Homeowners press council over Valley Brook sump-pump disconnection, ask to reconnect to storm sewer

Homeowners affected by the Valley Brook storm‑sewer project told the Pewaukee Common Council on June 16 they want the city to permit reconnecting sump‑pump discharge piping to a storm sewer after project work severed existing connections, leaving persistent standing water in backyards.

Melissa Sipe, who lives at N39W22711 Grandview Drive, said the sump‑pump discharge was cut during construction and that standing water has persisted since March 2023. Sipe said professional contractors who reviewed the property told her rerouting discharge to the front roadside ditch would not resolve standing water because the neighborhood has a high water table and limited grade; those contractors instead recommended burying the discharge and reconnecting it to the storm‑sewer line behind the house.

Sipe told the council she provided two quotes and asked the city to waive its usual three‑quote requirement or to accept two complete quotes so the work could proceed. She also requested that the city amend the draft reimbursement agreement so payment is issued to homeowners within 10 business days after a city inspector approves the completed work and the homeowner submits paid invoices.

Maggie, a public‑works staff member, said the city’s standard practice for private repairs tied to city‑caused damage is to require homeowners to provide multiple itemized quotes and an agreement that the city will reimburse costs after inspection. City staff said earlier quotes provided by the homeowner described options that tie into the front ditch, which staff and the city engineer advise as the standard remedy. Staff also noted contractors often do not provide detailed itemized bids for small private projects unless they expect to be hired.

Council members discussed the tension between the homeowner’s preference to reconnect at the backyard storm sewer and staff direction recommending the front ditch solution. Staff said they would review the existing quotes, consider accepting two quotes in this instance, and supply a list of contractors who have done similar work in the city. The council did not take a formal vote on policy changes at the meeting; staff were asked to follow up with the homeowner to clarify allowable scope and reimbursement timing.

Homeowners said the standing water has left their yards unusable, with cattails and mud, and asked the city to revisit whether previously connected discharge lines should be "grandfathered" into the new storm‑sewer design. City staff and council members said engineers will review the technical feasibility, and staff will work with the resident to evaluate quotes and next steps.