Ordinance and Licensing Committee unanimously approves operator licenses; items sent to July 7 consent agenda

The Waukesha City Ordinance and Licensing Committee unanimously approved a series of operator (bartender) license applications at its June 22, 2026 meeting, and directed staff to place the items on the Common Council consent agenda for July 7.

Committee members considered invited applicants in individual reviews before moving to a single consent-style approval for other applications. Sherry Anderson was asked about a February DUI; she confirmed the incident and said it did not occur while she was working at Backstreet Pub and Grill. Brandy Coakley, owner of Backstreet Pub and Grill, identified herself as Anderson's employer. Committee members noted Anderson’s long bartending history and, after brief questioning, approved the operator license by unanimous vote.

The panel next reviewed the application for Jay Tyler Gross; Steven Zilli identified himself as the applicant’s agent. Members confirmed Gross’s bartending experience and employment; Alderman Wigderson moved to approve and Alderman Manion seconded. The motion carried unanimously and will appear on the July 7 consent agenda.

Mariah Grishkovich’s application drew discussion of a prior retail theft and an amended disorderly conduct charge. Clerk and staff records did not show disqualifying conduct for the operator position, and a committee member said the offenses did not appear substantially related to the duties. Members approved her license unanimously.

Caesar Drantes, who identified himself as owner of Club 400 and said he primarily serves as kitchen manager, confirmed an OWI on his record that did not occur at work. The committee raised no objections and approved the renewal unanimously.

Joshua Shoemaker appeared with agent Jeff Rockteacher. Committee members noted an OWI from 2002 in the file but expressed no current concerns; the license was approved unanimously.

The committee also approved a block of uninvited business-licensing items — including retail and Class A/B licenses, secondhand-dealer registrations and a temporary Class B for a Latin American Fiesta — in a single motion. Those items, too, will go on the July 7 Common Council consent agenda.

All approvals on operator licenses were recorded as unanimous. The committee chair told applicants they will be contacted by the clerk’s office after the council meeting if further action is needed.

The committee adjourned after routine communications from the city attorney and clerk.