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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE- MINUTES - 5/21/1997COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEG0 Approved by CC. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MAY 21, 1997 The meeting was called to order at 9:00 P.M. by Mayor De Angelis. Also present were Aldermen D'Acquisto, Patterson, Pionek, Salentine, Sanders, Slocomb and Woodard, and Finance Director Gunderson. with the Open Meeting law on 5/16/97. Mayor De Angelis noted the meeting was noticed in accordance The Mayor read the Notice of Closed Session. Ald. D'Acquisto moved to convene into Closed Session in purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, accordance with §19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session, more specifically acquisition or lease of Parkland Mall. Ald. Sanders seconded. Motion carried by a roll call vote of 7-0. The Committee reconvened into Open Session. Mayor asked if clarification was needed on any of the agenda clarified the idea of an Economic Development Department (Item items listed relating to the 1998 budget. Ald. D'Acquisto No. 2) in response to a request from Ald. Slocomb. He stated that other municipalities that have created this type of department have experienced success in bringing desired development to their communities. An Economic Development Department could also be responsible for the City's grant administration and coordinate the development of a proposed business or office park. Ald. Patterson noted that the City needs to have a specific area available for development. Mayor asked if any additional budget items need to be added for future discussion. Ald. Salentine asked about the consolidation of the Parks and Recreation Departments. Mayor stated that was actually approved through the 1997 budget and Ald. Salentine requested that the financial impact be explored the Administrative Intern is scheduled to work on that item. regarding the fire departments, hiring one chief to oversee both and EMT Training. Ald. D'Acquisto requested that the financial viability be explored for a Human Resource manager for the City. He stated this individual would be responsible for benefit administration, filling vacancies, personnel evaluations, etc. Ald. Pionek asked about the status of the Recording Secretary position. Mayor stated he has been in contact with the union and their various representatives. Ald. Pionek discussed land acquistions for future parkland development surrounding the existing City Hall/Police Department complex and Historical Society areas as recommended by SEWRPC. It was suggested that the property owners with land the City may be interested in purchasing be contacted. Committee of the Whole Minutes of Meeting Held 5/21/97 Page 2 Ald. Patterson expressed concern about Item No. 5 regarding a two-year capital budget. Mayor explained the five-year plan utilized by the county. Ald. D'Acquisto stated it was suggested to streamline the process. There are certain things we know departments will need; the Council has the final approval. The Mayor stated that most of the departments already have a five-year plan. This can help the City project when major capital improvements are anticipated to be completed so there are not too many items planned for one year. Dawn Gunderson stated her experience has been that a five-year plan is used as a planning tool. It allows you to forecast and project what you intend to accomplish and how much money will be expended. Each needs direction from the committee this evening to submit to the item still requires approval of the Council. Mayor stated he Department Heads. Discussion took place regarding placing items sources of revenue used, such as borrowed money. Ald. Sanders in the Operating Budget versus the Capital Budget and the Ald. D'Acquisto stated Muskego still has a relatively low tax stated he does not want to borrow for annual expense items. Mayor stated it must be recognized that the tax rate will not rate; we have to be up front with what we are taxing people for. remain the same or at the level of inflation. The sources of revenue in the past are not available. The Mayor discussed the the Department Heads will be directed to submit a five-year financial implication of the City borrowing money. Mayor stated Capital Budget Plan. The individual plans will be compiled to appear on one sheet. Mayor stated the Department Heads presented very responsible budgets last year. There are costs beyond our control. Ald. D'Acquisto noted that the City is still negotiating with the Police Union so additional money may possibly be needed when an agreement is reached. The Mayor noted the Wage and Comp Study is still undergoing so there could be additional funds required related to that. Mayor De Angelis stated that the budget schedule will be set up similar to last year. The budget information discussed this evening will be forwarded to the Department Heads. Ald. Slocomb discussed administrative expenses incurred by the Aldermen and the tax consequences of compensation (for auto Administrative Intern can review. allowance) under the existing procedure. Mayor stated the Ald. Pionek stated he will not be present at the May 20 Committee of the Whole meeting. Committee of the Whole Minutes of Meeting Held 5/21/97 Page 3 Ald. Patterson moved to adjourn at 10:45 P.M. Ald. Slocomb seconded, motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Dawn Gunderson Finance Director jmb (Minutes transcribed from tape recording by Deputy Clerk Jill Blenski. )