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City of Oconomowoc · Waukesha County · meeting of Mar 17, 2026 · Minutes

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1 Common Council - March 17, 2026 City of Oconomowoc Common Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2026 - 7:30 PM Aldermen Present: Charles Schellpeper, Rusty McConnell, Erik Jungwirth, Matt Rosek, Jennifer Aultman Kloth, Kevin Ellis, Karen Spiegelberg, Matt Mulder Aldermen Absent: none Also Present: Robert Magnus, Stan Riffle, Mark Frye, Gina Kozlik, Eric Boettcher, Jason Gallo, Jason Herzog, James Pfister, Tim Reel, Steve Hatton, Ivan Lam Mayor Magnus called the Common Council Meeting to order at 7:30 PM and appropriate meeting notice was confirmed. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Public Hearing a. Public Hearing - Marcus PD Amendment The purpose is to hear public comment to amend the Planned Development Ordinance for the project known as Pabst Farms Town Centre (PD-3-24). The parcel is identified as tax key #OCOC 0633.999.030 and located at the NE corner of I-94 and Summit Avenue. This request would change the layout from what was previously approved for the 16.5 acre area located between the existing Fleet Farm store and the UW Credit Union. The intended uses remain commercial and entertainment, with the overall layout being reconfigured. Attorney Riffle explained that Marcus would be coming back with an amendment. With not having the final proposal, Council adjourned/postponed the Public Hearing to a date and time certain which will be April 21st meeting at 7:30 p.m. b. Public Hearing - Condo Plats The purpose is to hear public comment for a proposed text amendment that amends Chapter 18 Platting and Subdivisions of the Municipal Code, specifically revising standards within the Ordinance that pertain to condominium plats. The text amendment amends Section 18.01(2) Jurisdiction of Development and creates 18.01(3) Condominium Plats. The purpose of this ordinance is to bring the City review process for condominium plats consistent with the review standards established within the Wisconsin State Statutes. The existing review process for condominium plats has the same requirements as preliminary and final plats. The proposed text changes the City review process to an administrative review which is to be completed within 10 days of receiving said plat. City Planner Jason Gallo gave an overview PowerPoint addressing the Code revision to add language to make Condominium Plat review timeline consistent with Wisconsin State Statutes. The Public Hearing was opened. No one was present to speak. The Public Hearing was closed. Presentation: A Look Back and Forward The Mayor gave a presentation reviewing the years and accomplishments of the City and gave thanks to everyone involved. The Mayor presented City Administrator Mark Frye with a Key to the City and Alderman Kevin Ellis with the first Golden Shovel Award. 2 Common Council - March 17, 2026 Approval of Meeting Minutes a. Minutes of March 3, 2026 Motion to approve the Council minutes of March 3, 2026 made by Ellis and seconded by Rosek. Motion carried 8-0-0. Comments/Suggestions from Citizens Jason Baumann, 1351 Mamerow Lane E, spoke against extending TID #4 as an Oconomowoc School Board Member. James Wood, N75W38064 Rolling Ridge Ct., President of the Oconomowoc Board of Education spoke against extension of TID #4 with concerns about the school budget funds and enrollment. Virgina Faulks, 601 Pine Terrace spoke about concerns with crossings and stops with work on Lisbon and Oakwood. Lynne Wright 707 Marigold Street, expressed appreciation for the issue with water on the street and plugged storm water drain. Mike Bickler, 35941 North Beach Rd., commented that this is their last final plat at Prairie Creek Ridge, and also indicated his support for the loan for the Oconomowoc Historical Society and wished Bob and Matt the best. Nick Noggle 1321 Prairie Creek Blvd., introduced himself running for District 1 Alderman gave his background and interest to serve, wanting to help shape the City’s future. Paul Paikowski, 1515 Foxwood Pass, expressed his thanks to Frey and Herzog for talking with him about the erosion of rights and HOA issues and restrictions. Consent Agenda (Items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered in one motion - a Council member may request to remove an item): Motion to approve the Consent Agenda made by Mulder and seconded by Ellis. Motion carried 8-0-0. a. Treasurer's Report 1. Treasurer's Report and Financials - February 2026 b. Final Plat for Prairie Creek Ridge Addition #11, located at the SW corner of the intersection of Brown Street and CTH K c. Certified Survey Map for 628 George Street to divide one residential lot into two lots Committee Reports a. Finance - Spiegelberg, Chr; Schellpeper, Secy; McConnell 1. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3344 Approving Tax Incremental District #4 Affordable Housing Extension for TID 4 Hatton reviewed a PowerPoint to provide detailed information on the life of TID #4 and the affordable housing extension availability just before closure and termination. Rosek was not in support of extending the TID but instead supported tax relief and reviewing capital needs. Spiegelberg clarified this would be to use money already collected and she would like the time to review the opportunities. Schellpeper was not in favor with this not being in the original plan and was not in support of subsidizing affordable housing, particularly on the western side by Reddelien. Ellis asked for clarification on levy impact for next year. Hatton explained only half of the value would pass through for tax. McConnell expressed concerns about the broad use case for the dollars and no defined need. Aultman Kloth was not in support of the extension with there being no good measurable for affordable housing and the concerns they already hear on TIF from constituents. Mulder encouraged bringing this back for more discussion, but he was not in favor of extending hearing no appetite or interest for it, also explaining the City has a good history of TIDs and is in a strong financial position. Jungwirth was not in favor of extending stating that the TID met project goals and it was time to return it to tax base. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3344 approving TID #4 Affordable Housing Extension for TID #4 made by Spiegelberg and seconded by Ellis. 3 Common Council - March 17, 2026 Motion failed 1-0-7. Voted No: Schellpeper, McConnell, Jungwirth, Rosek, Aultman Kloth, Ellis, Mulder. 2. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3345 to Terminate Tax Increment District # 4 Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3345 to terminate TID #4 made by Ellis and seconded by Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 8-0-0. 3. Consider/act on Property Tax Refund Due to Assessment Error Finance Director Hatton explained this item was to correct a tax assessment error on a vacant lot with a request is to refund the homeowner at this time instead of next spring. McConnell supported this item as the taxpayer was charged in error. Spiegelberg said it was a reasonable request as discussed at committee. Attorney Riffle pointed out since it was an Assessor error and it could be reviewed in spring instead. Motion to approve Property Tax Refund due to Assessment error made by Spiegelberg and seconded by McConnell. Motion carried 8-0-0. 4. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3356 Approving Bridge Loan to the Oconomowoc Historical Society Frye explained this was discussed at committee and with no collateral and the amount of funds raised at this time, they may want to define what level they want to see and bring it back. Schellpeper asked about the restrictions on the deed, and Riffle clarified if they stop existing, the property goes to the City. Justin Agar-Platt, Director of the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society, explained that their campaign goal was to raise $1 million dollars. He said right now they have commitments and cash-on-hand of $607,000, but they have had larger donors asking if they can give multi-year gifts and want to allow them that opportunity and still start work on the project. Justin Agar-Platt explained they tried to go to the financial institutions, but the difficulty they had was they do not technically own the property. Spiegelberg was in favor with the information provided by the City Attorney. Rosek said there was no security interest, adding that the Council is supportive, but they discussed at committee where they should be before they ask for a loan outside of what the city has already given. Rosek expressed concerns that once project is done it is more difficult to go out and fundraise and would like to see a 60-90 day target. McConnell suggested a target cash-on-hand versus pledges. Jungwirth questioned pledges and the numbers and amounts. Agar-Platt explained they have two $100k each over course of 3 yrs, one is a corporate donation and the other is a family foundation, and they have half of an additional $100k donation. Rosek asked for a better breakdown and goal in the next 60 -90 days to lessen bridge loan. Spiegelberg explained that they would not be asking for any of this money until their money is expended and there is time before they start construction and this would be a good faith effort for them to start off the process. Aultman Kloth expressed concerns about construction costs being more than anticipated and explained they had a great discussion in committee to table it to get to a better place with fundraising. Mulder asked what was driving this coming before them now, was there construction commitments that needed to be made. Agar-Platt explained they wanted this as larger donors came forward asking if they had capacity to allow for that. Mulder explained they do not want the building or an underfunded museum, and he was in support of this with the risk low and it being an asset to the community. Aultman Kloth asked what fundraising activities have been done and Agar-Platt explained they have done outreach to individuals and corporations taking them on tours through the museum, fundraising Galas, and other public facing efforts. Ellis expressed he appreciated the historic aspect and supported tabling it for 30-60 days. McConnell suggested a pause. Spiegelberg asked if the loan would be helpful to them to keep going forward to secure fundraising. The Mayor, hearing no motion, thanked Justin, explaining that they are supportive and look forward to reviewing this again in 60 days. Rosek asked if there were any contracts pending and there were not. There was no motion with the understanding this item would come back in 60 days. 4 Common Council - March 17, 2026 b. Protection & Welfare - Aultman Kloth, Chr; Rosek, Secy; Jungwirth 1. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3346 Granting a New 2025-2026 Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage & “Class C” Wine Licenses to First Watch Restaurants, Inc. (First Watch #1163) Aultman Kloth said this was reviewed at committee and the applicant was told he did not need to stay, and that they hope to open April 6th. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3346 granting a new 2025-2026 Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage and "Class C" Wine Licenses to First Watch Restaurants, Inc. (First Watch #1163) made by Spiegelberg and seconded by Rosek. Motion carried 8-0-0. c. Public Services - Ellis, Chr; Mulder, Secy; Schellpeper 1. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3351 Authorizing 101 Forest Street Building Demolition Bid Approval Parks Director Eric Boettcher explained this is part of the new dog park area for the building demolition with the low bidder being HM Brandt in the amount of $55,525.50 and 10% contingency for a total of $61,079.00 which falls within budget. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3351 authorizing 1010 Forest St Building Demolition Bid approval made by Mulder and seconded by Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 8-0-0. 2. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3352 Approving Construction Management of Lake Bluff Drive Extension Public Works Director Jason Herzog reviewed that this is for the Lake Bluff construction management for that work and also for the bridge type culvert over Rosenow Creek. Herzog explained that Bloom Construction was the highest ranked on the technical component, not lowest but they are recommending Bloom for this work. Schellpeper clarified that one of the bidders, Sigma, had the lower bid, but Sigma also bid on another project during the same time frame and that Public Works had concerns if they could do both. Mulder clarified that Sigma also did not score as high on the technical requirements. Rosek did not support the contingency explaining this is not the sand, the gravel, the roadwork it is the management hours onsite. The City Attorney explained that they historically have put the 10% contingency in so staff would not have to come back for minor additional expenses. Spiegelberg was in favor of a compromise at 5% expressing she thought it was a trust-based decision and the staff would not have to come back for small increases. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3352 approving Construction Management of Lake Bluff Dr Extension with removal of the 10% contingency made by Rosek and seconded by McConnell. Motion carried 5-0-3. Voted No: Ellis, Spiegelberg, Mulder. 3. Consider/act on Approving Agreement for Sidewalk to 351 E Lisbon Road Herzog reviewed that this came about working with the stakeholders along the corridor of this project and the Brisks from Mon Bijou wanting to be a part of the project. Mon Bijou has a parking lot and the project is going to be around them and they do not currently have a good way for pedestrians to get to their establishment so they are offering to fund a new sidewalk in that area to continue the sidewalk on the East side of Lisbon up to including around the corner matching with the driveway. Herzog said these installations will also address the safety crossings for pedestrians as part of their bike and ped plan. Spiegelberg asked if the Brisks wanting it done, had anything to do with the timing and Herzog said that area would still have been part of the summer work. Mulder asked if there was a long-term plan for the inside track around to Oakwood. Herzog explained they are improving drainage with curb and gutter but there is no plan to go into those short front yards. Motion to approve the agreement for Sidewalk to 351 E. Lisbon Rd made by Rosek and seconded by Mulder. Motion carried 8-0-0. 5 Common Council - March 17, 2026 4. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3354 Approving 2026 Street and Utility Construction Bids Herzog explained that the Public Works website will be a resource to show all of the included work. He said, as in year’s past, they have created it with a base scope of work and backfilled with alternate projects as they could fit them in with budgeted funds as explained in detail in his memo. Herzog added that the bid included a plan to work in conjunction with the State street work on Wisconsin to add a water main relay and other utility work so that was included with the time sensitivity. Rosek appreciated the 5% contingency for this project. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3354 approving 2026 Street and Utility Construction Bids made by Ellis and seconded by Mulder. Motion carried 8-0-0. 5. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3355 Approving 2026 Street and Utility Construction Management Herzog reviewed the bid information and their recommendation for Sigma because they have worked with them in the past and they are the low bidder. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3355 approving 2026 Street and Utility Construction Management made by Ellis and seconded by Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 8-0-0. d. Utility - Rosek, Chr; Aultman Kloth, Secy; Jungwirth 1. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3342 for Replacement of Composite Samplers Tim Reel, Wastewater Utility Operations Manager, explained that the samplers are necessary for staff to obtain samples for analysis for permit compliance. Reel provided information that they obtained two qualified quotes, and the Isco brand was their preference for reliability, functionality and warranty. The recommendation is to accept the bid in the amount of $35,757.00 for three units which was budgeted. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3342 for Replacement of Composite Samplers made by Aultman Kloth and seconded by McConnell. Motion carried 7-0-0. Ellis stepped away and was not present for this vote. Plan Commission a. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3350 for the Disposition of Public Property to be attached to 1400 Summit Avenue City Attorney Riffle explained that this right-of-way is in TID #7 and relates to litigation and easements. Part of the settlement involves vacating right-of-way which is this 7,406 SF or .17-acre area and this Resolution would be the first step of the process to vacate and transfer this land. Attorney Riffle explained that the Plan Commission would review this and it would be back to Council at the beginning of May and it was his recommendation to begin the process. Schellpeper indicated his concern with litigation in the beginning. Riffle explained that they had to remove the easements in order to develop it. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3350 for the Disposition of Public Property to be attached to 1400 Summit Ave made by Ellis and seconded by Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 8-0-0. b. Consider/act on Ordinance 26-O1121 for a text amendment to Chapter 18 Platting and Subdivisions, to amend Section 18.01(2) Development Type and create 18.01(3) Condominium Plats - 1st Reading City Planner Gallo reviewed that the current Code is more restrictive than state statue and they have to make their Condominium Plat review timeline consistent with Wisconsin State Statutes. Gallo also said the Plan Commission recommended approval, taking the 10 days out of the draft so it would stay current just referencing state statutes. Motion to adopt the ordinance revisions and waive the second reading made by Mulder and seconded by Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 8-0-0. 6 Common Council - March 17, 2026 Staff Reports Administrator Frye said he appreciates the Key to the City and said he has been fortunate to work with great people, Council and staff, and that he loves the job and people. Reports and Comments from the Aldermen Ellis expressed his thanks for the Mayor’s leadership and spoke about his qualities and accomplishments. Spiegelberg also expressed thanks to the Mayor, adding that he drew out skill sets from each of them, and she also thanked Mulder and wished him well. Reports and Comments from the Mayor The Mayor added thanks to Stan especially during pandemic first few years and he wished the City and everyone the best and said he has enjoyed working with everyone. Adjourn Motion to adjourn made by Mulder and seconded by McConnell. Motion carried 8-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Minutes taken by Gina Kozlik, City Clerk

Source: City of Oconomowoc website. First collected Oct 18, 2026.