COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Minutes - 1/28/2014
Unapproved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES
January 28, 2014
5:45 PM
City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 5:45 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL - Present - Mayor Chiaverotti, Aldermen Wolfe, Hammel, Borgman, Glazier,
Soltysiak, Kubacki and Finance & Administration Director Mueller. Alderman Madden
was absent.
STATEMENT OF PUBLICE NOTICE - Director Mueller stated that the meeting was posted
in Accordance of the Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - December 10, 2013
Alderman Kubacki made a motion to approve minutes of December 10, 2013,
Alderman Soltysiak seconded.
Motion Passed 6 in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
Continued Discussion of Fireworks Ordianance
Mayor Chiaverotti stated that this was deferred from the December 10th meeting. Ald. Glazier
recapped the Public Safety Committee opinions regarding safety concerns and insurance
liability. The recommendation is to modify the current policy by compromising - possibly
narrowing the hours and days. Ald. Soltysiak feels there are two parts; first being what the
ordinance allows and the second being enforcement of those who are violating the policy.
Cutting down the number of days will not solve all the problems - debris, safety and noise will
always be an issue. Ald. Kubacki read responses he had received from citizens - most were in
favor of keeping the policy as is. Ald. Hammel agreed with Ald. Soltysiak with the need to focus
on enforcement. Ald. Borgman expressed concerns about the impact on animals and supports
limiting the hours/days with a later start time - possibly 8:30 PM. Ald. Wolfe has issues with
individuals who have and feels we need to review whether the weekend prior or after the 4th of
July work best. Ald. Glazier stated that with all the issues regarding safety, fire debris and the
impact on pets maybe the time has come to ban fireworks all together. Discussion followed on
concerns with the debris (flaming particles) and whether establishing guidelines would help.
The majority agreed to have the clerk's office work on a calendar spanning the next ten years
showing the days/hours around July 4th for COW's consideration with the hours being from 4 -
11 PM. The floor was opened up to allow for public input.
• Thomas Nowicki - Kathryn Dr expressed concerns about debris polluting the lakes, cruelty to
animals and liability to the city and suggest limiting the fireworks to tow day from 6 - 10 PM.
• Frank Korosec - River Oaks Ct submitted a firework safety handout from the National Fire
Protection Agency. He is concerned about fire safety, insurance liability and suggested that the
locations of the permits be reviewed and also that neighbors be contacted when a permit is
issued. He questions why permits are allowed.
• Russell Szymek - Ancient Oaks Dr suggested addressing the distance from lot lines to keep
debris from falling on neighboring properties.
• Dave Taube - Kingston Dr feels that there have been no major problems the last half century
and to continue with current controls.
Long Term Capital Improvement Plan
a) Funding Source (Landfill)
Deferred to February 11, 2014
Distinction of Appropriate Operation versus Capital Expenditures
Deferred to February 11, 2014
Discuss Policy Regarding Attendance by Aldermen at Meetings - Deferred till February 11,
2014
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Possible reconvening of the Committee of the Whole immediately following Common Council
Meeting of the same date to continue work on agenda items
Alderman Glazier made a motion to adjourn , Alderman Kubacki seconded.
Motion Passed 6 in favor.