COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE- MINUTES - 8/12/1998
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 11/11/98
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AUGUST 12, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM. Also present were Aldermen Slocomb,
Pionek (arrv. 7:15 PM), Patterson, Salentine, Sanders and Woodard and Clerk-
Treasurer Marenda. Ald. Chiaverotti was not present.
The Clerk-Treasurer announced the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open
Meeting Law on 8/7/98.
Ald. Salentine moved to approve minutes of 6/25/98 meeting. Ald. Slocomb seconded,
motion carried.
The Mayor read the Notice of Closed Sessions.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
Mr. Chris Petterson, Waukesha County Radio Services, made a presentation on a
county-wide 800 mHz trunked radio system. He noted it is not part of a shared
dispatch system. It is a new infrastructure by which communication can be made
county-wide. It would serve both shared dispatch centers and individual dispatch
centers.
Currently most end users own their own systems, which has resulted in a piecemeal
system in the county. For the most part there are no available channels with the
current system. Three-fourths of users have found interference on their systems which
actually disrupts communications. Frequency congestion is another problem.
The county is looking at municipalities partnering in a system where everyone on the
system would own a share of it. The positives and negatives of the system were
explained. Reliability and security issues were addressed.
Mr. Petterson distributed “Common technical questions about the proposed Trunked
Radio System”; “Proposed Trunked System General Information”; and, “City of
Muskego Trunked Radio System Preliminary Planning/Design Phase”. He indicated he
would recheck the number of radios listed for Muskego.
Costs of infrastructure proposed to be allocated using three factors: 1) Population; 2)
no. of radios municipality operates; 3) industrial and commercial assessed valuation.
After three years, costs to be shifted based on actual traffic on system. The county
proposal is to pay 50% of the estimated $2.6 million infrastructure, with 50% paid by
participating municipalities based on the above factors. The plan is to start
implementation in 1999, with radios for users by 2000. The county needs to know by
next week if the City is willing to participate. No dollars are required until 2000.
Mr. Petterson responded to concerns voiced by representatives of the Muskego and
Tess Corners fire departments.
Chief Johnson noted this program could be phased in, purchasing radios over a
number of years. He stated the Police Chiefs have been reviewing this type of system
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Minutes of Meeting Held August 12, 1998
for years. Our county operates with 40’s technology and we have to take a step
forward. We need to work together and we can’t unless we have the communication
systems. If we had a major county-wide disaster, we would be in a world of hurt. This
system is being used country-wide. He felt it is something we have to look seriously at
and he recommended the City participate.
Ald. Slocomb moved to convene into closed session pursuant to §19.85(1)(e)
Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public
funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or
bargaining reasons require a closed session; more specifically cable contract
negotiations. Ald. Woodard seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Ald. Patterson moved to reconvene into open session. Ald. Salentine seconded.
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Discuss emergency government. Mayor De Angelis introduced his intern, Dave
Bajkiewicz. Dave reviewed the City’s current plan. He reported he spoke with Jim
Malueg of the Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management and obtained
information about emergency government plans of other municipalities. He presented
a memo outlining the information received.
The Mayor advised that now we have no one named as emergency government
director, and we currently have no funds budgeted. He asked the aldermen if they
wanted someone from the outside or someone currently on staff. He said he spoke
with the Police Chief and he felt confident someone from their command staff could
perform the role. Ald. Slocomb felt someone on staff with knowledge of system and
internal expertise should handle this role. Ald. Pionek felt this duty should not be
added to a current staff member, but possibly should be a part-time person. The Mayor
felt it should not be the Mayor or other elected officials due to other duties and
responsibilities during an emergency. The Director coordinates and makes sure proper
resources are in place. The Mayor makes the decisions. Dave said the Director also
gets people alerted, the operations center up and running, and gathers information so
the decision makers have the resources available.
The Mayor noted the police department has a mobile command center now. He said
that he and Dave can explore in-house options if desired. He agreed it would be best
to use a staff member to be trained, has longevity, understands the City and knows
resources available.
Ald. Patterson said the Public Services Committee had a discussion with Chief Johnson
regarding emergency warning sirens. Chief indicated they weren’t that useful due to
windows being closed, air conditioners running, etc. Chief had indicated there are
weather alert radios available. Dave noted the County is looking to get more
consistency with sirens since every city has different criteria for setting off the sirens,
and there is no communication between the communities.
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Minutes of Meeting Held August 12, 1998
Mayor advised he will look at coming up with a plan for in-house personnel and
budgeting some monies for training and manual update for 1999.
Ald. Salentine moved to adjourn at 10:20 PM. Ald. Pionek seconded, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean K. Marenda, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer
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