COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 9/30/2003
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Present were Ald. Petfalski,
Buckmaster, Damaske, Madden, Patterson, Salentine, Schroeder, Plan Director Turk,
Don Reidy, Harry Brodel, and Deputy Clerk Blenski. The Mayor noted the meeting was
noticed in accordance with the open meeting law.
NEW BUSINESS
Review of Economic Development Strategic Plan
Mr. Turk introduced Greg Flisram of Vandewalle & Associates and Sean Robbins of the
Taurean Group. Mr. Flisram stated the project was started almost a year ago. He
noted that he would present the salient points of the plan, which is still in draft form.
Muskego’s geographic location near the I-43 and I-94 corridors could provide
considerable economic opportunities for the City. While comments received from the
public encouraged diversifying the tax base, it was noted that the City’s beauty and
environmental elements must be preserved. Mr. Flisram outlined the key comments
received from the public:
No identifiable City center or image
Mixed use downtown should be planned
Balance tax base - offer more services
Ease tax burden
Protect the scenic beauty
The Mayor’s Task Force identified four major goals following the public participation
process:
1. Diversify and broaden the tax base.
2. Create a memorable community image.
3. Improve the general climate for economic development.
4. Balance fiscal and environmental management.
Both consultants believe the City should view and position itself as the premier
residential community in the eastern I-43 corridor because of its lakes, rolling
countryside and access to the interstate. These features distinguish it from other
communities in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
Recommendations:
One size fits all business park is not a good fit for Muskego.
Save the main community gateways for office (mixed use) developments.
Plan for new eco-industrial park near the City’s landfills.
All new office/light manufacturing development should adhere to strict urban
design guides.
Economic Recommendations:
The City should focus job growth in professional sectors (advertising,
engineering, etc.).
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The City has an immediate need for improved areas for light manufacturing.
The City should create a high quality eco-industrial development with premium
power to differentiate itself and continue to promote its conservation ethics.
The City should enter discussions and work with Wispark/WE Energies to outfit
an eco-industrial park.
The City should develop a compact, mixed use downtown centered on Janesville
Road including housing. The CDA is working toward this, which will create a
“City Center.”
The City should increase its retail development in the community (restaurants,
entertainment, apparel, recreation).
The City should focus the housing market on compact, condo-type developments
to target young professionals, empty nesters and retirees.
Implementation Recommendations:
Staff and organize for economic development. Consider Economic Development
Planner/Coordinator position.
Broaden the role of the Planning Department to function under a Community
Development Department.
Transfer code enforcement to Building/Engineering Department. This removes
potential conflicts.
Network with other economic development organizations and agencies (such as
WCEDC or WE Energies).
Develop web-based marketing materials with links to related sites.
Possible creation of a Business Recruitment Committee.
Preserve prime commercial properties for future office, conference and lab
space.
Develop polished, printed marketing materials to compliment the website.
Consider mentoring existing downtown merchants.
Closing Comments:
There is a “New Economy” in which businesses are following where people want to live.
Discussion:
Several aldermen expressed concern that the type of development presented could
occur in Muskego and asked for examples of successful applications. Mr. Flisram
pointed to Middleton and Fitchburg (both near Madison). He also noted that the
redevelopment in Greendale is a good example. Mr. Turk stated that the Village of
Pleasant Prairie and Glenview, Illinois also provide good examples. Ald. Petfalski
asked how successful development in Muskego could be competing with the
redevelopment taking place in Milwaukee. Mr. Flisram responded there will always be
people that want to live in an urban, hometown environment, and have a sense of
community. There is very little of that in the Milwaukee metro area. Mr. Robbins also
noted that while there is a demand for properties in the Third Ward now, in time you will
see the prices increase drastically and not be affordable to a large percentage of the
population. The City needs to target a range of affordable options to provide life-style
housing. People would be willing to trade off a 30-minute commute to live in a vibrant
environment with that type of housing. Mr. Robbins provided statistics to show that
approximately 9 out of 10 people commute out of Muskego for their jobs. It was found
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that the average commuter spends about $75 a week on retail purchases at work. This
equates to $24 million a year in retail leakage. Mr. Flisram acknowledged the
contributions of the Mayor’s Task Force to the project.
The Mayor recognized the presence of Don Reidy and Harry Brodel, members of the
Mayor’s Task Force. Mr. Brodel stated the presentation was well done. This is a vision
for Muskego and a good plan. Mr. Reidy agreed. He supports that goal to diversify the
City’s tax base. He would like to see Muskego take this opportunity and go forward,
especially establishing a town center.
Mayor Slocomb stated we have to take this beyond the draft stage and move forward.
A realistic timeframe was discussed. Ald. Buckmaster expressed concern about how
this fits into the timeframe of the Moorland Road moratorium. Mr. Turk stated this is not
a land use plan. This is a strategic plan that would be adopted as a component of the
Comprehensive Plan. The land use components are tied to the Moorland Road
moratorium. Those cannot move forward until he is able to restructure his department
in light of losing staff. It was noted that the draft plan was available on the website. Mr.
Turk stated the Council’s feedback would have to go back to Vandewalle. The
document then has to be redone and printed. You cannot schedule the public hearing
until you have a final document to present. The public hearing could likely be held in
January. This allows an “open book” period. The Mayor stated the review process
should begin and any concerns brought forward to him as soon as possible. Ald.
Salentine stated the plan should be able to be reviewed in a few weeks. The Council
members have had the draft document for some time. She stated the Mayor’s Task
Force and Vandewalle & Associates did an excellent job. In addition, two Council
members served on the Task Force and would have brought any concerns forward prior
to this. Ald. Schroeder agreed.
Mr. Turk reiterated his concerns about the implementation. With the loss of staff, he
needs several weeks to restructure his department. He is not indicating things will not
get done; he needs to bring consultants on board and bring them up to speed. It was
determined that the plan would tentatively be placed on the 10/28 Council agenda.
Review Recommendation of Plan Director for Department Operations
The Mayor reviewed the changes proposed by Mr. Turk regarding restructuring the
planning department operations. One significant change would be that the Plan
Commission would hold its regular meeting on the first Tuesday of the month. The third
Tuesday would be reserved for special meetings if needed. The Plan Commission has
passed more decision-making responsibility to department staff. Mr. Turk stated it takes
two people to perform the current planning tasks as set up now. He proposes to retain
consulting services to perform some of the review work. He envisions more of his time
being freed up by doing so. The cost will be passed on to developers. Ald. Petfalski
stated we need to be open to some revisions to accommodate the workload, which is
still there. Ald. Salentine stated she supported the monthly Plan Commission meetings.
Some concern was expressed about the 15-day meeting deadline, especially for minor
issues. Mr. Turk stated that he wants the Plan Commission to determine what could be
administratively approved. He indicated restructuring his department will take
adjustments and asked for patience while that takes place over the next several weeks.
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Ald. Madden moved to adjourn at 8:57 pm. Ald Petfalski seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk