COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 9/26/2002
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO (Approved)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 26, 2002
Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:11 PM. Also present were Ald. Le Doux, Salentine,
Damaske, Madden, Petfalski, and Patterson, Finance Director Dawn Gunderson, and those per the
attached list. Ald. Sanders was excused.
All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Slocomb noted the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
Minutes of the August 22, September 5, September 12, and September 19, 2002 Committee of the Whole
meetings were not available for approval.
Unfinished Business
Finance Director reviewed with the committee the detail being presented:
1. Review 2003 Capital Budget
a. Mayor - New Maintenance Van – Mayor Slocomb asked that this item be moved to the next
agenda for discussion.
b. Muskego Volunteer Fire Company – Domonic D‘Acquisto, John Ludwig and Jim Gaffney
were present to make a presentation and answer questions regarding the Muskego Volunteer
Fire Company’s request to spend $36,000 for developing a training program for an EMS program
in their department. The department was asked to break down their costs of the program to
determine if it should be split between the operating and the capital budgets. The department
presented $22,000 in training costs which would provide for: 2 full classes of WI First Responder
at MVFC; 1 EMT-Basic IV Tech class at MVFC if possible, or for costs of training and materials
for a minimum of 10-12 individuals at WCTC or MATC; American Red Cross provider and
instructor courses; American Heart Association provider, specialty and instructor courses; and
bridge courses for MVFC personnel when available. The request for $13,400 in equipment and
materials costs would cover Medical supplies and equipment, including but not limited to the
following: Defib units for both fire stations; training equipment such as training dummies,
manuals and materials; other medical equipment and supplies, such as long boards, airways,
etc.; and projector and computer equipment for training, internet access and service. The
department is pursing State and Federal grant monies for some of these expenses, as well as
expanded program scope if funding is secured. With any grant money obtained, other than those
that require a matching level, the first dollar would come from the grant prior to using any City
funds. This means that the maximum amount of City dollars, dependent upon the success with
Grants and outside fund raising efforts, may be less than what they are seeking approval for.
Discussion ensued on the need for MVFC to pursue this type of training and utilizing other
currently available training sources with the City or the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department.
2. Continue discussion of 2003 Operating Budget (including Muskego Volunteer Fire Company) –
Finance Director Gunderson presented an updated budget summary and suggested that the requested
funds from the MFVC be split between the City’s operating and capital budgets with the $22,000 training
being a part of operating with a stipulation in the contract that the funds will be available upon approval of
the Finance Committee and not distributed on a quarterly basis like the other funding. The $13,400 will
be budgeted in the capital budget. The summary recap was distributed along with a personnel and non-
personnel recap. Director Gunderson presented the additional changes in the budget from their last
meeting, which included a $2,500 reduction in the Building and Engineering Department and a $9,000
reduction in Planning. Director Gunderson presented the items that were increasing the tax levy that the
Committee has little or no control over. Those include the $213,000 increase in health insurance, a
$240,000 increase in debt service levy, liability and workers comp increase of $90,000. Of the $1.3
million increase in levy, approximately $692,000 are not controllable increases. A review of expenses
was made comparing 2002 budgeted expenses with 2003 budgeted expenses adjusting for wages that
were budgeted in contingency in 2002. The non-personnel expenses for 2003 are increasing by
$317,775 or 5%; Debt expenses by $90,157 or 4.7% and Personnel, which includes wages & benefits, is
increasing by $501,646 or 6.7%. The Committee reviewed a consolidated tax rate that was projected
assuming the school rate would increase by $1.47 and the County and Community College would
increase by 3%. Ald. Patterson stated that if the rate is to go lower, services would have to be cut and
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Minutes of Meeting Held 9/26/02
decisions would have to be made to determine what services the Committee would be willing to cut.
Discussion ensued regarding the future impact to the City of possible state action to freeze the levy
dollars or the tax rate and how artificially lowering the taxes this year could make that more difficult in
years to come. Ald. Petfalski raised concern about the escalating health insurance costs and taxpayers
supporting the cost of these benefits at a level greater than they themselves have at a shared cost that is
greater than the City employees have to pay. The Committee spent some time discussing alternative
revenue sources that have been discussed in the media by other taxing entities. The Mayor advised that
at the next meeting, he wanted the Committee to review the impact of the capital budget on future
operating budgets. Finance Director Gunderson reported to the Committee that TID #5 could be coming
off the tax rolls next year and would add $21 million to the assessed taxable value.
New Business
1. Establish Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for all City Departments – Ald. Salentine placed this
item on the agenda and referenced the existing survey that is being done by the Police Department. She
explained that this was brought up because of any potential cost associated with postage or printing to
implement this program. The concern is what our residents and citizens feel about the service they
receive at the City. The committee agreed that they should be made available at the counter for
comments on that service, but also that follow-up surveys be sent out. Mayor advised that some
departments would be more difficult, but the committee requested that surveys be prepared for Park &
Rec., Building, Planning, Assessor, Clerk Treasurer and Utilities. The return self-addressed envelopes
should be returned to the Mayor’s office. Ald. Petfalski also requested that a follow-up phone call be
made to citizens with complaints. Additional discussion was held and Ald. Damaske suggested that the
top three departments be required to utilize a customer service survey and once that is up and running,
the other departments can be added on. Mayor Slocomb will discuss with the department heads and will
bring something back to this committee.
Communications and Miscellaneous Business as Authorized by Law - None
Adjournment
Ald. Petfalski moved to adjourn at 9:52 PM. Ald. Salentine seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn R. Gunderson, CPFO
Finance Director