Village Board Meetings and Agendas

VILLAGE OF PEWAUKEE
REGULAR VILLAGE BOARD MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2026
https://www.youtube.com/live/eTdsHpZhJ0E?si=HofFI32XC4KQUXy9 

1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence, and Roll Call
President Knutson called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence.

Roll Call was taken with the following Village Board members present: Trustee Bob Rohde, Trustee Kelli Belt, Trustee Rachel Pader, Trustee Kristen Kreuser, Trustee Jim Grabowski; and President Jeff Knutson.
Excused: Trustee Nick Stauff

Also Present: Police Chief, Tim Heier; Public Works Director, Dave Buechl; Village Attorney, Matt Gralinski; Village Administrator, Matt Heiser; Village Clerk, Jenna Peter.

2. Public Hearings/Presentations - None

3. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. Minutes of the Regular Village Board Meeting – April 8, 2026
Trustee Pader moved, seconded by Trustee Rohde to approve the April 8, 2026, minutes of the Regular Village Board meeting as presented.
Motion carried 6-0.

4. Citizen Comments – None.

5. Ordinances – None.

6. Resolutions – None.

7. Old Business – None.

8. New Business
a. Review, discussion and possible action to approve the proposed contractor pollution control insurance for the Kopmeier Lift Station project.
Trustee Grabowski moved, seconded by Trustee Rohde to approve the proposed contractor pollution control insurance for the Kopmeier Lift Station project as presented.
Motion carried 6-0.

b. Review, discussion, and possible action to direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance regarding a Designated Outdoor Open-Intoxicant Area.
Administrator Heiser explained that the Board previously examined this topic and, at that time, it was unclear whether implementation was feasible. Since that discussion, several municipalities—including the City of Oshkosh and the City of Waukesha—have implemented designated outdoor alcohol consumption areas, providing additional examples for consideration.
Attorney Gralinski stated that staff remain neutral on the matter. He noted that approximately five years ago staff would have cautioned against implementation; however, the availability of models from other communities now allows for a more informed evaluation. Should the Village wish to proceed, he emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing the considerations outlined in the agenda memo. He further advised that there are currently too many unresolved variables to draft an ordinance and recommended discussion with stakeholders prior to preparing any formal legislative action.
Trustee Rohde discussed the concept of creating a “third space” within the Village, emphasizing the desire to establish Pewaukee and the Village lakefront as a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors. He stated that allowing greater freedom of movement with alcohol consumption could significantly benefit Village businesses, particularly during the summer months when they must maximize revenue to offset slower winter seasons. He also noted the importance of being mindful of community organizations such as Kiwanis while remaining competitive with nearby municipalities including Hartland, Delafield, and Oconomowoc.
Questions were raised regarding whether people could bring their own alcohol or utilize to-go cups. Attorney Gralinski clarified that:
• Only alcohol purchased from participating establishments would be permitted.
• Outside alcohol (e.g., personal bottles or coolers) would not be allowed.
• To-go cups would be permissible only if provided by licensed establishments.
• The Village has authority over sidewalks, streets, and parks and could lift prohibitions only within a clearly defined zone.
Gralinski also noted that Kiwanis submitted a letter to the Board regarding the proposal. He explained that Kiwanis operates under a temporary liquor license for the Beach Party, which establishes a defined licensed premises for that event. Alcohol purchased from Village establishments could not be carried into or consumed within the Kiwanis licensed premises.
Other concerns were raised about:
• Enforcement challenges during events, particularly the Kiwanis Beach Party.
• Potential impacts on nonprofit organizations, specifically Kiwanis, which relies on alcohol sales under a temporary liquor license.
• Underage drinking risks, especially near the beach and park areas.
• Trash, debris, and nuisance behavior experienced in other communities that later rescinded similar zones.
• The possibility of businesses outside the initial zone requesting inclusion in the future.
Chief Heier expressed concern about becoming “cooler police” and noted past conflicts with tavern owners over open intoxicant laws. While there have not been issues with intoxicated behavior, police emphasized that the proposed changes could undercut nonprofit fundraising efforts.
The Board generally expressed a positive interest in continuing to explore the concept. Trustees recommended:
• Gathering feedback from downtown businesses and other stakeholders to assess interest and concerns.
• Considering a limited pilot period (e.g., during the 3rd or 4th of July) to evaluate effectiveness before expanding or discontinuing the program.
• Informally designating Trustees to assist with stakeholder outreach rather than forming a formal subcommittee.
No Action Taken.

c. Review, discussion and possible action on proposed amended terms of Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the Village of Pewaukee, City of Pewaukee and the Town of Delafield Regarding the Pewaukee Lake Water Safety Patrol Unit.
Trustee Grabowski explained that the Board previously approved the agreement. He explained that subsequent to that approval, the Town of Delafield requested several changes, including a revision to the name and clarification of the formal meeting location. The request specified that the Village location would be designated as the permanent meeting site for all future meetings.
Trustee Rohde stated that the municipality with the smallest amount of lakefront appears to be assuming a disproportionate share of the administrative responsibility associated with this arrangement.
Grabowski stated that his recommendation was to establish a permanent meeting location to promote clarity, consistency, and ease of access for residents, thereby reducing confusion.
Trustee Kreuser moved, seconded by Trustee Pader to approve the proposed amended terms of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement.
Motion carried 6-0.

d. Review, discussion and possible action to confirm committee appointments by the Village President:
a. Public Works and Safety Committee – 1 Citizen Member (3-year term); Laurin Miller.
b. Sex Offender Residency Appeals Board – 1 Citizen Member (3-year term); Laurin Miller.
Trustee Grabowski moved, seconded by Trustee Rohde to approve the committee appointments as presented by the Village President.
Motion carried 6-0.

e. Review, discussion and possible action on all checks and invoices for March 2026.
Trustee Grabowski moved, seconded by Trustee Kreuser to approve all checks and invoices from March 2026 except for the Library.
Motion carried 6-0.

Trustee Pader moved, seconded by Trustee Kreuser to acknowledge the checksand invoices for the Library funds for March 2026.
Motion carried 6-0.

f. Review, discussion and possible action regarding a land license agreement with Soo Line Railroad Company D/B/A Canadian Pacific Kansas City for land adjacent to Kopmeier Drive.
Administrator Heiser stated that the Village has been working toward an upgrade of the Kopmeier Lift Station since approximately 2022 or 2023 and has been seeking the necessary permissions to proceed with the work. A proposed land license agreement has now been received, and the version provided to the Village is included in the agenda packet. Administrator Heiser noted that it would be appropriate to discuss the Village’s position further in closed session.
Attorney Gralinski requested that the Board review the proposed agreement, which includes a 50 year license term, a specified license fee, and various termination provisions. He explained that negotiations with the railroad are ongoing, with some terms being negotiable and others not. Attorney Gralinski recommended discussing the proposal in closed session to review details and provide direction on the Village’s bargaining strategy.

g. The Village Board of the Village of Pewaukee will enter into closed session pursuant to Wis. Statute Section 19.85(1)(e) for deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session, specifically regarding a land license agreement with Soo Line Railroad Company D/B/A Canadian Pacific Kansas City for land adjacent to Kopmeier Drive. After conclusion of any closed session, the Village Board will reconvene in open session pursuant to Wis. Statute Section 19.85(2) for possible additional review, discussion and action concerning these agenda items and to address the remaining meeting agenda.

Trustee Grabowski moved, seconded by Rohde to move into closed session at 7:02 p.m.
Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

Trustee Rohde moved, seconded by Trustee Grabowski to move into open session at 7:28 p.m.
Motion carried on a roll call vote 6-0.

9. Citizen Comments
Dan Sparacino @ 1080 Riverway Ct. – Mr. Sparacino inquired about the status of the proposed downtown deli and commented that it would be a great addition to the community.

10. Adjournment
Trustee Grabowski moved, seconded by Trustee Kreuser to adjourn the April 21, 2026, Regular Village Board meeting at approximately 7:32 p.m.
Motion carried 7-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jenna Peter
Village Clerk