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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 3/14/2002 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MARCH 14, 2002 Mayor De Angelis called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. Also present were Ald. Slocomb, Le Doux, Salentine, Sanders and Wichgers, Plan Director Turk, Police Chief Johnson (arr. at 7:40 pm) and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Ald. Patterson and Petfalski were absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. The Mayor noted the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. Ald. Salentine moved to approve minutes of the March 7, 2002 meeting. Ald. Le Doux seconded; motion carried. Review Status of Old Muskego Settlement Centre The Mayor stated that the landscape plan was back because it is different than what the Committee had previously seen. Mr. Don Pionek appeared before the Committee to further discuss plans for the Settlement Centre. He noted that the initial presentation was made to the Committee in August of 2000. Discussion took place regarding the use of brick vs. grass in the courtyard area. The Mayor stated that Parks and Recreation Director Anderson indicated brick required more maintenance but the issue was what the area was going to be used for. Ald. Salentine stated she favored the use of grass because it was better suited for outdoor events, such as concerts, where people would bring chairs and blankets for seating. It was also noted that brick was more expensive. Ald. Le Doux stated he wanted the Committee review because there have been changes. Mr. Pionek noted the idea was to obtain a consensus regarding a conceptual plan; there will be other changes as the project moves forward. He stated that April 1 was the tentative date to begin the two-week preparation for moving the town hall building. Mr. Pionek stated he would like to review an amendment to the lease line with the Committee in the future. Ald. Slocomb requested that the next drawing for the project be provided in digital format. Mr. Pionek stated he would also explore change to gambrel roofline as requested by Ald. Le Doux. Mr. Turk stated the change would have to go back to the Plan Commission for approval. Mr. Pionek left the meeting following discussion of this issue. Discuss Streetscape - Gateways to City Mr. Turk stated there was nothing new to report. Request for proposals scheduled for 2003 for boulevards on Janesville Road. Review Creation of Community Development Authority and Draft of By-Laws Mr. Turk reviewed proposed modifications to the draft of the by-laws as outlined in his memo dated March 12 with the exception that the Finance Director should serve as the CDA Treasurer. Mayor De Angelis stated that a citizen-at-large member to the Committee was important in addition to having representation from local businesses and the banking, financial and real estate sectors. The consensus of the Committee was to incorporate the changes as prepared by Mr. Turk. Mr. Turk stated the documentation would be revised and presented at the next Common Council meeting. Mr. Turk was dismissed. Update on Power Plant Proposals The Mayor noted there was noting new to report since Tuesday’s Council meeting. Committee of the Whole Page 2 Minutes of Meeting Held 3/14/02 Discuss Consolidated Dispatch Chief Johnson was present and noted that officials from the municipalities and the County continue to meet and discuss the issues being raised regarding the proposed consolidation. The Mayor and Chief Johnson attended a meeting today. Chief put together cost factors, which indicate that consolidation could cost municipalities more money. The impact to the City of Oconomowoc, for example, would be a negative $60,000. There could be some benefits with the consolidation regarding technology advancements but he does not support if it is not cost effective. One of the other issues relate to the level of service that will be provided. Even if the consolidation is cost effective, which Chief Johnson questions will be true, the levels of service must be looked at. The Mayor noted that another important issue for review, whether consolidated dispatch is accomplished or not, is centralized records management. This should be done first and would be a plus if consolidated dispatch does occur. Chief supports centralized records management. It is important and would be very beneficial to law enforcement. He believes it should certainly be done prior to implementation of a consolidated dispatch system. He expressed concerns about the ability to organize the 56 police and fire departments within the County, which would be the largest consolidation effort in the State. Chief Johnson reiterated what he has discovered in reviewing the issue with communities that have implemented consolidated dispatch. Service will not be better or even remain the same. There are also control issues in addition to the cost factors. There are examples of success with some communities being satisfied but those are generally places that did not their own dispatch center, or operated under a sheriff’s department and were not pleased with that arrangement. The Mayor also noted that there are labor issues that need to be resolved. Ald. Wichgers stated there has been lengthy debate on the issue at the County level. The County is moving the project forward. The Mayor said there are still many unanswered questions, and the communities are not going to participate until all the issues are resolved. Chief stated the County is moving the project forward too fast. Ald. Wichgers stated the County is confident all issues will be resolved by July and that Muskego will save money. Chief believes the County should continue to pursue the project. However, he would like to discuss the financial data with someone at the County because he does not see how it will save Muskego money. He objects to the project being done if it is not cost effective. The County Executive promised that consolidated dispatch would be cost effective, save a million dollars or better, and the service would be the same or better. He does not believe that will be the case and the citizens will suffer in the end. Chief Johnson said he was invited to visit a consolidated dispatch center in Illinois. The Chief was dismissed at 8:30 pm. Review Status of Community Center Project The Mayor stated that Ald. Patterson requested that no action be taken because he was unable to be present to participate in the discussion. Proposals for Architecture/Engineering Services and Construction Management will be reviewed at the next Council meeting. Ald. Wichgers asked about the timeframe for holding a referendum election. The Mayor responded it could be on the ballot at either the September or November elections. The only timing issue presented by the consultants is that the opening for the facility should take place in late summer/early fall instead of Committee of the Whole Page 3 Minutes of Meeting Held 3/14/02 spring. Surveying the community was also discussed. Ald. Salentine supported. Further discussion ensued about how to direct people to all the information that is available which could alleviate misconceptions about the project. The issue is complex. Ald. Le Doux noted people outside of the community who may use the facility could not participate in the survey. The Mayor stated projections regarding the facility and use were based on the study that was done. Ald. Salentine questioned if the UW system could be contacted to provide assistance if a survey were to be done. It was determined that the issue would be placed on the 3/26/2002 Council agenda for further discussion. New Berlin Drainage and Storm Water Issues The Mayor stated there was nothing new to report. Project was moving ahead. New Berlin Mayor Wysocki strongly believes in the project and wants to see it completed. Discussion on Moorland Road Corridor-Janesville to McShane Ald. Salentine wanted to reiterate that this will be a City project and the road will not become a truck route. Nothing new to report. Discussion on Durham Drive – McShane to OO The Mayor reminded everyone about the public informational hearing scheduled for 3/28/2002. Lake Fees Study Committee Update Ald Slocomb had nothing new to report. Mr. Erdmann has not returned from vacation. Discuss Governor’s Proposal Relating to State Shared Revenues The Mayor reported that the Republican Caucus has developed a new proposal and he received an e-mail (from Mr. Greco) with an Excel spreadsheet showing the impact for the communities within the Alliance of Cities. Muskego is not part of the Alliance. The e-mail did not include the formula that was developed; the Mayor has requested that information be provided to him so he can determine impact to Muskego. Miscellaneous Business Regarding the issue of the aldermen riding in the horse drawn wagon at the Muskego Community Festival parade, Ald. Sanders stated he presented the idea to the Festival Committee and was told the Parade Committee had to review. The aldermen wanted to make sure clean up was not an issue as they intend to take care of. Discussion continued about using local photographs as a background on the City’s access channel. The Mayor will follow up and discuss with Stella. Adjournment Ald. Slocomb moved to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Ald. Le Doux seconded; motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jill Blenski Deputy Clerk Committee of the Whole Page 4 Minutes of Meeting Held 3/14/02