Common Council - Regular Meeting

Chambers. Alderman Chambers. He was just here. Excused. Brower? Here. Baumann? Here. Westmoreland? Here. Cogs?

Present.

Jackson? Here. Zamripa?

Here.

Taylor?

Here.

Moore?

Present.

Bergalis? Present. Spiker? Here. Dmitryovich? Here. Stamberg? Here. Alderman Chambers? Here. Mister

president? Present. 15 members are present.

15 members present, please rise for the pledge of allegiance to be followed by a moment of silent meditation. Are there any corrections to the common counsel journal proceedings for the meetings of 03/03/2026?

There are no corrections to the journal.

There being no corrections to the journal oh, excuse me. There being no corrections to the minutes of this meeting stand approved. Alderwoman Malele a Cogs now moves that the common council resolve itself into the committee of the whole for the purpose of making a number of presentations. Hearing no objection, so ordered. Since 1987, March has been established as Woman History Month.

In recent years, the common council has chosen to honor local women who embody the spirit of this observation. The twenty twenty four election represented a new high watermark for the representation of women on the council, and each of our four female members has chosen a constituent to honor today. Will all the members of the common council, their honorees, please come forward and gather to my left. Our first honoree is miss Arlicia McHenry, accompanied by alderwoman Andrea Pratt. Will miss Jamila Vincent please come forward escorted by Malele a Cox.

Okay. We'll we'll do one presentation at a time. I'm sorry.

Stand by me.

Alderman McCrack, the floor is yours.

Good morning. We are here for Women's History Month and I'm very excited to honor Arlicia McHenry. It is truly an honor to stand before you as we celebrate Women's History Month and recognize a woman whose work reflects the very best of public service and community commitment. Arlicia's journey has been a powerful example of dedication, adaptability, and a deep love for her hometown of Milwaukee. She began her career in the private sector as a deputy director with Lockheed Martin, a role that speaks to her leadership, discipline, and expertise.

But when the opportunity took her away from Milwaukee when the opportunity took her away from Milwaukee, she made a choice that defines who she is. She chose to

come back home and serve her community. And serve, she did. Arlizia went on to become a legislative assistant with the Milwaukee Common Council where she supported multiple older persons including two common council presidents. In that role, she helped move forward policies, strengthen constituent services, and ensure that the voices of Milwaukee residents were heard and respected. But what makes her work especially meaningful is not just the title she's held, it is the impact she has made.

She has consistently focused on connecting people to their government, making city services more accessible, and building trust between residents and city hall. That kind of work often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to a strong, responsive, and equitable city. She has served as mayor as a liaison to mayor Johnson, and she continues to bridge gaps and strengthen relationships moving Milwaukee forward. She represents the spirit of women's history month, leadership without ego, service without spotlight, and an impact that reached far beyond what we can always see. So today, we don't just honor her career, we honor her commitment to people, her belief in community, and her unwavering dedication to the city we all call home.

Please join me in celebrating our Lisa McHenry, an example of excellence, service, and the power of choosing to give up.

Thank

you.

Will miss miss Jamila Benson please come forward as courted by elder woman Melele A. Cox.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning. We are celebrating women's history month, so I know we got a little more energy than that. Let's try it again. Good morning.

Good morning. Alright.

Today, as we were asked to think of a woman to celebrate for this Women's History Month, I thought long and hard. There are countless women who do so many great things in my district and in this city that I could have selected. But this year, I thought it very poignant to select miss Jamila Benson. Jamila is one of my sister friends. She is she is actually one of my newbie and sisters, an organization that, I think, at the age of 14, a group of us created to help educate and entertain through cultural exercises our community.

Whether it was Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, or African World Festival, we used our talents and our knowledge and our upbringing and all that our parents and community poured into us to help elevate and educate our community. Throughout the years, we continue to support one another and pour into community. And many of you may know her through the work of her father, who was Claiborne Benson, who runs Wisconsin Black Historical Museum. But what some might not know is that shoulder to shoulder with mister Benson every single day in Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum, keeping those doors open, those exhibits going,

and

the programming that helps to educate, elevate, as well as help people of African descent in Wisconsin to record, track, and research the history of our people in this state is the program director, mister Jamila Benson.

Yes. Yes.

At a time in this nation where diversity is not being appreciated, at a time in this nation where our culture, people of African descent in this country, is attempting to be erased, it is even more critical that we continue to tell our stories, that we continue to record and document our history, and that we share the ability to do that with others. Jamila Benson is at the forefront of that with the Wisconsin Black Historical Museum. So I love Jamila as a sister, but I thought in this moment, she is the embodiment of what I think what we're celebrating here for women's history month. And I thank her for all that she does, not just for African Americans, not just for black folks in the city of Milwaukee or the state of Wisconsin, but as a keeper of our history for the world. Without further ado, congratulations to Jamila Benson for this women's history month citation.

I'm just gonna read the end where this citation says, whereas Jamila Benson, in addition to her role at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum, serves as the Wisconsin Council for Local History and has contributed her expertise to several boards dedicated to historic preservation and youth development. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the common council of the city of Milwaukee herewith recognizes Jamila Benson as a twenty twenty six Women's History Month honoree. I commend her for her positive contributions to the community and wishes her continued success in all her future pursuits and be it referred to resolved that a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jamila Benson introduced by all common council members. Before I hand this to her, I do wanna say this. Jamila is a behind the scenes person.

She's

the

person who helps make everything go, but usually does not enjoy being recognized. So I appreciate you being willing to be recognized for all that you do.

Will miss Amanda Avalos please come forward escorted by elder person Jocasta Samaripa.

Alright. Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

And happy Women's History Month. My honoree is an amazing human named Amanda Avalos. And Amanda's not was not born here in Wisconsin. She's a flatlander. And she made her way to Milwaukee and to the great state of Wisconsin by way of Marquette.

And she got she studied there and at UWM as well or just Marquette. But she's definitely a Marquette a proud Marquette girl, and she fell in love with the city of Milwaukee when she moved here for school. And I'm so proud and honored that she is one of those young professionals that we hope will make their home here in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin and not leave to other parts of this country. And she not only stayed here, studied here, got her degree here, but she in fact made her home here. She found a wife here, a good Milwaukee Southside girl.

In fact, she's right over there in the audience with their daughter, Nanice Rodriguez, and at least their little girl. They have made their home here in our state and in our city, and Amanda is committed to the betterment of our communities. She served as a commissioner on our Police and Fire Commission and I want to thank her for her leadership. I hope that her work here at the city and in city hall will continue for a long time. And with with that, I wanna present Amanda with this commendation as one of our twenty twenty six women's women's history month honorees. Gracias, Amanda.

Will miss Annette Jackson please come forward escorted by alderwoman Larissa Taylor.

Good morning.

Good morning. So

today I'd like to present our recognition for Women's History Month to Annette Jackson. Annette Jackson represents what the city is all about. She brings a lot of joy to work with her. She enjoys each position that she's held over the nine years with the city of Milwaukee. And she brings a smile to the face of those that she served through her employment here.

She has the best that I've seen her at what she does for the city is when she was recognized by visit for just who she is, for the smile that she brings to the job. And also because she serves and dances with the bucks. So and I don't if you don't wanna give her a hand clap for that, but I think that's a big deal. And so and so she was the center of one of the commercials to to show and embrace what the city of Milwaukee has to offer to its residents. And I I just thought that was an exceptional recognition to receive.

And so I thought it was fitting that we recognize Annette Jackson for the nine years of service that she's given to us and the joy that she's bring that she brings to all of those that come in contact with her. So Annette Jackson, we I present to you the city of Milwaukee award, which here it says, whereas Annette Jackson's leadership, and I'm just gonna read a small part, role as an executive director of tomorrow's leader I'm sorry. Leaders Learning Center and program supervisor at YMCA also. So she does a lot outside of Milwaukee, outside of her employment, to prioritize youth development display, commitment to community service outside of her professional career, and her desire to improve Milwaukee for everyone. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the common council does recognize Annette Jackson as a twenty twenty six women history month.

Thank you.

Will miss Natalia Renteria please come forward escorted by Aldwoman Charlene Moore.

Good morning and happy Women's History Month. My name is Charlyn Moore and I am so honored and privileged to nominate miss Natalia Renteria. And I call her we affectionately people that know her affectionately call her Nat. And and I wanna say this is such an interesting story for me because me and knew each other before me and Nat knew each other. As many of you know, I co founded an organization called Urban Underground.

And we had a young person that was in Urban Underground that just had some challenges. You know, he was always connected. He was a a people's person. He he was always connecting with people. You know?

But there were times where he found himself unhoused. And somehow, Nat got connected, and I'll say his name because he's here today, Farrakhan. Nat got connected with Farrakhan, and Farrakhan and Nat opened up her home to Farrakhan. And Farrakhan would come and visit, you know, as he grew up. He would when Urban Underground was on Fond Du Lac, he would come and visit, you know, Urban Underground, you know, check-in on me and and and Reggie when, you know, he he had his time there.

And we would ask, well, Farrakhan, where are you staying? He was like, you know, Charlotte, you know, the Purple House on Sherman. I said, oh, you're still there. And it was a home right by Alderman Stamper down the not too far from Alderman down the street from Alderman Stamper's, and I would pass the house literally every single day dropping my kids off at school. And I would look over at that big purple house.

It was the it was it was the brightest house, you know, on the block. And for me, you all, for a a woman to take some he he Farrakhan was an adult. Nat actually adopted him as an adult. This woman's heart is so big that full circle comes around that we had an opportunity to connect and meet. And, you know, when she tells the story, I just I'm blown away because all the things that she does for community and in community.

And Sarah Khan isn't the only one. He's just one of many that, young people and young adults that she supported. So I just wanted to read a snippet, of her bio because I am so honored to know amazing and grateful women that not only live in community, but love community. They love what they do. And so let me read a really quick snippet.

Natalia Ranteria is the founder and CEO of the Missing Peace Community Collective and a lifelong resident of Milwaukee's Near West Side. Raised in the Cold Spring neighborhood at 32nd And Juneau, she was shaped by a family legacy of more than 70 of consistent community service where helping others was a daily expectation, not a public statement. Less than a mile from her childhood home is 3248 West Brown Street in Alderman's Stanford District. Now the home of the Missing Peace Community Collective where she has transformed that lived example into structured initiative focused on leadership development, violence prevention, peace building, and generational opportunity. Natalia leads with conviction, builds with intention, and remains rooted in the belief that real change happens when those who come from a community choose to invest back into it.

So today, we honor Natalia Renteria as National Women's Day.

Will miss Sarah Jonas and miss, Cameron Roberts please come forward escorted by all the woman Marina Dimitriavich.

Well, we saved some yummy thoughts for last. Who here has been to Lulu's in Bayview? And if you've been to Lulu's, you've been to Bayview. It's a staple. I don't know if you know when you're munching on that delicious slaw or blue chips, personally I do half and half with the blue cheese sauce. That's how we know if you're from the neighborhood, you know what to do there. Do you know that that's been there for twenty five years? Here's a Bayview factoid. Before that, it was a George Webb's, believe, right? I think way back, back in the day.

Well, behind those chips and slaw and great camaraderie is Cameron Roberts and Sarah Jonas as you heard. Friends for three decades or more and holding that business down for nearly twenty five years this year actually. These two women have creativity, care, and commitment, and they've helped make Bayview what it is today, a special place that so many of us know and love. Sarah and Cam began their partnership in 1999. That was the year that I graduated from the wonderful Bayview High School.

We got a couple of Red Cats here. We are very proud. Everybody knows that. When they started a small Bayview catering company together, They shared that vision and it grew into Cafe Lulu, which opened in 2001 and as I mentioned has become a neighborhood institution. It takes a lot of work to keep an institution going for twenty five years.

For those two decades, they served as chef, owners, and operators of Cafe Lulu. It's not infrequent or unusual that you would go there and enjoy that delicious food and see one or two or both of them and their friends there holding it down. And I do want to check-in on chef, owner, and operator. That is more than just calling in every once in a while. They not only have created a successful restaurant, but a true gathering place for community.

Their hard work and excellent hospitality. In fact, my family loves going there. It's family friendly, it's inclusive and it's welcoming, which I believe is the true spirit of the Bayview community. Sarah has a deep commitment to the culinary field. It's reflected in her specialized training.

She has a bachelor's degree in culinary arts from the New England Culinary Institute and a culinary arts and hospitality management degree from MATC. With Cam, she's helped shape a place that reflects the heart of Bayview, creative, vibrant, and deeply rooted. We thank them for all that they've given to the neighborhood. Imagine the hours and hours of time that they spent on the inside outside to create that business. A special part of our local economy, the jobs, just the the the stimulating everything around it and creating it as a corridor that is walkable and enjoyable.

It is such a privilege to rep rep recognize and celebrate both Cam and Sarah today. I think that they provide an excellent example of investment in our neighborhoods that is long lasting and is a welcoming place for all. Congratulations and thank you very much. All right. Thank you very much.

I'm stealing your agenda. Dana's about to replace it. I just forgot to give one of Everyone's in this. We'll have it for shortly. She's downstairs.

Thank you. It's always here. I never look at that. I mean, because I can't do both. Always have one.

I always have one. That's why I didn't. Congratulations and thank you. I think on the behalf of the rest of us, I I think I just wanna take a moment to thank and honor all the women in our lives that influence us, help us, agitate us when necessary, and appreciate all the efforts of my colleagues today. With that in mind, Aldo Woman Pratt now moves that the common council rise.

Yes. I do.

And hearing no objection, so ordered.

It's a love fest. Oh, I know.

You came back quick. You came back quick.

I can follow instruction.

No. No. Thank you. Will the city clerk please inform the common council of any commendations or condolences to be acknowledged at this time?

Item one. Communication from the city clerk relating to various commendatory and condolatory resolutions to be acknowledged and affirmed by the common council. One, resolutions recognizing the following and being named twenty twenty six Women's History Month honorees. Arlicia McHenry, Jamila Benson, Amanda Avalos, Annette Jackson, Natalia Renteria, Sarah Jonas, Cameron Roberts. Two, resolution recognizing artist Roberto Lugo.

Three, resolution congratulating Smile Incorporated on the opening of its tier one branch location on the South Side. Four, resolution congratulating tabletop bookshelf on its grand opening in Walker's Point. Five, resolution congratulating Oscar Castaneda on the anniversaries of Oscar's Pub and Grill and Oscar's Winner's Circle. Six. Or forgive me.

Seven. Item six is being held until the next regular meeting of the common council. Seven, resolution expressing condolences to the family and friends of Neil Boudin. Eight, resolution expressing condolences to the family and friends of Michael Shane Hawthorne senior. Nine, resolution congratulating Christopher Creco on his retirement from the Department of Neighborhood Services.

10, resolution congratulating Karen Anderson on her retirement from the Department of Administration. 11, resolution congratulating Marjee Carbahal on her retirement from the Office of the Controller. 12, resolution congratulating Gregory bar Baraki on his retirement from the Milwaukee Fire Department. 13, resolutions congratulating the following on their retirements from the Department of Public Works. Daniel Field, Jeanette McKnight, Eric Blue, Donna Johnson, Bartholomew Jones, and Alan Jones.

14. Resolutions congratulating the following on their retirement to the Milwaukee Police Department. Rachel Nolan, Alan Tenick Tenhaken, Reginald Carthens, Gerald Schmidt, Timothy Wallich. Are

there any objections to the foregoing commendations and condolences? If anyone wishes to be added as a sponsor to any other commendations or condolences, plea 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 reports of standing committees. Alderperson, Joe Casa Samarito, will now present the report of the license committee.

The License Committee recommends approval of item two, common council file number 251862. Motion relating to the recommendations of the License Committee relating to licenses. Included in the file is the following recommendation. Renewal

with

a fifteen day suspension of the filling station, food dealer, and weights and measures license of f ten sultan based upon the preponderance of the evidence in the police report, aldermanic app aldermanic applicant and neighborhood testimony that demonstrates that the operation results in a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the public and for the failure to comply with the approved plan of operation for the premises located at 2624 West Lisbon Avenue doing business as Lisbon BP in the 15th Aldermanic District. No written objections have been filed.

Have the members of the common council read the report and recommendations of the license committee as well as the objections filed in these matters? Roll call, please.

Alderman Pratt.

Aye.

Chambers.

Mister president. August. Point of order. Pardon, miss Stamper. Yeah. I had a community agreement operation plan to add to that to that last file. Is that I don't know. Jim, did you

After receive the roll call, I'll ask for any motions. I think that's that'd be the appropriate

person that. Got it. If Jim got it, we don't have to do that.

We'll we'll confirm. Either way, we're we're done with the roll call and get back to

you.

Thank you, mister president. Alright.

And, again, the motion before the council is whether or not members have read the report and recommendations of the committee. I have alderman Pratt voting aye. It is alderman Chambers.

Excused.

Alderman Brower. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland.

Aye. Cogs. Aye. Jackson. Aye. Zamripa. Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker. Aye. Dmitryavich. Aye. Stamper.

Aye.

Alderman Chambers is aye.

Mister president? Aye. 50 ayes.

15 ayes. Do we have an answer for Alderman Stamper before we go into any motions respected to these matters? Hold on, mister Stamper. You have a motion.

We good? Mister president.

Yes.

Yes. I think Dana has the assigned community agreement by the by the owner. Just wanna make sure it's part of the record and part of the operational plan.

Okay. So you can just make a motion to add that as part of the file?

Yes, sir. I'll make the motion to add the community agreement with Midtown Alliance, part of and with Rooted and Rising, part of the file.

Okay.

Hearing no no objection, so order order. Thank you very much. There are any further discussion or any other motions related to any of the matters in the licensing? Okay. Hearing no further discussion, I would ask for a vote of the common council members to adopt the recommendations of the licenses as contained in file number two five one seven five six. Will the clerk please call the roll?

And forgive me, mister president. The correct file number is 251862. 251862. That's an error on my

part. Okay. Alderman Pride.

Aye.

Chambers. Aye. Broward. Aye.

Baumann.

Aye.

Westmoreland. Aye. Cox.

Jackson. Aye. Zammeripa?

Aye.

Taylor? Aye. Boor? Aye. Bergelis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dimitriovich? Aye. Stamper? Aye. Mister president?

Aye. 15 ayes.

15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. Alderwoman Malele A. Kogs will now present the report of the Public Works Committee.

The Public Works Committee recommends approval of three, motion relating to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee relating to licenses. The Public Works Committee recommends passage of four in ordinance relating to the amendment to the official city map of the city of Milwaukee. The Public Works Committee recommends adoption of five, resolution approving a first amendment to the lease agreement with Tower Company two zero one three LLC for a portion of the parcel located at 3929 South 6th Street in the 13th Aldermanic District. Six, resolution relating to the construction, maintenance, and funding of Stella's Playground, Milwaukee's first universally accessible and inclusive playground. Seven, substitute resolution authorizing an amendment to the water service agreement with the village of Menomonee Falls.

Eight, resolution authorizing the commissioner of public works to execute a first revision to a state municipal agreement for a transportation alternatives program project with Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the Hopkins protected bike lane project for a revision to the project limits. Nine, resolution directing the commissioner of public works to execute a document titled state municipal finance agreement for a state led highway project with Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the installation of nonparticipating temporary street lighting on State Highway 181 County Line Road to Mequon Road and to set up funds for construction at an estimated total cost of $80,500 with a 100% city share. 10, substitute resolution relating to approval of an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the city of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for the purpose of establishing the terms and conditions for the river skimmer operation from 2026 through 2035. 11, sub substitute resolution approving levying of assessments and construction of assessable public improvements projects at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes. With the city cost of these projects approved by this resolution estimated to be $1,012,000 for a total estimated cost of $1,630,000.

12, substitute resolution determining it necessary to make various non assessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes, with the city engineering cost estimated to be $267,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $1,551,000. 13, substitute resolution approving construction of non assessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the city construction cost estimated to be $42,513,574 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $57,951,316. 14, resolution extending the active streets for businesses program. 15, resolution relating to the application acceptance and funding of a private property inflow and infiltration grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for a project in an area bounded by North 53rd Street, North 60th Street, and West Vienna Avenue to West Capitol Drive in the 7th Aldermanic District. The public works committee recommends placing on file 16 communication from the Department of Public Works relating to spring leaf collection.

Recognizes alderman Bergelis. Thank you. No on seven, please.

Let the record reflect alderman Bergelis being a no on number seven. Any further discussion for the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Cox moves for approval of the remainder of the report of the Public Works Committee. Will the clerk please call the roll? Alderman Pratt?

Aye. Chambers? Aye. Brower? Aye. Baumann? Aye. Westmoreland?

Aye. Cox?

Aye. Jackson? Zamoriba?

Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore?

Aye. Bergelis? Aye.

Spiker? Aye. Dmitryovich? Aye. Stamper? Aye. Mister president? Aye.

15 ayes. 15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. Alderwoman Marina Dimitryovich will now present the report of the finance and personnel committee.

The finance and personnel committee recommends passage of 17, a substitute ordinance relating to employee wages, benefits, and regulations. 18, an ordinance relating to city wage requirements for service contracts. 19, a substitute ordinance to further amend the twenty twenty six rates of pay of offices and positions in the city service. 20, a substitute ordinance to further amend the twenty twenty six offices and positions in the city service. The finance and personnel committee recommends adoption of 21, substitute resolution to ratify and confirm the final agreement between the city of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Supervisors Organization.

22, resolution approving an agreement between the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee World's Festival Incorporated regarding extra duty police services. 23, substitute resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 STD infertility prevention grant from the state of Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 24, substitute resolution authorizing the Department of Employer Relations to extend the current three year contract with MetLife for administration of the city's voluntary benefits for short term disability. Accident and critical illness insurance for one additional year. The finance and personnel committee recommends confirmation of 25, appointment of Danielle Rodriguez to serve as the department of administration director by the mayor.

The finance and personnel committee recommends placing on file, 26, communication from the Department of Employee Relations relating to classification studies scheduled for City Service Commission action. 27, communication from the controller's office relating to an audit of the Department of Neighborhood Services financial co administration. 28, communication from the Department of Employer Relations, amending the salary ordinance relating to the rates of pay for battalion chief fire, deputy chief fire, and assistant fire chief. 29, communication relating to the report of audit finding follow-up for the year ended 12/31/2025. 30, communication from the Department of Public Works relating to the revenue received from the towing of vehicles owned by habitual parking violators.

Chair recognizes alderman Dmitryovich.

Thank you, mister president. I wanna remain consistent with my no vote on item 21. And the reason for that is just financial considerations similar to the MPA contract. I have questions about the future fiscal health of the city of Milwaukee when it relates to some of these contracts. Thank you.

Thank you. Let the record reflect no 01/21, Alderman Dimitrevich. Chair recognizes. Alderman Pratt?

I would like to be recorded as an abstention on number 25.

Let the record reflect an abstention on item 25. Let the record reflect that I'm a no on item twenty five two five one nine eight three. Chair recognizes alderwoman Cox.

I would like to be recorded as an abstention for item 21.

Let the record reflect abstention by Alderman Cox for item 21. Chair recognizes Alderman Bergelis.

Thank you, mister president. During committee, we had a shortage of people, and I had offered a substitute for item 18. As such, it was not moved, and it was not, put before the committee. I don't think it's serious enough to warrant substitute from the floor, but I will ask to be recorded as a no for 18.

Let the record reflect no for item 18. Chair recognizes Alderman Westmoreland. Never mind. Thank you. Let the chair recognizes Alderman Taylor.

Yes. Thank you, mister president. I'd like to be recorded as an abstention for number 21.

Let the record reflect an abstention for item 21. Alderman Taylor? Any further discussion? Hearing none, Alderman Dmitryovich moves for adoption. Alderman

Brower. Mr.

Chair recognizes Alderman Brower. Yeah. Thank you so much.

Sorry, mister president. I'd like to be recorded as a no for m 21, please.

Okay. Let the record reflect no for item 21. Is it that's only two. Correct?

Two nos. That's okay.

Alright. Let the record reflect a no for item 21, Alderman Brower. Any any further discussion of the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Demetriovich moves for adoption of the recommendations of the finance and personnel committee. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Prad.

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Brower.

Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland.

Aye. Cox?

Aye. Jackson? Aye. Zamoriba?

Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore?

Aye. Bergelis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dmitryovich? Aye. Stamper? Aye. Mister president?

Aye. Fifty nines.

Fifty nines. The committee report is adopted. Alderman DeAndre Jackson will now present the report of the judiciary and legislation committee.

The judiciary and legislation committee recommends adoption of 31, substitute resolution relating to a legislative bill. 32, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Jeffrey Dinkins. 33, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Fred Miller. 34, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Mary Lou Sievert. 35, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Robert and Catherine Adamas.

36, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Harold Janis. 37, resolution authorizing the denial of claims for alleged unlawful and alleged excessive tax assessment filed to the city of Milwaukee. 38, resolution authorizing settlement of the lawsuit entitled Robert Mercado versus the City of Milwaukee and others. 39, resolution reserving and appropriating up to $125,000 for the 2036 Common Council Contingent Fund to the 2036 Damage and Claims Fund special purpose account and authorizing the settlement of the lawsuit entitled Barry Beverly versus the city of Milwaukee. 40, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Kevin Dudley.

41, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Peng Tao and West Bend Mutual Insurance Company. 42, resolution authorizing payment of the claim of Vincent and Paulette Wallford Wallard, forgive me, and Progressive Home Insurance Company. 43, substitute resolution amending the city of Milwaukee's legislative package to express support for state legislation making illegal tire dumping a misdemeanor crime and providing penalty enhancements. And the judiciary and legislation committee recommends disallowance and indefinite postponement of items 44 through 49 claims against the city.

Any further discussion of the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Jackson moves for adoption of the recommendation of judiciary and legislative legislation committee. Will the clerk please call the roll?

Mister Further? You can add me at the cosponsor item number 43. Thank you.

Okay. Let the record reflect cosponsorship of item number 43, Alderman Chambers. Any further discussion? Any further discussion? Hearing none, please call a roll.

Alderman Pratt. Aye.

Chambers. Aye. Brower. Aye.

Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cox.

Aye.

Jackson.

Samaripa. Aye. Taylor.

Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye.

Spiker. Aye. Kietrevich. Aye. Stamper. Aye. Mister president.

Aye. 50 nines.

50 nines. The committee report is adopted. Alderman Scott Spiker will now present the report of the Public Safety and Health Committee.

The Public Safety and Health Committee recommends passage of item 50. A substitute ordinance relating to law enforcement identification. 51, an ordinance relating to parking controls. 52, an ordinance relating to traffic controls. The committee recommends adoption of 53, resolution authorizing the health department to enter into an agreement with Milwaukee Public Schools for emergency mass care and sheltering sites.

54, resolution relating to acceptance and funding of a 2026 Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety Seat Belt Enforcement Grant. 55, resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of the 2026 Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety and Impaired Driving Enforcement Grant. 56. This is Resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of a 2026 Wisconsin State Patrol Division Spring Drug Recognition Expert Field Certification Training Grant. 57, resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of a 2026 Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety Speed Enforcement Grant.

58, substitute resolution relative to the accept acceptance of funding of a twenty twenty six, twenty seven Wisconsin Internet Crime Against Children Task Force program grant. 59, substitute resolution relating to the rendering of first aid by Milwaukee's protective services. The committee recommends confirmation of 60 appointment of Stephanie Fiaro Badella to the Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault by the Common Council President. 61, appointment of Karen Tyler to the community wellness and safety director by the mayor. 62, appointment of alderwoman Laura Taylor to the board of health by the mayor.

The committee recommends placing on file item 63, communication relating to the Operation Safe Haven and its work supporting veterans with post traumatic stress disorder. 64, substitute motion modifying the Milwaukee Police Department standard operating procedure one seventy two six sick and injured person. 65, substitute motion modifying the Milwaukee Police Department standard operating procedure. Three forty, uniforms, equipment, and appearance, and 66, Communication from the fire and police commission relating to standard operating procedures.

Is there any further discussion of the committee report? Mr. Chair? Chair recognizes Alder Woman Moore.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. I would like to pull out item number 61, two five one seven seven excuse me, two five one seven seven eight. I would like to make a recommendation to send this back to committee.

Okay. The motion by Alderman

I would object.

For is to send it back to committee. I have one objection. Chair recognizes Alderman Cox.

To the motion maker, just did you wanna share, like, why? The reasoning?

Yes, ma'am. So I think this has been a really contentious recommendation by the administration. The information that we've received with community partners and just members that have shared information Emailed information in. Many of it is within the file. I think we need to have an opportunity to just have a larger conversation around this appointment.

I have some grave concerns in regards to the appointment's ability to run a department specifically after the individual has been looked over several times. For me that says a lot. I would have loved a larger community conversation. There were some suggestions that I recommended that was not unfortunately adhered to. Miss Tyler's performance during her committee hearing was unfortunately not the best.

And I want all of our folks to do well in their departments, but I have concerns and I think that sending it back to committee will provide an opportunity for some conversation, specifically also on how the department is going to be funded. The department received $0 from the state for violence prevention. It was alarming. I I think there's just a little bit more conversation that needs to be had.

Thank you. Chair recognizes the Alumni Chambers.

Thank you, Mr. President. I respect my colleagues being in her background in this. I respectfully disagree on many accounts. One of the reasons is we had a robust discussion in public safety that went well over an hour and a half, probably close to two hours on her appointment.

While I do think some of the conversation could have been better, I think it was perfectly clear that, you know, she deserves a chance to lead this department. The fact that we brought up the state lack of not giving us funds from the governor's thing of, you know, the $10,000,000, with all due respect, I think it's a piss poor attempt to to to go after that. I think that, you know, we received over $10,000,000, from governor Evers with over the past five years. Sweet. While, yes, we definitely do need some more money, it is you can't put that on the the nominee for this department.

If anything, you put it on her predecessors for, you know, not advocating enough for it. While, yes, she was in the department during the time of application, she was not at the helm of the department. And quite frankly, those that are in opposition, I have over 26 emails for those that are in support of the nominee. And I think that outweighs it. And those that wanted to speak in opposition had ample enough time to come into the committee when we just previously had a near two hour discussion on it to express the opposition.

And another opportunity at a committee is just a waste of time, in my opinion. And I think the way that those who are imposed to her wanna hold her accountable is to work with her and give her constructive criticism and constructive feedback to help her grow as opposed of stunting the department's growth, I guess. So Mister president. That being said, mister president, thank you.

Thank you. You're in the queue, Alder Memorial. Chair recognizes alder mister Biker.

Thank you, mister president. I would urge any members who wonder what happened at public safety to watch that hearing. It was an extensive hearing. There were extensive questions. What happened yesterday with the state awarding the state OVP office awarding funds in the city of Milwaukee to everybody but ECWS, that was a huge red flag and something certainly worth drilling down about were the expenditures.

I don't know how many how much of the original state funding was expended. I don't know if there were concerns of that. Certainly somebody operating in the number two position as operations had they cannot be absolved of any responsibility there. Don't think that's legitimate. So I I wouldn't there's something problematic if the state sees fit to work everybody in the city of Milwaukee but our erstwhile OVP office state funds that that indicates something worth investigating more. So with that, I'll be supporting the motion. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair recognized Alderman Moore.

Thank you so much, mister president. I appreciate my colleague sentiments on all the letters of support that came in. I just want to make a notation that the majority, probably about 98% of them were from vendors, individuals that the department have provided funds to. So, I was a fund, if I was a funder and I reached out to my to individuals that I funded for support, yes, I will be providing that letter of recommendation. So that didn't sway me much at all.

I wanted to authentically look at individuals that had worked with Ms. Tyler in the past and those were the ones that I highly considered somewhat.

Thank you. Chair recognized. Alderman Berglis.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I supported this nomination in committee, but we have gotten quite a bit of new information since that committee vote. So I'm torn. The revelation about the state funding is a concern.

We have in our inboxes from less than an hour ago a copy of the city's application to the state, which I would like to read and ask the nominee about. So I will, and there were other other concerns that were expressed and circulated after the committee vote that I think warrant a conversation and warrant questions and answers to the committee. So I will support this motion. Just for clarification, is this going back to public safety or to a different committee?

I would say public safety. Okay. Chair recognizes Alderman Broward.

Yeah. Thank you so much, mister president. I have been very interested in this. Safety is such a huge piece for our community and and the person who's at the helm of our, community wellness and safety office is is really, really important. I'm I'm taking this very seriously. And, I mean, I've been reading emails that have been coming in as well. I was, you know, really swayed to see

a a dear friend of

mine, Janana Najeeb, support this nomination. I intend to support this nomination, but I guess I'm I'm curious just to for clarification and maybe for anybody else in the room who needs clarification. This motion is to send this back to the committee. The nominee is currently the interim, I don't know if the term is secretary, but the interim director of this department. Maybe I can get an answer on that if that's the case and what effect this motion would have on the current operations of the department as it stands. I'm curious about that. It would help with my vote on this. Thank you.

Thank you. It doesn't create a vacancy. It continues as she she is the interim for now. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Chair recognizes Alderman Taylor.

Thank you so much, mister president. I I do want to sort of reiterate some of the things that Alderman Chambers mentioned. I think that it was it was stated that she has been overlooked by that others have as she's been in that position temporarily. But I think the fact that she has been there through all the others that have led that as an office and not a department has given her an opportunity to learn what could be done differently to improve the department. And after a long conversation with her, I I've come to understand that she does have state she can clearly state some ideas for improvement and how ways that she's going to work towards those improvements.

So with that, I would like to stay and continue is that I do support this nomination. Along with some of my other colleagues having received the many letters of support for her, I think they outweigh the letters that we saw that were not in support. So I would definitely support the nomination.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Alderman Chambers.

Thank you, mister president. My colleague, Alderman Bergelis brought up the application that was recently mailed, and the application was done by her predecessor back in January. So, you know, for the fact that we're pinning on the lack of receiving funds from governor Ebers on the nominee is just unfair. And we're not a council of being unfair. We do have our individual votes.

We have our opportunity to say no or abstain. Going for another round of let's just face it, it was an interrogation, is unwarranted. And I will continue to object, send this back to committee, and I will say, use your vote to either vote up, down, or nothing at all. You know, just you know, we're going to highlight some of the good things that Ms. Tyler has done.

You know, just with her work with the missing piece with one of with, you know, the the motioners, you know, nominee for Women's Month. She has an extensive extensive relationship with miss Natalia Renteria and work side by side with her within the community. Day by day, they're giving out food, and that was led between miss Natalia and miss Titan. And I know that because I have firsthand knowledge and experience with working with these individuals. So, you know, I say, you know, far as the lack of funding, we're gonna get there.

We're gonna work it out. We're gonna figure it out. You know, I'll even bring up one last thing, mister president. Her predecessor, you know, albeit, you know, was unorthodoxly added as a director who, you know, my colleague strongly supported. He came asking for money at a budget hearing. They didn't put it in the budget hearing. Like, he didn't know what was going on. So let's just call it for what it is. You know, let let's let's work together. Let's let's let's, you know, build her up as opposed to breaking her down.

Thank you. And I'll just leave

it at that. Thank you, mister president.

Chair recognizes alderperson Samaripa.

Thank you, mister president. I want to be clear similar to Alderman Brower's comments. I support Karen Tyler's nomination but this news around the loss of the state funding, I am swayed by Elderwoman Moore's motion and argument. This is very concerning why the state would fund every other organization but not our Office of Community Wellness and Safety. And for that reason, although, of course, weighs heavy on my heart, I am going to support Alderman Moore's motion to send it back to committee so we can have this conversation.

I'd like to hear from the state why exclude only us. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Alderman Moore.

Thank you so much mister mister president. As I'm listening to all of my colleagues, I think we have to begin to set a precedent that we want people in positions that have the ability to lead. Ms. Tyler has been with the division for several years and we have to get out of just giving people positions just because they've been with us for a period of time, particularly with no support. The department was interested in building up someone's leadership.

They would have provided the necessary support in order to prepare her for such as a time like this. I think the part that was that got me the most was when I asked the question of what is the leaves leading cause of death among children? For an individual that runs an office around gun violence and do not know the one question that the leading cause of death among children are guns. That struck a chord in me. We have to have to have to.

This is this this division is very important to me because with the rash of gun violence that has happened over the weekend, we know that the office has so much capacity. Prior to me even coming to office, just the feedback that I received around just follow-up. Simple. Turn a call, turn an email. That had not been done.

And so now we're in a position and I'm getting emails and calls and this is great, but I want your behavior to speak before you have to before you have to be in the spot light. I want to be able to know behind the scenes what you're doing. And when I hear that people can't even get a follow-up call, a follow-up email for months at a time, It's sad. So I'm not here to say that she can't ever have a position. I'm just saying that we just have to have a little bit more conversation.

You have to have a little bit more strategy. How is the department gonna be funded? What is the mayor's position on funding such an important depart department that the majority of it is ARPA dollars. What is the commitment? I want I want the department to come and tell us what is their commitment to fund this very important department.

So I just ask my colleagues, please allow this to go back to committee so that we can have a more robust conversation. Thank you so much, mister president.

Thank you. Chair recognizes alderwoman Taylor.

Thank you so much, mister president. I'll make it very brief. I just look at the fact that, Karen Taylor has been there for through through all of the, failed leadership, and she's held the department together. So I think with that, that deserves recognition and an opportunity to lead the department. So and I think it also is going to take someone with a heart. She has done a great job throughout the community. She's she's been responsive,

so I I don't

I don't I can't speak to I'm not gonna speak to what my colleague just said about not getting the responses that maybe she was looking for, but just in my experience, she's been responsive and she's led the team to be responsive. So I think with that, she deserves an opportunity to carry the department forward, not an office, but the department forward. I think that she has an understanding of how to build those relationships that she's going to need in order to support to gain the support she needs in carrying that department forward. So I think she deserves that opportunity. So I I would object to taking it back to committee as well.

Thank you. Chair recognizes the all in chambers.

Thank you, Mr. President. Will mirror the same comments as my colleague, Audrowoman Taylor. Call to question.

Okay. We have before us the motion by Aldwoman Moore to return to committee. Will the clerk please call the roll?

Aldwoman Pratt? No.

Chambers? No. Brower? Aye. Baumann? Aye.

Wissmoreland?

Aye.

Cox? Aye. Jackson? Zamorepa?

Aye. Taylor? No. Moore? Aye. Bergilis?

Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dimitrijevich? Aye. Stamper? Aye. Mister president?

Aye. 11

ayes,

Four nos. 11 ayes, four nos. It goes back to committee. Point of order. Alderman Chambers.

If we go to the committee of

the hold as opposed to senator, again, did that take precedent?

It's already referred.

Thank you.

Is there any further discussion of the committee report? Oh, excuse me. City clerk.

Mister president, members, with respect to item 50, the office of the city attorney has informed us that he needs more time to decide on this legality and enforceability. This item is not before the body.

Thank you. Chair recognizes all the woman Dimitrivich.

Okay. Slow down, please. Item 50. Was this the file that was the city attorney spoke on behalf of at the actual committee? Yes. So there was a complete change? Yes. Have we been given it in writing? Yes. Have we been given it in writing?

Yes. So

it's not before us.

Let me be clear. City attorney says it's on its way in writing.

Can it be done by the end of this meeting? No. Okay. I'm sorry. This is just alarming news to me because we had a robust committee discussion led, by the good alderman Brower. There's a number of cosponsors. We got testimony in support of it. And now last minute, there was a literal actual change in opinion.

Yes. I mean, it's one

thing if we had no opinion, but we actually had them speak on record, unless I'm mistaken, unless I saw a different meeting, in support of it. So forgive me for being a bit irritated.

Don't blame you.

As these agents are actually, mister president, in our airports that we're talking about here could come any day. I know as of right now they're not there, but, like, the clock is ticking. And I just need a place on the record for the people that are here, the people that have been here, the advocates I'm talking about especially, I want to thank Alderman Brower for just trying so hard to cross every t, every I, dot, and work to get things done. And to have this barrier put up at the last minute unexpectedly, I'm shocked. It's just it's very difficult difficult to do business this way and to move forward.

And a last minute opinion when mister president, hundreds of cities I was just listening to the national public NPR radio today are doing this exact same thing. It's not a unique playbook that, you know, we just woke up one day. It is a toolkit and a playbook that is being used for cities to defend themselves across the nation and stand up and be a welcoming city. And to get a last minute, I don't even know if this is an opinion, but a change in opinion is not the way to do the people's business. It's not fair, and it's gotta stop.

So I'm objecting to this whole situation because I guess I can't object because it's not even before us. But, I mean, I owe we owe some we owe the people watching us an explanation. And to hear that some new attorney in the city attorney's office has a different opinion from a few weeks ago when it was publicly discussed when we're just trying to move forward on what the people have asked us to do.

Talk about

emails. Hundreds and thousands of emails. Again, today, well, there's a partial government shutdown. Well, there are ICE agents watching the lines form across the nation as people travel for spring break, and we can't even put together these basic items that we

set

forth. Alderman Brower is trying to do everything by the book. So this is unfortunate, and I refuse to just sit in silence as this happens. We have nothing in writing. You know what it feels like? It feels like a last minute veto. But here's the worst part about it. You can't even override it. So if this happens to anybody else's policy, it's very, very uncomfortable. And I this is not the way to do the people's business, mister president. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair recognizes. Alderman Cox. Yeah. Just had a question.

Jim, is it legally required to be in writing?

No.

Do ordinances ordinances have to be signed by the city attorney?

Yes. Well, to be clear, ordinance will say a past committee or refer to the city attorney for review as to legality and enforceability. They have three choices, sign it, don't sign it, or request more time. He has requested more time. If he were to say it is not legally enforceable, it returns to committee, at which point the common council may amend it to seek to make it legally enforceable, or they can seek to pass it notwithstanding the concerns of the city attorney. That has to be done at a subsequent committee meeting.

Does the law around this require some timing of when the notification of his position should be?

No.

Maybe it should.

I don't disagree.

To the city charter?

Court of ordinances.

Court of ordinances. Okay.

Mister president, after this meeting, we should talk.

Please. I appreciate that. Chair recognizes are you done, Alderman Cox?

Yes. I'm done.

Chair recognizes Alderman Bregallas.

Thank you, mister president. Would it be appropriate for us to resolve ourselves to the committee of the whole so that we can hear from the city attorney?

I agree. Was gonna And if not, why not? Because this is pretty outrageous.

First of all, mister chair.

Mister chair, I'll move to resolve ourselves to the committee of the whole so we can hear from the city attorney.

One one one second. I wanna hear from some other colleagues. Is are you done, alderman Burgos?

That's my motion.

That's your motion. Okay. On the motion, alderman Stamper?

Yes, mister president. I I didn't hear the clarification. Since when can the city attorney pull something from a government automatic body? Go

ahead. Mister chairman, all ordinances with a very few exceptions are referred after committee to the city attorney. They are placed on the agenda prospectively, as was the case here. The city attorney then has the opportunity to review them for legality and enforceability. And in those instances where in between the committee and the council, the city attorney determines that an ordinance is either not legal or enforceable or requires more time, it is by the operation of the code. It's been interpreted to not be before you. It then either waits until the time has come. We have just such an ordinance like that on the agenda today in c and d, or it returns that the part that is clear. Otherwise, it returns to committee for further deliberation.

Opinion an opinion can an opinion by the city attorney can do that?

It causes a pause, mister president. Yeah. It is it is a time when either, again, there's a pause to wait for further action as was done with the c and d file, or it returns to committee where the counsel may then hear the matter again and pass it notwithstanding his objection. So it doesn't it's it doesn't end the file or kill the file, if you will, but it does provide an opportunity for a pause.

Okay. And we do not have the ability to override that

in Robert Rules? You do not have the ability no. That is an ordinance which would supersede Roberts.

Thank you very much.

On the motion, Alderman Chambers.

Thank you, mister Brethren. I'm not object I'm not objection to going back to the committee hold, but if we do go to the committee hold of public safety, I will ask that we have item number 61 be reconsidered and have a full discussion on that as well. We're discuss with the city attorney on item number 50 We need to have a discussion on item 61 as well.

On the motion, Alderman Baumann.

Yeah. Thank you, mister president. I do find this pretty outrageous behavior by the city attorney. I do support going to a committee of the whole. I support inviting the city attorney who is an elected official to come before his constituents, many of whom are in the room as well as many others that will be on TV watching these proceedings and explain why they need more time. Because this matter has been pending for quite some time. I think everyone has been aware of the content of this proposed ordinance for quite some time and to come up at the last minute and claim they need more time

Here.

To do what exactly? How do we get them here? So given that the city attorney is elected, I think he should come before this body, come before his constituents, and explain why they need more time. I get the ordinance that requires a pause if they pull that trigger of requiring more time, but I think we're entitled to an explanation as are the citizens of Milwaukee as to why they need more time.

Same reason for item number 61. Same reason. Need more time for the

Okay. I know that the deputy clerk is trying to get ahold of the I'll vote that. Of the city clerk now or the city attorney.

Motion on the floor.

Just gonna give me a break.

What what all member Gellis, can we we can we go back to the motion when we get a hold of the My

motion is to resolve ourselves in the committee of the whole to hear from the city attorney on his objection to item number 50.

Get hold to a later point in the meeting.

Yeah. Can we hold it to a later point in the meeting? Get rid of That's

What? I would Yeah. That's fine.

This is shabby shit.

Mister president, have no objection if we lay it over to later

in meeting. Fine. Well, we will hold that to later in the committee. There being no further discussion of the committee report, all of miss Spiker moves for adoption of the recommendations of the public safety and health committee. Will the clerk please call the roll with the exception of Item 50. Item 50.

Mister President? Yes. So so if we do this, then that means item 61 is being sent back. If once we close this vote out, that mean item 61 is going back to committee? Yes. I will ask that we hold this entire file until we get to this point before taking a roll call vote on public safety. If we the the point of having a robust conversation on everything, including this topic, which I have no problem with, We need to have the full conversation on the other items well because that was the concern of my colleagues as far

as this.

So if we're gonna do it, we might as take up both items. Plain and simple. That's the logic that they use in those You know, there'll

be a separate roll call for each one.

Thank you. But I will still say

hold I I understand what you wanna do, but there'll be a roll call on that too.

Thank you.

And and you should just have someone reconsider it.

Yes, sir. Alright.

So the motion is that is to hold 50. Can we get a roll call on the on the committee report, please?

Mister president. Right. Mister president, may

say something before the roll call? Yeah. It's it's not even before it's not even before you because of the there's not even a whole. Alderman Broward? Just before the roll

call, please. Just on some other items here, I do wanna just an you know, here here's some good things that we need to celebrate here today. We have a couple of items that we're placing on file, some substitute motions, modifying standard operating procedures, and we were able to reach agreement with the Milwaukee Police Department on that. I just want to make sure everybody in the audience is aware. And here I want to, you know, announce and talk about this too before we go on to the roll call for this item.

And then in item 59, we've got the resolution render of the rendering of first aid by Milwaukee's protective services, which is was discussed at the public health and safety committee. We have agreement from the police chief and the fire chief to render first aid whenever possible. So I just I know. I I think it's worth saying. I mean, I do have opinions on the item 50 thing.

I I I I'm considering voting on that motion as well, but regarding item 59 and some of the items that we're placing on file, we have been guns, considerable movement on that in other cities. You know, people people have been injured. They weren't even able to render first aid. I'm really appreciating that our police chief and fire chief are gonna attempt and instruct their employees to attempts to register to render, excuse me, to render first aid when that happens if there's an injury by ICE. Okay.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Alderman Alderman Dimitrevich.

Thank you. I just wanted a point of order. So 50, which I expressed my discontent with, cannot be held because it's not before us. Yes. Right. Okay. And that's that's unfortunate that I just want the public to see how awesome that power is that is an elected office, but that we can't we're probably even being, you know, a little gracious in allowing the speaking, which I appreciate, so that we can bring light to the situation, but it can't even be held because it's not before us. So is that what the city clerk is also mentioning is that we can't even go into the committee of the whole because it's not before us? I just wanna know what we're voting on, mister president.

Yes. He did not clarify any of that since it wasn't being heard, we couldn't go into a committee of the whole.

Okay. And I object to tying that to the confirmation appointment. I don't there's me, there's no Yeah. Germane nature of that. So I don't even see how those two relate and I would not want to tie those together.

Okay. Mr. President?

Chair recognizes the Holden Member Gellis.

Thank you, Mr. President. The only reason to delay my motion to move to the Committee of the Whole was to wait for the city attorney's appearance.

Okay. We've got some I think the city clerk's office contacted the attorney. I think there's a report out.

So if if appropriate, maybe we should just delay the entire department report until the city attorney's here. The entire department report.

Mister president, members, the city attorney will not come over. He has indicated that this is a matter that must be discussed in closed session.

Mister president, then I'll move that we move to a committee to hold in closed session.

I'll be probably honored. Let me

yeah. We're not noticed for that. I know. Nice try. Chair recognizes, elder woman Taylor.

Thank you so much, president. I just don't wanna forget to abstain from number 62.

Let the record reflect extension by alder Woman Taylor on item number 62. We still have, since we can't go into committee of whole because he won't be here and he needs to be in the closed session, we're not noticed for it. I will just remind everyone that we are going to vote on the the remainder of the committee report. Any last minute discussion before we do a roll call? Hearing none, could you please roll the do a roll call, please?

Alderwoman. Alderwoman Pratt. Aye. Chambers.

Aye. Brower? Aye. Baumann? Aye. Wes Morlin?

Aye.

Cogs? Aye. Jackson? Aye. Zamorepa? Aye. Taylor?

Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergilis?

Spiker? Aye. Dmitryevich? Aye. Stamper?

Aye.

Mister president?

Aye.

15 ayes.

15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. Alderman Robert Baumann will now present the report of the zoning, neighborhoods, and development committee.

The zoning neighborhoods and development committee recommends passage of 67, an ordinance relating to the documentation of historic buildings before demolition. 68, an ordinance relating to property deconstruction. The committee recommends adoption of 69, resolution approving a final certified survey map for land located on the South Side of West Boberling Avenue, West Of North 122nd Street in the 5th Automatic District. 70, substitute resolution approving a project plan and a development agreement authorizing expenditures in creating a tax incremental district number one thirty in the 12th Automatic District. 71.

Substitute resolution approving a project plan and a development agreement authorizing expenditures and creating a tax incremental district number one thirty one in the 12th Automatic District. 72. Resolution dissolving tax incremental district number 39 and authorizing the city controller to distribute excess incremental revenue to the overlying taxing districts. 73, resolution dissolving tax incremental district number 42 and authorizing the city controller to distribute excess incremental revenue to overlying taxing districts. 74, resolution dissolving tax incremental district number one rather tax incremental district number 46 and authorizing the city controller to distribute excess incremental revenue to overlying taxing districts.

75, resolution dissolving tax incremental district number 51 and authorizing the city controller to distribute excess incremental revenues to overlying taxing districts. The committee recommends and the committee and the committee is placing on file item number 76. Communication from the Department of City Development and the Department of Public Works relating to the final report for the reimaging of Wisconsin State Highway 175 Study, Wisconsin Avenue to Lisbon Avenue.

Chair recognizes Alderman Baumann. Yeah.

Thank you, mister president. Relating to item 67, file two five one six one seven. I move to replace, the current file with a proposed substitute that has been passed out in front of you at your desk. These were rather minor technical amendments to the form of this file. This file is basically involves historic preservation where one needs to do a three-dimensional scan of any properties which are which are requesting a certificate of appropriateness for demolition. Basically, this would only apply to historically designated buildings or buildings in historic district.

Okay. Chair recognizes Alderman Cox.

To the sponsor, is this the I know a meeting or two ago, we had a presentation done.

With this suit. Yes.

By a member of HPC about this three d stuff. Is this is this requiring so this is requiring the three d rendering for historically designated buildings that are being asked to be demolished?

Yes.

HPC member who presented the company or association that he had that did it, are they the only ones that do it? Do the three d in Milwaukee?

There may be numerous vendors, but I know the University of Wisconsin School of Architecture and Urban Planning does perform the service.

When they presented, at least if my memory if my memory is right, they talked about the limitations of how many they could do given the limited machinery or whatever the equipment was. Is that is that not a concern?

Well, could be an issue, but we issue very few c COAs for demolition. I mean, there are I can count on one hand the amount of COAs we issue, and most of those involve garages. And this would not apply to garages. This would apply to main buildings. So if if if there's one or two of these on a year, I'd be surprised.

Remind me how expensive the dye size was, the three d?

Well, I don't know what the cost is, but I know they did they did my my own home as a as a experiment or a pilot, and it took them twenty minutes. So I don't know how expensive a twenty minute procedure could be. I mean, it may be hundreds of dollars possibly, but if one can afford to spend $20,000 to demolish a historic building, that extra 100 $200 for a scan to preserve the dimensions and and appearance of that building in perpetuity would not seem unreasonable.

So will HPC be the keepers of the record?

Yes. Thank you. Okay. Yeah.

In in the almost fourteen years, I've been in office that happened once in my district with the Forest Home Library. Right. It wasn't mandated, but they wanted to preserve what that library was, and they did the three d renderings inside of that. So chair recognize all the misnomer.

Well, the cost is to the to the To the owner.

For the demolition.

And we don't know the cost yet.

It it'll vary by the size of the building, probably.

Alright. Are we RFP ing this scanning ability?

No. The property owner goes out and hires a contractor. The contractor prepares the scan pursuant to the specifications that are promulgated by the historic preservation.

Yeah. It was They

can hire anybody they want.

They can hire them. Okay. Okay. So it was like a nifty tool to have, but I didn't see the requirement. Why is this required? Why do think this will help if you bought the demo? For spark parts? Or why do you think this will help?

Historic record. I mean, I'll I'll give you

the the

the most classy example of where this came in handy and can be useful.

Okay.

They did a three-dimensional scan of the of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Okay.

And it detailed the structure of the building, the dimensions of the building, great detail. And then a year after the scan was done, they had a massive fire. And significant portions of the building were destroyed, and they were only able to restore it to its original design and specification was because they had to scan. And so it was it was like an ex an after the fact blueprint for the building because, of course, in the tenth century when Notre Dame Cathedral was built, they probably didn't have blueprints. Or if there were any, they're not around.

So that's essentially what you're doing. You're you're making a a record of what the historic structure looked like for all posterity to survey and consider and study as the city land use evolves and changes.

Yeah. Okay. I remember the discussion. I'm I'm cool with, you know, you're doing it personally on your own preference and wanting that for your own file, but I don't wanna mandate it as a city requirement. You know, you can do that on your own. I don't think it should be mandated.

But nobody gonna do it under one.

Yeah. But it's based on your explanation, it's for the owner to do based on them putting it back to building that they own or that they want. Correct? Based on what you just said.

It's it's when we designate a structure or create a historic district, we as a city are saying that the public has an interest in historic designation in addition to the interest of the private owner. And so certain conditions attached to that designation such that an owner does not have free will to willy nilly make changes or alterations to the exterior of the building.

Yeah.

And people some people object to that. But collectively, we've decided that in the in the long run, it's in the public interest to have those requirements if a building meets the criteria for designation. And this is essentially adding one additional element to the conditions that we attach to historic designation.

Honorable Bowman, I feel you and I respect you. I just I got too many issues already with historic preservation, and this is another hindrance, for my district, particularly for Grant Boulevard and Sherman Boulevard. So I I don't see this necessary, and I'm not supporting this. Okay.

Chair recognizes Alderman Chambers.

This is item number 67 we're speaking about on the motion.

I got the file number for me. I don't have the

It's 6

Okay. Yeah. I will be

a no on that. And then at the appropriate time, I'd to speak on item number 68.

Okay. Chair recognizes Alderman Brower.

Yeah. Thank you

so much, mister president. Just a comment on item 67 as well. I think, what we should think I mean, you know, I think a conversation a broader conversation about the impacts of historic designation is, you know, worthy of being had and how that impacts people and how that impacts what we're trying to do when, you know, we're engaging in progress here in the city of Milwaukee but I'm intending to support this. I'd like, you know, I'd I'd like to be in support of this of this item here because I do agree with what Alderman Blumman said that the question of of property rights is one that really strikes the heart of, you know, my ideology as a socialist. And when we have a piece of property, like, that doesn't give the person who holds that title absolute authority with that property.

Okay? So the and I mean, you know, I I don't believe that for profit properties exist, frankly, and there's cultures around this world that say you can't own the land. So and and but, of course, you know, in our social constructions, we say that a piece of paper at the courthouse called a a deed to property means something, and that's what we've all decided is the case here in The United States. So that is how we based our laws. But when we have these structures that and I would argue though, there's a lot of structures that are worth saying that means more than just a piece of paper at the courthouse that's a deed to property, but that is something that's valuable to the community.

We should be careful and we should really think long and hard as we designate more properties in that manner, right? So I would just caution everybody that that I think that's really the question really the question we should be debating, excuse me, is when should a property be designated or not and does it meet a threshold for historic designation. But when we do say that a property is historic, especially some of these public buildings that we're working or not or publicly used buildings that we're working to preserve, I would say that a three-dimensional scan could allow I mean, as much as I hate AI, let me let me speak positively to it right now, which is that it is possible using, you know, potentially an augmented reality visual headset to see the construction of a building that has been torn down and see what it was like. And there there is there is value in that. So I just wanted to speak to that.

I thought it was worth saying that. Thank you.

Chair recognizes alder Woman Moore.

Thank you so much, mister president. I have a question for the sponsor. Alderman Baumann, are we just specifically talking about historic property that is already deemed for demolition?

Oh, no. It it Typically, how it works, if a property is designated historic or if a property is in an historic district, in order to demolish that property, one has to apply for a certificate of appropriateness for demolition. And what we are saying that as a condition of being granted that certificate, it could be denied for other reasons. Mhmm. But as a condition of receiving that certificate of appropriateness, we have to scan the property before it's demolished.

And DNS, which is a entity that hands out demolition permits, they, under this ordinance, would not be empowered to issue a demolition permit unless the applicant can demonstrate they have a COA, a certificate of appropriateness for demolition. So with historic, it's a two step process. You have to get a CEO the COA for demolition, and then you carry that to the DNS to get a permit for demolition.

Thank you. And so in regards to the scan, I think this was asked higher. We don't have the the cost of the scan will go on to the property owner.

Yes. Correct?

And we have no idea what the cost of the scan is.

You know, depend on the size of the building pretty much. Okay. How much how much time it takes? It'll be a variable cost.

Got it. That would definitely be something that I would be interested in knowing a little bit more about. Thank you so much, mister president.

Thank you. Okay. We've heard a couple objections to Alderman Baumann's substitute substitute amendment. Amendment. Do we just want to do a roll call on that, Alderman Baumann?

Let's do a roll call on the on the motion by Alderman Baumann. So that so city clerk pointed out that these are very technical. Alderman Bowman's motion are very technical from the city attorney's office. So we should accept those that substitute amendment and then just vote up or down on the actual file then. So let's do that.

So this is on the file.

Alderman Pratt. Excuse me a second.

Do the substitute? We

Yeah. So the motion by Alderman Baumann is the substitute amendment. Are there any objections to that amendment? Hearing none, ordered. Now we're on

the file. On the file, Alderman Taylor? No. Actually, I have a different one. Alright. We'll get

I I do have one question. I do want follow. To the sponsor, you brought up the Notre Dame in Paris. What other examples locally besides your house, the scan and all that other stuff has took place?

I think they did do another commercial property. I honestly don't know. It wasn't in my district to my knowledge. This came to me from the school of architecture and urban planning, and I'm basically advancing what they recommended that we do to keep create a permanent record of historic properties that get demolished. It it's not that complicated. They they did another commercial property somewhere in the city. I don't know where that is.

Yeah. I thought my example was pretty clear. I mean, I voted for the demolition against what Yeah. The historic preservation did and for the children's hospital in my district. And they thought one way to preserve or have record of what the community thought was a very significant architectural library or building was to scan it and preserve it that way in case someone wanted it for records, wanted to duplicate it, they had exactly that. But I was I voted in favor of demolishing it.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. On the on the file, can the city clerk please do a roll call?

On the file, alderwoman Pratt. Aye.

Chambers. Substain.

Brower. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Wissmoreland.

Aye.

Cox. Aye. Jackson. Zamorepa?

Excused. Taylor?

Aye. Moore? Abstain.

Bergilis?

Aye.

Spiker? Aye. Dimitrijevich? Aye. Stamper?

Aye.

Otherwoman Zambaripa?

Aye.

Mister president.

Aye. Aye.

11 eyes, one no, and three abstain.

Okay. The file passes. Is there any further discussion on the rest of the committee report? Chair recognizes Alderman Chambers.

Thank you, mister. Oh, sorry. You can go ahead, Alderman Taylor. I'll I'll defer to her.

Okay. Alderman Taylor. I'm just

wondering because I have been gathering information and meeting with those in DCD and I'd like to hold number 75 until the next council meeting as I gather more information about it.

This is the So,

Alderman Till, is your your motion to hold it in council or send it back to committee?

If I can hold it in council, that's what I'd like to do.

Okay. So the motion by Alderman Taylor is to hold it in council. Any objections to that?

Mister president?

Yes.

Just wondering if there are any timeline issues.

Yeah. That's exactly what I was mentioning. Yeah.

If we're required under statute to resolve it.

She wants to hold in consult.

Alderman Taylor, do you know?

Can you say

that again?

They were wondering if there's any issues with a timeline in order to resolve the district.

Could be, but I in the conversations that I've had, it I'm not sure if it has to go through today if we can still hold it until to the next council.

Okay. I've I've been informed by the city clerk that DCD did testify that their deadline was April 15, and it would put it past our next council meeting date. Alright. Do you still wanna move the ball?

That's saying then that I can't hold it because it's gonna put us past the date.

Yeah. At least that's what was testified. Although, Macales, you have some information to that?

Is that a self imposed deadline, or is that a legal deadline?

Yeah. The city clerk says it's a statutory deadline for state.

It's statutory. Oh.

Okay. Alright. Wanna withdraw your motion then?

Yes. I withdraw it. Thank you.

Alright. Let me know if you need help with DCD on that. Anyone else? Any further discussion?

On item 68, mister president.

On item 68, Alderman Chambers.

To the sponsor, what's the angle? And how many times? I think this is like, at least since I've been here, it's the third time we extended the date for the deconstruction.

Well, that's a long story. If if if you we want to go into it, we can. I was doing a courtesy to the department to extend the moratorium on the deconstruction ordinance one more year, give them an opportunity to come up with some ideas perhaps which they claim they are working on, which of course they've claimed they've been working on for the last better part of a decade. If one recalls, the deconstruction ordinance was passed by this body back in, I think, 2018. We received a lot of support, including some very picturesque, shall I say, and theatrical committee meetings when we had a bunch of workers come in who were all ex offenders that were sitting in the front row and extolling the virtues of this ordinance in terms of the amount of job creation that would be generated because deconstruction is far more labor intensive than mechanical deconstruction.

In addition, the environmental benefits of recycling old growth timber instead of sending it to landfill, savings to the sea in terms of tipping fees, which we would not have to pay were we not landfilling building debris. And when you tear down a typical single family duplex house in Milwaukee, you are talking 50 to 70 tons of material, most of which is old growth wood, some of which is three, four hundred years old from parts of Wisconsin. So we thought this was a very progressive, enlightened measure. Other cities were doing it. We had had a report from Preston Cole, then commissioner of DNS who would take a trip to Portland to inspect their deep construction program.

And finally, when we got on the ground here, there were a million excuses from the department as to why it wouldn't work. They claimed they tried to make it work. They got they they once had a contract on board. That contractor ended up going bankrupt and having all his equipment repossessed. We did have a contractor very interested in taking this on with a solid track record in the name of recycling.

They're based in Kenosha County. They've had they've done extensive deconstruction work here in Milwaukee, including several projects that were undertaken by Bear Development, is a firm that has done quite a bit of housing development in the city. However, recycling indicated, yes, we have the capability. We can do it for a reasonable price, but we have our own teams and crews, and we will not comply with RPP. And so they were disqualified from becoming the contractor, And so we continue to do mechanical demolition.

We continue sending materials to landfills. We continue losing the environmental benefits, and we continue losing the job creation benefits because we were unwilling to relax the RPP requirements for this one company and this one program. So, yes, we agreed to extend this one more year. Maybe somehow this can get sorted out because I am not prepared to declare defeat on the process of deconstruction given the numerous benefits that it can generate for the city and for citizens, especially in terms of the job creation component.

So so, armament, is it safe to say that, you know, within this one year that the only way that we will get any traction on this is if we we were to relax the RPP?

Yeah. That that we had a hearing on the subject.

So what

We literally had a hearing on this on that exact issue, and and that was a net effect. There is a contractor ready ready, willing, and able. In fact, they do deconstruction already, and they have a pile of lumber sitting down here off of Greenfield Avenue between the two railroad rights of way where the where the horse stable used to be. And they're in the they're down there sorting wood as we speak. But but wood that's come from private deconstructions that they've been hired to perform in Milwaukee.

Thank you, mister president, for giving me the the the brevity. So there's no other companies that would do it that would comply with RPP because RPP is extremely important to this body.

No. That well, not based on the RFPs that were that that were advertised several times.

So are we so it seems like

One contractor did come through, and they were hired, and they ended up doing half of one deconstruction before they went belly up.

So it seems to me that we're beating a dead horse here because either you know, this body had the vote to relax the RPP most so we can get this one company that is standing firm on their beliefs that they're not gonna conform to our to our RPP standards, which is, you know, highly regard in this body. Or

Well, the file for us now is a is a is a file to to suspend enforcement of an ordinance on the books for another year. If we if we defeat this file, then the ordinance will be in effect. And so DNS would be bound to refuse a demolition permit for any property built before 1930, one to four family properties built before 1930, and any property in a historic designated property or his in a historic district. So by defeating this file, it will guarantee that the ordinance goes back into effect until someone in the next cycle moves to repeal the deconstruction ordinance. So I fine. Vote against this. I'm all in favor of putting deconstruction back in as a requirement.

Well, know deconstruction is very probably deconstruction is very important to you. And with all due respect, I I respect your your mission as far as doing that. But if we

are doing this just for the

sake of one company who will not conform to our standards, our RPP standards, that just don't sit right with me and I can't support that nor that company.

But that's not before us. That's not the issue here.

That's not the issue. Right.

Okay. Well, you bring up RPP. Do you know that we've never lacked RPP for any project? Oh, I know that. You know that for sure?

Well, we probably did, but not since I've been here.

Okay.

Have we? I mean, city clerk can answer that question, I guess.

No. It's not a matter of relaxing it. It's a matter of enforcing it when

they just ignore it. Yeah. Okay.

Yeah. Alright. Because I Thank you. Thank you, Alderman Brower.

Thank you. Right now is Alderman Brower.

Yeah. Thank you. So if I'm understanding correctly,

we this is a a

a freezing of this ordinance that requires this. That if we would require it, we would enter into the territory where we don't have a contractor or the only contractor available is one that would violate our RPP standards. So therefore, to keep the high standards that we've set for RPP for these for these projects, we would it would it would behoove us to then continue the freezing of this ordinance to potentially in the future come across contract or or devise some other method by which we can do this that complies with our other or other RPP ordinance. So voting yes would support the current RPP scheme and not put us in a situation where we may need to reconsider reconsider that.

Okay. Thank you. Chair, recognize elder mister Stamper.

Yeah. Thank you, mister president. Onward Baumer gave a a a synopsis of the history, but he missed a lot of variables to it. Many organizations community based organizations apply, but the cost was an issue. Wise white glove, Northcott, to be specific.

So it was different cost and different variables where funds the the the the deconstruction wouldn't benefit the cost. But, also, the maturity, I wanna say 75, 80%, the reason why I supported this deconstruction runners is in my district and the 6th District. Okay? So the main purpose of our support for the deconstruction was for employment for city and Milwaukee employees. So, of course, not are we going to suspend the RPP because the program was developed based on the premise of RPP in the neighborhoods where most of the demolition will occur.

But where I'm gonna have a Kenosha company coming into the 15th District doing work, 80% of the work being done by a Kenosha company. And we have the ability to hire a local company, hiring local people that reflects the diversity of that community. So it's ridiculous to even think that we're gonna try to reduce or remove RPP for a Kenosha company, number one. Number two, the purpose of this is for RPP, and there have been applications. Now I'm just gonna support the the suspension based on an open opportunity for individual steel to apply because since last committee, I have talked to two deconstruction companies that may apply that are local.

That will hire local people and get the original intent of the deconstruction fulfilled. Good. So that's the honest actuary of what actually is the history of this deconstruction program. It started based on jobs and opportunity for individuals. We did that, had a big press conference, a big celebration with a bunch of opportunity. It didn't work out. We tried again. It didn't work out. And, subsequently, agencies that applied couldn't make the the the work to be done outweigh the cost of what it would have cost to deconstruct. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you. Chair Reiner, solemn Baumann.

Yeah. Just as a historical footnote, I believe I I don't believe we better actually relax the RPP requirement, although we tried to in connection with the construction of Fiserv Forum, where there was going to be a 30% RPP requirement, which was amended by this council to 40%.

I don't think Okay. Doesn't Yeah. Get my vote if that happened. I wasn't here.

I don't

But you're recognizes all the one in college. Mentioned. Thank you.

It was actually 35 was being recommended, but as you, Alderman Baumann, who