Number
260809
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DIMITRIJEVIC, BROWER AND BAUMAN
Title
A substitute charter ordinance relating to contracts for automated license plate reader technology.
Section
16-05-4-a am
16-05-4-b rn
16-05-4-b cr
16-05-4-c cr
16-05-11 cr
Analysis
This substitute charter ordinance establishes a requirement for all contracts related to the purchase or use of automated license plate reader cameras or software to be approved by the finance and personnel committee.
Body
Whereas, Automated license plate reader technology has increasingly been put to use by law enforcement agencies in this city and across the country; and
Whereas, This technology provides legitimate advantages for agencies to advance public safety goals, but also poses significant risks for abuse and for violations of privacy; and
Whereas, Mandating committee oversight of all contracts for the purchase, use, and maintenance of automated license plate reader cameras and technology will help ensure civilian oversight of the use of this new technology and minimize the risk of abuse; now, therefore,
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 16-05-4-a of the code is amended to read:
16-05. Purchasing by Purchasing Director.
4. SINGLE AND SOLE SOURCE CONTRACTS, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.
a. When a single or sole source service contract of $50,000 or more is executed or an existing single or sole source service contract of less than $50,000 is amended and the original amount of the contract added to the amended amount of the contract is $50,000 or greater, the contract or amendment shall not be effective unless approved by the committee on finance and personnel. [[This requirement shall not apply to one-time contract amendments of less than $10,000 or to the extension of a single or sole source service contract as specifically contemplated at the time the contract was originally executed, provided that the original contract has already been approved by the committee pursuant to this section. Further, this requirement shall not apply to contracts or contract amendments, upon a written waiver by the city purchasing director, that are necessary to respond to emergency situations that threaten life, health or safety, services provided by the actuary designated under s. 36-15-13, services related to proprietary products or services or procurements authorized under separate common council action.]]
Part 2. Section 16-05-4-b of the code is renumbered to d.
Part 3. Section 16-05-4-b to c of the code is created to read:
b. This requirement shall not apply to:
b-1. One-time contract amendments of less than $10,000.
b-2. The extension of a single or sole source service contract as contemplated at the time the contract was originally executed, provided that the original contract has already been approved by the committee under this section.
b-3. Contracts or contract amendments that have received a written waiver by the city purchasing director exempting them from committee approval. The city purchasing director may issue a written waiver for contracts or contract amendments:
b-3-a. Necessary to respond to emergency situations that threaten life, health, or safety.
b-3-b. For services provided by the actuary designated under s. 36-15-13.
b-3-c. For services related to proprietary products or services.
b-3-d. For procurement authorized by separate common council action.
c. No waiver may be issued under sub. b for any contract or contract amendment relating to the purchase, use, or maintenance of automated license plate reader cameras or software.
Part 4. Section 16-05-11 of the code is created to read:
11. AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER CONTRACTS.
No contract or contract amendment for the purchase, use, or maintenance of automated license plate reader cameras or software may be executed or amended without approval by the committee on finance and personnel.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
K. Broadnax
____________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date: October 6, 2025
______________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
____________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date: _______________________
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181889-2
Gunnar Raasch
9/28/2026