The Finance Committee met on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM. All members were present except Joe Piper (on vacation), establishing a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and no public comments were offered. The minutes from June 9, 2026, were approved by unanimous consent. The sole business item was a proposed budget amendment of $319,000 for the City Hall Security Improvements Project. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from June 9, 2026 (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Budget Amendment for City Hall Security Improvements (ID 2603985): Rebecca Peterson (Communications and Engagement Manager), Chief Thompson, and Joe Walter (Facilities and Construction Manager) presented the proposal. They detailed an increasing number of incidents at City Hall, including direct threats to employees, panic button activations, and employee resignations due to safety concerns. The project includes four components: 1. Updating access control on all floors to secure employee-only areas. 2. Installing barriers (fencing, screening, bollards) to protect exterior utility access points. 3. Clear numbering and signage on all doors to aid first responders. 4. Installing ballistic glass security barriers at the clerk/treasurer's desk and the second floor customer service desk (the largest cost). - The total cost of $319,000 would be funded from accumulated interest earnings in the capital projects fund, not from operating funds. Chief Thompson emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures, citing prior experiences and the need to protect employees. Aldermen expressed strong support, noting that the cost is modest compared to other municipalities (e.g., Dane County spent $12 million). They also discussed the timing (proactive rather than reactive), the impact on employee retention, and the feasibility of alternative designs. The committee confirmed that the project would be bid out and that the budget amendment only authorizes funding, not construction. Key Outcomes - The committee voted 4-0 to approve the motion to recommend amending the capital budget by allocating $319,000 for the City Hall Security Improvements Project. Voting aye: Widjerson, Anderson, Matthew Zy, Lemke. - The next scheduled Finance Committee meeting is July 14, 2026, with a possible visit from a state legislator. The capital budget process for 2027 has begun; the first CIP meeting (fleet show-and-tell) is set for August 25, 2026, at the city garage.
Public Meetings - Waukesha, Wisconsin
Public Meetings - Waukesha, WisconsinThe Joint Review Board (JRB) of the City of Waukesha met on June 26, 2026, at 8:00 AM in City Hall Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was the review of the City's annual Tax Increment District (TID) report for 2025. All members except Darren Clark were present. The meeting was called to order, and no public comments were offered. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 19, 2025, JRB meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Review of the City of Waukesha Annual TID Report: City staff presented an overview of the 2025 TID activity. Key highlights included: - TID 13 Closure: Closed in April 2026 with a base value of $314,000 and an incremental value at closure of $7,819,100. - TID 12 (Corporate Park): KDV Label, a local business, consolidated operations into a site valued at over $12 million; the project was completed and opened in 2025. - TID 17 (Cobblestone): Construction completed, opened in May 2026, with an assessed value of $9.75 million and a corresponding restaurant opening on the meeting date. - TID 27 (Old Fox Run Shopping Center): A 63-unit apartment building broke ground approximately two weeks prior, with a minimum guaranteed value upon completion of $12.6 million. The adjacent Ascension hospital parcel is under lease and retains a guaranteed value, though the specific amount was not cited during the meeting. - Staff also noted that several other approved projects are awaiting construction start, and that one or two additional TID creations may occur before the end of the year. Key Outcomes - The minutes of the June 19, 2025, meeting were approved. - The annual TID report was reviewed by the board with no questions or formal action taken beyond acceptance. - The meeting was adjourned without further business.
The Administrative Review Appeals Board of the City of Waukesha held a hearing on June 24, 2026, at 7:15 PM, to consider an appeal by the Boucher Group regarding the assignment of an address for their Nissan dealership. The board unanimously reversed the city's decision to assign 1610 Manhattan Drive, allowing the dealership to retain the address 1451 East Moreland Boulevard. Discussion Items - Boucher Group Presentation (Appellant): Attorney Daniel Neinheis, Vice President Pat Myers, and consultant Chad Chemnitz argued that the 1451 address has been used for the Nissan dealership for over 40 years and that the building was designed and oriented toward Moreland Boulevard, with direct access and signage. They emphasized that changing the address would cause undue burden, including disruption of franchise agreements with Nissan, digital marketing, and legal contracts, and that the city's safety concerns were unfounded, citing other properties on Moreland with no direct access that retain Moreland addresses. - City Staff Presentation: Charlie Griffith and Brad Bloomer (GIS Coordinator) presented the history of addressing on the site. They stated that 1610 Manhattan Drive was assigned in 1990 to the existing building, and the 1451 address was retired when the old building was demolished. They argued that the building's primary access is from Manhattan Drive, that the conditional use permit and building permit referenced 1610, and that safety concerns exist due to vehicles blocking drive lanes. A letter from the fire marshal was also submitted. - Board Questions: Board members asked about the driveway alignment, signage visibility, and the application of addressing guidelines, particularly regarding properties like 1537 East Moreland that retain a Moreland address despite indirect access. Key Outcomes - The board, after deliberating in closed session, unanimously voted to reverse the city's decision to assign 1610 Manhattan Drive as the address for the Boucher Nissan dealership. The board found that the city's decision was arbitrary, that no credible health or safety risk was demonstrated, and that changing the address would impose an undue burden on the appellant. The board relied on Section 16 C2 of the addressing guidelines, which allows grandfathering of addresses when a structure was constructed with valid permits and no safety risk exists. The board will issue a written decision in the coming weeks.
The Plan Commission of Waukesha met on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included public comment, approval of consent agenda items, two public hearings for conditional use permits, and several business items including rezoning, final site plan approvals, a consultation, an impact fee waiver, and a zoning code update. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from May 27, 2026 (ID26-03722) – Approved unanimously. - Minor Site Plan & Architectural Review – 815 Northview Road (Centre Court Sports Complex) – Approval to reconstruct a wood deck and railings with a smaller footprint and new sidewalk connector in M-1 District. Approved with staff conditions. - Minor Site Plan & Architectural Review – 682 Northview Road (Hangar Unit A) – Approval to remodel airplane hangar, replace four windows, and add 10 new windows in A-1 Airport District. Approved with staff conditions. - Certified Survey Map – Hawks Landing (east of Jills Drive) – Approval of a 1-lot CSM combining two parcels into 3.69 acres in Rd-2 PUD District. Approved with staff conditions. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Salb (434 Madison Street) – Expressed opposition to the proposed zoning map, alleging the historic overlay over the Blair property (bottom half) had been removed. She urged the commission not to approve the map and to remove the September 1 implementation date, stating she would take all measures to protect the historic property. Staff later clarified that the historic overlay boundaries were not changed; a prior map had included non-designated information, causing confusion. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit – 202 Westminster Drive (Bite Me Cigars) – A home-based cigar distribution business in Rs-3 district. No customers on site; all inventory in basement humidor (150 sq ft). Staff recommended approval with condition to obtain a tobacco retailer license. Applicant (Charlie Griffith) stated no employees, no customer traffic. Neighbors voiced no opposition. Approved unanimously. - Conditional Use Permit – 2211 S. West Avenue (Fast Pitch Factory) – Youth softball training facility (two pitching tunnels, four batting cages) in M-2 district. Hours: Mon-Fri 4-8 PM, weekends 10-8 PM. No employees; coaches and athletes only. Staff recommended conditions: stripe parking per city standards, licensed professional building walkthrough, fire department egress plan. Applicant Thane Brehmer presented. Approved unanimously. - Rezoning from Rm-3 to Rm-3 PUD & Final SPAR – 600 Maple Avenue (Family Promise) – Proposal for a 10-unit, 6,827 sq ft residential building for families experiencing homelessness. The lot (0.61 acres) is below the 1-acre minimum for PUD; commission must find supplemental design elements. Building design: LP SmartSide siding, brick base, awnings, privacy fence. Parking: 18 spaces (code requires 19), but staff deemed sufficient due to proximity to transit and walkability. Light spillover slightly exceeds code (0.7 fc vs 0.5 fc) but adjacent to church parking. Staff recommended approval with conditions: additional landscaping along Maple Avenue, lighting color temperature ≤4,000 K, shielded fixtures, engineering comments addressed. Applicant Brian Griebel (VJS) and Joe Ness (Family Promise) spoke about potential cross-access parking agreement with neighboring church and that the offending light is existing. Commissioner questions about staffing, height (40 ft total, 30 ft to roof midpoint), and neighborhood outreach were answered. Commission approved both the rezoning and final SPAR unanimously, with specific approval of parking, density, and light spillover exceptions. - Final SPAR – 445 Madison Street (Salvation Army) – 2,100 sq ft addition for a two-stall garage to store a disaster relief vehicle. Located on a steep hill; attached to existing building facing Third Street. Building material: red brick siding with masonry base and mansard roof. Setback 11 ft from street (required 25 ft); variance obtained from BZA in May. Staff recommended condition to add a backup mirror at garage entrance for safety, plus engineering and fire department comments. Commission approved unanimously. - Final SPAR – 1101 W. St. Paul Avenue (INNIO) – 84,414 sq ft manufacturing addition for new engine line. Includes new traffic flow to avoid steep grade, sanitary sewer relocation, underground stormwater storage, test cells, paint booths. Architecture: concrete panels (smooth and striated) with dark bronze corrugated metal. Height 42 ft. Staff recommended approval with conditions: LED color temperature ≤4,000 K, engineering concurrence letter before building permits, sign permits for any new signage. Commissioner Keller asked about displaced parking; applicant (Ryan Landcore of RA Smith) explained shift staggering and long ramp-up for additional employees. Commission approved final SPAR unanimously. - Certified Survey Map – 1101 W. St. Paul Avenue (INNIO) – 1-lot CSM combining three parcels into 38.7775 acres in M-2 district. Approved unanimously with staff comments. - Consultation – 809 Philip Drive (The Gund Company) – Discussion of proposed 110,000 sq ft addition for manufacturing, warehousing, and two-story office space in M-1 district. No action taken. Applicant presented preliminary plans (precast panels, clerestory windows). Commissioners (including Alderperson Wells via written comment) requested higher architectural finish, color variation, and robust landscaping given proximity to river and Bethesda Park. Alderperson Molson disagreed, supporting the current design. Applicant John Coots (MSI General) acknowledged feedback and committed to a more sophisticated resubmittal in August/September. Discussion also covered potential driveway connection to SPX Transformers and outdoor storage screening. - Habitat for Humanity Impact Fee Waiver – Request to waive impact fees for two single-family homes at 128 and 134 Caldwell Street and one duplex at 909 Madison Street. Justification: low-cost housing for families earning 40-80% of area median income, and redevelopment of previously built lots. Staff noted similar waivers were done via PUD in other Habitat developments. Impact fees estimated at $5,000 per home. Commission approved waiver unanimously. - Zoning Code Update – Final review and recommendation to Common Council to replace Chapter 22 (Zoning) and Chapter 27 (Signs) with a new ordinance. Changes since April: corrected zoning map to show existing PUD overlays and mixed-use node overlays (SN and RNO); city attorney rewording for clarity (e.g., exempt signs now include government/utility signs, signs carried by individuals, murals/art without advertising; updated definition of yard). Implementation target September 1, 2026; subdivision standards (Chapter 23) to follow later. Commission approved and recommended to Common Council unanimously. Key Outcomes - Conditional Use Permit – 202 Westminster Drive (Bite Me Cigars): Approved unanimously (6-0) with condition of tobacco retailer license. - Conditional Use Permit – 2211 S. West Avenue (Fast Pitch Factory): Approved unanimously with staff conditions. - Rezoning (600 Maple Avenue) to Rm-3 PUD: Approved unanimously (6-0), including parking, density, and light spillover exceptions. - Final SPAR (600 Maple Avenue, Family Promise): Approved unanimously. - Final SPAR (445 Madison Street, Salvation Army): Approved unanimously with condition of backup mirror. - Final SPAR (1101 W. St. Paul Avenue, INNIO): Approved unanimously with staff conditions. - Certified Survey Map (1101 W. St. Paul Avenue, INNIO): Approved unanimously. - Impact Fee Waiver (Habitat for Humanity): Approved unanimously. - Zoning Code Update (new Chapters 22 & 27): Recommended to Common Council for final approval (unanimous vote). - Consultation (809 Philip Drive, The Gund Company): No action taken; feedback provided for future resubmittal.
The City of Waukesha Ordinance & License Committee met on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. All five committee members (Doreen Wigderson, Daniel Manion, Jim Evert, Paul Wuteska, and Erik Helgestad) were present. The meeting lasted 40 minutes, concluding at 6:40 PM. The committee approved multiple bartender licenses, various other business licenses, and recommended approval of an ordinance amendment to allow temporary extension of licensed premises onto Municipal Lot 13. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 8, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent. Licenses Invited Bartender Applications (5 approvals): - Sherri M. Andersen (Backstreet Pub and Grail) – approved 5-0. - Jay Tyler Gabriel Gross – approved 5-0. - Mariah Jean Gryzkewicz – approved 5-0. - David S. Schubert (Club 400) – approved 5-0. - Joshua Schumaker – approved 5-0. Other Applications (1 omnibus motion): - “Class B” Beer & Liquor License Combo for Joey’s Slice of Waukesha - Class “A” Beer & Cider License and Cigarette & Tobacco License for Speedway 4120 - Class “A” Beer & Cider License for Speedway 4119 - Junk Dealer License for Waukesha Iron Metal - Secondhand Jewelry Dealer for Starship Video and Games - Temporary Class “B” License for Latin American Fiesta All approved by a 5-0 vote. Discussion Items Proposal to amend Mun Code 9.115 to allow temporary extensions of licensed premises onto Municipal Lot 13 Alderman Evert introduced the proposal, which would allow Maddie’s Bar (downtown) the same rights as bars on Main Street that have extensions onto the Clock Tower parking lot (Lot 3). Lot 13 is a small, approximately 20-car lot adjacent to Walgreens. The primary use would be for Friday Night Live events and occasional fundraisers. The committee discussed several issues: - Equity: Some members felt it was unfair to allow extensions for bars on Lot 3 but not for those near Lot 13. - Parking loss: The extension would remove public parking, but the business would make that choice and nearby parking (e.g., the transit center) is available. - Safety: Alderman Manion raised concerns about the open access of Lot 13 to streets (St. Paul and Madison), fearing vehicles could drive into an event. He suggested requiring substantial barricades beyond simple plastic chains. - Existing ordinances: City Attorney Brian noted that the special event and street closure ordinances (6.17 and 6.18) already contain barricade requirements and application processes, which would apply. - Precedent: The committee noted that House of Guinness and other bars on Lot 3 have been using extensions for years, and this change would treat Lot 13 similarly. - Limits: Alderman Helgestad asked about a possible annual limit on extensions; it was noted that the existing ordinance may have limits and the question would be addressed at the Common Council meeting. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the ordinance amendment. The change will require three readings before the Common Council. Key Outcomes - All licenses approved unanimously (5-0). - Recommendation to amend Mun Code 9.115 to allow temporary extensions onto Municipal Lot 13 approved 5-0, sending the matter to the Common Council for further readings and final action. - Meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM.
The Waukesha Water Commission held its regular meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Water Utility Conference Room. Six commissioners were present (Joan Francoeur, Jeff Fowle, Joe Piatt, Dale Matthews, Peter Bartels, Alicia Halvensleben); Gerald Couri was absent. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, four action items, a discussion of draft audited financial statements, and several information updates. All votes were unanimous (6-0) where recorded. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (ID26-03901): The minutes from the May 21, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6-0, absent Couri). - Approve Payments from General Fund and Improvement Fund (ID26-03902): The May voucher list was approved unanimously (6-0). - Approve Business Insurance Coverage (ID26-03903): Renewal of insurance policies with LWMMI (liability, crime, cyber), MPIC (property and equipment breakdown), and Erie (workers compensation) at quoted premiums and coverage limits was approved unanimously (6-0). - Approve Water Main Extension and Developer’s Agreement for Skyline Subdivision Phase II (ID26-03904): The extension and agreement were approved at no cost to the Utility, unanimously (6-0). - Approve Water Main Extension and Developer’s Agreement for Winterberry Phase II (ID26-03905): Similarly approved at no cost to the Utility, unanimously (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment. Discussion Items - 2025 Draft Audited Financial Statements (ID26-03906): The Commission discussed the draft financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025. Despite being listed as a discussion item on the agenda, the minutes record that the statements were "approved." No separate vote tally was provided in the minutes, but the approval was noted. Information Items - New Operations Center Updates (ID26-03907): Staff provided an update on the new operations center; no action was taken. - Utility Performance Report / Administrative Activities (ID26-03908): The May 2026 performance report was presented for information. - Financial Report (ID26-03909): The May 2026 financial report was presented for information. Key Outcomes - All action items were approved unanimously (6-0), with Gerald Couri absent for all votes. - The draft audited financial statements for 2025 were discussed and recorded as approved, though the agenda had labeled this item as a discussion only. - The meeting adjourned after the information items. Note on Discrepancy - The agenda listed the 2025 Draft Audited Financial Statements as a "Discussion Item," but the minutes indicate it was "approved." No formal vote tally was recorded in the minutes for this item, which may reflect a consensus decision or a clerical inconsistency.
The Board of Public Works met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. The board unanimously approved routine items, including officer elections, minutes, payments, and two development agreements for Winterberry Reserve Phase 2. A contract change order for the Frame Park Formal Gardens project was also approved after discussion, and the board received notice of five upcoming bids. Consent Calendar - Election of Officers: Alderperson Kevin Riley motioned to elect Chad O'Donnell as chairperson and Kevin Riley as vice chairperson for the next aldermanic year. The motion was seconded by Joe Piper and passed unanimously (O'Donnell, Riley, Piper, Mick Litz all aye). - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 4, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously (O'Donnell, Riley, Piper, Litz aye). - Approval of Payments: Eight payments were approved unanimously. Alderperson Riley inquired about payment 8 for the Fire Station 2, 3, and 4 generator three-way transfer switch, which staff confirmed was related to portable generators at Station 4. - Developer's Agreement – Winterberry Reserve Phase 2: The agreement between the City and VH Winterberry Reserve, LLC, for property north of Summit Avenue, near Fire Station No. 5 and Oliver Sports Complex, was approved unanimously. Alderperson Riley thanked developer Matt Homes for his investment. - Stormwater Management Practice Maintenance Agreement – Winterberry Reserve Phase 2: The maintenance agreement for the same subdivision was approved unanimously. Alderperson Riley expressed support for the development. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Contract Change Order No. 1 – Frame Park Formal Gardens Pathway, Irrigation, and Drainage Systems Improvements Project: Staff presented a change order totaling $17,977.52 with All-Ways Contractors, Inc. Items included additional electrical work by city crews, repairs to damaged irrigation, extra sidewalk replacement, and overrun of base material for flexi-pave. Alderperson Riley made a motion to approve, noting that remaining project funds should allow completion of electrical upgrades at the formal gardens this year. The motion was seconded by Joe Piper and passed unanimously. Communications and Referrals - Official notices were announced for five bids closing on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM: (1) Grede Park Irrigation Installation – Rebid, (2) Greenway Terrace Playground Resilient Surface – Rebid, (3) Luke Avenue, Born Place, and Walton Avenue Utility and Street Improvements, (4) Ruben Drive Pump Station Replacement, and (5) Waukesha Public Library Revolving Door Replacement. Staff clarified that Grede Park received no bids initially and Greenway Terrace bids came in over budget; efforts are underway to attract more contractors and adjust bidding strategies. Key Outcomes - Chad O'Donnell elected chairperson, Kevin Riley elected vice chairperson (unanimous). - Minutes of June 4, 2026, approved (unanimous). - Payments approved (unanimous). - Contract Change Order No. 1 approved (unanimous). - Developer's Agreement for Winterberry Reserve Phase 2 approved (unanimous). - Stormwater Management Practice Maintenance Agreement for Winterberry Reserve Phase 2 approved (unanimous). - Five projects set for bid closing on June 26, 2026.
The Transit Commission met on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. Commissioners Kevin Reilly, Chad O'Donnell, Eileen Micklitz, and Joe Pieper were present; Steve Kassens was absent. No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Election of Officers: Commissioner Kevin Reilly moved to elect Chad O'Donnell as Chair and Kevin Reilly as Vice Chair for the aldermanic year. The motion carried 4-0 (Kassens absent). - 2025 Transit Financial Audit: Transit Manager Brian Engelking introduced Jody Dobson, Principal at Baker Tilly, who presented the audit results. Waukesha Metro Transit received an unmodified (clean) opinion. The reserve fund totaled $1.6 million, with approximately $2.8 million (later estimated at $2.3-2.4 million) in unspent COVID relief funds still available to draw. Combined state and federal subsidies decreased from 59.17% of operating expenses in 2024 to 55.93% in 2025, while the city's share increased. Overall financial results were described as stable and positive. - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of May 21, 2026, were approved unanimously (4-0). - Change Order - 2027 Bus Purchase from Gillig, LLC: Brian Engelking explained that a pre-production meeting identified missing standard components ($1,300 per bus) and a safety enhancement (electronic steering assist, about $4,500 per bus) to improve turning. The total increase is less than 1% per bus, bringing the per-bus cost to $664,752, still below the CIP budget of $690,000. A motion to recommend the change order to the City Council for consent passed 4-0. - Mass Transit Operating Aid Agreement with WisDOT: The item was held because the state had not yet provided the contract; no action taken. - Paratransit Aid Agreement with WisDOT: The 2026 agreement provides $91,209, a 5% ($4,000) increase over 2025. A motion to recommend approval to the City Council carried 4-0. - Update on Transit Service Levels: Brian Engelking summarized service changes implemented on June 15, 2026, with additional weekend changes taking effect. When all 2026 changes are complete, weekly service hours within Waukesha will have decreased from nearly 900 hours (pre-COVID 2020) to just over 600 hours, the lowest level since 1990. The city's financial contribution to transit is the lowest since 2011. Ridership efficiency (rides per hour) improved 45%, from 6.5 to 9.5. MetroLift paratransit demand is estimated at 15,000 rides in 2026 (highest since 2012), requiring an additional vehicle. The presentation will be given to the City Council at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Elected officers: Chair - Chad O'Donnell; Vice Chair - Kevin Reilly. - Approved minutes of May 21, 2026. - Recommended to City Council for consent: Change order to the 2027 bus purchase and the 2026 Paratransit Aid Agreement. - Held for future consideration: Mass Transit Operating Aid Agreement (pending contract from WisDOT). - Noted: 2025 financial audit and service level update (no votes required).
The Waukesha Common Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public comment, a gallery art presentation, approval of minutes, consent agenda, a claim disallowance, several commission reports, a fund reallocation vote, a referral of a sidewalk vehicle ordinance back to committee, two bid awards, referrals, and a proclamation. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 2, 2026: Approved 14-0. - All items on the Consent Agenda were passed unanimously without removal. These included licenses, a radio grant, the Urban Search and Rescue Agreement, pedestrian crossing improvements on Hoover Avenue, and a contract change order for Bidwell/Prospect utility and street improvements. Public Comments & Testimony - Joseph Miller (205 W. St. Paul Avenue) spoke regarding the proposed regulation of powered scooters and e-bikes on sidewalks. He expressed support for regulations that address genuinely unsafe behavior but urged the city to pair them with low-cost street improvements (e.g., marked bike lanes, traffic calming near schools and parks, safe crossings) to provide safe alternatives for riders, especially children and families. He argued that banning sidewalk riding without safe street options would push more trips into cars, making streets less safe overall. Presentations - Gallery Art Presentation: Alderperson Moltzan presented artwork from four local artists: Alex Poisson, Brian Radway, Jaron Baer, and Taylor Yuselman. The artworks included a mosaic glass garden, a portrait with a forked tongue, moonlight over a marshy area, a photo of a deer at Minooka Park, and others. Discussion Items - Disallowance of Claim for Property Damage – Mervin Hanson: City Attorney Brian presented a claim for $911 to replace a windshield damaged by a baseball at Frame Park. No evidence of city negligence was found. Council voted 14-0 to disallow the claim. Alderperson Van Trieste noted there is 40-foot netting at the field and said he would make a referral. - Reallocation of Funds from CIP Project 26F08 (Fire Safety Trailer): The Fire Department requested reallocation of $35,000 from savings on the fire safety trailer project (which came in under budget) to purchase a 2015 vehicle with 61,000 miles for the mobile integrated health care case manager position. Chief Goplin explained the position has received over 125 referrals and requires daily travel within the city and to Milwaukee County for client visits and partner meetings. The current vehicle is aging and needs costly repairs. The motion passed 13-1, with Alderperson Lemke dissenting (stated he would not contest the outcome). - Proposed Regulation of Powered Scooters, Bikes, and Other Vehicles on Sidewalks (Ordinance 11.076-E): Alderperson Manion moved to send the item back to committee for further discussion, noting that only three of five committee members were present at the prior meeting and that the Police Department and City Attorney had differing opinions on the draft. Council voted 14-0 to refer the ordinance back to the Ordinance and License Committee. - Board of Public Works – Bid Awards: Williams Street Overhead to Underground Electric Conversion: Low bid from Bevara in the amount of $99,920. Approved 14-0. 2026 Pavement Crackfilling: Low bid from Thunder Road LLC in the amount of $143,220. Approved 14-0. Alderperson Van Trieste asked about the per-pound unit measure; Alex Damien explained the sealant is melted from blocks. Referrals - Alderperson Van Trieste: To Building & Grounds Committee: Install "Caution children with disabilities" signs in both directions on Meadow Lane. - Alderperson Manion: To Building & Grounds Committee: Review and consider removal of the one-hour parking restriction on New Hall Avenue between Walton and West Avenues. - Alderperson Evert: To Building & Grounds Committee: Establish no-parking zones on both sides of Gassing Drive adjacent to Pewaukee Road. - Alderperson Helgestad: To Building & Grounds Committee: Consider relocating an existing no-parking sign at approximately 530 North Hartwell, 30 feet south. - Alderperson Lemke: To Building & Grounds Committee: Evaluate the appropriateness of a sign at Winterberry and Tall Grass Circle due to new subdivision and resident requests. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (no roll call needed). - Claim of Mervin Hanson disallowed (14-0). - Fund reallocation for the Mobile Integrated Health vehicle approved (13-1). - Ordinance on powered scooters/bikes on sidewalks sent back to committee for further revision (14-0). - Contract for Williams Street electric conversion awarded to Bevara ($99,920) (14-0). - Contract for pavement crackfilling awarded to Thunder Road LLC ($143,220) (14-0). - Multiple referrals made to the Building & Grounds Committee. - July 2026 proclaimed as Parks and Recreation Month. - Public Works Director announced a tour of the Clean Water Plant on July 21 at 4:30 PM before the council meeting.
The Waukesha Public Art Committee met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Training Room at City Hall. The committee reviewed and discussed 18 submissions from the second mural Request for Proposals (RFP) for Friedman Alley. After discussion, the committee narrowed the field to three finalist artists and scheduled a follow-up meeting to consult with the building owner and refine proposals. The meeting adjourned at 5:44 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting (motion by Alderman Moltzan, seconded by Member Lange; 4-0 vote, with Amy Cropper absent). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Friedman Alley Mural RFP Review: Staff presented the ranked top six submissions (with two tied for third place, creating a total of six) from the 18 proposals received. The highest-ranked proposal (by James Barany) had an eight-point spread over the second. The committee reviewed the top six and also considered proposals ranked seven through nine. - James Barany (Waukesha resident): Proposed a historical mural featuring immigrant children, Les Paul, and other Waukesha references. Concerns included the building owner (Thomas Press) possibly not wanting the entire facade covered and the need for permission to use Les Paul’s image. - Melissa Hillmer: Presented a nature-themed mural with flowers, butterflies, and a badger. Committee members noted it was “safe” and “basic Wisconsin” but not Waukesha-specific. They suggested filling empty space with more meadow elements and replacing the badger with a local animal like a fox. - Katrina Exonde (sculptural): Offered 3D sculptural additions. The committee liked the creativity but worried about durability (snow removal, birds, vandalism) and suggested moving the idea to a higher, less accessible location. They proposed asking her to create a painted mural instead, using her river-meadow style. - Other top proposals: Included a historic postcard look (Tilt Vision Art), a river-themed mural (Molly Keen), and a nature-with-river-flow design (artist not specified). The committee felt these were similar to existing murals in Waukesha and not distinctive enough. - Proposals 7-9: Briefly reviewed but not considered competitive; one featured farmer’s market scenes, another focused on immigrant populations (committee felt it didn’t reflect the public), and a third with realistic animal depictions was deemed less compelling. Key Outcomes - The committee agreed to narrow the selection to three finalist artists: James Barany, Melissa Hillmer, and Katrina Exonde (with a request to submit a painted mural rather than a sculpture). - Next Steps: Staff will contact the Thomas Press building owner to gauge interest and discuss design parameters. The committee will then reach out to the three artists to request modifications (e.g., adjusting the mural layout to incorporate building features, filling empty space, or changing themes). - A follow-up meeting will be scheduled in approximately two to three weeks (before the next council meeting) to make a final selection. A poll will be sent to committee members to find a date. - The committee noted that the recently completed fox mural and paw prints in the alley have received positive feedback.