Greenfield · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenfield, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Firefighter Charities Chili Cookoff Beer License
The Harley Owners Group–Milwaukee Chapter is seeking a one-day beer license for the November 14 chili cookoff, with a state-statute exception allowing unaccompanied minors on the premises.
Police Emergency Notification Contract (Everbridge)
The police department wants to renew its Everbridge mass notification contract for three years at about $12,141 a year — the system that sends emergency alerts to residents.
Charges filed by the Mayor against the Police Chief
The commission is handling a disciplinary case brought by Mayor Michael Neitzke against the Police Chief, and this meeting was set to sort out prehearing procedure — whether discovery and depositions will be allowed, and the case timeline. It's a leadership dispute at the top of the police department that could shape how the case moves forward.
Property code enforcement at 6025 W. Armour Avenue
A resident delivered a signed petition asking the city to force cleanup of a neglected property, citing safety hazards and dry shrubs. No action was taken at this meeting.
Outdoor cat feeding ban
After complaints about feral cat colonies, it's now illegal to feed any cat outdoors in Greenfield — including leaving food in open garages. The city cited cat population growth, feces, disease risk and neighbor conflicts.
Investigation of Police Chief Jay Johnson
A law firm, on behalf of Jay Johnson, filed a writ of mandamus petition alleging the city violated Wisconsin's public records law. It was referred to counsel — potentially a costly legal fight.
Electric scooter and e-bike regulations
New rules ban fast e-bikes and scooters from sidewalks and park paths, restrict dockless rental fleets, and set age limits on Class 3 e-bikes. City information will go into the Recreator and online graphics.
Flock license plate reader cameras
Two residents asked the city to put the Flock camera contract termination on a future agenda, citing invasiveness and outbound data sharing.
Police Department Oversight
Greenfield’s police chief reportedly has a history of misconduct, and the city’s oversight of its police department is now the question. If leaders don’t hold the department accountable, residents are the ones who pay in trust and possibly dollars.
Police Chief Removal
Greenfield’s mayor is moving to fire the police chief after a city investigation found “highly concerning actions.” It’s a major leadership shakeup that could change how the department is run and who’s in charge.
Police Leadership Removal
Greenfield’s mayor wants the police chief out after a city investigation, which could reshape how the department is run. The move is a major leadership shakeup, but the next steps and findings still matter for residents.
Charges filed by the Mayor relating to the Police Chief
Mayor Neitzke has filed charges concerning the Police Chief, and the commission is now running the formal process to handle them. A scheduling conference is being arranged to set the ground rules for how the case moves forward.
KinderCare traffic and speeding on Forest Home Avenue
A resident says speeding from the KinderCare area through his subdivision hasn't improved since his petition two months ago; he wants it on next month's agenda.
Pursuit Alert safety devices on police squads
All squad cars will carry devices that push alerts through Apple and Google mapping apps when a police pursuit is happening nearby, warning drivers and pedestrians to clear the area. Funded by a grant or in-house funds.
Rat problem near Forest Home Avenue
Mayor Neitzke raised concern about a serious rat problem and recommended the affected party contact the Southwest Suburban Health Department.
E-bikes and scooters on sidewalks and the Powerline Trail
Complaints about fast e-bikes and scooters — especially on the Powerline Trail — could lead to new local rules, with a Legislative Committee meeting possible.
Milwaukee County EMS agreement
The city renewed its EMS deal with the county for five more years. Greenfield gets a bigger subsidy than neighboring cities because all its firefighters are paramedics, and the county handles EMS training and medical direction.
EMS billing through WEMSA/Paralign network
The fire department will bill insurers and health plans for community paramedic services — new money that doesn't come from taxpayers.
Fire Station 92 HVAC replacement
The fire station's aging rooftop HVAC unit will be replaced by Dillett Mechanical, paid from the fire department's existing budget.
Coyote concerns on Layton Avenue
A resident says she's seeing six coyotes in her yard and fears for pets and kids. Mayor Neitzke says he's working with police on live trapping or other options, but it's not easy — the DNR warns removed coyotes rebound.
Crowdstrike cybersecurity contract
The city is adding a managed cyber-defense layer through Crowdstrike. IT Director Tim Lemmers says it will sharply improve the city's security profile, with the final price still under negotiation — up to $50,000.