Common Council Meeting — Minutes

Minutes are not official until formally approved by the Common Council at the next scheduled meeting. Page 1 of 5 CC: 7-21-2026 MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE GREENFIELD CITY HALL ON TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026 A. Call to Order & Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Mayor Neitzke at 7:00 PM. Present: Alderpersons Andrew Drzewiecki, Bruce Bailey, Karl Kastner, Pamela Akers, Shirley Saryan Also present: Jeff Katz, Director, Neighborhood Services; Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk B. Opening Prayer An opening prayer was given by Pastor Tim Vik. C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Approval of the June 16, 2026 Common Council minutes Motion by Alderperson Bailey, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to approve. Motion carried unanimously. E. Mayor’s Report Mayor Neitzke noted that over the past weekend, there was a medical emergency at the Turf. One of the long-time skateboarders had a massive heart attack. One of the informal “Turf Council” members, Len Benning, immediately started performing CPR, soon replaced by Alexandra Herring, a nursing student visiting from Illinois, while another skater, Alexander Polivka, performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 9- 1-1 was called, and Greenfield paramedics arrived. The situation appeared bleak. As of today, the efforts of the skaters, Melanie and Andy from our fire department, and others seem to have been successful. He is so proud of the community and our public servants. F. Aldermanic Reports Alderperson Bailey presented the Tree Commission report and spoke about the upcoming Nature and Forestry Fest at the Farmer's Market on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 50 trees will be given away. G. Announcements H. Citizen Commentary Mayor Neitzke introduced Keith Olson, 6284 W. Van Norman Avenue, who had been there earlier with a petition signed by his entire neighborhood regarding a home. He dropped off pictures, a petition, and property information. It's in Pam Akers's Aldermanic District and is being taken care of. Mayor Neitzke introduced Richard Bartz, 8700 W. Forest Home Avenue. He said that the city is a great place to live and said that he is extremely appreciative of the American Red Cross classes. On a business note, he has a petition. He handed it to Jeff Katz, Neighborhood Services Director, to give to Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk. Mr. Bartz continued that the petition was signed by the majority of his neighborhood. The petition is to the City of Greenfield, Wisconsin, and its governing board members for traffic control. He read the items listed on the petition: the concerned roads and the requested signs, which are by KinderCare on Forest Home Avenue. He cited and attached the municipal codes that pertained to each item in the packet. He measured the subdivision's roads and found that all but one were under code. He spoke about the Common Council’s authority to change the traffic map. He spoke about the service road and the Municipal Code. He stated his complaints about the KinderCare traffic and speeding. He's had to frequently jump into the culvert while walking his dog so he didn't get hit by a car. The next item was about the egress and other signs for KinderCare and read the code. He's tried talking to KinderCare and their patrons, gone to the police department with videos, and came to Common Council to discuss this same problem. The next step was the petition. Item 5 was about curb reconfiguration if the signs are not enough. Item 6 was to inform KinderCare about the traffic and speed changes and that they are enforced. If we don't do anything, nothing will change. If we don't enforce what we put in place, people will ignore it and someone will get hurt. Due to 84th South, there are a lot of dog walkers in their neighborhood, and he is concerned that they Minutes are not official until formally approved by the Common Council at the next scheduled meeting. Page 2 of 5 CC: 7-21-2026 will get hit by a car. Since he didn't have a speed gun, he used math to figure out how fast people were going from time and distance. People constantly drive 50 mph in a 25-mph zone. There are about sixty homes in the neighborhood and approximately 30 children that are in strollers or are school-age and waiting for the school bus. Mayor Neitzke said that they have the petition and the supporting documents. It will be given to staff, and the Board of Public Works and Alderperson Bailey confirmed. Mr. Bartz added that he understands that Greenfield has a lot of business, but it's been going on for a long time. Mayor Neitzke said that a commercial property shouldn't use the thoroughfares of a residential neighborhood to get access. Mr. Bartz discussed his concern about the hardscape on Forest Home Avenue along the frontage road by the new safety barrier. There is an enormous amount of unmaintained gravel that ends up being a weed bed. It's not his property, but he lives in front of it. There are sandbags that have been sitting for the last month. Mayor Neitzke said to contact Mr. Katz and the Department of Neighborhood Services, as they have contacts with the state. Mr. Bartz said that it's a safety concern due to the steep slope. I. Old Business 1. Appointments to various committees and commissions: a. Mayor appointments, confirmed by Council: i. Two members to the Civil Service Commission for terms to expire 5/1/27 (formerly David Podeszwa and Paul Leu) Place on the next agenda. ii. Three members to the Civil Service Commission for a term to expire 5/1/29 (currently Robert Sherwood, David Shore, Veronica Wallace-Kraemer) Place on the next agenda. iii. One member to the Fire & Police Commission for a term to expire 5/1/31 (currently Dennis Clark) Place on the next agenda. Mayor Neitzke said that a Public Library Board member relinquished their position, so there will be a new person appointed at next month's meeting. J. New Business 1. Claim received from American Family Insurance on behalf of their insured, Sheba Lopez. (Goergen) Referred to the City Attorney. 2. Claim received from Kelly Malzewski. (Goergen) Mrs. Goergen stated that this claim was withdrawn. It was not in Greenfield. 3. Claim received from Atty. Louis Edward Elder on behalf of Allen Paul Winston. (Goergen) Referred to the city's insurance company. 4. Discussion and possible adoption of a Resolution allowing settlement of the subrogation claim of Allstate North American Insurance Company and the deductible claim of Michael Rikkola regarding alleged damages relating to a motor vehicle accident on January 16, 2026. (Geary) Motion by Alderperson Kastner, seconded by Alderperson Bailey to adopt the resolution as presented. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 5. Adopt a resolution appointing additional election inspectors for 2026-2027. (Goergen) Motion by Alderperson Kastner, seconded by Alderperson Saryan to approve. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Minutes are not official until formally approved by the Common Council at the next scheduled meeting. Page 3 of 5 CC: 7-21-2026 6. Approve applications for 2026-2027 operator licenses (Goergen) Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Bailey to approve. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Approve applications for an Amusement License to expire July 31, 2027. (Goergen) Motion by Alderperson Kastner, seconded by Alderperson Bailey to approve. Motion carried unanimously. 8. Approve an application for a Temporary "Class B" Retailer's License (wine) received from Partners of Greenfield Parks & Recreation Inc, to sell wine at the Farm to Fork event on August 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at 5151 W. Layton Ave. Farm to fork community dinner on August 26, 2026, from 6:00-8:30 pm. Wine will be served in a 10x10 tent, separate from the beer, soda and food tents, with signs posted prohibiting underage unaccompanied individuals in the wine tent located at 5151 W. Layton Ave. (Goergen) Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Saryan to approve. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Approve an application for a Parade License, and a request to waive the license fee, received from the Greenfield High School (Student Senate) to conduct a parade on September 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. (Starts on 51st St. goes down Edgerton turn right onto S. 60th St. into the back parking lot of the Greenfield high school.) (Goergen) Motion by Alderperson Kastner, seconded by Alderperson Bailey to approve. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 10. Discussion and decision to approve an agreement with MCE for the fiber optic extension at the Turf Skatepark. (Lemmers) Motion by Alderperson Kastner, seconded by Alderperson Drzewiecki to approve. Under discussion, Mayor Neitzke and Alderperson Bailey discussed that this is being paid for from a fund that to repair and to extend the park. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 11. Approval of Milwaukee Market Match MOU between City of Greenfield and Feeding South East Wisconsin (VERIFY PROPER PARTY NAME). (Cancilla) Mayor Neitzke stated that this has been a part of the Farmer's Market for quite a while. There's a new agreement in place. It doesn't cost us anything. Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to approve. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Mayor Neitzke clarified that the paperwork says Feeding Southeast Wisconsin, and there's a group working with them. We are not sure what the legal name is in the MOU. The agreement is with whatever the proper entity is. 12. Discussion and decision to approve a resolution to release and extinguish an existing ingress / egress easement located on 4001 W Loomis Rd and 4047 W Loomis Rd. (Katz) Mayor Neitzke said that this went to the Board of Public Works and was confirmed. Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Bailey to approve. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 13. Discussion and decision regarding increased compensation for extraordinary workload due to recent IT emergency (Neitzke) Minutes are not official until formally approved by the Common Council at the next scheduled meeting. Page 4 of 5 CC: 7-21-2026 Motion by Alderperson Kastner, seconded by Alderperson Drzewiecki to approve the increased compensation for the director and assistant director of IT [which should be IT Manager and System Administrator]. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 14. Discussion and possible adoption of a resolution approving the purchase of parcel 620-9982-000 (4510 W. Loomis Road) and authorizing the execution of all steps necessary to effectuate the closing of the transaction. (Geary) Mayor Neitzke said that this relates to the troublesome property on Loomis Road next to Honey Creek. The environmental investigation of the property has been completed, which was Phase 1. There are asbestos and other things that need to be resolved. There is a demolition plan in place. This is a Stormwater Utility purchase. This is a critical property that allows us to properly maintain Honey Creek from approximately Loomis Road to Konkel Park. It would allow another drainage ditch behind Southpointe and the houses on 47th Street that have been difficult to maintain. It provides a connection from the park at 43rd Street and Edgerton Avenue along the creek to Loomis Road and extends to Konkel Park. Mr. Katz added that it gives us an opportunity to try to reduce the flooding that happens annually on 43rd Street and Edgerton Avenue over by the creek. Mayor Neitzke urged the Council to support it. Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Saryan to approve. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 15. Discussion and decision regarding approval and acceptance of the City of Greenfield 2025 Financial Statements and Supplementary Information and Baker Tilly Reporting and insights from the 2025 audit. (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Motion by Alderperson Saryan, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to approve. Under discussion, Mayor Neitzke said that he apologized for not going to that meeting. Alderperson Bailey said that it was very informative. Mayor Neitzke added that the audit showed that we run a really tight ship and don't have things that concern auditors. Alderperson Kastner stated that the mayor knows the budget inside and out. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 16. Discussion and decision to approve an EMS Agreement between Milwaukee County and the City of Greenfield. (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Motion by Alderperson Saryan, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to approve. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 17. Discussion and decision to close the Capital Improvements Fund Spring Mall Property project account (SPRMLL) and transfer the remaining balance of $121,986.23 to reserves (GENRES). (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Motion by Alderperson Saryan, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to approve agenda items J17-J21. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 18. Discussion and decision to close the Special Revenue ARPA Fund (Fund 150) and transfer the remaining balance of $123,017.09 to the General Fund. (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Approved under agenda item J17. 19. Approval of schedules of disbursements in the amount of $2,980,262.62 (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Approved under agenda item J17. 20. Approval of mileage reimbursements in the amount of $752.56 (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Approved under agenda item J17. 21. Accept Investments and reinvestments for May 2026 (F&HR 7/8/26 Ald. Saryan) Minutes are not official until formally approved by the Common Council at the next scheduled meeting. Page 5 of 5 CC: 7-21-2026 Approved under agenda item J17. 22. Common Council to go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85 (1)(b) & (f), considering licensure, social or personal history, or medical information, for purposes of issuing a 2026-2027 operator license to the following: a. Aurora Nuno Becerra Place on the next agenda. 23. Common Council to remain in closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) and (f) for purposes of personnel matters specific to current and former employees. (Foley) Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to go into closed session at 7:37 PM. On a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 24. Adjourn closed session and reconvene into open session. Motion by Alderperson Akers, seconded by Alderperson Kastner to adjourn closed session and reconvene into open session at 8:25 PM. Motion carried unanimously. 25. Decision re: 2026-2027 Operator's License for Aurora Nuno Becerra (Goergen) Place on the next agenda. K. Items for future agenda Alderperson Akers said that there may be a Legislative Committee meeting regarding e-bikes on the sidewalks. Mayor Neitzke said that the City of New Berlin is using signs regarding e-bikes. There are rules for different classes and speeds. They discussed that certain types of scooters and some smaller motorcycles are not allowed. We're getting a lot of complaints about the Powerline Trail about how fast people are going, and they are discussing speed limits. Mayor Neitzke said that they are assembling things together to go to the Legislative Committee. L. Adjourn Motion by Alderperson Drzewiecki, seconded by Alderperson Bailey to adjourn at 8:28 PM. Motion carried unanimously. Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk Minutes transcribed by Trina Kaminski, Administrative Assistant Distributed: 8/3/2026 COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENFIELD RESOLUTION NO. 5050 A RESOLUTION ALLOWING SETTLEMENT OF THE SUBROGATION CLAIM OF ALLSTATE NORTH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DEDUCTIBLE CLAIM OF MICHAEL RIKKOLA REGARDING ALLEGED DAMAGES RELATING TO A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON JANUARY 16, 2026 WHEREAS, Allstate Insurance Company submitted a claim on behalf of itself and its insured, Michael Rikkola, to the City of Greenfield by electronic mail on or about March 9, 2026; and, WHEREAS, the claimant s alleged that, on or about January 16, 2025, the claimants incurred damages in the amount of $ 1,135.47 (including a $500 deductible paid by Mr. Rikkola) due to a motor vehicle accident between a City snow plow and the parked vehicle owned by Mr. Rikkola; and, WHEREAS, the City’s Attorney’s Office has reviewed the facts and circumstances relating to the claim and recommends to the Common Council that, without admitting any negligence, the Common Council allow a settlement of the claim, as set forth below. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Greenfield, that the claims of Allstate Insurance Company, for $635.47, and of Michael Rikkola, for his $500 deductible, totaling $1,135.47, relating to alleged loss occurring on January 16, 2026, are hereby allowed in a settlement amount, for both, not to exceed $1,135.47. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Finance Director is hereby authorized and directed to pay the claim to the claimant upon receipt of a signed release of claims from the claimants. Approved: Michael J. Neitzke, Mayor Date Approved: _________________________ This is to certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Common Council of the City of Greenfield, Wisconsin, at a meeting held on the 21st day of July, 2026. Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 5051 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ADDITIONAL ELECTION INSPECTORS FOR 2026-2027 WHEREAS, Wis. Stats. 7.30(4)(a) requires the governing body to appoint election officials no later than the last regular meeting in December of each odd numbered year for the 2026-2027 election cycle; and WHEREAS, appointments were made, but in addition to the appointments already made, the Common Council desires to add Natalia Andrus, Roman Blenski, Susan Blenski, Linda Gunkel, Mary Marchese, Eugene Polaski, Susan Priebe, Bernadette Sebion; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Greenfield confirms the appointments of the following individuals and adds them to the list of Election Inspectors for the 2026-2027 election cycle: Natalia Andrus, 8850 W. Melody Ln., Greenfield, WI 53228 Roman Blenski, 4601 W. Holt Ave., Greenfield, WI 53219 Susan Blenski, 4601 W. Holt Ave., Greenfield, WI 53219 Linda Gunkel, 4484 S. 85th St., Greenfield, WI 53228 Mary Marchese, 3671 S. 56th St., Greenfield, WI 53220 Eugene Polaski, 4405 S. 63rd St., Greenfield, WI 53220 Susan Priebe, 3714 S. Bayberry Lane, Greenfield, WI 53228 Bernadette Sebion, 5308 Woodbridge Lane S, Greenfield, WI 53221-3234 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Greenfield on the 21st day of July, 2026. APPROVED: ATTEST: Michael J. Neitzke, Mayor Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 5052 A RESOLUTION RELEASING AND EXTINGUISHING AN INGRESS/EGRESS EASEMENT WHEREAS, a “20 ft. Ingress / Egress Easement ”, heretofore granted to the City of Greenfield on April 14, 2003 on Certified Survey Map No. 7221, Document No. 8499257, with said easement being located on 4001 West Loomis Road, Tax Key No. 600-9960-004 and 4047 West Loomis Road, Tax Key No. 600-9960-003, is no longer needed. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Greenfield that said 20 ft. Ingress/Egress Easement is hereby released and extinguished. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Greenfield on the 21 st day of July, 2026. APPROVED: Michael J. Neitzke, Mayor ATTEST: Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 5053 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF PARCEL 620-9982-000 (4510 W. LOOMIS ROAD) AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE CLOSING OF THE TRANSACTION The Common Council of the City of Greenfield, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, do resolve as follows: WHEREAS, on or about May 9, 2026, the City entered into an Offer to Purchase Agreement, as subsequently amended, with Conway Properties LLC (“Offer”), for the purchase of 4510 W. Loomis Road (Parcel No. 620-9982-000) (“the Property”) for $149,900; and, WHEREAS, the City desires to acquire the Property for the permissible public purposes of possible flood mitigation work and potential future pedestrian access to nearby Konkel Park; and, WHEREAS, the City has now completed its due diligence work and desires to close on the purchase of the Property. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Greenfield hereby authorizes and approves the purchase of the Property for the amount set forth in the Offer; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, the City Clerk, the City Attorney, the City Finance Director, and any/all other City officials are hereby authorized and directed to undertake such actions, to execute such documents, and to expend such sums for acquisition and customary closing costs, as are necessary to accomplish the closing of the Property’s acquisition, all in accordance with terms of the Offer and as soon as such closing can be arranged. Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Greenfield, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, this 21st day of July, 2026. CITY OF GREENFIELD By: Michael Neitzke, Mayor Attest: Jennifer Goergen, City Clerk