Public Meetings - Waukesha, Wisconsin

The Waukesha Plan Commission met at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Council Chambers at City Hall. Six members were present. The commission approved the prior meeting minutes and unanimously approved all three business items on the agenda: a land use plan amendment for 222 Maple Avenue, a rezoning petition for Elkhart Drive, and a minor site plan and architectural review with relief for Winterberry Reserve Phase 2. No in-person public comments were offered. Approval of Minutes - The commission voted 6-0 to approve the September 23, 2026 Plan Commission minutes. The agenda listed the minutes as an attachment, but the minutes themselves were not included in the source packet. Land Use Plan Amendment - 222 Maple Avenue - Staff (Doug Koeher) presented a request from Spoerl Commercial to change the land use designation for the 2.42-acre former Lindholm property at 222 Maple Avenue from Civic and Institutional (CIV) to Residential Flexible (RF). The property, formerly used by the Waukesha School District, was recently acquired by Carroll University, which determined it has no current use for the site. - The applicant's concept is a multifamily building with 53 apartment units. Staff recommended approval, noting that residential uses are compatible with surrounding neighborhoods and that the parcel's shape is not well suited to single-family lot division. - Developer Brian Spurl said the project is in the concept phase and that he has 30 years of development experience. Asked about preserving the facade of the existing Lindholm building, he said the building has been added onto over the years with different elevations and floor levels, making it difficult to feasibly save. - Commissioner discussion included questions about why Residential Flexible was chosen over mixed-use, the possibility of retaining the facade, and railroad noise. Commissioner Keller asked about train noise and the building's orientation along the tracks. Spurl estimated only one or two trains per day on this line and said he was open to suggestions. - Commissioner Molson voiced support for residential use and encouraged the developer to preserve facade elements to maintain neighborhood goodwill. - The commission voted 6-0 to approve the land use plan amendment as a recommendation to the Common Council, with a public hearing expected in early December. Rezoning Petition - Elkhart Drive - Staff (Megan Steiner Potier) presented a request from Horizon Development Group to rezone approximately 6.7 acres at the current terminus of Elkhart Drive, south of Les Paul Parkway and east of Genesee Road, from T-1 Temporary District to RN-4 Residential Neighborhood District 4. The property was formerly right-of-way and is now vacant land. - The proposed "Residences at Fox River" project includes six two-story multifamily buildings with 84 total units, 68 covered parking stalls, and 92 surface parking stalls, a ratio of 1.9 stalls per unit. - Commissioner Molson said he liked the project, though he noted the name "Residences at Fox River" is very similar to the nearby "Village at Fox River" development. - The commission voted 6-0 to approve the rezoning. Minor Site Plan and Architectural Review - Winterberry Reserve Phase 2 - Staff presented a relief request from the developer of Winterberry Reserve Phase 2, located north of Summit Avenue and east of Meadowbrook Road. The developer sought relief from zoning code Section 23.06(8), which prohibits ground-mounted transformers and similar utility equipment in required front yards or street side yards. - The request originally covered many transformer locations, but after coordination with We Energies and city staff, it was reduced to three transformers on the north side of Cranberry Circle, serving lots 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58. A new We Energies policy requires cables connecting transformers to be at least 10 feet from excavated foundations, making rear-yard placement difficult due to steep grading. - The developer agreed to a 19-foot front-yard setback for the three transformers, compared with the normally required 25 feet, and to provide landscape screening. - During discussion, Commissioner Frank Hoor asked about visibility from surrounding areas. Staff said the transformers would not be visible from the adjacent "Tall Grass" neighborhood or common open space and that the apartments to the north had provided a landscaping buffer. - The commission voted 6-0 to approve the minor site plan and architectural review with conditions, including the 19-foot setback and landscaping screening. The matter will be forwarded to the Common Council with an updated cover sheet. Public Comments and Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during individual agenda items. - For the Maple Avenue item, the mayor noted that emailed comments had been distributed to all commissioners, including requests to preserve the historic facade. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the 222 Maple Avenue land use plan amendment passed 6-0; the recommendation will go to the Common Council, with a public hearing anticipated in early December. - Motion to approve the Elkhart Drive rezoning passed 6-0. - Motion to approve the Winterberry Reserve Phase 2 minor site plan and architectural review passed 6-0, with conditions. - The meeting adjourned without objection.

The City of Waukesha Finance Committee met at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. A quorum was present. The committee approved a cooperative purchasing agreement, approved a non-binding TIF term sheet for an 84-unit residential development, and recommended the 2027 Operating Budget to the Common Council. All action items passed unanimously. Several Common Council members also attended during the budget discussion. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the October 15, 2026 Finance Committee minutes by unanimous consent with no changes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the committee. Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture Agreement - City staff presented a proposed agreement with the Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture. The Transit Manager said the city typically buys paratransit buses on the Minnesota state contract, and joining the venture would provide advantageous pricing without issuing a separate RFB. - The venture is open to Wisconsin municipalities; more than 100 Wisconsin entities already participate, including WCTC, Waukesha County, La Crosse, Sheboygan, and Racine. Staff noted it also covers items such as lawnmowers and other materials. - Staff said the city would likely save a significant amount by using the cooperative rather than running its own bid. The committee approved the agreement unanimously and recommended it to the Common Council. TIF Term Sheet – 84-Unit Residential Development at Les Paul Parkway and Genesee Road - City staff presented a non-binding term sheet for Horizon Development Group’s proposed 84-unit multifamily residential development at the southeast corner of Les Paul Parkway and Genesee Road. - The site is adjacent to TID 28. It was formerly Wisconsin DOT right-of-way; after the bypass was completed, DOT vacated it and sold it to the adjacent property owners, the owners of Village at Fox River apartments. - The request is for $2.7 million in TIF assistance, structured entirely as pay-as-you-go, with no upfront city funds or bonds. The developer would be repaid from future tax increment. Staff said the project value would be $17.3 million once completed and occupied, and that the criteria for TIF assistance were met. Payback was described as roughly 13 years. - Developer Scott Kwisinski of Horizon Development Group described the layout: six two-story, slab-on-grade townhome-style residential buildings, plus a clubhouse; each unit would have a private entry and most would have garages. There would be no single-family structures, and the design would differ from the existing Village at Fox River apartments. - Ald. Matthews, whose district includes the site, said the plan fits with the surrounding project and expressed support, noting wetlands would be preserved. Ald. Lemke asked why TIF was needed; the developer cited construction cost escalation, challenging topography, site grading and retaining walls, quality standards, and rent affordability. Staff noted the term sheet is non-binding and the project still requires Plan Commission rezoning, TID boundary/project plan amendment, joint review board approval, and a future development agreement. - The committee approved the term sheet unanimously. 2027 Executive Operating Budget Review – General Government Departments - City Administrator Tony Brown reviewed his office’s accomplishments: a balanced 2027 budget and a generally positive outlook for 2028, completion of the national citizen survey showing trust in local government exceeding state and federal levels, and about $30,000 in savings from consolidating communications functions. Goals for 2027 include department succession planning and ADA compliance for the website and communications. - Budget variances in the City Administrator’s office included a roughly $22,000 increase in salaries and wages from compensation adjustments, a roughly $22,000 decrease in professional services because the citizen survey is not conducted next year and Citizens Academy costs were moved, and an $18,000 placeholder for parade memorial maintenance, reimbursed by the community foundation. - The Mayor reviewed 2026 highlights, including the Mayor’s Monthly Minute video and work with other cities on municipal financial stability for the next state legislative session. For 2027, she requested a significant increase in memberships and training to rejoin the U.S. Conference of Mayors, citing the past NEA grant connection that launched Waukesha Reads and describing it as a training and networking opportunity. Ald. Matthews asked about the 15% increase in the office’s operating expenses; the driver was identified as the conference membership. - Municipal Court Judge Lori Fabian, joined by Clerk Becky Ehrman, reported a year of transition after the passing of Judge Steve Wimmer, reserve judge service, and a council appointment and election. The court is working on transcripts of judgment and lien filings for unpaid zoning violations; more than 200 additional liens are expected to be filed, with about $130,000 potentially collected when properties are sold. The court was projected to receive about $975,381 this year but now expects roughly $910,336. Citation volume is down: 11,940 citations last year versus about 9,370 on track this year. The 2027 court budget includes increases in salaries and wages and health insurance. - City Attorney Brian Running described a stable year with no staffing changes. His office worked with Planning on the new Chapter 22 zoning code, handles municipal court citations and circuit court appeals, and supports police and building inspection code enforcement. The office negotiated a significant reduction in its Westlaw legal research contract, now in the second year of a three-year contract with a 5% escalator. Outside counsel professional services are budgeted around $35,000 to $36,000, with spending on track to come in under budget. Inflation affected CLE travel lodging, but League of Wisconsin Municipalities training remains cost-effective. - No amendments to the operating budget were offered by committee members or attending council members. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 15, 2026 minutes by unanimous consent. - Unanimously approved the Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture agreement and recommended it to the Common Council. - Unanimously approved the non-binding TIF term sheet for the Les Paul Parkway and Genesee Road development and recommended it to the Common Council. - Unanimously recommended that the Common Council adopt the 2027 Operating Budget as presented, with the general fund totaling $87,394,932. - The meeting adjourned with no referrals.

The City of Waukesha Board of Public Works met on October 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The board approved the previous meeting's minutes and payments, accepted a single bid for the City Hall monument sign rehabilitation, approved an amendment to the municipal sewer credit ordinance, and received a departmental report on seasonal operations such as leaf pickup and snow plowing. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 8, 2026 meeting. - Payments: Three payments were approved unanimously. Staff confirmed that no final payments were included in the batch. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to provide comment. Discussion Items City Hall Monument Sign Rehabilitation (ID26-04485) Staff presented a single bid received for the monument sign rehabilitation project from Bergland Construction Company. Staff noted the bid was significantly lower than previous estimates obtained prior to the formal bidding process. The bid includes a base item and a mandatory alternate for potential foundation replacement. Board member Kevin Riley asked if barriers had been considered to prevent future damage. Staff responded that the damage was caused by reckless driving, not road conditions, and the monument serves as a protective barrier for the parking lot. The bid was accepted via a motion by a board member, seconded by another, and passed unanimously (O'Donnell, Riley, Micklitz ayes). Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 29 – Sewer Use Credit (ID26-04503) Staff presented an ordinance amendment to refine the one-time unmetered sewer credit rules. Key provisions included: - Better defining eligibility for the credit. - Requiring a standard application form. - Limiting claims to three billing cycles. - Allowing staff to administratively approve simple requests (e.g., pool filling, new lawns over 3,000 square feet). - Requiring claims to be filed within six months of the last billing period (Chris noted his handout had a typo stating three months, but confirmed the ordinance text says six). - Clarifying the credit is a one-time benefit per address. Debate on Application Fee: A significant portion of the discussion focused on the proposed $25 application processing fee. - Board member O'Donnell suggested the fee should be deducted from the eventual credit, or waived if the fee exceeds the credit, citing a past instance where a credit was only $2.63. - Board member Kevin Riley expressed support for an upfront nominal fee to deter frivolous applications and offset staff time. He noted that the applicant who leaves their hose running for months should bear some cost. - Staff explained that simple requests take roughly 10 to 15 minutes to process internally, but the workload increases when an item requires board review and attorney involvement. - O'Donnell made a motion to approve the ordinance as drafted (which implies retaining the upfront fee). The motion was seconded by Riley and passed unanimously. Department Report - Staff reported on a snow plowing coordination kickoff with Park, Recreation & Forestry (PRF) and City Garage crews to align on operations and communication protocols. - Leaf pickup training was conducted on streets south of Sunset Drive, giving staff hands-on practice with the new blowers and other equipment (skid steer, loader). - Staffing shortages across the city require cross-departmental collaboration for leaf collection and snow plowing. Any city employee with a CDL is assigned to plow routes. In the previous winter, City Garage crews assisted PRF in eliminating a backlog of stump grinding. Key Outcomes - Minutes (Oct 8) – Approved unanimously. - Payments – Approved unanimously. - Monument Sign Rehabilitation – Bid awarded to Bergland Construction Company (unanimous vote). - Sewer Credit Ordinance – Chapter 29 amendment approved as presented, retaining the $25 upfront application fee (unanimous vote).

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 (ID26-04355). 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.

The Waukesha Water Commission met at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the Water Utility Conference Room, 115 Delafield St., Waukesha, WI. After roll call, the chair confirmed a quorum: Commissioners Frankur, Fowell, Pyatt, Matthews, and Helvin Slaven were present; Commissioner Curry was absent; Commissioner Bartels arrived later in the meeting. The commission unanimously approved routine action items, discussed the 2027 operating budget, and received information updates. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments, citizens, or correspondence were offered. Action Items - Approval of Minutes (September 17, 2026): Motion and second; approved unanimously. - Change Order 1 – Wells No. 5 and 6 Abandonment: Approved unanimously. The change order totaled $28,509.20 with Midwest Well Services, dba Municipal Well & Pump. Staff explained unit prices were unchanged; the change was for additional quantities of bentonite, pea gravel, and food-grade oil encountered because the wells had been dynamite-blasted. The original bid was $175,000; with the change order, the project total was $203,580.70, still under the $265,000 budget. - Payments from the General Fund and Improvement Fund (September Voucher Lists): Approved unanimously. Staff noted the Municipal Well & Pump payment of $128,475 was included, along with interest due in November on the WIFIA and Safe Drinking Water loans and the annual EPA servicing fee. A commissioner asked about a Waukesha County T-Mobile cell lease payment; staff explained 40% of the lease goes to the county because the tower sits on county property, while the AT&T charge is the utility's own cellular/iPad service. - Two Men and a Truck – Office Move to Operations Center: Approved unanimously. The move is budgeted at $50,000; two of three firms provided proposals. The office will close on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, and reopen to customers on Thursday, December 3, 2026. Carts and moving crates will be provided in advance so staff can pack while continuing regular duties. Inventory and construction materials will be moved later by staff. Discussion: 2027 Operating Budget - Staff presented the first draft of the 2027 operating budget for discussion, with Senior Accountant Valerie present. The budget is scheduled to return in November with the capital budget for review and approval. - Revenue projections: Water revenue is based on 2025 actuals and 2026 actual/budget data for residential, multifamily, and irrigation customers, and on 2026 figures for public and industrial customers because of school closings and industrial usage changes. An 11% rate increase is projected for April 1, 2027, subject to PSC confirmation after the Milwaukee rate case. A 2% conservation consumption reduction is included. Fire capacity revenue is based on 2026. - Operating expenses: 2027 operating expenses are projected at about $10.5 million, an 8% increase over the $9.7 million projected for 2026. Major increases include an 8% purchased-water increase from Milwaukee Waterworks, $247,000 for backyard water main repairs, $170,000 for main maintenance, $124,000 for billing software, $104,000 for health insurance, and $76,000 for customer records/collections. A new account covers the 20-year amortization of $6 million in donated Milwaukee Waterworks assets. The 2027 budget also includes a $4 million EPA grant. - Compensation and benefits: Salary survey indices averaged 3.28%, so a 3.25% wage increase is proposed for 2027. The ongoing compensation study may require some pay ranges to be adjusted or frozen, but no employee wages would need freezing. Wages total about $2.89 million, including unfilled positions: the general manager, summer help not filled in 2026, an operations position, and additional HR hours. Health insurance premiums rise 6%; dental is flat; the WRS contribution rate rises from 7.2% to 7.25%. - Staff stated the significant-item review covered 96.4% of the 2027 operating budget. Commissioners praised the detail and clarity of the presentation. This was a discussion item only; no vote was taken. Information Items - New Operations Center Update: Staff showed drone photos and videos of the exterior and interior. The site now has concrete paving, fencing, solar panels, a stormwater pond, and topsoil being spread. Interior photos showed the lobby, conference room, reception area with planned bulletproof glass, hallways, back-of-house polished concrete floors, lab, locker rooms, and the garage being painted. Office furniture is scheduled to arrive on Thursday; doors are locked with a contractor key core; no break-ins have occurred. The move is about six weeks away. - Utility Performance Report / Administrative Activities: Litigation updates: final depositions are upcoming, expert report drafts will be exchanged November 13, and mediation is scheduled for December 21–22. The City of Pewaukee voted to apply for Great Lakes Water, and the Village of Pewaukee was discussing the same. A Waukesha State Bank online system change caused some automatic ACH water bill payments to be charged twice or late; letters were sent and most issues were resolved. The office will close December 2 for the move. The compensation study is ongoing; the general manager search will begin after applications are received. An easement for the Arrowhead Trail/Shane Stat sisters project was completed for a $300 fee. The PSC has reinstated the utility's rate case. AB Data's mailing contract will increase 3.7%. The phone contract will be renegotiated with new phones. A mural of the BPS will be installed in the customer service area. WIFIA loan borrowing is nearly complete: $137.1 million borrowed with about $6 million remaining. Tax roll letters were mailed October 15; payment is due November 2, with a 10% penalty after that and unpaid balances transferred to taxes around November 16. Staff completed water modeling for the fire department's ISO audit and will purchase heavy-duty racking with 3,000–5,000 pound capacity for inventory. Construction work is wrapping up: Wells 5 (East Avenue) and 6 (Sunset) have been disconnected from the system; hydrant painting continues; one water service disconnect and street restoration remain. - Financial Report (September): Revenue was above budget for September due to hot, dry weather and an extra billing day. Source expenses were about $50,000 under budget; distribution was about $25,000 above budget because of PSC-mandated amortization of donated Milwaukee Waterworks assets; customer service was about $12,000 under budget. Cash decreased from about $56.5 million to about $54.5 million after debt service principal and interest payments, with $1 million in WIFIA funds received for the Operations Center. Water main replacement projects are complete except for final landscaping and some pavement work in the Pebble Valley area. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, Change Order 1 ($28,509.20), September voucher lists, and the Two Men and a Truck moving contract; all passed unanimously. - Discussed the 2027 operating budget; no vote was taken. It will be brought back in November for review and approval. - Received information updates on the Operations Center, utility performance/administrative activities, and September financials. Adjournment The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

The City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board convened on Monday, October 19, 2026. The main agenda items included a detailed review and recommendation of the proposed 2027 Executive Operating Budget, alongside staff reports on departmental achievements, goals, and ongoing projects. Board members present included Chair Jennifer Walner, Alderman Jack Wells, Erica Jos, Steve Johnson, and Eric Hummer. Olderman Camacho, Sarah Roth, and John Schmidt were absent. The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 31, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony during the open comment period. Discussion Items - 2027 Executive Operating Budget Review: The board conducted an in-depth review of the proposed 2027 budget for the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry (PRF) department, which serves as a recommendation to the city's Finance Committee. - Departmental Overview (Ron): Director Ron highlighted major accomplishments for the year, including a projected 35,000 volunteer hours, the Remembering Our Fallen Memorial at the Shutzee building, and a record-setting 250th Fourth of July celebration at Lowell Park (estimated 14,000 attendees, 30+ food trucks). Upcoming goals include expanding the volunteer coordinator position from 20 to full-time hours and the completion of the Miniola Park building and parking lot project. The budget was restructured, consolidating special revenue funds into the general fund, maintaining a roughly $9 million portfolio. - Recreation Programs (Mark Thompson): Mark Thompson reported recreation programs are overperforming. The 2026 tax subsidy is projected to be over 110,000 dollars below budget. The goal is to achieve a tax levy neutral division within 2 to 4 budget cycles. Pool expenses are projected to decrease by 3.6%. Federal Community Learning Center (CLC) grants at two school sites are being sunset, forcing the department to shift to a pay-to-play model supported by a scholarship program. - Administration (Mark Schram): The administration budget shows a 6.3% overall increase. Standard personnel increases account for 3.6%. A 46% increase in operating costs is mainly driven by $22,000 in software costs moved from the IT budget. - Parks Maintenance and Forestry (Melissa): The park maintenance budget is relatively flat with a $66,000 increase for snow and ice removal contracts. The forestry division is facing significant staffing challenges with five open arborist positions. The department has received authorization to use unspent salary funds for contracted tree services to address a growing maintenance backlog. Alderman Jack Wells discussed the possibility of using salary savings as incentives to attract and retain forestry staff, a suggestion noted for future exploration. - Special Events (Mark Thompson): The 4th of July celebration is the only major special event dependent on tax levy funds, with an additional $1,500 requested to cover fireworks inflation. All other events, including Oktoberfest (record revenues, $20k higher than previous years), Jamboree ($12,000 net gain), Operation Honor, and the Music/Movies in the Park series, are fully self-funded through sponsorships and alternative revenue. Mark Thompson expressed full support for the Civic Band but noted significant concern regarding the long-term viability of its sponsorship model, as securing $2,000 per concert for musicians is increasingly difficult. The Frame Park baseball field capital replacement fund is in its final year of the Carol contract. - Board President Report: Alderman Jack Wells informed the board that the Plan Commission held a preliminary conceptual discussion regarding a proposed apartment complex adjacent to River Hills. No official action was taken, but the item is anticipated to come before the Parks Board for future discussion and review. - Staff Reports and Updates: - The Parks Recreation System Master Plan is 90% complete and is expected to be presented at a joint meeting with the Plan Commission, potentially in December. - Construction bids for the Miniola Park pavilion are expected to go out before the end of October, with a soft opening in summer 2027 and a grand opening in fall 2027. Staff are actively pursuing naming rights sponsorships. - The Saratoga Lake Dredging Study is progressing, involving stakeholder meetings with business owners and downtown aldermen to weigh options like dredging or dam removal. - Mark Thompson reported the success of Waukesha Unlocked, featuring over 50 host sites and 250 volunteers. All waitlisted children for the before and after school program were accommodated within three weeks of the school year starting. He emphasized a critical need for an indoor recreation facility, as rental capacity has fully plateaued. - Melissa noted that Prairie Park athletic field renovations are underway and the Greenway Terrace Playground received its missing parts and officially opened that day. Key Outcomes - Budget Recommendation Approved: The board voted unanimously to recommend the proposed 2027 Executive Operating Budget for the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department to the City Council and Finance Committee for approval. (Motion by Alderman Jack Wells, seconded by Jennifer Walner). - Minutes Approved: The board approved the minutes from the August 31, 2026 meeting unanimously. - Next Steps: The budget recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council. Recruitment for open arborist and grounds maintenance positions will continue. Staff will present the completed Parks Master Plan in December.

The Waukesha Finance Committee met on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to continue its review of the proposed 2027 Executive Operating Budget. The meeting featured detailed presentations from the Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Forestry departments, including discussion of staffing, revenue, expenditures, and operational challenges. No public comments were received. The committee approved the minutes of the October 13, 2026 meeting by unanimous consent and scheduled a follow-up meeting for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to finalize budget recommendations. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the Finance Committee meeting on October 13, 2026 (ID26-04473) were approved by unanimous consent with no changes. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items Public Works (presented by Director Alex Damien and team) - Engineering: Highlighted successful grant awards including a $400,000 LRIP grant for the North Street/St. Paul/Moreland Boulevard intersection and multiple stormwater flood mitigation grants. The department is operating with two vacancies (traffic engineer and survey technician). The major budget increase is in contracted services for software ($55,000 increase in salaries/wages in parking utility was noted but not immediately explained). - Street Maintenance: Budget of $7 million, with 37% in operating expenses (95% of that in four buckets: We Energies utility costs $760,000, salt $620,000 at $87.36/ton [2.8% increase], fuel/vehicle maintenance $600,000, and materials for maintenance 18% of the $2.7M). Proposed increases: $10,000 for storm sewer maintenance, $10,000 for street maintenance (asphalt/concrete), $5,000 for signal maintenance, and $20,000 additional for pavement marking. The department has six vacancies for equipment operators out of 21 positions (two unfunded); snow plowing will rely on staff from Parks, Water Utility, and seasonal hires. - Solid Waste: Decreases due to elimination of newsletter printing; increase of 14% in contracted services due to higher tonnage at the drop-off center (estimated 1,800 tons in 2026, up from 1,500 pre-2024). The center is approaching revenue neutrality (projected $40,000-$50,000 shortfall, down from $100,000+ in 2020). Discussion on bulky item curbside pickup: estimated cost of $250,000 annually for once-a-month or quarterly service; director noted current pay-per-use model is preferred by many residents. - Parking Utility: Increased revenue from new Passport system at parking ramps (forecast $500,000 in 2026, up from $450,000). Two surface lots (Clock Tower and behind Taco John’s) will be added to the system. Security guards are present nightly at the South Street ramp (15 hours/week). Staffing includes a parking supervisor (police dept.) and a parking clerk; Alderman Anderson questioned the need for two supervisory roles. - Clean Water Plant (presented by Manager Zach Eisner): Received an A rating on the DNR Compliance Maintenance Annual Report for the 10th consecutive year. Working towards chloride limit effective November 1, 2026, currently at 315 mg/L (goal 250 mg/L). Rebate program for water softeners ($150 each) seeing 5-10 applications per week. Phase 3 upgrades (electrical and sludge dryer) to produce Class A biosolids by September 2027, to be given away free to residents. Budget essentially flat; 2.9 billion gallons treated in 2025. - Transit (presented by Manager Brian Kapp): Ridership efficiency up 15%, customer complaints down 55% in first half of 2026. MetroLift paratransit service grew 16.5% (projected 14,500 trips in 2026, highest since 2012). Total budget $8.5 million, but city’s actual cost after federal/state/contract revenue is $1.265 million (zero increase from 2025, and 10% less than 2024). Fare increase approved by Transit Commission (expected to generate additional $39,000/year). Service hours reduced 32% in recent years; no new service cuts proposed. Parks, Recreation & Forestry (presented by Director Ron Groth and managers Mark Thompson, Melissa Lipska, Mark Schramm, and Joe Shiro) - Overall: Recreation programming was restructured to combine general fund and special revenue fund accounting under one umbrella. Despite showing large variances, the net general fund request for recreation decreased from $267,000 in 2026 to $166,000 in 2027. The department projects moving to tax-levy neutral recreation operations within 2-4 years. - Recreation Programs: Enrollment over 35,000 individual enrollments; facility rentals projected at 6,300+. Tax subsidy in 2026 is $110,000 below budget. - Pools: Total expenditures $686,945 with revenue $586,504 in 2025 (85% cost recovery). Pool capacity: Horeb Springs 550 people, Buckner 987 people. Both pools regularly reach capacity on hot days (by 1:30-2:00 PM). Proposed 2027 budget shows 3.6% decrease in expenses and 17.1% reduction in tax levy support, with no new capital improvements. - Special Events: Only the Fourth of July event relies on tax levy ($62,852 total; fireworks cost $28,000; Curry Insurance provides $23,000 sponsorship). All other events (Oktoberfest, concert series, etc.) are self-supporting through sponsorships. - Parks & Forestry: Major challenge is street tree pruning cycle; currently missing the 6-8 year target due to staffing shortages. The city is pursuing a three-pronged approach: competitive staffing for arborists, increased use of contractors, and intra-city cooperation (e.g., DPW for stump grinding). Discussion on pausing new tree planting to focus on pruning existing trees. The department has open arborist and grounds positions. Consideration of satellite mowing stations at fire stations to reduce equipment travel was raised as a future CIP discussion. Key Outcomes - No votes or amendments taken: The committee continued its review and will finalize on October 27, 2026. - Next Steps: The next Finance Committee meeting is Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM (originally announced as 6:00 PM). The committee will finish any remaining department reviews, consider amendments, and make a recommendation on the 2027 operating budget to the Common Council for its November 5, 2026 meeting. - Staff Direction: Committee members were asked to route any budget amendments through Finance Director Joe Shiro and City Administrator Tony Brown for analysis. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.

The Finance Committee met at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to review the 2027 Executive Operating Budget for general government departments including Human Resources, City Clerk/Treasurer, Community Development, Information Technology, Police, Fire, Library, and Cemetery. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 7:49 PM. Present were committee members Joe Pieper, Dale Matthews, Doreen Wigderson, Mike Anderson, and Rick Lemke, along with Aldermen Evert, Manion, and Moltzan. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the September 29, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent with no changes. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the committee. Discussion Items - Budget Overview (Tony Brown, Finance Director): The 2027 executive operating budget totals $87.3 million, with 75% ($67 million) for personnel and the remainder for operating expenses. The proposed property tax levy increase is 1.7% ($1.3 million), with $700,000 for the operating levy and the rest for debt service. For an average single-family home valued at $350,000, city taxes would increase by approximately $33 to $2,758 (a 1.2% rise). Brown noted the city has never overspent its adopted budget between 2020 and 2025 and highlighted a healthy unassigned fund balance. He also pointed out that state shared revenue and expenditure restraint funding have not changed since 2003, and that the city receives less state shared revenue than peer communities. - Human Resources (Marquis Vasquez, HR Director): Accomplishments included an employee engagement survey (positive feedback except on salary), 100% on-time open enrollment for a new insurance provider, and a leadership academy for new leaders. 2027 goals focus on technology efficiency, a centralized employee calendar, and proactive payroll/personnel auditing. The department budget shows a significant increase in contracted services due to reallocation of software costs to individual departments and a correction of prior mischarging to professional services. The shared inspector proposal (see Community Development) would add one FTE if approved by partner municipalities. - City Clerk/Treasurer (Katie Pinella, Clerk; Abigail Sasha, Treasurer): 2026 accomplishments included citywide rollout of Badger Books and consolidation of polling places from 13 to 9 locations. Tax collection totaled $142 million, with Waukesha State Bank collecting over $3.5 million. 2027 goals include automating the tax refund process and past-due invoice collection. Voting machines (DS200s) must be replaced soon as the vendor will no longer support them, and a reduction in machines is expected due to polling consolidation. The committee discussed adding a deputy clerk position to support elections and office coverage. Animal and alcohol license applications have increased. - Community Development (Jennifer Andrews, Director; Maria Pandazi, Deputy Director): The new zoning code was implemented September 1. A new permitting and project management software is expected to go live in Q1 2027. Due to high inspection volume (about 7,300 trade inspections and 3,300 permits mid-year), the department proposes a shared building inspector with Brookfield, Pewaukee, and Sussex. The cost would be offset by revenue from the other municipalities; the position would be a Waukesha employee used two days per week locally and one day per week by each partner. Without this, the city risks fines or losing delegated inspection authority from the state. Operating supplies increased due to volume (credit card fees, permit seals). - Information Technology (Chris Pollfall, IT Director): The department completed a cybersecurity self-assessment, achieving 100% of Implementation Group 1 and 80–90% of IG2 controls from the Center for Internet Security—well above the 40–50% typical for peer municipalities. Multi-factor authentication (FIDO keys) is now used by 98% of users, eliminating password-based phishing risks. The CAD/RMS project (with Central Square) is on track for Q1/Q2 2027 go-live, and the permitting software project has expanded to include multiple departments. Professional services spiked in 2026 due to a personnel vacancy but is budgeted to normalize. The committee questioned a discrepancy in professional services budgeting, and IT explained the need for 24/7 security monitoring and incident response retainer. - Police Department (Chief Dan Thompson, Asst. Chief Ty Hoffman): Sworn staffing is at 124 (two vacancies from an expired grant), but civilian dispatchers are short by four positions, leading to overtime and retention challenges (candidates choosing higher pay elsewhere). Traffic enforcement remains high, with 10,000–11,000 citations expected. The crisis response unit is a state model, and the department has one of the shortest detention times for mental health cases outside Milwaukee. Overtime is projected to exceed budget due to vacancies, though total personnel costs remain under budget. Administrative staffing is at a minimum, and open records requests have increased due to body cameras. The committee discussed supervisor ratios; the chief would like three sergeants per shift but acknowledged budget constraints. - Fire Department (Chief Rob Goplin, Asst. Chief Tim Fleming): The department was awarded $359,000 in grants for paramedic training, risk assessment, and communications equipment. A strategic plan will be released after budget season. The new CAD system is expected Q1 2027. Concurrent calls (overlapping incidents) have increased from 47.1% (2022) to 52.1% (2026), indicating resource pressure. Personnel costs reflect contractual wage increases; operating increases include EMS supplies and training (succession planning). The department also highlighted trends in e-bike/e-scooter injuries and electric car charging station risks. - Library (Bruce Gay, Library Director): Staff were cross-trained to work at all three service desks. Security improvements (cameras, incident tracking, walkie-talkies) have reduced police calls by 33% compared to pre-COVID. Programming attendance exceeded 27,000 to date, and door counts were 310,000 in 2025. 2027 goals include a conference room rental program, increasing library card holders, and adapting to 300 additional students from Les Paul Middle School. The budget is largely cost-to-continue, with a $5,000 increase for materials and $15,000 for badge locks on staff doors. The committee questioned a large increase in personnel costs in two line items; the director could not immediately explain but said it was not due to FTE changes. - Cemetery (Karen Richards, Director): Accomplishments included approval of a cremation garden and boulevard, community engagement (266 visitors for a historic wagon tour), and completion of chapel tuckpointing. The natural burial section saw 40 property sales by mid-2026 (up from 18 in all of 2022). 2027 goals are succession planning, completing Phase 1 of the cremation garden, and selecting a single record-keeping software. Operating expenses increased 15.2%, partly due to engineering for a new natural burial section and mausoleum care fund contributions. The tax levy support for the cemetery remains unchanged at $88,661 for over a decade. - Next Steps: The committee will continue budget review on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 PM, covering remaining departments: additional general government, public works, clean water plant, parking utility, transit, parks/recreation/forestry, health fund, and debt service. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken; the meeting served as the first of two scheduled budget review sessions. - Several items were highlighted for further discussion Thursday: debt service overview, health fund, and specific questions on dispatch salaries and police supervisor ratios. - The committee did not exercise the option of a third meeting date, historically unused.

The Ordinance & License Committee of the City of Waukesha met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall, 201 Delafield Street. Chair Ald. Paul Wuteska presided. No public comment was offered. The committee unanimously approved all license matters before it and recommended a municipal code amendment changing the approval process for street closure permits, discussed in connection with temporary city parking lot closures. Minutes - Draft minutes from the September 14, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent with no concerns raised. Licenses - Invited bartender license for Mason Thomas Maxwell: approved unanimously as a recommendation to the Common Council. The committee noted no concerns with his background. The license is expected to appear on the October 20, 2026 Common Council consent agenda. - Bartender license for Willis Theodore Yets: approved unanimously as a recommendation to the Common Council. - Private Alarm System License for ADT LLC: approved unanimously. - Amusement Devices license for Waxed Vinyl Music Lounge: approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Ordinance amending Section 6.17 of the Waukesha Municipal Code regarding the approval process for street closure permits: Beth, who brought the item forward, explained that Waukesha's Engineering Department requested the change. She stated that for temporary closures of city parking lots, review by the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry (PRF), and Metro Transit is sufficient, and that an additional committee-level review—attributed to an addition championed by former Alderman Eric Payne—delays decisions because the committee meets less often than city departments. - Katie, identified as being from the clerk's office, suggested adding language to require applicants to notify affected businesses and to allow objections to be heard by a committee, arguing that removing the Traffic and Parking Committee review removes a chance for objection. Beth respectfully disagreed, saying affected parties could contact their aldermen and that an exception could be added later if problems arose. - Several committee members supported removing the committee review, noting that the ward alderperson already signs off on closures and can perform due diligence with neighboring businesses. Staff confirmed that closures are posted on the city website, though text alerts are no longer sent. Most municipal lot closures were described as repeat events, such as St. Patrick's Day, an annual canine fundraiser, Salty Toad, and House Again; the number of such closures was estimated at fewer than five per year. - One member suggested that the committee should later work with staff to consider rolling parking lot closures into the special event approval process to reduce redundancy in city ordinances. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously recommended approval of the draft ordinance amending Section 6.17 as presented. A municipal code change requires three readings; this was identified as the first reading. - All license applications were forwarded as recommendations to the Common Council, with the clerk's office to contact applicants after council action. - The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.