Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake Geneva public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in water utilities
Sewer extension request for 829 Sage Street
A property owner asked about extending sewer to a vacant platted lot on Sage Street, but declined to proceed after seeing the cost. No action needed; the parcel remains without sewer service.
East Side Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Upsizing
Growth from Symphony Bay and planned commercial and residential development along the East Side Interceptor corridor has the sewer near capacity. A $248,000 design contract kicks off an eventual roughly $5 million upsizing project funded largely by impact fees.
2026 Lead Service Line Replacement Project
The utility is doubling its lead pipe replacement project to about 30 lines, with options for homeowners to replace their private side at the same time. Bidding is targeted for early 2027.
Lead service line replacements doubled to 30 lines
Sixteen properties with lead or galvanized services will get the utility side replaced, with bidding authorized and awards expected in August. Homeowners are being worked with on replacing their side too.
Backup power for water system after storm vulnerability
After July's storm knocked out power, the utility is designing backup generators for the water treatment plant plus standby power reviews at two wellhouses, a boost station, and lift stations — keeping water flowing during outages.
Verizon tower lease renewal terms
Verizon wants 20 more years on the Host Drive tower lease: a 5% rent bump in year one, then 4% a year. The antennas cost the utility nothing to host, so it's nearly pure revenue — the commission took the deal, pending final legal language.
2026 Sewer Lining Project engineering amendment
The commission approved bidding a cured-in-place pipe lining project covering Pine Tree Lane, Mary Ann Terrace, lift station leads, a lakeshore branch, and unlined Hwy 50 sections — with grouting and T-liners included to keep groundwater out of the sewers.
Highway 50 utility adjustments and hydrant relocation
The city agreed to forgo reimbursement for utility easement areas in the Highway 50 project in exchange for a relinquished easement that becomes full right-of-way for city utility use.
Evergreen Lane stormwater concerns
A neighbor reported past patio damage and questioned whether the rain garden can handle runoff from the rebuilt home. The city engineer said the garden is sized to code and added a condition that all runoff go to it.
New billing system implementation
A second sit-down with BSNA on data migration keeps the new utility billing system on track to go live in Q2 2027.
Wastewater treatment plant facilities planning
The 40-year-old plant's long-term future is under study, with a draft facilities plan expected by late July and a required public hearing to follow.
Gutter replacement at utility building
The century-old Main Street building's copper gutters are failing and leaking. Commissioners picked aluminum over copper, which could cost two to three times more, while keeping a copper-like color.