Water commission recommends eminent-domain relocation order to secure Arrowhead Trail utility easement

The Waukesha City Water Utility Commission voted to recommend passage of a resolution determining necessity and adopting a relocation order to allow eminent-domain proceedings for a small easement needed for the Arrowhead Trail project.

Kelly, a water-utility staff member, told commissioners the easement — roughly 30 by 40 feet — is needed to complete a loop that will prevent long dead-end mains and improve hydraulic performance, water quality and fire protection in the area. Kelly said the parcel crosses land owned by a local religious order; staff discussed that the order’s governing body prefers the relocation order route rather than granting a voluntary easement.

Commissioners asked whether the order would likely encounter opposition. Kelly said the order is expected to be uncontroversial for this small section, that the sisters were “more amicable” than a neighboring homeowner who has refused to grant access on the opposite corner, and that compensation would be based on appraisal. The packet memo from the utility attorney outlines that the governing body the common council must pass a relocation order to satisfy state-required steps before taking possession in a public project.

Members voted to approve and recommend the relocation order to the common council; the motion carried with no recorded opposition. The commission’s action is a recommendation to the council; final approval and any compensation terms will be set by the council and through the eminent-domain process if it proceeds.

The utility staff said construction for the broader Arrowhead Trail work remains dependent on other approvals and likely will not begin this year for that segment; staff will continue easement outreach and coordination with the city and attorney.