Waukesha City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

The Waukesha City Council met on October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Presided over by Mayor Alicia Halvensleben, the meeting included reports from city boards and commissions, the approval of a settlement agreement for the Clean Water Plant, and a closed session to discuss the purchase of the Water Utility building.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the October 6 meeting were approved by a vote of 13-0.
• Consent Agenda Items: The council approved the consent agenda, which included recommendations from the Transit Commission (proposed fare increases effective January 2027 and bus stop changes), the Traffic and Parking Regulations Committee (Traffic Study Review Form), the Ordinance & License Committee (bartender licenses for Mason Thomas Maxwell and Willis Theodore Yets, and a private alarm license for ADT LLC), and the Board of Public Works (contract change orders for traffic signal improvements, Clean Water Plant projects, a contract for RAISE Grant bike and pedestrian bridge design, and a FEMA BRIC grant agreement for floodplain improvements). One item concerning a settlement for Sand Filter No. 8 at the Clean Water Plant was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

Public Comments

No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Reports and Discussion Items

• Redevelopment Authority Report: Jeff presented a detailed update on the 2012 Central City Master Plan. Noting the plan is approaching its 15th year, he highlighted major implementation progress including new housing developments (NoReserve, Mandel Bridgewalk, Prairieville Village), the transformation of White Rock Avenue with 11 Habitat for Humanity projects and the 72-unit Spring City Crossing workforce housing, streetscape improvements on Clinton and Barstow streets, the conversion of North Street to two-way traffic in 2022, and new community spaces like the former bus depot plaza. He stated that an official plan update is expected in 2027, with key focus areas including the Navistar site, the East Broadway corridor, and the West Broadway triangle.
• Water Utility Commission: Ald. Matthews reported that the commission has begun its 2027 operating budget process and that the new Water Utility building is on schedule for occupancy in early December.
• Friends of the Waukesha Public Library Week Proclamation: The Mayor read a proclamation designating the week of October 18, 2026, as Friends of the Waukesha Public Library Week. The proclamation noted that the Friends group, founded in 1964, recently raised over $16,000 to support the Waukesha Reads community reading program.
• Ordinance & License Committee: Ald. Moltzan introduced the second reading of an ordinance amending Section 6.17 of the Municipal Code to streamline the approval process for temporary street closure permits. She explained the change was prompted by the engineering department because the current process, which includes a monthly review by the Buildings and Grounds Committee, was slowing down approvals. No action was taken on the second reading.
• Referrals: Ald. Chrisien made a referral to address a lack of "No Trucks" signage at the intersection of Moreland Boulevard and Springdale Road, reporting that trucks are using the route and causing traffic issues in adjacent parking lots.

Key Outcomes

• Sand Filter No. 8 Settlement Agreement: The council took up the item removed from the consent agenda (ID#26-04355). Alex Damien from the Board of Public Works explained that the agreement resolves an issue with a sand filter at the Clean Water Plant that failed after a 2022 upgrade. The agreement requires the contractor to remove and replace corroded parts and perform anchor load testing. The council unanimously approved the settlement agreement by a vote of 14-0.
• Closed Session: The council voted 14-0 to enter closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(e) to discuss negotiations and proposals for the purchase of the Water Utility building. Following the closed session, the council voted 14-0 to reconvene in open session, with no further action taken on the matter discussed.
• Water Utility Property Sale: The City Attorney reported that the sale of the former Water Utility property on Big Bend Road will close the following day, netting the city $182,421.
• Upcoming Meetings: Alderperson Piper announced that the Finance Committee will meet on October 27 to finalize the 2027 operating budget. The next regular City Council meeting was scheduled for November 5, 2026.