Committee approves river skimmer agreement substitute with MMSD; aldermen ask about expanding service

The Public Works Committee moved forward on a substituted intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to fund river skimmer operations along the Milwaukee, KK and Menomonee Rivers.

Kurt Spranger of DPW’s environmental engineering section described the skimmer (sometimes called the Leonard skimmer) as a conveyor‑belt boat that pulls trash from the river and dumps it in dumpsters for disposal under the agreement. The substitute removes an expansive hold‑harmless clause and retains a provision that each party is responsible for its own negligence.

Committee members pressed staff about service levels and outreach. Spranger and staff said the skimmer typically operates April–October, five days a week, with extra weekend runs during events, and that operations have historically removed about 1,100–1,600 cubic yards of material annually. One alderman asked whether increasing the city’s share could increase service; staff said Veolia currently staffs the operation for MMSD and that the department would follow up with MMSD and stakeholders about any expanded scope.

An alderman noted the city’s share reported at approximately $61,200 and asked whether increased funding could expand skimming frequency; staff said they would pursue outreach and potential amendments to scope with MMSD if the council wanted expanded service. The committee ultimately moved adoption with an expectation staff would seek additional engagement on service adequacy and outreach to waterfront stakeholders.