COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 9/24/1998
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEGO (Approved 11/11/98)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Acting Chairman Slocomb. Also present
were Aldermen Woodard, Salentine, Patterson, Sanders, Chiaverotti, Pionek (arriving at
8:00 P.M.) and Finance Director Dawn Gunderson. Mayor De Angelis was excused.
Ald. Slocomb reported that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting
law.
Finance Director Gunderson presented the 1999 Budget Summary for the Operating
Budget and explained the change in format.
Judge Peter Lentz appeared before the Committee to present the 1999 Operating Budget
for Municipal Court. Considerable discussion centered around the Judge’s request for an
additional 24 hour per week Court Clerk. The Administration recommendation is to
remove the costs for this position. The Judge explained the need for specialized
knowledge and dedicated Court people working only for the Court based upon concern
for the high number of people in the Court system. The Judge recommend that the current
part-time position be dedicated fully to the Police Department and two 19 hour per week
Court Clerks be created. Ald. Salentine moved to defer action on this item, Ald. Sanders
seconded. After it was determined that no formal action was required to defer and final
action on all budget items would take place at a subsequent meeting, the motion was
withdrawn by the maker and agreed to by the second. The Committee requested the
Finance Director to determine the costs of two 19 hour per week part-time Court Clerks.
They also felt it important to gather other statistical information regarding demand on the
Court and seek input from Mayor and the personnel at the Police Department regarding
the current use of their employee.
Clerk-Treasurer Jean Marenda presented the 1999 Operating Budget and the Election
Department Operating Budget for the Clerk/Treasurer Department. The issue of the
request for maintaining current budgeted hours for the Recording Secretary is remaining
open for additional discussion, pending a decision for her to attend additional meetings
sponsored by the City and how many hours would be required. Administration
recommended that the budgeted hours be reduced based upon actual experience.
Mike Kersky and John Ludwig appeared before the Committee and presented the 1999
operating budget for the Muskego Volunteer Fire Company. A request for a $44,953
increase was presented as a result of several additional line items and increases; $2,000
for Haz Mat, $7,400 for office supplies, $1,500 for legal fees, $9,500 for architectural fees
and $7,253 for debt reduction and increases in maintenance, fire inspections and clothing.
They also presented their plan to pay their volunteers for fire calls, indicating that the
dollars would be included in their 2000 budget request.
Committee Of The whole - Page 2
September 24, 1998
Jeff Verbert and Tom Kronschnabl appeared before the Committee and presented the
1999 operating budget for the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department. The request is
for a $6,900 increase.
Police Chief John Johnson presented the 1999 operating budget for the Police
Department.
Public Works Director John Loughney presented the 1999 operating budget for the Public
Works Department. After some discussion on the Administration’s recommendation to
reduce the gasoline, oil and tire line item based upon historical costs, the committee
recommended that $5,000 be added back into the account to allow for a normal winter
weather. Supt. Loughney pointed out that the last three winters have been extremely mild
and the costs in this area were lower than what could be considered normal. The
committee thanked John for the submission of his last budget as Director and all his years
of dedicated service to the City.
Ald. Salentine moved to adjourn at 10:51 P.M. Ald. Woodard seconded, carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn R. Gunderson
Finance Director