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Port Washington council approves liquor license, BID plan, wastewater billing reduction and road discontinuance
Summary
The council approved routine business including a liquor license for Descartes LLC, the BID 2026 operating plan, a $14,128 wastewater-billing reduction for Inventors Brewpub, adoption of a 2026 fee schedule, and a resolution discontinuing part of Highland Drive related to the Vantage project.
The Port Washington Common Council handled several routine agenda items after an extended public-comment period on a proposed data center.
Licensing and assessments: The council approved an original Class B beer and Class C wine license for Descartes LLC at 226 East Main Street after staff and police background checks were confirmed. The council also adopted the City of Port Washington Business Improvement District 2026 operating plan and the 2025 BID assessments on the staff recommendation; the motion received a voice vote and passed.
Wastewater billing reduction: Council approved a staff-recommended reduction of a wastewater bill by $14,128 for Inventors Brewpub at 305 East Washington Street after public-works staff determined an open valve had caused high water usage that did not enter the sewer system. Staff described steps to improve monitoring, including new software and public notifications; the council discussed whether ordinance changes are needed for future staff-level credits.
Fees and ordinances: The council adopted Resolution 2025-18, approving the city’s 2026 schedule of licenses, permits and fees after staff review. The council also opened and then closed a public hearing on discontinuing a portion of Highland Drive; following plan commission recommendation, the council approved Resolution 25-14 to discontinue the road segment to allow parcel consolidation related to a private-site development.
Procedure: Several motions were moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote. Where staff recommended an action (licenses, billing reduction, BID plan, fee schedule), council members asked clarifying questions about implementation and oversight before approving each item.
Next steps: The billing-credit policy and any city-code clarifications were left to council discretion; staff said they would bring forward any ordinance changes if the council wants them to codify credits for similar cases.
