COMMON COUNCIL - 2025-11-25

Council voted 14-0 to override all mayoral vetoes on the 2026 budget, including: city worker wage increases (AFSCME), $8 million new borrowing for fire department capital equipment (offset by $4 million reduction to infrastructure/municipal services building and $4 million increased GO borrowing), $70,000 for city treasurer to restore printed tax receipt mailing, $25,000 for Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, $20,000 for Common Council legislative affairs travel, creation of Department of Equity and Inclusion, and creation of Department of Community Wellness and Safety.

Ratified final agreement between City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Police Association (file 221201). Contract includes double-digit wage increases with retroactive pay including overtime, and over 25% increase for three top union positions. Contract expires in 2026. Total cost estimated at over $50 million. Requires hiring 80 additional officers (from 1645 to 1725) per Act 12 requirements.

License suspension for Jacob E. Dana's Class B tavern and public entertainment premise at 1044 North Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Drive (doing business as Red, White, and Blue) reduced from 20 days to 10 days. Original suspension was for failure to comply with plan of operation and threat to public safety related to underage patrons with fake IDs.

Resolution authorizing Milwaukee Fire Department to extend access to tax refund interception programs (TRIP) for private ambulance companies to collect unpaid medical transport debts. City pays approximately $5-6 million annually to subsidize private ambulance BLS runs.

Granted permanent historic designation to Milwaukee Auditorium and Milwaukee Arena at 412 West Kilburn Avenue in the 400 and 500 blocks of West Kilburn Avenue in the 4th Aldermanic District.

Authorized Commissioner of Public Works to execute amendment to existing memorandum of understanding between Forest County Potawatomi Community and City of Milwaukee for 16th Street Viaduct Rehabilitation Project in 4th and 8th Aldermanic Districts.

Authorized city controller to transfer funds for Wisconsin DOT and City of Milwaukee cost participation for construction of 16th Street Bridge over Menominee River. Total estimated cost increase of $3,059,779.55 with grantor share of $11,097,209.78, decreasing city's share by $8,037,430.23.

Authorized agreement with Wisconsin DOT for traffic control improvements and safety measures to mitigate traffic diversion on city streets due to I-94 East-West project construction in 2025-2026. Total estimated cost $576,984.83, 100% grant funded.

Determined necessary to make accessible public improvements at various locations. City engineering cost estimated at $25,000 for total estimated project cost of $550,000.

Determined necessary to make various non-assessable public improvements at various locations. City engineering cost estimated at $247,000 for total estimated project cost of $3,517,000.

Approved application acceptance and funding of private property inflow and infiltration grant from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for project at various locations throughout the city.

Approved First Amendment to and third extension of lease agreement with South Harbor Milwaukee LLC.

Approved lease agreement with Compass Minerals America Incorporated.

Approved lease agreements with Cargill, Incorporated for parcel A and parcel B.

Authorized settlement of claims in lawsuit entitled Estate of Keeshawn D. Thomas and others versus the City of Milwaukee and others.

Authorized settlement of claims in lawsuit entitled Lakisha M. Bridges versus the City of Milwaukee.

Passed substitute ordinance relating to tenant acknowledgment of fire safety code noncompliance in certain multifamily residential buildings.

Approved substitute resolution relating to collection of police vehicle pursuit data by the Fire and Police Commission.

Passed substitute ordinance relating to the Milwaukee Arts Board.

Approved application for acceptance and expenditure of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation community development investment grant on behalf of Ivy Generations Oeding LLC.

Authorized Department of City Development exclusive right to negotiate for city-owned vacant lot properties in the 15th Aldermanic District. Immediate adoption requested to meet RETA tax credit deadline.