Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Milwaukee Common Council meeting on January 20, 2026 focused primarily on licensing matters, with no major zoning changes or development approvals. Key actions included non-renewal of DT Two Towing's recycling/salvaging/towing license at 2620 W Silver Spring Drive due to public safety concerns, and a reduced suspension for Petro Mart gas station at 7002 W Center Street from 10 days to zero with a warning letter. The council also approved multiple DOT highway improvement agreements and authorized $25 million in general obligation notes for Community Development Block Grant programs.
Key Decisions (16)
Non-renewal of DT Two Towing License at 2620 W Silver Spring Drive
Non-renewal of recycling, salvaging, or towing premise license for Don L. Thurmond's DT Two Towing at 2620 West Silver Spring Drive in the 1st Aldermanic District. The committee found the operation results in a threat to health, safety, or welfare of the public for failure to comply with towing regulations. Attorney Brian Randall requested reduction to 10-day suspension citing no prior remedial action and proposed operational improvements including signage for cash/credit acceptance and deescalation training.
Petro Mart License Suspension Reduced at 7002 W Center Street
Alderman Moore moved to reduce the 10-day suspension to zero with a warning letter for Deepak Thapa's filling station, food dealer, and weights and measures licenses at 7002 West Center Street (Petro Mart) in the 10th Aldermanic District. The business has operated for over 40 years with no prior offenses. A mitigation plan was submitted addressing rodent control, employee training, lighting improvements, and compliance with operating hours.
North 76th Street Highway Project Amendment
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Works to execute a first revision to state municipal agreement with Wisconsin DOT for construction of North 76th Street from Forest Avenue to city CTHQ with estimated cost increase of $815,000 (city share $767,000, grantor share $48,000).
North Setonia Avenue Design Funding
Resolution authorizing transfer of additional funds for DOT and City of Milwaukee cost participation for design of North Setonia Avenue from West Mill Road to West Good Hope Road with total estimated cost increase of $650,000 (entire city share).
South 84th Street Highway Project Agreement
Resolution directing Commissioner of Public Works to execute state municipal agreement with Wisconsin DOT for programming, design, real estate acquisition and construction of South 84th Street from West Greenfield Avenue to West Adler Avenue. Total estimated cost $530,000 (city share $26,500, grantor share $397,500, City of West Allis $106,000).
Forest Home Avenue/South 16th Street Intersection Project
Resolution directing Commissioner of Public Works to execute state municipal agreement with Wisconsin DOT for programming, design, and construction of Forest Home Avenue intersection with South 16th Street. Total estimated cost $250,000 (city share $25,000, grantor share $225,000).
West Greenfield Avenue Intersection Project
Resolution directing Commissioner of Public Works to execute state municipal agreement with Wisconsin DOT for programming, design, and construction of West Greenfield Avenue at South Cesar Chavez Drive and South Muskego Avenue. Total estimated cost $250,000 (city share $25,000, grantor share $225,000).
South Cesar Chavez/South 16th Street Intersections Project
Resolution directing Commissioner of Public Works to execute state municipal agreement with Wisconsin DOT for programming, design, and construction of South Cesar Chavez and South 16th intersections with Burnham, Mitchell, and Lapham. Total estimated cost $500,000 (city share $50,000, grantor share $450,000).
$25 Million General Obligation Notes for CDBG Programs
Resolution authorizing issuance of $25,000,000 in general obligation notes to pay general and current municipal expense associated with Community Development Block Grant and other grant programs.
Rooftop Solar Panel Appeal at 2591 North Summit Avenue
Substitute resolution granting appeal of certificate of appropriateness for rooftop solar panels at 2591 North Summit Avenue in North Pointe North Historic District for Chris Sager.
City Property Sale at 3743 North 35th Street
Resolution authorizing sale of city-owned tax deed property at 3743 North 35th Street to Connect the DOTS Property Investment LLC in the 7th Aldermanic District.
City Property Sale at 1246 West Atkinson Avenue
Resolution approving land disposition report and authorizing sale of city-owned tax deed property at 1246 West Atkinson Avenue in the 6th Aldermanic District.
City Property Sale at 1606 West Walnut Street
Resolution approving land disposition report and authorizing sale of city-owned tax deed property at 1606 West Walnut Street in the 15th Aldermanic District.
Residency Incentive Pay Period Amendment
Alderman Bergellis moved to amend file 251524 to change effective pay period for 1% residency incentive from pay period 04/2026 (02/01/2026) to pay period 01/08/2026 (12/21/2025) to ensure full 12-month implementation as budgeted. The delay would have resulted in approximately $207,000 less going to city employees.
Kinnickinnic River Flood Management Project Amendment
Resolution authorizing Commissioner of Public Works to execute amendment to intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for Kinnickinnic River flood management project for area between South 6th and South 16th Streets in 12th and 14th Aldermanic Districts.
2026 Milwaukee Marathon Operating Agreement
Resolution approving operating agreement with Ventures Endurance Events LLC for staging of 2026 Milwaukee Marathon and Half Marathon on 04/11/2026 and 5K run on 04/12/2026.
Development Activity (3)
City Tax Deed Property Sale - 3743 North 35th Street
Sale of city-owned tax deed property
City Tax Deed Property Sale - 1246 West Atkinson Avenue
Sale of city-owned tax deed property
City Tax Deed Property Sale - 1606 West Walnut Street
Sale of city-owned tax deed property
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Multiple Wisconsin DOT highway improvement projects approved for Milwaukee intersections and corridors, indicating significant state investment in city transportation infrastructure.
Housing Demand
City continues disposing of tax deed properties to private investors, suggesting ongoing efforts to return vacant properties to productive use.
Commercial Demand
Discussion of towing company operations at retail centers indicates active commercial parking enforcement needs from shopping centers and retailers.
Sentiment
Community engagement on new business proposals is strong, with over 85 residents attending a forum in Sherman Park to express concerns about incoming businesses.