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PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Packet 07212025CITY OF MUSKEGO PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE AGENDA 07/21 /2025 5:30 PM Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Ave CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE STATUS OF PROJECTS Discussion update. No formal action may be taken on the following: Road Program 2025 PP/II 2024/2025 Project Police Chief Updates be C21 of SKEGO UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following: NEW BUSINESS Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following: Warrior Wash, LLC - Residential Equivalent Connection (REC) Charge Dispute Memo - Warrior Wash, LLC REC charge dispute.pdf Warrior Wash REC Letter 01222025.pdf 2024 Warrior Wash Calculation.pdf Past Warrior Wash Returned Surveys.pdf Request for the City of Muskego to Pave the Existing WE Energies Recreational Trail Memo - Request to Pave WE Energies Trail.pdf Map of Trail.pdf Muskego Rec Trail Summary.pdf Muskego Rec Trail Report.pdf NEW BUSINESS PLACED ON FILE (The following items have been placed on file for staff review. Upon completion of review, staff will submit a supplement detailing options and possible course action to committee members.) COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW ADJOURNMENT NOTICE IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MEMBERS OF AND POSSIBLY A QUORUM OF MEMBERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODIES OF THE MUNICIPALITY MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE ABOVE -STATED MEETING TO GATHER INFORMATION; NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY AT THE ABOVE -STATED MEETING OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO ABOVE IN THIS NOTICE. ALSO, UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, CONTACT MUSKEGO CITY HALL, (262) 679-4100. CITY OF MUSKEGO Staff Report to Public Works and Safety Committee To: Public Works and Safety Committee From: Scott Kroeger, PE, PLS, Public Works and Development Director Subject: Warrior Wash, LLC — Residential Equivalent Connection (REC) charge dispute Date: July 21, 2025 On August 28, 1984, the Common Council of the City of Muskego adopted Resolution #169-84 entitled, "FINAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AREA WIDE CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS FOR SEWER SERVICE UNDER WISCONSIN STATUTE 66.60 AND LEVYING RESERVE CAPACITY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AGAINST BENEFITTED PROPERTY (RCA)". The City of Muskego follows municipal code Chapter 290 Sewers in determining REC Charges. On January 14, 2025, the Common Council of the City of Muskego further adopted Resolution #003-2025 "A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURE TO COLLECT OUTSTANDING COMMERCIAL REC CHARGES IN THE CITY OF MUSKEGO." The amount of assessment for Warrior Wash will be based as of the 2023 REC charges in ten (10) annual installments. Following the City of Muskego municipal code, the attached letter was sent to Warrior Wash, LLC from the City of Muskego utility clerk. Additional supporting documents attached to this memo include the utility clerk calculations and past REC surveys sent out and returned from Warrior Wash, LLC. The owners of Warrior Wash, LLC have requested a meeting with the Public Works and Safety Meeting to dispute the REC charges they have received. Recommendation for Action by the Committee: Based on the City of Muskego municipal code, the City of Muskego followed their code and charged the additional REC charges appropriately. Warrior Wash, LLC is being treated consistently with other businesses and residences who are connected to the sanitary sewer system and are part of the sewer utility. City staff is recommending that the committee follow the City of Muskego's municipal code and remain consistent with REC charges. Collected REC charges and sewer rates are used to pay for annual MMSD capital charge and City of Muskego Sewer Capital Charges. The 2025 MMSD capital charge for the City of Muskego was $3,295,901.00. 3 USKEGO vl%.� January 22, 2025 Warrior Wash, LLC S79W18937 Janesville Rd Muskego, WI 53150 Re: S79W18937 Janesville Rd - Additional 17.5 RCA REC's Required Dear Property Owner: Each year we send out a Reserve Capacity Assessment (RCA) Survey to all businesses in Muskego. In addition to the information gathered from the survey, we review the actual water used on every high-water use property. We then analyze that information and compare it to the 21.25 RECs that were already purchased for this property. After our evaluation, an additional 17.5 REC's are required to meet the needs of your companies use of the municipal sewer. See the attached usage and REC calculation. On August 28, 1984, the Common Council of the City of Muskego adopted Resolution #169-84 entitled, "FINAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AREA WIDE CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS FOR SEWER SERVICE UNDER WISCONSIN STATUTE 66.60 AND LEVYING RESERVE CAPACITY SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AGAINST BENEFITTED PROPERTY (RCA)". On January 14, 2025, the Common Council of the City of Muskego further adopted Resolution #003-2025 "A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURE TO COLLECT OUTSTANDING COMMERCIAL REC CHARGES IN THE CITY OF MUSKEGO." The amount of assessment for your property will be based as of the 2023 REC charges in ten (10) annual installments. Tax Key No: MSKC2225999020 REC: 17.5 Total: $ 111,300.00 If you wish to pay for your Reserve Capacity assessment in full and without interest your payment must be received by November 1, 2025. If it is not paid as of this date, the assessment will appear on your tax bill in the following installments with the 2025 Tax Roll and charged annual interest at the rate of 8% per annum (RESO # 59-96). See your amortization table on page two. Applying to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) for a Discharge Factor (Discount) to your account for water loss is a potential way to both decrease your quarterly sewer charges, as well as discount any future RCA assessments. We strongly encourage you to take the time to re- apply. There may be additional cost savings on your RCA assessment could be significant. We have enclosed the required forms for your convenience; the forms must be returned directly to MMSD at the address at the top of the form. 1 I Page City Hall, W182S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego WI 53150 262. 679.4100 4 Please contact MMSD with any questions regarding completion of these forms. If you are approved for a discount, MMSD will inform us and this discount will then be applied to both your quarterly utility bills, as well as your future RCA assessment. Year of Levy Principal Interest Total 2025 $11,130.00 $8,904.00 $20,034.00 2026 $11,130.00 $8,013.60 $19,143.60 2027 $11,130.00 $7,123.20 $18,253.20 2028 $11,130.00 $6,232.80 $17,362.80 2029 $11,130.00 $5,342.40 $16,472.40 2030 $11,130.00 $4,452.00 $15,582.00 2031 $11,130.00 $3,561.60 $14,691.60 2032 $11,130.00 $2,671.20 $13,801.20 2033 $11,130.00 $1,780.80 $12,910.80 2034 $11,130.00 $890.40 $12,020.40 Regards, Utilities Accountant City of Muskego 262.679.5632 ccasey@muskego.wi.gov Enclosures Account No 525A.00009 City Hall, W182S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego W153150 262. 679.4100 2 1 P a g e Warrior Wash Item Qty Units of Measure Notes Peak Flow Quarter 710,000.00 Gallons 2nd Quarter2023 Less Sewer Discount 213,710.00 30.1% Current MMSD Discount Net Sewer System Usage 496,290.00 Days in the Qtr 92 Days Gallons Per Day 5394.46 2018 Residential Occupancy Factor 2.69 Per MMSD 2018 Equiv Residential Unit 52 G/C/D Gallons/capita/day 139.88 G/ REC Gallons/ REC Gallons Used/Day - Gallons/REC 38.56 RECs Rounded up to nearest REC 38.75 RECs Total Needed Less Existing RECs 21.25 RECs Connected: 2008 RECs Needed to Purchase 17.5 2023 REC Cost Per REC $ 6,360.00 RCA Due $ 111,300.00 2225.999.020.00.00 WARRIOR WASH LLC S79'0, 18937 JANESVILLE S79W18937 JANESVILLE 222599902000 414-209-4135 MUSIEGO WI 53150 Display Compare History Transactions Customer Services Location Meters eadcfiow Contracts Loans Certification Credit History Supplemental Meter: 31953448 Route -Sequence: 2-5746 Multiplier: 10.0000 Sequence number: 1 Size: 2' Activityr Metiy Credit Usage Additional Fields Attachments Notes meter ID Acbw CodQ Period Date IRead Date 1'U%A v Reading Reading Usage Information Code 31953448 WATER USAGE Remove Meter 07j3i12018 1112912017 10 1184 30 31953448 Water Usage Install Meter 11j30/2018 10/01j2018 10 1184 0 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 12j3112019 12/16j2019 10 105 310 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 03/31j2020 03j18j2020 10 158 530 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 06/30/2020 06j23j2020 10 198 400 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 09f30j2020 09j23f2020 10 238 400 31953-148 WATER USAGE Reading 12/31/2020 12j22f2020 10 271 330 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 03f31j2021 03!22,12021 10 339 680 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 06j30/2021 06j21j2021 10 401 620 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 09/30j2021 09j23f2021 10 452 510 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 12/31j2021 12/15/2021 10 493 410 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 03131j2022 03122, 2= 10 587 940 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 0613012022 0612012022 10 644 570 31953418 WATER USAGE Reading 09/30j2022 ft2SM22 10 705 610 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 12j3112022 12 I512022 10 748 430 31953418 WATER USAGE Reading 03/31j2023 03/23/2023 10 816 680 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 0613012023 0612612023 10 887 710 31953418 WATER USAGE Reading 09/30j2023 ft2SM23 10 938 510 31953448 WATER USAGE Reading 12j3112023 1211812023 10 975 370 ti Survey to Determine Residential EquivalencX BUILDING OWNER NAME & CONTACT INFO Moskeab W TENANT NAME OR BUSINESS NAME BUSINESS ADDRESS S_7Wl?q3 I TA O S U f U MAILING ADDRESS Same-, I ! ARE THERE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE IN THIS SPACE? !) YES NO DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS; &V_Wrj�Lk CHECK ON IF APPLICABLE: HIGH WATER USER \�< LOW WATER USER # OF LIVING UNITS # OF- BEDROOMS PER UNIT TAVERN: # OF SEATS AVAILABLE RESTAURANT: # OF — INDOOR SEATS AVAILABLE # OF OUTDOOR SEATS AVAILABLE Are you open 24 hours? Instructions: Amongst other factors, sanitary sewer charges are based on the number of employee hours worked at the business location. Please report the total number of hours that each employee is present at the above location including management, working owners, and part-time employees. Please use a separate form per business/tenant. This form can be photocopied as needed. Doctor's Offices should only list the number of Practitioners and total hours per year. Include yourself in your data if Self -Employed. Example: 3 full-timex 40 hours per weekx S2 weeks = 6,240 Total Hours Per' Year # Full-time x # Hours x # Weeks = TOTAL PER YEAR # Part-time x # Hours x # Weeks = TOTAL PER YEAR Do you anticipate a significant change in employee hours during the next 12 months? _ YesXNo This information will be used as part of the computation for the correct Reserve Capacity Assessment (RCA). If you wish to purchase additional capacity for future expansion or if you have any questions, please contact the Utility Account Clerk at (262) 679-5632. I certify that the above is a true and accurate account of the total number of hours worked per year for each employee MtFes locati Signature Printed Name Date Title Email a Phone �i For Office Use: Name: WARRIOR WASH LLC Acct #: 2229.999.020.00.00 RECs: 21.2S City Hall, TV182S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego W153150 262-679-4100 \. � & C4 W MUSKEGO' June 14, 2024 WARRIOR WASH LLC S79WI8937 JANESVILLE MUSKEGO, WI 53150 Re: 2023 Reserve Capacity Assessment (RCA) for Property Address: S79WI8937 JANESVILLE Per Section 290-7 of the City of Muskego Municipal Code, "It shall be the policy of the Utility to establish sewer service charges in such amount as to obtain sufficient revenues to pay the following costs" and "A review of the user charge system shall be conducted on an annual basis. This review shall include an analysis of the total costs of the system and of wastewater contribution of users and user classes." The City is beginning the Review process currently, and will be generating assessments as warranted over the next year. Each commercial, industrial, and public authority sewer system user must have purchased enough REC units (Residential Equivalent Connection) to cover their peak flows, based upon the underlying assumption that the City must reserve sufficient capacity in the system for such flows. Most facilities are assigned and billed 1.0 REC at the time of connection to the system. Reassessments are then performed either annually, or as the nature of the business changes. For additional information on the RCA assessment, see Section 290 of the City of Muskego Municipal Code at https://www.ecode360.com/MU3544 The type of facility you operate greatly affects the number of RECs you will need to coves` your capacity. The calculation for RECs required varies with the type of business, but can include factors such as: ■ The number of frill and part-time employees ■ The peak sewer/water consumption in gallons ■ For schools, the number of teachers and students; for churches, the number of members ■ For restaurants, the number of seats; for salons, the number of "chairs" (stations) These are just a few examples. For a more complete list of types of facilities and how required RECs are calculated, please see Appendix A "Residential Equivalent Connection Chart," also available online as referenced above. On the reverse side is a survey that will ask you for data to help us properly determine the right number of RECs for your facility. Please complete and return it by July 30, 2024 in order to avoid an estimate being used. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Regards, Colleen Casey Tim Bourdo Scott Krocger Utilities Accountant Utilities Supervisor Director of PW & Development 262-679-5632 262-679-4149 262-679-5686 ceasey@muskego.wi.gov muskego.wi.gov tbourdo@nuskego.wi.gov sluoeger@muskego.wi.gov City Hall, W182S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego WI 53150 262-679-4100 C: Survey to Residential Equivalency_ BUILDING OWNER NAME & CONTACT INFO M0�010 VUM TENANT NAME OR BUSINESS N BUSINESS ADDRESS MAILING ADDRESS %S VL ARE THERE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE IN THIS SPACE? YES NO C E I V DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: 0airwa,QA P1 CHECK ONE IF APPLICABLE: HIGH WATER USER LOW WATER USER —f—# OF J LIVING UNITS # OF '< BEDROOMS PER UNIT FINANCE & ADMIN. i(IN. p4� TAVERN: # OF � SEATS AVAILABLE RESTAURANT: # OF✓ INDOOR SEATS AVAILABLE # OF OUTDOOR SEATS AVAILABLE Are you open 24 hours? Instructions; Amongst other factors, sanitary sewer charges are based on the number of employee hours worked at the business location. Please report the total number of hours that each employee is present at the above location including management, working owners, and part-time employees. Please use a separate form per business/tenant. This form can be photocopied as needed. Doctor's Offices should only list the number of Practitioners and total hours per year. Include yourself in your data if Self -Employed. Exarnple: 3 full-timex 40 hours per week x 52 weeks = 6,240 Total Hours Per Year # Full-time x # Hours x # Weeks = TOTAL PER YEAR # /// Part-time x # Hours x # Weeks = TOTAL PER YEAR Do you anticipate a significant change in employee hours during the next 12 months? —Yes No This information will be used as partof the computation for the correct Reserve Capacity Assessment (RCA). If you wish to purchase additional capacity for future expansion or if you have any questions, please contact the Utility Account Clerk at (262) 679-5632. I certify that the above is a true and accurate account of the total number of hours worked per year for each employee U"location. f SigPrinted Name"%� Date r1i ul� e (4) Lj Title we /f Phone �Q , + Fur Office Use: Name: WARRIOR WASH LLC TA#-.2225.999.020.00_1�.00 RECs: 21.25 City Hall, W182S8200 Racine Avenue, Huskego WI 53150 262-679-4100 (, q W mu `� ��SKEGO. LT June 20, 2023 WARRIOR WASH LLC S79W18937 JANESVILLE MUSKEGO, Wl 53150 Re: 2022 Reserve Capacity Assessment (RCA) for Property Address: S79WI8937 JANESVILLE Per Section 290-7 of the City of Muskego Municipal Code, "It shall be the policy of the Utility to establish sewer service charges in such amount as to obtain sufficient revenues to pay the following costs" and "A review of the user charge system shall be conducted on an annual basis. This review shall include an analysis of the total costs of the system and of wastewater contribution of users and user classes." The City is beginning the Review process currently, and will be generating assessments as warranted over the next year. Each cominercial, industrial, and public authority sewer system user must have purchased enough REC. units (Residential Equivalent Connection) to cover their peak flows, based upon the underlying assumption that the City must reserve sufficient capacity in the system for such flows. Most facilities are assigned and billed 1.0 REC at the time of connection to the system. Reassessments are then performed either annually, or as the nature of the business changes. For additional information on the RCA assessment, see Section 290 of the City of Muskego Municipal Code at https:/iNvww.ecode360.com/MU3544 The type of facility you operate greatly affects the number of RECs you will need to cover your capacity. The calculation for RECs required varies with the type of business, but can include factors such as: • The number of full and part-time employees ■ The peak sewer/water consumption in gallons • For schools, the number of teachers and students; for churches, the number of members ■ For restaurants, the number of seats; for salons, the number of "chairs" (stations) These are just a few examples. For a more complete list of types of facilities and how required RECs are calcuYated, please see Appendix A "Residential Equivalent Connection Chart," also available online as referenced above. On the reverse side is a survey that will ask you for data to help us properly determine the right number of RECs for your facility. Please complete and return it by July 15, 2023 in order to avoid an estimate being used. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Regards, Colleen Casey Tim Bourdo Scott Kroeger Utilities Accountant Utilities Supervisor Director of PW & Development 262-679-5632 262-679-4149 262-679-5686 ccasey@muskego.wi.gov tbourdo@muskego.wi.gov skroegcr@muskego.wi.gov City Hall, W182S8200 Racine Avenue, Muskego WI 53150 262-679-4100 0 CITY OF MUSKEGO Staff Report to Public Works and Safety Committee To: Public Works and Safety Committee From: Scott Kroeger, PE, PLS, Public Works and Development Director Subject: Request to Repave WE Energies Trail in the City of Muskego Date: July 21, 2025 Alderperson Wolfe is sponsoring Jim Gruennert's request for paving the WE Energies Trail in the City of Muskego at the Public Works and Safety Committee. The WE Energies Trail is approximately 6.6 miles that travels from West to East across the City of Muskego (attached map). The trail is owned by WE Energies. The City of Muskego maintains the trail. The City of Muskego uses recycled asphalt from our Road Program to resurface as needed. The City of Muskego mows the grass, trims the trees, and snow plows this trail. The WE Energies Trail is an existing trail that is used by multiple users throughout the year. The City of Muskego investigated paving this trail in 2022. Julie Simmons — WE Energies representative made it clear the paving requirements for work to be done on their land. • 10-foot minimum width of asphalt 11 • 5 inches thick with a minimum of 6 inches properly compacted subgrade base aggregate • Trail must be rated for HS20 loading. HS-20 loading is a standardized way to ensure that bridges and other infrastructure can safely support the weight of common heavy vehicles. In 2022, a rough cost estimate for just the asphalt of 5 inches thick and 8 feet wide was approximately $950,000. There is a lot of cost associated with this project especially since this path needs to be rated for HS20 loading. WE Energies owns this land and the City of Muskego would need to follow their requirements. Recommendation for Action by the Committee: City Staff is not recommending Common Council move forward with paving the WE Energies trail. The main reason is the City of Muskego's roads are in dire needs of repair. The City of Muskego is not keeping up with road repair with our current road program. This request is asking the City of Muskego to spend a lot of money to repave an existing trail that is owned by WE Energies to the specifications of a road. Additionally, there is no new trail associated with this request. The City of Muskego would be spending a lot of money without getting a new trail route to benefit the City of Muskego. i V, M - Paved Recreation Trail Unpaved Recreation Trail WE Energies Trails Park Sites July 21, 2025 Muskego Public Works Meeting Muskego Recreational Trail Improvements Improve the Muskego Rec Trail! - Increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. - Reduce pedestrian/bike motor vehicle accidents. - Provide kids a safe route to schools and parks. - Create a safe trail surface for all residents and activities including those with mobility devices. - Promote outdoor recreation activities. - Increase trail access thru all four seasons. - Increase city commerce at local businesses. - Link local neighborhoods and neighboring communities with a useable off-street paved trail. - Reduce operating and maintenance expenses. Asphalt millings trail roughness as measured through the application Rruf Example of current trail condition Trail Background and Condition: - Orginally developed 37 years ago in 1988. - Muskego has a license agreement with We Energies to operate the trail and is responsible for its condtion. - The current nonconventional trail surface is mostly reclaimed asphalt millings. - The current surface can be hazardous and is very coarse discouraging residents from using the trail. - The current condition of the trail exposes users to injuries. - The trail creates escessive vibration for bike riders. - Muskego's trail is not complementary to the regional trail network which connects to paved trails in Franklin. Priorization, Funding and Timing of a Trail Improvement: - The current condition of the trail limits the use and/or prevents the use of the trail by many residents. - As a model, Franklin has effectively utilized federal funding to construct their City's paved trails. - Federal programs reimburse local sponsors for 80% of the approved cost to construct a trail. - A Muskego trail project as compared to 2024 TAP progam awards would rank second highest. - Applications for 2026 the Federal TAP program are due October 31, 2025. - Our city needs to act now recognizing the need and urgency for a more useable, safer trail. f " d Muskego , , l AI61YA r — a��ne , Middle.. School f' � Saint tan r� -' Tndor f �� lxronard's uo+aC M Oaks S�hnnl Park old Mnskegn Veterans 5ettlemeiH park ledge - J Muskego Rec Trail Highlights: - 6.7 Scenic miles - 14 Existing city path connections - 2 Schools - 4 Parks - 7 Restaurants - The Tudor Oaks Senior Facility - The Moose Lodge For more information; please refer to the full detailed report or call Jim Gruennert at (414) 422-9193. 14 July 21, 2025 Muskego Recreational Trial Public Works Meeting Written Testimony By Jim Gruennert S74W14343 Settler Way (414) 422-9193 (home) (414) 322-8821 (mobile) 15 Table of Contents I Author's Background II Report Summary III Trail Description and History IV Current Trail Condition V Justification for Trail Improvements VI Prioritization of City Infrastructure Investments VII Local, State and Federal Funding Sources I - Author's Background The author of this testimony is James L. Gruennert. Jim's relevant education and work experiences are listed below: Education: - UW Madison Graduate in Mechanical Engineering - Post Business Administration Studies UW Whitewater - Retired License Professional Engineer for the State of Wisconsin Work history: - 42-year career at We Energies retiring as an Engineering Manager - Former Director and President of Braun's of Jefferson, Inc. Muskego history: - My wife and I have been residents of Muskego for 33 years. Additional personal background information as it relates to trail development: - Completed a 3-year Wisconsin study of federally funded trail development - Advocate for off street trail funding providing testimony to the State of Wisconsin's joint finance committee and State Representatives Mr. Chuck Wichgers as well as State Senator Mr. Julian Bradley. - Attended 2025 International Trail Summit in Madison, Wisconsin - A two plus decade member of Rails to Trails Conservancy - An active recreational cyclist for over 50 years. 2 16 II Muskego Recreational Trail History and Testimony for an Improved Trail Summary The Muskego Recreational Trail is a 6.7-mile-long trail on the former We Energies' streetcar rail bed. The trail has been actively managed by the City of Muskego through a license agreement with the utility since 1988. The condition of the 37-year-old trail and the overall growth of the city has created a need to upgrade the Muskego Recreational Trail to improve the trail for safety, health reasons, recreation and commerce. As a member of the Muskego Public Works Committee, please consider the following as the committee deliberates the merits to improve the Muskego Recreational Trail. The trail is maintained and operated by the City through a license agreement with We Energies and therefore the condition of the trail is the responsibility of the City. The license agreement also states that the city is to maintain a "crushed stone and/or asphalt paving" surface. It does not give an option, without receiving approval from We Energies, for a reclaimed asphalt millings surface. To the authors knowledge, Muskego operates the only two trails of this type in the State of Wisconsin. The surface condition of the trail is such that individuals are discouraged from using the trail. The current status of the trail was created through a good faith effort to resurface 5.7 miles of the trail with reclaimed asphalt millings. This material results in a poor trail surface for walkers, runners and cyclist. Other less common activities are also severely limited including the simple task of pushing a baby stroller. Please note social media apps such as Trail Link where individuals rate the trail 1 star out of 5 and describe the trail's poor condition. Rruf is a commercial application used to determine the roughness of a road or trail. The relative measures for the Muskego's asphalt millings surface illustrate the issue with the trail's condition as compared to an asphalt or a crushed stone surface. Please consider, if an individual biking the trail was in a work setting and subjected to the vibration caused by the Muskego trail, OSHA would shut down the industry attempting to place their workers in such an environment. Muskego residents deserve better. Additionally, studies have shown poorly constructed trails can be a physical health issue for those that wish to use them. Parts of the trail are very uneven and/or covered with loose stone causing riders, walkers and runners to zig zag the trail looking for a stable level surface. - The asphalt millings surface is difficult to effectively clear snow and ice limiting the use of the trail during the winter season. The Muskego Rec Trail is part of a regional trail network with ties to Franklin and Big Bend. At the end of 2025, the City of Franklin will have three paved trail connections with the City of Muskego. Two of these trails are regional trails associated with the abandoned We Energies interurban street car system. The Muskego trial is not complementary to the Franklin system and limits individuals from biking into Muskego from Franklin and beyond. i rl Updating the Muskego Recreational Trail will provide at minimum the following benefits to City residents and businesses: o Improves overall safety by providing an alternative off street route within the city. This is especially true for those under 18 which are the majority of reported car/bike-pedestrian accidents in the city. o Provides a safe route to schools for students and parents. o Provides a more usable, safer, off-street path to all residents increasing the quality of their recreation for walking, running and biking. o Links four plus city and county parks that are directly off the trial. o Provides a corridor to link 14 existing path connections throughout the city. o Increases commerce to number of businesses along the route including seven bar/restaurant facilities o Provides direct access to Muskego's western business park. o Reduces operating costs over the life span of a new paved trail surface. In summary, a paved trail offers numerous advantages over the current surface including greater ease of use for cyclists, runners, walkers, and other mobile devices, as well as being more accessible year-round while requiring less maintenance to maintain. Funding a trail improvement is possible through a number of federal programs as well as local and State resources. Please consider the following opportunities: The State administered federal programs fund trail improvements at a reimbursement rate of 80%. Applications for the bi-annual Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) for the 2026-2030 funding cycle are due October 31, 2025. During the last TAP project cycle in 2024, ten projects received awards within the Milwaukee Urban Area. An analysis of the data shows that if Muskego would have submitted an improvement project for the Muskego Rec Trail, it would have ranked second highest of all projects submitted. Please note the likely 2024 ranking as part of the details associated with this testimony. Federal programs administrated by the State of Wisconsin are not limited to the Transportation Alternatives Program. Other programs that reimburse at an 80% rate such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ) are also available to the city. Historically communities in Waukesha County have not taken advantage of these funding sources. Over the last three funding cycles, local sponsors in Waukesha County received only 1.5% of the available TAP funds. The eastern five miles of the Muskego Recreational trail falls within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Urban Planning area. This is an advantage for the City of Muskego in that the ranking system employed by SEWRPC for determining which projects receives funding ranks off street trails and projects over 4 miles in length higher than other relative projects. - The City of Muskego also has a unique funding source in that it receives funds from the City's landfill to be invested on capital improvements for items such as the Muskego Recreational Trail. The City general revenue fund is also appropriate to allocate to the Muskego Recreational Trail. - Requesting a grant through the Nowles-Nelson DNR stewardship fund is supported by both Representative Chuck Wichgers and Senator Julian Badley. 2 18 - The Muskego Recreational trail is part of a regional trail network; this author has seen collaboration from stakeholders for these types of trails. There are a number of cases where the 20% local sponsor requirement has been funded by multiple stakeholders. Requesting support from Waukesha County would be very appropriate for the city to pursue. Prioritizing an upgrade to the Muskego Recreational Tail over other infrastructure needs can be justified by the current limitations of the trail. This author believes the following comparisons can be made to show the need to construct an upgraded Muskego Recreational Trail versus other infrastructure projects. - The current condition of the Muskego Recreation Trail limits the use and/or prevents the use of the trail by many Muskego residents. In comparison a road or street that needs repaving does not typically limit its use. - The current condition of the trail exposes users of the trail to injuries and health risks. Reducing health risks should be high on the list of priorities for which infrastructure projects receive funding. - The city has an obligation to provide safe bicycling infrastructure. The current trail has portions of the trail that are unstable and road crossings in some cases have limited signage and markings. As discussed in this report, an enhanced trail will provide a safer off-street facility for all residents of Muskego. - A local 20% investment in the Muskego Trail results in an 80% contribution from a federal program. This is a considerable return and benefit to the City considering for every 1 dollar the city spends on this project the federal programs will fund an additional 4 dollars. If other stakeholders also participate to help fund this project, this will result in an even greater benefit for the city. - Finally, the most common recreational activities for individuals are walking, running and bicycling. The utilization of the trail will increase with an enhanced trail considering the high percentage of city residents that live within one mile of the trail. In closing, the city has an obligation to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to its residents. The Muskego Recreational Trail would be a very effective project to separate motor vehicles from cyclist and pedestrians. Muskego has the opportunity to enhance on an existing off street right of way that transverses the city connecting neighborhoods and providing residents access to the many resources the City of Muskego has to offer. 5 19 III Trail Description and History The Muskego Recreational Trail was originally constructed in 1988 on an abandoned We Energies streetcar rail bed. The original street car line was owned and operated by the Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company. The line was referred to as the Muskego Lakes Line and it ran from East Troy Village to Hales Corners with connections to Milwaukee. Service through Muskego was discontinued in 1951. The remnants of the rail bed make for an ideal off-street path in that the off street right of way is constructed level with minimal grade changes. The route safely connects communities and neighborhoods similar to how the street car connected communities years ago. r:a r r N ruili o �� Maaze iadEe , ir 4 Muakago , r Bay Lane Middle soha¢I Saint Tad., L¢enard's vnvs Oaks sch¢a3 Muskegs N¢cr¢atlanal Trail nVs Nia¢ N¢rn swoot Park old ke;a MrrsVetere "" / settlement Perk 41 Owl, an • a�P • C Megc • � NIaNSOlaaL A The 6.7-mile Muskego Recreational Trail has the following attributes that would be further optimized with a trail in better condition. • Trail acts as a main off-street corridor through the city connecting 14 existing multi use trails and paths. • Two schools are immediately accessed off the trail. Additionally, the Bay Lane School and the Muskego High School can be easily accessed through existing paved paths. • The Moose Lodge and seven bar/restaurants are directly off the trail or within a very short distance. • The Tudor Oaks Senior Community with over 1300 residents is located on the trail. • The Muskego Waukesha County Park and three other Muskego City parks are directly accessed off the trail. Additional parks are easily accessible through existing trail connections. • The trail runs through the City's western business park allowing for individuals to safely commute to work on a bike or walk if they would choose to do so. • The Muskego Trail is a regional trail connecting to the existing paved Franklin trail system and a crushed stone trail in the Village of Big Bend. The trail is part of a much larger network, The Route of the Badger, that will eventually extend westward to East Troy through Mukwonago and eastward to the Milwaukee County trail system. 31 20 Southeastern Wisconsin Route of the Badger Regional Network: Fox Point Glendale 1 Dconvmowoc Whitefish Bay 11 -s DelafisldBrookfleld Wauwatosa Milwaukee Waukesha M I LWAU KEE New Berlin E rt r Mukwonago nfielc! Cud ank[J.Milwaukee �CINE Racine F, r I3uriinC Elkhorn KENOSHA r 0 Legend EXISTING TRAIL FUNDED TRAIL PLANNED TRAIL EXISTING ON -STREET �111 FUNDED ON -STREET - PLANNEDON-STREET 7 a 21 IV Current Trail Conditions The 5.7-mile portion of the Muskego Recreational Trail that has been surfaced with reclaimed asphalt millings results in a surface that discourages or eliminates the opportunity for residents to use the trail for biking. The condition of the trail also affects the enjoyment of the trail for runners and walkers as well as eliminating the opportunity for those with mobility devises to use the trail. To illustrate the trail condition, please note the following last four reviews by users of the trail in Rail to Trail's Trial Link application. Each reviewer rated the trail 1 star out of 5 stars. August 2024: This used to be a good trail when it was paved with crushed limestone. The city totally wrecked the trail with the ground asphalt; it's like riding on marbles. johnschloegl July 2024 If they're trying to discourage bikes, it's working. In rough shape for cycling. The trail is a mishmash of gravel, crushed or deteriorating rocks/asphalt. If it were crushed limestone that would be a great improvement. It doesn't have to be paved over to make it better. It's too bad because it's a nice quiet ride that isn't too long if you want a quick ride after dinner etc. corey.kopenski June 2024 Ride at your own risk is correct. This trail is not maintained. Started over by Muskego County Park. It gets a little better as you go towards the Franklin bike trail but it's nothing to go out of your way for. alloy smile July 2023 Ride at your own risk. It might be OK for a mountain bike but not for a street bike. It was very uneven and patches of loose gravel that makes you lose control of your bike. This trail needs a lot of reconditioning to make this an enjoyable experience. alladdphoto To quantify the poor condition of the trail an analysis was completed using a commercial application called Rruf. This application is used by engineers and technicians to measure the condition of a road or trail surface. In assessing the Muskego Recreational Trail surface as compared to the Franklin's paved trail system, the resulting measurements of Muskego's reclaimed asphal trail is many times higher than the paved trail or the crushed limestone portion of the Muskego Recreational Trail. Please note the graphs below illustrating the difference in measured surface roughness. 0+ Rruf Application - Road/Trail Roughness Measurements (July 10, 2025): Franklin Trail System Immediately East of Muskego Rec Trail (Paved Trail Surface) Notes: - Measurements were taken at 15 miles per hour. - The bike used for the measurements is carbon fiber frame Trek bike with 30 mm tires pressurized to 75 psig. Muskego Rec Trail Most Easterly Portion West of North Cape Road (Crushed Limestone Surface) Note: - Measurements were taken at 15 miles per hour. - The bike used for the measurements is carbon fiber frame Trek bike with 30 mm tires pressurized to 75 psig. Muskego Rec Trail Central Section West of Lannon Drive (Reclaimed Asphalt Millings Surface) Note: - Due to rough ride, measurements were taken at a lower speed at roughly 13 mph. - The bike used for the measurements is carbon fiber frame Trek bike with 30 mm tires pressurized to 75 psig. 0 23 The following are a few examples of the trail's condition: Start of trail (east end) compacted crushed I Transition from crushed stone to asphalt stor Overall roughness of the asphalt millings trail surface: Example of the number of paved connections to the trail ►n: Example of the loose gravel on the trail a1 Overall condition of the trail's western section: 24 V Justification for Trail Improvements An updated trail will benefit the growing city of Muskego by improving or enhancing the following areas of concern: Safety: - Safety is enhanced by offering residents greater access to an improved off-street route in the city. Please note many of the current street crossings on the Muskego Recreational Trail have limited markings and signage. A new enhanced trail would upgrade crossing markers and signage. The importance of safety is especially true for those under 18 which are the majority of reported car/bike-pedestrian accidents in the city. Please note the illustration below highlighting with each dot the recent bike/pedestrian vehicle accidents in the City of Muskego. WISCONSIN BIKE FED crk Es CTH U 7 O W_ C7 M. JF g Bend Injury Severity Injury Severity Unknown No apparent injury Possible Injury Suspected Minor Injury Suspected Serious Injury Fatality ADVOCACY PROGRAMS NEWS EVENTS RIOEWISCONSIN SUPPORTUS crrl � cna❑ ■ , CTH Y O CT ■ 0 V Q MI MS3kego ■ ® O CTk Dy ■ C I Safe Routes to Schools: - An emphasis of recent government programs is to provide children a safe route to schools. Improving the Muskego trail allows more students and parents the opportunity to utilize the trail to access schools and parks within the community as well as schools and parks in the neighboring communities of Franklin and Big Bend. 11 25 Health: - The vibration caused by the trail surface as shown in previous documents of this report would not be tolerated by OSHA in an industrial setting. The residents of Muskego should also not be subject to the level of vibrations created by these riding conditions. Usability: - Enhances Muskego's Pedestrian / Bicycle Infrastructure: - An improved trail provides a more usable, safe, off-street path to all residents increasing the quality of their recreation for walking, running and biking. Today, many of Muskego residents avoid or limit their use of the trail due to the trail's poor condition. - A more usable trail will provide opportunities for individuals to utilize city and county parks. Four of these facilities are directly off the trail and other parks are accessible to users through trail connections. Please note the Muskego Recreational Trail has links to 14 existing path connections throughout the city. Commerce: An enhanced tail will increase commerce to a number of businesses along the route including seven bar/restaurant facilities and provides direct access to Muskego's western business park. With the trail being part of the Regional Network (Route of the Badger), Muskego becomes a destination opportunity bringing bikers throughout the region to Muskego. In summary, a safer paved trail offers numerous advantages over the current surface including greater ease of use for cyclists, runners, walkers, and people with mobility devices, as well as being more accessible year-round. 12 26 VI Prioritization of City Infrastructure Investments The reasons to prioritize an enhancement to the Muskego Recreational trail over other city infrastructure projects was presented in the summary of this report. 13 NFA V11 Local, State and Federal Funding Sources State administered federal programs offer 80% reimbursement of approved project costs. The two most notable programs are the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ). Most of Muskego lies in the Milwaukee Urban Planning Area. Projects in this planning area are reviewed and ranked by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC). The following is a brief description of the SEWRPC scoring procedure for the most recent Transportation Alternatives Project cycle with a description for how a Muskego Project would most likely be scored. TAP-MUA Point Scoring System: - Level of Implementation: maximum 4 points. o Muskego Off -Street Bicycle/Pedestrian Path receives the maximum 4 points - Extent of Project Length: maximum 4 points. o Muskego project is greater than 4 miles receiving the maximum 4 points - Bicycle / Pedestrian Crashes: maximum 4 points. o Muskego project has 3 potentially relevant accidents scoring 1 point - Delivery of Benefits: maximum of 4 points o Muskego project is an Improvement of Existing Facilities 3 points - Serving Concentrations of Minority/Low-Income Populations: maximum 1 point o Muskego project does not qualify 0 points - Scoring for a Muskego Trail Improvement is 12 points out of a possible 17 points. The 12 total points scored for a Muskego Improvement project would have ranked second highest as compared to the 10 projects awarded funding in the 2024 application cycle. Please note the following table with the actual scores of the awarded projects and the potential score for a Muskego project highlighted in yellow. 2024 TAP/SEWRPC scoring as compared to a potential Muskego Project: Serving Concentrations Bicycle / Pedestrian of Minority/Low-Income Level of Implementation Extent of Project Crashes Delivery of Benefits Populations Length (mi.) / Total Sponsor Project Description Type Points Locations Points Number Points Type Points Location Type Points Points Construction of off-street path Off -Street Not within a City of along W. Puetz Road from S. 76th Bicycle/Pedestrian 4 1.3 mi. 2 0 0 New Construction 4 concentrated 0 10 Franklin Street to W. St Martins Rd Path area Not within a Village of Joeck's Park Path Improvements, Arterial Lannon Joeck's Park and Lannon Road Accommodations 3 0.15 mi. 0 0 0 New Construction 4 concentrated area 0 7 Village of Main St Path Extensions, Main St. Arterial Not within a Lannon from Custer Lane to Eagle Pass; Accommodations 3 0.73 mi. 1 0 0 New Construction 4 concentrated 0 8 Overstone Dr. to Joeck's Park Enhanced area Replacement of bridges connect Off -Street Rehabilitation/ Within a Milwaukee Oak Leaf Trail and span over IH 43- County N-S Freeway and Port Washington Bicycle/Pedestrian 4 2 Bridges 1 0 0 Replacement of 2 concentrated 1 8 Road in the City of Glendale Path Existing Facilities area Construction of protected bike lane along N Plankinton Ave from City of W Michigan St to the Menomonee Arterial Accommodations 3 1.9 mi. 3 6 Tot (0 Fat./S.I.) 2 New Construction 4 Within a concentrated 1 13 Milwaukee River Bridge, S 2nd Bridge to W Enhanced area Maple St, and W Maple St. from S 2nd St to S 1st St New Berlin Trail Rehabilitation Off -Street Rehabilitation/ Not within a Waukesha from Lincoln Avenue to Springdale Bicycle/Pedestrian 4 1.0 mi. 2 2 Tot (0 Fat./S.I.) 1 Replacement of 2 concentrated 0 9 County Road Path Existing Facilities area Village of Other Non- Not within a Whitefish School Zone Safety Improvements Arterial 0 34 4 5 Tot (0 Fat./5.1.) 1 New Construction 4 concentrated 0 9 Bay within the Village of Whitefish Bey Accommodations Intersections area Muskego Recreational Trail surface City of improvements along We Energies Off -Street Bicycle Pedestrian 4 6.7 mi. 4 2 Tot (0 Fart./S.I. ) 1 Improvement of 3 Not within a concentrated 0 12 Muskego interurban ROW from S. North Path Existing Facilities area Cape Road to Edgewood Avenue 14 28 Muskego Recreational Trail route shown in relationship to the Milwaukee Urban Area: - 2020 Census -defined Milwaukee Urbanized Area Map represented in green. - 2010 Census map represented in yellow �...� Find aW ress or place Q I 1 I ® I I It? >�150 rWeukesha Coenry, Esi.HESE, Gamin. Geolec�no o9�es,Inc., lISGE, EPA jSo�rnes: Es��; US.Departmen�of Co.. a If Muskego's trail project were to be broken into two individual projects divided at the limits of the Milwaukee Urbanized map, the scoring of the two projects may be as follows: However, representatives from SEWRPC did not recommend breaking up the project and instead encouraged a one project submittal for the entire length of the trail. Serving Concentrations Bicyde / Pedestrian of Minority/Low-Income Level of Implementation Extent of Project Crashes Delivery of Benefits Populations Length (mi.) / Total Sponsor Project Description Type Points Locations Points Number Points Type Points Location Type Points Points Phase 1- Muskego Recreational City of Trail surface improvements along Off -Street Improvement of Not within a We Energies interurban ROW from Bicycle/Pedestrian 4 5.0 mi. 4 2 Tot (0 Fat./S.I.) 1 3 concentrated 0 12 Muskego S. North Cape Road to Woods Path Existing Facilities area Road (i.e. Muskego County Park) Phase 2 - Muskego Recreational Off -Street Not within a City of Trail surface improvements along Bicycle/Pedestrian 4 1.7 mi. 3 0 Tot (0 Fat./S.I.) 0 Improvement of 3 concentrated 0 10 Muskego We Energies interurban ROW from path Existing Facilities area Woods Road to Edgewood Avenue Local, County and State Funding: The City of Muskego has opportunities to pursue funding its 20% obligation for an improved recreation trail through a number of sources including: - Muskego's Landfill Capital Improvement Fund - Muskego's Local Property Tax Revenue - Waukesha County Funding Resources - Nowles - Nelson State DNR Stewardship Fund 15 29 a 3 a Please note some of the following information is reprinted from the Wisconsin DOT Transportation Alternatives website including the following timeline: 2026-2030 TAP Solicitation Timeline • Project solicitation opens: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Application deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 by 5:00 pm • Local Resolution of Support due to WisDOT: by December 29, 2025 • Statewide Committee Review and Selection: January — April 2026 o TMA Review Committees: Projects located in a TMA are ranked and scored by TMAs committees which have their own timeline • Awards Approved and Announced: May — June 2026 All TAP projects require project sponsors to pay 100% of project costs up front and are then reimbursed up to 80% of approved project costs after conducting project activity. All TAP projects require sponsors to pay a minimum of 20% of the approved project costs. Federal TAP funds are capped at the time of the project. TAP projects must commence within four years of their award date. No exceptions or extensions can be made. TAP projects within the jurisdiction of a Transportation Management Area (TMA) are selected at the regional level by TMAs, which are metropolitan planning organizations with a census -designated population over 200,000. TMA contact information is provided below. The following graph illustrates the Transportation Alternatives Program Awards by County for the last three program cycles. SUM OF FEDERAL SHARE m u°fi m W W Z Y aC Z Z F W x ¢ Y Q Y W - Z x N ¢ R . W Y a Q O a O ¢ Q ❑ Z 4 x ❑ x Z ❑ Z W x w 7 W = Z �++ Q z x 0 ❑ F W ❑ V [7 V Z F O — x U ❑❑ Y ¢ a x ❑ 0 3 ga Y- o a a Q x m o a W❑ o❑¢�.+ } a a p1° a r o z w❑ Z C❑ s N❑ a s y a "' ¢❑❑ a oc O R O m u oc �¢� a ¢ W Y `-' u� W 3� ❑ o❑ a n a¢? W❑ F❑ x a x z x r � z 3 o a j W N � Q ❑ x a ❑ Q u � u x H a x e ❑� x m w� W W a lull 30