Council rejects special-charge sidewalk for short Silvernail Road segment after residents and aldermen spar

The Waukesha City Common Council voted 4–11 on May 6 to reject a motion to require installation of a short sidewalk segment along Silvernail Road between 2914 Buckingham Court and Sussex Lane, a proposal that drew sharply divided views from aldermen and public commenters.

Alderman Rick Lemke moved to include the so-called "red section" in the sidewalk special-charge resolution, saying completing the connection now would prevent gaps that force pedestrians into traffic. "When you have pieces of sidewalk, it diverts people into the road," Lemke said during council discussion. Alderman Moulton seconded the motion and argued finishing contiguous sections saves mobilization costs.

Opponents said the short stretch would dead-end and impose a maintenance burden—including snow-clearing fines—on a small number of mostly elderly property owners. Resident Kenneth Yalet, who lives on Buckingham Court, told the council that having the city clear the sidewalk would cost him "over $3,000 a year" under his conservative estimate. Alderman Van Trieste called the proposed segment "a sidewalk to nowhere," saying most neighbors do not walk the route and would not benefit.

Alden Piper, who serves on the Board of Public Works, said she did not see a need for the red section and emphasized that nearby routes already provide pedestrian access for most residents. City public‑works staff noted an adopted sidewalk plan recommends installation in the location but said there is no immediate mandate for timing; staff highlighted unresolved questions related to a boundary agreement (BAA) with neighboring Pewaukee that affects the ultimate connection to Meadowbrook Road.

After debate and a roll-call-style count, the mayor announced the motion failed, recording 4 ayes and 11 nays; council minutes will show the individual votes. The discussion followed two rounds of public comment in which residents asked for delay or compromise to reduce hardship for older homeowners.

Votes at a glance

- Bonding parameters: Council approved a resolution to authorize parameters for issuing up to $10,900,000 in general-obligation promissory notes for capital projects (Series 2025A). Alderman Alden Piper explained projected interest assumptions; the measure passed unanimously.

- Zoning code amendment (third reading): Council repealed municipal code section 22.69 as presented; the motion passed unanimously.

- Operator license (Maureen Delgadillo): The council denied a bartender/operator license application based on committee findings that the applicant had multiple OWI offenses that resulted in a class H felony; members cited state statute and the denial passed unanimously.

- Cemetery Chapel tuckpointing (Resolution 25-00625): Council approved directing staff to prepare plans and advertise for bids to repair the Cemetery Chapel exterior; motion passed unanimously.

- Green Meadow / Cascade improvements: Council approved a $2,195,761.99 bid award to Wandel Contractors for utility and street work on Green Meadow Drive and Cascade Drive; unanimous.

- Frame Park Formal Gardens: Council approved a $238,365.00 low bid for pathway irrigation and drainage improvements; unanimous.

What it means

The failed motion leaves the short Silvernail Road segment off the immediate special-charge list; council members emphasized that the full sidewalk plan remains on city documents but that timing and responsibility for some sections depend on future boundary-agreement resolution and policy choices. Aldermen who opposed the requirement stressed protecting elderly homeowners from near-term maintenance and fine obligations; supporters said incremental construction while crews are mobilized is more cost-effective long-term.

Next steps

The council did not adopt a new timetable for the red section; council minutes will record individual roll-call votes. Other approved items—including bonding parameters and capital bids—move forward as part of the city’s 2025 capital-improvement planning and procurement processes. The meeting adjourned after several committee reports, proclamations and appointments.