COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 9/23/1999
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 P.M. by Mayor De Angelis. Present were Aldermen Slocomb,
Patterson, Le Doux, Salentine, Chiaverotti, Sanders, and Finance Director Dawn Gunderson. Ald. Pionek
arrived at 7:17 PM.
Mayor De Angelis reported that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting law.
Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department
Phil Dibb, Jeff Verburgt, Dave Van Zeeland and Fire Chief Carl Wojnowski appeared before the
committee to review the 2000 Operating Budget for the department which reflects a 3.59% increase in fire
equipment supplies, insurance, gas & oil, and vehicle maintenance. Their auto allowance covers gas and
clothing based upon average number of calls. Members who show up who are given $5.00 a call; if over
one and one-half hours they are given $7.50 a call for each hour thereafter. The amount of auto allowance
given to volunteers was also discussed.
Muskego Volunteer Fire Company
Fire Chief John Ludwig and Treasurer Al Rickert appeared before the committee to discuss the 2000
budget which included:
Truck Repairs: An increase of $6,000 to fix rust spots
Fire Inspections for $16,000 Includes:
$7,300 Fire Inspections (Commercial Inspections every 6 months)
$3,600 Office Hours ($15.00/hour) 1 day per week
$3,300 Promotions
Training for $12,165 includes: The additional costs for Dive Training - $4,665
New Operational Equipment for $23,000: Includes anything new for purposes of operation
Voice Amplifiers (1 for each mask in truck - approximately 26)
Hose Replacements
Ald. Ledoux suggested standardization of account descriptions so that each Fire Department is reflecting
the same type of costs in the same line item description. Mayor requested information on how much it
will cost to hook up radio equipment since that item would be removed until the 2001 budget. The Fire
Department noted that budget was exceeded last year on snowplowing as well as office supplies, therefore
requiring increases this year.
A discussion was held on the $7,500 request for smoke house. Donations have been slow; thus far $4,500
has been raised. They are looking to proceed with getting a four (4) year loan at 8% interest. The cost of
smoke house is estimated to be $30,000 - $35,000. Ald. Slocomb moved to recommend removing the
$7,500 from Operating Budget and increasing Capital Budget by the $35,000. Seconded by Ald.
Salentine, motion carried 6-1, with Ald. Patterson casting the dissenting vote.
The Fire Department requested $30,000 in the 2000 budget for a Construction Loan for proposed new Fire
Station on Racine Avenue. The Department presented copies of the floor plan for the proposed facility.
The committee asked why this wasn’t in the Capital budget, the Mayor recommended that Fire
Department do the construction on the building since approximately 15% would be added to the cost if the
City were to build it and go through the required public bidding process. The Committee could in the
future consider borrowing money and paying off the loan of the Fire Department.
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September 23, 1999
Incentive Call Pay in the amount of $53,600 (Training required to be eligible for pay)
$50.00 - $400.00 per Quarter depending upon position
and additional factor based upon years of service
and $20 per call)
Mayor requests that the Committee be provided with a breakdown of how this computation
is determine. He requests that this information also be obtained from Tess Corners Volunteer
Fire Department as to their rates per call.
The Fire Department was requested to come to the next meeting scheduled on September 30, 1999 for
further discussion.
Municipal Judge
Requested increase of $233.00 for conferences
Requested increase of $600.00 for Badger Net connection
Judge Lentz appeared before the committee to request additional help. He expressed his willingness to
accept any help from the Police Department. The committee reviewed study provided by Mayor’s intern
updating the number of cases heard for 1999. Judge feels that 3 or 4 sessions per month will not solve the
problem, therefore additional time to the Judge would not be of benefit.
At 9:40 PM the committee took a break and reconvened at 9:54 PM
Library
Librarian Holly Sanhuber addressed personnel issues. She noted that new building is 10 to 11 weeks
behind schedule. She noted that the Library Board is requesting that additional money be added for
books, however it was her feeling that this could wait another year.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for this budget at this time.
Clerk/Treasurer
Clerk/Treasurer Jean Marenda is requesting a new part-time staff position due to additional work as a
result of taking over the insurance claims, the additional time she spends managing the recording
secretaries now that there are four and to delegate other duties to free up other staff time. If she receives
new part-time staff position and it works well, she stated she may be back next year to make that position
full-time. It was noted that the Clerk/Treasurer currently has 3 full time positions, one 30 hour per week
part time position and one 19 hour per week person working for her.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for this budget at this time.
Elections
Jean Marenda is also requesting a 50 cent per hour increase for election personnel.
Assessor
Laura Mecha was available to discuss her budget. The Committee had no questions for her.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for this budget at this time.
Information Systems
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September 23, 1999
Joe Sommers was available to discuss his budget. A discussion was held as to his request to share a part-
time clerical with Finance Director as he needs more assistance in processing of bills, placing orders, and
manning telephone to assist employees. Ald. Patterson moved to delete request for additional personnel
noting that we are now teaching departments how to update Web Page through “front page” which will
eliminate percentage of duties. Seconded by Ald. Slocomb, motion carried 7-0.
The committee had no other additions or deletions in the Information Systems budget at this time.
Plan Department
Brian Turk was available to discussed proposed 2000 Operating Budget and addressed his recommended
reduction in planning fees due to time spent on each service.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for this budget at this time.
Police Department
Chief Johnson is requesting an additional $200.00 for auto allowance for himself based upon inflation and
actual costs. He is also requesting an additional Clerk/Telecommunicator position for the late shift that
could assist the courts and collect fines during the evening.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for the Police Department Budget at this time.
Public Works
Wayne Delikat discussed with the committee the new Locator position to be shared by the Public Works
Department and the Public Utilities Department.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for the Public Works Department at this time.
Parks & Recreation Department
Craig Anderson provided memos to the Committee answering questions regarding his additional staff
request and vehicle maintenance costs that came up at the last meeting. He also discussed with the
committee his consideration for adding plants and lighting at the entrance of Veterans’ Memorial Park.
His plans for future expansion of programs depends upon facility spacing.
The Committee had no additions or deletions for the Parks & Recreation Department Budget at this time.
Ald. Patterson moved to adjourn at 11:58 P.M. Ald. Sanders seconded, carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn R. Gunderson
Finance Director