[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5977014,"mediaKeyId","5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8","parentId",5834020,"title","Fire chief reports staffing improvements, local recruits and joint academy participation","audioSeconds",184,"startMs",1512000,"endMs",1696000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8&start=1512&end=1696","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8/thumbnail_1512000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5977014/St-Francis/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Fire-chief-reports-staffing-improvements-local-recruits-and-joint-academy-participation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977014-a83449e703fcc072fc4286ccb7f7dee1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776225861&Signature=azjwv0cQXXdw5G6Ah-Y4VI8uyVipEanRpSFW3NUTllwoFgNYX~uJVX2Q2Z-Xo6~Jho8ZDnQ6ayldfLTLVJgemHzAiHCB~1LJcrn8vwNxCbEJlm9P02Z86IATRg~76B~gphsP1ctUrE4AdS1nXJrvTvW7q-UZ2yjVv47VWrLHCTGZeevGa9sECfhnAD~4KqvAtMEGD7g3Q8eixGqnyN~csCLkrt0GrF6-5I~nnqRmNk6a7rR5lUAGbsbCYkLQF4xHeOSPak0D5hJgcgNRs1k-PW2bjJ1dzJlxov9eszD3DiLDhByebNp77gVwzk17rFX4fOMljGvczY24fBI~AqTOPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of St. Francis, WI","date","2025-09-23T00:00:00Z","article","The City of St. Francis fire chief updated the council on personnel and training, saying several injured firefighters have returned or will return to duty and that the department is moving to recruit and train locally through dual-enrollment and joint academy programs.

The chief said one firefighter who had been injured in March is now back to full duty and another will return soon. A U.S. Army member recently returned to American soil and has 90 days to report back and may resume duty earlier by arrangement. The chief described an intern from Franklin High School who completed Fire 1 and EMT training and who is taking unpaid leave from an ambulance employer to attend the Joint Fire Training Academy.

The chief said the department posted for nine weeks and received three applicants, one quasi-qualified, prompting efforts to develop homegrown candidates. He described a new dual-enrollment program at the Milwaukee Area Technical College campus that allows a high-school senior to graduate with Fire 1, Fire 2 and EMT credentials and immediate eligibility for paramedic training. The chief said one candidate will start the Joint Fire Training Academy with suburban departments next Monday.

Why this matters: the department faces continued vacancies but is investing in local training pipelines that could create qualified recruits; council members were informed of staffing timelines and the department’s reliance on cooperative regional training.

Ending: The chief closed by thanking the council for allowing travel to a conference and noting the department’s positive staffing developments despite ongoing vacancies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","9/2/25 Common Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The fire chief told council members the department is recovering from several injuries and has trainees entering the Joint Fire Training Academy and dual-enrollment programs, but vacancies remain and the department is pursuing homegrown recruitment strategies.","taxTitle","St. Francis, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin","taxId",70764,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5977019,"Council OKs temporary premise extension and outdoor event permits for Saint Francis Brewery",31,510000,541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8&start=510&end=541","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8/thumbnail_510000.jpg","/articles/5977019/St-Francis/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Council-OKs-temporary-premise-extension-and-outdoor-event-permits-for-Saint-Francis-Brewery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977019-b09612ee037b4cb35c3820a019d72708/orig.mp4?Expires=1776225861&Signature=BCNj63rqRrlixT1X5dg3sYV2VEWqQBil062pXOFdWLjhA52nGIkerYWsyD-l-p0SseBotj8gj5YUq5Fd90bd75PpR7821NF3Do1gsjgbPPSgSKRQ6otSZuqpxin2Vki2bfqTad2rNjO3n2933gJzeYMBaV7LLCnRKw2bG49rqO2YrxT2Umy9ix4rPvksOxXtxgOasJLYNzv7Y2yZCmT1KkoY93lcyD5tT0omnPYOtpZp8r8PavAO22BYvYrZChVwKG-TQ80B~K8za8rb6qvArzYRcydvN3wnoWdQy7aPfDTMhKfPkO-rjrXITRFyar3nSHbsYF78jf8GTzmnQx-zEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council approved licensing actions for Saint Francis Brewery, granting a temporary extension of premise and permitting outdoor events for specified September and October dates following a licensing committee recommendation.

Don (on behalf of the licensing committee) presented the items: a temporary extension of premise for Saint Francis Brewery at 3825 South KK for September and October, and permission for outdoor events at the same location on September 27–28 and in October. Council members moved, seconded and voted in favor of both items after brief discussion; no recorded opposition was noted in the meeting transcript.

Why this matters: the licensing approvals allow the brewery to operate an extended premise for specific dates and to hold outdoor events, subject to any applicable conditions imposed by the licensing committee or city code.

Ending: Licensing actions were approved and the items were closed out by the council at the meeting.","The council approved a temporary extension of premise and outdoor event permits for Saint Francis Brewery for specified fall dates after licensing committee recommendation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5977024,"Council amends East Bolivar parking ordinance to end at Kansas Avenue, keeps two-hour limit",257,643000,900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8&start=643&end=900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8/thumbnail_643000.jpg","/articles/5977024/St-Francis/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Council-amends-East-Bolivar-parking-ordinance-to-end-at-Kansas-Avenue-keeps-two-hour-limit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977024-8ca006103815f5bf079fa274894310bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1776225861&Signature=NYJcPUxOpGE1fg50ivmXuBxxDvjNUjH0LdvkqxDTjP6n0hzsn-TK~unykku4bMRfCqQXCkSqvp85aafDKn-y9Wm42YsVB~4pMyBmosOKbKsgjQ4IypJYLlvn5xn5-zvA4DyHxeerYVbfB3REl30zFmbFfEkUKWbo4umPPl8Xydymea7AC0abNV8Oa0QQ6~iXQL99Abz3uu9ij2sLi7JDIz0OCtPBlXLWvTr9e5hnsJrPFkW3-1inxmt4WT9~zChDz2Pwn0LvQXoNpKHX3ROJydHJFvlWd6rHTEHEnwcF9tmF3LAo3fHyF1Wh0kVhWGnF01yNAtefI0YdqszZ5nhS5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of St. Francis Common Council introduced and adopted an ordinance establishing two-hour parking limits on a segment of East Bolivar Avenue, and members amended the ordinance so the restriction ends at Kansas Avenue.

Councilmembers discussed whether to set a one-hour limit, no-parking, or two-hour limits. One member said two-hour parking would allow customers to use retail parking while another expressed concern that one-hour enforcement would increase police workload because staff would need to check more frequently. The council ultimately agreed to keep a two-hour limit and amend the ordinance so the regulated segment ends at Kansas Avenue.

Captain Blunt said the police department had not previously identified parking there as a notable enforcement issue and expected enforcement activity would be complaint-driven rather than daily chalking and ticketing. The council noted the ordinance responded to past staff direction and a recommendation from the city engineer.

Why this matters: the change helps preserve short-term customer parking near retail businesses while addressing loading and safety concerns on more industrial stretches of Bolivar Avenue. The amendment narrows the restricted zone to avoid unduly affecting businesses with private parking lots.

Ending: The ordinance was adopted with the amendment; council members directed staff to post signage and proceed with implementation.","Councilors introduced and adopted an ordinance creating a two-hour parking restriction on East Bolivar Avenue but amended it to end at Kansas Avenue following discussion about business access and enforcement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5977030,"Residents press council on Triangle development; council points to existing comprehensive plan",1690,169000,1859000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8&start=169&end=1859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/5977030/St-Francis/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Residents-press-council-on-Triangle-development-council-points-to-existing-comprehensive-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977030-65e1cb8cf19e66f0783efefb9a81f99a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776225861&Signature=Ll3KbUnyIOJmJwRJjBWtfgj6zYc8xdf4BLNLpsac5c6EozK7ihWZIOJnhWdGX2cbX~eL~44XZp1s4C5G8KIEFQH1JK8q7t~QlMwumjk8sTrPW~cuMQOODS7fAuHluAbxvMfSu2ry7~WOUmt2cyxeu7vCk5ub2g8BQ0RyP9obZtkFJZ~zpDQObrvLhQ6bLNZG9tv7nGlVmPgPa5U5LmEKQSGAIjDYQQlKn5vKQhJ8AKzSRXvxYPPFKCaxo6wcEVCC~mrD2LJsIk02UR8nr5Neee~xJAKwgaekFbHnIXUnN-JFLhDrWFmQ1R-sXGpkDvcVt2jSf7CaJBme4hRDg6uBzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents at the City of St. Francis meeting urged council members to reconsider current development approaches for the three-corner “Triangle” property and asked the city to use urban planning expertise rather than negotiating primarily with private developers.

Christine Kornack, a resident, told the council she was “vehemently opposed to the current plan” for the Triangle and asked, “why are we not working with an urban planner rather than negotiating with developers to fill their pockets.” She warned that adding impermeable surfaces “is one of the biggest factors in increasing flooding,” and urged alternatives that preserve green space and wildlife habitat.

Other residents raised public-safety and service concerns. Dennis Waitakee asked whether tall buildings would require new fire equipment or additional training; the fire chief responded that the city participates in a Milwaukee County shared-response plan and that departments in the county are equipped and trained for high-rise responses.

Council discussion emphasized that the city already uses a comprehensive plan to evaluate rezonings and has a publicly available future development strategic plan for vacant properties. Paul (identified in the meeting record) said the city’s comprehensive plan — developed with professional assistance and public input — governs rezonings, and Mark noted a strategic report is posted on the city website. Council members also said public input and the city’s charrette process informed the KK catalyst and Triangle-area planning.

Why this matters: residents said the Triangle is a valued green space and raised flood and ecological concerns about dense development. Council members emphasized the existing planning framework and public-engagement processes that developers must follow.

Ending: The discussion did not include a vote on a development proposal; speakers urged that future proposals be measured against the city’s comprehensive plan and that the council consider more planning expertise and public input as projects proceed.","Public commenters urged the council to engage urban planners and prioritize green space and flood risk in proposals for the Triangle property; council members and staff noted the city has a comprehensive plan and a future development strategic plan that proposals must meet.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5977034,"Council refers question on US Venture fuel-transport project for more information",322,950000,1272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8&start=950&end=1272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5834020-f546495044c8fc10c3d4af2b15985ec8/thumbnail_950000.jpg","/articles/5977034/St-Francis/Milwaukee-County/Wisconsin/Council-refers-question-on-US-Venture-fuel-transport-project-for-more-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977034-f048d83c634eab66c8b66e6c1d6d486f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776225861&Signature=Y3m1he59kMfnYvHvPzJagLW1GySNrFjQmc8wP6KD0j5z9ztk8tvpt6t69coUxXE5NRsSX24vvBxZr0YJaILWyDhC0~KTrYktwzpFDxiFN8oTZGz-XFjRW7lOwz723OKhDCShzx8geRZoPLwM71H-5bO84M4MdlQ1ISBOe~QErF2ZJUYqXVzVyU98tnh3nGIf5F2Co8ZkxP6c7ECGfLMEqCAOMJcWUVQbUhOsE24tVxZj1JzqGQkveaJmK3ncAqvFdvPRJF3YzxlNMWSR6d2dYTVoZoN83q183Rp4fQzCl8JW4a1msA12VoZIJYlyFI81PBF0dHF~39uFejxwpCCyqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of St. Francis officials on an item requested by State Representative Christine Znicke heard a presentation about a regional project to move petroleum by barge and underground pipeline and voted to refer a request for a letter of support for a federal PIDP grant application to a future meeting while staff seeks additional study materials.

The project, presented by Mark Rapal, would add a buried pipeline along the railroad corridor near I-794 to enable barge deliveries that could substitute for thousands of repeated 7,000-gallon tanker truck trips between Green Bay and Milwaukee. Rapal said the proposal would “help fund the Lake Michigan Maritime Highway Transportation Energy Project” and that proponents seek letters from communities that would benefit.

Council members and others raised safety, cost and emergency-preparedness questions. One speaker expressed concern about potential ecological risk, saying the project would move “4,200,000 gallons of petroleum products on Lake Michigan,” and asked for safety documentation. A councilmember moved and the body voted to refer the request to the next meeting and asked staff to determine whether feasibility studies, emergency response plans, cost estimates or other documentation already exist.

Why this matters: council members said the item has regional transport and environmental implications beyond local permitting, and they wanted more evidence before supporting a federal construction grant. Council discussion noted the project would shift some highway tanker traffic to barge transport but that information about costs, environmental risk assessment and emergency preparedness had not been presented to the council.

Details from the meeting record: Rapal described the current situation as repeated tanker trips and said a buried line along the I-794 rail corridor would connect to barge traffic that travels to Green Bay. Council members asked whether the line would be buried (Rapal: yes), where the line would run (Rapal: along the railroad near 794), and whether the grant would fund construction (Rapal: proponents say it would help construct it). Members asked for cost and feasibility studies and for emergency-preparedness plans to be provided before a final support decision.

Next steps: the council formally referred the request to the next meeting and asked staff to seek any existing studies and emergency-response documentation that proponents may have prepared. No formal endorsement or letter of support was adopted at this meeting.

Ending: The referral leaves the council able to request further materials from project proponents and to schedule the item for a subsequent meeting when staff and members have had time to review feasibility and safety documents.","City council members heard a presentation about a proposed buried fuel line and barge transport project that would shift fuel deliveries from tanker trucks to barges and voted to refer the grant-support request to a future meeting while requesting studies and safety documentation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fire chief reports staffing improvements, local recruits and joint academy participation

Council OKs temporary premise extension and outdoor event permits for Saint Francis Brewery

Council amends East Bolivar parking ordinance to end at Kansas Avenue, keeps two-hour limit

Residents press council on Triangle development; council points to existing comprehensive plan

Council refers question on US Venture fuel-transport project for more information