Milwaukee city leaders confront contracting company following controversies, owner misses meeting

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council held a special Steering & Rules committee meeting to meet with the owner of American Sewer Services but he did not show. 

In the last few weeks, the company has been at the center of two controversies in Milwaukee.  First, contractors were photographed with guns at work sites near 19th and Meinecke. One worker brandished a gun while two workers carried holstered firearms. Another incident occurred near 25th and Wells, an employee's lunchbox was spotted with a Confederate flag sticker and the Ku Klux Klan logo.

The owner was scheduled to meet with the aldermen but because of health issues was unable to attend. Instead, he sent over a representative in his place but could not answer any of the aldermen's questions. 

“We are outraged by the disturbing display of hate speech that was exhibited by one of my employees. His actions no way represent American Sewer Services," said the representative. 

The company currently has eleven active contracts with the city. In the last five years, there have been $50 million worth of contracts.

But the council was disappointed the owner was not able to meet to discuss the companies policies and ways to prevent it. 

“If you are American Sewer or if you are any other company doing business with the City of Milwaukee. Hopefully, this makes it clear you shouldn’t have that stuff at your work site," said Milele Coggs, 6th district alderwoman.

Department of Public Works was also at the meeting to discuss how the city can hold contractors accountable. At the next common council meeting, there will be resolutions on the agenda that will address contractors carrying guns and stickers on coolers. 



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