WAUPUN — The Waupun City Council considered adding regulations on electric bicycles including potentially impounding for reckless operation.
The new e-bike ordinance was discussed among other items at the Special Common Council meeting held Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Mayor Rohn Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:33PM with Alderwoman Bobbi Jo Kunz absent (excused).
The Council first heard from Adam VandeSlunt and the Waupun Community Fund on their proposal of a community splash pad, suggesting the placement of one at McCune Park as an affordable alternative to the Aquatic Center for the community.
Following the public comments, the Council discussed changes to Chapter 6.10 of City Ordinances on Bicycles. This has been discussed several times over the last year due to the rising popularity of electric bicycles and similar miniature vehicles.
City Attorney Dan VandeZande presented a draft to the ordinances regarding bicycles, along with a questionnaire on what the Council would like to do about the ordinances on electrical mini-vehicles. These included questions about where electric bikes should be allowed to be ridden, setting age limits for operation, requiring helmets for riders, and how to enforce traffic enfractions, which could include impounding e-bikes for reckless operation.
This follows an incident where an adolescent was riding an e-bike and hit by a car after running a stop sign earlier this month.
Wisconsin State statutes limit what municipalities can actually do to impound bicycles, and seemingly have not updated to address the development of electrically motored bicycles. VandeZande said he would suggest communicating with state legislators to address this.
Alderman Dan Siebers asked if the City would be liable if they declined to impound where the operator caused a later incident. VandeZande said it depends on the wording of the ordinance. If it was worded “shall impound” and it was not, then the City would be liable; but if it said “may impound” they would not be liable—as it would be based on discretion of responding officers. Siebers said this is meant to be a deterrent to protect pedestrians’ safety, so it being an option may be enough.
Alderman Jason Westphal said he’d like to stay away from impounding bike specifically because they don’t even do it for cars for the same offense, which are much more dangerous. It was noted that it may be useful as an option because it’s usually adolescents that the complaints are about and they may want to require a responsible adult to pick it up after an incident.
Alderman Mike Matoushek suggested they could include in the ordinances that they have a judge order impound, which might serve better as a deterrent. Matoushek also asked Police Chief Jeremy Rasch if they still charge fees for bike licensing, which they don’t.
VandeZande suggested that the Police Department hold an assembly at the schools to outline the new ordinance for e-bikes to educate youth on how to safely operate them.
The draft presented to the Council only allowed the “removal” of a bicycle that “obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a public way, that blocks or impedes entrance to or exit from a building or a lawfully parked motor vehicle, or that otherwise creates a hazard to public health or safety.”
It also currently notes that removal would be “limited to abatement of the obstruction or hazard, is not a penalty for violation of this section, and does not authorize the impoundment, retention, sale, or other disposition of a bicycle.”
The ordinance still allows the City to issue fines for reckless operation of both bicycles and electric bicycles, and if the operator is underage the parents may be held liable for any damages or fines.
The Council tabled voting on the ordinance. VandeZande said that a new draft should be completed as early as the next meeting.
Next on the agenda was one resolution: Approve Amendment No. 3 to Long Term Power Supply Contract for Participating Members. This was from Waupun Utilities to extend the existing Long Term Power Supply contract required by Wisconsin Public Power Inc. Energy members. The resolution passed unanimously without discussion.
The Council then moved on to consideration and action.
First was the final plat map proposed for the new Prairie Fields subdivision as being developed by Andrew Glewen. The plat map was approved unanimously by the Plan Commission at their August 22 meeting. Alderman Siebers asked about the plans for a park in the new division as he did not see it on the map. According to the plan there would be a stormwater retention pond in the southeast corner of the subdivision, and the park will be in the empty space north of the pond along Shaler Drive. The Council passed the plans unanimously.
School/Police Liaison Officer Program Agreement City of Waupun and the Waupun Area School District — The highlighted changes removed a few restrictions on actions taken by the liaison officers, notably on the necessity of actions taken by the officer in a law enforcement role. Passed unan.
Accept Resignation and Reappointment to Board of Public Works and Facilities Committee — Resignation of Andy Sullivan, moving out of town to support parents after father was diagnosed with cancer. Passed unan.
Waiver of Heritage Ridge Restrictive Covenants Specific to Carver Flats Development Agreement — Alderman Pete Kaczmarski asked City Administrator Kathy Schlieve to elaborate on what this means. Schlieve said that zoning has changed since the lots were planned and that this would waive restrictions in conflict with the developers agreement passed last month. VandeZande noted that when they planned the subdivision they specifically included wording to allow the City to do this. Passed unan.
Proclamation for Federal Highway Administration Crash Responder Safety Week November 2-6, 2026 — Passed unan.
Designate City of Waupun Halloween Trick-or-Treat Date and Hours — Regular residential trick or treat hours are set for Saturday, October 31, 4PM-6PM, which falls on Halloween night this year. Passed unan. The Waupun Historical Society Cemetery Walk is held the prior Saturday, October 24, 4:30PM-7PM.
Waupun Youth Advisory Policies — Jaelle Weinberger completed policies that she provided to Schlieve and VandeZande, included in the agenda packet. She briefly spoke on the polices and said she was trying to set up a system for participating students to mentor future officers as they come in each year for long term success. Passed unan.
Monthly Financials, July 2026 — Alderman Kaczmarski asked if there were any departments that are exceeding expected expenses. Finance Director Casey Langenfeld said that if something stuck out to her she would talk with the department head and bring it to the Council’s attention, and that everything right now looks good. Passed unan.
The Council then moved on to discussion only items.
2027 Budget Planning Review — Finance Director Langenfeld passed out a spreadsheet and gave an overview on the projected financials for next year. After reviewing the numbers, Mayor Bishop said that residents often don’t realize how much services cost. City Administrator Schlieve said they will be finalizing their health insurance renewal soon. The full budget will be presented at a future meeting. Alderman Westphal asked if it would affect rates, Schlieve said not this year, but it would next year.
Stormwater Rate Analysis — Public Works Director Jeff Daane explained how the stormwater system may take damage during storms. State and federal regulations also require more and more education, and increased costs on building stormwater systems put pressure on communities. Daane noted that the City has not increased stormwater rates since 2017.
Wellness Policy — Schlieve said they want to promote more wellness among city staff. They have not gotten an agreement yet but they are still working on it. No questions from Council.
CONSENT AGENDA — Passed unan, no discussion. Voting for the November 3 general election is currently planend to be moved to the Community Center at 520 McKinley St.
Department reports were included in the agenda packet but were not read during the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:19PM.
