Waukesha City Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Waukesha City Council met on August 18, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included an award presentation, public comment, approval of minutes and consent agenda, discussion of property damage claims, municipal code updates, polling place designations for a special election, and a contentious vote on an engineering consultant selection for pedestrian bridges. The council also received reports from commissions and city staff, and addressed referrals.

Award Presentation

• The VFW presented the National Dispatcher Award to Emergency Communications Center Supervisor Megan Magritts for her exemplary service. The award was originally nominated at the city level but advanced to win at the national level.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Reese (505 Rowling's Drive) spoke against e-bikes and e-cycles riding through city parks, stating they are tearing up baseball diamonds and creating safety hazards. He criticized the police department for not enforcing laws and noted a prior serious injury in Sussex. He urged the council to address the issue.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with a vote of 14-0, after item ID 26-04087 (engineering consultant selection) was removed for separate discussion.
• Minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting were approved 14-0.

Discussion Items

• Revisions to Municipal Court Bond Schedule: The council approved updates to the bond schedule to include new offenses (prostitution, dumping, unlawful assembly) from earlier ordinance changes. The motion passed 14-0.
• Property Damage Claims: Five claims were considered:
  • Kevin Peterson (tree limb damage): Disallowed 13-1 (Alderperson Van Trieste dissenting, arguing city should take responsibility for terrace trees).
  • Daniel and Paula Micklig (baseball damage at Buckner Park): Disallowed 14-0.
  • Kathy Rempe (sewer backup due to city mis-marking lateral): Allowed 14-0.
  • Tyler Paddock (manhole cover incident): Disallowed 14-0 due to lack of proof and unforeseeable event.
  • Kenneth Ward (tree root sewer clog): Disallowed 14-0.
• Ordinance on Polling Places for Special Elections: The council considered an ordinance to consolidate polling places at City Hall for the November 17 (primary) and December 15 (general) special elections for county executive. After a motion to waive the third reading passed 10-3, the ordinance was approved 13-0. City staff noted the change is needed because many regular polling places are unavailable on both dates, and a 15% turnout (~6,500 voters) is anticipated.
• Engineering Consultant Selection for RAISE Grant Bike/Pedestrian Bridges: The council debated selecting AECOM as the top-ranked consultant for a feasibility study and design of two pedestrian bridges over the Waukesha Bypass (at Fox River Parkway and New Berlin Trail). The project is funded 80% federal ($1,116,800) and 20% city ($279,200). Alderperson Matthews opposed, citing future construction costs (estimated $8–9 million per bridge) and lack of secured funding. Alderperson Lemke supported the study to gather usage data. Alderperson Wiggerson noted high trail usage in her district. The motion to approve AECOM passed 9-4.
• Update to Snow/Ice Removal Ordinance: Second reading of an ordinance amending Municipal Code 6.12 to combine sidewalk, curb ramp, bus pad, and fire hydrant clearing requirements, add definitions, and increase administrative fees for repeat violations (fine from $25 to $50). No action needed; it will proceed to final reading.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Minutes approval: 14-0.
  • Consent agenda (except removed item): 14-0.
  • Municipal court bond schedule: 14-0.
  • Claim disallowances: Peterson (13-1), Micklig (14-0), Paddock (14-0), Ward (14-0).
  • Claim allowance: Rempe (14-0).
  • Waiver of third reading for polling place ordinance: 10-3.
  • Polling place ordinance: 13-0.
  • Engineering consultant selection (AECOM): 9-4.
• Referrals: Alderperson Micklitz referred removal of a caution deaf child sign on Cody Court. Alderperson Van Trieste referred PRF fencing at Metalbrook Park and a sidewalk repair (address to be provided). His referral on e-bike registration was withdrawn.
• Litigation Update: City Attorney announced the Supreme Court denied review of the chicken ordinance case, providing finality.
• Budget Updates: City Administrator noted the CIP show-and-tell on August 25 at the city garage, operating budget submissions due, and a council workshop on September 16.