Waukesha Common Council Meeting - August 4, 2026

The Common Council met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, beginning at 12:15 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, multiple land-use and rezoning petitions, a plumbing code update, committee reports, and concluded with a closed session. Key actions included declaring surplus property, authorizing the sale of two water utility sites, and approving a Planned Unit Development for a homeless-services facility.

Consent Calendar

• Consent agenda items were approved without removal or objection.

Discussion Items

• Plumbing Code Update (Second Reading): Doug presented amendments to align city code with state requirements, including restrictions on homeowner plumbing work (e.g., relocating fixtures). Alder Person Lemke expressed opposition, arguing the state restrictions are too onerous. City Attorney Brian noted that challenging state law is not within the council's purview. The item will return for a final vote at a future meeting.
• Surplus Land Declaration (ID 2604020): Jennifer presented a 0.6-acre parcel in the Village of Waukesha, purchased by the water utility in the 1970s. The Plan Commission recommended declaring it surplus. The council voted unanimously to declare the property surplus.
• Sale of Two Unused Water Utility Sites: Jennifer recommended hiring a realtor to market two properties previously declared surplus: one residential lot near 164 and the bypass, and a 2-acre M3-zoned property on Center Road. The council voted unanimously to engage a commercial realtor for marketing both properties.
• Public Hearing: Rezoning 600 Maple Avenue (Family Promise): Doug presented a proposal by Family Promise to demolish a former church and construct a 10-unit residential building for homeless families. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay would grant relief from minimum lot area requirements (30,500 sq ft required vs. 26,340 sq ft lot) and a lighting standard variance. The Plan Commission recommended approval. Joanetta Simon, Executive Director, explained that seven units would serve as temporary housing (up to 90 days, no rent) and three as transitional housing (30% of income). Several alderpersons expressed strong support, praising the organization’s work. The rezoning was later approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing: Land Use Plan Amendment – 223 Southwest Avenue: Doug presented a proposal to change the land-use designation from Civic/Institutional to Commercial for a 0.12-acre parcel housing a former water utility building. A local artist plans to open an art studio. The amendment was recommended by the Plan Commission. After the hearing, the council voted 10–2 to approve the amendment (Alder Lemke voted no).
• Public Hearing: Rezoning – 223 Southwest Avenue: Following the land-use amendment, Doug presented the companion rezoning from RM1 (multifamily) to B1 (neighborhood business). The council voted 12–0 to approve the rezoning.
• Transit Commission Report: Commissioner Brandon reported on the last meeting, including a tour of the new bus wash and a presentation on bus sizes. No action required.
• Other Committee Reports: Several boards and committees provided brief updates, including the Library Board (successful summer reading program), Public Art Committee (murals in Friedman Alley), and Finance Committee (kickoff of 2027 budget on August 25).
• Board of Public Works: Brandon reported that the Board recommended accepting the low bid of $2,081,600 from Mid-City Corporation for the Rubin Drive Pump Station Replacement Project. The council approved the bid unanimously.
• City Administrator’s Report: Tony provided an update on the water utility general manager search: a preferred candidate will be interviewed by the Water Utility Commission on August 20.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes: Approved 12–0.
• Surplus Land Declaration (ID 2604020): Approved 12–0.
• Hire Realtor for Water Utility Sites: Approved 12–0.
• Rezoning – 600 Maple Avenue (RM3 to RM3 PUD): Approved 12–0.
• Land Use Plan Amendment – 223 Southwest Avenue (Civic/Institutional to Commercial): Approved 10–2 (Alder Lemke voted no; one additional negative vote not identified).
• Rezoning – 223 Southwest Avenue (RM1 to B1): Approved 12–0.
• Rubin Drive Pump Station Bid Award: Approved 12–0.
• Closed Session: The council moved into closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) to discuss real estate negotiation strategies (water utility building). No formal action was taken after returning to open session.