Public Meetings - Waukesha, Wisconsin

The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board of the City of Waukesha met on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1900 Aviation Drive). The meeting lasted approximately one hour, concluding after a series of reports and a unanimous decision on a playground project. Seven members were present (Rico Camacho, Steve Johnson, Sarah Roth, Jack Wells, Erica Yoss, Jennifer Wallner, Eric Huemmer); John Schmitz was absent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 30, 2026): Motion by Eric Huemmer, seconded by Steve Johnson to approve the draft minutes. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the board. The public comment period ended at 6:00 PM as noted in the agenda. Discussion Items - Greenway Terrace Park Playground Design and Equipment Purchase (2026 Approved CIP): The board reviewed the proposed design and equipment for the oldest playground in the system, originally built prior to 2000 (28 years old). The project budget is approximately $300,000. A public input meeting on March 24, 2026, featuring three design options from Northland Recreation, resulted in a community preference for an Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) themed playground. Special features include a two-to-five-year-old structure with a fruit bridge, a sculpted caterpillar, a five-to-twelve structure with a caterpillar arched bridge and monkey bars, translucent butterfly wings for seating, sensory panels for infants, an inclusive swing seat, and a revolution spinner accommodating up to 10 children. Board member Jack Wells raised concerns about potential fall risks from a climber with rings, but staff noted safety surfacing (poured-in-place rubber) would mitigate serious injury and that the climber could be substituted if desired. The design includes a find-and-seek activity with medallions. The timeline aims for a community build on July 24, 2026, with equipment removal by end of June and full completion by mid-August 2026. The surfacing contract will be handled separately by the engineering department. Director and Staff Report - Park and Recreation System Master Plan: The comprehensive plan (formerly Park and Open Space Plan) is being updated for the first time since 2007. Consultant Damon Farber conducted three days of tours covering approximately half of the city's parks, focusing on three categories: undeveloped sites (e.g., Cardinal Ridge), partially developed sites (e.g., Meadow View), and sites needing significant renovation (e.g., Saratoga Complex, Lowell Park). Recent flooding highlighted challenges with river-adjacent parkland. - Other Projects: Engineering is preparing bids for Greenway Terrace playground concrete ribbon and Prairie Park improvements (tennis court reconstruction, LED lighting, replacing the oldest sports lighting in the system). A RAISE grant ($1 million+ for design) has been finalized for two pedestrian/bicycle bridges over the bypass. The Saratoga Lake dam/dredging study continues. The formal gardens are undergoing renovation with new drainage, conduit for future lighting and sound, and permeable pave paths; completion is expected soon. Horob Pool zero-depth features will be replaced in fall 2026, with equipment already in cold storage. - Staffing and Operations: A new plumber (Grant) joined the buildings crew. Two arborist positions are open, and seasonal hiring is underway. Shelters and bubblers are being opened by May 1. Recent flooding has undone some fall cleanup; grounds crews are in triage mode. - Recreation Programs: Baseball/softball/t-ball registration ended with 46 teams. Fifteen youth sports organizations are renting fields. The Trailbreaker event had 500+ runners. The Remember Our Fallen Memorial (August 19–23, 2026) is being planned. Volunteer Week saw 1,944 volunteers contributing 34,733 hours in 2025. Before/after school program secured a $3,000 Screen-Free Week grant from Aurora, and a 5K fun run is set for May 9. A financial assistance walk raised $8,000 for scholarships. A six-figure sponsor for Mendiola is being pursued (Generac approached). Pools are set to open June 6; lifeguard classes are underway with high staff turnover expected. - Registration: Activity guides were mailed two weeks earlier than prior years. Resident registration day saw 100 in-person registrations, up from 62 last summer, and generated $157,000 in revenue versus $11,000 last summer. - Keyless and Camera Installations: Completed at Rivers Crossing and Pebble Valley; Bethesda delayed due to flooding; Horob scheduled for this week. - Annual Meeting: Next month will include board elections. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval (7-0) of the Greenway Terrace Park Playground design and equipment purchase, with a motion by Jennifer Wallner and second by Alderman Wells. The playground is expected to be installed by mid-August 2026 following a community build on July 24.

The Water Commission convened on April 16, 2026, with five members present (Joan Francoeur, Jeff Fowle, Joe Piatt, Dale Matthews, and Peter Bartels) and two absent (Gerald Couri and Shawn Reilly). The commission voted unanimously (5-0) on all five action items and received updates on the new operations center, financial performance, rate case status, and legal matters. Consent Calendar - Approved the March 20, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0). - Approved March payments from the General Fund and Improvement Fund (5-0). - Approved the Prairie Avenue water main replacement: $199,820 to UPI Construction LLC for labor and up to $125,000 to Ferguson Waterworks for 20-inch pipe and fittings (5-0). - Approved the abandonment of Wells No. 5 and 6: $175,071.50 to Midwest Well Services dba Municipal Well & Pump (5-0). - Approved the abandonment of Wells No. 11, 12, and 13: $62,320 to Midwest Well Services dba Municipal Well & Pump (5-0). - Approved the update of the water system model by Jacobs for $59,530 (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Operations Center Update - The outside of the building looks unchanged, but interior framing is complete and concrete floors are being poured. Drywall installation has begun. The project remains on schedule for late October/November completion. - Furniture was ordered under an existing blanket purchase order; the final cost of $229,000 is within the $250,000 budget. The manufacturer agreed to hold prices before a May 1st 7.5% increase, saving approximately $17,000. - Commissioners were offered a tour once drywall is installed to better visualize the space. Rate Case Update - The Public Service Commission (PSC) revenue requirement was received; the utility must submit its response by April 17, 2026. - The proposed water-only rate increase is between 11.5% and 14.5%. Staff are coordinating with Milwaukee Water to include its anticipated increase in a single rate case to avoid two consecutive increases. The utility hopes the PSC will allow implementation at the end of 2026 or early 2027 to reduce the combined impact on customers. - A communication/PR campaign was discussed to prepare the public, given anticipated pushback. The May meeting will include further discussion on messaging. Legal and Litigation Update - The mayor and Director of Public Works traveled to Washington, DC with positive results. - Depositions and expert reports for the lawsuit are ongoing. A court check-in is scheduled for May 8, 2026, which may clarify future scheduling. The next meeting (May) will feature a formal update by Dan and Jessica. Financial Report - March revenue was 2% above budget; year-to-date revenue is 1.5% above budget. Commercial and industrial usage continues to exceed prior-year levels. - Expenses were largely on budget: source of supply was $6,500 over due to higher Milwaukee Water pumpage; distribution was $6,600 under (no street opening invoice); administrative was $7,500 over (vehicle maintenance and labor reclassification). - Interest income remains above conservative budget. Cash balance at month-end was $54.5 million. Other Operations Updates (Kelly) - The Lily Rose water main installation has started. - A punch-list walkthrough for the SJ Lewis project was completed; remaining items are being addressed. - Water towers are being systematically taken out of service for five-year drain-down inspections (one week each) to plan for future repainting. - Lead and copper sampling for the required 30 sites will occur between June 1 and September 1; half of past participants have agreed to participate again. - Staff began the process to remove the building at 445 New Hall from the historic register. The building (built late 1940s) contains asbestos and has structural issues; it is not a landmark and a similar building (Well 3) remains on the register. The landmarks committee will be briefed on May 6, 2026. Key Outcomes - All five action items were approved unanimously (5-0). - Staff will continue advocating to the PSC for a single, delayed rate case incorporating Milwaukee Water’s increase. - The May meeting will include formal discussion of rate communication strategy and a closed session on the general manager search.

Date: April 14, 2026 (scheduled for 6:00 PM, but transcript shows start time at approximately 12:00 PM UTC) Overview The Finance Committee meeting convened but the available raw transcription captures only informal pre-meeting conversation among committee members. No substantive discussion or action on the scheduled agenda items is recorded in the transcript. The meeting appears to have been brief (under 15 minutes suggested) and may have been moved to a training room due to a weather alert. Consent Calendar - No items were discussed or approved in the provided transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - No formal discussion of the three scheduled business items (TID 27 Development Agreement Amendment, General Fund carryover of $119,454, and Capital Projects carryover) is present in the transcript. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or referrals were documented. The transcript ends with members noting a weather warning and relocating to the training room. Note: The agenda listed three business items, but the transcript contains only pre-meeting remarks. The meeting may have been adjourned without taking action, or the recording may be incomplete.

The Ordinance & License Committee of the City of Waukesha met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Chairman Paul Wuteska was absent; Ald. Alicia Halvensleben chaired the meeting. All other four committee members were present, establishing a quorum. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the March 23, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Revisions to Municipal Code Chapter 11: City Attorney Brian presented a series of amendments requested by the police department. Key changes include: adopting state statutes (including those related to prostitution, battery, and unlawful assemblies) into municipal code to allow municipal citations; creating a new illegal dumping ordinance targeting large amounts (greater than 5 pounds or 1 cubic foot) with forfeitures of $500–$1,500; adding electronic vaping devices to the definition of smoking and prohibiting purchase/possession by persons under 21; prohibiting smoking on school district property; and prohibiting misuse of the 911 system for non-emergency calls when the caller knows the reported situation is false. Discussion included a query from Ald. Halvensleben about financial responsibility for illegal dumping cleanup on private property—the ordinance includes a restitution provision for identified dumpers, but owners may bear costs if the dumper is unknown. - AB-105 for North Pillar Brewing – Friday Night Live: The application requested a license extension for multiple Friday dates in June, July, and August. Concerns were raised about the premises description, which indicated a tent/table within the approved DORA area on public streets. The committee decided to hold this item to the next meeting (April 27) to allow North Pillar to appear and clarify the licensed premises boundaries, given the newness of DORA and FSR permits. - AB-105 for North Pillar Brewing – Waukesha Farmer’s Market: The application requested a rotating stall to sell four-packs of beer to-go (no on-premise consumption) on multiple Saturdays from May through October. The premises description was clear and limited to the stall. The committee approved this application (4-0), forwarding it to the Common Council. Key Outcomes - Chapter 11 Revisions: Motion by Ald. Halvensleben, seconded by Ald. Van Trieste, to recommend the revisions to the Common Council for a second reading. Passed 4-0 (1 absent). - License Approvals: - Invited Bartender Applications: Paul Sperk and Anthony Zukauskis were held over for the next meeting due to their absence. - Other Invited Application – Silverhaze (cigarette/tobacco license renewal): Approved 4-0. The manager explained that the business had changed ownership 8 months ago and has since implemented age verification systems. - Other Bartender Application – Kay-Lynn Marie Jean Young: Approved 4-0. - Other Applications – Foxx View Lanes (extension of premise), Alarm System Innovators (private alarm system), EcoATM (secondhand article dealer): Approved 4-0. - AB-105 for Farmer’s Market: Motion by Ald. Halvensleben, seconded by Ald. Lemke, approved 4-0. - Next Steps: The Chapter 11 revisions will go to the Common Council on April 21, 2026. The Friday Night Live AB-105 will be reconsidered at the committee's April 27 meeting. The committee was also asked to prepare for discussion of Chapter 9 revisions at the next meeting.

The Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Waukesha met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. The main agenda item was an appeal by Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corp for a dimensional variance to allow a carport-mounted solar array in the side yard at 801 N. East Ave. The board unanimously approved the appeal. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from February 16, 2026, were approved unanimously (3-0) with a motion by Timothy Retic, seconded by Eric Dunst. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Appeal for Dimensional Variance (ID26-03281): The applicant requested a variance from Section 22.58(1)(b) of the zoning code, which requires detached accessory structures to be located in the rear yard only. The property, East Terrace Apartments, is a double-frontage lot with no rear yard. The proposed solar array would be placed on carports in the side yard parking lot, providing shade and renewable energy. Board members discussed the lack of a rear yard, the minimal visual impact (7-degree pitch), and the benefit of excess energy feeding into the grid. The applicant noted that neighbors were notified and no opposition was received. One board member raised a concern about potential homeless camping under the carports, but the applicant stated that security upgrades and the open design mitigate this risk. Key Outcomes - Findings of Fact: The board voted unanimously (3-0) on all four findings: 1. Exceptional circumstances apply to the property (affirmed 3-0). 2. The variance is necessary for preservation of substantial property rights (affirmed 3-0). 3. The variance is not based solely on economic gain or self-imposed hardship (affirmed 3-0). 4. The variance will not substantially detriment adjacent property or impair the zoning code's intent (affirmed 3-0). - Motion to Grant Appeal: A motion by Timothy Retic, seconded by Eric Dunst, to grant the appeal passed unanimously (3-0). The variance allows construction of the carport-mounted solar array in the side yard. - Next Steps: The applicant must still obtain site plan and architecture review approval from the Plan Commission.

The Waukesha Common Council met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included farewells to outgoing Mayor Shawn Reilly and two aldermen, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, adjustment of the Municipal Court Bond Schedule, reports from boards and committees, contract awards, and the annual State of the City address. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved draft minutes from March 17, 2026. - Approved consent agenda items unanimously with no items removed, including: - Proposed Transit Service Changes effective June 15, 2026 (Transit Commission). - Resolution authorizing filing of the 2026 Federal Transit Grant. - Invited Bartender Applications (one held for next meeting). - Invited Other Applications (Silverhaze application held). - Revised HR Policy C2 Vacation Leave (Human Resources Committee). - Storm Water Management Practice Maintenance Agreement between City of Waukesha and Montessori School of Waukesha, Inc. for property at 2600 Summit Avenue (Board of Public Works). Public Comments & Testimony - John Thomas, 134 Douglass Ave, expressed safety concerns on Hoover Street, recommending one-side-only parking to reduce danger from parked cars and opening doors. - Lisa Salb, 434 Madison St, informed the council that the State Historic Preservation Officer (Trisha Canada) emailed stating language in the conservation easement for 130 Delafield Street (approved at prior meeting) was erroneous and requested removal. She also asked for acknowledgment of absent Ald. Eric Payne’s service. - Tariq Akmut, Waukesha resident, thanked Mayor Reilly and retiring Aldermen Eric Payne and Dean Lemke, noting the mayor’s leadership on the Lake Michigan water issue. Farewell & Recognitions - City Administrator Brown led a farewell to Mayor Shawn Reilly (12 years of service, since April 2014), Ald. Eric Payne (absent, 24 years of service), and Ald. Dean Lemke (9 years, representing District 13). Each received a commemorative sign. - Ald. Dean Lemke thanked colleagues and family for support. Discussion Items - New Business – Adjustment of Municipal Court Bond Schedule: City Attorney Miles explained that state statute increased municipal court fees by $10, requiring council approval of the revised bond schedule. Ald. Manion moved to approve, seconded by Ald. Camacho; passed unanimously (13-0, with two absent). - Reports from Boards and Commissions: - Transit Commission: All items on consent. - Water Utility Commission: No report. - Information Technology Board: Approved a software package for website accessibility (below council threshold); CAD RMS project for police/fire/dispatch is on time and on budget. - Landmarks Commission: Received funding; application process started; approved improvements for historic districts; previewed Carroll University’s pole barn conversion; three historic building awards to be given in May. - Parks, Recreation & Forestry Board: Reviewed summer season fees; new activity guide released. - Library Board: Received education on law enforcement visits (including ICE scenarios) coordinated with police; approved Act 150 minimums to exempt (city far exceeds); policy review updates. - Cemetery Commission: Meeting canceled. - Housing Authority: Next meeting April 15. - Public Art Committee: No report. - Ordinance & License Committee – Second Reading of Ordinance 13.055 (Residential Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection): Ald. Wuteska presented that the update is technical, reflecting current processes, special charges, and Johns contract changes—no change to resident service. A one-page summary was noted. Questions answered by staff. Will go to adoption at next meeting. - Human Resources Committee: Only consent item; April 15 meeting canceled. - Board of Public Works – Bid Awards: 1. Transit Center Boiler Replacement: Low base bid from August Winter & Sons, Inc. for $52,400. Approved 12-1 (Ald. Van Trieste nay) after discussion that the boiler was beyond its 20+ year useful life. 2. 2026 Asphalt Street Resurfacing and Utility Improvements: Low base bid plus Mandatory Alternate 1 and Utility Repair Alternate 1 from LaLonde Contractors, Inc. for $10,771,081.80. Approved unanimously. Crews also noted to be behind on brush/leaf pickup; social media update planned. - City Administrator’s Report: Reported election turnout on April 7, 2026, was 52.19% (vs. 32.15% in the 2022 mayoral election); successful use of BadgerBooks electronic poll books; fewer polling locations caused some confusion; thanks to clerk’s office and poll workers. - Mayor’s Report: - Proclamations: Arbor Day (April 1–24, 2026, Arbor Day April 24) recognized 41 years of participation and 47 years as Tree City USA; National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18, 2026) honoring dispatchers. - Reappointment of Christine D’Angelo to the Board of Review for a three-year term. Approved 12-0-1 (Ald. Van Trieste abstained). - 2026 State of the City: Video presentation highlighting accomplishments: Lake Michigan water transition, downtown revitalization, parade memorial sculpture completion, redesigned city website with AI chat and accessibility, Prairie Home Cemetery fountain restoration, new combined activity guide/current newsletter saving $30,000 annually, partnership with Brookfield for inspection backup, fire department mobile integrated health program, and sludge drier at clean water plant producing Class A biosolids. Mayor gave brief farewell remarks. - Referrals: Ald. Matthews referred to Buildings & Grounds to investigate placing a stop sign at River Road and Lawnsdale Road. Key Outcomes - Municipal Court Bond Schedule Adjustment: Approved unanimously (13-0) to reflect $10 increase in court fees per state law. - Transit Center Boiler Replacement: Contract awarded to August Winter & Sons, Inc. for $52,400 (12-1 vote). - 2026 Asphalt Street Resurfacing and Utility Improvements: Contract awarded to LaLonde Contractors, Inc. for $10,771,081.80 (unanimous). - Reappointment of Christine D’Angelo to Board of Review: Approved with 12 ayes, 1 abstention. - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously with no items removed. - Ordinance 13.055 Update: Second reading held; final adoption expected at next meeting after questions answered. - Proclamations: Arbor Day and Public Safety Telecommunicators Week proclaimed.

The Board of Public Works met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. Members present: Kevin Reilly, Eric Payne, and Joe Pieper (3). Absent: Steve Kassens and Chad O'Donnell. The board unanimously approved routine items, considered resolutions, reviewed bids, and recommended actions to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (ID26-03198): The minutes of the March 19, 2026 meeting were approved by a 3-0 vote. - Approval of Payments (ID26-03199): Payments listed in the agenda were approved by a 3-0 vote after a brief clarification about electrical outlets at the formal gardens (not part of the current project). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Resolution to Prepare Plans for Multiple Projects (ID26-03280): The board approved a resolution directing Public Works to prepare plans and specifications for: demolition of 137-139 East Park Avenue, utility improvements on Luke Avenue, Walton Avenue, and Born Place (associated with the water utility), and the Parade Memorial Irrigation project. Funding for the irrigation project will come from fundraising dollars with city reimbursement. Motion carried 3-0. - 2026 Alley Reconstruction Bids (ID26-03234): Bids were opened on March 20, 2026. The low bid from Milwaukee General Construction for alleys 34 and 41 (west of Grand Avenue between Grant and Scott) in the amount of $391,150.50 was recommended for approval. The project budget was $450,000; potential use of surplus funds was discussed but not actionable. Motion carried 3-0. - 2026 Asphalt Street Utility Repairs - City Wide Bids (ID26-03235): Bids were opened on March 20, 2026. The low bid from All-Ways Contractors, Inc. for $192,690.00 was recommended. Funding comes from street opening prices. Discussion noted competitive bidding and early-season scheduling. Motion carried 3-0. - Street Opening Prices for 2026 (ID26-03236): The board reviewed and recommended for Council Consent the updated prices for excavations in city rights-of-way. Three increases were approved: asphalt pavement from $12 to $14 per square foot; concrete street (corrected from concrete sidewalk) from $9.60 to $12 per square foot; and concrete drive approaches from $12.80 to $13.50 per square foot. Other items remained unchanged. Motion carried 3-0. - Purchase of Sewer Castings (ID26-03278): Two quotes were received; the low quote from Ferguson Waterworks for $2,021.00 to supply manhole frames, covers, inlets, and related metalwork for 2026 projects was recommended for Council Consent. Motion carried 3-0. - Communications and Referrals (ID26-03396): Official notices were announced for bids closing on April 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM for: (1) Fire Station 5 HVAC Improvements - Rebid (original bid came in substantially over budget due to a large unit with older refrigerant; the rebid splits the project into phases) and (2) W. Sunset Drive and Barstow St. Bridge Sealing and Rehabilitation. No action required. Key Outcomes - All three board members (Reilly, Payne, Pieper) voted unanimously (3-0) on every motion, with absent members Kassens and O'Donnell not voting. - The board recommended awarding bids to Milwaukee General Construction (alley reconstruction) and All-Ways Contractors, Inc. (asphalt utility repairs) to the City Council. - The proposed Street Opening Prices for 2026 were recommended for Council Consent. - The purchase of sewer castings from Ferguson Waterworks was recommended for Council Consent. - The meeting adjourned after completing all business.

The Landmarks Commission convened on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Waukesha City Hall. Five members were present (Mike Chrisien, Marty Larson, Carmen De La Paz, Tony Lanza, Andrea Dorantes); two members were absent (Matt Retzak, Linda Gourdoux). The meeting included updates on paint and repair grant funds, review of several certificates of appropriateness, and selection of the 2026 Landmarks Awards. Paint and Repair Grant Funds Update - Staff reported that $25,000 is available for 2026. A new federal standard requires that projects must be designated as preventing "spot slum or blight" (i.e., essential structural work not purely aesthetic). Leftover funds of $6,432 from two incomplete 2025 projects are expected to be completed soon. Approvals are conditional on county and SHIPO compliance. For the first time, properties in the Cables Park Historic District are eligible for these grants. New Business Certificate of Appropriateness – 245 N. Barstow St. (Carroll University) - Carroll University requested approval to demolish the existing non-contributing one-story physical therapy building and construct a three-story Sullivan School of Business, Engineering and Technology within the College Avenue Historic District. The proposed building features tan brick siding, a red asphalt shingle roof, and a stepped-back massing inspired by adjacent historic campus buildings. The project had previously been approved by the Plan Commission in 2024 but was brought back due to material changes (siding changed from stone to brick, roof from slate to shingles). Groundbreaking is planned for June 2026 with completion by August 2027. A motion to approve carried 5-0. Certificate of Appropriateness – 225 W. Laflin Ave. - The applicant sought a consultation for repainting the stucco siding of the Nina and Richard Roberts House (contributing Craftsman home) using historic color options. The property owner was not present. Commission members agreed to hold the item until the applicant can attend. Motion to hold carried 5-0. Paint and Repair Grant – 225 W. Laflin Ave. - Held in tandem with the above COA. Motion to hold carried 5-0. Certificate of Appropriateness – 1315 E. Broadway - The homeowners requested to replace the original concrete front porch (deteriorated) and the non-historic railing (replaced in the 1960s) with a new concrete porch of matching dimensions and a black metal railing (either Tuscany or Riviera style). The homeowner stated a preference for the Riviera style. The commission approved the COA with the note that the homeowner may select either railing style and that a building permit is required. Motion carried 5-0. Paint and Repair Grant – 1315 E. Broadway - Staff recommended a grant for the porch replacement (estimated project cost $20,000 excluding landscaping). Motion by Marty Larson to approve a $3,000 grant carried 5-0. Certificate of Appropriateness – 510 McCall St. - The homeowner requested replacement of deteriorated wood storm windows on the front first floor and second floor with new wood-frame windows made of ipe (a durable tropical wood) to match existing dimensions and color. Custom arched windows will be built to match the original openings. Motion to approve carried 5-0. Paint and Repair Grant – 510 McCall St. - Staff noted two estimates totaling approximately $8,500 for the storm window project. Motion by Marty Larson to approve a $1,500 grant, with the rationale that storm windows protect original windows, carried 5-0. Discussion and Action on 2026 Landmarks Awards - Staff proposed three candidates: Darron and Mary Lou Lillian of 323 McCall St. (multiple projects, generosity with grant funds); James Mathie of 242 N. Hartwell Ave. (significant built-in gutter repair); and Julie Stockinger of 132-134 W. Laflin Ave. (window replacement and porch addition). After discussion, a motion was made to award the John Schoenknecht Spirit of Preservation Award to the Lillians of 323 McCall St., and Certificates of Merit to James Mathie of 242 N. Hartwell Ave. and Julie Stockinger of 132-134 W. Laflin Ave. Motion carried 5-0. Alderman's Report - Alderman Mike Chrisien noted that the April city election resulted in a new mayor and two new alderpersons. He thanked the commission for their work, noting that his appointment may end soon as he currently serves on five committees. Springs Report - Staff tentatively set the next Springs Cleanup for May 30, 2026, pending coordination with the Parks Department for a volunteer trailer and work on Hobo Spring. Communications and Publications - Staff announced the Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions (WAHPC) conference on April 23–24 in Sturgeon Bay, and a CAMP training event in Fond du Lac later in the spring. Key Outcomes - Approved: Certificate of Appropriateness for Carroll University (245 N. Barstow St.) – vote 5-0. - Held: Certificate of Appropriateness and Paint & Repair Grant for 225 W. Laflin Ave. – vote 5-0 (to next meeting). - Approved: Certificate of Appropriateness for 1315 E. Broadway – vote 5-0 (with railing choice and building permit required). - Approved: Paint & Repair Grant for 1315 E. Broadway in the amount of $3,000 – vote 5-0. - Approved: Certificate of Appropriateness for 510 McCall St. – vote 5-0. - Approved: Paint & Repair Grant for 510 McCall St. in the amount of $1,500 – vote 5-0. - Approved: 2026 Landmarks Awards – John Schoenknecht Award to 323 McCall St., Certificates of Merit to 242 N. Hartwell Ave. and 132-134 W. Laflin Ave. – vote 5-0. - Note: Minutes of March 11, 2026 were held due to insufficient votes for approval (abstention).

The Waukesha Plan Commission met on April 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall for a special meeting to review and consider a recommendation on the adoption of a fully rewritten zoning ordinance, replacing City Ordinance Chapter 22 (Zoning) and Chapter 27 (Signs and Outdoor Advertising) with a new Chapter 22. The meeting included public comment, a staff presentation, commission discussion, and a unanimous vote to recommend approval to the Common Council. Public Comments & Testimony - Frank Palm (65 Chicago Avenue) expressed concerns that the new zoning zones (particularly RN3) are vague and fail to define areas precisely enough. He noted that his RN3 zone would allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, mobile homes, and even eightplexes on adjacent lots. He argued that high-density development is being targeted at lower-income areas (homes under $300,000) while areas like Tall Grass are not subject to the same flexibility, calling this a form of segregation. He urged the Commission to refine the zones and apply standards citywide. - Lisa Salb (434 Madison Street) criticized the new code for giving excessive authority to the Community Development Director, echoing concerns previously raised at the Landmarks Commission. She pointed to vague language in parking standards (e.g., "unjust, unfair, or unreasonable") and the allowance of 60-foot (six-story) buildings in RN residential neighborhoods, which she said is supposed to be a "buffer" but is unreasonable. She also noted that unresolved items remain (hashtags in the draft) and that the public has not been adequately informed about additional meetings. She urged the Commission not to vote that night and not to delegate finalization to staff. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Community Development staff (Charlie) presented the culmination of a two-year zoning code rewrite process that began in February 2024, following the 2021–2023 comprehensive plan update. Key points included: - A non-conformities analysis found 3,441 lots (roughly one-third of the city) do not meet minimum lot area and 5,673 lots do not meet minimum lot width, with rates of 83% and 72% in the RM1 and RM3 districts. - The new code consolidates 75 existing sections into 12 organized sections, adds objective design standards (codifying current Plan Commission practices), and introduces staff-level approval for certain site and architecture reviews (with exemptions for properties adjacent to residential or needing design standard exceptions). - Residential districts are reduced from nine to four (RN1–RN4), with RN1 limited to single-family (plus accessory dwelling units) and RN2–RN4 allowing increasing densities (up to four-family in RN2, no unit cap in RN4). - A "living document" approach was outlined, with a formal amendment process (public hearing, Plan Commission recommendation, Council adoption). - Implementation is proposed for September 1, 2026, after formatting by the City Attorney's office; subdivision standards will follow in summer 2026. - The staff recommendation was to approve the new zoning ordinance and forward it to the Common Council. - Commission Discussion: Commission members expressed broad support for the update: - Mayor/Chair Riley noted the need to update a code last revised 50 years ago, praised the thorough process (over five years including the comprehensive plan), and emphasized that the new code will reduce non-conformities, speed up development approvals, and codify design standards that the Commission has been applying informally. - Commissioner Keller viewed the code as a "test" that will prove itself as projects are processed, acknowledging a shakedown period. - Commissioner Frank Core highlighted that codifying design standards will make requirements clear and reduce repetitive discussions. - Commissioner Walner expressed trust in staff and Commission expertise and agreed that revisions would be needed but the code is sound. - Commissioner Wells praised the accessibility of the 12-section structure and the transparency for both developers and the public; he noted that the process of applying the code to recent projects had revealed and resolved blind spots. Key Outcomes - Motion: Commissioner Riley moved to approve the proposed new Chapter 22 of City Ordinances, replacing existing Chapter 22 and Chapter 27 in their entirety, to take effect on September 1, 2026. This is a recommendation to the Common Council. - Second: Commissioner Wells seconded the motion. - Vote: The motion passed unanimously (all members present in favor, none opposed or abstaining). - Next Steps: The recommendation will go to the Common Council for a public hearing (likely April 21) and final vote (likely May 5). The code is expected to be implemented by September 1, 2026, with subdivision standards to be reviewed in summer 2026.