With Courthouse closure, County meeting held at airport

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Nearly all County business has been affected by the ongoing closure of the Milwaukee County Courthouse following a weekend electrical fire, and on Wednesday, July 10th, the Milwaukee County Board was forced to find a new venue for its previously scheduled committee meeting.

Milwaukee County's Transportation, Public Works and Transit Committee got back to business on Wednesday, but the fire still caused issues.

Because the Courthouse remains closed, the committee meeting was moved to Mitchell International Airport.

During Wednesday's meeting, Supervisor John Weishan wanted to push back a vote on a parking company leasing agreement to September because he didn't have all of his documents with him because some were inside the Courthouse.

Supervisor Patricia Jursik also expressed uncertainty when it comes to County documents sitting on her desk.

"We're all scrambling to get documents and files. Friday I went home for the weekend and left a lot of things to be finished when I get back on Monday, and now it's left and I have no idea what's happening to all of my papers," Jursik said.

Supervisors say many County staff members are making arrangements and working outside their offices.

"They're scrambling from satellite campuses, from home computers, getting out new notices for meetings," Jursik said.

County Executive Chris Abele said Wednesday he is hopeful the Courthouse will reopen next week.