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