Terry Witkowski represented the city’s 13th District on the Milwaukee Common Council from 2003 through 2019.
Content referencing Terry Witkowski - Page 2
Streetcar Approved, but Held
Large majority votes to approve streetcar, but parliamentary maneuver puts issue on hold until February 10th meeting.
Jan 21st, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes
Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.
Jan 20th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Delays Streetcar Until January
Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.
Dec 16th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar
Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.
Dec 10th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Huge Turnout for East Library Opening
It was a truly an East Side event, and a crowd with tons of notables celebrated history in the making.
Nov 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort
With some creative use of grant money, the Greater Milwaukee Committee is helping neighborhoods update their image by ‘Urban Placemaking’
Sep 9th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Why Bob Donovan Can’t Beat Barrett
No alderman will back him. Why he’s so disliked -- and so certain to lose.
Aug 21st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Betting on the Common Council
Haven't got your fix with the Super Bowl? Gamble with friends on who will be the next council president.
Feb 2nd, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Barrett’s Birthday Party
The mayor's celebration is 11 days late. And Lakefront Brewery shatters its record for annual barrels manufactured.
Dec 22nd, 2013 by Michael Horne
Campaign Season Kicks Off
Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.
Dec 18th, 2013 by Michael Horne
East Library Groundbreaking
Photos capture groundbreaking for new mixed-use development combining East Library, retail and apartments. Take that, Bayshore.
Jul 30th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Every Politician in Town
Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power
Council appears to back radical change, Barrett seems lukewarm.
Jan 29th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why Voter Fraud Is So Rare
What the experts know that the scaremongers are deliberately ignoring.
Sep 6th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Under Fire
Has the Johnny Thomas situation poisoned relations between the county exec and county board?
Aug 29th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Potential Sydney HIH Savior Comes Forward with Proposal
Preliminary renderings of what a restored Sydney HIH complex surface.
Jul 2nd, 2012 by Dave Reid
Last Days for the Sydney Hih
Unless a savior comes along before July 6th, it truly will have been the last days for the Sydney Hih.
Jun 28th, 2012 by Dave Reid
Rocky Road
Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.
Jun 26th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Common Council Committee Appointments, Milwaukee County Attraction Pass, The Moderne Lands a Restaurant, and More
Eyes on Milwaukee this week focuses on the committee appointments by Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, Supervisor Haas' efforts for a Milwaukee County attraction pass, the restaurant coming to The Moderne, and more.
Apr 25th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Are Milwaukee’s Historic Preservation Laws Too Strong or Too Weak? Yes
Are Milwaukee's historic preservation laws too strong or too weak? Should the entire ordinance be re-written, or is just a revision in order? Alderman Witkowski's proposed overhaul to Milwaukee's historic preservation ordinance sparked these very questions.
Apr 3rd, 2012 by Dave Reid
Historic Preservation, Miller Park Sales Tax, The War on Bob Donovan, and More
Welcome to the sixth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week I take an initial look at Alderman Witkowski's attempt to redefine Milwaukee's historic preservation ordinance, the Miller Park sales tax's sunset, the ugly turn Juarez versus Donovan has taken, and more.
Mar 28th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
Public Safety Committee Approves New Milwaukee Bike Plan
The Bicycle Master Plan was presented to the Public Safety Committee at the September 16th, 2010 meeting.
Sep 17th, 2010 by Dave Reid
M.O.R.E. – Common Council March 25th, 2009 Meeting Notes
The M.O.R.E ordinance was the most widely debated action taken at this Common Council meeting.
Mar 26th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Contentious M.O.R.E Debate Continues
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 Michael 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 Ashanti Hamilton stated that “I think the public has been engaged and involved in the creation of this ordinance.” During the discussion Alderman Nik 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 Joe 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 Terry 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 Jim 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 […]
Mar 4th, 2009 by Dave Reid
M.O.R.E. Ordinance Approved by Committee
The Milwaukee Opportunities for Restoring Employment ordinance was the primary reason behind this special meeting of the Community & Economic Development Committee. The ordinance intends to increase the required percentage of City of Milwaukee residents hired to work on city projects and development projects receiving more than $1 million in TIF assistance. Additionally it mandated a prevailing wage to be paid for these projects and set a higher Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE ) utilization level as well. The proposed ordinance brought out a large group of both supporters and opponents. Alderman Ashanti Hamilton attempted to frame the discussion early on saying that “there are many people who may come to the table and say this is the wrong time to do something like this” and indicated that he felt the time was right to move on this ordinance. He added that “I submit to you that the price has already been too great”. Alderman Nik Kovac explained that “in the end this is not a philosophical question, it is a practical question” and lent his support saying that “I think we have a document that comes close to being a win win win”. An extensive list of developers and real estate professional spoke in opposition to the ordinance though primarily the development community opposed the ordinance because of the prevailing wage mandate. Richard Wanta, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association, spoke in opposition of the project saying that “the same city has chased us out of town for decades”. He went on to point out that there is currently only one major water and sewer contractor in the city, so once this passes that contractor is especially likely to get all of the available work in the area because of the new regulations. Dick Lincoln, Senior Vice President of the Mandel Group, started his remarks saying that “the camel is a horse that is designed by committee” indicating the ordinance wasn’t quite right but went on to say that “we’re almost there”. He explained that generally he felt the ordinance was a positive but that the prevailing wage requirement was problematic. He argued that it works against minority hiring, as smaller companies often compete on price, and that this would add substantially to the cost of the project. Barry Mandel, President of the Mandel Group, pointed to the PERC requirements in the Park East and tied them to the fact that development has been non-existent in the county owned portion of the Park East. He then pointed to The Brewery and The North End projects as two projects that have been moving forward because they utilizing non-prevailing wages. Greg Uhen, President of Eppstein Uhen Architects, spoke out against the proposed ordinance saying that “my concern is that it will reduce the number of opportunities that come to the city” and that he felt “this is another roadblock, another reason for them not to come”. The line of members in support of the ordinance were at least as lengthy […]
Mar 3rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
Small Changes Coming to Preservation Ordinance
One item of interest was a proposed change to how appeals of Historic Preservation Commission actions were to be handled. Alderman Bob Bauman explained that most issues related to actions by the Historic Preservation Commission are handled by the Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee or the Common Council. It was pointed out that during a typical situation the Historic Preservation Commission may deny a demolition permit and then the property owner could appeal to the Common Council whereas in the case of the Transera project the Administrative Review Board stepped in due to what Alderman Bauman characterized as a “a glitch in the HPC ordinance”. Alderman Terry Witkowski supported the measure and added “I’ve been on that board for five years and this is the first time anything from historic preservation came that way,” indicating that this change wouldn’t burden the Common Council with numerous appeals. In response to this legal quirk, Alderman Bauman considered passing legislation to dissolve the board but instead brought forward an amendment to the ordinance. The amendment directed future appeals to the Common Council and restricted who may appeal a decision by the Historic Preservation Commission. This ordinance change was approved and will now go before the full Common Council.
Feb 3rd, 2009 by Dave Reid
New Land Enterprises’ East Side Proposal Faces No Objections
The most notable item on the agenda was New Land Enterprises' proposal for Farwell Avenue and Kenilworth Place.
Nov 11th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Common Council Approves Snow and Ice Fee
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. Alderman Robert Bauman 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 Alderman Bauman. 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. Alderman Terry Witkowski 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.
Sep 15th, 2008 by Dave Reid
Common Council Votes Away Its Dark Shadow?
As few resolutions were returned to committee and only minimal discussions occurred on any individual resolution the highlight of this fairly mundane Common Council meeting was the passing of resolution 080042. This resolution brought forward by Alderman Terry Witkowski will cut off funding of an Alderperson’s transportation allowance if they have a month’s worth of unexcused absences at committee meetings. Alderman Witkowski pointed out that “recent events have cast a dark shadow on the council”, referring to former Alderman Michael McGee‘s legal issues, and clearly the intent of this bill was to rid the Common Council of this “dark shadow”. Unfortunately as Alderwoman Milele Coggs and other member’s attempted to point out this resolution will be more symbolic than effective as former Alderman McGee had been excused properly during his absence. This resolution passed the full Common Council on a narrow vote of 9 to 6.
Jul 2nd, 2008 by Dave Reid
How Did Peggy Know?
Over Cocktails in 2001, then-A.G. Candidate Peg Lautenschlager Said Rival would be Indicted
May 3rd, 2004 by Michael Horne
