Waukesha City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026\n\nThe Waukesha City Council met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, City Hall. All 15 aldermen were present. The meeting lasted 38 minutes, adjourning at 6:38 PM. Key actions included declaring five city-owned properties (7.55 acres) as surplus land, approving the 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation resolution, awarding two public works contracts totaling $1,112,395.40, approving a liquor license for Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, and approving board and commission appointments. Public comment focused on the Pride Month proclamation and the future of one surplus property.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- Transit Commission Items: Approved purchase of fareboxes from SPX Genfare (ID#26-03423), purchase of replacement passenger signs at Transit Center (ID#26-03634), amendment to Clear Channel bus shelter agreement (ID#26-03636), and service changes effective August 24, 2026 (ID#26-03639).\n- Plan Commission Items: Extraterritorial Certified Survey Map (CSM) for Davies, Summit Avenue (10.49 acres, 2 lots + 2 outlots); CSM for 1535 E Racine Avenue (2 lots on 0.94 acres); CSM for 211 and 233 Maple Avenue, Carroll University (combine into 1 lot of 3.382 acres).\n- Finance Committee: No items provided.\n- Building & Grounds Committee: No items provided.\n- Ordinance & License Committee: Licenses placed under regular agenda.\n- Human Resources Committee: Approved revised HR Policy G7 Drug & Alcohol-Free Workplace (ID#26-03646).\n- Board of Public Works Items: 2025 WDNR Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) (ID#26-03644) and Change Order No. 2 with J.F. Ahern Co. for Clean Water Plant Phase 3 Improvements (ID#26-03659).\n\nAll consent items passed unanimously with no items removed.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Annette Kuglitsch (316 E. Wabash Avenue) opposed the Pride Month proclamation, arguing it divides the city and gives special recognition to a small minority, while suggesting alternative proclamations like a 250th anniversary of American independence or a Fidelity Month.\n- Elizabeth Bruders (123 Hineman Avenue) also opposed the proclamation, stating it shows special privileges rather than equality, and expressed concern about taxpayer funds being used and the lack of council discussion/vote.\n- Kathy Briggs (3022 Rolling Ridge Drive) opposed the proclamation, calling it unnecessary since Pride Month is already widely recognized, and advocated instead for a month honoring veterans, law enforcement, and first responders.\n- Lisa Salb (434 Madison Street) addressed the water utility surplus property at 115 Delafield Street, urging the council to consider leasing it rather than selling, citing historic features (stone wall, water dome), existing investments in the property, and compatibility with the historic neighborhood. She stated she is not against development but wants appropriate redevelopment.\n\n### Discussion Items\n- Surplus Land Declaration (ID#26-03694): Jennifer Andrews (city staff) explained the statutory process: the water utility identified five sites (1430 S East Ave, 2320 W Sunset Dr, 3815 Creekside Dr, 115 Delafield St, and parcel WAKC 1382-002 along Center Road) totaling 7.55 acres that will be decommissioned. The council’s action is only to declare them surplus; future discussions will address lease or sale. Ald. Lemke moved to approve, stating he is against leasing city property. Ald. Chrisien expressed support based on past redevelopment discussions. Ald. Van Trieste requested location of the Center Road parcel. The motion passed 15-0.\n- 2027 CDBG Allocation Resolution (ID#26-03597): Jeff (city staff) explained the city receives about $233,000 annually from HUD as an entitlement community. The citizen advisory committee recommended allocating 85% to facilities, housing, and economic development (including historic paint repair grant, public art fund, wayfinding signs, Buckner Park ADA/playground surface, and a new ADA crosswalk at Grandview Boulevard) and 15% to programs (senior activity coordinator, adaptive education specialist, and summer swim program). Ald. Pieper moved to approve. Ald. Camacho noted the allocation was balanced. Ald. Pieper added that the Grandview crosswalk project is timely after a recent pedestrian accident. The motion passed 15-0.\n- Revised Municipal Code Chapter 9 (ID#26-03603): City Attorney Brian reported this would be the third reading, but the actual ordinance form was not attached to the agenda before the publication deadline. He recommended holding it for the next meeting. No action taken.\n- Cobblestone Hotel & Suites and Wissota Chophouse Liquor License (ID#26-03716): Ald. Wuteska reported no concerns or permit issues. He moved to approve the Reserve "Class B" Beer & Liquor License. Seconded by Ald. Helgestad. Passed 15-0.\n- Public Works Bids: \n - Burr Oak Sanitary Sewer Lining and Relay (ID#26-03654): Low bid from Super Excavators, Inc. for $398,821.00. Motion by Ald. Pieper, second by Ald. Wuteska. Passed 15-0.\n - Prairie Park and Banting Park Facility Upgrades (ID#26-03652): Low bid from WIL-Surge Electric, Inc. for $713,574.40. Includes resurfacing courts, fencing, and lighting installation. Motion by Ald. Pieper, second by Ald. Wuteska. Passed 15-0.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Approved Minutes: May 19, 2026 minutes were approved with a correction (noting Ald. Mike Anderson voted for Fetters, not Neach). Vote: 15-0.\n- Surplus Land Declaration: Approved 15-0 to declare five water utility properties as surplus.\n- 2027 CDBG Allocation Resolution: Approved 15-0, with approximately $233,000 in federal funds allocated for specific projects and programs.\n- Liquor License Approval: Approved 15-0 for Cobblestone Hotel & Suites and Wissota Chophouse.\n- Board and Commission Appointments: Approved 15-0 to reappoint Curt Otto to Police & Fire Commission, appoint Becky Fetters to Community Development Block Grant Committee, Tim Nekich to Board of Zoning Appeals, and Karol Kennedy to Public Library Board.\n- Proclamation: Mayor Alicia Halvensleben proclaimed June as Pride Month in the City of Waukesha.\n- Referrals: Several items referred to committees: Ald. Evert (ONL for ordinance amendment for Maddie’s Bar), Ald. Van Trieste (Buildings & Grounds for speed signage on Metal Lane), Ald. Matthews (Buildings & Grounds for speed study on River Valley Road), Ald. Wells (Buildings & Grounds for cross traffic stop signs at Chapman and Spring City Drive), and Ald. Camacho (Buildings & Grounds for no-parking sign on Evans Street side of Dobbs Street).\n\n### Other Reports\n- City Administrator: Noted Waukesha was ranked 87th best place to live in the U.S. (2nd in Wisconsin) by U.S. News & World Report, and 8th safest mid-sized city in the U.S. (safest in Wisconsin) by Smart Asset.\n- City Attorney: Announced a proposed ordinance regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles on sidewalks will be presented to ONL committee next Monday.