Common Council - Regular Meeting

That's one of the largest budget gaps this city has ever seen. Now to close the gap, we carefully balanced three approaches. There were careful withdrawals from reserve accounts, departmental belt tightening, as well as revenue increases. Fully funding a budget of over $2,000,000,000 will require user fees to increase about 4%, property tax levy will go up 3% and the vehicle registration fee is to increase by $10 bringing hours in line with a number of communities across Wisconsin. Now I don't anticipate any layoffs with the 2026 budget because any staffing reductions should be accomplished by not filling vacancies.

We've got a statutory obligation to balance our budget and we've got a moral obligation to balance that budget in a way that is both responsible as well as sustainable. I've pushed every department to continue looking for ways to do their work better. As we fulfill our obligations, we attend to our policy priorities as well. This budget includes a multi part commitment to public safety and investment in housing affordability and infrastructure and in our libraries. I've consistently, consistently prioritized public safety in my budgets and my 2026 executive budget is no exception.

Again, this year I've included funding for training the maximum number of police recruits at our academy because I want more officers on the Milwaukee Police Department and we've got a statutory obligation to increase those numbers. The Milwaukee Fire Department is on target to meet the obligation to grow its numbers and my budget calls for adding three full time equivalent positions, increasing fire investigation capabilities, and reducing the likelihood of arson in the city. The Office of Community Wellness and Safety under its new director will continue its work and I'm pleased that he's gonna bring a fresh approach that prioritizes positive outcomes. Recent deadly crashes in the city have alarming and many other people across Milwaukee. But from the tragedies and the sadness, we are even more resolved to make sure that we increase safety on our streets.

The fact is this, traffic deaths have declined here and I firmly believe our streets are safer because of the investments we've made in traffic calming roadway improvements. Just last year there was a 7% decline in traffic fatalities in Milwaukee and this year there are strong indications that we'll see even greater safety. In 2026, we'll start a major road project on National Avenue that reduces the likelihood of crashes and deaths. And we'll finish a similar project on Lisbon Avenue. You'll see protected bike lanes, you'll see more trees and a calmer roadway.

Projects on Roosevelt, on Hopkins, on Oklahoma and the Walnut Lisbon Corridor will all begin next year, curbing reckless driving and making roadways safer for pedestrians as well as bicyclists. We're awaiting more information regarding federal resources available to city government for flood damage and response due to the storms that occurred on August 9. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is actively working with property owners and the Small Business Administration is working with impacted businesses. Again, as we talk about the floods that happened, I want to express my sincere appreciation to city workers who responded and pivoted to the emergency. Our employees have done remarkable work that all of us can be proud of.

I know that I am. I know that I am. Our employees did great work. Now part of that widespread flooding damage hit our libraries. A number of the branches in our system were closed for several days.

I remain committed though to our libraries because they provide valuable service, opening up opportunity, knowledge, and creativity for our residents. Like every department, we ask the Milwaukee Public Library to economize. Even so, hours and staffing remain relatively steady. And like other localities across the country, Milwaukee's economy has shown strength in recent years. Wages are rising, businesses are growing, and employment has been pretty solid.

Now that's been pretty good news for the hardworking people who live in Milwaukee. Folks looking for opportunities in our city, they find them here. Unemployment numbers have also been relatively low. We know from history though that economic good times are often interrupted. In fact, we've already seen some of those warning signs appear.

So as part of this budget, I'm directing resources to build more employment opportunities in the city. We're adding a position within the Department of City Development and that person will be tasked with working with employers, working with existing businesses, and with businesses considering a new location. I want Milwaukee to be the first choice, the first choice for businesses that want to grow, want to have great opportunities for folks in Milwaukee. I want our residents to have increasing job opportunities. Now housing is another issue, that is important to every person in our city because we're all aware of the growing costs of rent and homeownership.

We're all cognizant of the ongoing need for quality residential choices. So the budget includes investments in raze and revive. It includes investments in the Milwaukee Home Down Payment Assistance Program, in the Strong Homes Loan Program, the compliance loan program, as well as the Homes' MKE effort. We'll continue to promote homeownership and we'll continue to compel landlords to follow the law on safety and livability. But I want our housing efforts to boost neighborhood stability, to increase safety and to build value for our residents.

There are efforts underway in several different city departments to strengthen housing in Milwaukee. These are all efforts that I support. In the coming months, I'll focus additional attention on the work that's underway because I intend to make 2026 to be the year of housing in the city of Milwaukee. There's no question though that our resources are limited. We simply don't have the money available to accomplish all the things that we would like to.

However, that doesn't stop us from doing the work of city government better. While council members and I have periodic differences of opinion, it's very clear to me that we share so much in common. We all want our residents to have stability. We want our residents to have opportunity. We all want our residents to have safety.

We all want our children to have hope and to find success. And in this annual budget process, we share the desire to strengthen city finances, improve government efficiency, and adapt city government operations to meet the moment. So yes, we've got fiscal challenges. At the same time, we're increasing investments in roadways, planning a new library branch and a permanent home for the busy Midtown early voting site. We're funding the maximum number of police recruits and adding to the fire department.

Importantly, we're focused on the future with resources to attract jobs and improve housing options. The budget that I present reflects the values that each and every single one of us in this chamber share. I thank the budget office and the team there for its diligent work and thoroughness and I look forward to working with each and every single one of you as we shepherd this fiscal plan forward. Thank you so much.

Alderman McCox now moves that the committee of the whole rise. Hearing no objection, so ordered, the chair recognizes Alderman Demetrijevic.

Good morning, and thank you, mister president. Thank you to the honorable mayor Johnson. I move that the mayor's proposed budget for 2026 be referred to the finance and personnel committee for its review and consideration and further that its report on the budget be submitted at a meeting of the common council to be held on Friday, 11/07/2024 at nine twenty twenty five at 9AM. Is

there any objection to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered. The chair again recognizes Alderman Demetrijevich.

Thank you, mister president. I move that under the provisions of chapter 18 o four six of the Milwaukee City Charter that a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2026 be held jointly by the common council and the mayor on Monday, 10/06/2025 at 06:30 p. M. Further move that the city clerk be directed to publish the time and place of said hearing in accordance with these same charter provisions. And in addition, Mr.

President, while I have the attention of people listening in the public in the city of Milwaukee, I want to invite you to our first ever public community listening session on the Mayor's proposed 2026 budget, October 18, 09:30 a. M. To 11AM at the beautiful new Martin Luther King Library. We can't wait to see you there, mister president.

Is there any objection to that motion? Hearing none, so ordered. 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 counsel. One, resolution recognizing the Milwaukee Fire Department on the occasion of its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Two, resolution recognizing the twelfth edition of the Puerto Rican Festival Of Wisconsin. Three, resolution congratulating New Life Community Development on its twenty fifth anniversary.

Four, resolution congratulating Saint Matthias Parish on the occasion of its one hundred and seventy fifth anniversary. Five, resolution recognizing Steny's Tavern and Grill on the occasion of its fortieth anniversary. Six, resolution congratulating the Zizzo Group on the occasion of its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Seven, resolution honoring mother Billy j Thomas on her decades of community service and leadership. Eight, resolution congratulating Crystal Reed Hardy on her retirement from the housing authority of the city of Milwaukee.

Nine, resolution congratulating John Spicer on his retirement from the Milwaukee Fire Department. 10, resolution congratulating Nancy Burns on her retirement from the Milwaukee Health Department. 11, resolution congratulating Timothy Bolger on his retirement from the Department of Neighborhood Services. 12, resolutions recognizing the following and their retirements from the Department of Public Works. Gerard Behrendt, Randy Rouse. 13, resolutions congratulating the following on their retirements from the Milwaukee Public Schools, Tracy Adams, Andre Bird, Bernadine Cozzi, Malcolm Liston.

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

Item number two, Common Council File number 250,737. Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses. Included in the file are the following recommendations: Approval with a ten day suspension of the food dealer license of Abdel Jawad Hamed based on the preponderance of the evidence on the police report, aldermanic and applicant testimony that demonstrates that the operation results in the threat to health, safety, and welfare to the public for the premise located at 3249 North 3rd Street doing business as third Street Quick Mart in the 6th Aldermanic District. Written objections have been filed. Non renewal of the class b tavern, public entertainment premise, and food dealer license for Marvin s Bailey based on the preponderance of the evidence on the police report, an aldermanic applicant, and neighborhood testimony that demonstrates that the operation results in a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

For the failure to comply with the approved plan of operations, disturbance

of

the peace, and excessive littering. For the premise located at 2230 North Martin Luther King Junior Drive, doing business as Flame thirteen Restaurant and Bar in the 6th District. No written objections have been filed. Approval with a ten day suspension of the extended hours establishments, filling station, food dealer, and weights and measure licenses for Eunice I Mohammed based upon preponderance of the evidence on the police report, applicants, and neighborhood testimony that demonstrates the operation results in a threat to health, safety, or welfare of the public. For the premise located at 2707 West Burleigh Street doing business as Gas Depot in the 7th District. Written objections have been filed.

Have the members read the report and the objection filed? Roll call, please.

Alderman Pratt. Aye. Chambers. Aye. Broward. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Miss Morley. Aye. Cogs? Jackson? Aye. Zamorripa?

Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergelis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dmitryevich?

Aye.

Stamper? Aye. Mister president?

Aye. 15 ayes. 15 ayes. Are any of the following or their councils president? And if so, do they wish to address the common council? Abdul Jawad Hamed? Marvin Bailey, or Yoannis Mohammed. Please make your way to the front here. I see. Alderman Samaripo moves that the common counsel resolve itself into the committee of the whole for the purpose of taking testimony in this matter.

Hearing no objection so ordered. Both sides are limited to five minutes and must confine their remarks to the report and recommendations of the committee. Mister Hamed, or your counsel present, please address the counsel.

Morning. My name is Jawad Farris, grand of Abdul Jawad Hamid. I just wanted to come up here and hope you guys would reconsider the ten day suspension for third Street Quick Mart as a food dealer license. We are in a neighborhood. We did take actions to prevent what had happened back in April by hiring by making our standards for hiring more or, like, higher, removing all firearms from the premises and putting a sign on the door that there is no firearms allowed on the premises for any workers or customers.

We did take in consideration that we are in a neighborhood. We do have schools around us. We do have a church around us, and we are just there to provide service for the neighborhood and try to give back as much as we can.

Okay. Any questions by committee members? We have the applicant

here. Okay.

Thank you. We have a question. Alderman Brower?

Yes, thank you so much. Just want to make a statement. I appreciate coming here and making your case and we had a lively discussion at licenses, but I just want to say in front of the rest of the council and those assembled that while we hear you, understand that your business does provide a needed services for the area, the idea that there has to be a consequence for your employees having a pistol right on the counter. I just want to reiterate what I said in license and I think other Alders would agree with me on this that we need to ask ourselves what kind of message that's sending to communities and while it's understandable there are safety issues in neighborhoods, we're having a loaded weapon on a counter sends the wrong message to the community and that's why I chose to cast my ballot to suspend for ten days. That's not closing your operation. We just want a message sent to you. Thank you.

Thank you. Any other questions by council member? Okay. Thank you, sir. Now assist assistant city attorney Gresham. The floor is yours. Assistant City Attorney Travis Gresham.

You have before you the finding of facts findings of fact and conclusions of law related to this matter along with the recommendation of the licensing committee. I'm happy to answer any questions at this time.

Okay. Thank you. Is mister Marvin Bailey available or present, I should say? No. With the record afoot, he is not here. And then Yonas I. Mohammed. Counselor? Floor is yours.

My name is David Banger. I'm attorney for mister Mohammed. And mister Mohammed, obviously, is next to me. He's available to address any questions or speak if the if this this body would choose to hear from him. I would just like to say that a fairly extensive packet in written ex exceptions appeal letter was submitted on behalf of, this business.

And concluded with that are statements from the security guard who is also here and with mister Willie Luckett who was the security guard that was present on the night of this unfortunate incident in July. His statement is summarized in this packet of material, but he's also present to testify if if this body would like to hear from mister Luggage. I would also like to say that an influential member of miss of Amani United, a community group, miss Crystal West is here to testify, and I think her testimony perhaps summarizes a lot of this information that's also contained in this, written exceptions appeal letter packet. Primarily, I would just like to highlight on the second page of that packet, it indicates that after this, July incident, this shooting, if there were recommendations made to the owner, to mister Muhammad, to install a new security new security cameras, install LED lighting, remove the bus stops by making a request through Milwaukee County, change security personnel, participate in a Amani United Neighborhood meetings, hosting a community back to school drive. Mister Muhammad has done all of those things since the recommendations were made, and I think that miss West, Crystal West, who is here, can probably address that in more detail.

So I would I would like to unless this body would like to hear from mister Muhammad personally, his statement is also a part of this package, but it's a very short statement. But he's here to, answer any questions that, the common counsel might have of him. And then I would request that miss Crystal West be allowed to address the this common counsel for just a short statement. Does anyone wanna ask questions of mister Muhammad personally?

Counselor, if he's gonna answer any questions, he has to be sworn in. So we can take care of that right here.

I don't know if there's

Are there any questions by council members? There's no questions. Are you finished, councilor?

Yes, I think so. I would like to introduce miss Crystal West from Monu United and have her just make a short statement.

Mister president? She can't do that.

Yeah. But that's not necessary.

Oh, it's either you it's either you or the applicant. So Well,

I'll just take a minute then to highlight a a few things that I think she was gonna go over. She has indicated, and in fact, in talking to me this morning that Amani United definitely opposes a ten day recommended suspension. They think that it's in the best interest of the community to allow the business to continue operating without interruption because of the the involvement that the ownership mister Mohammed has made to work with Amani United and to work with the neighborhood and the community. He's done a lot of things. He's done all of those things and been involved with the community and with Amani United throughout his ownership, but he's intensified those efforts, since this July unfortunate incident.

I believe that miss miss West would testify that she's a taxpayer. She's a resident in the neighborhood. She definitely, personally, opposes the suspension. And on behalf of united of Amani United, of which she's the head of the economic development and housing department, she she indicates that she wants to make it clear that Amani United opposes and makes takes exception to the recommended ten days suspension.

You have twenty seconds. Anything else?

No. That's all.

Okay. Thank you.

Thank you.

Assistant City Travis Gresham, city attorney. Assistant city attorney Travis Gresham,

you have before you the findings of fact and conclusions of law related to this matter along with the recommendations of the licensing committee. I'm happy to answer any questions at this time.

Chair recognizes Alderman Chambers. Thank you, mister president.

I mean, I know that they're here to ask about us given the to remove the ten day. I mean, can we subsequently make a motion to remove that twenty four hours in the state?

I would recommend against it.

Okay. Thank you.

Any other questions of the assistant city attorney? If not, thank you. Alderman Samaripa now moves that the committee of the whole rises. There are no no objections to order. Are there any motions with respect to these matters?

Hearing no further discussion, I would ask for a vote of the common council members to adopt the recommendations of the license committee as contained in file number 250737. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt.

Aye.

Chambers. Aye. Brower. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cogs. Jackson. Zaminipa.

Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker.

Aye. Dmitryevich. Stamper. Aye. Mister president.

Aye. 15 ayes. 15 ayes. Will the city clerk please identify the next item before the council?

Item three, file number 250709. The committee recommends a ninety day suspension of the class b tavern license of Lord Geronimo based upon the preponderance of the evidence on the police report, resident police, and alderman testimony that demonstrates that the operation results in a threat to health, safety, or welfare of the public for failure to comply with the approved plan of operations and disturbance of the peace for the premise located at 1663 South 11th Street doing business as club sixty nine in the 12th Aldermanic District. No written objections have been filed.

Is there any discussion of this matter? Hearing none, I would ask for a vote of the council members to adopt the recommendations of the license committee as contained in file, member 250709. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt. Aye.

Chambers. Aye.

Brower. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cox. Jackson. Aye. Zamoripa. Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. I'm sorry. Old woman Moore.

Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker. Aye. Dmitryevich?

Aye. Stamper? Aye. Mister president?

Aye. 15 ayes. 15 ayes. Will the clerk please identify the next item before the council?

Item number four, file number 250776. The committee recommends the revocation of the class b tavern and public entertainment presence for Francisco Gomez Ortiz based upon the preponderance of the evidence on the police report and MPD testimony that demonstrates that the operation results in a threat to health, safety, or welfare of the public for failure to comply with the approved plan of operation, illegal drug activity, criminal complaint, and exhibits for the premise located at 1565 Through 1570 South Muskego Avenue doing business as Passion Nightclub in the 12th Aldermanic District. No written objections have been filed.

Is there any discussion of this matter? Hearing none, I would ask for a vote of the council members to adopt the recommendations of the license committee as contained in file number 250776. Will the clerk please call the roll?

Alderman Pratt. Aye.

Chambers. Brower.

Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cogs. Aye. Jackson. Aye. Zamoripa. Aye. Taylor.

Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker. Aye. Dmitryevich.

Aye. Stamper. Aye. Mr. President.

Aye. 15 ayes. 15 ayes. This concludes the report of the license committee. Alderman Malala A. Cogs will now present the report of the public works committee.

The Public Works Committee recommends approval of five, motion relating to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee relating to licenses. The Public Works Committee recommends passage of a substitute ordinance relating to use and occupancy of the city owned conduit system. The public works committee recommends adoption of seven, resolution granting approval of a driveway approach with a width greater than 30 feet for the premise at 432 East Kilborn Avenue in the 4th Aldermanic District. Eight, resolution authorizing the commissioner of public works to execute agreements with Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the exchange of jurisdictions on two signalized intersections adjacent to Interstate Highway 4394 in the city of Milwaukee. Nine, resolution relating to the display of a veterans mental health and suicide awareness flag.

10, resolution authorizing the city of Milwaukee Department of Public Works to install an official stop sign at the publicly traveled railroad grade crossing at East Jones Street near South Lincoln Memorial Drive for the planned National Highway Freight Program improvement of South Lincoln Memorial Drive Drive from South Car Ferry Drive to Jones Street. 11, resolution determining it necessary to make various accessible public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the city engineering costs estimated to be $15,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $300,000. 12, substitute resolution determining if necessary to make various non assessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes With the city engineering costs estimated to be $225,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $696,000. 13, 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 $295,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $1,316,000 14, resolution directing the commissioner of public works to execute state and municipal agreements for a state led highway project with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the construction of State Highway 241 South 24 7th Street, Botsford Avenue to Howard Avenue to set up funds for construction with an estimated total cost of $1,799,850 with an estimated city share of $38,000 and a grantor share of $1,761,850.15, resolution approving and adopting the agency safety plan for the HOP MKE Streetcar dated March 2025 version 7.1 and August 2025, version eight.

16, resolution relating to the creation of the Milwaukee area Racine Kenosha passenger rail commission. 17, substitute resolution renaming a Marketplace Triangle as George Gary Park. The public works committee recommends placing on file item number 18, communication, transmitting the rail transit system rail transit system safety status report

Taylor.

I just wanted to say for number nine, just a thank you to Tracy Dent who is here today because he did all the legwork for the for getting the flag approved by all the branches of the military and for presenting it to the state level and the federal level where they also appreciate the having the flag to represent the veterans mental health and suicide awareness. So I just wanted to say that.

Thank you for that recognition. Any further discussion? Hearing none, Alderman Cox moves for approval of the remainder of the report of public works committee. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt. Aye. Chambers. Aye. Brower.

Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cogs. Aye. Jackson. Aye. Zamoripa.

Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker. Aye. Dmitryevich.

Aye.

Stamper. Aye. Mister president.

Aye. 15 ayes. 15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. Alderman Marina Dimitrivich will now present a report of the Finance and Personnel Committee.

The Finance and Personnel Committee recommends passage of 19 in ordinance relating to city wage requirements for service contracts. 20, a substitute ordinance to further amend the twenty twenty five rates of pay of offices and positions in the city service. 21, a two ordinance to further amend the twenty twenty five offices and positions in the city service. 22, a substitute ordinance relating to exempt exemptions from city charges and fees for projects relating to accessible entrances. 33, a substitute ordinance relating to the suspension of permit fees for projects relating to the repair of flood damage.

The finance and personnel committee recommends adoption of 44, substitute resolution relating to acceptance and funding of twenty twenty five through 2026, Family Foundation's comprehensive home visiting grant from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. 25, substitute resolution authorizing attendance at conventions, seminars, and other travel. 26, resolution reserving and appropriating up to $125,000 from the twenty twenty five common council contingent fund to the 2025 damages and claims and fund as special purpose account and authorizing the settlement of the lawsuit entitled IT and others versus the city of Milwaukee and others. 27, substitute resolution increasing twenty twenty five capital grantor share appropriation authority. 28, resolution amending common counsel file number two four one seven seven three relating to acceptance and funding of the 2022 through 2027 public health infrastructure grant from the center for disease control and prevention.

29, resolution outlining the process and communication the process and communication of 2026 health and dental insurance premium rates. 30, substitute resolution reserving and appropriating up to $1,000,000 from the 2025 common council contingent fund to the 2025 damages and claims fund special purpose account for resolution relating to settlement of lawsuits and or claims. 31, substitute resolution relating to required cybersecurity training for city employees. 32, substitute resolution appropriating up to $750,000 for the Department of Neighborhood Services code compliance program. The Finance and Personnel Committee recommends placing on file 33, communication from the Department of Employer Relations relating to classification studies scheduled for Fire and Police Commission action.

34, communication from the Department of Employer Relations relating to classification studies scheduled for City Service action. 35, communication from the Department of Employer Relations amending the salary and positions ordinances relating to clerical or administrative corrections. 36, communication from the ethics board regarding changes to the why footnotes in the positions ordinance. And 37, communication from the Information Technology Management Division relating to policies and procedures governing the quarantining of email. Chair recognizes Alderman Bregellis.

Thank you. 32, please. Sterling? I I've requested separate action on '32.

Oh.

Okay. There is separate action on '32. Would you like to speak to that or just take a roll call on it?

Mister President, I move to amend Common Council File Number 250838 by inserting the following further resolved clause immediately after the first resolved clause. Further resolved that the first 500,000 received in repayment of loans issued through the code compliance program after the effective date of this resolution shall be credited to the Partnerships in Affordable Ownership Housing Initiative Fund. What this does is allow that the $500,000 from housing be returned to housing once these code compliance loans

are repaid. Okay. On the simple amendment, Alderman Spiker, you have a question?

Yes, Mr. President.

Are you done, Alderman Burgos? Yes. Alderman Spiker?

I guess a question for the sponsor. So I see this as responsive to a concern I raised in committee, so I want to thank the sponsor for addressing it. The concern was, well, what if we take $500,000 out of the Partnerships and Affordable Housing Initiative Fund to reimburse D and S for their code compliance program work? How do we make sure that money ever comes back? The elder from the eleventh said his intent was to make sure it comes back, but this is making that real.

First of all, the question is, is that the intent? Yes. Okay. Then the second question, I guess, either for the sponsor or anybody else, is do we know what the default rate is on these loans? Because this is a fund that Alderman Stamper had identified a while back and we say it's going to be repaid, well that all depends on how often these code compliance zero interest loans are repaid and it might be that here with respect to flood remediation, we're talking about a particularly vulnerable community who might have more difficulty than normal paying back the loan.

So I guess what I want us to get comfortable with or I'd ask Alderman Stamper whether he's comfortable with it is what if the idea is that only half this money comes back or only a third of this money comes back or hardly any of it comes back. So I don't want it just because it's on paper that when they repay it goes here. But what if they don't repay? So that's the concern I want to raise to salience. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you. Alderman Stamper?

Yes. Thank you. And thank you, Alderman Spiker. That is the concern. However, this amendment is optimistic and hopeful that funds will be returned and replenished to funds so we can continue housing development in the city.

So this is a teamwork amendment, and I am just hopeful, but mainly this is an effort to to support the districts that were flooded heavily. This money was available. It is earmarked for project based on matching funds for development. However, I'm hopeful that funds will come in. But in the meantime, I'd like to have some type of security in case we do get a default or in case a property is sold or in case we do receive funds back. So excellent question. That is the concern, but this is an optimistic amendment. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Alderman Spiker for the question.

And that takes care of my concerns. Thank you to everyone.

Sure. And FYI, city clerk reminded me that when defaulted, it becomes a lien on the property and the funds are reimbursed at the time of sale. Correct. Chair recognizes Alderman Chambers.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I was going to say that actually. This file, I want to speak briefly on this file. Know, early August, the whole city witnessed a one thousand year flood, many communities were impacted to some of the point of There is over 55 houses that were deemed inhabitable and I have an unfortunate pleasure to host the whole about two thirds of those 55 houses that are deemed inhabitable.

So what do we do? You know, myself, Auditor Member Gellis, on the stamper put our heads together and come up with something just to try to get these people going, especially before the winter came. Yes. And there is more to come hopefully because while we are very appreciative of the FEMA response, we have to roll up our sleeves, talk with our counterparts in the state and also Federal Steel to try to get these individuals back to where they were prior to the flood. So I strongly support this program.

I strongly support this motion. I thank my colleagues for taking the opportunity to listen and support getting our residents back to some type of stability.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. Chair recognizes Alderman Pratt.

I'd just like to be added as a cosponsor.

Let the record reflect Alderman Pratt's cosponsorship. And this is a simple amendment. So if there's no objection to this simple amendment, there's no further action needs to be taken. Chair recognizes Alderman Jackson.

I would also like to be added as cosponsor, mister president.

Let the record Excellent. Alderman Jackson's cosponsorship. Alderman Moore?

I as well would

like to be added Okay. As

We do unanimous.

Is there any objection to unanimous consent on cosponsorship of this file?

Mr. President. Mr. Spiker. I object to the very notion of unanimous consent. However, I would like to be added as a cosponsor.

Any objection to unanimous consent? Hearing none is ordered. Okay. And there's no objection to the simple amendment? Okay. Thank you. That's ordered. City clerk? Is that it for the file? Okay. Is there any further discussion of the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Demetriovich moves for adoption of and the recommendations of the Finance and Personnel Committee. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt.

Aye. Chambers.

Broward. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cogs. Aye. Jackson? Aye. Zambojipa?

Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergalis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dmitryevich?

Aye.

Stamper? Aye. Mister president? Aye. 15 ayes.

15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. Alderman DeAndre Jackson will now present the report of the judiciary and legislative committee legislation committee.

The judiciary and legislation committee recommends adoption of 38 substitute resolution relating to the claim of Lasagna Stanis Stanis. Forgive me. 39, resolution canceling certain real estate taxes levied against certain parcels bearing tax key numbers on the 2018, '20, '22, and 20 '4 tax rolls plus interest applicable to date of repayment if appropriate. 40, substitute resolution relating to legislative bills. 41, substitute resolution amending the City Of Milwaukee state legislative package to seek introduction and passage of state legislation to ensure that state transportation aids match city generated transportation related tax revenue.

42, resolution approving the revised municipal court non traffic deposit schedule. 43, resolution authorizing settlement of the lawsuits entitled James McNutt and others versus Lauren Murawski and others. 44, substitute resolution approving the settlement of the complaint entitled Luciano Rogers versus the city of Milwaukee. The judiciary and legislation committee recommends placing on file 45 resolution authorizing payment of the claims of Charles Weathersby junior. And the Judiciary and Legislation Committee recommends disallowance and indefinite postponement of 46 through 48 claims against the city.

Is there any further discussion on the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Jackson moves for the adoption of the recommendations of judiciary and legislation committee. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt.

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Brower.

Aye. Baumann. Aye. Westmoreland. Aye. Cogs? Aye. Jackson? Aye. Zamadiba? Aye. Taylor?

Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergalis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dimitriovich?

Aye.

Stamper? Aye. Mister president? Aye. 15 ayes.

15 ayes. 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 49, a substitute ordinance relating to street takeovers, stunt driving, spectating at illegal racing events. 50, a substitute ordinance relating to parking controls. 51, an ordinance relating to traffic controls. The committee recommends adoption of 52 substitute resolution amending the common council file number two five zero one three six relative to acceptance and funding of the twenty twenty five twenty six public health emergency preparedness grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health. 53, resolution authorizing the health department to accept donations of diapers, wipes, period supplies, and related items from the Milwaukee Diaper Missions through 2025.

54, resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of the 2025 Milwaukee National Integrated Ballistics Information Network Enhanced Capacity Initiative grant. The committee recommends placing on file item 55, communication from the Fire and Police Commission relating to standard operating procedures.

Chair recognizes Alderman Dimitrovich.

Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to speak on item 49. May I?

The floor is yours.

Thank you. Thank you to the sponsors of item 49, a substitute ordinance relating to street takeovers, stunt driving and spectating at illegal racing events. I wanted to just make sure that I got it on the record as my constituents may be viewing this and I have gotten questions. After speaking to the police department, the authors viewing the committee hearing and as well as the city attorney's office, legislation like this takes time. I think that's the best way democracy operates when we're trying to deal with an issue that just kind

of spiked up

nationwide. We do have to be careful as we go forward to react and try to stop dangerous activity. The questions that I had, Mr. President, were mostly around what happens pretty frequently in my district and more often than I would have ever imagined in 2025, which are kind of pop up organic gatherings of the public. We're seeing a challenging time with free speech, with rights, democracy, our constitution.

So I wanted to be sure that there would be no conflict here if those continue to arise. Many of those as you know are not permitted. We should be able to go in our streets and voice our support or discontent with anything. That is quite different than what you and your co sponsor seek to stop. I want to make sure that there's quite a distinction but I wanted to be very careful about that language and I feel that we have a delicate balance here to stop this poor behavior but still allow what should be pretty much open free speech at any time. And with that I'll be supporting it Mr. President.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Alderman Brower.

Yeah, thank you so much. I want to echo what Alderman Dreytrijevic said about the concerns related to civil liberties. We I did get a chance to read this legislation and my concerns regarding that are mostly satisfied with this legislation. I just want to state out here right now that if the passage of this ordinance results in any sort of abridgment of people's rights to freely express themselves that I'll be one of the first along hopefully with others here to repeal this ordinance if the police department misuses this. Obviously sometimes when you engage in direct actions like I have in the past, the intent is to be arrested and that's part of what we're doing but sometimes it's not and sometimes we have police departments across the country that are mischarging people and so if the Milwaukee Police Department and its officers choose to engage in that kind of behavior, even if even if those charges are subsequently dropped, you know, I I would just caution that, you know, I think this body should reexamine this legislation if that happens.

But I intend to support it because we do need to take action on this matter. We've had street takeovers on the East Side. It's at minimum annoying and at maximum a complete threat to people's peace and quiet and their safety. So we do need to take action as a body. Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman Brown. Chair recognizes Alderman Chambers.

Please add. Thank you, Mr. President. Please add me as a cosponsor item number 49. Thank you.

We'll let the record reflect Alderman Chambers cosponsorship of item 49. Chair recognizes Alderman Stamper.

Yeah. Thank you. I'm also wanna be a cosponsor. I missed the discussion. However, I am interested in the spectating of illegal racing events portion of the legislation. I'm sure the discretion is at the police department, but is there any distinguishment between the innocent versus the guilty? How will they judge the spectating? Phone, encouragement, incitement? Was that discussed?

Chair recognizes, alderman Stamper I mean, alderman Spiker.

Thank you, mister president. So to alderman Stamper's question, if you look on page three where it defines what spectating is, well, actually, if you come back to page two. So, first I wanted to shout out like I did a committee, Ms. Ades from the LRB for her very dedicated and very thorough, and that means a lot coming from me, very thorough work on this file. It was very nuanced.

The end product I think is far superior to where we began, and it's in part due to obviously President Perez's and my work, but also couldn't have done it without ADICE and the City Attorney's Office. So thank you for that. With that out of the way, page two, spectator. What is it? So this would be definitions, section 2B.

Spectator means a person who is knowingly present for the purpose of viewing, encouraging, recording, or otherwise attending a racing event or street takeover as it occurs or while preparations are underway. Factors that may be used to determine whether a person is a spectator include, that gives a list which everyone is capable of reading. And then we'll skip over to page three, spectating prohibited under part five, section three. No individual shall knowingly be present as a spectator at a racing event or a street takeover, so already was true for a racing event, we are now adding street takeover, or where preparations are being made for a racing event or a street takeover with the intent to be present at the racing event or a street takeover. You see a theme here.

An individual shall be considered to be present if that individual is located in the area of the events or its preparations and that is an end on it. So the idea. Street takeovers are a thing these days. They've always been a thing, but they're really a thing these days. What's different from the past?

The Internet. Social media specifically. So people wouldn't be endangering themselves and those around them, at least nearly to the extent they are, unless they were going to become social media stars as a result. In fact, that is the purpose in many of these cases. To the extent one goes to an event for the purpose of promoting that, one might argue one is complicit in the action and continuing its recurrence, which we've seen over and over again.

So if you really want to stop street takeovers, adding what we already have for racing events to those that spectating and being an active participant as a spectator, that that's going to come not with a criminal penalty but with a municipal fine. At, of course, the discretion of the city attorney's office and prosecution and, of course, the judge gets to make the ultimate choice about how involved you were, but that's going to be fact specific and we dare not legislate that. Thank you.

Thank you. Would your questions answer?

Well, thank you. Excellent leadership. I continue my desire to wanna be a cosponsor. I would just add that we need to do some type of messaging or informing this particular community about the new law and how we're coming down to enforce it. So don't know if it's on the police department or if we have the, part of DOA do some type of messaging, we I will after this passes, I would like to get the word out, and we can do it in conjunction as a council.

Sure. Thank you. You wanna be part of the PSA, alderman snapper? Know But you're on video.

I'm I'm I'm open. I'm open.

Okay. Thank you. Chair recognizes alderman Bergelis.

Thank you, mister president. Please add me as a cosponsor.

Let the record reflect Peter alderman Bergelis' cosponsorship. Chair recognizes Alderman Baumann. Yes, same thing. This means a cosponsor. Okay. Any further discussion? I I want to take a second to thank everyone who really stepped up. Initially, this was just a one word addition to an existing ordinance and hearing from Alderman Brower and Alderman Dmitryovich and even Congresswoman Moore to really take our time and get this done right was it was needed. So I wanted to thank everyone. Alderman Jackson?

I just wanted to be added as a cosponsor. Thank you, mister president.

Okay. Thank you. Alderman Jackson's cosponsorship. Okay. Thank you very much. With that said, alderwoman or alder miss Spiker moves for adoption of the of the recommendations of public safety and health committee. Will the clerk please call the roll?

Alderwoman Pratt. Aye. Chambers. Brower. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Wissmoreland. Aye. Cogs. Aye. Jackson. Aye. Zamarepa. Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker. Aye. Dmitryevich. Aye. Stamper.

Aye.

Mr. 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 56, an ordinance relating to the sale of City Of City real estate. 57, substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from detailed plan development known as fifteens At The Park East to two family residential r t four to restore the previous zoning designation for the properties located at 152415401546 North Jefferson Street on the East Side Of North Jefferson Street, South Of East Pleasant Street, and allow for existing building to be reused as an office in the 4th Automatic District. The committee recommends adoption of 58 resolution approving a final certified survey map for land located on the East Side Of North 13th Street, North Of East Village Street in the 15th Automatic District. 59, substitute resolution directing the Department of City Development to develop on North doctor Martin Luther King Junior Drive quarter plan that will amend the Northeast Side area comprehensive plan, part of the City Of Milwaukee's overall comprehensive plan in the 6th Automatic District, and authorizing the transfer of funds from the capital improvements advanced planning funds to a subaccount for the King Drive corridor plan. 60, substitute resolution directing the Department of City Development to prepare a corridor plan for the Lisbon Avenue that will amend both the Washington Area Park Plan and the Fond Du Lac and North Area Plan, parts of City Of Milwaukee overall comprehensive plan in the 15th Automatic District, and authorizing transfer of funds from the capital improvements advanced planning fund to a subaccount for the Lisbon Avenue design charade and quarter plan.

61, substitute resolution authorizing and directing the transfer of funds from the capital improvement advanced planning fund to a subaccounts for comprehensive planning and land use and zoning analysis. 62, resolution approving that project plan and a development agreement authorizing the expenditure and create and creating tax incremental district number one twenty six known as Fieldhouse Plaques in the 6th Automatic District. 63, resolution approving a project plan and a development agree agreement authorizing the expenditures and creating the tax incremental district number one twenty nine known as Mitchell Building in the 4th Automatic District. 64, substitute resolution approving an amendment number four to the project plan for the tax incremental district number 53 known as Menomonee Valley Shops and authorizing additional expenditures in the 4th, 8th, 10th, and 12th automatic districts. 65, resolution authorizing the approve of the land disposition report and sale of the city owned tax deed property at 3774 South 27th Street in the 13th Automatic District.

66, resolution relating to the acceptance and funding of a sub sub suburboard of the Midwest Frontline Funds Great Lakes Thriving Communities grant making program through the Sherman Park Community Association in support of the Environmental Collaborations Office Healthy Homes and ECO Neighborhoods Project. The committee recommends placing on file item 67, communication from the office of equity and inclusion relating to the human resource requirements quarterly report for the Corican Street Extension and Harbor Drive public improvement project. And 68, resolution relating to the suspension of permit fees for projects related to the repair of flood damage.

Is there any further discussion of the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Baumann moves for adoption of the recommendation zoning and neighborhood development committee. The clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt. Aye. Chambers. Aye. Broward.

Aye.

Baumann. Aye. Wissmoreland. Aye. Aye. Jackson? Aye. Zamorepa? Aye. Taylor? Aye. Moore? Aye. Bergilis? Aye. Spiker? Aye. Dmitryevich?

Aye.

Stamper?

Aye. Mr. President? Aye.

15 ayes.

15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. Alderman Russell Stamper the second will now present the report of the community and economic development committee.

The community and economic development committee recommends adoption of 69. Substitute resolution approving annexation of territory to Business Improvement District Number 20 to be known as East North Avenue in the 3rd Automatic District. 70, substitute resolution approving up to $1,500 for the community and economic development committee fund to the community Thanksgiving lunch. The committee recommends confirmation of 71 nomination of Atia de la Cruz as the thirteenth district representative to the Milwaukee youth council. 72, appointment of a Plexa Patel to the Business Improvement District Number 48 by the mayor.

73, nomination of Corrine Caldwell to the tenth district representative to Milwaukee youth council. 74, appointment of Jason McNeil to the Business Improvement District Number 48 by the mayor. 75, appointment of Frank Decan to the Business Improvement District Number 15 by the mayor. 76, reappointment of Ted Metcom to the Business Improvement District Number 37 by the mayor. The committee recommends placing a file item 77, resolution relating to the use and allocation of home investment partnership 2025 reprogramming funds.

Chair recognizes Alderman Brower. Yeah. Thank you so much, mister chair.

I would like to introduce a substitute amendment for item number 69, file number 250,414.

Okay. The floor is yours.

I move to amend common counsel file number 250,414 by replacing substitute one, attached proposed substitute. I further move adoption of the resolution as substituted. And this proposed substitute just revises the boundary description of the business improvement district to remove a few properties over on Thomas, Greenwich And Frederick Avenues and just kind of make sure that the bid includes every property that wants to be in it. Thank you.

Okay. Is there any objection to the substitute amendment? Okay. Hearing now is the order. Thank you. The chair recognizes Alderman Taylor.

I'd like to abstain from, number 74.

Okay. Let the record reflect Alderman Taylor's abstention to, item number 74, file 250765. Mhmm. Any other or further discussion of the committee report? Hearing none, Alderman Stamper moves for the adoption and recommendations of the community and economic development committee. Will the clerk please call the roll?

Hello, Woman Pratt.

Aye. Chambers. Aye. Brower. Aye. Baumann. Aye. Wussmoreland.

Aye.

Cogs. Aye. Jackson.

Aye.

Zamorepa. Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Spiker. Aye. Dimitrijevic. Aye. Stamper.

Aye.

Mr. President. Aye.

15 ayes.

15 ayes. The committee report is adopted. We will now take up communications from city officers.

File number 250805, communication from the city clerk relating to service of papers.

Order on file.

File number 250806, communication from the city clerk relating to committatory condolatory resolutions be acknowledged and affirmed by the common council.

Order on file.

File number 250807, communication from the city clerk relating to official notices and reports.

Order on file.

File number 250852, reappointment of Douglas Haag, Harold Martin, and Patricia Breeze Coutu to the business rather to the board of the election commissioners.

Order on file. Are there any matters to be considered for immediate adoption?

There are three matters for immediate adoption. Item number 78, file number two five zero eight two nine, nomination of Adeline Chavez as the eleventh district representative to Milwaukee Youth Council. Item number 79, file number 250887, resolution conditionally approving a final certified survey map, and item number 80, file number 250891, motion approving a schedule of regular regular meetings of the common council and its standing committees for the year 2026.

Is there any discussion of these matters? Hearing none, Alderman Pratt moves adoption. Will the clerk please call the roll.

Alderman Pratt?

Aye. Chambers? Aye. Brower? Aye. Baumann? Aye. Wissmoreland? Aye. Cogs? Aye. Jackson?

Aye.

Zamorepa. Aye. Taylor. Aye. Moore. Aye. Bergelis. Aye. Excuse me. Spiker. Aye. Dimitrijevich. Aye. Stamper.

Aye. Mister president. Aye.

15 ayes.

15 ayes. The files are adopted. Are there any announcements? Chair recognizes alderman Cox. Thank you, mister president.

You know, today's was the mayor providing his proposed budget. Every year, I have a town hall dedicated to the budget where, of course, other departments are there, but the featured speaker is the budget director. This year is no different. We will have town hall on the 6th District Town Hall on September 30 at MLK Library. Like I said, all the different departments will be there.

It's 05:30PM. MLK Library is on Locust And King Drive. Again, September 30, 05:30 MLK Library. Our residents are encouraged to come out and learn more about the proposed budget and to have questions asked as well. Additionally, until this Friday, we are accepting entries into the sixth district landscape awards.

So if you or a neighbor have a great garden or you landscape really well, please take some digital photos and send them to mcogs@milwaukee.gov. So you can nominate somebody for the sixth district landscape awards. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair recognizes alderman Stamper.

Yeah. Thank you, mister president. Dates haven't been finalized, but we're looking for we're looking at the twentieth and the twenty first for the public hearing for the community economic development committee regarding community black grant funding for this year. We are accepting individuals to come present on categories and what they think our usual twenty two to twenty four million should be dispersed throughout the community. So we haven't been officially awarded by the Fed yet, but we are always hopeful and looking forward to 2026 funding in excess of 22,000,000 to 24,000,000 dates are looking to be confirmed once I get my committee members to approve the proposed dates.

So public hearing, block grants, October, Northside, Southside, proposed locations, Thrive location on the North, and Southside Library on the South. Thank you, mister president.

Thank you. Chair recognizes Alderman Brower.

Yeah. Thank you so much, mister chair. I would like to announce we put out a release on this too, but I just wanted to announce and congratulate the workers at Discovery World who are organizing with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. We, our office completely supports these workers and we will be standing with them. I appreciate my colleagues who signed on to our statement in support of these workers with us.

Workers all over the country are deciding to join unions especially nonprofit workers. The IAM represents the workers at the art museum and is now moving to the next nonprofit store which is Discovery World. Even people who work in coffee shops or nonprofits or other service sector positions deserve high union wages, deserve high wages, deserve quality healthcare and these workers at Discovery World are no exception. We look forward and I ask my colleagues and this body and the rest of the residents of this city to stand with these workers and demand that Discovery World recognize their union. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair recognizes the other one in Samariba.

Thank you, mister president. I wanted to wish everybody a happy Bi Visibility Day. Today is well, we've we've been celebrating a week of Bi Visibility Week, but today is Bi Visibility Day which raises the awareness of folks who identify as bisexual lifting up our bi folks but also recognizing the challenges that bisexual folks have to endure. Sometimes you'll hear many of us talk about bi erasure. It can be tough for folks that identify as bi as we're sometimes seen as not queer enough to be LGBTQ but certainly don't identify as straight either.

So I wanted to lift up just a few leaders here in Milwaukee. I wanted to give a shout out to Bi Pride Milwaukee led by Amy Luchen. Also want to give a shout out to some of our other bi leaders like DJ Travis Lynch, Brenda Coley who I know many of us know and who's been honored here in these chambers before, and of course City Milwaukee's own and co chair of our HIVE, the LGBTQ plus ERG Employee Resource Group, Sarah Wallisch. So thank you and happy by Visibility Day.

Thank you. Chair recognizes All Member Gellis.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to invite the community out to Lions Park 56th in Oklahoma ish for the MPD District six Lions Park pop up community cookout that's on Sunday, October 12 from noon until 03:00. We just had one at Wedgewood Park. It was well attended and look forward to Officer Garcia flipping burgers again for the community. Also, the 11th District, Tuesday, October 7, 05:30 p. M. Is our annual town hall meeting. Presentation from Budget Director Nick Kovac as well. Doors open at 05:30.

Presentation starts at six p. M. I also want to encourage every city resident and every Alder to share the new Finance Committee short budget survey that can be that will collect detailed feedback. It will help us measure our shared priorities for municipal and community investments in the 2026 budget. That URL is tinyurl.com/budgetsurvey2026. Please share near and far to get as much community feedback as possible for our budget. Tinyurl.com/budgetsurvey2026. Thank you. Thank you.

Chair recognizes once again Alderman Stamper.

Yes. I'll let you elaborate, but I want to give a shout out to Youssef and the success of Puerto Rican Fest. Me and my the colleagues and I had a great time. We're on a resounding success, and he is just good to see him over the twelve years ago from a little park all over to Summerfest. We had a great time, and I just wanted to acknowledge Youssef. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yeah. Thank you. It was a great time and looking forward for it to continue at Summerfest. It's a big deal to be there. So and thank all of you for participating and showing up. Chair recognizes Alderman Brower. Yeah. Thank you

again, Mr. Chair. I just want to announce that customers of We Energies this month and next month will be receiving as was announced by WISN a rebate of around $25 due to supposedly on paper what the company is saying due to energy price changes. While a poultry refund for energy customers is appreciated, I think what this demonstrates is the exorbitant profits that We Energies is reaping from people in Milwaukee, including residents of this city. And I just want to announce that I think that you know this refund demonstrates the hubris by which Weenergies operates here and demonstrates how they are unfit to serve the citizens of Milwaukee. Thank you. Thank you.

Chair recognizes Aldwoman Taylor.

Thank you so much, mister president. So I just wanted to announce that my office is sponsoring two events for next month. They're centered around human trafficking awareness. Human trafficking plagues our society today, and so our office is doing what it can to bring awareness to it, especially among our young people. So we have what's called pot of gold, which is a luncheon that we do for girls on October 9 from ten to one at the Centennial Hall at the public library.

And then we also have what's called Kings Connect for our young boys, and that again will be October 30 also at Centennial Hall from ten to one.

Thank you. Any further announcements? Just want to remind everyone that this Alderman speaker Spiker.

Thank you, Mr. President. Wanted to invite folks out on October 4 from ten till noon, which is a Saturday for the fall perennial exchange and plant sale. That will be taking place in the Garden District, 13th District at 6th And Norwich, roughly 6th And Howard across from the Water Tower. This is our usual event where you can exchange perennials, spin out your garden, take something to the exchange and then take something back.

There also will be an opportunity to buy plants. Speaking of potted plants, I do have a statement that is on members' desks regarding the anticipated disappointment we may feel when we read the budget. This is how many years is this for me now? Five or six, I guess, And Act 12 was a blessing in that it let our city continue to run. It had a bunch of poison pills that we're still in the process of swallowing to this day.

But fact is we went ahead much of a city without it. We are now entering a budget where we have a $100,000,000 gap that the mayor has proposed to be plugged. And most of us have had our briefings and if you've been to one, you've been to multiple, kind of the same old playbook. I'm calling on my colleagues and of course I'm calling on myself to try to be more imaginative than the budget office and the mayor's team has been thus far. We are not in a place where we can just stay the course as it were.

There's proposed changes that are very familiar, namely raising taxes and fees, raising a wheel tax, cutting departments in ways that hurt, and of course the ever popular borrowing. So I would just urge us to take this moment and not just those on the Finance Committee. Everybody is a potential member of the Finance Committee. You can just show up. We don't kick you out. So if you have ideas, please work with us. Please discuss. I'm hoping that we can, as a council, assert ourselves and show the city that there are ideas that come out of this place that are not from down the hall. Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman Spiker. Any further announcements? Okay. And Alderman Stamper. Yeah.

Mister president, somebody announced the public hearing? Don't know. I'm gonna

do that now.

Okay. Sorry.

I was waiting for that. Okay. Just wanted to remind everyone as this today's meeting begins our budget deliberation. I said earlier, the joint public hearing on the budget will be held in this chamber on Monday, October 6 at 06:30PM. In addition, there will be a special public input meeting on Saturday, 10/18/2025 beginning at 09:30 in the community room at the new Doctor. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 2901 North Martin Luther King Drive. So make sure we're all there. Alderman colleagues are ready for us? Great. And I hope to see all of you at Finance Committee during the budget process.

Yes, sir.

And there being no further business before this meeting, it stands adjourned.