Board approves two‑year vegetation management contract for stormwater facilities, staff to explore capital funding for ongoing maintenance

The Waukesha Board of Public Works approved a contract with McMahon Associates for 2025 stormwater facility vegetation management services in the lump sum amount of $15,540.

Public works staff said the contract covers specialized maintenance to help recently planted native species establish in new or renovated stormwater ditches in areas such as Long Rolling Ridge and along Green and Michigan avenues. Staff said the specialized work is needed for the first few years of establishment; after that, maintenance requirements decrease but periodic mowing and invasive control will still be necessary.

Board members pressed staff on whether the expense should be treated as a capital expense tied to the original projects. Staff said the first two years of establishment were included in the capital project budgets (Rolling Ridge Ditch and Mission Avenue Ditch projects). The newly proposed work is expected to extend that establishment and maintenance timeline; staff said ongoing mowing and steep bank access require contractors because the city lacks the required equipment.

Motion and vote: A motion to approve the contract to McMahon Associates for $15,540 carried with a roll call vote: Cassin—aye; Kevin Riley—aye; Piper—aye; O'Donnell—aye; Payne—aye.

Follow up: One board member asked staff to “talk to Joe” about tucking future years of maintenance into capital project budgets to ease operating budget pressure. Staff acknowledged prior budget discussions and said operating budget funds were included for an additional $27,000 during the budget process.