The proposed snow and ice fee increase, the furloughs, the possible use of eminent domain for economic development, and the formation of a streetcar committee were topics of interest at this Common Council meeting.

A raise to the snow and ice fee that was proposed to help create a surplus going into next year’s budget was defeated.  During these discussions Alderman Donovan stated that “this is the same old song and dance, increase taxes and fees, and cut services.”  Additionally, he asked for a “plan” to resolve the budgetary issue, but later fought other measures intended to cut costs.  As some of the members in opposition to the raising of the snow and ice fee indicated their opposition revolved around the timing of the raise so it is likely this will be brought up again in late September.

Alderman Donovan offered an amendment in an attempt to exempt the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department from the furloughs, despite the majority of both departments already being exempted.  Alderman Kovac explained that as the police and fire departments represent about 60% of the budget and due to the impending budget shortfall that if the Common Council excludes those departments that “then we’re just going to have to cut everything like crazy.”  He also suggest that the union will have to participate in cost cutting measures.  Alderman Donovan’s amendment failed and the furloughs were approved by the Common Council.

File number, 090127, was of particular interest as it proposed utilizing eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring private property, owned by the Cetina family, to convey the property to Pete’s Fruit Market for economic development.  Alderman Bauman spoke at length and took issue with the character attacks that some have take against Alderman Witkowikak regarding this issue, and indicated these attacks have only strengthened his belief this would be an appropriate us of eminent domain.  Alderman Bauman added that at RACM “a very strong record was presented” arguing for the use of eminent domain and that “there is no question this is blighted property.”  It was pointed out that despite claims that the Cetina family had proposed opening a restaurant in 2006 the plan presented did not include a kitchen.  Alderman Witkowiak later added that “it was presented as a full blown nightclub.”   He indicated that the Cetina family will be bring forth a new plan soon which he has yet to see, but as he said “in the interest of being fair, I’m going to ask this be held in council.”  This file was held by the Common Council for one cycle.

Alderman Bauman brought forward a file that would create a Joint Committee on Downtown Streetcar Implementation, with the goal of suggesting routes, suggesting funding options for operating costs and capital costs, and additional advisory options.  He indicated that this committee wouldn’t have any approval authority but would give the Common Council information when the time comes to vote on the proposed streetcar plans.  He added in regards to the future streetcar plans that “we may vote in the negative, and we may send the money to Saint Louis,” essentially saying a vote against the streetcar will in the long run send federal funding away from Milwaukee.  Alderman Witkowiak added that “we need to support this file, the rest of the major cities in the United States are passing us by, as far as transportation options go.”  The file was adopted on a 12 to 2 with both Alderman Donovoan and Dudzik voting in opposition.

Recently, with the encouragement and support of our readers, the help of graphic artist Kieran Sweeney, and the drive of Juli Kaufmann a conceptual idea for the redevelopment of S. 2nd Street, in Walker’s Point, was created and entered in to GOOD Magazine’s livable streets contest.  Although it didn’t win, it did come in a strong second, validating the importance of a complete street redesign for S. 2nd Street.  The need for improvement of S. 2nd Street is obvious as its current form leaves much to be desired, and although simply repaving the street would technically be an improvement, it wouldn’t change the image of the street.  To successfully change the image requires changes to the physical infrastructure, and the organizing of business owners to facilitate the revitalization of the street.

The organizing and obtaining of funds to complete the street is a significant challenge, but the concept itself is truly very simple.  Add street trees, bike lanes, and planters, remove a travel lane or two, update some lighting fixtures, and shake vigorously.  These ingredients when mixed together change the physical environment from an automobile freeway, that is hostile towards the pedestrian, to one that is not just conducive to people, but welcoming to people, be it for walking, biking, shopping, or siting at a cafe.

Unfortunately, the idea may seem radical to traffic engineers who’s only concern is how fast can the traffic flow, or to politicians afraid to go to bat over funding, but for those who are actively working on creating a better urban environment that would support local business, it makes complete sense.  Hopefully this idea can come in number one where it matters, within the Department of Public Works, the Wisconsin DOT, and the Milwaukee Common Council.

The M.O.R.E ordinance was the most widely debated action taken at this Common Council meeting.  This ordinance lays out resident preference program requirements, emerging business requirements, and prevailing wage requirements for both public projects and private projects receiving over $1 million in direct financial assistance.  It is important to note the definition of direct financial assistance excludes funding for public infrastructure built as part of these projects.

As the debate began Alderman Witkowski offered an amendment to change the prevailing wage standard to a living wage standard.  This amendment was strongly debated from both sides of the issue.  Most colorfully Alderman Donovan argued his support of the amendment stating “none of us has a crystal ball” and he indicated the city should proceed with the more cautious method as proposed in the amendment.  Alderman Witkowski reiterated his concerns stating that “we are talking about risking permanent jobs, and development,” and later added that “I don’t want to chance this stopping development in any way.”  Common Council President Hines argued that “it will adversely impact African Americans,” and that “I just don’t think we can take the risk.”  Alderman Bohl spelled out the situation stating “to be honest with you, I think we have a lot of exaggeration coming from all sides” and that “we’re arguing crumbs.”  He explained that generally speaking a development project already pays 80% of their staff prevailing wages and that only a few TIF projects be effected by these rules.  That said Alderman Bohl still questioned, “can we as a city afford to subsidize private development?”  This amendment failed on a vote of seven to eight.

There was an additional amendment, brought forward by Alderman Murphy following City Comptroller Wally Morics suggestion that this ordinance include a reporting mechanism to track the costs and benefits going forward.  This amendment passed unanimously.

Common Council President Hines made a last effort to stop the ordinance saying “again there are too many unanswered questions” and that “good intentions, unfortunately isn’t good enough.”  After this last appeal, Alderman Hamilton thanked numerous members of the committee and Alderwoman Coggs gave a long summation urging support of the ordinance.  Wrapping up the long discussion, Alderman Wade stated that “I’m prepared to win or looe, because this is a fight worth fighting” and that “we need to grow our middle class.”  This ordinance passed on a eight to seven vote and will now go before the mayor for signing.

The controversial M.O.R.E ordinance was the primary item of discussion at this meeting of the Common Council.  This ordinance proposed new requirements related to hiring City of Milwaukee residents, the utilization of emerging small businesses, and the paying of prevailing wages for all City of Milwaukee projects and private developments that receive $1 million or more in TIF funding.  It was widely believed that this ordinance was going to be put to a vote of the full Common Council today, which made Alderman Murphy’s motion to send this file to the Finance & Personnel Committee all that more contentious.  Through the discussion it became evident that this file had originally been scheduled to appear the Finance & Personnel Committee but was removed at the last minute because of a legal technicality.  Immediately prior to the Common Council meeting a fiscal note that indicated the ordinance would require a number of full-time employees to manage the new programs arrived which made the motion to send it back to committee both legal and appropriate.  Although he indicated he would likely support the ordinance Alderman Murhpy argued that “basic issues, and basic questions are just not being addressed” and that “one needs to take the time to do it right.”

At first the sponsors of the legislation were surprised and took the motion as a delaying tactic.  They argued that the process had been fully transparent and didn’t require any further delay.  Alderman Hamilton stated that “I think the public has been engaged and involved in the creation of this ordinance.”  During the discussion Alderman Kovac piped in saying “I believe in process, I campaigned on process”, but he then indicated he didn’t believe sending it back to committee would change anything.  In fact he said “the controversy today will be the same in 21 days.”  Alderman Davis fired away at the implication that not enough questions had been asked or that there wasn’t enough transparency to the process contending that “I made a point to schedule a special meeting to achieve transparency.”

Initial supporters of the motion argued more questions needed to be asked and that it would be appropriate to send it back to the Finance & Personnel Committee.  Specifically, Alderman Witkowski supported the motion in an attempt to gather more information saying “I do support sending this back to committee, this was a constantly evolving piece of legislation.”  In an attempt to bring a bit of levity to the debate Alderman Bohl joked “I’m feeling a Rodney King moment, why can’t we just all get along here?” Then he defended Alderman Murphy’s motives and attempted to call the question.  Oddly on this specific motion the ability to call the question isn’t an allowed so the debate continued.  Alderman Murphy responded to the criticisms by stating “I do feel I was attacked unfairly” and he again attempted to clarify his position stating that “the fact is somebody, literally two minutes before the meeting handing you the fiscal note.  That’s not how we conduct business.”

It was evident that the Alderman Murphy’s message got through to the sponsors when Alderwoman Coggs supported Alderman Murphy’s motion saying that “I don’t want to see it tainted in any way, because of issues of transparency.”  In the end all of the sponsors, with the exception of Alderman Davis, agreed to let it be sent back to Finance & Personnel Committee to insure it was given a full and complete hearing.

In April 2008 Alderman D’Amato, as one of his last acts in office, brought forward a resolution that stated the City of Milwaukee’s position that the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee should locate its College of Engineering and Applied Science, as well as UWM’s other satellite campuses, within the City of Milwaukee. This resolution received unanimous support and was signed by Mayor Barrett, but this didn’t sway or slow the efforts of UWM to expand in Wauwatosa. Alderman Bauman and Alderman Kovac have continued this effort with a more aggressive resolution which will direct the Intergovernmental Relations Division to lobby the Board of Regents to locate the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and future student residence halls, within downtown Milwaukee.

At the most recent Judiciary & Legislation Committee there was a long discussion regarding this resolution that covered topics such as available space, the catalytic impact, transit, housing and the tax status of UWM. During this meeting Alderman Bohl was added as a sponsor and he spoke at length regarding the topic. He expressed to the committee that “I think UWM missed the ball on this one” and referred to this plan by UWM as “UW-W”. During this meeting it was also mention that Mayor Barrett is in strong support of UWM’s expansion within downtown Milwaukee and has in fact put a request for funds into President Obama’s proposed stimulus plan. Alderman Bauman explained that he felt UWM expanding in Wauwatosa was “basically forcing people to buy automobiles” and recognized the value of college students when he went on to say that “believe me we could use a 700 student dormitory sitting on Wisconsin Ave”. The only member of the Common Council to vote against the measure was Alderman Donovan apparently over some concerns about adding additional non-taxable land to the city. The measure was passed by the full Common Council.

Both, New Land Enterprises’ apartment proposal and Mandel Group’s UWM dormitory proposal were approved without any debate on the floor and both are expect to break ground after winter.

There was some debate concerning the purchase of Black Holocaust Museum’s building due to concerns as to whether or not the city was going to be operating the museum.  Common Council President Hines specifically stated that this was a “bricks and mortar” purchase.  Further discussion indicated the goal of the purchase was to allow the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee to control the property and utilize it in the redevelopment of Bronzeville.  After the intent of the outlay was made clear, the item was approved.

Another item of note concerned We Energies’ agreement to sell its water system assets to the City of Mequon.  The agreement required the City of Milwaukee’s consent to approve the contract because it is the water provider between the entities.  Alderman Bauman argued that “everybody else is benefiting from this transaction and our tax payers should see some sort of benefit as well.”  He added that at the very least the City of Milwaukee has a role to play in this deal and that because it has taken city time and resource a $15,000 fee should be applied to the deal.  Alderman Davis weighed in saying the potential of harming the City of Milwaukee’s relationship with We Energies over $15,000 “is not worth it.  This item was passed without the $15,000 fee.

The most notably items on the agenda were the Common Council’s actions regarding Mayor Barrett’s vetoes, the action taken regarding the sick leave legislation, and the movement towards the possible privatization of the Milwaukee Water Works.  Alderman Murphy took the opportunity to explain that in all likely-hood the Milwaukee will face a significant budget shortfall next year.  He pointed to the economic crisis, the state’s budget problems, and the expanding number of foreclosures in Milwaukee as the cause that will create this shortfall and will require more dramatic cuts.

Mayor Barrett’s budget had originally attempted to cut crews on all nine Milwaukee Fire Department ladder companies, but through committee action this had been reduced to only cutting crews on one ladder company.  Mayor Barrett had vetoed this amendment but the Common Council acted again by voting 13 to 1 to override this veto which retained five member crews on eight ladder companies.

The Common Council also sustained Mayor Barrett’s veto of Amendment 2B which called for an across the board 1% cut to operational budgets.  A substitute amendment was brought forward that proposed this same 1% operational cost cut but only to five city agencies.  Alderman Bohl expressed that this once again showed that departmental budgets can be cut deeper than department heads admit because otherwise this compromise wouldn’t of been offered by the Mayor.  This substitute was approved by the Common Council.

A similar back and forth took place between Alderman Bohl and Alderman Murphy regarding the budget process and the compromises that are been made occurred during the discussion of a substitute for Amendment 40.  The substitute, another compromise made with the Mayor, would replace four battalion chiefs with three fire captain incident safety officers.  Alderman Murphy argued that “the budget process, is a give and take process,” indicating that it should be expected to see partial reductions made in response to larger reduction requests.  The substitute was approved by the Common Council.

The Common Council also denied MMAC’s challenge to 9 to 5’s sick leave legislation.  Despite the denial the quick action taken by the Common Council will actually allowed for the MMAC to move this challenge forward into the court system.

The other item of note was the approval to study the privatization of the Milwaukee Water Works which if it were to occur would help fund an endowment to pay for other city services.  Comptroller Morics recently proposed this idea due to his belief that coming budgets will see significant shortfalls.  At a recent Steering & Rules Committee Meeting he referred to the proposal as our “last bullet,” indicating that he believed the city was out of options.  The Common Council made it clear they weren’t approving of privatizing just that this was something they had to investigate.  This item was approved by the Common Council.

Although only briefly discussed, the most controversial item approved today was the change in zoning for New Land Enterprises’ 26-story condominium tower to be built behind the historic Goll Mansion.

This project has been engulfed in controversy because residents of 1522 on the Lake believe the project will impact their views of Lake Michigan and some citizens have argued that there isn’t solid enough assurances that the Goll Mansion will be preserved.  There was some discussion on the issue regarding the legality of efforts that had been suggested to insure the preservation of the historic Goll Mansion.  Specifically Alderman Michael Murphy ask about the potential of forcing New Land Enterprises to put $1 million into an escrow account, but was informed of the city attorney’s opinion that this wasn’t legal or enforceable.  Although residents entered a petition in opposition of the project that required this resolution to be approved by a super majority of votes, it passed easily.  Alderman Nic Kovac, was the sole Alderman to vote against the change in zoning but made no comments on the floor explaining his vote or appealing for support.  This resolution was passed and now goes before Mayor Tom Barrett for approval.

Resolution 080196 proposed requiring taverns with three or more criminal incidents within a years time frame to install security cameras that cover both the interior and exterior of the establishment.  Alderman Bohl attempted to do his due diligence by asking a series of questions regarding enforcement, when it would go into effect, and the specific definition of a “criminal act”.  He also pointed out that he normally doesn’t like the idea of cameras and “big brother” infringing on our freedoms but that “this legislation is well crafted” and he would support it.  This resolution was approved and will now go before the Mayor.

Resolution 080632 generated a long debate over the re-authorization of a $500,000 grant for the Truancy Abatement and Burglary Suppression (”TABS”) program.  Alderman Bohl called this grant “marshmallow fluff” explaining that it had been funded for fifteen years and the truancy rate within Milwaukee Public Schools (”MPS”) has actually risen from 40% to 46%.  The grant currently funds four police officers who in total find nineteen truant students a day, which represent a mere .0025% of the absences within MPS.  Many council members agreed with the belief that this program wasn’t working and Alderman Witkowiak went so far as to say that we “possibly we should consider not funding this anymore”.  This resolution was sent back to the Finance & Personnel Committee.

Resolution 080539 proposed utilizing the funds from the sale of land for the development of Kilbourn Tower to fund loans for the low-income development and rehabilitation projects in Milwaukee.  There was a short debate spurred by Alderman Dudzik that considered sending this resolution back to the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development committee to potentially find a different use for the funds.  Alderman Wade stated that “to me its a blessing to even have these funds available” and reinforced the majority of the council’s belief that this file should move forward.  The motion to send back to committee was rejected and this resolution will now go before the Mayor.

This Common Council meeting was called to handle the Mayor’s proposed 2008 and 2009 snow and ice removal fee increases as well as a proposed increase to the solid waste fee for 2009.

Resolution, 080483, proposed an increase to the 2008 snow and ice removal fee to pay for cost overruns due to the record breaking snowfall Milwaukee experienced this past winter.  It was pointed out during this discussion that non-taxable entities will have to pay this fee so it shares the cost of the service to all entities that receive services.  As the funding was need to cover an existing budget gap the Common Council generally supported it and the fee increase was approved.

Resolution, 080485, proposed an additional increase, approximately $8 per household, to the 2009 snow and ice fee to cover an estimate rises in costs.  AldermanBauman pointed out that even with the increases “it really leaves out a major service enhancement” referring to the clearing of sidewalks and curb cuts to allow handicap and elderly residents the ability to cross the street safely.  This problem had been brought up by numerous residents at earlier Public Works Committee meetings and the failure of this fee increase to address this issue raised concerns for AldermanBauman.  This resolution was not approved by the Common Council.

Resolution, 080484, proposed an increase of approximately $37 per household to the 2009 solid waste fee.  This increase again raised debate on the council floor and concerns over the impact of these increases on citizens.  Additionally concerns over the perceived belief of citizens that city hall is always looking to grow were discussed and it was brought up that the City of Milwaukee has 2000 less employees than 20 years ago.  AldermanWitkowski said these cuts had hurt the City of Milwaukee’s ability to provide quality services and to insure quality infrastructure saying that it “has it shown up in service?  Has it shown up in infrastructure?  Yes”.  He went on to state that “the fact of the matter is we have been downsizing”.  This resolution was placed on file by the Common Council, stopping the fee increase for the time being but it may be revisited in the future.