COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 4/12/2001
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD April 12, 2001
Mayor De Angelis called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM. Also present were Aldermen
Slocomb, Petfalski, Le Doux, Patterson, Salentine and Sanders, Clerk-Treasurer
Marenda and Finance Director Gunderson. Ald. Wichgers was absent.
The Clerk-Treasurer stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open
meeting law on 4/6/01.
Ald. Le Doux moved to approve minutes of the 3/8/01 meeting. Ald. Salentine
seconded; motion carried.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Mr. Ray Christenson, President of the Library Board was present with several other
members of the Board to discuss the coffee shop proposal for the Library. They
reported the Board is not in favor of it in the reading room due to the quiet area it
provides and the distraction to those who are studying. Locating it in meeting room no.
3 is preferred to avoid damage to carpeting, upholstered furniture, books, etc. The
Friends of the Library are interested in the coffee shop to make money for the Library.
We need to keep the Library staff out of the responsibility for the area. Possibly
additional subscriptions to newspapers and current periodicals could be ordered for use
in the coffee shop.
The Mayor asked the Library Board to see if the software can track the length of time a
book is out to determine how many books are checked out to be taken to the coffee
shop, and returned right after the visit. Ald. Le Doux preferred having a space within the
Library for the coffee shop. Ald. Sanders felt the reading room provides a friendlier
atmosphere, but expressed concern about spillage, and would be willing to try
establishing it in room no. 3 for a trial period. As to open hours, Mr. Christenson said
that will be discussed with potential vendors. Ald. Sanders moved to start a coffee shop
in Meeting Room 3 with times and days of operation to be determined after review by
the Library Board. Ald. Patterson seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider changing District 2 polling place from Tess Corners School to Muskego
Public Library
The Library Board reported they had no objection to using the Library as a polling place.
The Clerk-Treasurer was directed to prepare an ordinance to make the change.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on power plant proposal-City of New Berlin and potential City of Muskego
site
A copy of a letter from Atty. Mark Hazelbaker representing Citizen Power Inc. dated
March 21, 2001 was distributed. Twelve members of Citizen Power were present.
Mayor reported he has nothing new on this issue. Midwest Power has not made
application to Muskego as of this date. Understand it is a requirement of the PSC that
they submit an application as Muskego is named as an alternate location in the New
Berlin proposal. The PSC makes the final ruling. Citizen Power requested Muskego
hold an informational hearing before Midwest Power submits an application. Ald.
Petfalski and Salentine agreed with an informational meeting, but felt it should be held
after the application and proposal is received.
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Minutes of Meeting Held April 12, 2001
Mayor noted Midwest Power has to go through the same process as anyone else
making submittals for BSO approval, grading and drainage, water usage, sewer if
applicable, etc., through each committee level for recommendation to the Council for
approval. The full process is what the PSC is looking for. No specific zoning request is
needed. An informational hearing can be held whenever you want. Ald. Sanders stated
it’s not good to have a hearing before we have the facts or we won’t be able to respond
to questions of the audience. Mr. Kurt Barikmo stated the proposal submitted by
Midwest indicates they have held community meetings in Muskego. A woman in the
audience said if there were informational meetings the group could inform the City of
research they’ve done. Tom Golubski noted the proposal also states that they’re using
an existing well on the site and will get additional water from the City’s water system.
The Mayor asked if the group could meet with him, Ald. Petfalski and staff. Lueder
Fickau said to say now we just don’t want it. Mayor explained the property has certain
rights under zoning for certain uses and all applicants have to go through the process.
Andrea Frank stated the issue with the power plant is where are they allowed to put it?
She felt the question of the City water supply should be a concern. She questioned why
the EPA Superfund site people were not aware of the proposal. Mayor stated he
discussed this with Sherry about 6 months ago. Ald. Patterson suggested a letter be
written to the PSC that to date nothing has been submitted to the City of Muskego.
Mayor agreed to handle. Ald. Sanders asked to be informed of the meeting with the
group, and to receive a copy of any materials submitted.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Dave Anderson of Ehlers & Associates and Dawn Gunderson, Finance Director were
present to conduct a fifth workshop regarding the process to establish a formal five-year
capital plan. A power point presentation was reviewed along with handouts. Dawn
responded to a previous question that about 1/3 of commercial values are multi-family
units. Mayor advised he met with Sean McMullen, Scott Kloskowski and Wayne Delikat
to determine available manpower and project management capabilities, which resulted
in changes the plan. Ald. Sanders expressed concern about moving the North of
Kelsey Dr. project to 2004/05. Ald. Sanders moved to amend the plan to have the
design phase in 2003 and construction in 2004. Ald. Salentine seconded; motion
carried.
Ald. Slocomb stated he met with Gene Kraemer at the landfill and presented information
regarding the reasons for lower revenue projections. Landfill funds are proposed to be
used for conservation/open space projects; storm water management; park dedication;
well testing fund; building landfill fund for litigation, remediation, etc. It will take huge
dollars to make an impact on conservation and open space projects. For the first three
years we need to use landfill funds only for conservation/open space, storm water and
parks projects. Dawn stated she would like to see some of the landfill funds used for
small capital items that shouldn’t be borrowed for, i.e. computers, trucks, etc.
Dawn noted the department heads will have to re-look at the plan to see if they have
any changes for 2002.
Dave Anderson pointed out a decline in the operating revenues of the water utility. It
was noted a simplified increase has just been recommended for approval by the Utilities
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Minutes of Meeting Held April 12, 2001
Committee. He noted at the next meeting he will provide a scenario of the water utility
changes and the impact of change in landfill funding availability. Next COW meeting
th
was set for May 10 at 7:00 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss resolutions adopted by Muskego-Norway School District pertaining to
traffic signals at Janesville Rd. and Bay Lane Rd. and pedestrian path along Bay
Lane Rd.
Mayor noted the biggest issue is the curb, storm sewer and bike path along Bay Lane
from Hilltop to Janesville. It is on the Parks Board long range plan. He felt the school’s
priority is the traffic signals first. Our capital plan includes Bay Lane intersection and
signals. Ald. Petfalski expressed concern about funding a bike path for only one school
Ald. Le Doux said it seems the time to do some projects is at the time there is other
work being done on the roads. Mayor stated we will be trying to negotiate with
developer to move lights from Martin to Bay Lane.
Ald. Slocomb moved to adjourn at 10:30 PM. Ald. Sanders seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean K. Marenda, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer