then, Alderperson Zammaripa moves that the committee of the whole rise and hearing no objection is so ordered. And now, are there any motions with respect to these matters? Thank you. Alderson Samaripa.

35:09Speaker 12

Thank you. I'd like to make a motion in relation to the objection by Al Jalapeno Restaurant.

35:16Speaker 5

Okay. Please make it.

35:18 – 35:45Speaker 12

I want to acknowledge the remarks that attorney Mike Mason just made before us and just wanted to reiterate because I think there was a little bit of confusion. The business has already amended their plan of operation in the licensing division. They are currently and will continue to operate opening at eight a. M. And closing at ten p. M. Sunday through Thursday, opening at eight a. M. And closing at eleven p. M.

35:45 – 36:20Speaker 12

On Fridays and Saturdays. Attorney Mason informed me that has already that amendment was already made with the licensing division, and they're currently working under those hours. In addition to the other pieces that he indicated, I appreciate Alejandro Lapunos reaching out and trying to come to some compromise. Thus I would like to amend the committee's decision and move away from nonrenewal. I move for a ninety day renewal with a ninety day suspension.

36:23 – 37:07Speaker 5

The motion is renewal with a ninety day suspension? Yes. Okay. Any discussion of that motion by Alderperson Zamaripa? Hearing no further discussion, are there any objections to the motion by Alderperson Sammaripa? Was that a do you have anything? Okay. Okay. And hearing none, so ordered. We do now need a roll call the members to adopt the recommendations of the file of the licensing committee as contained in file number 251331. Will the clerk please call the roll?

37:08Speaker 1

Alderman Pratt.

37:09Speaker 2

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Broward.

37:13Speaker 1

Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland.

37:18Speaker 1

Cogs. Aye. Jackson.

37:20Speaker 2

Aye. Zamoripa? Aye.

37:26Speaker 2

Aye. Moore? Aye.

37:29Speaker 1

Bergelis? Aye. Spiker?

37:34Speaker 1

Stamper? Aye. Madam Chair? Aye. 14 ayes, one excused.

37:44 – 37:56Speaker 5

14 ayes, one excused. Thank you. Now, Alderperson Samaripo moves for the approval of the remainder report of the licensing committee. Will the clerk please call the roll?

37:56Speaker 1

Alderwoman Pratt. Aye. Chambers.

38:03Speaker 2

Aye. Bowman.

38:09Speaker 1

Aye. Westmoreland.

38:12Speaker 2

Aye. Oggs. Aye. Jackson. Aye.

38:20Speaker 1

Zamoriba. Aye.

38:24Speaker 2

Taylor? Hi. Poor? Hi.

38:29Speaker 1

Berglis? Hi. Spiker? Alderman Spiker?

38:46Speaker 2

Stamberg? Aye.

38:50Speaker 1

Madam Chair?

38:53Speaker 1

ayes, one excused. Madam Chair?

38:55Speaker 5

Yes. Alderman

38:56Speaker 4

I acknowledge our interactions today and our substitutes but Alderman Jackson is not present. This is still a legal proceeding.

39:11Speaker 4

That vote should not be counted.

39:13Speaker 1

That is correct.

39:14 – 39:27Speaker 5

That is correct. He is right here actually though. Alderman Jackson, how did you wish to be recorded on the remainder of the licensing committee?

39:31Speaker 1

With that I, it is still 14 ayes and one excuse.

39:35 – 40:07Speaker 5

14 ayes, one excused. The committee report is adopted. Thank you very much. Just as a note for our students here, we go what we call in a consensus way. So we'll go by committee to committee. You'll hear me call them out and then if we have any issues or objections with that committee, we'll talk about those items. But by consensus means we kind of assume we agree until we don't. So next up we're an alderperson or alderwoman Melele Coggs will now present the report of the Public Works Committee.

40:09 – 41:00Speaker 1

The Public Works Committee recommends approval of four, motion relating to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee relating to licenses. Five, substitute motion relating to the location of various Milwaukee County Transit System bus stops. The public works committee recommends adoption of six substitute resolution assigning the honorary street name to rabbi Michael Twersky to North 51st Boulevard from West Burleigh Street to West Keefe Avenue in the 7th Aldermanic District. Seven, resolution relating to acceptance and funding of a green infrastructure funding grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for the construction of five bioswales and three grass swales at West Beecher Street near the Interstate 43 Overpass and authorizing entry into post construction maintenance covenant in the 12th Aldermanic District. Eight, resolution adopting the 2025 Milwaukee County hazard mitigation plan.

41:00 – 41:48Speaker 1

Nine, resolution authorizing the city engineer to apply for federal transportation alternatives program grants for the 2026 through 2030 application cycle with a an 80% grantor share and a 20% local share. 10, resolution determining it necessary to make various accessible public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes. With the city engineering cost estimated to be $265,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $2,685,000. 11, resolution determining it necessary to make various non assessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes. With the city engineering costs estimated to be $365,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $4,128,000.

41:48 – 42:45Speaker 1

12, resolution approving construction of of various non assessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes. With the city construction cost estimated to be $5,171,688.02 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $18,025,702.80. 13, resolution to remove obstructions and to remove or reconstruct encroachments, projections, and special privileges from streets and alleys on the 2026 paving program. 14, resolution relating to amendment three to the Harbor Assistance Program grant agreement between Port Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the acceptance funding and expenditure of additional grant funds awarded to Port Milwaukee in conjunction with this amendment. The Public Works Committee recommends placing on file 15 communication from the Department of Public Works providing a comprehensive review of the City Of Milwaukee's snow plowing policies and procedures.

42:47 – 43:07Speaker 5

Okay. Oh, thank you. Okay, thank you. I got a very handy assistant who when you're lighting, I was telling the students if a council member wants to speak, if you see they're tapping the button and then we have a light here that's telling me. So usually I'm behind but I have Teddy is helping me out and it looks like we have we got two. So we have Alderman Spiker.

43:08 – 43:32Speaker 15

Thank you, madam chair. With respect to item five, I would like to move to amend the attachment to the file as amended by the Public Works Committee by reinserting the new bus stop described as Edgerton Ave. And South 20th Street eastbound near side. If members of the committee will recall, we ask to have that held. I've received the information I was looking for and so now happy to make the motion to amend. Thank you.

43:34 – 43:51Speaker 5

The motion to amend by Alderman Spyker is before us and you heard the explanation. Any discussion of that motion? Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. Thank you so much. We now have Alderman Brower.

43:51Speaker 2

Here, I'll sign it.

43:53Speaker 5

Let's check the mic on that one. Okay.

43:56Speaker 10

Can you hear me now? Yes. Okay, great. Thank you so much, madam chair. Really appreciate this.

43:59 – 44:51Speaker 10

I just wanted to speak to item 15, which was the communication file from our office relating to a comprehensive review of the snow plowing policies and procedures. I just wanted to first say that I was honestly very flattered that other Alders came down to public works for us to engage in a really lively discussion. Other Alders who are not on the Public Works Committee, when we engage in a lively discussion about snow plowing, snow removal, and everything to do with that, which is something that our constituents care a lot about, and it's something that we provide that's immediately felt. And so I first want to say that I just really appreciate all the men and women of our city's Department of Public Works who work so hard to keep our streets as clear as possible when these events happen and do all the work ahead of time to make that make that possible. I just I think we all on this council appreciate their work.

44:51 – 45:59Speaker 10

I think we should give them a round of applause. Thank you guys so Everybody on Department of Public Works seriously for everything that you guys do. I also just wanted to comment that our city's ability to provide services that our residents need and deserve is based frankly on one thing, which is the resources that our city is allocated either through our tax levy or from the state of Wisconsin. So for constituents of District 3 and for constituents across the city who are maybe disappointed from time to time by what our Department of Public Works is able to accomplish and disappointed by the breadth or quickness of how fast we're removing snow, what I'll say is that the main constraint that we discovered in this communication file, which a lot of us knew already, is that our city is strained financially. And we need to do everything as members of this common council and members of the public need to do everything they can to ensure that the city of Milwaukee is getting the resources that it needs from the state of Wisconsin.

45:59 – 46:20Speaker 10

And that means that we're getting a larger share of the income tax revenue. We are getting more shared revenue. And that means, frankly, in the end, that the millionaires and billionaires in this state and across this country are paying their fair share so that everybody has quality services from city government. I just wanted to thank everybody and all the Department of Public Works staff who showed up for that communication file. Thank you.

46:20 – 46:35Speaker 5

Thank you so much Alderman Brower. Is there any further discussion of the committee report? And again, we're on Public Works. Hearing none, Alderman Cogs moves for approval of the remainder of the report of the public works committee. Will the clerk please call the roll?

46:35Speaker 1

Alderman Pratt.

46:37Speaker 7

Here. No. Aye. Aye.

46:43Speaker 2

Aye. Broward. Aye.

46:46Speaker 1

Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland.

46:49Speaker 2

Aye. Cox. Jackson.

46:53Speaker 1

Aye. Zamoripa.

46:56Speaker 2

Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore.

47:00Speaker 1

Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker.

47:04Speaker 2

Aye. Stamper? Aye.

47:11Speaker 1

Madam Chair? Aye. 14 ayes, one excused.

47:16 – 47:27Speaker 5

14 ayes, one excused. The committee report is adopted. We are now on to Alderman Peter Bergelis who will present the report of the finance and personnel committee.

47:27 – 47:50Speaker 1

The finance and personnel committee recommends passage. Should note, item number 16 was returned by the city attorney as not legal and enforceable. By law, it has been returned to committee. The finance and personnel committee recommends passage of 17, a substitute ordinance relating to a five year city fiscal forecast. 18, a substitute ordinance to further amend the twenty twenty six offices and positions in the city service.

47:51 – 48:40Speaker 1

19, a substitute ordinance to further amend the twenty twenty six rates of pay of offices and positions in the city service. Finance and personal committee recommends adoption of 20 resolution designating certain city of Milwaukee events and initiatives as eligible for contributions. 21 substitute resolution authorizing city departments to expend monies appropriated in the 2026 city budget for special purpose accounts, debt service fund, provisions for employees retirement fund, common council contingent fund, grant and aid fund and special capital projects and purposes. 22, substitute resolution appropriating $50,000,001 from the 2026 Special Purposes Account Reimbursable Services Advance Fund. 23, substitute resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 Family Planning Grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

48:41 – 49:46Speaker 1

24, resolution directing various departments to provide administrative support to the Department of Community Wellness and Safety and the Department of Equity and Inclusion. 25, substitute resolution authorizing attendance at conventions in 2026 by employees of city departments and Board of Commission members and further authorizing expenditure departmental budget and funds for that purpose. 26, substitute resolution authorizing a one year extension to the term of tax incremental district 42 Midtown and using the resulting tax incremental revenue to benefit affordable housing and improve housing stock in the city of Milwaukee with a 2025 levy. 27, substitute resolution authorizing a one year extension to the term of tax incremental district 39 Hilton Hotel and using the resulting tax incremental revenue to benefit affordable housing and improve housing stock in the city of Milwaukee with a 2025 levy. 28, substitute resolution authorizing a one year extension to the term of tax incremental district number 46, Grand Avenue Slash New Arcade, and using the resulting tax incremental revenue to benefit affordable housing and improve housing stock in the city of Milwaukee with the 2020 levy.

49:46 – 50:36Speaker 1

29, substitute resolution authorizing a one year extension to the term of tax incremental District number 51, Granville Station, and using the resulting tax incremental revenue to benefit affordable housing and improve housing stock in the city of Milwaukee with the 2025 levy. 30, substitute resolution related to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 lead detection grant from the state of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 31, resolution relating to acceptance and funding of the 2026 HIV partner services grant from the state of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 32, substitute resolution authorizing the sale and issuance of general obligation promissory notes for up to 10,000,000 of contingent borrowing for excess twenty twenty five expenditures. The finance and personnel committee recommends placing on file 33, resolution relating to expenditure of funds to be reimbursed by greater than anticipated revenue from the Milwaukee Public Schools.

50:36 – 51:32Speaker 1

34, communication from the office of the controller relating to the audit of the community development grants administration award of Administration, Budget Management Division, and the Office of the Controller relating to the development of a formal fund balance policy. 36, communication from the Department of Administration, Information Technology Division relating to additional ways the city can use e texts. 37, communication from the Department of Employer Relations amending the salary and positions ordinances relating to clerical or administrative corrections. 38, communication from a department of administration budget management division relating to amending the twenty twenty six positions ordinance as a result of the common council adopted budget and amendments. 39, communication from the department of employer relations amending the salary and position the positions ordinance to designate one position of community health specialist in the Milwaukee Health Department as bilingual.

51:32 – 51:44Speaker 1

The finance and personnel committee refers without recommendation. For the communication for the department of employee relations relating to an amendment to the salary ordinance to permit a 3% wage adjustment for eligible non represented city employees.

51:45Speaker 5

Thank you so much, mister Clerk. The first light is Alderman Chambers followed by Alderman Bergelis. Alderman Chambers.

51:53 – 52:34Speaker 9

Thank you, madam chair. I'm going to be speaking on a couple of items that happened within the finance and personnel committee. I'm going to speak first on item number 16, substitute ordinance that was relating to reporting requirements for certain positions. As members may know, this was passed, as a resolution during the executive pay plan study, which was signed by the mayor back in 2024. There was a footnote in the previous budget that I've, guess codified because they were in violation of said thing and we have not heard anything.

52:36 – 53:24Speaker 9

To see that the city attorney deemed this not legal and enforceable kind of behooves me. I think it's quite frankly a slap in our face because the purpose of this file initially was just to have annual conversations and annual talks with those appointed employees from the mayor, which was a part of said requirements for the executive pay plan to move forward. My hope is that the administration see this and and follow through with what mayor Johnson signed back in 2024. Question to the city clerk, Is

53:25 – 53:36Speaker 9

a way that we can strike some of the items that the city attorney deem legal and enforceable and move this forward without sending it back to committee?

53:41Speaker 5

Okay. I'm being told that by the code, it actually is not even in front of us to do what you'd like to do, that it just goes back to committee.

53:50 – 54:13Speaker 9

Okay. Yeah. So I hope we can put this to bed quite early in January to actually have something that actually codify and follow through what was spoken upon back in 2024. The next item that I'm going to be speaking on, Madam Chair, thank you for giving me the brevity, is item number

54:17 – 54:30Speaker 9

Nope. The 119 last. Okay. Item number 26, the substitute resolution authorizing the one year extension of the tax increment of district within that is at Midtown Center. You know, I had a robust discussion.

54:30 – 55:19Speaker 9

I initially was going to pull it out, but I understood the impacts of what was happening, and we passed in the budget, so I'm not going to do that. But as I mentioned, I do want to put it on the record that I I hope that we have more direct talks, informed talks of the respective auditors. I know a lot of these TID and TIFFs don't necessarily come to my district and some of my colleagues on the from Northwest Side, mainly happens downtown Walker's Point, so on and so forth. So I know y'all have even a more, continuing basis, but, this is the only tid that I have in my district. And it disturbed me that I had to read an urban Milwaukee article to find out what was happening within my district to find out that, oh, this is normal.

55:19 – 56:16Speaker 9

So I'm I'm going to just leave it at that right now. I have my conversation, but I wanted to just put it on the record that we need to have a more robust conversation with the Department of City Development when things like this happen to weigh our options to seek fit whether that's citywide or districtwide. And last but not least is I have a simple amendment to item number 19. Madam chair, I move to amend substitute one of file two five one two eight three by inserting the following text after part eight, part nine, part two, section four of the ordinance file number two five zero six nine eight relative to the rate of pay of office and positions in the city service is hereby amended to add the following text under paragraph a, salary adjustments. General City employees shall receive a salary adjustment of 3% of the employee's biweekly weight rate of pay effective on and after pay period 01/2026.

56:17Speaker 9

I further move passage of file as amended. Essentially what this file does is essentially effectuate the 3% increase of a base pay of all general city employees. Thank you madam chair.

56:27Speaker 5

Okay. Before we get to that and have a number of lights on. Alderman, wanna make

56:32Speaker 4

sure because

56:32Speaker 5

you had a lot The on second item that was about the TID, you're just placing

56:37Speaker 9

I'm not doing anything with it. I just made it just making public Okay.

56:40Speaker 8

I just wanna make

56:41Speaker 5

sure we are affording your your desire there.

56:44 – 57:08Speaker 5

So then on '19, your substitute members and students of Golda Meir, we have that in front of us has been handed out if you'll take a look at it. It's before us and the Alderman has made the motion to have it before us and hearing no objections so ordered. We're now on Alderman Bergelis followed by Alderman Spiker. Alderman Bergelis and we're on item 19 on finance and personnel.

57:09 – 57:21Speaker 4

Thank you madam president. I don't have a comment at this time. Okay. But I do have a question for the author of the sub. Does this adjust the ceilings for the positions?

57:21 – 58:18Speaker 4

That was our point of contention in committee, why we did not make a recommendation on this item and why we a number the 3% raise would require the city to adjust the range for a couple 100 employees. That would exceed or that total would be approximately $450,000 a year in salaries. That would be above the cap ranging from $300 a pay period for retirement system employees to a couple of dollars for someone near the a little further away from the salary cap. Does this amendment change the salary range and increase them as appropriate?

58:18Speaker 5

Okay. Great question. Alderman Chambers?

58:20 – 59:12Speaker 9

Thank you, Madam Chair. This does not move the range. This essentially gives those employees that are eligible to receive a 3% raise, a 3% raise. It is my intent or hopefully the council's intent that you know, this happened at the fourth, you know, the ninth hour that really this is not ready for prime time. But in the spirit of following through with what the council decisions made within the budget that the general city employees and employees in Milwaukee are expecting the 3% raise and this delivers on that the easiest route and gives us an opportunity to come back and correct whatever we need to correct moving forward and also possibly add retroactivity to the pays for those who were not eligible at DIM.

59:13Speaker 5

Okay. Does that answer your question, Alderman?

59:15 – 59:28Speaker 4

So this does not affect the salary cap. It only pushes if someone worked if someone's 3% raise were to exceed the salary cap, they would not get that full 3% with this simple amendment. Thank you, Madam Chair.

59:28Speaker 5

That is correct. That is correct. That's before us now. Alderman Spiker.

59:36 – 1:00:08Speaker 15

Thank you, Madam Chair. On Item 19, which we've been discussing, yeah, it doesn't preclude future council action which could have retroactive effect. So I agree with my colleague's motion and we'll be supporting it. One thing, though, that's extremely odd that didn't come up in committee is last I heard the CSC is in charge of moving pay ranges. The council doesn't get to pick winners and losers and just come in by fiat and do so.

1:00:08 – 1:00:45Speaker 15

So it's a little odd that it was even proposed to us that pay ranges should move without CSC action. So I'll be supporting my colleague on 'nineteen. And briefly on 'sixteen, the question was, look, there was some discussion I was in party two about the executive pay plan and accountability attaching to it. Even if the city attorney says that 16 is which requires annual reporting is not legal and enforceable, doesn't matter. People have to get reappointed every four years, and you can say, hey.

1:00:45 – 1:01:20Speaker 15

If you're not responsive, I'm not gonna vote for your reappointment. And by the way, let's check-in once a year to see how responsive you're being. None of that is affected by that unless we are nothing but potted plants over here. If we have more than a ministerial function here, then we should be able to vote for up or down on an apartment head based on what we think of their job performance. And it is totally within our prerogative and purview to extend them the courtesy in between the four year junctions to check-in with us on how we think we're doing.

1:01:21 – 1:01:32Speaker 15

be wise to do so. So I think it's just a matter of us being clear with department heads about our expectations and then the city attorney's opinion is the piece of paper and nothing more. Thank you.

1:01:32 – 1:01:44Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Any further discussion on the motion by Alderman Chambers on item 19 of the Finance and Personnel Committee? Alderman Stamper.

1:01:46 – 1:02:01Speaker 16

Madam Chair, so regarding 16, is there a distinguishment between a communication file and the reporting from department heads? How was that discussion?

1:02:03Speaker 5

Alderman, I wish we could talk about 16, but the clerk has informed me that it's not even before us because the code says it gets returned right back to committee. So unfortunately, we cannot discuss it.

1:02:13Speaker 16

Well, so there'll be an opportunity at it?

1:02:15Speaker 5

At committee.

1:02:17Speaker 5

Yeah. I'm sorry. I I share the same desire to wanna do that, but it's not available to

1:02:22 – 1:02:33Speaker 5

Okay. Item 19, the motion by Alderman Mark Chambers is before us. Any further discussion on that motion? Alderman Stamper?

1:02:33Speaker 16

Please add me as a co sponsor to number 17.

1:02:37Speaker 5

Okay. Hearing no objections, ordered.

1:02:40Speaker 5

Okay. And then we have Alderman Bergelis.

1:02:44Speaker 4

Thank you, Madam President. Please add me I just like saying Madam President. Please add me as a co sponsor for Item 24.

1:02:53Speaker 5

Item 24, hearing no objections so ordered. And then we have wait, that's Alder Woman Pratt. Yep. Sorry, I got to help her here.

1:03:03Speaker 6

Please ask me Amy as a co sponsor for item 17.

1:03:06Speaker 5

Okay. Oliver Jackson?

1:03:09Speaker 11

Add me to item 17, please.

1:03:11 – 1:03:28Speaker 5

Okay. Anything else on finance and personnel? Specifically, we're on 19. Can I do it via if there's no objections on that? Okay. Okay. Chambers wants to be added as a sponsor on '17. Alderman Stamper, did you have your light on?

1:03:28 – 1:03:52Speaker 16

Quickly, Madam Chair, for No. 35 excuse me, 33. Alderman Chambers, was there a number provided for this reimbursement? Regarding NPS? Okay. Thank you.

1:03:52 – 1:04:12Speaker 5

Okay. Thank you. I just want to get clarification on the motion by Alderman Chambers on item 19 where there was discussion. Was there objections to this motion? Hearing none, so ordered. Okay. And with that, then we'll call the roll on I see we got Alderman Cox.

1:04:13 – 1:04:57Speaker 3

Madam President, I know we can't discuss 16, but I do want to say this is one of the original sponsors along with President Perez. I'm disappointed in how the file was handled. I do believe that conversations could have occurred and amendments could have happened in order for us to have voted for it today. But to have received the legal opinion late yesterday and to not be allowed enough time to make whatever changes or challenge whatever thoughts, I think is unfortunate. And I look forward to a robust legal discussion because what I also am disappointed in is that conversations were not had with the sponsors for what our intention was.

1:04:58 – 1:05:32Speaker 3

And that what was actually written to me is not even what the opinion is written about. So I think part of this could have been cleared up with more conversation. And I will hope, and I'm saying this because I don't want this to happen again. I don't want us to have to keep sending back stuff because people didn't talk in a timely fashion when they should have. So I'm just putting that out there that I'm disappointed that we're not moving forward. I'm disappointed that conversations weren't had earlier and that information wasn't shared earlier. Thank you.

1:05:32Speaker 5

Thank you. Yes. I believe we were in receipt of this opinion yesterday, so very difficult to move forward. Alderman Stamper.

1:05:41 – 1:06:02Speaker 16

Madam chair, I support Alderman Cox's comments. We can't move forward as a vote. We just can debate later. We've done it many times. Like, ordinance Spiker said, it's just an opinion. We have multiple lawyers on the council. I support them moving forward than going back and discussing why we can't. Thank you, madam chair.

1:06:03 – 1:06:14Speaker 5

Okay. City clerk, did you have anything to opine on that? I think it's still not before us, but it seemed like Alderman still wanted to at least challenge that or talk about that.

1:06:15 – 1:06:38Speaker 1

Madam Chair and members, the way the code reads on the subject of the review by the Office of the City Attorney, files that are not signed as not legal and enforceable are returned to committee for further review. At that time, you do have the option of passing items notwithstanding the opinion of the city attorney. But that is something you do have to go back for further committee review to achieve that.

1:06:40Speaker 16

Clarification.

1:06:41Speaker 5

Stamper's got the

1:06:42Speaker 16

No, I'm clarifying.

1:06:43Speaker 5

Thank you. Okay. Alderman Chambers.

1:06:46 – 1:07:00Speaker 9

Point information. Yeah. Point of information, Mr. City Clerk. Those files that were sent back in committee, can we subsequently go into the committee as a whole and have that conversation since it was sent back to the committee? You

1:07:00Speaker 1

would not be noticed for such a committee meeting. But this file was already noticed? This file never got here in the way the process worked.

1:07:09Speaker 9

So it was back in committee? Yes. Which was already noticed?

1:07:13Speaker 1

No. It's it's back in the it has to be calendared by the committee to which it is referred.

1:07:19Speaker 9

But we spoke on it, so it's just as similar as it being held. Correct? It's it's actually a

1:07:24Speaker 1

bit different because it exists. It does the conversation that we're having is a difficult one because it's on the border of the open meetings law because it's not before you.

1:07:36Speaker 9

So subsequently after this committee after this council we can subsequently no, never mind. Okay. Thank you.

1:07:42 – 1:07:58Speaker 5

Yes. It is quite powerful when the file is not signed as legal and enforceable. So I think we should all note that. I sense the discomfort and let's make sure we communicate that. Alderman Samper?

1:07:58 – 1:08:09Speaker 16

Thank you. Just to answer my older person for the day's question, it is before us. I'm looking at it. We're looking at it. How is it not before us if we're looking at it?

1:08:11Speaker 16

Which is an excellent question. Would you please explain how it's not before us and we're we're discussing it and reading it?

1:08:17 – 1:08:28Speaker 5

I believe it was on I'll I'll go to the city clerk, but it's on the digest. When it is not signed as legal and enforceable per the code it immediately refers back to committee.

1:08:28Speaker 16

Thank you Madam Chair. Any more questions?

1:08:33Speaker 5

Anything to add to that Mr. Clerk? I know you were.

1:08:36 – 1:08:53Speaker 1

The issue there is that we do have to provide notice of what's to be before the council on the agenda and so we do post items prospectively in hope that they will be fined as a legality enforceability. On rare occasion that is not the case and is not the case here.

1:08:54Speaker 5

And unfortunately if I recall the digest was produced even prior to receiving this opinion.

1:09:00Speaker 1

Several days.

1:09:01 – 1:09:42Speaker 5

Yeah. So we do need to work on some better timing and receive this information as Alderman Cogs noted. If there's no further discussion of the committee report Alderman Peter Bergalis moves for adoption of the recommendations of the Finance and Personnel Committee. Sorry we have one more motion. Okay so Alderman Bergellis moves to place 40 on file And hearing no objections, so ordered. Okay. And we'll now proceed with the roll call on the recommendations of the Finance and Personnel Committee.

1:09:43Speaker 1

Alderman Pratt.

1:09:48Speaker 2

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Brower. Aye.

1:09:53Speaker 1

Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cox.

1:09:57Speaker 2

Aye. Jackson. Aye.

1:10:01Speaker 1

Samripa? Aye.

1:10:06Speaker 1

Moore? Aye. Bergellis? Aye. Spiker?

1:10:10 – 1:10:21Speaker 1

Stamper? Aye. Madam Chair? Aye. 14 ayes, one excused.

1:10:21 – 1:10:34Speaker 5

14 ayes, one excused. The committee report is now adopted. We will move on to our next committee, which is a judiciary and legislation committee. And Alderman Deandre Jackson will now present that report.

1:10:34 – 1:11:29Speaker 1

The Judiciary and Legislation Committee recommends adoption of 41, substitute resolution authorizing settlement of claims in the lawsuit entitled Cedric e a Smith versus the City of Milwaukee and others. 42, resolution authorizing settlement of a lawsuit entitled Paulette Lester individually and as personal representative of the estate of Miles Elliott Lester versus the city of Milwaukee and others. 43, resolution canceling real estate taxes levied against certain parcels bearing tax key numbers on the 2024 tax roll plus interest applicable to date of repayment if appropriate. 44, resolution relating to locations for in person absentee voting in the city of Milwaukee for the twenty twenty six spring primary and spring election. The judiciary and legislation committee recommends placing on file 45 resolution relating to the appeal of attorney Therese Rickert on behalf of four eight three zero West Fleet Street LLC for property damage.

1:11:29 – 1:12:04Speaker 1

46, communication from the city attorney relating to costs and expenditures associated with litigation and claims alleging police misconduct. 47, resolution authorizing settlement to the Build Aboard cases. 48, resolution relating to the appeal of Marion Kaiser for loss of dogs. 49, resolution authorizing payment from the contingent fund for a payment of settlement regarding DJK versus the city of Milwaukee. And the judiciary and legislation committee recommends disallowance to the definite post postponement of items 53 through 59 claims against the city.

1:12:05Speaker 5

Is there any further discussion of the committee report? Okay. Alderman Chambers?

1:12:12Speaker 9

Thank you madam president.

1:12:13 – 1:12:53Speaker 9

want to speak briefly on item number 44, resolution to the locations for in person absentee ballot in spring and spring election. So the file came before us. We have we do have a election coming up in February and April, a very big one. It's the supreme court race, and I think the county supervisors are up for reelection this go around as well. So it's the same locations that we had before minus MATC, but a huge shout out to my colleague for adding UWM.

1:12:53 – 1:13:22Speaker 9

That turned out to be very successful last year. Look forward to having them in the years to come. Voting is very essential, and it's our right to a healthy democracy. So I encourage those residents to get out and vote even though it's not as big as what we're gonna be facing in November. It is just as big to everybody in the state of Wisconsin. So please go out and vote February and April for the spring election and get ready for the gubernatorial election in August and November. Thank you, madam president.

1:13:23Speaker 5

Thank you. Alderman Moore.

1:13:26Speaker 14

President, please add me as a cosponsor to item number 44.

1:13:31 – 1:13:46Speaker 5

Hearing no objections so ordered. Any further discussion then on the report of the judiciary and legislation committee? Hearing none Alderman Jackson moves for adoption of the recommendations of the Judiciary and Legislation Committee. Mr. Clerk please call the roll.

1:13:47 – 1:14:00Speaker 1

And if I may correct the record it is 50 through the end for claims against the city. I misspoke and said 53. On the adoption of the report of the judiciary and legislation committee, Alderman Pratt.

1:14:00Speaker 2

Aye. Chambers. Aye.

1:14:04Speaker 1

Rauher. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Toggs. Aye. Jackson.

1:14:13Speaker 1

Zamoripa. Aye. Taylor.

1:14:17Speaker 1

Aye. Berglis. Aye. Spiker.

1:14:20Speaker 2

Aye. Stamper. Aye.

1:14:25 – 1:14:38Speaker 5

Aye. 14 ayes, one excused. 14 ayes, one excused. The committee report is adopted. Now, alderman Scott Spiker will present the report of the public safety and health committee.

1:14:53 – 1:15:20Speaker 8

The Public Safety and Health Committee recommends passage of 60, a substitute ordinance relating to penalties and food peddlers operating in a public right of way. 61, an ordinance relating to parking controls. 62, an ordinance relating to traffic controls. The committee recommends adoption of 63. Substitute resolution relating to certification of ambulance service providers for the city emergency medical system.

1:15:20 – 1:16:03Speaker 8

64 substitute resolution amending the common council file number 250493 relative to acceptance and funding of the twenty twenty five twenty six public health emergency preparedness grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health 65. Substitute resolution relative to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 Carita B Urban grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Excuse me. 66, resolution relating to the acceptance of funding of the 2025 Wisconsin State Patrol Division Fall Drug Recognition Expert Field Certification Training Grant. 67, substitute resolution relative to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 maternal and child health grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

1:16:03 – 1:16:44Speaker 8

68, resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 foreign health outreach grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 69, resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 WIC women's infants and children's grant from the state of Wisconsin Department of Health. 70. Resolution amending the common concept file number 250137 relating to acceptance and funding of the twenty twenty five twenty six city readiness initiative grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health. 71, resolution approving a service provider agreement for emergency medical services in the city of Milwaukee with various providers.

1:16:46 – 1:16:58Speaker 8

Item number 72, which is file number 250028, It's not before us. The city attorney's office has requested more time to review with the Department of Neighborhood Services.

1:16:59 – 1:17:25Speaker 5

Okay. Thank you so much. Is there any further discussion of the committee report? Again, we're on Public Safety and Health Committee. Any further discussion? Okay. We've got Alderman Moore. Alderman Moore? Did you get your light on? No. Alderman Berglis. Sorry.

1:17:25 – 1:17:37Speaker 4

Thank you, Madam Chair. On '72, was that a request from the city attorney to hold it or are they able to intercept the file before they present an opinion?

1:17:38Speaker 8

The office has just requested more time to review the concerns and this was submitted because they wanted to review it with the Department of Neighborhood Services.

1:17:49Speaker 4

Right. So is the city attorney able to intercept something in the committee report without a legal opinion?

1:18:01Speaker 5

Give me a second. I'm being told yes. They can intercept it even without a formal legal opinion to take time to review it.

1:18:10Speaker 4

Thank you, Madam Chair. Okay.

1:18:14Speaker 5

And then next up is Alderman Brower.

1:18:18 – 1:18:45Speaker 10

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. I really appreciate the time. I wanted to just comment. I did see in the committee report here, we've got a couple of items related to ambulance services provided by the city of provided to the city of Milwaukee by private ambulance companies. I can see from notes on the committee meeting that these are updates to contracts and maybe clarifying some language providing more effective contract dispute resolution processes.

1:18:45 – 1:19:50Speaker 10

So there's some good elements to these contracts here. I just want to note for the record that and I've said this before on the council, but I do want to say it again because it's worth saying that the entire health care system, the profit motive needs to be removed from the entire health care system and the position that we're unfortunately placed in by that system where we have private and potentially for profit companies providing services for the city of Milwaukee. We need to work together to eliminate that in the future and have a system where these are public services provided by our fire department exclusively, in my opinion, and provided by our fire department or any other local government. And I just wanna I just wanna say that that should be a horizon goal, and we should all work to bring that horizon as close to the present as possible. I'm intending to support these, but I just wanna put that on the record that that I just think overall we should be looking and doing everything we can to politically organize not only for Medicare for all so that the costs are borne by the federal government but that these services are provided solely by public entities.

1:19:52 – 1:20:03Speaker 5

Okay. Thank you so much, Alderman Brower. Any further discussion on the report of the Public Safety and Health Committee? Okay. Alderman Jackson.

1:20:04 – 1:20:26Speaker 11

Thank you, Madam President. I just want to be added as co sponsor for item 60. I noticed every time changes are made to the food pedal licenses as far as food trucks and things of that nature, I have to keep an eye on my colleague, Wes Moreland. Every time he makes a change into the zone or something, the trucks start to come down into my area. So I want to stay abreast of everything that's going on. Thank you.

1:20:26 – 1:20:43Speaker 5

Okay. Thank you so much. Any other discussion of the recommendations of the Public Safety and Health Committee? Hearing none, Alderman Spiker moves for adoption of the recommendations of the Public Safety and Health Committee. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

1:20:43Speaker 8

Alderman Pratt. Say aye.

1:20:50 – 1:21:23Speaker 2

Chambers. Aye. Brower? Aye. Bowman? Aye. Wissmoreland? Aye. Cox? Aye. Jackson? Aye. Zamorepa? Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergilis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Stamper? Aye.

1:21:24Speaker 8

Madam Chair? Aye. 14 ayes when excused.

1:21:28 – 1:21:41Speaker 5

14 ayes when excused. The committee report is adopted. We are now on the report of the zoning neighborhoods and development committee and Alderman Robert Baumann will present this report.

1:21:42 – 1:23:06Speaker 8

The zoning neighborhoods and development committee recommends passage of 73, A substitute ordinance relating to the first amendment to the detailed plan development known as legacy loss real estate development to add social service facility as a permitted use within the 1st Floor commercial space of the mixed use building located at 1536 To 1540 West North Avenue on the north side of West North Avenue between North 15th And North 16th Streets in the 15th Automatic District. The committee recommends adoption of 74 resolution authorizing the acceptance of an unsolicited offer to purchase from three seven zero six Property Investment LLC for the city owned tax deed property located at 4500 To 45065006 West Brilice Street in 7th Automatic District. 75, resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners to the city owned tax deed property located at 1207 West Walker Street in the 12th Automatic District. 76, resolution authorizing a sale back to the former owners of the city owned taxi property located at 2454 North 23rd Street in the 15th Automatic District. 77, resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned taxi property located at 3156 North 31st Street in the 7th Automatic District.

1:23:06 – 1:24:01Speaker 8

78, resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned taxi property located at 5055 A North 41st Street in the 1st Automatic District. 79, resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned taxi property located at 5914216 North 37th Street in the 1st Automatic District. 80, substitute resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned taxi property located at 2635 South 28th Street in the 8th Automatic District. 81, substitute resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned tax deed property located 2564 North 35th Street in the 15th Automatic District. 82, substitute resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned tax deeded property at 5277 A North 34th Street in the first automatic district.

1:24:01 – 1:24:33Speaker 8

83, substitute resolution authorizing the sale back to former owners of the city owned tax deeded property at two nine three seven A North fifty fiftieth Street in the 7th Automatic District. 84, substitute resolution authorizing a sale back to former owners of the city owned tax deeded property located at 1434 North 26th Street in the 15th Automatic District. The committee recommends confirmation of 85 reappointment of Katrina Crane to the City Plan Commission by the mayor.

1:24:34 – 1:24:55Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Is there any discussion of the committee report? Again, we're on zoning, neighborhoods, and development. Any discussion? Hearing none, Alderman Baumann moves for adoption of the recommendations of the zoning neighborhoods and development report. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Alderwoman Pratt.

1:24:57 – 1:25:08Speaker 2

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Brower. Aye. Bauman. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Toggs. Aye.

1:25:08Speaker 8

Jackson. Aye. Zamorepa.

1:25:12Speaker 2

Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergilis. Aye. Spiker. Aye.

1:25:24 – 1:25:37Speaker 8

Stamper? Aye. Madam Chair? Aye. 13 ayes rather 14 ayes when excused.

1:25:37 – 1:25:49Speaker 5

14 ayes when excused and the committee report is adopted. We'll now move on to the economic development committee and that is Alderman Russell Stamper II presenting the report.

1:25:51 – 1:26:46Speaker 8

The Community and Economic Development Committee recommends adoption of 86, substitute resolution relative to the establishment of the 2026 funding allocation plan. 87, substitute resolution declaring Kings Connect as official city event and authorizing the acceptance and expenditure of contributions for this purpose. The committee recommends confirmation of 88 appointment of Traverse Landry to Milwaukee Arts Board by the mayor. 89, reappointment of older woman Malaylee Cox to Milwaukee Arts Boards by the mayor, 90, appointment of Brian D. Litzsey, as a representative to Milwaukee Public Schools, to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council by the Common Council President, and the committee recommends placing on file item number 91 resolution approving the year 2026 operating plan for the business improvement district number twenty eight located in the city of Milwaukee.

1:26:47 – 1:27:04Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Is there any discussion of the committee report? Any discussion of the community and economic development committee? Hearing none, Alderman Stamper moves for adoption of the recommendations. Alderman Stamper.

1:27:04 – 1:27:45Speaker 16

Thank you to my colleague. I have a substitute. Let's see here. Yes. Substitute resolution relating to the establishment of the year 2026 funding allocation plan. I move to amend common council file number two five one zero three one by replacing substitute one with the attached proposed substitute. I further move for adoption of the resolution as submitted. This is to add language giving the comptroller the authority to establish grant accounts and the community development grants administration authority to expend the funds and execute contracts for 2026. Thank you.

1:27:46 – 1:28:09Speaker 5

Thank you so much. The substitute amendment is before us. If you'll take a look and again, it's regarding item number 86. Just want to give everybody a chance to take a peek at it. Alderman, it does not change the recipients, just the process with the comptroller, correct? Okay. Any discussion on item 86? Alderperson Samarita.

1:28:09Speaker 12

It's a question for the sponsor. Sure. Alderman Stamper, why are we adding this change? Was this at the behest of the comptroller?

1:28:18 – 1:28:33Speaker 16

Or Yeah. So we we director contacted me yesterday and said this will be coming forth. It's so the comptroller can handle his business and authorize the contract. So it's a move that we that we need to do in order for the comptroller to realize the money.

1:28:34Speaker 12

Okay. And just to clarify, no changes are being made to the allocations that were approved in committee?

1:28:44 – 1:29:08Speaker 5

Other questions on this substitute amendment on item 86? Any objections to the substitute amendment? Hearing none, so ordered. Any further discussion then on the committee report of community and economic development? Hearing none, Alderman Stamper moves for adoption of the recommendations of the community and economic development committee. Will the clerk please call the roll.

1:29:10Speaker 8

Alderwoman Press?

1:29:14 – 1:29:43Speaker 2

Aye. Chambers? Aye. Broward? Aye. Baumann? Aye. Wes Morlin? Aye. Ox? Aye. Jackson? Aye. Thamarripa? Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergilis? Aye. Steiker? Aye. Stamper? Aye.

1:29:43Speaker 8

Madam Chair? Aye. 14 ayes, one excused.

1:29:50Speaker 5

Okay. 14 ayes, one excused. The committee report is adopted. We will now take up communications from city officers.

1:30:02Speaker 8

File number 251366, communication from the city clerk relating to service of papers.

1:30:11Speaker 5

Ordered on file.

1:30:12Speaker 8

File number 251367, communication from the city clerk relating to various committatory and condolatory resolutions to be acknowledged and affirmed by the common counsel.

1:30:22Speaker 5

Ordered on file. File number 251368,

1:30:26 – 1:30:41Speaker 8

communication from the city clerk relating to official notices and reports. Ordered on file. File number 251370. Appointment of Kathleen Brekos to serve as a designee of the chair of the finance and personnel committee to the deferred compensation plan board.

1:30:42Speaker 5

Ordered on file.

1:30:43 – 1:30:56Speaker 8

File number 251499. Appointment of Neil Albrecht to the Library Board by the Mayor. Ordered on file. And file number 251500. Appointment of Alderwoman Andrea Pratt to the

1:30:56 – 1:31:18Speaker 5

Library Board by the Mayor. Ordered on file. Okay. Thank you so much. Does that complete those communications, Madam Clerk? Thank you. Now we'll go to announcements. Any announcements? Okay. First up is Allerwoman Prep.

1:31:18Speaker 15

Okay. Then yes. Erase that

1:31:20Speaker 8

one. No, actually

1:31:24Speaker 6

no, go ahead.

1:31:25Speaker 5

Okay. That's okay. Then we got Alderson Samaripa. Run announcements.

1:31:33Speaker 12

That must be an error.

1:31:35Speaker 5

Okay. All right. We have Alderman Berglis.

1:31:40 – 1:32:08Speaker 4

Thank you, Madam President. Please join myself and Alderman Joe Castroza Maripa tonight at a traffic calming neighborhood meeting at Zablaki Library. The fund starts off at 05:30. We'll have a presentation from AARP walk audit and then the Department of Public Works will join for discussions on how we can improve pedestrian and bike safety in the 11th And 8th Aldermanic Districts along 43rd Street near Jackson Park. All are welcome.

1:32:09Speaker 5

Thank you so much. There

1:32:13Speaker 4

will also be Spanish language translation available.

1:32:17Speaker 5

Okay. Thank you so much. Alder Roman Cox, did you have your light on?

1:32:25Speaker 3

Yes, but I need a minute.

1:32:26Speaker 5

No problem. We'll come back to you. We have then Alderman Brower.

1:32:33 – 1:33:14Speaker 10

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. Just a couple of things here. First, as I announced at the last council meeting, the workers of Starbucks at various locations are on strike around the country, our office, and the East Side stands in solidarity with those workers. Look for announcements from our office regarding opportunities to support those workers around the city of Milwaukee. The other announcement that I'd like to make and bring to everyone's attention is the the fact that as many of us saw on social media yesterday, judge Dugan's trial began. I just want to announce that our office stands in solidarity with, judge Dugan and against the, fascist menace that's being brought down in this city from Washington. We also have an announcement from, Golder Meyer.

1:33:16Speaker 7

Hi. I'm Olivia, and I'm in Ms. Gomez class and we're working on a culture project.

1:33:24 – 1:33:36Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. We're now and please hit your light if you wanna be heard on announcements. We're on Alderman Cox.

1:33:36 – 1:34:19Speaker 3

Thank you, madam president. This year is a sixth annual season, Christmas, Tuesday, December 23. Northcott, Bader, Philanthropy, and Westcare will be distributing toys and presents for youth ages 12 to 17 years old from four to 8PM, as well as Thursday, December 25. There will be a free catered sit down Christmas dinner, toys, and presents for youth ages 12, beginning at 12 from 11:30 to 3PM. So, again, it's Tuesday the twenty third for the gift giveaway, four to eight at Northcott.

1:34:20Speaker 3

And Thursday on Christmas day, the free catered dinner from eleven till three.

1:34:26 – 1:34:40Speaker 5

Thank you. To the students, while we're making these announcements, our people are watching on TV or listening on their computer as well as the newspaper, media, TV. So this is a way for us to let people in the community know what's going on.

1:34:42Speaker 5

With that, yes, Alderman Cogs.

1:34:44 – 1:35:23Speaker 3

So in in addition to that, we will be having our annual MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit the last Saturday in January. We started, planning for that. So I just it'll be MLK elementary school from 10AM to 2PM. If you're starting a business, own a business, or have a business idea and want information and expertise to help guide you, please come through. Again, that's January 31 from 10AM to 2PM. Martin Luther King School, 3275 North 3rd Street. Thank you.

1:35:23 – 1:35:48Speaker 5

Thank you. I see a few more lights. I just want to get in line. I welcome everybody to my two ways to meet with Marina, and that is January 10, ten to 11:30 at the Bayview Library and January 12, we're doing a virtual town hall from 05:30 to seven And anyone listening, please fill out our

1:35:47 – 1:36:28Speaker 15

survey. We've gotten hundreds of responses but we would like hundreds more. Thank you very much. Now Alderman Spiker. Thank you, Madam Chair. Tomorrow night, which is Wednesday, December 17 from five 06:30 to 06:30 up at the Community Garden space at 6th And Howard in the gazebo, there will be singing songs of the season. So come on out. We'll be singing a bunch of carols and such appropriate to the season, fun for the whole family, and it's warmer in there than it is outside. So please come on down. We'll see you at 06:00. Thank you.

1:36:28Speaker 5

Thank you. We have Alderman Moore followed by Alderman Taylor. Alderman Moore.

1:36:33 – 1:37:18Speaker 14

Thank you so much, madam president. As some of you know, I sit on the board for HACM, the housing authority for the city of Milwaukee and just wanted to shout out miss Maya Johnson who is who is a first time homeowner. I also wanna shout out her, case manager, Glenys Green, for her guidance and support around that homeownership process. We want our residents to know that homeownership is an opportunity to build build wealth and build sort of generational freedom. So I just wanna congratulate Maya on her hard work and the support that you've received from our staff.

1:37:18 – 1:38:02Speaker 14

Also want to thank district three and those that participated in a holiday event where hundreds of families and residents turned out for a holiday celebration. Lots of gifts were given. The food was great, but the many partners that pulled together to make that happen. I just wanna thank the leadership of the CLOs at district number three and, again, those other districts that supported that beautiful, beautiful event. Also wanna wish our community, our families, our my colleagues a very happy holidays, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and upcoming happy Kwanzaa.

1:38:02 – 1:38:15Speaker 14

I hope that you all get some rest during this holiday season and be back bushy tailed and bright eyed in the New Year. You all have a fantastic holiday season. Great.

1:38:17 – 1:38:36Speaker 5

Oh, thank you. Okay. Thanks for noticing that. Abel was letting me know about how they celebrate Hanukkah. Thank you. Very special. Okay. We're now going on to That's okay. We're going to go on to Alderman Taylor, then Pratt.

1:38:37 – 1:39:07Speaker 13

Thank you so much, madam chair. Just for those who may be watching in District 9, we have a community meeting coming up. We have another rather large development plan for Good Hope Road with Christian Faith Church located at 8605 West Good Hope. It will be Friday evening from 05:30 till 08:30. Anyone from the community that is interested in developments throughout the city is welcome to come.

1:39:08Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Alderman Pratt followed by Alderman Bergelis. Alderman Pratt.

1:39:14 – 1:39:36Speaker 6

Thank you. On December 17 at 5PM, Holy Redeemer Institutional Church will be hosting Christmas on Mother Daniels Way, which is 3500 West Mother Daniels Way. They'll be giving away food baskets. They'll have health resources. There'll also be a COVID and flu vaccines available, toy giveaway, and door prizes.

1:39:36 – 1:40:00Speaker 6

So encouraging to come out to that. That's going be December 17 at five p. M. Then on December 29 at Atkinson Library from two to four, which is 1960 West Atkinson, there will be a community gathering. We'll be doing DIY bingo cars to plan our new year, movie binging, neighborhood shout outs, library card check-in to make sure you're good and all paid up.

1:40:00 – 1:40:25Speaker 6

You don't have any outstanding fees and some arts and crafts. And I'd also like to say, I'm in the spirit of season, and to quote doctor King, it's about the brotherhood of man becoming reality. This time of year invites us to slow down, look out for one another, and recommit to the values that connect us, like community, kindness, and care for neighbors, wishing you all peace, joy and togetherness during this holiday season. Thank you.

1:40:25Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Thank you. Alderman Bergelis followed by Alderman Jackson.

1:40:31 – 1:40:51Speaker 4

Thank you, Madam Chair. I actually have a parliamentary inquiry on item 72, file 250,028. That's the file that was intercepted by the city attorney's office. Would it be appropriate to return that file back to committee? Are we even able to do that if it's held in counsel or intercepted?

1:40:51 – 1:41:02Speaker 5

Yes. So the city clerk is mentioning that yes, we're able to and that probably would be a good move in case they provide feedback. It would be better to have those changes and amendments discussed at the committee.

1:41:03 – 1:41:14Speaker 4

So that we don't waste the entire council's time on that item next session. Madam Chair, I'll move to reconsider and refer item 72, file 250,028 to committee.

1:41:16 – 1:41:33Speaker 5

Okay. The reconsideration is appreciated but not necessary so the referral is before us. Any objections to the referral? Does everybody understand why that's suggested to go back? Any discussion of that referral? Any objections? Hearing none, so ordered. Thank you.

1:41:33Speaker 8

I think that's a good move.

1:41:35Speaker 5

Okay. The last person I have so far, unless anyone else wants to tap their button, is Alderman Jackson.

1:41:41 – 1:42:06Speaker 11

Thank you, Madam President. I had a great meeting last night, great year in the district, card of meeting. I got a lot of community support and love, which I don't plan on. Just keep your head down and keep grinding. When you stick it up, you know, you're a little further down the road. I just wanna thank my colleagues. We passed a great budget. November was rough. Mhmm. The the people got their money's worth for November. And, man, when you live your dreams, man, you just keep pushing.

1:42:07Speaker 11

Just wanna thank everybody, and I'll see you all next year.

1:42:09Speaker 5

Thank you so much. Thank you. We have Alderman Stamper.

1:42:14 – 1:42:40Speaker 16

Yeah. Thank you as well. This Saturday in collaboration with Metcalfe Park will be our last pantry day of the year. It runs from twelve to four, giving out free food for the community at 3624 West North Avenue. 3624 West North Avenue, last pantry day of the year. Thank you.

1:42:41 – 1:42:59Speaker 5

Thank you. Last call for any additional announcements from council members. Okay. It's our last meeting of the year. So we do, along with the many beautiful wishes, wish everybody peace and a time to spend with loved ones, we will certainly see you next year. Teddy now has an announcement.

1:43:00Speaker 7

There being no further business, this meeting stands adjourned.

This transcript was automatically generated from the official public meeting video and is presented unedited. It reflects remarks made on the public record by elected officials, staff, and public commenters. Transcript accuracy may vary; view the original recording for reference.