West Allis meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

West Allis roundup: Artscape group weighs $35,000 tourism sign purchase; council, fire commission hold informational sessions

In the past two weeks, West Allis government meetings were largely procedural or informational, with no formal decisions recorded. The only substantive item on any agenda was a proposed $35,000 purchase for tourism signage before the Artscape Leadership Group. Minutes for all three meetings have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Artscape Leadership Group

The Artscape Leadership Group met Aug. 4 to discuss the 2026-2027 budget and projects. The agenda included a resolution to approve the purchase of Stallis Tourism Letters at a cost not to exceed $35,000. This item was under consideration; no vote or decision has been reported.

Common Council

The Common Council held an informal Q3 Neighborhood Partnership Meeting on July 29 at City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., starting at 6:00 PM. The agenda contained only procedural boilerplate and non-discrimination statements. No formal action was taken, and the meeting was described as an informal gathering.

Milwaukee Metro Joint Fire Commission

The Milwaukee Metro Joint Fire Commission held a special working session July 28 at Wauwatosa City Hall. The session was limited to committee members and invited participants, with no public action or decisions scheduled. Public comment required prior scheduling with the chair.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should check the city's official meeting calendar for future agendas.

Plan Commission recommends S. 65th St. rezoning; Common Council weighs $22.9M grant

The West Allis Plan Commission recommended Common Council approval of rezoning and 2045 Comprehensive Plan map amendments for properties along S. 65th St. to allow for redevelopment, according to official minutes from the commission's July 22 meeting.

Plan Commission actions (July 22 — decided)

The Plan Commission took the following actions, per official minutes:

• Recommended Common Council approval of rezoning and 2045 Comprehensive Plan map amendments for S. 65th St. properties.
• Approved Site, Landscaping, and Architectural Design Review for Elliott Ace Hardware at 11003 W. Oklahoma Ave., with conditions.
• Approved Site, Landscaping, and Architectural Design Review for Natty Oaks at 11505 W. National Ave., with conditions.
• Approved a signage plan appeal for Spirit Halloween at 6731 W. Greenfield Ave.
• Approved the June 24, 2026 draft minutes.

The rezoning recommendation now moves to the Common Council for final action.

Common Council considers $22.9 million grant, infrastructure contracts (July 21 — agenda only)

The Common Council's July 21 meeting agenda lists several items for consideration. Minutes have not yet been published, so these items were not confirmed as decided:

• Acceptance of a Wisconsin Department of Revenue innovation grant for up to $22,970,965.
• Water main relay bid for S. 122nd St. from W. Washington St. to W. Schlinger Ave. for $422,840.50.
• Design and construction staking for W. Burnham St. reconstruction, not to exceed $260,000.
• Issuance of General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, not to exceed $10,555,000.
• Ordinance to create a new city park at 6426 W. Greenfield Ave.

The agenda also included review of multiple property damage and assessment claims.

Other meetings (agendas only — minutes not yet published)

Resident Advisory Board (July 20): Scheduled to review the 2027 Annual PHA Plan, the HUD-50075-ST document, and Administrative Plan updates with PHA policy changes effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Library Board (July 22): Agenda included approving June 24, 2026 minutes, a vote to hold a closed session on the Library Director's performance evaluation under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c), a recommendation to revoke a patron's privileges, a request to post signs stating library grounds are closed nightly from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and a proposal to reorganize Librarian and Circulation Services Representative positions.

Southwest Suburban Health Department (July 23): Scheduled to review the 2027 Health Department Budget, Board of Health Bylaws, a Facility No Trespass Policy, and receive updates on the Senior Center and legislative matters.

Milwaukee Metro Joint Fire Commission (July 28): Held a special working session at Wauwatosa City Hall. No public action or decisions were scheduled; public comment required prior scheduling with the chair.

Common Council (July 29): Held an informal Q3 Neighborhood Partnership Meeting at City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave. No formal action was taken.

Coming up

Artscape Leadership Group — Aug. 4: The group will consider a resolution to approve a purchase for Stallis Tourism Letters not to exceed $35,000, and will discuss 2026-2027 projects and budget.

West Allis Police and Fire Commission hires new firefighters; Common Council to weigh $22.9M grant next week

The West Allis Police and Fire Commission unanimously approved hiring new firefighters from a newly established eligibility list this month, while the Common Council is set to consider accepting a $22.9 million state innovation grant at its July 21 meeting.

Firefighter hiring approved

The Police and Fire Commission met July 6 and July 7 to interview five firefighter candidates in closed session. On July 7, the commission approved three motions, all passing 4-0: establishing a fire department eligibility list, hiring from that list, and approving a step-increase for lateral firefighter candidates. The commission had authorized the closed-session interviews at its July 6 meeting, which adjourned at 7:14 p.m. after reconvening in open session.

Police equipment purchases on July 16 agenda

The Police and Fire Commission's July 16 meeting agenda includes purchase approval requests for audiovisual upgrades to the department training room, reconnaissance e-bikes, and rifle plates for SWAT. The agenda also lists the introduction of a new commissioner, fire and rescue and Mobile Integrated Health/EMS reports, and a discussion on initiating recruitment for new police officer positions. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

CDA reviewed SoNa Lofts II and TIF district updates

The Community Development Authority met July 14 to review a partial release of the Makers Row Purchase and Sale, Development, and Development Finance Agreements for the SoNa Lofts II development. The agenda also included a contract amendment with SB Friedman for financial consulting of up to $25,000, an audit report for Beloit Road Senior Apartments from Baker Tilly US, LLP, and a report on redevelopment initiatives across TIF Districts 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. A discussion on the 102nd and National Avenue corridor and the former Motor Castings redevelopment area was also scheduled. Minutes are not yet available.

Beautification Awards judging set

The Public Beautification Committee met July 14 at City Hall before visiting eligible properties to judge for the 2026 Beautification Awards (item 26-03231). No other substantive business was listed on the agenda.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Resident Advisory Board:** Review of the 2027 Annual PHA Plan, the HUD-50075-ST document, and Administrative Plan updates with policy changes effective Jan. 1, 2027.

• **July 21 — Common Council:** The council will consider accepting a Wisconsin Department of Revenue innovation grant for up to $22,970,965. Other items include a water main relay bid for S. 122nd St. from W. Washington St. to W. Schlinger Ave. for $422,840.50; design and construction staking for W. Burnham St. reconstruction not to exceed $260,000; issuance of General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, not to exceed $10,555,000; and an ordinance to create a new city park at 6426 W. Greenfield Ave.

• **July 22 — Plan Commission:** The commission will consider an ordinance amending the Section 19.01 zoning map and the 2045 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map for properties along S. 65th Street (26-03402). Design reviews are scheduled for Elliott Ace Hardware at 11003 W. Oklahoma Ave. (26-03413) and Natty Oaks restaurant at 11505 W. National Ave. (26-03424), plus a sign appeal for Spirit Halloween at 6731 W. Greenfield Ave. (26-03435).

• **July 22 — Library Board:** The board will vote on holding a closed session for the Library Director's performance evaluation, consider revoking a patron's privileges, discuss posting signs closing library grounds nightly from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and consider reorganizing Librarian and Circulation Services Representative positions.

• **July 29 — Common Council:** An informal Q3 Neighborhood Partnership Meeting at City Hall, 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., at 6:00 p.m. No formal action is scheduled.

West Allis roundup: Firefighter hiring, dangerous dog appeals on hold for minutes; CDA set to weigh SoNa Lofts II

Three West Allis boards met in the first week of July, but residents will have to wait for official minutes to learn what was decided. All three recent meetings have agendas published but no minutes yet, so outcomes — including firefighter hiring and two dangerous-dog appeals — remain unconfirmed. The most consequential action on the horizon is a July 14 Community Development Authority meeting covering development agreements, a consulting contract, and updates across eight TIF districts.

Administrative Appeals Review Board — July 2

The board was scheduled to hear two appeals of dangerous dog orders. The first involved a dog named Bodie at 2160 S. 107th St. The second involved a dog named Arlo at 1654 S. 82nd St. The agenda also listed a discussion of Administrative Appeals Review Board procedures. The board may have entered closed session to deliberate on the appeals before reconvening in public. Minutes have not been published, so the outcomes of both appeals are not yet known.

Police and Fire Commission — July 6 and July 7

The commission held two meetings focused on firefighter hiring. On July 6, the agenda listed a closed session to interview candidates for a West Allis Fire Department firefighter position. No public hearings, contracts, or policy votes were scheduled.

On July 7, the commission was scheduled to interview firefighter candidates again and act on several related items: a request to establish a fire department eligibility list, a request to hire from that list, and a request for a hiring step increase for lateral firefighter candidates. The meeting was set for the West Allis Fire Department. Minutes for both meetings have not been published, so it is not confirmed whether candidates were hired or whether the eligibility list was approved.

Coming up

Community Development Authority — July 14: This meeting carries the most weight for residents interested in development and city spending. The CDA will consider a partial release of the Makers Row Purchase and Sale, Development, and Development Finance Agreements for the SoNa Lofts II project. The board will also review an amendment to a professional services contract with SB Friedman for up to $25,000, an audit report for Beloit Road Senior Apartments, LLC from Baker Tilly US, LLP, and a discussion on the 102nd and National Avenue corridor and the former Motor Castings redevelopment area. A report on redevelopment initiatives across TIF Districts 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 is also on the agenda.

Public Beautification Committee — July 14: The committee will meet briefly at City Hall, then visit eligible properties to judge for the 2026 Beautification Awards (item 26-03231). No other substantive business is scheduled.

West Allis roundup: Plan Commission approves self-storage facility, church permits, and EV charging station

Plan Commission approves three projects unanimously

The Plan Commission approved four items on June 24, all by unanimous motion. The largest was a site, landscaping, and architectural design review for a light industrial self-storage facility called Storage Five West Allis, located at 7840 W. Hicks St.

The commission also approved a conditional use permit for Living Hope Lutheran Church at 1337 S. 100 St., along with a separate site and architectural design review for the same church. A site, landscaping, and architectural design review for a Kwik Trip EV charging station at 10923 W. Lapham St. rounded out the approvals. Project tracking updates were also discussed.

Board of Appeals grants ADA ramp variance

On June 23, the Board of Appeals voted 3-0 to approve an area variance for an enclosed ADA ramp at 1337 S. 100 St., despite staff recommending denial. The variance allows the ramp to encroach 11 feet into the required 20-foot front setback. The board found the location does not affect abutting properties and provides reasonable ADA accommodations. The board also approved draft minutes from April 23, 2026.

Commission on Aging hears senior housing report

The Commission on Aging met June 22 to hear Commissioner Wikenhauser's report on senior housing options. The agenda also included an introduction to Terry Lezala, the new Community Health Specialist, and a brand rollout update. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published.

Library Board holds two sessions

The Library Board had two meetings scheduled June 24. One focused on a performance evaluation of the Library Director, with additional items on Wisconsin Trustee Training Week correspondence and a Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) update. The other meeting was set to review a director's recommendation to revoke borrowing privileges for a specific patron, with public communications expected from residents Gene Anderson and Alvin Young. Minutes have not yet been published for either session.

Dangerous dog appeals under review

The Administrative Appeals Review Board met July 2 to hear two appeals against dangerous dog orders: one for a dog named Bodie at 2160 S. 107th St. and another for Arlo at 1654 S. 82nd St. The board may have entered closed session to deliberate before reconvening in public. The agenda also included discussion of board procedures. Minutes are not yet available.

Coming up

Police and Fire Commission — July 6: A special closed session is scheduled to interview candidates for a West Allis Fire Department firefighter position. No public hearings, contracts, or policy votes are on the agenda.

West Allis approves self-storage facility, church permits; ADA ramp variance granted

West Allis planning officials approved a new self-storage business, a church relocation and an electric vehicle charging station during a single meeting last week. A separate board also granted a variance for an accessibility ramp at a residence, overriding a staff recommendation.

Plan Commission approvals

Meeting June 24, the Plan Commission gave the go-ahead to three projects. All motions carried without a recorded split vote.

• **Storage Five West Allis** at 7840 W. Hicks St. received site, landscaping and architectural design review for a light industrial self-storage facility.
• **Living Hope Lutheran Church** obtained a conditional use permit and site/architectural design review to operate at 1337 S. 100 St.
• **Kwik Trip EV charging station** at 10923 W. Lapham St. was approved for site, landscaping and architectural design review.

The commission also discussed project tracking updates.

Board of Appeals: ADA ramp variance

On June 23, the Board of Appeals voted 3-0 to approve an area variance for an enclosed ADA ramp at 1337 S. 100 St. The variance permits the ramp to extend 11 feet into the required 20-foot front setback. Board findings stated the encroachment does not affect abutting properties and provides reasonable accessibility accommodations. Staff had recommended denial.

Other board discussions

Several other city bodies met but did not take final votes, or minutes were not yet available.

• **Commission on Aging** (June 22): Commissioners heard a report on senior housing options from Commissioner Wikenhauser, met new community health specialist Terry Lezala, and received a brand rollout update.
• **Library Board** (June 24): The board held a closed session to evaluate the library director’s performance. A separate agenda item called for a vote on revoking borrowing privileges for a specific patron. No outcomes from either matter were available as of press time. The board also heard public communications from residents Gene Anderson and Alvin Young.
• **Administrative Appeals Review Board** (July 2): The board convened to hear appeals of dangerous dog orders for two animals — Bodie at 2160 S. 107th St. and Arlo at 1654 S. 82nd St. — and was authorized to enter closed session for deliberations. Minutes were not yet published.

Coming up

The Police and Fire Commission will meet July 6 in closed session to interview candidates for a firefighter position with the West Allis Fire Department. No public votes or hearings are scheduled.