Development News for Germantown, Wisconsin

Division Road Sidewalk Extension Canceled in Favor of Crosswalk to Save Costs and Avoid Wetland Impacts

The committee approved a revised plan for sidewalk improvements on Division Road, opting to terminate the sidewalk at Ava Circle and install a crosswalk instead of extending it past properties owned by Mary Drock and Tom Truce. This change avoids wetland impacts, eliminates the need for additional easements, negates tree compensation disputes with Drock, and saves the village approximately $75,000. The original plan involved an 'S-curve' to go in front of the properties down to Lilac Lane, with a crosswalk at Lilac Corner. The new plan moves the crosswalk further north to Ava Circle, connecting to the east side of Division Road.

Residents Voice Flood Concerns, Questioning Infrastructure Sufficiency Amidst Upgrades

Residents expressed concerns about flooding and sewage backup during public comment and throughout the meeting. Many questioned whether the proposed lift station upgrades would be sufficient to prevent future flooding, with officials clarifying that the upgrades primarily address sanitary sewer capacity and reliability, not stormwater issues. Discussions also touched on the limitations of current stormwater infrastructure, the role of downstream control structures, and the potential need for revised development standards. Residents shared personal experiences of basement flooding and property damage, highlighting the urgency for effective solutions.

Contracts Approved for Road Program, Division Road Improvements, and Inspections

The committee approved a contract with Farner Asphalt Sealers for the 2026 road program, not to exceed $250,000. They also approved a contract with Payne and Dolan for Division Road phase 1 improvements, totaling $2,341,449.00 (including a 10% contingency), funded by the annual road program capital fund. Additionally, a professional services agreement with RA Smith was approved for Division Road phase 1 inspection services, not to exceed $281,900 (including a 10% contingency).

Lift Station Upgrades to Enhance Capacity and Reliability, But Not Solve Flooding

The Public Works and Highways Committee received an update on the planned upgrades to the Main Street and Old Farm lift stations and force mains. The project aims to replace aging equipment, increase pumping capacity by 37% at Old Farm, improve building maintenance, and upgrade the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The force mains will be replaced with larger PVC pipes to reduce pressure and address corrosion issues with the existing ductal iron pipes. Bidding is scheduled for winter, with construction starting at Old Farm in the spring. While these upgrades will marginally help with extreme wet weather events, they are not expected to fully resolve flooding issues, which are primarily attributed to stormwater overland flow.