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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 3/13/2003 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 4/24/03 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD MARCH 13, 2003 Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 6:56 PM. Also present were Ald. Petfalski, Damaske, Le Doux, Patterson, Salentine, Madden and Schroeder, Finance Director Gunderson and Clerk-Treasurer Marenda. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk-Treasurer noted the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. Ald. Patterson moved for approval of minutes of the 2/13/2003 meeting. Ald. Petfalski seconded; motion carried. PERSONAL APPEARANCES Representatives of Genesis Health Care USA to Present the Concept of Creating a Joint Self-Funded Health Insurance Trust Mayor Slocomb advised that he and Dawn Gunderson have attended meetings regarding this topic, which is basically a program of self-funded health insurance trust created jointly with other municipalities. Mr. Karl Rajani of Genesis introduced Debbie Devine and Debbie Manke also of Genesis. He discussed the crisis with health care costs and what we can do about the costs. Some municipalities are considering forming a trust. The mission of Genesis is to develop and implement solutions to control costs. A number of factors we cannot control were reviewed. Savings can be generated by using a mix of solutions and strategies. Specific strategies were outlined in a power point presentation. Mayor Slocomb noted the Finance Committee authorized the hiring of a law firm to put together the trust documents and other evaluations by consultants. We have not committed to being included in the trust. Each municipality in the trust could keep their same benefit plan they have now. We could expect about a 10% savings. Our current represented contracts allow us to change entities without changing benefits. If approved, putting a mechanism in place for a first of the year implementation. No changes will be made in the beginning. Future changes will be reviewed through the consultant with expertise like Genesis. Representatives of Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department to Discuss Estimated Costs for Station #2 Project TCVFD President Jeff Verburgt stated originally the department looked at a remodeling project including adding a bay, meeting room and modernizing, due to the expansion of the south side of the City. Property limitations wouldn’t allow the expansion as proposed. Cost of property in the area was at a premium. We came from an original project estimate of $300,000-$500,000 project to what is now a major construction project to keep us viable for the next 25 years. This project will include 3 bays, 2 deep and drive-thru. Property has been acquired to do the drive-thru. Not as large as Station #1 and will not be a block building. Trying to build it within the designs of the Durham Hill area and make it appear similar to the Library in design features. Mayor noted this facility is going to basically be it for the build-out for a 50-100 year facility, except for updates and modernizations. One of the Plan Commission changes was from 1-1/2 to 2 stories in height. The Design Guide in the area requires building a facility to meet the guidelines. Ald. Petfalski expressed concern that the Plan Commission requirements may have added considerable costs. Mayor Slocomb Committee of the Whole Page 2 3/13/2003 distributed a “Tess Corners VFD – Station #2 Budget Cost Update” dated 2/28/03. Mr. Verburgt presented the builders cost budget of $1,298,791 and equipment and furniture cost budget of $291,115 as a turnkey operation with inflated prices. It is understood that this is not what was proposed in the 5-year Capital Budget, and the Department is willing to work with the City in order to keep this project going forward. Finance Director Gunderson reported that $1.4 million is budgeted in 2005 to repay the Department’s up-front construction costs. She stated that COW wanted to review before the Department proceeded with the borrowing for the project. Ald. Le Doux said when the budget was approved he felt the $1.4 million was for the building itself, not for furnishings, equipment, etc. Mr. Verburgt said the estimates will be refined and reviewed for cost savings. Ald. Schroeder asked to see plans and asked what the cost would be to build to look like MVFC Station #2. Ald. Petfalski said he’d like to stay with the Design Guide, but not if it’s a $500,000 option. Mr. Verburgt will have the builder put something together. Elevations and footprint will be submitted for review. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Status of High School Athletic Fields Ald. Petfalski reported that he, Sean, Craig and Cathie had a phone conference with Atty. Molter yesterday. Changes made as requested and after review will be submitted to the School District early next week. Plan to have at Council on 3/25/03. Continue Discussion of Future Goals of the Council Ald. Petfalski asked that this topic continue on each COW agenda. We’re working on a number of goals. Parkland Mall is being addressed through Redevelopment District #2 and will be coming to Council for determination of blight; Task Force is working on Streetscapes in the Tess Corners area; starting working on some concerns regarding the Historical Society. We have more tools by having the CDA in place which has two major projects going on – downtown and Tess Corners area. Some day in the future may have need for an economic development staff member to assist businesses through the approval process, or improved customer service for such assistance in explaining the process in detail and possibly with a checklist. Ald. Petfalski asked anyone to bring forward any items desired to be added to the Goals listing. Status of Old Muskego Settlement Centre (Facilities Agreement/Lease) Mayor Slocomb reported we are getting close on the Facilities Agreement. The Liquor License research is still in process by the Clerk’s office. New Berlin Drainage and Storm Water Issues Mayor advised this project is moving along. Sean has been attending meetings on the subject. Continuing to deal with issues of the DNR. Discuss Streetscape - Gateways to the City of Muskego Mayor commented this is on the back burner by the Mayor’s Task Force at this time due to other tasks they are involved with. Ald. Le Doux advised the sign issue is being worked on with the Planning Department. Committee of the Whole Page 3 3/13/2003 Continued Discussion on Durham Drive - McShane to OO Ald. Salentine said the status was reported at the Public Works Committee. With the projected grants of $3.4 million, the project will only cost the City about $800,000. Lake Fees Study Committee Update Mayor advised he provided update at the Council meeting on Tuesday. Update on Power Plant Proposals Mayor said there was nothing new. The City response will be submitted tomorrow. The public hearing is still planned for May. NEW BUSINESS Administration of Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Dawn Gunderson noted discussion came forward at a CDA meeting that they would like to perform the functions of administering the RLF as they have heard that’s common practice with other CDA’s. Now the legwork for a loan is done by SEWRPC, they then appear before Finance Committee for review and on to Council. Mayor said if the full administration is turned over to the CDA it would no longer be a Council issue. Finance would still be involved, but not Council. The CDA will be actively pursuing business and could be a one-stop-shop. Ald. Petfalski would like to see the RLF more utilized. Ald. Le Doux questioned turning over managing taxpayers money to the CDA. Mayor explained the RLF funds were originally received from the State to be used for business development. Dawn stated originally $320,000 was received from the State and loaned out to businesses, with the City able to retain the interest paid to build up the fund for loans. Ald. Petfalski moved to have the plan updated and to have the CDA administer the RLF plan. Ald. Madden seconded; motion carried unanimously. Mayor stated he will have staff put the plan together for action by Council. Support Creation of Wisconsin Municipalities Health Care Trust and Consider Membership Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of draft resolution in support of creating a health care trust and consider membership with contingencies in resolution. Ald. Petfalski seconded. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED Ald. Damaske said he was asked by the Festival Committee to see if the $7,500 will again be contributed by the City to support the festival. Mayor stated the funds are still in the budget. Ald. Le Doux moved to adjourn at 9:29 PM. Ald Madden seconded; motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Jean K. Marenda, CMC Clerk-Treasurer