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Council directs staff to update cost estimate and apply for state boating-grant for Saint John's pier
Summary
The council directed staff to obtain an updated cost estimate for the Saint John's pier project and to submit an application for matching funding through Wisconsin's recreational boating-grant program by the June 1 deadline, while members stressed the grant does not obligate the city to proceed without council budget approval.
The Delafield Common Council on May 19 directed staff to obtain an updated cost estimate for the planned Saint John's pier project and to submit an application for project funding through the Wisconsin Recreational Boating Facilities grant program by the June 1 application deadline.
Council members emphasized the action is to meet the grant deadline and does not commit the city to construction. Staff explained the grant is a matching program: award decisions are made after application and any award would require the city to provide its share of project funding in a future budget. The project has a long history: staff said the city previously obtained a permit from the Department of Natural Resources and engaged in litigation over the permit’s scope and environmental review; the DNR required adjustments before final approval.
Council discussion focused on three topics: whether the city must have local matching funds committed before applying (staff said the city’s earlier resolution signaled intent to meet any financial obligations and that budgets are often finalized after grant awards), the need for an updated cost estimate before applying, and the timeline if a grant were awarded (staff said awards from the June cycle are typically recommended in August and contract paperwork follows, so construction—if pursued—would not begin until the next appropriate season, earliest June 2026, to avoid fish-spawning windows).
Some council members expressed opposition to proceeding with the grant application without clearer cost and community support; others argued applying for matching funds is prudent to preserve the city’s option if the council later approves matching funds in the fall budget. After debate the council directed staff to obtain the updated estimate and submit the grant application; the motion passed by voice vote with at least one recorded nay.
Why it matters: A state match would reduce the city’s share of the proposed pier cost if the council later decides to proceed. The project has been controversial in prior years because of neighborhood concerns, environmental review and litigation over permit scope, so updated cost information and renewed public engagement are likely to be part of the coming process.
