Waukesha Common Council Meeting - September 1, 2026
Waukesha Common Council Meeting - September 1, 2026
The Waukesha Common Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included public comments, approval of minutes, consent agenda, new business items, committee reports, and officer reports. Key actions included authorizing a $20,735,000 debt issuance, rejecting a property damage claim, approving a plumbing code update, and awarding contracts for park pond rehabilitation and monument sign repairs. The council also heard public input on e-bike regulations and Flock cameras.
Consent Calendar
- A motion to approve the minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting passed unanimously (13-0).
- All items on the consent agenda were approved without objection.
Public Comments & Testimony
- John Thomas (134 Douglas F) spoke about the need for e-bike regulations, including repainting bike lanes, establishing a minimum age for motorized bikes, involving parents, and requiring license plates and registration for riders over 16. He asked about progress on regulations.
- Tariq Amut (308 South Street 303) discussed Flock cameras, expressing initial concerns about surveillance but acknowledging the city’s audit policies. He noted that Flock retains images for 30 days but users can download them. He also inquired about accounting systems for the South Street parking structure.
Discussion Items
- Debt Issuance (Resolution 2026A): Finance Director Joe Sherro presented a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $20,735,000 in general obligation promissory notes (Series 2026A) for capital improvement projects. The 10-year borrowing has an estimated 3.78% interest rate, and the city retains its AA2 bond rating. The resolution includes parameters allowing staff to negotiate optimal market timing. The motion passed 13-0.
- Property Damage Claim: Brian presented a claim from Renee Rosa for $542.40 to replace glasses damaged when she tripped on an uneven sidewalk. The city attorney recommended disallowing the claim due to no demonstrated negligence by the city. A motion to disallow passed 10-3 (three council members voted no).
- Plumbing Code Update: Third reading of an update to align the city’s plumbing code with state requirements, clarifying commercial permitting and homeowner allowances. The motion passed 11-2.
- Public Works Projects:
- Resolution to prepare plans and specifications for the City Hall Monument Sign Rehabilitation (after a vehicle strike) passed 13-0.
- Award of a $2,000,160 bid to CW Preparal for the Patrick Ponds and Summit Woods Pond Rehabilitation Project (low bid) passed 13-0.
- Club 400 Premises Extension: A late application for extension of premises was approved 13-0, as no concerns were identified.
Key Outcomes
- Authorized $20,735,000 in general obligation promissory notes (Series 2026A) for capital projects.
- Denied Renee Rosa’s property damage claim (10-3).
- Adopted plumbing code updates (11-2).
- Advanced City Hall monument sign rehabilitation and awarded pond rehabilitation contract.
- Approved Club 400 premises extension.
- Council was reminded to provide feedback on e-bike regulations; the new zoning code (excluding Section 8) took effect September 1, 2026.
- The Court of Appeals decision on the Blair House lawsuit is expected September 2, 2026.
- A referral was made to the Ordinance and License Committee to revise Section 6.17 regarding building and grounds approval of public right-of-way closures.
Meeting Transcript
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