Public Meetings - Waukesha, Wisconsin

The City of Waukesha Board of Zoning Appeals met on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall, 201 Delafield Street, Waukesha, WI 53188. The agenda listed the meeting for 4:00 PM. Board members present were Tim Nickage, Christy D'Angelo, Eric Dunst, and Kevin Riley. The board approved prior minutes, heard one appeal, and unanimously granted Christopher Strike a dimensional variance to construct a shed at 1730 Hunter Road. The agenda attachment for the zoning denial letter is labeled 1720 Hunter Road, a discrepancy with the 1730 Hunter Road address used in the appeal, staff presentation, and applicant's testimony. Consent Calendar - ID26-04349: The board approved the August 10, 2026 meeting minutes. Tim Nickage moved approval, Eric Dunst seconded, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - No public comment was made from anyone not related to the pending appeal. - City staff presented the sole new business item, ID26-04348. The property is a corner lot near Minooka Park. The applicable code, Section 22.03(6)(A)(4), requires a street side accessory building's minimum setback to be aligned with the street side elevation of the principal building. Staff showed that the rear yard and interior side yard have steep grade changes; the interior side yard also contains a large mature tree. The requested street side yard location is flatter and would be screened from Hunter Road and Guthrie Road by an approximately 28-foot-wide terraced landscaping easement held by a neighborhood/homeowners association. Staff stated the street side setback was the only code requirement at issue. - Christopher Strike, the applicant and owner of 1730 Hunter Road, testified that he currently has no shed, his garage is full, and he had been in discussion with the homeowners association but needed city approval before returning to the HOA. He said the proposed location is at a similar grade to the house and that he could pour a concrete slab if needed. He also stated he understood that, as the property owner, he is responsible for maintaining the terrace area. - Board members discussed consistency with an earlier similar case. Some members initially said the applicant had other permissible locations and expressed concern about setting precedent. Others found this case distinguishable because of the steep grades, the mature tree, the HOA landscaping berm acting as a buffer, and the value of HOA review. Members also noted that placing the shed in other allowed spots would be more difficult and expensive due to grade changes. The board concluded that the corner-lot conditions were unusual and that the requested location was reasonable. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously affirmed all four required findings for a dimensional variance: 1. Exceptional or extraordinary circumstances apply to the property that do not apply generally to other properties in the same zoning district. 2. The variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same zoning district and vicinity. 3. The variance is not requested solely for economic gain or loss, and self-imposed hardship was not considered a ground for granting it. 4. The variance will not substantially harm adjacent property and will not materially impair the purpose and intent of the zoning code or the public interest. - After the findings, a board member moved to grant the appeal and variance for 1730 Hunter Road; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. - The applicant was told he could take the decision to his homeowners association for the next step. City staff said a confirmation letter would be sent in the coming days. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded by Eric Dunst, and the meeting ended.

The Board of Public Works met on October 8, 2026, to consider consent agenda items, several contracts and change orders related to infrastructure projects, and staff reports. All action items were approved unanimously by members O'Donnell, Riley, and Micklitz. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the September 17, 2026 meeting minutes. - Approval of Payments: Six payments were approved, including two final payments for utility repairs and concrete patching. Discussion Items - Contract Change Order No. 1 – N. Moreland Blvd. and Michigan Ave. Traffic Signal Improvement: The board approved a change order with LaLonde Contractors for additional pavement and curb work. The city will invoice We Energies and Spectrum approximately $6,900 for costs related to their work. Available funds from other projects cover the change. - Settlement Agreement – Sand Filter No. 8, Clean Water Plant: The board approved a settlement agreement to repair Sand Filter No. 8, which had installation and corrosion issues. The contractor will cover repair costs; the city is responsible for minor staff time for sand removal and replacement. - Change Order No. 3 – Clean Water Plant: The board approved a change order with J.F. Ahern Co. for Phase 3 upgrades. The $34,000 net increase includes a fire sprinkler water line installation and a credit for eliminating generator pads. Additional change orders are likely. - Contract with AECOM – RAISE Grant Bike and Pedestrian Bridges: The board approved a contract with AECOM for planning and design of two bicycle-pedestrian bridges over Highway 18/59/164. The contract is hourly and covers only design work. - BRIC Grant Agreement – Area 10 Floodplain Improvements: The board accepted a state-local resilient infrastructure grant providing 75% federal funding ($191,000) with a city cost share of $64,000 for design and analysis of flood mitigation. Construction is tentatively planned for 2029. Reports and Announcements - Staff announced upcoming community events, including tours of the Clean Water Plant and city garage, and a successful snow plow rodeo training. Leaf pickup is scheduled from late October through early December, with new leaf blowing equipment expected to improve efficiency. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous. The board approved all consent items, change orders, settlement agreement, and professional services contract. Next steps include invoicing utilities for change order costs, executing the sand filter repair, continuing the clean water plant project, proceeding with bridge design, and applying for construction funding for the floodplain project.

The Transit Commission met on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners Chad O'Donnell and Kevin Riley were present. The meeting covered a public hearing and approval of a fare increase effective January 1, 2027, approval of bus stop changes, and a presentation on a transit structure study. No written or other oral public comments were submitted beyond one speaker. Public Comments & Testimony - Luke Cortum (533 Brace at Place Apt 1, Waukesha) spoke during the public hearing on the proposed fare increase. He expressed understanding of the need for the increase to maintain service but urged the government to restore adequate transit funding. He also raised concerns about fare enforcement on buses and the recent service cut on Route 9 that disrupted his commute. He asked that the system enforce fare payment and that state funding be increased. Discussion Items - Proposed Fare Increase Effective January 1, 2027: Brian (Transit Manager) presented the first across-the-board fare increase in many years. The base fare would rise from $2.00 to $2.25, the monthly adult cap would increase to $5.25 (reverting from a previous reduction after the Wisco card system), MetroLift fare from $4.00 to $4.50, and a new same-day ride surcharge of $9.00 for MetroLift. This surcharge is double the normal fare and allows same-day changes for medical appointments. Estimated annual additional revenue is $35,000–$39,000. No written comments were received; anecdotal feedback from transit center staff indicated riders were informed and accepted the change. - Bus Stop Changes: Brian outlined the elimination of 12 bus stops and the addition of 1 stop (for Butler School at Grandview and Michigan). Most eliminated stops are redundant (within a block of another stop) or present safety concerns (e.g., bus exposure to traffic at West and Doty). The changes aim to improve route speed and safety, particularly on Route 1 along Main Street. This is expected to be the last bus stop adjustment unless there is a significant service change. - Transit Structure Study: Miranda Walzer from SewerPAC presented a high-level study of four operational models: current contract (Transdev), direct municipal operation, turnkey private operator, and transit utility. The study was prompted by rising insurance costs—auto liability reinsurance rates grew 142% in 2023 despite no claims—and the city being underwritten as a standalone risk at higher cost than pooled peers. No direct recommendation was made, but direct municipal operation was identified as the most viable alternative if future cost spikes or contractor changes force action. Next steps would include detailed financial comparison and legal review. The draft report is available online. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Motion to approve the July 23, 2026 minutes passed unanimously (2-0). - Public Hearing Closed: Motion to close the public hearing passed unanimously (2-0). - Fare Increase Approved: Motion to adopt the proposed fare increases as presented passed unanimously (2-0). - Bus Stop Changes Approved: Motion to approve the proposed bus stop changes (eliminate 12, add 1) passed unanimously (2-0). - Transit Structure Study Received: The study was presented and discussed; no action was taken. The final public version will be provided to Brian within a week.

The Landmarks Commission met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. The meeting covered the Paint and Repair Grant Fund status, three Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for exterior alterations in historic districts, and reports from the Alderman and Springs Committee. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (ID26-04268): The minutes from the September 2, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously with no changes. Paint and Repair Grant Fund Report - Staff presented the 2026 grant status: $25,000 was allocated for the year, all of which has been committed to 16 grants. As of October 7, five grants totaling $5,191.50 have been reimbursed (paid by October 9). One additional grant (1315 East Broadway, $3,000) is pending proof of payment. No further grant money is available for 2026; applicants completing work in 2027 may apply for next year’s grant cycle. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness for 323 McCall St. (Gutter Replacement): The applicants, homeowners Mary Lou and Darren Lillian, requested approval to replace existing half-round gutters with K-style gutters due to drainage issues and age. Staff noted that previous approvals for K-style gutters only applied to replacing existing K-style; replacing half-round with K-style was a new precedent. Commissioners debated historic integrity, installation concerns, and cost. The homeowners cited a survey showing only 10% of district homes have half-round gutters. After discussion, the commission voted to approve the COA, allowing the homeowner to choose either full half-round replacement (if feasible) or K-style gutters. The motion passed with one nay vote. Commissioners acknowledged this may set a precedent for similar future requests. - Certificate of Appropriateness for 250 W. Broadway (Door Hinges and Glass Replacement): Applicant Nancy Wilson (owner of Lost Art Fiber and Textile Studio) seeks to replace inoperable historic door hinges and install tempered glass in the door of Suite 1 at the former Metropolitan Building (1917). The hinges currently are a unique historic style that opened both ways; the applicant proposes to use standard hinges matching the building’s main entrance. The commission unanimously approved the COA, as the changes will restore functionality and improve security while preserving the door frames. - Certificate of Appropriateness for 134 W. Laflin Ave. (Basement Window Replacement): The homeowner was not present. The application seeks to replace broken basement windows with glass block windows. Commissioners expressed concerns about the visibility from the street and suggested exploring other window options (e.g., traditional windows). The commission voted to hold the item until the homeowner can attend a future meeting to discuss alternatives and provide cost comparisons. Alderman's Report - Alderman Mike Christensen announced upcoming community events: "Waukesha Unlocked" tours on October 10–11, the "Tombstone Trot" fundraiser at Prairie Home Cemetery on October 18, and Veterans Day events on November 7 and 11. Springs Report - Commissioner Tony Lanza reported a successful morning cleanup at Minooka Spring by GPS Education Partners, including new mulch and removal of fallen trees. The Springs are ready for tours on Sunday, October 11 at 10 AM, Noon, and 2 PM. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Paint and Repair Grant Fund — no further allocations for 2026; 2027 funding of $25,000 is expected via CDBG (pending federal approval). - 323 McCall St. COA approved (1 nay) with option for homeowner to choose between half-round or K-style gutters. - 250 W. Broadway COA approved unanimously. - 134 W. Laflin Ave. COA held until November meeting pending homeowner's presence and additional window options. - Next meeting: Scheduled for November? (Not explicitly stated, but implied by November grant update and hold item.)

The Common Council of Waukesha, Wisconsin, met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM with 13 members present. The meeting addressed a police range facility contract, authorization for a small business development grant, a contested bartender license, and a closed session to discuss the sale of city-owned property on Big Bend Road. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting (13-0). - The consent agenda was adopted unanimously (13-0). - A request from Club 400 for an extended premises permit for October 10, 2026, was approved unanimously (13-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the initial public comment period. - Licensing Hearing – Ashley Rodriguez: The council heard testimony from applicant Ashley Rodriguez regarding her invited bartender license renewal. Ms. Rodriguez, a manager and bartender at Sunset Bowl, addressed the council to take full responsibility for a December 2024 incident leading to citations for underage drinking and false ID. She stated she has changed significantly since the incident, is pursuing college, and requires the license to continue her managerial role and help behind the bar. She expressed deep remorse and emphasized a clean work history of several years with no alcohol-related serving issues. Discussion Items - Police Range Facility Contract: The council approved a contract for the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department to use the police training facility on Sentry Drive. City Attorney Rennie explained the contract delegates responsibilities and requires insurance. Alderperson Micklitz inquired about fees, which Attorney Rennie confirmed are not detailed in the contract but kept in a separate schedule, with revenue directed to the general fund. Alderperson Vantrieste sought assurance that any future changes to contractual terms would require council approval. The council approved the specific contract and authorized its use as a template for future agencies, delegating execution authority to the Chief of Police (13-0). - WEDC Small Business Development Grant: Staff presented a resolution to apply for the maximum amount of $250,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Small Business Development Grant, requiring no local match. The funds would expand the Central City Storefront Activation Loan Program, which has issued 16 loans using ARPA funds to businesses including North Pillar Brewing, Let It Be, and Waukesha Coffee House. Staff noted the program is highly competitive, typically receiving 70 to 80 applications for only 8 to 10 awards. The council authorized the application (13-0). - Invited Bartender License – Ashley Rodriguez (Deliberation): Following public testimony, the council discussed the Ordinance and License Committee's recommendation to approve the license (4-1). Alderperson Manion, the dissenting committee vote, cited the recency and direct relevance of the violations to bartending duties. Alderperson Lemke agreed, stating the recency of the infractions overrides Ms. Rodriguez's otherwise good job performance. Alderperson Witeska argued there is little risk in granting the license given her clean employment record and the support of her agent. Alderperson Wigderson noted the incident did not occur during work. The council voted 7-6 to approve the license. Reports and Updates - City Attorney's Report: Attorney Rennie provided litigation updates, noting a petition for review had been filed with the Supreme Court in the Sols lawsuit and a motion to dismiss had been filed in the Flock camera lawsuit, requesting a stay pending a related case in the Seventh Circuit. - Waukesha Housing Authority: Alderperson Piper reported the approval of nearly $1 million in capital expenditures and a reduction in Section 8 reimbursement rates from HUD for the first time in several years. - Finance Committee: Alderperson Piper announced the upcoming FY 2027 operating budget review, with the full council review scheduled for November 5, 2026. - City Administrator's Report: Tony provided the schedule for the Finance Committee budget reviews set for the following Tuesday and Thursday. - Other Committees: Several committees reported having no meetings or reported upcoming events, including the Library Board (Waukesha Reads underway), the Cemetery Commission (Tombstone Trot fundraiser and Open House tours), and the Landmarks Commission. Key Outcomes - Approved: Police range facility contract as a template for future agencies, with the explicit understanding that any changes to contractual terms would require council approval (13-0). - Authorized: Staff application for the 2026 WEDC Small Business Development Grant (13-0). - Granted: Invited bartender license to Ashley Rodriguez (7-6). - Approved: Club 400 extended premises permit (13-0). - Closed Session: Council voted 13-0 to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss the sale of the city-owned property at Tax Key WAKT 1389901 on Big Bend Road. Upon reconvening, the council voted 10-3 to direct staff to pursue the offers discussed in closed session. - Referred: Multiple traffic and parking regulation requests were referred to the Traffic and Parking Regulations (TARP) Committee, including a no parking zone and crosswalk requests on behalf of District 10, a parking space request on Randall Street, and signage changes on Charles Avenue.

The Traffic and Parking Regulations Committee met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. The meeting was short, with no public comment and no contested votes. Committee members took action on a proposed no-parking zone, a speed study request, and a new Traffic Study Review Form, and discussed a planned referral regarding baseball field signage. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The agenda lists the item as approving the August 31, 2026, Building and Grounds meeting minutes, though the body is the Traffic and Parking Regulations Committee; no minutes were available to verify the contents. The motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, and no public comment was offered. Discussion Items - No-Parking Zone on Dopp Street (ID26-03965): The committee reviewed a previously tabled proposal to establish a no-parking zone on the north side of Dopp Street from South Moreland Boulevard to 100 feet east of South Moreland Boulevard. Members recalled prior discussion and agreed to take no action, removing the item from the agenda. The chair noted he had already spoken with Alderman Camacho, who could bring the item forward again if desired. - Speed Study on River Valley Road (ID26-03969): The committee discussed a request by Alderman Matthews for a speed study on River Valley Road from USH 18 (Les Paul Parkway) to CTH H (River Road). No additional correspondence had been received from Alderman Matthews. The committee voted to hold the item on the agenda, and the chair said he would email Alderman Matthews to ask whether he wanted further action. - Traffic Study Review Form for Council Members (ID26-04222): The committee re-reviewed the proposed form, which Alderman Moltzan brought back to ensure members were still aligned after statements he made at the common council meeting. Members discussed the form's purpose as a communication tool to gather necessary traffic study information up front, and whether it changes committee processes. Some members raised questions about council rules, a possible committee name change, and the need for a document/form number for easier reference. Members agreed the form would improve communication and allow more rigorous review of traffic-related requests. A motion to approve the form was made by Moltzan, seconded by Alderman Everett, and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved the Traffic Study Review Form (unanimous). The form will be used to collect complete information for traffic study requests and may be placed on a future consent agenda. - Took no action on the Dopp Street no-parking zone and removed it from the agenda. - Held the River Valley Road speed study pending follow-up with Alderman Matthews. - Planned a referral on Frame Park signage: A committee member reported that a resident's vehicle windshield was damaged by a baseball at the Frame Park baseball diamond. The member requested three signs on each side of home plate reading approximately "Flying Baseballs — Park at Your Own Risk." The chair agreed to make this referral at the next common council meeting, directing it to the appropriate committee (formerly Building and Grounds) for approval. Adjournment The committee adjourned following the discussion and referral planning.

The Finance Committee of the City of Waukesha met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall, 201 Delafield Street. Members present were Joe Pieper, Doreen Wigderson, Mike Anderson, and Rick Lemke; Dale Matthews was absent. Ald. Evert was also present. The committee received no public comment, approved the previous meeting minutes, and acted on two business items before adjourning at 6:47 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 8, 2026 Finance Committee minutes (ID26-04333) by unanimous consent. EMS Balance Billing Policy — ID26-04332 The EMS chief and Administrator Brown presented the request, joined virtually by Megan Bernero, Client Success Director for EMS Management and Consultants (EMSMC). EMSMC has worked with the city for more than four years. The policy would apply to EMS treatment and transport services, including treatment without transport. The policy discussion traced EMS billing history: resident and non-resident rates were established in the 1990s; Medicare and Medicaid billing rules drove rate changes from 1999 onward; and in 2016 the city adopted a soft collection policy and uniform rates. After 2016, city residents were not billed for balances left after Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance paid, while non-residents remained responsible for unpaid balances. Cost recovery was about $1.35 million in 2015, rose by just under $650,000 to about $1.9 million after the 2016 change, and reached $2.35 million in 2025. In 2025 there were 5,552 transports, 87% of them residents. Staff estimated that reinstating resident balance billing would add just under $750,000 (about $746,000), bringing cost recovery to about $3.1 million. Resident cash recovery was about $404 per trip versus $558 for non-residents. Gross charge recovery was 18.3% for residents and 25.8% for non-residents, making non-resident recovery about 38% higher. Staff cited cost recovery, common industry practice, and budget resilience as reasons for the change. They listed comparable and neighboring Wisconsin communities—including Eau Claire, Janesville, Wausau, Sheboygan, Oshkosh, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Lake Country, Western Lakes, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Heartland, Sussex, and Big Bend—as agencies that balance bill residents. Administrator Brown said the city's five-year cost-to-continue forecast showed about a $500,000 gap in 2028, and this revenue would help project balanced budgets for 2027 and 2028. The retained hardship process would mirror hospital waiver criteria, and payment plans would be available without proof of hardship; the default plan would be $25 per month, with a credit card option to pay the balance within 12 months. Staff estimated 3,500 to 4,500 bills would be sent to residents for balances not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The policy would take effect January 1, 2027, and would not apply to existing balances. During discussion, Ald. Anderson asked whether the $746,000 figure represented all uncollected amounts, whether additional collection would cost the city more, and whether payment plans required hardship documentation. Staff replied that the estimate was based on the billing company's historical data, that collection costs were already covered by the billing contract, and that payment plans are a convenience and do not require hardship documentation; the waiver path does require documented hardship meeting hospital-like criteria. Ald. Lemke expressed support for balance billing but proposed a $250 per-call cap, citing an example of an 82-year-old Medicare recipient receiving a $250 bill. Ald. Pieper noted he was surprised resident gross recovery was only 18.3% and said residents still receive significant value from fire department services funded by the levy. Megan Bernero explained that almost 70% of the city's payer mix is Medicare and Medicaid, whose allowed amounts are below gross charges, so the 25.8% non-resident recovery is close to the maximum collectible amount. A motion to adopt the balance billing policy was made by Pieper and seconded by Wigderson. Ald. Lemke moved to amend the motion to cap charges at $250, with a second by Anderson. The amendment failed 2-2: Ayes were Anderson and Lemke; Nays were Pieper and Wigderson; Matthews was absent. The original motion then carried unanimously, 4-0, with Matthews absent. 2027 Residential Garbage and Recycling Fee — ID26-04346 Dustin Nolan, Recycling and Solid Waste Manager, presented the resolution to set the 2027 fee for residential garbage and recyclables collection at $165 per household, up from $160 in 2026. The increase aligns with the 3% escalator in the city's contract with John's Disposal and includes about $1 per household for 30% of Nolan's salary and benefits for contract administration, a cost not included in the original $160 fee. Nolan noted that estimates for household growth and landfill tonnage are built into the calculation, so the effective increase could be close to but not exactly 3%. Ald. Lemke supported the 3% increase because it tracks the contract escalator and because the city moved garbage costs out of the levy under state levy limits. He opposed raising the fee in advance as unfair to taxpayers. Administration staff responded that Wisconsin statute requires fees to be reasonably related to the cost of service, so multi-year prefunding would not be allowed. Ald. Anderson asked whether the city saved money by switching from Waste Management to John's Disposal. Nolan replied that Waste Management proposed about a 10% increase under an extension, while the RFP-selected contract with John's increased by less than 5%; therefore, even with the 2027 increase, costs remain below a Waste Management extension. Nolan also said new homes receiving occupancy permits later in the year would receive prorated invoices, not free service through year-end. A motion by Pieper, seconded by Wigderson, to set the 2027 fee at $165 per city-issued garbage cart for automated-service properties and $165 per address for manual-service properties was approved unanimously, 4-0, with Matthews absent. Communications and Next Steps - The committee announced two upcoming Finance Committee meetings on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 and Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM to review detailed 2027 operating budget department budgets. The budget materials were expected to be attached to the agenda by the prior Friday. Key Outcomes - Approved the EMS balance billing policy for EMS treatment and transport services for residents and non-residents, effective January 1, 2027 (4-0; Matthews absent). - Rejected the proposed $250 maximum charge amendment to the EMS balance billing policy (2-2; Matthews absent). - Approved the 2027 residential garbage and recyclables collection fee of $165, replacing $160 for 2026 (4-0; Matthews absent). - Scheduled the next Finance Committee meetings for October 13 and October 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

This meeting of the Waukesha Plan Commission featured a lengthy consultation on a proposed 384-unit multifamily development on Oakdale Drive, a consultation on an 84-unit project on Elkhart Drive, and approvals of a warehouse addition and a golf simulator expansion. The meeting began at 6:00 PM and concluded around 10:00 PM. No formal votes were taken on the consultation items, but the commission provided extensive feedback to the developers. Consent Calendar - Certified Survey Map – Big Bend Road (PC26-0089): Approved unanimously, authorizing a 2-lot CSM on 0.61 acres for future home sites for Operation Finally Home. Staff comments and conditions were included. Public Comments & Testimony - Oakdale Consultation (PC26-0091): Over 150 residents attended. More than two dozen spoke in opposition, and a petition of 333 residents was submitted. Key concerns included: excessive density (384 units on 36.7 acres adjacent to single-family homes), traffic safety on Oakdale Drive (40 accidents in 3 years per Wisconsin DOT data), inadequate parking (1.8 spaces/unit), dangerous sight lines at the proposed Parkton Drive extension, negative impact on neighborhood character, potential decline of property values, reduced green space and wildlife, stormwater runoff, school capacity, and the developer’s poor Better Business Bureau rating (D-). Several speakers requested lower density, single-family homes or condos, and a formal environmental impact study. Alderman Dale Matthews, absent, submitted a letter stating 99% of District 12 feedback opposed the project. Alderman Manion echoed that he received only two supportive calls. - Elkhart Drive Consultation (PC26-0092): No public comments were offered. - 901 Sentry Drive (PC26-0090) and 2507 Plaza Court (PC26-0082): No public comments were made on these items. Discussion Items Consultation – Oakdale Drive / Les Paul Parkway (Fiduciary Real Estate Development Inc.) - Developer Presentation: Tony DeRosa (Fiduciary) proposed a 60 million dollar, 15-building, 384-unit apartment complex (mix of studios to 3-bedrooms) on 36.7 acres owned by the Waukesha School District. The plan included 617 parking spaces (80 enclosed), a clubhouse, pool, and a water pump house. A traffic study by Traffic Analysis and Design Inc. projected 2,700 daily trips, with 150 AM peak and 195 PM peak trips. The study recommended a southbound bypass lane on Oakdale at Parkton Drive and a northbound turn lane at Highway 59. Fire Chief Goplin stated that extending Parkton Drive to Oakdale is necessary as a second access point due to steep topography (10–60 foot grade changes) and safety concerns. The developer noted the site is tax-exempt currently and would generate significant new tax revenue. - Commission Feedback: Commissioner Keller urged reducing density, especially phase two buildings near single-family homes, and suggested L-shaped buildings, underground parking, and a phased approach (phase two not approved until phase one is complete). Commissioner Molson supported the updated plan with a larger buffer. Commissioner Wells questioned traffic modeling and suggested the development reads as large-format; he encouraged more articulation to feel residential. Commissioner Francois called for greater variety in materials and design. Mayor (Commissioner) expressed preference for outward-facing units. Alderman Christine noted past successful density reductions in her district. Alderman Manion said he cannot support the project as proposed, citing overwhelming neighborhood opposition, traffic concerns, and the need for a density reduction and improved design including covered parking. - Developer Response: Fiduciary acknowledged the feedback and will revise plans before returning for rezoning and site plan review. No formal action was taken. Consultation – Elkhart Drive (Horizon Development Group) - Developer Presentation: Hunter Patchon (Horizon) proposed 84 units in six buildings (four 16-unit, two 10-unit) on 6.7 acres, with 160 parking spaces (68 garage, 92 surface). Buildings would have individual entrances, balconies, and a clubhouse. The site is adjacent to the Village at Fox River apartments and surrounded by highways. - Commission Feedback: Commissioners debated whether garages should face inward or outward; a split view emerged. Commissioner Keller suggested more architectural diversity. Commissioner Wells preferred inward-facing garages to create a protected courtyard, but others (Commissioner Molson, Francois, Mayor) favored outward-facing units for views. The commission also noted the parking field could be softened with vegetation. The developer indicated they would submit a preliminary site plan within a week. No public comment. Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 901 Sentry Drive (Nations Roof) - Proposal: A 4,800 sq. ft. warehouse addition (60x80) and a future 60x100 building in the GM District. The existing building houses a roofing company. Staff identified an unpermitted rear addition that the applicant agreed to demolish. - Commission Action: Commissioner Francois moved to approve with staff conditions (building permits, demolition of unpermitted addition, masonry base wall, and engineering comments). Motion passed unanimously (5-0). Final Site Plan & Architectural Review – 2507 Plaza Court (Prairieville Park) - Proposal: A 2,744 sq. ft. addition for indoor golf simulators, a covered patio, and a relocated dumpster/transformer enclosure. The parking lot would be one stall short of code (52 vs. 53 required), for which relief was needed. Staff recommended masonry walls for the enclosure per design guidelines. - Commission Action: Commissioner Wells moved to approve with all staff comments. Seconded. Unanimously approved (5-0). Key Outcomes - Oakdale Drive Consultation: No action taken. The developer will revise plans based on commission and public feedback, including density, building placement, and design. A formal rezoning and site plan review will occur at a future meeting. - Elkhart Drive Consultation: No action taken. The developer will submit a preliminary site plan within a week, incorporating commission feedback on garage orientation and landscaping. - 901 Sentry Drive (Nations Roof): Final site plan and architectural review approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions. - 2507 Plaza Court (Prairieville Park): Final site plan and architectural review approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions. - Notable: City staff noted that many upcoming residential projects are driven by recent industrial growth and that slab-on-grade designs (without underground parking) are becoming common due to high concrete costs.

The Waukesha Water Commission met on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:01 PM. The meeting included two closed sessions, approval of minutes and payments, a preview of the capital improvement plan, updates on the new operations center, financial reports, and discussion of the general manager position. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with one commissioner abstaining. - Approval of Payments: Payments from the general fund and improvement fund were unanimously approved after discussion of specific invoices, including Arrow Creek Construction, the operations center payment of $1.2 million, and IT services to the city. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, and no written communications were received. Closed Sessions - First Closed Session: The commission convened in closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(d) to discuss cybersecurity strategy for the water utility's IT infrastructure. Upon reconvening in open session, no action was taken. - Second Closed Session: A second closed session was held under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of the general manager position. Following the closed session, the commission took action (see Key Outcomes). Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Preview: Courtney presented a first look at the 2027 CIP, totaling $15.2 million. Significant items included Wi-Fi for pumping stations ($264,000), access control upgrades ($100,000), water main replacements ($8.4 million for 14,480 feet), hydrant and valve replacements, water meter replacements ($447,000), operations center completion ($256,000), billing software and process improvement, fleet replacement ($140,000), radio tower ($121,000), and plant abandonments ($3.5 million). The utility expects $4 million in grants and does not plan to borrow in 2027. - Operations Center Update: Kelly provided an update on the new operations center, showing photos and reporting progress on concrete pouring (486 yards), door installation, and fencing. The target move-in date is December 2, 2026. Security fencing and cameras are planned. The fiber installation bid came in at half the budgeted amount. Two break-ins were reported, with police assistance. - Utility Performance Update: The general manager candidate declined the offer. The PSC rate case was reinstated. A customer complaint about high water usage is pending. Billing software kickoff occurred. Dan reported that the SJ Lewis lawsuit trial is set for February 16, 2027, with mediation scheduled for late December. Matt reported four water main breaks since the last meeting and ongoing maintenance. - Financial Report: August financials showed revenue slightly over budget due to dry weather, expenses slightly over budget due to a PSC adjustment and Arrow Creek payment, and administrative expenses under budget. Cash ended at $56.5 million. Transmission and distribution projects were updated. Key Outcomes - General Manager Position: The commission directed the utility to repost the general manager position for 30 days. Courtney Nagel was appointed as senior manager and acting general manager in the interim. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote. - Closed Session Actions: No actions were taken from the first closed session. The second closed session resulted in the actions above.