Waukesha Water Commission Meeting - February 19, 2026

The Waukesha Water Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Water Utility Conference Room. Six commissioners were present (Joan Francoeur, Jeff Fowle, Gerald Couri, Joe Piatt, Shawn Reilly, Peter Bartels), with one absent (Dale Matthews). A quorum was established. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID#26-03045): The minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public attended or submitted comments.

Discussion Items

• Action Item A – January Voucher Lists (ID#26-03046): Staff highlighted a payment of $82,000 to N Harris Computer Corporation for the CIS version 5 billing software upgrade (conversion expected by end of 2026) and explained that Diggers Hotline payments included an annual prepayment for 2026 tickets plus January tickets. A commissioner asked about locating accuracy for fiber and water facilities; staff reported no complaints. Approved unanimously.

• Action Item B – Bidwell and Prospect Water Main Replacement (ID#26-03048): Water Utility Manager Matt presented a contract with Wandel Contractors, Inc. for approximately 1,400 feet of 8-inch water main replacement at a cost of $407,708.18 (including 1% city administration fee). The project was part of the 2026 budget with an estimate of $836,175; six bids were received and the low bid was well under budget. The Board of Public Works and Common Council had already approved the prime contract. Approved unanimously.

• Action Item C – Meadowbrook Senior Living Developer’s Agreement (ID#26-03049): Staff described a 119-unit residential care apartment complex proposed by Tom Canka of Tuca Properties, located north of Coldwater Creek and west of Meadowbrook. The water main extension will create a loop, with stubs for future phases. The design was approved by DNR on January 15, 2026. The agreement is a standard 24-month term at no cost to the utility. Commissioners discussed the phasing and eventual connection to the Arrowhead loop. Approved unanimously.

• Action Item D – Purchase of Materials from Ferguson and Core & Main (ID#26-03050): Staff requested approval for $152,961.62 to Ferguson and a corrected amount of $153,522.09 to Core & Main (total $306,483.71) for 2026 inventory and repair parts. The memo in the packet had an outdated amount for Core & Main; the corrected motion was stated on the record. Funds are budgeted at approximately $330,000. Splitting between suppliers keeps like items together. Approved unanimously.

• New Operations Center Update (Information Item A): Matt reported that the roof is complete on the shop area, windows are installed, and the office area is framed. The building is on time and under budget. Solar panels will be installed next. Warm weather has caused minor mud but progress is good.

• 2026 Blanket Purchase Order Vendor Changes (Information Item B): Staff noted changes in vendors for safety equipment (Vickery Contracting replacing Corporal) and radios (split among five suppliers to avoid markup). Dollar amounts remain the same; no re-approval needed.

• Utility Performance Report / Administrative Activities (Information Item C):

  • Dunst Case: The Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed the PSC decision favoring the utility regarding fire protection charges for a customer with three properties. The customer may appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, but staff consider that unlikely.
  • Rate Case: Responses to the PSC’s first questions were submitted February 9, 2026; the requested increase is much lower than recent large increases seen elsewhere.
  • Audit: Auditors will be on site March 11–13, 2026.
  • Cross Connection Report: Submitted to DNR on February 17, 2026 (due March 1).
  • CIS 5 Upgrade: Work with consultant ongoing; system transition by end of 2026.
  • Main Breaks: 11 main interruptions since last month, including a break on Cumberland Street that occurred in a backyard without an easement. Staff noted that 60–80 houses have water mains in rear yards without recorded easements; a program to relocate mains to front yards (over 3–5 years) will begin, with the utility covering indoor plumbing modifications.
  • Other: Dump truck ordered last year arrived; smaller chassis expected next week. Lab inspection passed. Well abandonment bid documents to be presented in April. Diversion permit (due March 1) is in final QC. Staff had a Teams call with the Village of Oswego (Illinois) regarding Lake Michigan water transition; offered to present to their board.

• Financial Report (Information Item D):

  • January water usage was up about 2% compared to the prior year, attributed to an extra billing day (30 vs. 29 days).
  • The first of three PILOT payments to the city in 2026 was $774,059 (total annual payment approximately $2.25 million).
  • Project updates: Bidwell & Prospect water main to start March 14; resurfacing bids due March 6; Davidson Road project delayed until after school ends; Williams Street on hold due to utility coordination; STH 59 reconstruction expected end of March; airline trail easement negotiations with Schoenstatt sisters are close to resolution.

Key Outcomes

• All four action items (voucher lists, water main contract, developer’s agreement, material purchases) were approved unanimously (6-0).
• No additional votes or directives were taken.
• Staff will continue work on easement acquisitions, well abandonment, and the Arrowhead loop phasing.