Watertown council moves ahead on zoning tweaks, development agreement, licenses and fee updates

The Watertown Common Council approved a package of routine but substantive municipal measures at its meeting, including a zoning-code amendment, a development agreement, multiple licenses, an appointment to the library board and an update to the public-health license fee schedule.

On second reading the council adopted Ordinance 2601, which amends specific sections of chapter 5.50 of the city zoning code. Alderman Blankke moved adoption and Alderman Lampe seconded; the ordinance was adopted by roll-call vote.

The council also held first readings and approved first-reading votes on two related ordinances for the Oxbow planned development at 100 East Division Street (Ordinances 2602 and 2603). Council members described minor design changes, including removal of some townhouse units, the addition of studio apartments and adjustments to parking (two underground stalls removed and four surface stalls added). The measures were introduced by the mayor and plan commission and passed first reading votes.

In resolutions, the council approved a development agreement between the City of Watertown and Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County (Exhibit 9825) after a roll-call vote. The council also adopted Exhibit 9826, an advisory resolution establishing World Migratory Bird Day to encourage parks and education activities, and Exhibit 9827 to update the Watertown Department of Public Health license-fee schedule; sponsors and committee referrals are noted in the record.

On licenses and appointments the council appointed Chris Kops to the library board to complete a partial term. The council approved a change-of-agent application for DeMarcourt (Moravian Home LLC) to change its agent to Carol Jessica Doyle for the licensing year ending 06/30/2026. The body approved a Class B malt liquor license transfer for Fiesta Las Margaritas to relocate to 115 South 2nd Street with conditions that include passing city inspections and surrendering the current license. The council also approved a premises amendment for 1 Oil LLC that reduces the area where alcohol is stored and sold, after clarifying that two liquor licenses cannot have overlapping premises descriptions.

The meeting included employee recognition for Tom Nichols of the Department of Public Works for 30 years of service. No public testimony was offered during the two land-use public hearings for rezoning 510 South 2nd Street and for the listed comprehensive-plan amendments; both hearings were opened and closed with no speakers present.

Councilors then convened into closed session for two legal consultations (one concerning Walgreens and one concerning the Dodge County comprehensive plan and the town of Emmett boundary agreement). After returning to open session, the council adjourned.