Public Meetings - Waukesha, Wisconsin

The Finance Committee of the City of Waukesha met on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. Chair Joe Pieper presided. Committee members present: Joe Pieper, Rick R. Lemke, Alicia Halvensleben, Doreen Wigderson. Absent: Elizabeth Moltzan. The meeting adjourned at 6:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (November 11, 2025): The minutes were approved by unanimous consent with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Review and Possible Action on Renewal of Contract with Accurate for Commercial Appraisal Work: City Assessor Sam Walker presented a proposal to renew the contract with Accurate for a four-year term (2027–2030) and change the revaluation cycle to one revaluation within that period, reducing the annual cost by approximately $16,000. He noted the city had worked with Accurate for two years after the previous commercial appraiser retired and hiring proved difficult. Committee members expressed support, noting the flexibility to adjust revaluation frequency based on market conditions. Alderperson Halvensleben moved to approve; Alderperson Lemke seconded. - Review and Possible Action on a Contract for Technical Rescue Services with the City of Watertown: Fire Chief Rob Goplin explained that Watertown requested confined space rescue services after an insurance review. The standard contract includes an annual fee of $9,100 to cover training and maintenance costs, and it renews annually. Chief Goplin noted that Watertown is near the edge of their response radius, with an estimated one-hour mobilization and travel time. Committee members asked about response time and confirmed this was a new customer. A motion to approve was made and seconded. - Consideration and Possible Action to Extend the City’s Audit Contract with Baker Tilly, LLP for Audit Years 2025 and 2026: Finance Director Joe Shield recommended a two-year extension, noting satisfaction from the city, water utility, and transit utility. The new contract explicitly includes single audit compliance fees (approx. $4,500 per program) due to increased federal funding like ARPA and WIFIA loans. Committee member Pieper expressed strong support but recommended a future RFP process after ARPA and WIFIA obligations are resolved, likely in 2027–2028. A motion to approve was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - Accurate Contract Renewal: Approved unanimously (4-0, with Moltzan absent). Motion by Halvensleben, seconded by Lemke. - Technical Rescue Services Contract with Watertown: Approved unanimously (4-0). Motion by Pieper, seconded by Lemke. - Baker Tilly Audit Contract Extension: Approved unanimously (4-0). Motion by Pieper, seconded by Halvensleben. - Next Steps: The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Officials noted that invitation-only focus groups on budget priorities will be held over the next month, with larger community forums planned thereafter. The committee also anticipates a financial projection update in coming months.

The Ordinance and License Committee of the City of Waukesha met on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Four of five members were present (Chairman Paul Wuteska, Alicia Halvensleben, Daniel Manion, Steve Van Trieste); Dean D. Lemke was absent. The meeting was called to order, and a quorum was confirmed. The meeting adjourned at 6:08 PM. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent, with no objections. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Licenses — Invited Bartender Applications - Emily Heinrich: The application was withdrawn by the applicant. - Terri Romano: The application was held for the next meeting. This was her third scheduled appearance; she had not attended despite prior confirmations. The committee agreed to give her one more opportunity. Licenses — Other Applications - House of Guinness – Extension of Premises and Sidewalk Cafe Permit: - The committee approved both applications, subject to engineering notes. - Idyllic Bubble Tea – Sidewalk Cafe Permit: - Approved, subject to engineering notes, with an additional remark regarding a fence issue that will be communicated separately by the clerk’s office. - Joey's Diner – Sidewalk Cafe Permit: - Approved, subject to engineering notes. - Waukesha Old Car Club – Special Class B Retail License: - Approved, subject to engineering notes. - A note was added for all sidewalk cafe applicants: tables, chairs, or other objects cannot be anchored to facilities within the right-of-way (including brick pavers), and minimum sidewalk width must be maintained at all times per city ordinance. Discussion Items - Miscommunication on attendance: An individual arrived representing a bar that was not on the agenda. They had been told to attend the January 26 meeting but did not receive an official confirmation. The committee clarified that applicants should wait for email confirmation from the city clerk. The next meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026 (the following Monday two weeks later). The committee apologized for the confusion and promised to send clear confirmation. Key Outcomes - Approved (4-0, with Lemke absent): - Motion by Ald. Halvensleben, seconded by Ald. Manion, to approve the Extension of Premises License for House of Guinness, the Sidewalk Cafe Permit for House of Guinness, the Sidewalk Cafe Permit for Idyllic Bubble Tea, the Sidewalk Cafe Permit for Joey's Diner, and the Special Class B Retail License for Waukesha Old Car Club, all subject to engineering notes. - Vote: Ayes – Wuteska, Halvensleben, Manion, Van Trieste; Abstentions – none; Absent – Lemke. - Held: Terri Romano’s Invited Bartender Application, continued to the next meeting. - Withdrawn: Emily Heinrich’s Invited Bartender Application. - Next meeting: February 9, 2026, same time and location.

The Waukesha Board of Public Works met on January 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. Four members were present (Kevin Reilly, Eric E. Payne, Joe Pieper, Steve Kassens) and one absent (Chad O'Donnell). The board unanimously approved several contracts, change orders, and agreements, and received a report on snow plowing operations. All actions were recommended for Council Consent. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes of January 8, 2026, were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - 5A. Contract Extension with United Liquid Waste: Staff recommended extending the bio-solids hauling contract for the Clean Water Plant at the same rate of $2,750 per ton quoted in 2023. Members asked about competition (only two bidders in 2023) and the company's coordination with farmers. The contract extension was approved unanimously. - 5B. Contract Amendment No. 6 with Strand Associates: A not-to-exceed $20,000 amendment for ongoing operational assistance at the Clean Water Plant, covering SCADA adjustments, DNR permit work, and engineering analysis. The board approved unanimously after clarification on SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and the type of work (mostly remote). - 5C. Contract Change Order No. 1 with August Winter & Sons: For the Fire Station 1 Boiler Replacement project, a $2,450 change order was needed due to building code changes for exhaust venting, following a Department of Energy hold that delayed the project. Approved unanimously. - 5D. Developer’s Agreement with Tukka Properties, Inc.: For the Lillyrose Road Senior Living Facility Development, located west of Meadowbrook Road and north of Coldwater Creek. Approved unanimously. - 5E, 5F, 5G. Storm Water Management Practice Maintenance Agreements: Separate agreements for Lots 1, 2, and 3 of the Lillyrose Road Senior Living Facility Development. Each lot has different facilities requiring maintenance by future owners. All three were approved unanimously. - 5H. Contract Change Order No. 1 with LaLonde Contractors: For the 2025 Silvernail Road Utility and Street Improvements project. The change order had a net zero cost but included: removal and landfill of 383.29 tons of contaminated soil ($35,000), installation of 385 feet of under drain ($18,287.50), additional storm sewer at the Silvernail/Sussex Lane intersection, and reductions elsewhere totaling $61,421 to net zero. Members discussed coordination with the DNR on wetland impacts (small, permitted) and noted the project budget was $3.6 million but construction costs were expected to finish around $2.9 million. Ald. Steve Kassens raised a concern about a bumpy eastbound lane near University Drive; staff confirmed they are requiring LaLonde to profile-graph the lanes and will hold retainage until the issue is corrected in spring. Key Outcomes - All 8 items (5A through 5H) and the payment approval were passed unanimously (4-0) and recommended to the Common Council for Consent. - Approval of Payments (Item 6): Payments were approved, including for the Fire Station 1 boiler project (grant-funded through the Department of Energy) and a transfer switch replacement at Fire Station 5. Matter of Report - Snow Plowing Status: Director Damien reported that the city has experienced 21 snow events this season so far, already exceeding the normal seasonal average of 20 to 25 events, with half the season remaining. - Drop Off Center: Closed on Saturday, January 24, due to forecast extreme cold (predicted -12°F at noon). Communications and Referrals - Official Notices: Bids will close on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. for three projects: 1. 2026 Fire Station 5 HVAC Improvements 2. 2026 Concrete Sidewalk Replacement – City Wide 3. Davidson Road Utility and Street Improvements - Davidson Road Boundaries: The project extends from Main Street east to the city limits (near Hillcrest Road and the elementary school). Base bid includes asphalt resurfacing on the west end and full reconstruction east of Hillcrest. The board clarified that the west end includes the cul-de-sac by the car dealer and residential properties. - Sidewalk Replacement Cost: Staff clarified that the city no longer charges property owners a 4% administrative surcharge for sidewalk replacement; that only applies if an owner requests replacement of squares that do not meet condemnable criteria. The council recently approved paying for sidewalk replacement directly.

The Waukesha Common Council convened on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The Council unanimously approved a consent agenda containing routine items, disallowed two claims for damages, and held three uncontested public hearings followed by unanimous approvals for zoning changes and a planned unit development (PUD) amendment. Reports from various boards and commissions highlighted city operations, including snow removal efforts, a $10,000 library grant, and housing authority statistics. The meeting concluded with the approval of Abigail Schoessow as City Treasurer, the adoption of resolutions honoring former Mayor Paul Vrakas and Judge Steve Wimmer, and several council referrals. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the December 16, 2025, meeting. - AI Acceptable Use Policy. - Master Service Agreement and Statement of Work with TDI Vertical for cybersecurity support. - Proposed pricing changes for 2026 at city cemeteries. - Certified Survey Map (CSM) for a 2-lot redivision at 135 and 137 Wisconsin Avenue. - Final Subdivision Plat for the Olde Farm Subdivision at 3424 Madison Street. - Extraterritorial CSM for a lot line adjustment at S11W28264 Summit Avenue (Town of Delafield). - Removal of school zone signs on Milwaukee Avenue and Hyde Park Avenue. - Seasonal "No Parking" sign installation on Fourth Street (Nov 1 to April 1). - Solar-powered speed sign installation on Moreland Boulevard and No Engine Braking sign. - Removal and conversion of school zone signs, beacons, and crosswalk enhancements on East College Avenue and South Charles Street. - Approval of invited bartender and other license applications. - Contract Change Order No. 1 with Sure-Fire, Inc. for Municipal Garage HVAC Replacement. - Contract Amendment 1 with MSA Professional Services, Inc. for Private Development Review Services. - Contract Change Order No. 1 with Ross and White Company for the Badger Drive Bus Wash. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak during the designated general public comment period. - No members of the public spoke during the three public hearings for the Dolphin Drive rezoning, the Fox Run PUD amendment, or the River Road Villas rezoning. Discussion Items - Claims Disallowance: City Attorney Brian presented two claims. The first was a personal injury claim from Brandon Coffey involving an incident on a city bus. The city attorney stated the bus system is operated by an independent contractor (Transdev subsidiary) and the claim was filed against the wrong party. The second was a property damage claim from Ideal Auto Sales for damage allegedly caused by snow or ice from a city plow, which lacked evidence of negligence. Both claims were disallowed. - Dolphin Drive/Coral Drive Rezoning (STOR-IT Right): City staff presented a request to rezone 4.27 acres of vacant land from M-3 (Limited Business and Industrial Park) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing) to allow for a self-storage facility. Ald. Anderson, representing the district, voiced support, noting the development would clean up an area that has attracted illegal dumping. Ald. R. Lemke asked about a sidewalk requirement; staff stated it was not needed in the industrial area under the current sidewalk plan but could be ordered in the future. - Fox Run Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment: City staff detailed a request to amend the PUD for Lot 4 of the Fox Run development to allow residential uses (a proposed three-story, 63-unit multifamily building) in addition to the current commercial-only restriction. Staff noted difficulty finding commercial tenants for the landlocked parcel. - River Road Villas Rezoning (Bielinski Homes): City staff presented a request to rezone 4.87 acres from B-5 (Community Business District) to Rd-2 PUD (Two Family Residential) for a 24-unit duplex condominium project. Ald. Halvensleben asked about pricing, which the applicant stated was approximately $425,000. Ald. Payne inquired about potential traffic impacts, referencing past neighborhood concerns. Staff confirmed notification was sent and no opposition was received, noting the project is less dense than prior proposals. Ald. Anderson confirmed residents in the district were in favor of residential over commercial use. - Reports from Boards and Commissions: The Parks and Recreation Board reported several Jamboree events were canceled or moved indoors due to an extreme cold forecast (minus 20 degrees). The Library Board announced a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The Housing Authority reported 100% occupancy in public housing and a waitlist of over 3,000 individuals for a one-bedroom unit at Saratoga Heights. The Human Resources Committee announced plans to finalize the City Administrator's performance survey. The Board of Public Works detailed the city's extensive snow removal operations over the weekend. - Mayor's Report and Referrals: The Mayor presented resolutions honoring the lives of Municipal Judge Steve Wimmer (who served since 2018) and Former Mayor Paul Vrakas (who served 16 years). The resolutions were provided to their families. Council members made several referrals: Ald. Payne requested a guardrail extension on Madison Street to the Board of Public Works; Ald. Anderson requested parking regulation reviews on Wilmont Drive, Corporate Drive, and South Grand Avenue to the Building & Grounds Committee; and Ald. Van Trieste requested street lighting on Marshview Street to the Building & Grounds Committee. - Closed Session: The Council convened in closed session at 6:47 PM under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) to discuss the appointment of Abigail Schoessow as City Treasurer. The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:03 PM. Key Outcomes - Claims Disallowed: The Council unanimously (15-0) voted to disallow the personal injury claim from Brandon Coffey (ID26-02865) and the property damage claim from Ideal Auto Sales (ID25-02716). - Dolphin Drive/Coral Drive Rezoning: Approved unanimously (15-0) to rezone 4.27 acres from M-3 to M-1 for a self-storage facility. - Fox Run PUD Amendment: Approved unanimously (15-0) to amend the PUD to allow residential and commercial uses on Lot 4. - River Road Villas Rezoning: Approved unanimously (15-0) to rezone 4.87 acres from B-5 to Rd-2 PUD for a 24-unit duplex development. - Board Reappointment: Approved unanimously (15-0) the reappointment of Brandon Kostolni to the Information Technology Board. - Resolutions to Honor: Adopted resolutions to honor the lives of Municipal Judge Steve Wimmer and Former Mayor Paul Vrakas. - City Treasurer Appointment: Following a closed session, the Council unanimously (15-0) appointed Abigail Schoessow as Treasurer of the City of Waukesha. - Council Referrals: Three referrals were sent to the Building & Grounds Committee and one to the Board of Public Works.

The Waukesha Water Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Water Utility Conference Room. Six commissioners were present (Joan Francoeur, Jeff Fowle, Joe Piatt, Dale Matthews, Shawn Reilly, and Peter Bartels), with Gerald Couri absent. The meeting covered approvals of routine financial items, a change order for the new operations center, and updates on litigation, infrastructure projects, water consumption trends, and operations center construction. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public attended the meeting in person or submitted correspondence. The public comment period was closed without input. Discussion Items - Pending Litigation & GM Transition: Commissioners were informed that depositions are ongoing in the utility's lawsuit. The commission is awaiting a summary judgment ruling from the presiding judge, which will establish a trial schedule. The utility noted that the General Manager succession process will not advance substantially until the legal landscape is clearer. - Operations Center Construction Status: The steel frame for the office section is complete, and roof decking installation is underway. Masonry walls for interior rooms and precast panels for the upper mechanical mezzanine are progressing. Water lines have passed pressure tests; a bacteriological sample is pending. Windows are being installed on the rear facade. The project schedule targets completion in late October 2026. The utility is also completing final furniture selections. - Field Operations & Infrastructure: The utility experienced three water main disruptions since the December meeting. The hydrant and valve testing program continues. The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) replacement project at pumping stations has started. Design is underway for water mains related to the 2026 road resurfacing projects. - Regulatory & Administrative Updates: The Public Service Commission (PSC) has submitted questions regarding the pending rate case. An extension to respond was requested due to year-end processing and staff training. External auditors are scheduled for an on-site visit from March 11 to March 13. Work on the water diversion report required for the Milwaukee water agreement continues. Financial & Performance Reporting - 2025 Water Consumption: Consumption for 2025 ended 2.5% higher than budget projections. December consumption was elevated partly because half the city was billed for an additional two days. Commercial consumption exceeded budget by approximately 28 million gallons, attributed to the post-COVID economic recovery and a temporary cooling tower malfunction at a large customer facility (now repaired). - December 2025 Financials: The utility ended the month with $50 million in cash, up from $48.1 million at the start of the month, following a $2.1 million draw on the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan for the operations center. All 2025 transmission and distribution improvement projects are complete, except for Arrowhead Trail (delayed pending an eminent domain easement) and Highway 59 (a two-year project; the 2025 phase is finished). The 2026 construction project list will be presented at the February commission meeting. The WIFIA loan for the operations center is a 38-year loan with an average interest rate of 1.16%. Key Outcomes (Decisions & Votes) - December 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (6-0). - December Voucher Lists (Payments): Vouchers from the General Fund and Improvement Fund were approved unanimously (6-0). The voucher list included a $774,050 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to the City of Waukesha, the first of three such payments for 2026. Commissioner Shawn Reilly commented that the PILOT amount may not be sufficient, prompting discussion. - Designation of 2026 Depositories: Waukesha State Bank (including its investment branch, Waukesha Investments), JP Morgan Chase Bank, and the State of Wisconsin Local Government Investment Pool were approved as official depositories for 2026. The designation is non-exclusive; the commission may approve additional depositories during the year if advantageous terms arise. Approved unanimously (6-0). - Operations Center Change Order: A $37,930.22 change order to Miron Construction for re-grading the site pond (to meet stormwater capacity requirements) and installing a loading dock leveler was approved unanimously (6-0). The cost is covered by the project's existing contingency and allowance funds, which currently hold approximately $160,000 from project credits (including an $80,000 credit on roof trusses).