City Boards & Committees
City of Watertown residents are invited to become involved in local government by serving on citizen boards, commissions or committees. The City of Watertown benefits from the knowledge, experience and expertise of its civic-minded citizens via commission or committee recommendations to the City Council.
Board and commission positions are voluntary and appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The time commitment for each board/commission varies. Preparation for some meetings may require additional time obligations. Once appointed, attendance at all regularly scheduled meetings is critical. Contact City Hall at 920-262-4000 if you are interested on serving on any of the boards, commissions or committees listed below:
This commission is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and equipment of the Municipal Airport. They may recommend appropriate improvements to the airport to the Public Works Commission and Common Council. They have the authority to set fees and charges for the use of the Municipal Airport
Meets Second Wednesday of Month at 5:15 pm.
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Bob Wetzel, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-342-9528 |
Tom Finnel | 6/29 | 920-261-5712 |
Jerry Hepp | 11/29 | 920-285-6739 |
Dr. Terry Turke | 6/27 | 920-261-2020 |
Sean Lapp | 6/27 | 920-206-1798 |
Vacant | ||
Tom Klug | 8/28 | 920-285-4777 |
Jeffrey Baum | Indefinite | 920-261-6651 |
Andrew Beyer | Indefinite | 920-262-4052 |
Board of Review reviews assessment rolls for real estate and personal property, hears testimony from property owners objecting to property assessments and makes determination of appropriate assessment based on testimony from assessor and property owner.
Meets as Needed.
3-Year Term
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Fred Smith, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-261-9728 |
Brad Blanke, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-285-5185 |
Nick Krueger | 5/26 | 715-505-0158 |
Stephen Simpson | 5/25 | 920-262-2150 |
Emily McFarland | Indefinite | 920-262-4000 |
City Wide Bicycle & Pedestrian Path Task Force
This task force was created in 2016 to oversee, delineate and update the plans to reflect the most advantageous locations for bicycle and pedestrian paths that will bring the biggest benefit to the City.
Meets as Needed.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Dale Oestreich | 920-261-7019 |
|
Jason Widiker | 608-395-8450 | |
Joseph Kallas | Indefinite | 920-295-2318 |
Carol Quest, Health Officer | Indefinite | 920-262-8090 |
Eric Schmid, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-245-5114 |
Fred Smith, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-261-9728 |
Rod Laudenslager | 920-285-1740 | |
Emily McFarland, Mayor | Indefinite | 920-262-4000 |
Andrew Beyer, PW Director/City Engineer | Indefinite | 920-262-4050 |
David Brower, Police Chief | Indefinite | 920-206-4218 |
VACANT. Assistant City Engineer |
Name | District | Phone |
Cathy Houchin | 21 | 920-261-0764 |
Jenifer Hedrick | 22 | 920-988-8209 |
David Frohling | 23 | 920-261-1589 |
Name | District | Phone |
Karl Zarling | 4 | 262-490-3300 |
James Braughler | 5 | 920-342-4758 |
Dan Herbst | 6 | 920-261-9183 |
Dwayne Morris | 7 | 920-246-4587 |
Michael Wineke | 8 | 920-261-3265 |
Watertown Family Connections formerly the Watertown Family Center, has been strengthening families in Dodge and Jefferson Counties since 1994. We believe strong families are key to a strong community. The WFC is a community-based family resource center that is a welcoming hub of support, services, and opportunities for families with children birth -5 that are free of charge.
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Dana Davis | 4/25 | 920-248-2524 |
Carol Quest | 8/24 | 920-206-8090 |
Fire Department | ||
Laci Cummings | 8/24 | 920-206-4251 |
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Ethics Board
"The Ethics Board is comprised of three residents of the City of Watertown. Their duty is to provide ethical advice and opinions to all City officials, conduct investigations for any alleged violation of Ch. 65 and to assist the Common Council with the creation of any written rules regarding ethical conduct for City Officials and City Staff."
Meets Second Friday of Month at 1:00 pm.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Mike Nienow | 2/26 | |
Brenda Kujawski | 2/26 | 920-262-2944 |
Renee Westphal | 2/26 | 920-342-3233 |
Steven Cheseboro, City Attorney | ||
Sandy Helwig, Paralegal |
Finance Committee
This committee reviews the yearly budget as submitted by the Mayor and makes recommendations to the Common Council regarding changes to that budget. The Finance Committee also reviews and approves purchases over the department head purchasing threshold and reviews and recommends approval of contracts and grant applications. The Finance Committee also serves as the Personnel committee for the City approving the wages of new hires and recommending policy changes to the employee handbook
One Year Term
Meets Second & Fourth Monday of Month at 5:30 pm.
Name | District | Phone |
Emily McFarland | Mayor | 920-262-4000 |
Dana Davis, Ald. | 1 | 920-248-2524 |
Myron Moldenhauer | 9 | 920-261-6893 |
Dan Bartz, Ald. | 4 | 920-261-8932 |
Jonathan Lampe, Ald. | 2 | 920-248-0656 |
This board assesses the health needs of the community and creates policy designed to improve public health
Meets as needed.
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Dana Davis, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-248-2524 |
Fred Smith, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-261-9728 |
Andrea Turke | 1/27 | 920-261-8116 |
Dr. Donene Rowe | 01/27 | 262-472-1300 |
Patricia Gedemer | 12/25 |
414-520-0775 |
Carol Quest, Health Director | Indefinite | 920-262-8090 |
Kim Hiller, Health Dept | Indefinite | 920-262-8090 |
The Watertown Historic Preservation & Downtown Design Commission oversees beautification projects within the Main Street Historic District. It is comprised of 7 members with experience in historic preservation, art and design. The commission is available to assist any downtown property or business owner interested in improving the look of their storefront or building. The Commission also works city-wide to promote historic preservation awareness through education and the creation of additional historic districts. For more information regarding the Commission please call Melissa Lampe at (920) 390-2061 or e-mail: melissa.lampe@charter.net
Meets Fourth Wednesday of Month at 6:00 pm.
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Jill Nadeau | 1/27 | 920-285-1986 |
Tim Little | 1/27 | 719-213-5311 |
Jaynellen Holloway | 1/27 | 920-248-3928 |
Jacob Maas, Chair | 12/24 | 920-344-4000 |
Michael Trego | 1/27 | 262-443-3265 |
Melissa Lampe | 03/27 | 920-248-0616 |
John Klink | 12/26 | 414-589-0664 |
Brian Zirbes, Zoning Administrator | Indefinite | 920-262-4041 |
Doug Zwieg, Building Inspector | Indefinite | 920-262-4060 |
Housing Authority
The Housing Authority administers and maintains 78 public housing units; 55 elderly/disabled and 23 family units. Public housing is a federal program that allows tenants to pay 30% of their income for rent. The WHA operates this program under an Annual Contributions Contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Michelle Malmstrom | 8/24 | 920-747-0854 |
Jennifer Water | 8/28 | 920-988-2077 |
Robert Stocks | 8/26 | 920-988-5394 |
Jim Braughler | 8/27 | 920-342-4758 |
Judy Bear | 8/27 | 920-261-5765 |
Tammy Kasten | Exec Dir | 920-261-7795 |
Name | Term Exp . | Phone |
Ryan Abbott | Indefinite | 920-261-6660 |
Landon Muehlenkamp | Indefinite | 920-261-6660 |
Scott Kind | Indefinite | 920-261-6660 |
Meets Second Thursday of month at 5:30 pm.
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Sarah Oudenhoven | 7/25 | 920-253-1944 |
Tom Kohls | 7/26 | 920-650-5489 |
Kerry Kneser | 7/26 | 262-470-1557 |
Andi Merfeld | 7/26 | 920-988-6983 |
Bob Wetzel, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-342-9528 |
Erin O'Neill | 7/25 | 920-261-0601 |
Betsy Gerike | 7/26 | 920-248-4489 |
Christopher Koppes | 7/25 | 920-261-7626 |
Jarred Burke | Indefinite | 920-262-1460 |
The Licensing Board approves applications for all types of liquor licenses. These include beverage operator, bars/restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and various special events that occur within the City.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Emily McFarland, Chair | Indefinite | 920-262-4000 |
Megan Dunneisen, Secretary | Indefinite | 920-262-4006 |
Fred Smith, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-261-9728 |
Brad Blanke, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-285-5185 |
Cheri Martin, Citizen Rep | 6/24 | 920-988-1010 |
Erin Schroeder, Tavern League Rep | 6/24 | 920-342-9115 |
David Brower, Police Chief | Indefinite | 920-206-4218 |
Steven Chesebro, Advisor | Indefinite | 920-206-4201 |
City Council Representative to Main Street Board
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Myron Moldenhauer, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-261-6893 |
Downtown Main Street Construction Task Force
New in 2021, this temporary task force has been formed to chart a strategic course for Main Street
between Church and Market Streets.
Meets Fourth Wednesday of every other month at 2:30 pm.
Member | Representative | Phone |
Mayor | Emily McFarland | 920-262-4000 |
Alderperson | Myron Moldenhauer | 920-261-6893 |
Alderperson | Steve Board | 920-285-7858 |
RDA | Ryan Wagner | |
Wttn Main Street Director | Jody Purtell | 920-342-3623 |
Downtown Business Owner | Amber Smith | |
City Engineering Department | Andrew Beyer | 920-262-4050 |
Wttn Historic Downtown Design Commission Member | Michael Trego | 262-443-3265 |
WI Dept of Transportation | Michelle Ellias | |
WACC Member | Andy Grinwald | |
Citizen at Large | Laurie Hoffmann | |
Strategic Initiatives | Mason Becker |
Park, Recreation & Forestry Commission plans and approves Parks and Recreation programs, administers the budget, recommends to the Common Council all major purchases, and submits ordinances and resolutions for managing Parks and Recreation programs.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Jonathan Lampe, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-246-3790 |
Kyle Krueger | 5/26 | 920-342-9100 |
Emily Lessner | 5/24 | 920-342-0511 |
Julie Chapman | 5/24 | 920-296-6369 |
Jennifer Clayton | 5/24 | 262-490-3677 |
Brad Clark | 5/24 | 920-390-9411 |
Brian Konz, Chair | 5/25 | 920-261-4574 |
This commission makes reports and recommendations pertaining to the plan development of the City. They may, in doing their functions, enter upon any land to examine and survey it.
Meets Second & Fourth Monday of month at 4:30 pm.
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Emily McFarland, Chair | Indefinite | 920-262-4000 |
Andrew Beyer , Engineering | Indefinite | 920-262-4050 |
Brian Zirbes, Zoning | Indefinite | 920-262-4041 |
Brad Blanke, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-285-5185 |
Alyse Talaga, Citizen Member | 9/25 | 920-285-6100 |
Brian Konz, Park & Rec Rep | 5/25 | 920-261-4574 |
Melissa Lampe, Citizen Member | 5/24 | 920-342-3623 |
Nick Krueger, Citizen Member | 5/25 | 715-505-0158 |
This commission appoints the Chief of Police and the Chief of the Fire Department, approves subordinates appointed by the chiefs, and oversees the policies and conduct of both departments.
Five Year Term
Meets Second Monday of month at 4:00 p.m.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Casandra Wagner | 5/27 | 920-988-7517 |
Jim Schildbach, Vice Chair | 5/28 | 920-261-3271 |
Nicole Salas | 5/26 | 920-248-1708 |
Kelly Kwapil, Secretary | 5/25 | 920-261-2907 |
Brad Kuenzi, Chair | 5/24 | 920-539-5392 |
Public Safety & Welfare Committee
The Public Safety and Welfare Committee reviews and recommends ordinances affecting general public safety and hears appeals regarding such. Topics include but are not limited to emergency management, parking, crosswalks, right of way encroachments, street lighting, signage, recreational fires, property maintenance, vicious dogs and other animal issues.
Meets First Wednesday of month at 5:30 p.m.
Name | District | Term Exp | Phone |
Dana Davis, Ald. Chair | 1 | 4/25 | 920-248-2524 |
Brad Blanke, Ald. | 5 | 4/25 | 920-285-5185 |
Eric Schmid, Ald. | 7 | 4/25 | 920-245-5114 |
Steven Board. Ald. | 3 | 4/25 | 920-285-7858 |
David Brower, Police Chief | |||
Andrew Beyer, Engineer |
This commission superintends public works and keeps the streets, sewers, and public places and works in repair.
Meets Tuesday week prior to Council at 5:30.
Name | District | Term Exp | Phone |
Fred Smith | 6 | 4/25 | 608-219-3797 |
Dan Bartz, Ald. | 4 | 4/25 | 920-261-8932 |
Bob Wetzel, Chair | 8 | 4/25 | 920-342-9528 |
Steven Board | 3 | 4/25 | 920-285-7858 |
Pete Thompson | Citizen Member | 1/27 |
920-747-9063 |
This body carries out projects aimed at eliminating blight and renewing urban areas. The scope of its powers and duties are outlined in State Statutes. The RDA is technically not a part of the City of Watertown; however, the RDA works very closely with the City.
Click here to be redirected to the Redevelopment Authority web site
Five Year Term
Meets Third Wednesday of month at 6:00 pm.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Jonathan Lampe, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-248-0656 |
Steve Board, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-261-8932 |
Karrisa Hurtgen | 1/29 | 920-988-6523 |
Dave Zimmermann | 1/29 |
920-261-4342 |
Jacob Maas | 1/25 | 920-344-4000 |
Ryan Wagner, Vice Chair | 1/26 | |
Ryan Nowatka | 1/27 | 920-988-1246 |
Mason Becker, Strategic Initiatives | Indefinite | 920-262-4266 |
This committee manages the direction of growth and planning within the City. They do so by reviewing various maps and plans and making technical recommendations to the Plan Commission to ensure that the proposed development is compatible with our ordinances and policies.
Meets Second & Fourth Monday of the Month at 1:30 pm.
Name | Title | Phone |
Emily McFarland | Mayor | 920-262-4000 |
Maureen McBroom | Storm water | 920-206-4264 |
Andrew Beyer | PW Director/City Engineer | 920-262-4050 |
Brian Zirbes | Zoning Administrator | 920-262-4041 |
Doug Zwieg | Building Inspection | 920-262-4062 |
David Brower | Police Department | 920-206-4218 |
Pete Hartz | Water Department | 920-262-4085 |
Kristine Butteris | Park & Rec Department | 920-262-8082 |
Fire Department | ||
Stacy Winkelman | Street Department | 920-262-4047 |
Mason Becker | Strategic Initiatives & Economic Development Director | 920-206-4266 |
Mike Slavney |
(Park & Recreation Director, Health Officer or designee may also be included.)
Tourism Commission
This committee coordinates tourism promotion and tourism activities for the city. They provide duties and
services as allowed by state statutes.
Three Year Term
Meets Second Thursday of month at 8:00 am.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Aaron David | 7/25 | 920-261-5142 |
Amanda Kostroski | 7/25 | |
Cheryl Mitchell | 5/25 | 920-262-1910 |
Kristine Butteris | Indefinite | 920-262-8080 |
Peter Wright | 5/25 | 920-261-9300 |
Conrad Talaga | 2/25 | 920-390-9293 |
Steven Board, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-285-7858 |
Meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 4:15
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Dan Bartz, Ald | 4/25 | 920-261-8932 |
Bonnie Hertel | 5/24 | 920-988-5241 |
Dave Zimmerman | 5/24 | 920-261-4342 |
Robin Kaufmann | 5/25 | 920-253-7292 |
Brian Konz | 5/25 | 920-392-1191 |
Jody Purtell | 5/25 | 920-342-3623 |
Erica Schneekloth | 5/26 | 920-248-1074 |
The Transit Commission bids and awards the City's taxi service provider contract, reviews operations of the shared-ride taxi service, hears citizen complaints and reviews and recommends taxi rates.
Meets every other month at 5:30 pm.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Eric Schmid, Ald. | 4/25 | 920-245-5114 |
Tom Hahn | 5/25 | 920-285-6347 |
David Applegarth | 10/27 | 920-253-6185 |
Michelle Bainbridge | 10/24 | 920-285-7848 |
Laurie Grosenick | 10/24 | 920-261-8561 |
Megan Dunneisen, Secretary | Indefinite | 920-262-4006 |
Name | Term Exp. | Phone |
Kristine Butteris | Indefinite | 920-262-8080 |
Youth Advisory Committee
Contact: Mayor McFarland | Term Exp. |
Committee Mentors: | |
Riley Kappell | 5/23 |
Emelia Groeler | 5/23 |
Committee: | |
Anna Schmid | 5/23 |
Lucy Groeler | 5/23 |
Isaac Winters | 5/23 |
Sadie Pliska | 5/23 |
This board hears and decides appeals when there is any alleged error made by the Zoning Administrator. Additionally, they can hear and decide exceptions to the Zoning Chapter to avoid unnecessary hardship and promote public safety and welfare. This board only meets as needed.
Three Year Term
Meets as needed.
Name | Term Exp | Phone |
Steve Jones | 2/26 | 920-390-2927 |
Jacob Maas | 5/27 | 920-344-4000 |
Mike Rollert, V Chair | 5/27 | 920-988-8204 |
Jim Freres, Chair | 2/26 | 920-988-7436 |
Thomas Johnson | 5/25 | 920-342-5761 |
ALTERNATES: | ||
Michael Huebner | 5/25 | 920-253-5143 |
Aari Roberts | 5/27 | 920-253-7212 |