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CITY OF VERONA COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES June 8, 2026 Council Chambers 1. Call to Order: Mayor Diaz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call: Mara Helmke, Chris Weiss, Patrick Lytle, Beth Tucker Long, Alejandro Hernandez (via Zoom), Lachlann Swanson, Phil Hoehcst, and Spencer Harrison were present. Also present: City Administrator Jamie Aulik, City Engineer Carla Fischer, City Attorney Bryan Kleinmaier, Director of Planning and Development Lucas Sivertsen, Interim Fire Chief Becky McCright, and Police Chief Dave Dresser. 4. Public Comment: • Nicole McElfresh, 807 N. Edge Trail, spoke in support of affordable housing. She stated Verona needs more diverse housing like apartments, condos, and smaller houses. • Tony DeRosa, Fiduciary Real Estate, stated that Main Street Station will provide the necessary housing Verona needs. • Mills Harrison, 302 S. Main St., stated she will need to move from Verona because of the lack of affordable housing. She advocated for more affordable types of housing. • Kelly Seid, 308 Monte Cristo, spoke in opposition of the development of the Backus property. • Scott Seid represented Dana Barre, 312 Monte Cristo, who could not be at the meeting. Dana is against the Backus development. • Scott Seid represented Bob Creavens, 312 Monte Cristo, who could not be at the meeting. Bob is against the Backus property development. • Scott Seid, 308 Monte Cristo, spoke against the proposed Backus property development. • Melanie Hunt, 2803 N. County Rd. M, spoke in opposition to the proposed Backus property development. • Scott Fuller, 1113 Enterprise Dr., spoke in favor of the annexation and development of the Backus property. He also spoke in favor of more housing and affordable housing in Verona. 5. Approval of the minutes of May 26, 2026 Common Council Meeting Motion by Helmke, seconded by Weiss to approve the minutes from the May 26, 2026 Common Council Meeting. Motion carried 8-0. 6. Mayor’s Business A. Proclamation - Make Music Day in Verona, June 21 B. Appointment to Sustainability Task Force: Motion by Helmke, seconded by Tucker Long to appoint Imran Mohammad to the Sustainability Task Force. Motion carried 8-0. 7. Announcements: Helmke stated she did a 12-hour long ride along with the Fire Department and invited other alders to do it as well. 8. Administrator’s Report: None 9. Engineer’s Report: Carla Fischer presented the Engineer’s Report, and it was entered into the record. 10. Committee Reports A. Finance Committee 1. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Payment of the bills Motion by Helmke, seconded by Lytle to pay the bills in the amount of $837,662.07. Motion carried 8-0. B. Plan Commission 1. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Resolution No. 26-017 for a conditional use permit for a second drive-through lane located at 430 East Verona Avenue Motion by Swanson, seconded by Helmke to approve Resolution No. 26-017 for a conditional use permit for a second drive- through lane located at 430 East Verona Avenue. Motion carried 8-0. 2. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1092 approving an annexation of approximately 15 acres of land to the City of Verona located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M Motion by Swanson, seconded by Weiss to approve Ordinance No. 26-1092 approving an annexation of approximately 15 acres of land to the City of Verona located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M with the condition that the annexation shall become effective upon execution of an annexation agreement. Motion carried 8-0. 3. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1093 approving a comprehensive plan amendment to designate approximately 15 acres of land as multi-family located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Ordinance No. 26-1093 approving a comprehensive plan amendment to designate approximately 15 acres of land as multi-family located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M. Swanson stated he is against the project and therefore against amending the comprehensive plan. He agrees that the City needs more housing, but he feels this project negatively affects the existing neighbors. Mayor Diaz stated that he called the developer to inquire why they withdrew after the developer and City staff spent so much time on the project. He spoke in favor of the project providing the housing Verona needs. Lytle asked Sivertsen about the accuracy of the vacancy rates that have been presented. He stated that the most accurate rate probably comes from CoStar, which the general public does not have access to. He added that he believes the Verona apartment vacancy rates are likely lower than the surrounding Madison area. Lyte asked about the traffic impacts of this project. Sivertsen stated that the developer completed a TIA study. Helmke acknowledged the neighbors for voicing their concerns and staying engaged in the process. She stated she hears their concerns but disagrees. Helmke asked Fischer about the flooding concerns. Fischer stated that the developer will have to create an outlet so that water can drain out of the property. Helmke added that the Monte Cristo neighbors are not at grade to the planned multi-family construction, and it will not affect their property values. Hoechst stated that while he agrees that we need more housing in Verona, he stated we need more single-family housing. He added that this development will not provide affordable housing. Tucker Long stated that the City and the developer worked closety with the neighbors throughout the whole process. She stated that the neighbors were not going to be happy with anything other than single-family homes, but single-family homes will not pay for the utility and other infrastructure that is necessary for development. She states that she will continue to make sure that the developers are doing what they can to lessen the burden on the existing neighbors. Hernandez stated that he will be voting no as he feels he needs more information. Motion carried 5-3 with Swanson, Hoechst and Hernandez voting no. 4. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1094 approving a zoning map amendment to rezone approximately 15 acres to Urban Residential located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Ordinance No. 26-1094 approving a zoning map amendment to rezone approximately 15 acres to Urban Residential located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M. Motion carried 7- 1 with Hoechst voting no. 5. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Resolution No. 26-018 approving a certified survey map to create three (3) lots and one (1) private outlot located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Resolution No. 26-018 approving a certified survey map to create three (3) lots and one (1) private outlot located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M with the following conditions: the CSM shall become effective upon annexation of the property, and the approval shall become effective upon execution of the annexation agreement. Motion carried 5-3 with Lytle, Swanson, and Hoechst voting no. 6. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Resolution No. R-26-019 approving a conditional use permit for an apartment/condominium, complex land use located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway ("CTH") M Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Resolution No. R-26-019 approving a conditional use permit for an apartment/condominium, complex land use located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway ("CTH") M with the following conditions: the approval shall be effective upon annexation of the property, the approval shall be effective upon executive of a development agreement, and the approval shall be effective upon approval of the site plan. Motion tied 4-4 with Lytle, Hernandez, Swanson, and Hoechst voting no. Mayor Diaz broke the tie with a yes vote. Motion carried 5-4. 7. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Resolution No. 26-020 for a conditional use permit to exceed the maximum height requirement of thirty-five feet in the Urban Residential zoning district located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Resolution No. 26-020 for a conditional use permit to exceed the maximum height requirement of thirty-five feet in the Urban Residential zoning district located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway (“CTH”) M with the following conditions: the approval shall become effective upon annexation of the property, the approval shall become effective upon execution of the development agreement, and the approval shall become effective upon approval of the site plan. Motion tied 4-4 with Lytle, Swanson, Hernandez and Hoechst voting no. Mayor Diaz broke the tie with a yes vote. Motion carried 5-4. 8. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1095 for a zoning text amendment to Sections 13-1-43, 13-1-57, 13-1-105, and 13-1-132 Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Ordinance No. 26-1095 for a zoning text amendment to Sections 13-1-43, 13- 1-57, 13-1-105, and 13-1-132. Motion carried 8-0. 9. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1096 for a zoning text amendment to Sections 13-1-151(e)(1) - Off-Street Parking and Traffic Circulation Standards Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Ordinance No. 26- 1096 for a zoning text amendment to Sections 13-1-151(e)(1) - Off-Street Parking and Traffic Circulation Standards. Motion carried 8-0. 10. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1097 for a zoning text amendment to Section 13-1-127 and Section 13-1- 151(e)(1) Motion by Swanson, seconded by Harrison to approve Ordinance No. 26-1097 for a zoning text amendment to Section 13-1-127 and Section 13-1-151(e)(1). Motion carried 8-0. The Common Council recessed at 8:56 p.m. The Common Council reconvened at 9:04 p.m. C. Public Safety & Welfare Committee 1. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Amendments to Administrative Policy No. 61 - Warming and Cooling Center Motion by Hoechst, seconded by Helmke to approve Amendments to Administrative Policy No. 61 - Warming and Cooling Center. Motion carried 8-0. 2. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Application for a Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverage and "Class A" Intoxicating Liquor License from Wisco Green, LLC d/b/a Wisco Green, located at 602 W. Verona Ave., John Schoville, Agent Motion by Hoechst, seconded by Swanson to approve an Application for a Class "A" Fermented Malt Beverage and "Class A" Intoxicating Liquor License from Wisco Green, LLC d/b/a Wisco Green, located at 602 W. Verona Ave., John Schoville, Agent. Motion carried 8-0. 3. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Approval of alcohol license renewals for the 2026-2027 license period Motion by Hoechst, seconded by Swanson to approve alcohol license renewals for the 2026-2027 license period. Motion carried 8- 0. 4. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Approval of cigarette, tobacco, and electronic vaping device renewal applications for the 2026-2027 license period Motion by Hoechst, seconded by Swanson to approve Approval of cigarette, tobacco, and electronic vaping device renewal applications for the 2026-2027 license period. Motion carried 8-0. 5. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Approval of a sidewalk café permit renewal for Toot & Kate's Winebar located at 109 S. Main St. Motion by Hoechst, seconded by Swanson to approve a sidewalk café permit renewal for Toot & Kate's Winebar located at 109 S. Main St. Motion carried 8-0. D. Public Works, Sewer & Water Committee 1. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Policy Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Weiss to approve the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Policy with the following edits: removing the permanent centerline roadway striping, removing the end of the sentence regarding the centerline pavement striping clause from the Public Works and Traffic Committee definitions, removing the technical evaluation requirements—item 3, and a grammatical change. Motion carried 8-0. 2. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Roadway Striping Policy Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Weiss to approve the Roadway Striping Policy with the following edit: CIP should be written as Capital Improvement Plan. Motion carried 8-0. 3. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1098 - Repealing and Recreating Title 8, Chapter 3 - Refuse Disposal and Collection; Recycling Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Weiss to approve Ordinance No. 26-1098 - Repealing and Recreating Title 8, Chapter 3 - Refuse Disposal and Collection; Recycling. Motion carried 8-0. 4. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 26-1099 – Creating Title 8, Chapter 4 – Refuse Disposal and Collection Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Harrison to approve Ordinance No. 26-1099 – Creating Title 8, Chapter 4 – Refuse Disposal and Collection. Motion carried 8-0. 5. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Awarding contract for Project 2022-107 Military Ridge State Trail - Bridges (Janke General Contractors, Inc) Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Harrison to award the contract for Project 2022-107 Military Ridge State Trail-Bridges to Janke General Contractors, Inc in the amount of $1,608,360.37 . Aulik stated the City received a $550,000 grant for the project. Motion carried 8-0. 6. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Approval of the Design Services Contract with KL Engineering, Inc. for the reconstruction of N Shuman St and N Marietta St - Project #2026-105 Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Weiss to approve the Design Services Contract with KL Engineering, Inc. for the reconstruction of N Shuman St and N Marietta St - Project #2026-105. Motion carried 8-0. 7. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Public Utility Extension Agreement (1000 Whalen Rd.) Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Weiss to approve a Public Utility Extension agreement at 1000 Whalen Rd. Motion carried 8- 0. 11. New Business A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Resolution No. R-26-021 - Approving an Amendment to the Project Plan of Tax Incremental District No. 8 Motion by Lytle, seconded by Tucker Long to approve Resolution No. R-26-021 - Approving an Amendment to the Project Plan of Tax Incremental District No. 8. Motion carried 8-0. B. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Director of Fire Services- Employment Agreement The Common Council may convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding a Director of Fire Services employment agreement as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. Motion by Helmke, seconded by Weiss to approve the Director of Fire Services Employment agreement with Becky McCright. Motion carried 8- 0. C. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Annexation Agreement for property located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway M. The Common Council may convene in closed session as authorized by Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of 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. The Common Council may reconvene in open session and take action on the closed session item. Attorney Kleinmaier stated that the agreement in the packet is 3-party agreement. Staff are recommending moving forward with a 2-party agreement between the City and Jelivann Waukesha, LLC (Backus). It would be the essentially the same agreement, just eliminating Fiduciary. Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Weiss to approve an Annexation Agreement for property located east of Blue Ice Pass and west of County Highway M to with the changes discussed by the City Attorney and contingent upon final review by the City Attorney and City Administrator. Motion carried 8-0. 12. Old Business A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Offer to Purchase - 2159 Range Trail, Verona The Common Council may convene in closed session as authorized by Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of 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. The Common Council may reconvene in open session and take action on the closed session item. Attorney Kleinmaier stated that Cascade would like to add that closing would occur 60 days after the purchaser receives approvals or 60 days after the expiration of the inspection period, whichever is later. He added that City staff would like to add leaseback options for the salt shed in case Public Works doesn’t have a location by March 31, 2027. Attorney Kleinmaier stated that Cascade wants to put fill from another project on the property before the closing of the property, which would occur in a separate agreement. Motion by Tucker Long, seconded by Swanson to approve the offer to purchase with the changes discussed and contingent upon final approval by the City Attorney and City Administrator. Motion carried 8-0. 13. Adjournment: Motion by Hoechst, seconded by Helmke to adjourn at 9:51 p.m. Motion carried 8-0. Respectfully Submitted, Holly Licht, City Clerk