New Berlin Common Council Meeting Summary - April 14, 2026

The New Berlin Common Council met on April 14, 2026, at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting began at approximately 6:05 PM, proceeded through a unanimous consent agenda, and included two closed session items. City Clerk Rubina R. Medina reported a 48% overall voter turnout for the spring election and a 90% absentee ballot return rate. Key actions included awarding a watermain replacement contract, approving ambulance fee increases, setting public hearings for a large development area, and resolving litigation and a property agreement in closed session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• One resident spoke in strong opposition to the proposed rezoning and TIF district for properties in the South Moorland Road Corridor and Grange Avenue area. The speaker expressed skepticism that commercial development has lowered their taxes, argued the area is "one of the last pretty areas on the east side of New Berlin," and stated a willingness to spend time and money to fight the development, referencing a past successful preservation effort ("Trees on the Move" / Wildwood Preserve).
• Patrick Theodus, representing Suncat Property Group (the applicant for the rezoning), expressed excitement about the project, stating the site is "perfect for this use."

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). It included the following items:

• Approval of the March 24, 2026, Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes.
• Utility & Finance: Approval of Water Utility claims ($168,661.60), Sewer Utility claims ($872,399.19), and General City claims ($1,791,792.10).
• Miscellaneous:
  • Ambulance Fee Increase: Approved increases to ambulance billing fees effective June 1, 2026 ($300 increase to non-resident base rates for BLS, ALS, and Critical Care; $250 increase to resident base rates), with further $50 annual increases on January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028.
  • Rezone (179th Street): Set a public hearing for May 4, 2026, to rezone properties at 2445 & 2345 S. 179th Street to remove C-1 zoning.
  • Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Future Land Use Map): Set a joint public hearing for June 1, 2026, to amend the Future Land Use Map for parcels owned by Loomis Farm, LLC (80.22 acres) and Maureen E. Bosch Revocable Trust (39.83 acres) from Business Park/Industrial & Urban Residential to Business Park/Industrial.
  • Rezone (Moorland Road Corridor): Set a joint public hearing for June 1, 2026, to rezone multiple parcels (totaling over 250 acres) to facilitate a large development project.
  • TID #6 Project Plan: Approved an $18,000 agreement with Ehlers & Associates to prepare a project plan for Tax Incremental District #6, and set a public hearing for June 1, 2026, for the affected properties.
  • Joint Review Board Meetings: Authorized the City of New Berlin Joint Review Board to conduct meetings electronically.

Discussion Items

• Reports: City Clerk Medina reported that overall voter turnout was 48% and that 90% of absentee voters returned their ballots. She thanked the Clerk’s Office staff and Election Day officials for their efforts. Council President Harenda expressed the Council’s appreciation for the Clerk’s work on the election.
• Greenridge Watermain Replacement: The Council discussed and awarded the construction contract for the Greenridge Watermain Replacement and Road Rehabilitation Project to Stark Pavement Corp. in the amount of $3,370,552.00 ($2,618,674 base bid and $751,878 alternate area bid). The total is comprised of a Water portion ($532,945), Water Resources portion ($362,534), and Engineering's Road Rehabilitation component ($2,475,072.24). The motion passed 6-0.
• Mayoral Appointments: The Council approved the list of Mayoral Appointments as presented (Motion passed 6-0).
• Closed Session Justification: City Attorney Mark Blum explained the statutory basis for the two closed session items. Within the context of a recent Court of Appeals decision, he outlined the rationale for the closed session: receiving legal advice on the Carter vs. City of New Berlin litigation and deliberating on the negotiated agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Spitz regarding the Jacob's Ridge lift station. The Council voted 6-0 to enter closed session at 6:30 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Litigation Resolution: The Council voted unanimously (6-0) to approve a judgment agreement in the Carter vs. City of New Berlin case, as presented by the City Attorney.
• Property Agreement: The Council voted unanimously (6-0) to approve an agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Spitz related to the reconstruction of the Jacob’s Ridge lift station, per the City Attorney.
• Construction Contract Awarded: The Greenridge Watermain Replacement and Road Rehabilitation contract was awarded to Stark Pavement Corp.
• Public Hearings Scheduled: Multiple public hearings were set for May 4, 2026, and June 1, 2026, related to zoning and land use changes for a large development area on the city's southeast side, and for the creation of TID #6.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.