Public Works & Safety Committee Meetings and Agendas

VILLAGE OF PEWAUKEE 
PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 3, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/live/V2s5t1Zv7e0?si=nKwRSlBxXcupdilX  

1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence, and Roll Call
Member Grabowski called the meeting to order at approximately 4:30 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 Ed Hill, Member Mark Grabowski, Member Laurin Miller, Member Nick Wellenstein, Member Kell Belt, and Member Jim Grabowski.
Excused: Member Patrick Wunsch

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

2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – November 4, 2025, Public Works & Safety Committee Meeting
Member Belt moved, seconded by Member M. Grabowski to approve the November 4, 2025, minutes of the Public Works and Safety Committee meeting as presented.
Motion carried 6-0.

3. Citizen Comments – None.

4. Old Business
a. Discussion and possible action to resolve storm sewer obstruction at 219 Park Avenue
Director Buechl provided an update to the Committee. He reported that he contacted the affected property owners to request easement signatures needed to relay the collapsed pipe. He has not yet received a response from one of the owners, and therefore the project remains on hold. Both property owners indicated they would only consider granting an easement if the area is restored with concrete. There are currently no recorded easements for this location.
Member Hill stated that he does not believe the Village should be responsible for restoring the area with concrete if that material was originally installed at the time the boat ramp was constructed.
Member J. Grabowski noted that the situation is having an impact on the Village’s storm sewer and stormwater management system.
Buechl commented that there may be existing language that could allow the issue to qualify as an emergency repair; however, at this time, the problem is affecting private property owners rather than Village infrastructure.
Member M. Grabowski added that the concrete should not have been placed in that area originally, as the storm sewer infrastructure predated its installation.
There was consensus to leave the matter as it stands unless it becomes a concern for the Village or the homeowners present an alternative option that does not require concrete restoration.
No action taken.

b. Discussion and possible action regarding adding a railing on the sidewalk in front of 319 High Street
Buechl reminded the Committee that a resident previously raised a safety concern regarding the drop off between the sidewalk and the roadway on High Street. The resident contributed $2,000 toward the installation of a fence in that area. Buechl reported that the Village received two bids for the project: one for a chain link fence and one for a pipe railing style fence.
Discussion followed regarding the condition of the failing retaining wall and whether the proposed fence options would comply with international building code requirements.
M. Grabowski requested that Public Works explore additional alternatives that could potentially be installed by Village staff instead.
No action taken.

c. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2026 Street & Utility Program. 
Buechl provided an update on the project timeline and bidding process. He reported that the Village applied for LRIP funding for W. Wisconsin Avenue and the Village has made the initial cut. The recommended projects will now be forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for approval, with final decisions expected in early April.
J. Grabowski emphasized the need to remain mindful of the school’s schedule and operations when planning the project.
Buechl clarified that Prospect Avenue is not included in the current proposal and that planning work for that area is still underway. He noted that the Village cannot seek bids for W. Wisconsin until LRIP approval is received.
A question was raised regarding whether Glacier could be bid out at this time.
Buechl confirmed that yes, Glacier could be bid now.
J. Grabowski added that Prospect is realistically being considered for 2027.
No action taken.

d. Discussion and possible action regarding Riverwood outlot parcels
Buechl provided an update regarding the parcel that the County asked whether the Village had interest in purchasing it. He explained that the parcel contains two ponds serving the Riverwood Subdivision, and these ponds would need to be incorporated into the Village’s stormwater model. Much of the parcel consists of wetlands, and a significant amount of tree removal would be required if the Village were to take ownership. He noted that there are no red flags associated with the Village assuming ownership of the property. However, nearly all adjacent property owners are mowing beyond their lot lines into the parcel. If the Village were to take ownership, letters would need to be sent instructing residents to discontinue this practice. 
Supervisor Bickler expressed concern regarding the current condition of the ponds.
Buechl stated that he believes the Village should assume ownership of the ponds. He will follow up with the Board once he receives further information from the County.
No action taken.

5. New Business
a. Discussion and possible action regarding draft ordinance for right of way maintenance
Buechl explained that the Department of Public Works is currently responsible for mowing certain right of way (ROW) areas. He clarified that the ROW refers to the space between the lot line and the pavement, or between the sidewalk and the curb. He further noted that the existing ordinance does not specify who is responsible for maintaining the ROW, which is why clarification is needed.
Hill added that the Village would also need to amend the noxious weed ordinance to ensure consistency.
Member Hill moved, seconded by Member M. Grabowski to approve the recommendation to the Village Board and change the height to 6 inches for grass and weeds.
Motion carried 6-0.

b. Discussion and possible action to review draft Well 6 PFAS Treatment study
Buechl reported that PFAS contamination was detected at the site two years ago, and a temporary PFAS treatment trailer is currently operating at that location. He explained that the purpose of the ongoing study is to determine whether the Village should invest in permanent treatment or drill a new well. He noted that shallow wells are more susceptible to contamination. He stated that Well 7, located on Cecelia Drive, is already planned to be constructed as a deep well, and Well 8 is being considered as the replacement for Well 6. Staff researched 10 or more potential sites, and Buechl reviewed the findings and the site evaluation report with the Committee. He added that, as a general guideline, municipal wells are typically placed one mile apart.
No action taken.

c. Discussion and possible action for proposal with Collier Geophysics
Buechl stated that this proposal is part of the previous draft study and represents the next step recommended by the consultant. He explained that John Jansen will review the identified locations and determine which sites are the most suitable for further evaluation. Buechl added that this work is a necessary component of the study if the Village intends to continue pursuing groundwater as its long term water source. 
Member Miller moved, to recommend to the Village Board approval of the proposal for up to $15,000.
Member Miller amended is motion, seconded by Member Wellenstein to recommend to the Village Board approval of the proposal with the additional $10,000 to $15,000 option if needed.
Motion carried 6-0.

d. Discussion and possible action regarding roof maintenance at DPW building. 
Buechl reported that the DPW building is three years old, and annual maintenance is required to maintain the 20 year warranty on the roof.
Discussion followed regarding concerns about the warranty, the annual maintenance cost, and clarification on what the warranty actually covers, especially given that a repair was recently needed and the Village incurred charges despite the warranty.
J. Grabowski suggested that the Village seek an alternative maintenance provider for 2027.
No action taken.

e. Discussion and possible action regarding adding no parking along Ormsby Street
Buechl stated that the property owner of 505 E. Capitol Drive is requesting that a no parking restriction be added along the east side of Ormsby Street for the first 40 feet south of E. Capitol Drive. The property owner has observed that vehicles parked in this area make it difficult for drivers to turn from Capitol Drive onto Ormsby Street.
Buechl noted that this will be addressed in the spring with pavement marking.
No action taken.

f. Discussion and possible action regarding submittal of grant application for Sweeper and Storm Water Modeling
Buechl noted that the grant would cover 25% of the cost of the sweeper.
J. Grabowski encouraged staff to continue seeking grants for any projects that may help reduce costs to the Village.
Member Hill moved, seconded by Member M. Grabowski to recommend presenting this item to the Village Board once the grant application has been approved. 
Motion carried 6-0.

g. Discussion and possible action regarding brush pickup
Buechl reported that Public Works conducts branch pickup each spring, and one subdivision consistently places a large amount of brush at the curb every year.
Bickler noted that the subdivision’s landscaping contractor appears to be doing the work and placing the brush out for pickup.
M. Grabowski stated that brush pickup is intended for residents, not for contractors.
Hill suggested bringing the matter to the subdivision’s HOA and clarifying that the service is specifically for resident generated brush.
M. Grabowski added that the first step should be to speak with the HOA to make them aware of the issue, and if the problem persists, the Committee could consider drafting an ordinance.
No action taken.

6. Adjournment
Member Hill moved, seconded by Member Belt, to adjourn the February 3, 2026, Public Works & Safety Committee meeting at approximately 5:54 p.m.
Motion carried 6-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jenna Peter
Village Clerk