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1 Common Council - February 17, 2026 City of Oconomowoc Common Council Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 - 7:30 PM Aldermen Present: Karen Spiegelberg, Matt Mulder, Charles Schellpeper, Erik Jungwirth, Matt Rosek, Jennifer Aultman Kloth, Kevin Ellis Aldermen Absent: Rusty McConnell, Also Present: Robert Magnus, Stan Riffle, Mark Frye, Gina Kozlik, Eric Boettcher, Robert Duffy, 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 - Comp Plan Amendment - Housing Ratios The purpose is to hear public comment on an amendment to Chapter 3-Housing in the City of Oconomowoc Comprehensive Plan 2050. The request is to change the Housing Mix Policy. The established housing ratio found on page 47 of the Comprehensive Plan is for housing to not drop below 60% for single-family dwellings, not to exceed 35% for multi-family dwelling units & not to exceed 5% for duplex units. The desired housing mix is being requested to change to not drop below 58.0% for single- family dwellings, not to exceed 37.3% for multi-family & not to exceed 4.7% for duplex units. This change would allow for a development called the Harvest at Pabst Farms to comply with the housing ratios which includes a minimum of 44 single-family homes & not to exceed 334 multi-family units. The project is located north of Pabst Farms Blvd, west of Sawyer Rd & south of Lake Country Village Subdivision. Economic Development Director, Bob Duffy, gave a PowerPoint Presentation included in the meeting packet. The Public Hearing opened at 7:32 PM. Larry Szwalkiewicz, 1512 Paddock Ct, Oconomowoc, spoke representing the Village of Pabst Farms Condo Association with concerns about changing the housing ratios and the number of rental units in the Cobalt development. Lynne Wright, 707 Marigold St., Oconomowoc, expressed her concerns about overdevelopment. Joe Grasch, business owner of Stor-it Right, 1070 Blue Ribbon Circle, Oconomowoc spoke in favor of the new ratios and continued growth and development density to support the businesses. The Public Hearing closed at 7:52 PM. b. Public Hearing - Harvest PD-Comp Plan-Rezone The purpose is to hear public comment for an amendment of the City of Oconomowoc Comprehensive Plan 2050 & a rezoning of 106.67 acres located along the north & south sides of Pabst Farms Blvd, north of I-94, west of CTH P & south of Lake Country Village subdivision, consisting of parcel tax key #OCOC 0630.999.016 (42 acres); OCOC 0630.999.024 (7.64 acres); and OCOC 0630.999.023 (57.03 acres). The rezoning is for the Harvest at Pabst Farms development project that includes a variety of for-sale and rental residential housing, public recreational features such as walking trails & active-lifestyle commercial uses. The 3 parcels are designated on the land use plan as Business Park and the request is to change the land use plan to Suburban Residential; High Density Residential; and Commercial/Office. The parcels are zoned Business Park district and the request is to rezone the property to Suburban Residential (17.09 acres); Residential Multi-Unit High (24.88 acres); and General Commercial (64.7 acres) with a Planned Development Overlay district. The purpose of the PD overlay is to allow the SR area to increase density from the targeted 3 units/acre to 4 units/acre and allow the RMH area to increase density from the targeted 12 units/acre to 14 units/acre; the street yard setbacks on corner lots be reduced from 25’ to 20’ 2 Common Council - February 17, 2026 and with up to 50% of the lots having a 0’ side yard setback for the potential of twin homes; SF lot widths reduced from 70’ to 55’ and side lot lines reduced from 10’ to 7’; and the residential garage design standards which are exemptions from §17.202 & §17.203 Residential Requirements within the zoning ordinance. In the commercial zoned areas, the applicant is requesting exemptions from §17.205 pavement hard surface setback from 3’ side yard minimum to 0’; §17.205 the side yard building setback be reduced from 20’ to 10’; parking requirements in §17.303 Parking and Loading Standards regarding the maximum number of stalls allowed; and allowing properties be created with no public street frontage within the zoning ordinance. A complete list of public benefits are identified in the application materials. If approved the applicant intends to develop the Pabst Farms vacant lands with a complementary mix of land uses. Economic Development Director, Bob Duffy, gave a PowerPoint Presentation included in the packet. The Public Hearing opened at 7:52 PM. Scott Yauck, Cobalt Partners, and Brian Bell, Pabst Farms Development, reviewed details from the project PowerPoint that included a flyover animation of the area. Yauck reiterated their commitment to the project being a mixed-use development. Peter Zielski,35263 Yahara Dr., Summit, Lake Country Village, spoke with concerns about increased density and rapid development and concerns for watershed. Mike Teas 1771 Derby Lane, Oconomowoc, spoke asking for a commitment to the ratios for the Cobalt Development. Lynne Wright, 707 Marigold Street, Oconomowoc, said there was a need for single-family affordable housing, and she was not in favor of any tax increment. Peter Zielinski, 35263 Yahara Drive, Oconomowoc, spoke agreeing that the project looked nice, but it was late with others already in place and he also questioned if it would affect the water availability and other services. The Public Hearing closed at 8:31 PM. Approval of Meeting Minutes Motion to approve made by Mulder and seconded by Spiegelberg. Motion carried 7-0-0. Motion carried 7-0-0. a. Minutes of February 3, 2026 Motion to approve the council minutes of February 3, 2026 made by Mulder and seconded by Spiegelberg. Motion carried 7-0-0. Comments/Suggestions from Citizens Mike Teas, 1771 Derby Lane, Oconomowoc, spoke in favor of the Village Green improvements and supports adding restrooms. Written comments were submitted and distributed record as follows: Kris Wigdal, 2962 Yahara Drive, Summit against rental units with traffic concerns. Laura Gibbs, 908 W. LaBelle Avenue, Oconomowoc on bathroom location options. 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 Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 7-0-0. a. Treasurer's Report 1. Report - Treasurer's Report and Financials - January 2026 2. Easement termination for Lot 1, 578 S. Concord Road 3. Electric Utility Easement Agreement between City of Oconomowoc and Prestwick Properties of Lac LaBelle, LLC 4. Electric Utility Agreement Easement between the City of Oconomowoc and 1229 Robruck Drive, LLC OCOC0587996003 3 Common Council - February 17, 2026 Committee Reports a. Finance - Spiegelberg, Chr; Schellpeper, Secy; McConnell 1. Consider/act on 26-R3340 Approving a Budget Amendments for 4th Quarter Grants and Donations Received, and Year End Budget Adjustments Finance Director Steve Hatton said there was review and discussion at committee and asked if there were other questions on the material included in the packets. No other questions. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3340 approving Budget Amendments for 4th Quarter Grants and Donations Received, and Year End Budget Adjustments made by Spiegelberg and seconded by Schellpeper. Motion carried 7-0-0. b. Protection & Welfare - Aultman Kloth, Chr; Rosek, Secy; Jungwirth 1. Consider/act on Approval of Full-Service Retail Sales Application - Steelhead Aleworks, LLC Clerk Kozlik provided that the updated application was discussed at committee for approval of beer, wine and alcohol with an updated premise description as outlined in the meeting material. Motion to approve the Full-Service Retail Sales Application for Steelhead Aleworks, LLC made by Aultman Kloth and seconded by Ellis. Motion carried 7-0-0. c. Utility - Rosek, Chr; Aultman Kloth, Secy; Jungwirth 1. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3338 Approving a Contract Extension for Cross Connection Control Program Inspection Services Scott Osborn, Water Superintendent, explained the commercial and industrial control program inspections are handled by an outside company. Rosek added it was discussed in committee that they get a better price for this year and then they will have to renegotiate it next year. Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3338 approving a contract extension for Cross Connection Control Program Inpection Services made by Rosek and seconded by Ellis. Motion carried 7-0-0. Plan Commission a. Consider/act on the Certified Survey Map for Pabst 59, to divide one lot into two lots & two outlots, located at 1581 Town Centre Way Duffy presented a PowerPoint and explained an overview of the area and language that was added to the CSMs that contain assurances the buildings themselves would maintain the same architectural standards and the uses would remain consistent with what was originally approved with the project. City Attorney Riffle indicated the verbatim language was added in response to the concerns about uses. Chris Coleman, Nicholas & Associates, was present for questions. Rosek asked if they plan to sell off the parcels, and Coleman said they anticipate they will get users who will want to own the property and they are looking for flexibility. Schellpeper expressed concerns that the project stay true to the original design. Aultman Kloth asked why it wasn’t done then and Coleman said it was not thought of at the time. Motion to approve the CSM for Pabst 59, to divide one lot into two lots & two outlots, located at 1581 Town Centre Way made by Ellis and seconded by Mulder. Motion carried 7-0-0. b. Consider/act on the Certified Survey Map for Pabst 59, to divide one lot into three lots and an outlot, located at 1585 Town Centre Way Coleman explained this is a separate item because there can only have so many lots on the same CSM. Motion to approve the CSM for Pabt 59, to divide one lot into three lots and an outlot, located at 158/5 Town Centre Way made by Mulder and seconded by Aultman Kloth. Motion carried 7-0-0. 4 Common Council - February 17, 2026 c. Consider/act on Ord 26-O1118 to amend the Oconomowoc Comprehensive Plan 2050 - Housing Chapter regarding Housing Ratios - 1st Reading Spiegelberg noted there could be two options for the property, it could be developed with light manufacturing or other industrial as outlined by Duffy and permitted by right use without input by the City. She explained this is just a step forward to see if the developer can bring forward a project that works. Schellpeper expressed concerns with costs of services and explained determination of best interest and the balancing test with the fit, also asking about Utility requirements. Administrator Frye explained with efficiencies and the addition of Well 8, it would more than cover it and it was planned for the City to provide water to these areas. Frye said there may be some pipe sizing issues, but not capacity. Schellpeper added with the commercial component, it adds economic development and they have to balance the small-town charm with property owner rights. Ellis explained their role is also to keep taxes low and without growth it is impossible with expenses. Jungwirth expressed appreciation for the work to get to this third rendition but expressed concerns about the high density and the congestion in that area with this being his district and will not be supporting the change in ratios. Rosek confirmed the ponds would remain and there would be no four-story apartments and all the parking is underground or connected. He still had concerns about changing the ratio and would like to see the unit count come down but reminded it could be large walls of manufacturing facilities or distribution centers. Mulder thought it was a well-thought-out design keeping with the intent of the entire project of Pabst Farms, adding people want to live here and there is no affordability anymore anywhere in Waukesha County. He likes that it is a comprehensive plan for a large piece of property and he would not want an Amazon there or other giant building. The Mayor updated that the Village of Summit is reviewing this also. Rosek asked why unit count went up and Yauck explained the 4-6 unit rentals along the north were replaced by single-family with their own ingress and egress, and it is a combination of the garden style and 3 story. Yauck did not think they could create any more single-family, and with 34 acres of green space, if they took out a building they would be at less than 1 unit per 1,000 sq. ft. of retail. Yauck had design concerns if they just pull a building out. Rosek was in favor of moving it along in the process. Rosek reviewed Village of Summit timing and the final developer’s agreement timing was discussed. Rosek said approval should be contingent on a final developer’s agreement signed by the City and the Developer. Spiegelberg reminded that the ratio is the snapshot of the entire project that could take 5-7 years with the assumption there is no other building in the City. Motion to adopt the ordinance adding the contingency of approval is a signed Development Agreement for this property and waive the second reading made by Ellis and seconded by Mulder. Motion carried 6-0-1. Voted No: Jungwirth. d. Consider/act on Ord 26-O1119 to amend the Comprehensive Plan 2050 to change land use on 106 acres from Business Park to Suburban Residential, High Density Residential & Commercial/Office, located along Pabst Farms Boulevard - 1st Reading Motion to adopt the ordinance adding the contingency of approval is a signed Development Agreement for this property and waive the second reading made by Spiegelberg and seconded by Ellis. Motion carried 6-0-1. Voted No: Jungwirth. e. Consider/act on Ord 26-O1115 to rezone 17 acres from BP to SR; 24 acres from BP to RMH & 64 acs from BP to GC, located along Pabst Farms Blvd, north of I-94, west of CTH P (parcels OCOC 0630.999.016; OCOC 0630.999.024; & OCOC 0630.999.023) - 1st Reading Motion to adopt the ordinance adding the contingency of approval is a signed Developer’s Agreement for this property and waiving the second reading made by Mulder and seconded by Ellis. Motion carried 6-0-1. Voted No: Jungwirth. f. Consider/act on Ord 26-O1116 to create a PD Overlay District (PD-1-26) for the Harvest at Pabst Farms, located along Pabst Farms Blvd, north of I-94, west of CTH P (parcels OCOC 0630.999.016; OCOC 0630.999.024; & OCOC 0630.999.023) -1st Reading 5 Common Council - February 17, 2026 Duffy clarified this Ordinance will need the addition of language regarding timing of permits. The City will not issue any additional permits for multi-family until two things happen, infrastructure installed that will accommodate a minimum of 100,000 SF of non-residential building space or the closing of a construction loan for a building or buildings comprising of 100,000 SF. Duffy explained they don’t want all the multi- family to happen at once, so they want to be able to hold back the permits. Yauck explained they understand not wanting the multifamily to get ahead of the commercial and that this was something their lender was looking for. Motion to adopt the ordinance with the language addition to paragraph #23 of the Ordinance under Timing of Permits, adding the contingency of approval for this project is a signed Developer’s Agreement, and waive the second reading made by Spiegelberg and seconded by Ellis. Motion carried 6-0-1. Voted No: Jungwirth. New Business a. Consider/act on Resolution 26-R3339 for the Completion of Plans, Specifications and Bidding Documents for City Green Park Reconstruction Public Works Director Herzog explained this would put the park plan into motion and use the funds dedicated to this space before they expire from TIF 4. Herzog presented a PowerPoint with the footprint, boardwalk, perimeter security, parking, and gateway as previously discussed. Herzog was looking for approval to update the project plans and specs along with the details of the plan with an estimate not-to- exceed $43,000 to work with MSA for a redesign update. Herzog said they would need a final decision in May about what to do with the bathrooms. He indicated there would be some overlap with utilities if they decide to put them in with bidding and construction with a proposed schedule starting early summer with work around timing of events. Schellpeper asked about a railing and the steps accessibility at the lake entrance. He was not in favor of the location for bathrooms by the City Hall or on the Green. There was discussion about the alternative for putting the laterals in and Rosek and Ellis agreed they should get it done without borrowing. Mulder was in support of bathrooms closer to the Green. Spiegelberg explained that the seniors want them closer. Schellpeper would like to see the laterals pulled out and was instead in favor of the City Hall location. [Original Motion] Motion to adopt Resolution 26-R3339 for the completion of plans, specifications and bidding documents for City Green Park reconstruction made by Ellis and seconded by Mulder. [Amended Motion] Amended Motion made by Schellpeper to remove the alternate bid item for the bathroom, seconded by Rosek. [Voting on Amended Motion] failed 3-0-4 Voted No: Spiegelberg, Mulder, Rosek, Ellis. [Voting on Original Motion] Motion carried 7-0-0. Staff Reports No reports Reports and Comments from the Aldermen Reports and Comments from the Mayor The Mayor expressed he was glad to see the City Green moving forward and he congratulated them for working together on reviewing the development. Adjourn Motion to adjourn made by Schellpeper and seconded by Mulder. Motion carried 7-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:56 PM. Minutes taken by Gina Kozlik, City Clerk