Development News for St. Francis, Wisconsin

Street Repaving Projects on Eden, Ellen, Kansas, and Vermont Avenues Set to Begin; Drain Disconnect Project Nearing Completion

Public Works Director Bill provided an update on infrastructure projects. The capital improvement plan includes repaving Eden Street and Ellen Place, scheduled to begin June 11th, and Kansas Avenue and Vermont Avenue, scheduled to start around June 22nd, with completion expected by the end of July. The drain disconnect project with MMSD has completed seven homes and is nearing closeout, with reimbursement from MMSD anticipated.

Lime Scooter Proposal Discussed; Council Raises Safety and Operational Concerns

The council discussed the use of e-scooters within the city, prompted by a request from Caledonia to allow Lime Scooters on designated corridors to connect with Milwaukee and Caledonia. Concerns were raised about safety, potential scooter abandonment, and the lack of direct financial benefit to St. Francis. The council did not take action on the matter, indicating a lack of consensus or interest in entering into such an agreement at this time.

Barland Avenue Vacation Process Update: Public Hearing Rescheduled

During citizen comments, a resident expressed concerns about the vacation of Barland Avenue and its impact on the easement to Seminary Woods. The process has experienced delays, including an issue with public hearing publication. The resident is seeking clarification on the current status of the vacation process. City staff confirmed the public hearing notice was delayed but has since been published, with the public hearing now scheduled for the next meeting.

Resident Urges Caution on Flock Safety Cameras Citing Privacy, Security, and Accuracy Concerns

A resident raised significant concerns regarding the city's contract with Flock Safety cameras. The resident cited issues with the company overstating usefulness, critical security vulnerabilities, potential Fourth Amendment violations through warrantless tracking, inaccuracies in license plate recognition (1 in 10 errors), and documented instances of dangerous police encounters due to these errors. The resident also highlighted that over 68 cities have rejected ALPRs, with several in Wisconsin ending their use of Flock cameras due to privacy and data concerns. The resident urged the council to prioritize safeguards, data retention limits, audit logs, and transparency.