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Public Works highlights Firefly Grove Park, online service‑portal growth, solar and recycling gains
Summary
The Department of Public Works presented its 2025 annual report, citing a 45% increase in online service‑portal requests, completion of Firefly Grove Park and Mahler Building renovations, near‑complete LED street‑light conversion and plans for additional solar projects.
The Wauwatosa Department of Public Works (DPW) presented its 2025 annual report to the common council, reviewing capital work, operations, and sustainability initiatives.
DPW staff reported a roughly 45% year‑over‑year increase in service requests since the city launched an online portal in late 2023, which has increased workload though officials said response performance remains a priority. The department credited the portal with better resident access but said the volume of requests may require reprioritization of tasks if it continues to grow.
Staff highlighted Firefly Grove Park, funded in part with ARPA dollars, as a major new amenity; the presenter noted more than 60 online reviews with an average rating near 4.9 stars. Staff also showed before‑and‑after photos of the Mahler Building renovation — a restoration of the historic façade done in partnership with the Wauwatosa Curling Club.
On utilities, staff noted a modest decline in water use driven in part by long‑term fixture replacements and reduced industrial use, and said Elm Grove development connections could increase future consumption. The department reviewed lead service‑line work and said final federal rules remain in flux; the city will return to the council for detailed planning once the final EPA rule is set.
Recycling revenues, the presenter said, are trending above the budgeted stabilization amount, which the department said helps its recycling stability fund. Staff previewed planned solar work and reported nearly 100% LED conversion for city street lights; they said the city projects a substantial share of municipal building electricity will come from solar in 2026 and that the city will pursue grants to restore a degraded wetland adjacent to Firefly Grove Park.
The presentation included a list of capital projects under construction and in planning, and engineering items such as the Walnut Road UP Railroad underpass preliminary engineering (an item later approved by the council). Council members asked questions about park signage, pump‑track safety, Hart Park track timing (staff said the reconstruction is on schedule) and communication with residents on projects.
