Wauwatosa public meetings in 2024
36 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Police and Fire Commission
The Commission is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for police officer positions in a closed session. The body may return to open session to certify an eligibility list.
- Interviews of candidates for Police Officer positions (24-1709)
The commission held a special meeting to interview candidates for police officer positions in a closed session. Following the interviews, the commission returned to open session and voted to certify the eligibility list.
- Approved certification of the police officer eligibility list (unanimous)
Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals
The Board of Building and Fire Code Appeals will meet to review one new business item. The board is considering a request for a building code variance.
- Variance request for 2431 N 67th Street to allow a 31” wide stair width instead of the required 34” minimum
The Board approved a variance for Jacob Bondhus at 2431 N 67th Street to allow a 31-inch stair width instead of the required 34-inch minimum. Approval is contingent upon the homeowner interconnecting hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all floors and providing a 10 lb. ABC fire extinguisher in the basement.
- Approved stair width variance for 2431 N 67th Street (3-1)
Community Development Block Grant Committee
The Community Development Block Grant Committee will hear public comment on 2025 goals and funding priorities. The body will also consider funding recommendations for the 2025 CDBG program year.
- Public comment on 2025 Annual Plan goals and community funding priorities
- Funding recommendations for Planning & Administration
- Funding recommendations for Public Facilities, Economic Development, & Rehabilitation
- Funding recommendations for Public Service Programs
The Community Development Block Grant Committee approved funding recommendations across three categories for the 2025 program year. The committee also heard public comments from organizations requesting funding for services including elderly care, small business support, and family assistance.
- Approved Planning & Administration funding recommendations (4-0)
- Approved Public Facilities, Economic Development, & Rehabilitation funding recommendations (4-0)
- Approved Public Service Programs funding recommendations (4-0)
Community Development Authority
The Community Development Authority will review a policy for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program. The body will also discuss American Rescue Plan project spending and updates to the CDA's By-Laws.
- Review and approval of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program Policy
- Approval of Memorandum of Understanding to obligate remaining American Rescue Plan funds
- Review and approval of updates to the CDA’s By-Laws
The Community Development Authority approved a new incentive program to fund utility connection costs for Accessory Dwelling Units. The board also approved a plan to obligate approximately $1.4 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds for small businesses and housing. Additionally, the CDA approved updates to its By-Laws.
- Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program Policy (6-0)
- Approved obligation of $100,000 in ARPA funds for Small Business Support Program (6-0)
- Approved obligation of $1,190,000 in ARPA funds for Housing Rehabilitation Program (6-0)
- Approved obligation of $115,000 in ARPA funds for Affordable Housing Program (6-0)
- Approved updates to CDA By-Laws including a new statement of purpose (6-0)
- Approved October 24, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
Library Board Planning Committee
The Library Board Planning Committee will meet to elect a chairperson. The committee will also discuss extending the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and a draft of the 2025 Action Plan.
- Election of chairperson
- Extension of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan
- 2025 Action Plan draft
The Library Board Planning Committee elected Brian Began as chairperson. The committee also approved the extension of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and the draft of the 2025 Action Plan.
- Elected Brian Began as chairperson (4-0)
- Approved extension of 2020-2024 Strategic Plan (4-0)
- Approved 2025 Action Plan draft (4-0)
Tourism Commission
The Tourism Commission is meeting to discuss a sole source contract for the refurbishment of light poles. These poles are intended for use with the Thomas Dambo sculpture at Firefly Grove Park.
- Sole source contract with Sternberg Lighting for light pole refurbishment at Firefly Grove Park (24-1721)
The Tourism Commission approved a sole source contract with Sternberg Lighting. The contract is for refurbishing light poles to be used with the Thomas Dambo sculpture at Firefly Grove Park.
- Approved sole source contract with Sternberg Lighting for light pole refurbishment
Commission for Persons with Disabilities
The Commission will meet virtually to discuss several city updates and reports. The agenda focuses on status updates regarding special education, housing, and transportation.
- Update on Wauwatosa Special Education
- Housing update
- Update on Health Dept. Isolation project
- Update on transportation issues
- Update on Commission report to Governmental Affairs
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet to conduct the annual performance evaluation of the City Administrator. This item may be discussed in a closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. §19.85 (1)(c).
- Annual performance evaluation of the City Administrator (24-1677)
The Wauwatosa Committee of the Whole convened in closed session to conduct the annual performance evaluation of the City Administrator. The committee voted to award a 1.5% performance bonus and recommended approval of contract wage negotiations.
- Convened into closed session for City Administrator performance evaluation
- Awarded City Administrator a 1.5% performance bonus (12-0)
- Approved City Administrator contract wage negotiations (11-1, Morgan dissenting)
Community Affairs Committee
The Community Affairs Committee will receive a presentation on beneficial electrification and available tax credits for residents. The committee will also review annual reports from three city commissions.
- Sustainability Committee presentation on beneficial electrification and tax credits
- Senior Commission Annual Report
- Historic Preservation Commission Annual Report
- Board of Parks & Forestry Commissioners Annual Report
The committee held a meeting consisting of four informational presentations. No substantive decisions, votes, or actions were taken.
Community Development Block Grant Committee
The Community Development Block Grant Committee will hold a public hearing to gather citizen participation for the 2025 Community Needs Plan. The body will also review annual entitlement program updates and projects.
- Public hearing on 2025 Community Needs / Citizen Participation Plan (24-1558)
- Discussion of Annual Entitlement Program Updates and Projects (24-1559)
The committee held a public hearing and approved the 2025 Community Needs / Citizen Participation Plan. Members also received updates on the 2025 program year and the Consolidated Plan.
- Approved 2025 Community Needs / Citizen Participation Plan
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees will review financial reports and operating vouchers. The board is discussing a multi-year technology agreement with the Milwaukee County Federated Library System and a memorandum regarding ARPA funds for the Library Equity Collection.
- 2025-2028 Milwaukee County Federated Library System ILS, Resource Sharing, and Technology Agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding for use of ARPA funds for the Library Equity Collection
- Year-to-date financial reports
- Monthly operating vouchers ratification
The Library Board of Trustees approved a multi-year technology and resource sharing agreement with the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding to use ARPA funds for the Library Equity Collection.
- Approved October 16, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved monthly operating vouchers ratification (8-0)
- Approved 2025-2028 Milwaukee County Federated Library System ILS, Resource Sharing, and Technology Agreement (8-0)
- Approved Memorandum of Understanding for use of ARPA funds for the Library Equity Collection (8-0)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive a presentation from the City Attorney and City Clerk. The discussion covers public records, open meetings, meeting procedures, and ethics for Wauwatosa governmental body members.
- Presentation on Public Records, Open Meetings, Meeting Procedures and Ethics (24-1142)
The Wauwatosa Committee of the Whole met briefly on November 19, 2024. The sole item on the agenda, a presentation regarding public records, open meetings, meeting procedures, and ethics, was held.
- Held presentation on public records, open meetings, meeting procedures and ethics
Senior Commission
The Senior Commission will meet to review updates on the Wauwatosa Home Loan Repair Program and lead service lines. The body will also receive reports from the Health Department, Police Department, and other city coalitions.
- Update on Wauwatosa Home Loan Repair Program from Karl Schreiber
- Update regarding lead service lines from Carmen Pangilinan
- Eras Neighborhood Outreach report
- Senior Center/Senior Club report
- Health Department and Age-Friendly Tosa report
The commission approved the minutes from the October 21, 2024 meeting. Members received updates on the Home Loan Repair Program, lead service line testing, and the draft comprehensive housing plan.
- Approved October 21, 2024 Minutes
Police and Fire Commission
The Police and Fire Commission is gathering to provide an annual report to the Government Affairs Committee. This is an informal gathering and no formal action will be taken.
- Annual report to the Government Affairs Committee
Board of Sign Appeals
The Board of Sign Appeals will meet to review a request from Tosa PT & Wellness. The body is considering one variance regarding the total square footage of signs on the property.
- Variance request for total sign square footage at 9126 North Avenue (24-1514)
The Wauwatosa Board of Sign Appeals met on November 7, 2024, and approved a sign variance request for Tosa PT & Wellness regarding the total square footage of signs on the property at 9126 North Avenue.
- Approved sign variance for total square footage at 9126 North Avenue (Tosa PT & Wellness)
Board of Public Works
The Board of Public Works will meet to consider a request from WeEnergies for nighttime work hours. The board will also review the ratification of project partial payments for completed contract work.
- WeEnergies request for nighttime work (7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.) on W. Courtland Avenue between N. 117th Street and N. 118th Street from November 3 to November 7, 2024
- Ratification of project partial payments for completed contract work
The Board of Public Works approved a request for nighttime work hours for WeEnergies and ratified project partial payments. The nighttime work approval requires that letters be sent to neighbors.
- Approved WeEnergies nighttime work hours (7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.) on W. Courtland Avenue from Nov 3 to Nov 7, 2024, with requirement to notify neighbors (4-0)
- Approved ratification of project partial payments (4-0)
- Approved minutes from October 16, 2024 meeting (4-0)
Community Development Authority
The Community Development Authority will discuss the sale and development of a property on Menomonee River Parkway. The body will also receive an update on a purchase offer for 1600 N 113th Street and review a financial statement.
- Discussion of sale and development of 7746 Menomonee River Parkway
- Update on offer to purchase and development of 1600 N 113th Street
- Review of Financial Statement
The Community Development Authority approved re-listing a property for sale and redevelopment. The board also received updates on a failed development proposal at 1600 N 113th Street and a financial report.
- Approved re-listing 7746 Menomonee River Parkway for sale and redevelopment (5-0)
- Approved September 19, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
Civic Celebration Commission
The commission is meeting to discuss planning for July 4, 2025. The agenda includes reports from the Police Department and discussions regarding the parade and afternoon programming.
- Police Department report on July 4, 2025 plans
- Discussion of 2025 parade theme
- Discussion of fireworks or drone show for 2025
- Nomination and election of officers
The commission decided to replace the traditional fireworks display with a drone show budgeted at $30,000. The drone show and sponsored Tosa Tonight event are scheduled for July 2, 2025. The commission also voted to eliminate the parade theme for 2025.
- Approved switch from fireworks to drone show with $30,000 budget
- Scheduled drone show and Tosa Tonight for July 2, 2025 (rain date August 6)
- Approved elimination of 2025 parade theme
- Elected Melissa Dolan as Commission Secretary
- Approved July 25, 2024 meeting minutes
- Approved September 26, 2024 meeting minutes
Common Council
The Common Council is gathering for a Community Development Block Grant open house event. This is an informal gathering and no formal action will be taken.
- Community Development Block Grant open house
Police and Fire Commission
The Commission is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for police officer positions in a closed session. The body may return to open session to certify an eligibility list.
- Interviews of candidates for Police Officer positions (24-1409)
The Wauwatosa Police and Fire Commission convened in closed session to interview six police officer candidates. Upon returning to open session, the commission unanimously approved and certified the eligibility list.
- Convened into closed session to interview six police officer candidates (unanimous)
- Returned to open session and unanimously approved the police officer eligibility list
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss administrative reports and new business. The board is scheduled to review the 2025 library calendar and the 2025 library fee schedule.
- 2025 Library fee schedule
- 2025 Library calendar
- Year-to-date financial reports
- Monthly operating vouchers ratification
- Discussion on public records law
The Library Board of Trustees approved the 2025 library calendar and the 2025 library fee schedule. The board also ratified monthly operating vouchers and approved the September 18, 2024, meeting minutes.
- Approved September 18, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved monthly operating vouchers ratification (7-0)
- Approved 2025 Library calendar (7-0)
- Approved 2025 Library fee schedule (7-0)
Equity and Inclusion Commission
The commission will meet to review a community dialogue report from WSD and discuss connections for an older adult focus group. The body will also receive updates from the Common Council.
- WSD community dialogue report and discussion
- Older adult focus group connections
- Common Council updates
Senior Commission
The Senior Commission is gathering for a community dialogue. This is an informal gathering and no formal action will be taken.
- Community dialogue at Wauwatosa City Hall Lower Civic Center
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss the 2025 Operating Budget. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.
- Overview of the 2025 Operating Budget (24-1367)
The Committee of the Whole met for an informational presentation regarding the 2025 Operating Budget. No substantive decisions were made during the meeting.
Common Council
The Common Council is holding a special meeting to consider one item from the Community Affairs Committee. The body will discuss an ordinance to amend the municipal code regarding floodplain zoning.
- Ordinance 24-1364: amending Sec. 24.13.010 of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code regarding Floodplain Zoning
The Common Council met for a special meeting and adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding floodplain zoning.
- Adopted ordinance amending Sec. 24.13.010 regarding Floodplain Zoning (14-0)
Police and Fire Commission
The Commission is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for police officer positions in a closed session. The body will return to open session to certify the eligibility list.
- Interviews of candidates for Police Officer positions (Item 24-1330)
The commission held a special meeting to interview candidates for police officer positions in closed session. Following the interviews, the commission returned to open session and voted to certify the eligibility list.
- Approved certification of the police officer eligibility list (unanimous)
Common Council
The Common Council approved the sale of up to $17.44 million in General Obligation Promissory Notes. The council also approved several road repaving agreements, various land use permits, and early capital purchases for fire and fleet services.
- Authorized sale of up to $17,440,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes (14-0)
- Approved Mayfair Road and Blue Mound Road repaving agreements (14-0)
- Approved 2024 Budget Re-estimates (13-1)
- Approved Conditional Use Permits for 6933 W. North Ave, 7433 Blanchard St, and 1215 Dewey Ave (14-0)
- Approved installation of stop signs at Garfield Ave/118th St and Clarke St/117th St (14-0)
- Adopted parking prohibition on west side of 84th Street from Noon to 9:00 p.m. (14-0)
- Approved early purchase of SCBA, fire fleet, and general fleet vehicles for 2025 (14-0)
- Approved 10 mayoral appointments to city commissions and committees (14-0)
Community Development Authority
The Community Development Authority will discuss a purchase offer from Luther Group Acquisition, LLC. The body will also consider grant applications and elect officers.
- Offer to purchase 1600 N 113th Street from Luther Group Acquisition, LLC
- Update on 2025 Community Development Block Grant application
- Staff authorization to apply for a WEDC Small Business Development Grant
- Election of officers
The Community Development Authority elected Joel Tilleson as its new chair following Mark Hammond's resignation. The authority also authorized staff to apply for up to $250,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to support small business forgivable loan programs. Additionally, the authority reviewed an informational update on a $450,000 federal grant request for affordable housing and convened in closed session to discuss a purchase offer for 1600 N. 113th Street.
- Elected Joel Tilleson as CDA Chair
- Approved staff to investigate and apply for a WEDC Small Business Development Grant up to $250,000
- Voted to enter closed session to discuss purchase offer for 1600 N 113th St from Luther Group Acquisition, LLC
- Approved June 20, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved July 18, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees will review financial reports and a capital campaign feasibility study. The board is scheduled to discuss the 2025 library budget request, 2025 operating hours, and the MCFLS member agreement.
- WPL Foundation Capital Campaign Feasibility Study presentation
- 2025 Library budget request
- 2025 Library hours
- MCFLS member agreement discussion
- Monthly operating vouchers ratification
The Library Board of Trustees approved the meeting minutes from July 17, 2024, ratified monthly operating vouchers, and approved the 2025 library hours. The board also approved the 2025 library budget request as it came out of Executive Review. In addition, the meeting included administrative reports, a foundation capital campaign feasibility study presentation, and a discussion on the MCFLS member agreement.
- Approved July 17, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Ratified monthly operating vouchers (7-0)
- Approved 2025 Library hours (7-0)
- Approved 2025 Library budget request from Executive Review (7-0)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will meet to receive a presentation on the 2024 Community Survey results. The presentation will be delivered by Jason Morado of the ETC Institute.
- Presentation of 2024 Community Survey results (24-1231)
The committee received a presentation on the 2024 Community Survey results from Jason Morado of the ETC Institute. No substantive decisions were made during the meeting.
Board of Public Debt Commissioners
The Board of Public Debt Commissioners will meet to review a recommendation for 2024 debt issuance. The board will also receive a report from the Finance Director regarding the Amortization Fund Reserve Balance as of December 31, 2023.
- Recommendation for approval of 2024 debt issuance (24-1292)
- Finance Director report on Amortization Fund Reserve Balance as of December 31, 2023 (24-1297)
Common Council
The Common Council is gathering for a retirement party. This is an informal gathering and no formal action will be taken.
Community Development Authority
The Community Development Authority is gathering for a retirement party. This is not a formal meeting and no formal action will be taken.
Equity and Inclusion Commission
The Equity and Inclusion Commission will meet to discuss housing rehabilitation and future planning for 2024. The body will also receive updates from the Common Council.
- Discussion with Karl Schreiber, CDBG Development Manager on equitable housing rehab
- 2024 future planning
- Common Council updates
Board of Sign Appeals
The Board of Sign Appeals will meet to consider a variance request for a business at 1425 Discovery Parkway. The applicant is seeking to install a banner larger than current city code allows.
- Variance request for ABB at 1425 Discovery Parkway to allow a 100 square foot banner instead of the allowed 32 square feet
The Board of Sign Appeals met to review one variance request. The board approved a request from ABB to install a banner larger than the standard allowed area.
- Approved variance for 100 square foot banner at 1425 Discovery Parkway (Approved)
Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission will review cladding options for Echelon Development and discuss a proposed President Kennedy memorial. The body will also consider revised bylaws and a signage update for Schoonmaker Reef.
- Design review for Echelon Development façade cladding options (24-1193)
- Discussion regarding a President Kennedy memorial in the Lower Civic Center (24-1189)
- Review and approval of revised bylaws (24-1188)
- Schoonmaker Reef signage update (24-1187)
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a specific shingle application for façade repairs at an Echelon Development site. The commission also approved revised bylaws and discussed the installation of a memorial plaque for President Kennedy.
- Approved Option 1 asphalt shingles in a vertical application for Echelon Development façade changes (6-0)
- Approved revised bylaws
- Approved meeting minutes (5-0-1)