Development committee confirms multiple Business Improvement District appointments; two held

The Milwaukee Common Council Development Committee on an unspecified date confirmed multiple mayoral appointments to Business Improvement Districts and related local boards, and held two nominations for later action.

The committee, chaired by Alderman Russell Stanford II, approved confirmations by voice during the meeting after brief introductions of nominees and short exchanges about their reasons for serving. Most confirmations were made on motions recorded as “hearing no objections, so ordered.” Two nominations — the appointment of Matt Maroney to Business Improvement District No. 21 and the appointment of Steve Mahan to the Emerging Youth Achievement Advisory Council — were held at the call of the chair.

Committee members introduced or questioned nominees briefly, and nominees described their ties to the neighborhoods or businesses they represent. SR Mills told the committee he wanted to “bring some expertise and help it move forward” for Business Improvement District No. 21. Jeron Perkins said he owns “a couple [of] group homes” and “Perkin Boys on the grill” and wants to “know what’s going on in my community.” April Glenesli identified herself as the community impact manager at Harley‑Davidson and noted the foundation recently opened Davidson Park as a neighborhood asset. John Hennessy said he owns property on the Near West Side and is opening a café at 2608 W. State, “shooting to be open in June.” Marla Poitinger said she owns The New Fashioned in the Deer District and has attended Deer District BID meetings since taking over that business.

Motions and outcomes were handled without roll-call votes. Where nominees were absent, the committee either held the item or noted the absence prior to moving confirmation. For example, the committee moved to hold the nomination of Matt Maroney to BID No. 21 because he could not attend; for Michael Vassucci the record shows he “couldn't attend,” but Alderman Jackson moved for confirmation and the item was ordered without objection.

Why it matters: Business Improvement District appointees help shape local commercial improvements, safety initiatives, and marketing efforts in specific commercial districts. The committee’s confirmations will fill seats on BIDs that represent business interests and coordinate local development activities.

Votes at a glance: - File (as read) 241527 — Appointment of Matt Maroney to Business Improvement District No. 21 — held at the call of the chair (nominee not present). Motion to hold by Alderman Deandre Jackson; outcome: held. - File 241526 — Appointment of SR Mills to Business Improvement District No. 21 — motion to confirm by Alderman Deandre Jackson; outcome: confirmed (no objections recorded). - File 241532 — Appointment of Jeron Perkins to Business Improvement District No. 46 — motion to confirm by Alderman Chambers; outcome: confirmed (no objections recorded). - File 241729 — Appointment of April Glenesli to Business Improvement District No. 10 — motion to confirm by Alderman Jackson; outcome: confirmed (no objections recorded). - File 241730 — Reappointment of John Hennessy to Business Improvement District No. 10 — motion to confirm by Alderman Chambers; outcome: confirmed (no objections recorded). Hennessy said the café at 2608 W. State is expected to open in June. - File 241731 — Reappointment of Michael Vassucci to Business Improvement District (file number read as 8241731); nominee not present; the committee moved for confirmation and the item was ordered without objection. - File 241732 — Appointment of Marla Poitinger to Business Improvement District No. 53 — motion to confirm by Alderman Chambers; outcome: confirmed (no objections recorded).

Meeting context and next steps: Most confirmations were completed by voice vote with no recorded opposition; items held will be taken up later when nominees are present. Confirmed appointees who represent neighborhood business interests can participate in their respective BID activities once formal appointment paperwork is completed.