Verona council advances Business Park as preferred site for new public works facility

The Verona Common Council voted on Feb. 23, 2026 to advance the Business Park as the preferred site for a proposed public works facility and directed consultants to produce a concept-level building and site design, a high-level cost estimate and a draft schedule.

Consultant Norman Barrientos opened the council presentation by reviewing a five-site evaluation matrix that used non‑weighted site scores and a 1.0–1.5 weighting factor for policy and engineering criteria. Consultant Josh Cook said the five sites evaluated were Shady Bend (about 40 acres), Valley Road North (about 27 acres), Valley Road South (about 26 acres), Pine Road (about 27 acres) and Wayland Road (about 31 acres). Business Park scored highest (92 points) and Pine Road scored lowest (61 points).

“Business Park is the preferred site based on that criteria matrix,” Josh Cook said, citing parcel size and configuration, the ability to expand over a 50‑year horizon, easier utility extensions near Kettle Moraine Trail, and fewer residential impacts as key advantages.

Council members asked several clarification questions before the vote. Alder Lytle asked whether the Business Park parcel would require annexation; city staff responded, “It’s already annexed,” noting that as a benefit. Councilors also asked about dedicated right of way and utilities; staff said utilities (sanitary and water) are available at the nearby intersection though some right-of-way layout and dedication remain to be completed.

Several alderpersons said they preferred Sites 5 and 6 (Wayland Road and Business Park) after reviewing the matrix. Concerns raised during discussion included ensuring the conceptual design avoids encroachment on nearby recreation areas (Prairie Moraine Park) and that the next-phase work should identify any extraordinary civil engineering costs such as grading, stormwater and utility extension.

Alder Tucker Long moved to proceed to the next step in the process and focus the concept‑level design on the top-ranked Business Park site; Alder Swanson seconded. The council voted aye and the motion passed.

Next steps identified by consultants include advancing a single site to a concept-level plan that will include floor plans, site layout, building sections and elevations, aerial renderings, a high-level cost estimate and a draft development schedule. Consultants told the council they will flag any permitting, zoning or site-development issues and will indicate if site costs look extraordinary compared with typical projects.

The council did not vote to acquire property at this meeting; consultants recommended advancing the design analysis before the council determines an approach to landowner negotiations.