Waukesha Water Commission Meeting - April 16, 2026

The Water Commission convened on April 16, 2026, with five members present (Joan Francoeur, Jeff Fowle, Joe Piatt, Dale Matthews, and Peter Bartels) and two absent (Gerald Couri and Shawn Reilly). The commission voted unanimously (5-0) on all five action items and received updates on the new operations center, financial performance, rate case status, and legal matters.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the March 20, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0).
• Approved March payments from the General Fund and Improvement Fund (5-0).
• Approved the Prairie Avenue water main replacement: $199,820 to UPI Construction LLC for labor and up to $125,000 to Ferguson Waterworks for 20-inch pipe and fittings (5-0).
• Approved the abandonment of Wells No. 5 and 6: $175,071.50 to Midwest Well Services dba Municipal Well & Pump (5-0).
• Approved the abandonment of Wells No. 11, 12, and 13: $62,320 to Midwest Well Services dba Municipal Well & Pump (5-0).
• Approved the update of the water system model by Jacobs for $59,530 (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke.

Operations Center Update

• The outside of the building looks unchanged, but interior framing is complete and concrete floors are being poured. Drywall installation has begun. The project remains on schedule for late October/November completion.
• Furniture was ordered under an existing blanket purchase order; the final cost of $229,000 is within the $250,000 budget. The manufacturer agreed to hold prices before a May 1st 7.5% increase, saving approximately $17,000.
• Commissioners were offered a tour once drywall is installed to better visualize the space.

Rate Case Update

• The Public Service Commission (PSC) revenue requirement was received; the utility must submit its response by April 17, 2026.
• The proposed water-only rate increase is between 11.5% and 14.5%. Staff are coordinating with Milwaukee Water to include its anticipated increase in a single rate case to avoid two consecutive increases. The utility hopes the PSC will allow implementation at the end of 2026 or early 2027 to reduce the combined impact on customers.
• A communication/PR campaign was discussed to prepare the public, given anticipated pushback. The May meeting will include further discussion on messaging.

Legal and Litigation Update

• The mayor and Director of Public Works traveled to Washington, DC with positive results.
• Depositions and expert reports for the lawsuit are ongoing. A court check-in is scheduled for May 8, 2026, which may clarify future scheduling. The next meeting (May) will feature a formal update by Dan and Jessica.

Financial Report

• March revenue was 2% above budget; year-to-date revenue is 1.5% above budget. Commercial and industrial usage continues to exceed prior-year levels.
• Expenses were largely on budget: source of supply was $6,500 over due to higher Milwaukee Water pumpage; distribution was $6,600 under (no street opening invoice); administrative was $7,500 over (vehicle maintenance and labor reclassification).
• Interest income remains above conservative budget. Cash balance at month-end was $54.5 million.

Other Operations Updates (Kelly)

• The Lily Rose water main installation has started.
• A punch-list walkthrough for the SJ Lewis project was completed; remaining items are being addressed.
• Water towers are being systematically taken out of service for five-year drain-down inspections (one week each) to plan for future repainting.
• Lead and copper sampling for the required 30 sites will occur between June 1 and September 1; half of past participants have agreed to participate again.
• Staff began the process to remove the building at 445 New Hall from the historic register. The building (built late 1940s) contains asbestos and has structural issues; it is not a landmark and a similar building (Well 3) remains on the register. The landmarks committee will be briefed on May 6, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• All five action items were approved unanimously (5-0).
• Staff will continue advocating to the PSC for a single, delayed rate case incorporating Milwaukee Water’s increase.
• The May meeting will include formal discussion of rate communication strategy and a closed session on the general manager search.