Department of Neighborhood Services

Rocky Road

Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.

Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy

What Would Alderman Donovan Do?

The 2010 City of Milwaukee budget faces a series of hurdles. There is the $50 million pension fund contribution, brought on because of the stock market crash. There is also the $33 million decline in property tax levy due to declining home values.

Oct 7th, 2009 by Dave Reid

Common Council Approves New Berlin Water Deal

This meeting included three highly debated resolutions, the “Wheel Tax”, the 9to5 direct legislation regarding sick pay, the water sale to New Berlin and the retirement of one of the most highly respected government officials. Marty Collins the outgoing Commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood Services gave a heartfelt farewell speech stating “I’m proud to be a public servant”. Then he left with some suggestions and encouraged the Common Council and city staff to promote creativity to find solutions.When the resolution known as the “Wheel Tax” came up for discussion Alderman Jim Witkowiak offered an amendment that would cap the fee at $20 for the duration of the current Common Council. Although Alderman Michael Murphy explained that this amendment wasn’t meaningful because it could simply be overridden with a resolution in the future. Another amendment was offered by Alderman Joe Dudzik that would allow a portion of the vehicle registration fee to support street maintenance. Again it was suggested that this amendment had little value because it will be up to the budgetary process to determine that actual spending. Both of these amendments and the overall resolution passed with a veto proof majority and will no go to the Mayor for action.Another hot button resolution was the piece of direct legislation brought forward by the group 9to5, National Association of Women by obtaining 42,000 signatures in sixty days. The intention of the resolution is to force employers within the City of Milwaukee to give all employees paid sick time. Alderman Bob Donovan spoke out against the resolution saying that “this resolution may end up hurting the very same people it is intended to help”. Alderman Jim Bohl also expressed his concerns that this would resolution hurt business and that “if jobs leave this community there are no benefits to be had”. The Common Council had two options regarding this resolution, either adopt it immediately without changes or let it go to binding referendum. The Common Council voted to let it go to referendum.The most hotly debated issue of the day was the proposed water sale and the associated intergovernmental agreement with New Berlin. Alderman Robert Bauman initially questioned the legality of the water sale saying that his concerns were “beyond the question of policy” because this transaction was outside the bounds of what the Common Council had approved in December of 2007. He questioned if the sale was proper because the original authorization to negotiate was in reference to an area of New Berlin within the current Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (“MMSD”) service area while this transaction included a portion of New Berlin that is planned to be in the MMSD service area sometime in the future. Alderman Murphy agreed that “the department made a mistake without a doubt” but that the City of Milwaukee needs to move forward with this transaction or New Berlin may find another solution.The intergovernmental agreement with New Berlin included a non-compete clause and a $1.5 million payment to the City of Milwaukee. The non-compete […]

Jul 31st, 2008 by Dave Reid

Milwaukee.Gov E-Notification – City Cleanup

I’m happy to see the city planning to take action before this becomes an issue that drags on. Please read the message below to learn of Milwaukee’s cleanup plan as we enter the spring season, and learn how you can be a good citizen by keeping Milwaukee clean. The 2007-08 Winter has not had periodic melts which would normally allow residents to clean their yards throughout the winter. Litter and pet wastes have accumulated and been covered by snow. The upcoming thaw will reveal these items. Besides being unsightly, adverse health conditions can occur if litter and pet wastes are not removed. Beginning on Monday, March 17th, the City of Milwaukee will engage in an aggressive campaign to inspect and clean properties. The City cannot do this alone. All City residents are asked to clean their yards and remove litter and pet waste. Bag the litter and debris and place it in the garbage cart. If the amount of items does not fit in the collection cart, please take them to the self-help stations located at either 6660 N. Industrial Rd. or 3811 W. Lincoln Ave. Current hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 7:00am-3:00pm. Spring and summer hours will begin April 6th: Monday-Saturday 7:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Inspectors from the Department of Neighborhood Services will be out in neighborhoods soon and will issue orders for garbage nuisances. Please be part of the solution to this year’s litter issue: clean up your yard. Property owners are ultimately responsible for the yards of the properties they own. Please save yourself the expense of requiring the City to have your yard cleaned. If it is in your yard, it is your responsibility no matter who left it there. Consider organizing a neighborhood or block clean-up. Contact Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful at 272-5462 for more information, supplies and reward cards. This would be a great opportunity to assist elderly or infirm neighbors who have difficulty cleaning their own yards. Thank you for helping clean up Milwaukee. Enjoy Spring!

Mar 18th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene

Plenty of Horne