Public Works & Safety Committee Meetings and Agendas

VILLAGE OF PEWAUKEE 
PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/live/RYHOe3ubx1E?si=NAMd4IuRHdrXMvrB  

1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence, and Roll Call
Member Grabowski called the meeting to order at approximately 4:35 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence.

Roll Call was taken with the following Committee members present: Member Mark Grabowski, Member Nick Wellenstein, Member Kelli Belt, and Member Jim Grabowski.
Members Absent: Patrick Wunsch, Laurin Miller, and Ed Hill.

Also Present: Village Administrator, Matt Heiser; Public Works Supervisor, Jay Bickler; and Village Clerk, Jenna Peter. 

2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. August 5, 2025
Member M. Grabowski moved, seconded by Member Belt to approve the August 5, 2025, minutes of the Public Works and Safety Committee meeting as presented.
Motion carried 4-0.

3. Citizen Comments – None. 

4. Old Business
a. Discussion and possible action to resolve storm sewer obstruction at 219 Park Avenue
Administrator Heiser summarized that a collapsed/clogged storm sewer pipe occurred at 219 Park Avenue. It was determined that the pipe needs to be relayed. In order to coordinate access to fix the pipe, the Village needs to get easement documents from both of the residents at 219 Park Ave and 227 Park Ave. No response has been received from either property owner at this time. 
No action taken. 

b. Discussion regarding 2025 Street & Utility Program. 
Heiser reported that the 2025 Street and Utility Improvement Project is nearing completion, with only punch list items remaining. While a few complaints were received, Capitol Drive remained accessible to businesses for most of the project.
Member Wellenstein noted concerns regarding periods when the road was closed without proper signage, causing confusion and requiring vehicles—including semis—to turn around or back up in limited space.
No action taken.

5. New Business
a. Discussion and possible action regarding adding a railing on the sidewalk in front of 319 High Street
Heiser reported a safety concern due to a significant sidewalk drop-off near a retaining wall and onto the street. A late bid of $4,200 was received for installing tube-steel guard rails, which will need to be bolted into the sidewalk due to the retaining wall’s condition. Quotes are also being pursued for restoring the retaining wall. A resident has offered a $2,000 contribution toward the project.
Member M. Grabowski expressed concern that a two-rail system may not meet code requirements given the height of the drop-off. As the structure is a guard rail—not a handrail—it will require balusters. For heights above 34 inches, code requires a 4-inch sphere.
No action taken. 

b. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2026 Street & Utility Program. 
Heiser summarized the projects to be completed in 2026. The Glacier Road project involves water main relay, lining sanitary sewer and asphalt repaving. A proposed water main loop to W. Wisconsin Avenue was designed to improve service reliability, but easement negotiations stalled. One property owner at 762 W. Wisconsin Avenue agreed to an easement; the other at 769 Glacier Road declined without substantial compensation. The repaving project for Prospect Avenue may span multiple years due to possible utility pole relocations. Heiser stated that Director Buechl is looking for direction on whether to pursue the addition of a sidewalk along the southeasterly side of Prospect Ave from Lake St. to School St. 
Following discussion among the Members, J. Grabowski does not recommend installing sidewalk from School Street to Lake Street. Instead, he proposed adding sidewalk along the north side of Prospect Avenue from Spring Street to Maple Avenue, with construction planned to be completed in the summer to not interfere with the school months. 
No action taken. 

c. Discussion and possible action regarding the parking along Simmons Avenue opposite the new Bubbles car wash. 
Heiser stated this item is at the request of the Village President. He wanted to address the potential for increased traffic near the proposed new car wash location and possibly implement no-parking zones along Simmons Ave.
Supervisor Bickler expressed his preference for eliminating parking specifically on the west side of the road.
Member M. Grabowski moved to recommend to the Village Board to add no parking on the west side of Simmons Ave from PM Plastics loading dock to Capitol Dr. 
Member M. Grabowski amended his motion to recommend to the Village Board to add no parking on both the east and west sides of Simmons Ave from PM Plastics Loading dock to Capitol Dr. Seconded by Member Belt. 
Motion carried 4-0. 

d. Discussion regarding siting for potential future well 8 versus incorporating water filtration systems at Well 6.
Heiser reported that Director Buechl is exploring potential locations for a new Well #8, which may require land acquisition.
J. Grabowski expressed opposition to hiring an outside firm for the site search.
Heiser noted that Buechl believes there are additional viable locations beyond those previously presented to the Committee. 
The Committee agreed that if Buechl wants to look into this, he may proceed with the search.
No action taken.

e. Discussion and possible action regarding Riverwood parcels. 
Heiser explained that the County no longer wishes to retain ownership of a parcel containing a stormwater pond, which is important to the Village’s water purification metrics. The parcel borders a Village neighborhood, and residents have been encroaching on the land, requiring reminders from the County about property boundaries. The County is offering the parcel to the Village. Buechl supported the Village considering ownership due to the pond’s significance.
M. Grabowski raised concerns about potential liability.
J. Grabowski questioned whether the County might remove or alter the pond if the Village does not take over the parcel.
Bickler noted the parcel is small, runoff already flows into it, and the Village is already maintaining it (e.g., mowing), so he does not view it as a burden.
M. Grabowski asked whether, if the Village accepts ownership, maintenance responsibilities could be shifted to the Riverwood subdivision and whether Village staff could inspect the pond as needed.
The Committee directed Staff to look into the condition of the pond before the Village takes ownership of the parcel. Any further action will be taken at the Village Board level. 

6. Adjournment
Member Belt moved, seconded by Member M. Grabowski, to adjourn the November 4, 2025, Public Works & Safety Committee meeting at approximately 5:33 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jenna Peter
Village Clerk