June 2, 2026 - Common Council Meeting

Recapping the Recent Common Council Meeting: A Summary of Decisions and Discussions

• Approved resolution for alcohol licenses renewal applications for 2026-2027.
• Approved resolution for Amusement Devices, Amusement Device Operators, Arcade, and Junk Dealer license applications for the 2026-2027 license period.
• Approved a USDA planning grant for the senior center to evaluate the feasibility of the kitchen area for urban agriculture purposes.
• Approved Ordinance No. 26-07 amending section §18.16 of the South Milwaukee Municipal Code related to private sanitary sewer lateral ownership and abandonment. 

June 23, 2026 - Common Council Meeting

Recapping the Recent Common Council Meeting: A Summary of Decisions and Discussions

• Approved resolution declaring official intent to reimburse expenditures from proceeds of borrowing. The reimbursement resolution is to secure funding for 2027-2028 private side lead service line replacements. Though it is the Utilities' goal to have all known lead service lines replaced by the end of 2026, there will likely be properties that we discover to have a lead service line after the large-scale projects are completed. The vast majority of these lead service line identifications will be done while we are verifying all water service lines using a two-point verification method, which the utility is required to complete by 2037. 
• Approved a new truck for the street department through the equipment replacement program.
• Approved a purchase agreement for the sale of three garbage trucks between the City of South Milwaukee and Johns Disposal.
• Approved Class B Beer and Liquor license for Corner Stone Pub.
• Approved extensions of the license premises for Moran's Pub.
• Mayor Brett Briesemeister presented a proclamation declaring June as Economic Development Month.
• Chief Jessup presented the 2025 Police Annual Report.
• Public Health Administrator Jackie Ove presented the 2025 Health Annual Report and 2026-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan.
• Approved Bucyrus Civic Grants as recommended by the South Milwaukee Civic Grant Commission in the amount of $41,000.
• Approved an agreement with Tracy Cross and Associated to complete a city-wide comprehensive housing study.
•  Approved 2026 South Milwaukee Trick-or-Treat on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Every year thereafter, South Milwaukee Trick-or-Treat shall occur on the Saturday preceding Halloween from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. For years where Halloween falls on a Saturday, South Milwaukee Trick-or-Treat will be on Halloween from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 
• Schedule a committee of the whole for a training session for the Common Council.

• Common Council July 21 at 7:00 pm.

Visit our Agenda Center for the complete Common Council agendas.

Reminder: New Garbage and Recycling Service Begins June 29

The City of South Milwaukee's new garbage and recycling collection service with Johns Disposal begins June 29. As this transition takes place, residents are encouraged to review the updated service information to ensure a smooth changeover.

Key reminders include:

Collection days will remain the same, but carts should be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.

Recycling collection is now weekly, providing a more convenient service for residents.

Residential bulk item pickup is available up to 12 times per year (one pickup per month) and must be scheduled in advance through Johns Disposal.

Residential branch pickup will occur during the second week of July, September, and November. Branch piles must be at the curb by your regular collection day and may not exceed 12 cubic yards.

The City's Self-Deposit Station (SDS) remains open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for approved organic materials (leaves, grass clippings, sticks, etc.) and cardboard. There will be no fee for residents to drop these materials off.

Residents with questions regarding missed collections, damaged carts, extra carts, or bulk item scheduling should contact Johns Disposal at 262-473-4700. All garbage carts will be grandfathered in, and any additional carts for purchase will be handled and billed by Johns directly.

For questions about the Self-Deposit Station, contact the South Milwaukee Street Department at 414-768-8075.

Thank you for your cooperation as we implement these service improvements, which will help the City continue investing in street maintenance, tree care, and other essential public services.

City of South Milwaukee Awarded $1.58 Million Innovation Grant to Support Garbage Collection Service Transfer

South Milwaukee, Wis. (June 22, 2026): The City of South Milwaukee secured a $1,580,275 Wisconsin Innovation Grant to support the transition of municipal garbage collection services to a contracted service model. The grant was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue through the Innovation Grant Program, which encourages local governments to implement innovative, cost-effective approaches to service delivery. The City will receive up to five annual grant payments of $316,055 over the grant period.

The transition will enhance service for residents while allowing the City to redeploy Public Works personnel to other high-priority community needs. Under the new service model with Johns Disposal Service, Inc., residents will receive weekly recycling collection, doubling collection frequency from 26 to 52 pickups annually, and 12 residential bulk pickups per year, providing a convenient and predictable option for disposing of large household items. Residents will also be able to schedule bulk pickups directly with the service provider, creating a more streamlined customer experience.

"Thank you to DOR Secretary David Casey and his team for this significant investment in the future of South Milwaukee and for recognizing our commitment to delivering high-quality services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Mayor Brett Briesemeister. "Residents will benefit from enhanced recycling and bulk collection services, while the City gains additional capacity to maintain streets, support neighborhoods, and address other critical public works priorities."

The Innovation Grant recognizes the City's plan to improve operational efficiency by leveraging modern collection equipment, advanced routing technology, and the expertise of an established service provider. The transition will eliminate approximately 195 annual trips to disposal facilities and allow Public Works staff to focus on pothole repair, pavement marking and striping, road maintenance, snow removal, fall leaf collection, and the City's urban forestry program.

The grant application process was led and facilitated by Innovative Public Advisors (IPA), a public sector executive recruitment and strategy firm. For more information, please contact IPA Partner Jess Wildes at 262-339-5658 or jess@public-advisors.com.

Library Referendum Update

This past April, South Milwaukee voters approved a referendum for a $425,000 increase in the property tax levy that will increase the library’s operating budget starting in 2027. The tax impact will be an increase of approximately $60 annually, or $5 monthly, for a City home assessed at $225,000, starting with this December’s tax bill.

With this increase in funds, the South Milwaukee Public Library is able to hire new staff. With new staff, we will be able to increase our operating hours in the new year. While exact hours are not finalized, we plan to be open every morning, Monday through Saturday, at 9 am, and be open in the evenings until 7 pm, Monday through Thursday. This increase brings our library closer to the county median for open library hours and helps us serve more community members who may not have been able to visit us as often with our reduced hours.

We’ll also be able to better invest in our library collection. More funds for new books, movies, audiobooks, and other materials the community is interested in allows us to better serve our existing patrons and to attract new ones.

Thank you, and we hope that you’ll come visit us soon at your South Milwaukee Public Library!

Library Board President Dave Maass Statement- On behalf of the South Milwaukee Library Board, I want to address a question that many people are asking. The referendum to restore services at our library passed; why can’t we restore everything immediately? The answer lies in how municipal funding works. The new tax revenue will begin arriving in January 2027. Until those funds are in hand, we cannot legally commit to permanent positions or ongoing expenses. Between now and then, the Board and staff are planning for which positions we can fill first, which hours will serve the most people, and how to sustainably restock our collections.

The April referendum to restore Library hours, staffing, materials, and programs affirmed a decision first made in 1915. Those who came before us agreed both to receive money from Andrew Carnegie to build a library, and they committed to the ongoing costs of running a library. They committed to public access to the information and learning that is essential for a free and self-governing people. Our April vote renewed that commitment.

When January arrives, we will do everything that we can to thoughtfully implement those plans. The Board and staff are stewards of a community decision. To be charged with the task of implementing this decision is humbling. Public monies are a sacred trust. For this generation, we carry that trust to honor the sacrifices of those who came before and the sacrifices being made today to sustain the vision first formed in 1915.

Happy Independence Day

City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, due to the Independence Day holiday. Have a safe and Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Southeast Regional Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association Meeting in South Milwaukee!

The Southeast Regional Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association gathered on Thursday, June 18, at the Bucyrus Club in South Milwaukee for its regional meeting.

South Milwaukee Mayor Brett Briesemeister welcomed attendees and expressed his appreciation for the vital work performed by wastewater professionals throughout the region. He thanked everyone for visiting South Milwaukee and recognized the association's ongoing commitment to protecting public health, preserving water quality, and supporting the communities they serve.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the South Milwaukee Water/Wastewater Department, especially Ben Huffman and his team, for all the work they do in our community.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to another successful gathering of wastewater professionals committed to excellence in our industry.

South Milwaukee Fire Department Peanut Butter Drive!

June is our annual Peanut Butter Drive benefiting Human Concerns. Peanut butter is one of the most requested food pantry items because it is nutritious, shelf-stable, and provides an excellent source of protein for families in need.

If you are able, please consider donating a jar of peanut butter to the South Milwaukee Fire Department throughout the month of June. Every donation helps support local families right here in our community.

We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our residents. It is an honor to serve the City of South Milwaukee each and every day.

South Milwaukee Fire Department Summer Reminders

As we move through the summer, we encourage everyone to practice seasonal fire and water safety. Whether you're grilling, enjoying backyard fire pits, or spending time near the water, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent emergencies.

Election Updates

Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballots for the August 11, 2026 Partisan Primary were mailed to voters on June 25.

Become a Poll Worker

Elections run smoothly because of dedicated community members who step up to help. We're currently recruiting poll workers to assist voters and support the voting process on Election Day. Interested?

MyVote

• Have you moved and/or changed your name since the last time you voted? 
• Want to apply for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you?
• Want to see what is on the upcoming ballot?
• Need to find your polling location?
• Want to see all of the elections you voted in?

You can do this and more at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/.

Upcoming Important Date

Tuesday, July 14: Deadline to establish residency in order to vote at the Partisan Primary in the City of South Milwaukee. Electors moving after this date may vote from their prior address.