Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waukesha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in water utilities
Water Treatment Chemical and Park Structure Bids
The city is soliciting bids for ferric chloride and polymer, chemicals used to remove phosphorus from water, plus bids for a Mindiola Park structure.
Utility transformer placement in Winterberry Reserve Phase 2
A new We Energies policy forced transformers into front yards, prompting a relief request. The developer scaled back to just three transformers with landscaping required to soften their look.
UPS purchase for new Operations Center
The new operations center is nearly done, with the office move set for December 2 and reopening December 3. Consolidating buildings should eventually trim costs, though the larger new facility may cost slightly more to operate at first.
Clean Water Plant sand filter defects
The city's wastewater plant scored a perfect 4.0 on its state compliance report for the tenth year running, even weathering a 200-year rain event. A sludge dryer project will turn plant solids into a DNR-approved Class A biosolid product the public could eventually purchase.
Area 10 floodplain project BRIC grant
The neighborhood near University/Algoma deals with flooding. A new $191,000 federal grant (city share $64,000) funds detailed design; construction could come around 2029 if another grant lands.
One-time sewer credit program and ordinance revision
The board split on sewer credit requests — approving four homeowners' credits but denying two whose projects didn't count as 'new landscaping.' Vice Chair Kevin Reilly referred the murky Chapter 29.11 rules to the O&L Committee for a cleanup, so expect clearer eligibility standards soon.
Water utility cybersecurity
The commission discussed protecting the water utility's computer systems from potential cyberattacks behind closed doors, following recent incidents at other water systems.
Deer Path flood mitigation timing
Residents of the Deer Path subdivision begged the committee to speed up flood mitigation construction from 2028 to 2027, describing repeated basement flooding and boat rescues. Staff say design, utility coordination and grant timing make 2028 realistic.
Patrick Ponds and Summit Woods Pond Rehabilitation
The city is spending about $2.5 million to rehabilitate two neighborhood stormwater ponds, keeping drainage working and reducing flood risk. The low bid from C.W. Purpero, Inc. was recommended for award.
Hawk's Landing stormwater maintenance
Amendment No. 1 with McMahon Associates continues vegetation management services for the city's stormwater facilities.
Pump stations improvement project
The city awarded a $2.08 million contract to Mid City Corporation to replace the Ruben Drive sanitary pump station — key sewer infrastructure for that neighborhood.
Lead and copper sampling
Lead and copper sampling is underway with about 30 residents helping, including commissioners. Results feed regulatory compliance for the water system.
Water utility wells and Prairie Avenue main
Pumps are out of wells 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13, with gravel fill underway — well 5 was dynamite-blasted years ago, making abandonment trickier. Demolition of the well 5 and 6 structures goes out to bid July 21 with bids opening August 11.
New Operations Center construction costs
The new Operations Center is coming along — geothermal wells drilled, brick and garage doors going in, offices drywalled. Commissioners may tour the building before the next meeting, and a $38K battery backup was just added to the project.
Backyard main letters — Hine, Glenn, Cumberland and Summit
Dozens of homes have water mains running through their backyards without proper easements, and the city attorney's office says the utility must fix it — moving mains, reconnecting services, and making homeowners whole. Expect letters to residents, years of phased construction, and costs borne by ratepayers.
Williams Street underground electric conversion
Overhead electric lines on Williams Street will be placed underground under a $99,920 contract with Bevara, improving reliability and appearance on the street.
Transit Center passenger signs
Eight electronic bus bay signs and a lobby arrivals monitor return after being removed during ceiling work, adding audio and braille features for visually impaired riders.
Burr Oak Boulevard sewer repair and lining
A sewer main on Burr Oak Boulevard failed during last August's floods. An emergency repair was completed, and the board has now awarded a contract to line and reinforce the rest of that section so it doesn't fail again.