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| | | | Meeting convened at 9:12 am.
Minutes note: Ald. Bauman arrived at 9:46 am | | | |
Roll call
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260662
| 0 | 1. | Resolution | Substitute resolution approving levying of assessments and construction of assessable public improvement projects at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the City cost of these projects approved by this resolution is estimated to be $89,665 for a total estimated cost of $104,600.
Minutes note: Appeared Holly Rutenbeck (DPW)
| SUBSTITUTED | Pass | 4:0 |
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260662
| 1 | | Resolution | Substitute resolution approving levying of assessments and construction of assessable public improvement projects at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the City cost of these projects approved by this resolution is estimated to be $89,665 for a total estimated cost of $104,600.
Minutes note: Appeared Holly Rutenbeck (DPW)
6th Aldermanic District
N. 7th St. - W. Abert Pl. to W. Melvina St. (ST211260133). Install traffic calming speed humps(s).
No public testimony.
Ald. Taylor moved approval.
The motion was approved without objection.
N. Port Washington Ave. - W. Keefe Ave. to W. Vienna Ave. (ST211250157). Install traffic calming speed table.
Appeared Jonathan Cherry - in support
Appeared Samuel Sims - in support
Jonathan Cherry and Samuel Sims testified regarding extreme reckless driving on Port Washington Avenue, reporting that over 50 cars frequently take over the street to race at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Mr. Cherry presented video evidence of racing, vehicles driving in bicycle lanes, and cars passing on shoulders, noting that police response has been inconsistent despite multiple 911 calls.
Ald. Coggs is in support.
Ald. Brower moved approval.
The motion was approved without objection. | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260663
| 0 | 2. | Resolution | Resolution determining it necessary to make various assessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the City engineering cost estimated to be $40,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $350,000.
Minutes note: Appeared Holly Rutenbeck (DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 4:0 |
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260664
| 0 | 3. | Resolution | Resolution determining it necessary to make various nonassessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the City engineering cost estimated to be $235,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $4,677,000.
Minutes note: Appeared Holly Rutenbeck (DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 4:0 |
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260665
| 0 | 4. | Resolution | Substitute resolution approving construction of nonassessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the City construction cost estimated to be $4,900,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $9,112,040.17
Minutes note: Appeared Holly Rutenbeck (DPW) | SUBSTITUTED | Pass | 4:0 |
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260665
| 1 | | Resolution | Substitute resolution approving construction of nonassessable public improvements at various locations and appropriating funds for these purposes with the City construction cost estimated to be $4,900,000 for a total estimated cost of these projects being $9,112,040.17
Minutes note: Appeared Holly Rutenbeck (DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 4:0 |
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260510
| 0 | 5. | Communication | Communication from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Department of Public Works relating to the recently discovered blockage in a sewerage district discharge pipe. | HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 4:0 |
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260562
| 0 | 6. | Communication | Communication from the Department of Public Works relating to the modification of the City’s built environment to be more accommodating to neurodivergent individuals.
Minutes note: Appeared Ald. Perez
Appeared Kevin Muhs (City Engineer, DPW)
Appeared Jerrel Kruschke (Commissioner, DPW)
President Perez introduced a communication regarding modifying the city's built environment to be more accommodating for neurodivergent individuals.
City Engineer Kevin Muhs noted that the city currently places signs for residents under 18 but has no formal policy for adults or specific built-environment standards.
The discussion focused on updating signage verbiage to be more inclusive and learning from leaders like Mesa, Arizona, on how to handle sensory triggers in public spaces.
Ald. Coggs suggested prioritizing accessibility signage around the new Stella Park, which is specifically designed for children with special needs.
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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260399
| 0 | 7. | Resolution | Resolution authorizing execution of the Department of Natural Resources Principal Forgiven Financial Assistance Agreement.
Minutes note: Appeared Jesse Hagen (Comptroller) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260556
| 1 | 8. | Ordinance | A substitute ordinance relating to the notification to be provided for the closure of public rights of way and increasing fines if constituents are not properly notified.
Minutes note: Appeared Ald. Zamarripa
Appeared Ald. Perez
Appeared Kevin Muhs (City Engineer, DPW)
Appeared Jerrel Kruschke (Commissioner, DPW)
Appeared James Washington (Coordinator Manager, DPW)
Appeared Gunner Raasch (LRB)
| SUBSTITUTED | Pass | 5:0 |
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260556
| 2 | | Ordinance | A substitute ordinance relating to the notification to be provided for the closure of public rights of way and increasing fines if constituents are not properly notified.
Minutes note: Item 8 and Item 16 where discussed together. Alderwoman Zamaripa and Alderman Burgelis introduced ordinances to significantly increase fines for utilities that fail to notify the city or residents of road closures.
Mr. Raasch from the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) provided a detailed explanation of two separate legislative files concerning utility work in public spaces.
Ald. Zamaripa's file 260556 addresses the failure of companies to provide notification when conducting such work.
Ald. Burgelis file 260554 proposes increasing penalties for companies or utilities that perform work in the public right of way without obtaining a permit, specifically for non-emergency situations.
Mr. Raasch noted that a company working without a permit would likely be subject to penalties under both ordinances, as they would presumably also fail to notify the city.
It was clarified that if a company possesses a permit but fails to provide the required notification, they would only be subject to the penalty under Ald. Zamaripa's ordinance.
Specific complaints were leveled against We Energies for shutting down arterial streets like National and Lincoln Avenues without proper permits or communication.
Commissioner Kruschke emphasized that the goal is to give citizens the opportunity to pivot their daily commutes and avoid the panic of unexpected road blocks.
There were no objections to the motion.
| RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE | Pass | 5:0 |
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260643
| 0 | 9. | Resolution | Resolution authorizing the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to convert, access, and utilize portions of one City-owned property for the West Silver Spring Drive Project Intersection with North 64th Street in the 2nd Aldermanic District.
Minutes note: Appeared David Tapia (Projects Manager, DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260651
| 0 | 10. | Resolution | Resolution directing the Commissioner of Public Works to execute a document titled “3rd Revision State/Municipal Agreement for a State-Let Highway Project” with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the programming, design, real estate acquisition, and construction of North Green Bay Road (STH 57) from West Capitol Drive to West Silver Spring Drive, and to set up additional funds for design engineering at an estimated total cost of $800,000 with an estimated City share of $200,000 and a grantor share of $600,000.
Minutes note: Appeared David Tapia (Projects Manager, DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260552
| 0 | 11. | Communication | Communication from the Department of Public Works and the Milwaukee Water Works relating to the implementation of dust control provisions in the execution of their contracts.
Minutes note: Appeared Ald. Burgelis
Appeared Patrick Pauly (Water Works Superintendent, DPW)
Appeared Karl Rohrbach (Engineer, Water Works)
Alderman Burgelis raised concerns regarding the water infrastructure project in the Wedgewood Park neighborhood, which was completed at the end of May. He noted that despite the work being finished, road cutouts were left open during a dry summer, creating a constant dust problem for the residents.
Karl Rohrbach from Water Works acknowledged that there has been a longerthan-typical delay between pipe installation and pavement restoration this year. He explained that the Public Service Commission (PSC) requires the utility to replace 14 miles of water main annually, involving over 80 project sites. Because
the bidding pool is small, one prime contractor won the majority of the work. This contractor moved quickly on pipe installation but struggled to coordinate pavement restoration because their sole subcontractor was backlogged. To address this, the contractor has since hired a second paving subcontractor and
is considering a third to catch up on the workload.
| RECOMMENDED FOR PLACING ON FILE | Pass | 5:0 |
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260660
| 0 | 12. | Resolution | Resolution relating to the application, acceptance, and execution of funding of a Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Green Solutions grant for the installation of bioswales along West Lapham Boulevard from South 6th Street to South 16th Street, and authorizing entry into a post-installation Maintenance Covenant with MMSD, in the 12th Aldermanic District.
Minutes note: Appeared Jazdzyk, Anthony (Management Civil Engineer, DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260668
| 0 | 13. | Resolution | Resolution authorizing the proper City officials to execute a sewer easement for the City of Milwaukee sanitary sewer located between a point approximately 210 feet east of South Kansas Avenue in East Howard Avenue in St. Francis’ municipal boundaries and the Milwaukee City Limits. | HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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251421
| 1 | 14. | Resolution | Substitute resolution directing the Department of Public Works to identify a location and develop cost estimates for a third self-help drop-off center. | HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | | |
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251421
| 1 | | Resolution | Substitute resolution directing the Department of Public Works to identify a location and develop cost estimates for a third self-help drop-off center. | RECONSIDERED | Pass | 5:0 |
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251421
| 1 | | Resolution | Substitute resolution directing the Department of Public Works to identify a location and develop cost estimates for a third self-help drop-off center.
Minutes note: Ald. Chambers
Appeared Jerrel Kruschke (Commissioner, DPW)
Appeared Thomas Wagerin (Director of Operations, DPW)
Alderman Chambers requested that DPW identify city-owned parcels for a possible third self-help drop-off center to avoid the high costs of land acquisition. | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260555
| 0 | 15. | Resolution | Resolution directing the Commissioner of Public Works to execute a document titled “Cost Sharing Memo of Understanding Between the City of Milwaukee and the Cities of Greenfield and West Allis” for the design of the South Powerline Trail project.
Minutes note: Appeared Zachary Roder (Senior Transportation Planner, DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260554
| 1 | 16. | Ordinance | A substitute ordinance relating to unauthorized closure of public rights of way for non-emergency construction.
Minutes note: Appeared Ald. Burgelis
Appeared Ald. Zamarripa
Appeared Ald. Perez
Appeared Kevin Muhs (City Engineer, DPW)
Appeared Jerrel Kruschke (Commissioner, DPW)
Appeared James Washington (Coordinator Manager, DPW)
Appeared Gunner Raasch (LRB)
| SUBSTITUTED | Pass | 5:0 |
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260554
| 2 | | Ordinance | A substitute ordinance relating to unauthorized closure of public rights of way for non-emergency construction.
Minutes note: Item 8 and Item 16 where discussed together. Alderwoman Zamaripa and Alderman Burgelis introduced ordinances to significantly increase fines for utilities that fail to notify the city or residents of road closures.
Mr. Raasch from the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) provided a detailed explanation of two separate legislative files concerning utility work in public spaces.
Ald. Burgelis file 260554 proposes increasing penalties for companies or utilities that perform work in the public right of way without obtaining a permit, specifically for non-emergency situations.
Ald. Zamaripa's file 260556 addresses the failure of companies to provide notification when conducting such work.
Mr. Raasch noted that a company working without a permit would likely be subject to penalties under both ordinances, as they would presumably also fail to notify the city.
It was clarified that if a company possesses a permit but fails to provide the required notification, they would only be subject to the penalty under Ald. Zamaripa's ordinance.
Commissioner Kruschke emphasized that the goal is to give citizens the opportunity to pivot their daily commutes and avoid the panic of unexpected road blocks.
The committee discussed the specific application of these penalties to ensure clarity for the public and the committee members.
There were no objections to the motion.
| RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE | Pass | 5:0 |
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260699
| 1 | 17. | Resolution | A substitute resolution directing the Commissioner of Public Works to expedite concrete panel replacement on local roads and maintenance in alleys prior to the end of the 2026 construction season.
Minutes note: Appeared Ald. Burgelis
Appeared Kevin Muhs (City Engineer, DPW)
Appeared Jerrel Kruschke (Commissioner, DPW) | SUBSTITUTED | Pass | 5:0 |
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260699
| 2 | | Resolution | A substitute resolution directing the Commissioner of Public Works to expedite concrete panel replacement on local roads and maintenance in alleys prior to the end of the 2026 construction season.
Minutes note: Ald. Taylor motion to amended the proposed substitute to a $300,000 pilot program using existing funds to test the efficiency of contracting out concrete panel work before committing to additional borrowing. | AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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260699
| 2 | | Resolution | A substitute resolution directing the Commissioner of Public Works to expedite concrete panel replacement on local roads and maintenance in alleys prior to the end of the 2026 construction season.
Minutes note: Appeared Ald. Burgelis
Appeared Kevin Muhs (City Engineer, DPW)
Appeared Jerrel Kruschke (Commissioner, DPW)
Appeared Mason Lavey (Budget & Management Special Assistant)
Appeared Thomas Wagerin (Director of Operations, DPW)
Ald. Spiker
Ald Burgelis addresses the city's urgent challenges with pothole repairs following an unprecedented surge in reports - 23,000 as of August, about three times more than a typical year, triggered in part by severe mid-April storms that saturated soils and caused widespread road failures.
The discussion centered on Alderman Burgelis resolution to expedite more permanent infrastructure fixes by piloting concrete panel replacements in local roads and alleys, rather than relying solely on repeated, temporary pothole patches. The proposed pilot program involves dedicating $300,000 in existing capital funds for contracting out this targeted work, enabling the city to test the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this approach before considering a larger investment or new borrowing.
Committee members and DPW leadership highlighted several critical factors: shortages of city staff, the high costs associated with full alley replacements, difficulties recruiting contractors, the limitations of temporary asphalt patches, and resident frustration with slow response times.
Committee members discussed the need for creative solutions, such as partnering with Milwaukee County's crews to supplement the workforce, leveraging new pothole-filling technology, and improving communications (including more proactive updates to residents and clearer tracking of pothole service requests).
Ald. Taylor motion to amended the proposed substitute to limit the pilot's funding to $300,000 (removing new borrowing for now), aiming to "proof positive" the permanent panel approach before possibly scaling up for the 2027 budget. The pilot will focus on addressing the worst, most recurrent problem areas in alleys and local streets and will be evaluated for impact, efficiency, and scalability.
Action items related to this file include DPW collaborating with Milwaukee County on contracting options and reporting on pilot results in advance of future budgeting decisions.
Motion by Ald. Bauman to adoption of the substitute as amended.
Ald. Brower objects.
| RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 4:1 |
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260652
| 0 | 18. | Resolution | Resolution directing the Commissioner of Public Works to execute a document titled “State/Municipal Financial Agreement for a State-Let Highway Project” with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the programming, design, and construction of West Capitol Drive (STH 190) from STH 100 to North 35th Street, to set up funds for design engineering at an estimated total cost of $855,000 with an estimated City share of $205,200 and a grantor share of $641,250, and remaining $8,550 of costs to be funded by City of Wauwatosa.
Minutes note: Appeared David Tapia (Projects Manager, DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION | Pass | 5:0 |
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260527
| 0 | 19. | Communication | Communication relating to semi-annual reporting to the Common Council by the Milwaukee Water Works and the Department of Public Works regarding lead service line replacements.
Minutes note: Appeared Patrick Pauly (Water Works Superintendent, DPW)
Appeared Mitchell Natarajan (Water Quality Manage, DPW)
Superintendent Patrick Pauly reported that the average cost per replacement is currently $7,800, which remains competitive compared to other major cities
Water Works Quality Manager Michelle Natarajan shared that childcare testing results remain very low, mostly below three parts per billion.
Presentation is attached to the File. | RECOMMENDED FOR PLACING ON FILE | Pass | 5:0 |
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260529
| 0 | 20. | Communication | Communication relating to the Milwaukee Water Works coordination of lead service line replacements with the Milwaukee Health Department, per file number 251472.
Minutes note: Appeared Patrick Pauly (Water Works Superintendent, DPW)
Appeared Tyler Weber (Deputy Commissioner of Environmental Health - Health Department)
Mr. Weber from the Health Department confirmed that Milwaukee is one of the only cities in the country using elevated blood lead level (EBLL) data to prioritize infrastructure projects in high-risk census blocks.
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| RECOMMENDED FOR PLACING ON FILE | Pass | 5:0 |
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251528
| 1 | 21. | Ordinance | A substitute ordinance relating to the maintenance of data on city-owned parking facilities.
Minutes note: Appeared Thomas Wagerin (Director of Operations, DPW) | RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE | Pass | 5:0 |
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260684
| 0 | 22. | Ordinance | An ordinance relating to no mow May.
Minutes note: Appeared Thomas Wagerin (Director of Operations, DPW)
Appeared Erin Stoekl (Urban Forestry District Manager)
The committee approved an ordinance change for "No Mow May," eliminating the registry requirement and replacing it with a requirement for residents to display a yard sign. | RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE | Pass | 5:0 |
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260688
| 0 | 23. | Communication | Communication from the Department of Public Works relating to recent street light outages and the steps being taken to correct and prevent them. | HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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| | | | 9:30 AM | | | |
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260463
| 0 | 24. | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: Meyer, Jason R, Public Passenger Vehicle Driver's License Application
Applicant communicated to the Assistant City Attorney that he could not stay.
Ald. Taylor moved to hold the item to the call of the call of the Chair. There were no objections.
| HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR | Pass | 5:0 |
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260463
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: Sandhu, Jagjitpal S. Taxicab License Renewal Application for ""Sandhu Taxi Service"
Applicant was present.
The committee approved the taxi cab license renewal despite a written complaint from Ald. Burgelis who was not present.
The Chair advised Mr. Sandhu to take future safety protocols seriously.
Ald. Brower moved approval. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0) | AMENDED | Pass | 5:0 |
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260463
| 0 | | Motion | Motion relating to the recommendations of the Public Works Committee relating to licenses.
Minutes note: Ald. Brower moved approval of File 260463 as amended. There were no objections. (Prevailed 5-0) | RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL | Pass | 5:0 |
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| | | | Meeting Adjourned at 12:45 pm.
Carmen Roman
Staff Assistant
This meeting can be viewed in its entirety through the City's Legislative Research
Center at http://milwaukee.legistar.com/calendar. | | | |
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