COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Minutes - 1/14/2020
Approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES
January 14, 2020
5:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderpersons Wolfe, Hammel, Borgman, Kapusta, Engelhardt, Kubacki and
Madden. Also present: Police Chief Rens, City Attorney Warchol, Public Works and
Development Director Kroeger, Public Utilities Superintendent Kloskowski, Public Works
Superintendent Beilfuss, Planner Trzebiatowski and Deputy Clerk Blenski.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The Deputy Clerk stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting
law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderperson Kubacki moved to approve the November 12, 2019 minutes. Alderperson
Kapusta seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss the Transfer of a Reserve “Class B” Liquor License to the Village of Hales Corners
Sandra Kulik was present. She is the Administrator for the Village of Hales Corners. The
Village is requesting that the City consider the transfer of one of its Reserve “Class B”
Liquor Licenses. Attorney Warchol confirmed that this is allowed under Wisconsin
Statutes. The minimum fee is $10,000.00. If the license is transferred, it will belong to the
Village of Hales Corners. Alderperson Kapusta moved to recommend approval of the
transfer for a fee of $10,000.00. Alderperson Madden seconded; motion carried.
Presentation by Ruekert & Mielke – City Water Study
Don Heikkila, an Engineer with Ruekert & Mielke, presented an overview of the Water
System Study that was done. Mayor Chiaverotti thanked Mr. Heikkila for the presentation.
The study is on the City’s website:
https://www.cityofmuskego.org/DocumentCenter/View/7020/City-of-Muskego-Municipal-
Water-System-Study-Report--Final
Discuss 2020 Capital Budget Expenditure – Park Arthur Baseball Field #4
Director Kroeger and Superintendent Beilfuss were present to discuss the issues at Park
Arthur Baseball Field #4. Mr. Kroeger stated the field was not properly designed; the
drainage does not work. Funding in the amount of $315,000.00 is in the 2020 Capital
Budget to repair Field #4. If this project is done, the proposed 2024 improvements for Horn
Field can be eliminated. Horn is a backup field. The funds budgeted for Horn were
$120,000.00. Mayor Chiaverotti stated the problems at Park Arthur have been ongoing.
The regrade of Park Arthur Fields #1, #2 and #3 is proposed as a 2021 project at a cost of
$450,000.00. However, Director Kroeger noted that project can be revisited in the future as
there are backup fields for #1, #2 and #3.
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Alderperson Kubacki stated the issues with Field #4 need to be addressed; there does not
seem to be an alternative. Director Kroeger stated that once these repairs are done, only
general maintenance would be required. The consensus was that the Park Arthur Baseball
Field #4 project should move forward.
Discuss Vacated Police Department Facility
Police Chief Rens, Director Kroeger and Superintendent Beilfuss were present.
Mayor Chiaverotti stated that the building has recently been completely vacated. She
reviewed the following five options to be discussed further:
1. Parcel the land for sale. Staff does not recommend.
2. Leave vacant as is. Not recommended at all.
3. Demolish the building and create additional parking that is needed for Veterans Park,
Municipal Court and Elections.
4. Demolish the office building and maintain the garage for cold storage. Add needed
parking. This option would require Plan Commission approval.
5. Other options the Committee of the Whole would like to discuss.
Discussion:
On the surface, Alderperson Wolfe stated he liked Option 4. Discussion regarding additional
cold storage took place. Both Director Kroeger and Superintendent Beilfuss expressed the
need for as much cold storage as possible. Mr. Kroeger stated equipment lasts longer when
it can be stored inside.
Alderperson Wolfe asked how much parking is needed? He would like to see some of the
space remain open. Both Mayor Chiaverotti and Attorney Warchol noted that additional
parking is definitely needed.
Alderperson Kubacki stated that Option 4 makes the most sense. The building certainly
cannot be repurposed because there are too many issues. Alderperson Borgman agreed
noting that is the reason a new Police Department was built. Alderperson Engelhardt stated
that Option 4 should be a starting point.
The consensus was to demolish the office building and maintain the garage for cold storage.
Staff will do the necessary research.
Discuss Future Winter Decorations
Director Kroeger, Superintendent Beilfuss and Planner Trzebiatowski were present.
Alderperson Wolfe requested this item be placed on the agenda. He likes the existing lights.
Should the City look at expanding the decorations? Should color be added?
Superintendent Beilfuss stated there are currently 17 snowflakes on Janesville Road. There
are only 18 receptacles. An expansion of lights on Janesville Road is not feasible. There is
a possibility of lights on Pioneer Drive. From Horn Park to Janesville Road, there are 24
poles all with receptacles. However, the snowflakes that are on Janesville Road are five feet
and would be too large for the Pioneer Drive area. Mr. Beilfuss did point out that installation
and removal of flags, banners and the snowflakes does require significant staff time. He
also has to store the 17 existing snowflakes. He just wants the Committee to be aware of
these details if additional purchases will be considered.
Planner Trzebiatowski stated that the white snowflakes were chosen to be more seasonal
vs. something that was specific to a holiday and could not be kept up as long.
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January 14, 2020
The consensus was not to do any expansions at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderperson Kapusta made a motion to adjourn at 6:16 p.m. Alderperson Wolfe
seconded; motion carried.
Minutes taken and transcribed by Jill Blenski, Deputy City Clerk.