Waukesha parks board approves higher tree assessment, Generac sponsorship recommendation and purchase of concession ovens

The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board of Waukesha voted unanimously on several routine and budget-related items at its Feb. 17 meeting.

Minutes: The board approved the minutes of its Dec. 16, 2024 meeting (motion by Steve Johnson; second by Alderman Witesca). The vote was unanimous among members present.

Street tree planting assessment: After a staff presentation, the board recommended the Common Council set a public hearing to consider the spring 2025 public street planting program assessment. Melissa Lipska, subbing for City Forestry Supervisor Aaron Leonard, told the board the spring program proposes 47 new street-tree plantings (in Fox Lake and Howell Oaks subdivisions) and 55 trees to be planted along Magnolia Drive after that road’s reconstruction. She said the forestry crew is operating at roughly 50% staffing and staff are working to prioritize maintenance and species diversity; the spring delivery includes 40 ironwood trees from a prior contract-growing agreement. The board voted to set the assessment at $3.97 per charged (new) tree rather than the $3.50 proposed earlier (motion to change assessment carried unanimously).

Generac Foundation sponsorship: The board recommended that the Common Council consider a one-year presenting-sponsor agreement with the Generac Foundation for the 2026 Waukesha Jamboree. The proposed sponsorship amount is $12,000; staff noted funds would be deposited to account 5920.45820. The board approved the recommendation unanimously (motion by Alderman Wells; second by Alderman Witesca).

Concession equipment purchase: The board approved a proposed equipment purchase of three TurboChef double-batch rapid-cook ovens for concession stands (vendor Beltor, lowest bid $47,370.48). Recreation staff said the machines reduce cook time and labor and estimated return on investment ranges from about 1.5 to 3 years at high-traffic sites and about 2.5–3.5 years at lower-traffic sites. The purchase carried by unanimous vote (motion by Steve Johnson; second by Alderman Wells).

Pool fees and program: The board received a preliminary 2025 pool program report and fee recommendation; staff proposed keeping 2025 pool fees flat and no action was required. Staff reported nearly 15,000 more membership or paid entries than the prior year, an 88% revenue-recovery rate for aquatic operations in 2024, and an overshoot of $14,000 in concessions revenue driven in part by earlier TurboChef equipment at some locations.

All recorded votes were unanimous among the six board members present at roll call.