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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 7/24/2003 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/LITTLE MUSKEGO LAKE DISTRICT JOINT MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JULY 24, 2003 (Approved) Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM. Committee of the Whole members present were Aldermen Petfalski, Buckmaster, Damaske, Madden, Patterson, Salentine, and Schroeder. Little Muskego Lake District Commissioners present were Suzi Link, Jay Erdman, County Supervisor Dan Pavelko and Ald. Nancy Salentine. Deputy Clerk Blenski was also present to record the minutes. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present. Mayor Slocomb stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. Review Lake Fees Study Committee Report Mayor Slocomb presented a brief history of the annual assessment the City pays to the Little Muskego Lake District (LMLD). Since 1983, the City’s assessment has remained at 15% of the LMLD budget. The other properties in the Lake District are assessed based on an “on lake” or “off lake” classification. This indicates that the Lake District is using different methods of assessment. However, the City agreed to pay the 15% amount for weed harvesting and it may not be an “assessment.” The Mayor reviewed other assessment methods looked at by the Committee. Ms. Link stated there has been discussion on reviewing and possibly amending the boundaries to include properties in the lake’s watershed. We also need to discuss how the lake benefits Muskego overall and the consequences of some of the City’s actions. The City has directed stormwater into the lake. Ald. Salentine stated the City does pay for items such as maintenance of the dam so we could go back and forth regarding this. Ms. Link stated weed control and dredging need to be done, which is no different than the City plowing and maintaining its roads. The City is not putting the revenue it collects back into the district. Ald. Petfalski stated people in the district are receiving the same amount of services as everyone else. The taxes paid are based on the value of their property. Mr. Erdman displayed a map of the current district. In response to an inquiry regarding amending the boundaries, Mr. Erdman noted that Section 33 of the state statutes outlines the procedures for attachment. It can be done by petition or motion of the commissioners, which requires a public hearing. Areas are currently not in the district because they were undeveloped at the time the district was established. Mr. Erdman stated the risk in expanding the district is that the off lake property owners, who have a majority, can have it dissolved. Ald. Patterson asked if the district was willing to change its method of assessment. Ms. Link stated it had to be voted on at an annual meeting. The sentiment of the people in the district is that the City is not paying its share; 15% is too low. The annual meeting is scheduled for September 24. Ald. Schroeder asked what the 2003 LMLD budget was. Mr. Erdman stated the total for 2003 was $331,000 and $282,909 for 2002. Off lake properties pay an annual fee of $45 with on lake properties paying $225. It was clarified that the 15% is paid on the Committee of the Whole/Plan Commission Joint Meeting Page 2 Minutes of Meeting Held July 24, 2003 total amount assessed. In 2003, that amount was $167,982 with the City having paid $25,197. Ald. Buckmaster asked why the district was formed? Ms. Link stated the City used to take care of weed cutting and then did not want to continue. Mr. Erdman stated the district was formed in September of 1974. Back then the City did not own that much property on the lake according to Ms. Link. Ald. Schroeder asked what the Big Muskego Lake District budget was with the Mayor stating about $22,000. The City pays dues for its two on-lake parcels ($80 each) and one off-lake parcel ($35). Ald. Salentine stated it is up to the district to determine what assessment method would be used. The City is not suggesting the method be changed; it is simply asking to be assessed in an equitable manner. Ald. Schroeder said this is a matter of determining what (if any) and how much is the City’s responsibility to the lake. Ms. Link said it is also what is the City’s responsibility above and beyond its ownership of property in the district. Ald. Schroeder stated the City must also consider if there is an economic benefit received from the lake. Ald. Buckmaster stated the City must determine its responsibility to all of the lakes, not only Little Muskego. Mayor Slocomb agreed and stated if it is determined that a set fee would be contributed to the Little Muskego Lake District, it will also have to be considered for the Big Muskego Lake District. It was determined the Committee would not make any decisions at this point. Ms. Link noted that any recommendation from the City would have to come forward in the next few weeks to take effect in 2005. Ald. Petfalski noted that several Council members have harped on the lack of diversity in our tax base. However, the value of the homes on the lake does contribute to the City’s tax base and helps reduce the tax rate. He believes at least half of the people using the lakes are Muskego residents. Mr. Erdman stated the lakes are public water; Little Muskego Lake receives heavy use. Ms. Link said investing in the lakes is investing in the tax base. Supervisor Pavelko suggested the Little Muskego Lake District meet with the Committee of the Whole after the annual meeting. Mayor said that probably would not be feasible until November, as the Committee will be working through the budget process prior to that time. Ms. Link requested that changes contemplated by the City that affect Little Muskego Lake be forwarded to the Board to be considered at the annual meeting. Ald. Petfalski agreed that the Board should be notified but said it may not be reasonable for an issue to wait until an annual meeting. Ald. Petfalski stated we have to wait and see what method of assessment will be used and that it be equitable. We can then consider what additional contribution, if any, will be made. Committee of the Whole/Plan Commission Joint Meeting Page 3 Minutes of Meeting Held July 24, 2003 Ms. Link asked how the Committee felt about the possibility of a lake management fee being added to the launch fee. This would more directly affect the users. Ald. Patterson stated that type of fee has to be approved by the State. The consensus of the Committee was that the concept could be considered. As there was no further business, Ald. Schroeder moved to adjourn the joint meeting at 8:58 PM. Commissioner Link seconded; motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jill Blenski, CMC Deputy Clerk