The Pewaukee Common Council convened on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Common Council Chambers. The agenda included a public hearing on the 2027 budget and tax levy, a discussion with the owners of Steny's Lake Country regarding their operations, an update on the City Hall remodeling project, and approvals of several ordinances and resolutions, including items related to parks, engineering, a trail extension, and a stormwater utility rate study. Public Hearing: 2027 Budget and Tax Levy The Council reviewed the proposed 2027 budget. Key points included a 1% tax levy increase, a tax rate of $2.59 per $1,000 assessed value, and a general fund balance of 27%. Changes since the workshop included an additional $35,000 for the library, a $22,500 transfer to the city hall remodeling account, and refinements to borrowing projections. Health insurance premium increases were estimated at approximately 4%. The public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. The Council approved the budget, including the tax levy and rate, with one dissenting vote. New Business: Discussion with Steny's Lake Country Council members expressed concerns that Steny's Lake Country had announced a large World Series event on social media without first seeking a special event permit from the city. This was described as the third instance of not following proper procedures. Council emphasized the need for early coordination to ensure safety, parking, noise control, and adequate facilities. The owners of Steny's apologized and acknowledged that they should have involved the city sooner, pledging to improve communication in the future. The council reiterated its desire to support local businesses while requiring adherence to city rules. City Hall Remodeling Update Chief Bierce and Maggie Wagner reported that the front office and Clerk's office are complete, and restrooms and kitchen are near completion. However, unforeseen issues in the 30-year-old building have led to additional work. The planned outdoor deck was canceled due to cost. The project may exceed its original budget but is being managed with adjustments. Employees have been displaced during renovations. No formal action was taken. Discussion Items - Approve Accounts Payable (4.3): The Council approved the accounts payable listing submitted November 9, 2026. - First Meeting in January (4.4): The Council decided to keep the first meeting in January 2027, as the fourth of January was sufficiently distant from adjacent meetings. - Parks Ordinance 26-07 (5.1): The Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the Director of Parks and Recreation to establish rules and regulations for city parks. The second reading was waived. A scrivener's error was noted and will be corrected. - 2027 Assessment Paving Cap (6.1): The Council approved a 2027 paving cap of $3,535 per single-family equivalent, a 3.63% increase over 2026. - Hickory Grove Road Cost Increase (6.2): City Engineer Wagner reported that the Hickory Grove Road reconstruction project will exceed its awarded budget of $1.04 million due to unstable subgrade, natural springs, and a missed estimate. The project is expected to cost $1.2–1.25 million, still under the original $1.3 million budget. No formal vote was taken; the additional cost will be addressed in a future borrowing approval. - Tree City Designation (6.3): The City was officially designated a Tree City USA. The designation will be promoted, and discussions about tree nursery and signage will continue. - Meadowbrook-Prospect Trail Resolution (7.1): The Council approved Resolution 26-11-28, amending previous authorizations for property acquisition after a formerly unresponsive property owner agreed to cooperate. The trail will end at Homestead Road, with the final segment to be funded locally. - Stormwater Utility Rate Study (8.1): The Council approved Ehler's proposal to conduct a rate study at a cost not to exceed $11,500. The study will assess whether the current $120 per ERU rate, unchanged since 2010, needs adjustment. Key Outcomes - Approved: 2027 Budget and Tax Levy (1 dissenting vote); Accounts Payable listing; Ordinance 26-07 (Parks); 2027 Paving Cap; Resolution 26-11-28 (Trail); Stormwater Rate Study contract. - No Formal Vote: Discussion on Steny's Lake Country, City Hall Remodeling update, Hickory Grove Road cost increase acknowledgment, and Tree City designation. - Next Steps: The Parks Ordinance will be corrected for a scrivener's error; the stormwater study will begin; updated borrowing requests will be presented to the Council; the trail project will proceed with property acquisition modifications.
