Pewaukee Common Council Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Pewaukee Common Council met on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a sanitary sewer rate study and rate adoption, a request from the Village of Sussex for an emergency water interconnect, and approval of an engineering agreement for the City Hall Parks Garage roof evaluation. All agenda items were approved.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Accounts Payable Listing dated October 19, 2026.
• Approved the Common Council Meeting Minutes from September 8, 2026.
• Approved Resolution 26-10-26 authorizing the repayment schedule for the purchase of land for the Department of Public Works Highway Building at W225 N3201 Duplainville Road.

4. Water & Sewer Utility

• Presentation by Ehlers on Sewer Rate Study: Brian from Ehlers presented the final sewer rate study, explaining the shift from a utility basis to a cash basis for rate-setting, which simplifies the revenue requirement. The study recommended a residential equivalent connection (REC) rate of $164.70 with an annual increase of approximately 16.66% over the next few years to meet operational and capital needs.
• Discussion: Several council members expressed concern about including the projected 16.66% annual increase in the resolution, preferring to review rates annually rather than have an automatic increase. Staff clarified that the resolution only establishes the 2027 rate and that future rate adjustments must come back to the council for approval. The projection beyond 2027 is informational and will be updated as capital plans (including a potential wastewater diversion) are finalized.
• Action: The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 26-06 amending Chapter 284 of the Municipal Code (sewers) and waiving the second reading, and to adopt Resolution 26-10-28 adopting updated sanitary sewer user rates at $164.70 per REC for 2027.

5. Engineering

• 5.1 Village of Sussex Emergency Interconnect on Weyer Road: Maggie Wagner explained that the Village of Lisbon has chosen to be served by the Village of Sussex for a quarry-affected area, and Sussex now requests an emergency interconnect with Pewaukee’s water system. The interconnect would be for emergency use only (e.g., water main breaks), and all costs would be borne by Sussex or Lisbon. Staff recommended issuing a letter of support for Sussex’s PSC application and negotiating an agreement. Council members questioned liability, maintenance responsibilities, and potential impacts from future Great Lakes water diversion, but were satisfied with staff’s responses. The council voted unanimously to support the request and authorize the letter.
• 5.2 City Hall Parks Garage Roof – Agreement with Excel Engineering for $22,500: Maggie Wagner presented a proposal from Excel Engineering to evaluate the leaking roof and other structural issues (brick spalling, drainage) at the old highway garage (now parks garage). A previous 2016 alternate bid for similar work was $1.5 million but was not pursued. Excel will review options (e.g., membrane, shingles) and provide recommendations. Funding is proposed from the City Hall remodel account as the building repairs budget is depleted. Some council members questioned the cost given existing information, but staff noted that a full evaluation is needed and Excel will use prior data. The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent agenda items unanimously.
• Adopted Ordinance 26-06 and Resolution 26-10-28, establishing the 2027 sewer rate at $164.70 per REC with annual reviews.
• Authorized a letter of support for the Village of Sussex’s emergency interconnect request.
• Approved the $22,500 agreement with Excel Engineering for the parks garage roof evaluation.
• The council entered closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the Prospect/Oak pedestrian crossing property negotiation.