West Milwaukee board hears traffic-signal request, demolition concerns and staffing updates; routine approvals cleared

The West Milwaukee Village Board on April 20 approved routine financial items and spent much of the meeting on operational updates, including a request for a full traffic signal at 54th and National Avenue, concerns about recent demolitions and continuing staffing challenges in police and public works.

President Stalewski told trustees the village had exchanged correspondence with the Department of Transportation and he spoke with DOT Transportation Design Project Manager Chris Zacharias about pedestrian and traffic-safety concerns. Stalewski said the village's primary need is a full traffic signal at 54th and National Avenue; DOT is evaluating that component but did not provide a timeline.

WMCDA Chair Craig Schaefer raised redevelopment concerns after the historic smokestack at a former industrial site was completely demolished, calling the removal "really unfortunate." Schaefer said he is "royally pissed that certain buildings that are coming down have no business being demolished," and he and President Stalewski urged the village's involvement in planning for sites such as the Komatsu property, which Administrator Egan said is undergoing demolition with completion expected by August and no new site plans yet provided.

Police Chief Randolph announced Officer Jacob Tincher had been sworn in that day as the replacement for retiring Assistant Chief Donovan and invited trustees to a retirement celebration planned for June 26. Randolph also said National Night Out is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 21 at the middle school and that she will attend the FBI National Command Class the week of May 18.

Public Works Superintendent Jason Jourdan described several recent incidents: a drunk-driving crash that damaged a pole on Miller Park Way, three pine trees downed by severe weather, and spring flooding that prompted roughly eight resident reports of water damage and required towing about 30 vehicles. Jourdan said the department continues to struggle to fill two equipment-operator positions despite offering competitive wages (about $26'$27 per hour) and CDL training tied to a two-year commitment.

Administrator Ann Egan outlined administrative items: the April Planning Commission meeting was canceled, the annual audit is underway, staff are exploring shared-service options with West Allis (including assessor and permitting services), and Telecomfit is preparing proposals to replace the village phone system. She said sewer televising for the budgeted 49th Street Project came in under $9,000, which is below the $10,000 threshold requiring board approval, and described Transportation Management Planning discussion of interim National Avenue safety measures such as enhanced flashing pedestrian signs, repainted crosswalks and temporary bump-outs while longer-term signal or permanent bump-out options are evaluated. Egan also offered to prepare a village resolution, coordinated with Inter-Community Cooperation, opposing a proposed 14% WE Energies rate increase.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes (April 6, 2026): Motion by Trustee Edgar, seconded by Trustee Hill; roll-call vote recorded all ayes. - Commercial vouchers (checks 35536'35590, $188,260.90): Moved by Trustee John Ragonese, seconded by Trustee Schuettke; approved by roll call (all ayes). - Bi-weekly payroll (April 17, 2026, $130,870.98): Moved by Trustee Ragonese, seconded by Trustee Schuettke; approved by roll call (all ayes). - December 2025 Treasurer's report: Moved by Trustee Ragonese, seconded by Trustee Schuettke; approved by roll call (all ayes). - Adjournment: Motion by Trustee Edgar, seconded by Trustee Schaefer; carried unanimously by voice at 7:29 p.m.

The board listed several upcoming meetings, including a special Village Board session on April 21 and the next regular meeting on May 4.