Loading...
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 6/10/2004 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved as amended MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JUNE 10, 2004 (amendment noted in bold) Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM. Also present were Aldermen Salentine, Patterson, Buckmaster, Borgman, Schroeder, Melcher, and Acting Clerk- Treasurer Blenski. Ald. Madden was excused. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. Ald. Salentine moved for approval of minutes of meeting held May 13, 2004. Ald. Schroeder seconded; motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Continue Discussion of Future Goals of the Council Mayor Slocomb asked if this was something to be taken up at this meeting or defer until Fall. It was the consensus of the committee to defer to a later meeting. Discuss Status of Old Muskego Settlement Centre (Lease) Mayor advised that he had nothing new for this item and will have something for the next meeting. It was the consensus of the committee to defer to the next meeting Discuss Status of Old Muskego Settlement Centre (Renovation) Mayor advised that at the last meeting he handed out some information put together by Craig Anderson, Parks & Recreation Director, of fees that he believed could be generated from use by their department for programs. Mayor felt that these numbers were on the conservative side. Mayor advised that the next item the committee will receive is basically a total investment analysis of what $33,400 will mean as a return on investment; a business decision. The other item to be received will come from the Parks & Recreation Board as terms of commitment from the Parks Dedication Fund. Ald. Salentine noted that what came back to her from the Mayor’s attendance at the Muskego Historical Society meeting is that the Mayor reassured them that the Centre would be finished. Mayor stated that he said it was his goal to get the project finished but that it needs to be determined if it will be a reasonable return on investment. Ald. Patterson felt that if this will be helpful to the Parks & Recreation program, that they should pay the whole thing and then they can take those revenues and reimburse the Parks Dedication fund, not that we borrow money or take money out of the city budget so that the Parks & Recreation Department can make more money. Mayor clarified that this is not what the proposal would be and is not something that Council would want to do because Parks & Recreation is a general fund obligation. Recreation totally supports itself and the goal this year is to cover additional overhead costs associated with administration. Ald. Salentine feels that what the council is looking for is the department to use Park Dedication Fees to finish that project; not the self-funded programs. She questioned why the Park Dedication Fees couldn’t be used to finish the settlement center. Mayor stated that the $33,000 will be excess revenue and would be used to pay back the Park Dedication Fund. Ald. Salentine felt that the roof and leakage had to be done. Ald. Patterson stated that the only way he could agree to get the work done is by using Parks Dedication Funds and if we use any other revenue, he will not support the project. Committee of the Whole Page 2 June 10, 2004 Ald. Buckmaster had no problem using Park Dedication Funds but is not convinced that the existing space is sufficient and would like to hear from the Parks & Recreation Board that they feel there is ample space available or what the Board would like and would they be comfortable with using the Parks Dedication Funds. He also reminded the committee that Rick Petfalski had stated that the Chamber of Commerce has as their long term goal to try to do fund raising for the entire Historical Centre through business contributions. He would like to know what the Chamber’s status is on that project and would like the Chamber to be contacted. Mayor stated that it is the Chamber’s Director who is interested in that project as a long-term goal as the Society helped them develop fund raising. The Chamber of Commerce is fast outgrowing their office facilities at City Hall and is looking at possibly locating in one of the historical buildings. Mayor stated that he is of the understanding that the Chamber is still looking at that as a long-term goal but realizes the monies involved and know that they have other commitments. It will not be something that we will see in the near future. Ald. Buckmaster wanted Ald. Melcher to know that the Old Town Hall is one of six buildings and if they were in fact using the buildings for storage, it would be nice to have the entire Old Town Hall facilities available for Recreation programs and not use the basement area for storage. Mayor explained that a lot of old materials have been destroyed because the Society needs areas that are environmentally equipped with heat and air conditioning and the only present place is the basement of Old Town Hall. Ald. Salentine questioned if the buildings are insured along with the contents and Mayor indicated they were. Ald. Melcher noted that we are talking about a lot of figures but asked what are we actually looking at for renovation? Mayor responded that we are now just talking about the Old Town Hall. The Muskego Historical Society believes that they can handle the other buildings. They have begun rebuilding some of them such as the Wollman’s House. Donations have been received for work to be done on specific projects only. Mayor stated it would be approximately $100,000 to renovate the town hall as the entire roof will have to be reconstructed and there is the issue of being able to insure that the structure is stable over extreme conditions which is approximately $30,000. Ald. Buckmaster stated that he feels this is a decision to be made by the Parks & Recreation Board and that his concern is with 5 or 10 years, what is everyone expecting to see there? Mayor stated he has a master plan that he will make available to all of the aldermen outlining the proposed uses of the facilities. Mayor stated that he will work on getting a tour setup so all aldermen can see the building and the entire area. Continued Discussion on Durham Drive – McShane to OO Mayor Slocomb stated this has not changed and the project is dependent on the City getting a grant, either a 80/20 split or preferably a 90/10 split which will not happen this year. We will reapply next year. The road continues to deteriorate. Update on Proposed Development at Valley Sand & Gravel Site Mayor advised that there is very little new on this project. The City of New Berlin has sent us a letter outlining what they felt were the areas that they wanted us to address providing utility service. Staff is concerned with what they listed as we need to address the complete construction project going into the ground in that area. We have notified the City of New Berlin and they have verbally agreed and we await their written correspondence. Ald. Schroeder felt that we should have representation on the City of New Berlin’s sub-committees for this project, at least on Finance and Infrastructure, so Committee of the Whole Page 3 June 10, 2004 we can bring back information on their decision process as they progress. Mayor explained that this project is much the same as the relationship that we have with the Town of Norway Sanitary District. It is a contractual agreement for capacity for sanitary waste and for water. They have to tell us now what they need for capacity because we have to design for that need and what our thought is now is that we would handle it the same way as The Town of Norway. If they are looking to have capacity through our system, they would pay upfront for any capital charges to give them the capacity that they need. Ald. Schroeder still has concerns as to what is going into that park, and if we do a TIF project on the east side of Racine Avenue what will we be able to put there that does not compete with their park. Mayor stated that he has received verbal agreement from the City of New Berlin that what they put on the east side of Racine Avenue would not be in direct competition with our proposed park which we will have to determine. Ald. Schroeder feels that when it is time for a vote, we will need more concrete information on all major issues. Ald. Schroeder would like to have all information that our staff receives, as it happens, so that all aldermen are totally informed and able to make an informed decision when the time comes. Ald. Patterson suggested having three aldermen volunteer to attend each of the three City of New Berlin’s committee meetings for this project. He felt we had no right to be appointed to the committee but that we can have a representative appear so that the City of New Berlin realizes our interest and concerns and relays the progress to the committee. Ald. Patterson volunteered to attend one of the meetings. Ald. Schroeder asked Mayor to research the names of the subcommittees and the dates and times that they will be meeting. He felt that possibly an alderman from the Utilities Committee would attend that meeting and one of the aldermen from Finance Committee could attend the Finance meeting. Ald. Melcher stated he would be happy to volunteer to attend any site plan meetings. Mayor agreed to put the item on the first Council meeting after receipt of the meeting schedules. Ald. Buckmaster questioned whether a citizen from CDA or Planning Committee might also be considered as volunteers for these committees and felt that any minutes from these sub-committee meetings should be supplied to our CDA members. Mayor stated that if anyone will be attending, they contact a specific person at City Hall so that proper notices can be posted. Review of conservation for Little Muskego Lake Access Property Ald. Patterson is on this committee and is asking what the Council would like the committee to do. At the last meeting it was decided to ask for an Attorney Opinion. Mayor Slocomb indicated that we had just received Attorney Molter’s opinion and the committee decided to take a break in order for the Secretary to make copies of Attorney Molter’s communication for all aldermen. The meeting reconvened at 8:34 PM. Ald. Schroeder questioned #5 on page 2 in Attorney Molter’s memo which reads, “If the City wishes not to pay the 15%, they could refuse to do so, but the Lake District would then impose a reasonable charge that was not deemed on an unreasonable arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory basis against the City properties within the District.” He questioned if that meant that they could charge us, but that charge would also have to be charged equally to all of the properties as he felt that is what the Council was talking about; finding a solution where everyone was charged the same. Mayor answered that they could come up with a basis for making the charge and that charge has to be considered reasonable and somehow related to a benefit received. Because it is a special charge, it might not have to be identical to the Committee of the Whole Page 4 June 10, 2004 manner in which others are charged as we are a corporate entity and most of the others are not. The benefit to the City is different than to individual citizens and it would probably end up with a 10% charge to the City, based on property value per ratios. Mayor felt that the City could legally support the 10%. Ald. Patterson pointed out items that were discussed at the meeting with the Lake District. Mayor explained that the City originally agreed to pay 15% of the District’s Weed Harvesting cost. Than at an annual meeting, the District decided that the City should be charged 20%. The out of court settlement was that the City would pay 15% of weed harvesting for two years which has now turned into 15% of the total Lake District budget. Ald. Schroeder questioned whether the city is reaping other economic or social benefits that would make us feel comfortable with continuing the 15%; he felt that is what has to be determined. Ald. Buckmaster stated that he struggles with what the City benefits out of Little Muskego Lake. He stated that the aldermen are Commissioners of the Big Muskego Lake District and do nothing for that District as well as do nothing for Lake Denoon Association. He felt that if we do this for the Little Muskego Lake District than why aren’t we doing this for the other lakes. Ald. Patterson said he has been told that the DNR is moving away from weed harvesting and have tried to discourage it but the lakes continue weed harvesting and now the DNR is raising their permit fees. Ald. Patterson explained that his committee would like to know what the Council would like. He expressed an idea that we tell Little Muskego Lake District that the initial agreement was 15% of the weed harvesting and we will pay 15% of the weed harvesting along with the assessment for our on-lake off-lake share. We would then treat the Big Muskego Lake and Lake Denoon the same for the weed harvesting and any properties that are owned by the City. Mayor felt it boils down to the equitability of the lake districts and that we have a huge disparity between the three lakes. When we receive the bill for 15%, we send it back refusing to pay the 15% and tell them what we would be willing to pay and ask that they re-bill us. If they will not, they will have to take the next step of going through the legal process that is very expensive. Ald. Schroeder asked if anyone knew of any other community aside from Pewaukee and Muskego that were paying lake fees. Mayor stated that he would ask Tom Zagar, Conservation Coordinator/Urban Forester, to check with other communities. Once the information is received, the committee will review and then bring back to Committee Of The Whole. Ald. Schroeder felt that the City should notify the Little Muskego Lake District that they would pay their 15% share for this year. Ald. Buckmaster reminded the committee that our recently adopted Economic Development Plan has listed the three lakes as assets. This item will be removed from future agendas until Ald. Patterson places it on. Continued Discussion of 2005 Budget Goals Ald. Salentine stated that she put this item on so that she could talk about the Police Department computer system. The CAD system ($300,000) budgeted for 2004 was reported to have the capability for when a fire call would come in, the dispatcher would pull up the map system on her screen and would disperse the closest responding emergency vehicle. Joe Sommers told her that this year they are putting the pieces of equipment into the computer and for phase II they will be asking for $120,000 to allow them to put the houses into the system. She felt that if the fire departments know that we are implementing this program, they would realize that Lannon Drive would no longer be the dividing point between departments. She suggests that all aldermen take the opportunity to talk with Joe Sommers to understand the complete system. Mayor stated that fire departments are divided into fire districts administered by the State, and Committee of the Whole Page 5 June 10, 2004 he felt that the district lines would have to be amended. Ald. Salentine felt that the fire departments should be made aware of this capability and how the city is phasing it in. Ald. Patterson suggested that we get the two departments together along with Chief Johnson and Joe Sommers and explain to them how the system works and advise that we are trying to eliminate the dividing line and how can we accomplish this so that we can better use the systems that we have. Also say that we would appreciate hearing their ideas during the budget process in August. Ald. Schroeder thinks that the CAD system upgrade is definitely a necessity but the next phase is new 911 hardware and he was hoping to put this off because he still thinks we have to seriously look at how the countywide dispatch is working. He fears spending the money and a few years down the road not need it. Salary and Term Changes Mayor Slocomb said this was discussed previously and the issue that we want to look at is the term, not the salary. Now is the time if you are going to change a charter ordinance. One of the things talked about was having an advisory referendum. Ald. Buckmaster personally feels that the term for the office of the Mayor should be a four - year term as it establishes greater continuity for that position and is pretty standard throughout the county. Secondly, he felt that as a result of wanting the Mayor’s position to be a four-year term, it would not stagger the aldermanic districts; currently we have 3 aldermen up in one year and then 4 up the following year. He proposed that in 2005 the Mayor’s term could be four years, and two of the four aldermanic terms (District 2,4,6,7) could be divided into two for a two-year term and two for a three-year term. Then in 2006, districts 3 and 5 would be for a three-year term; 2007 the districts that took a two- year term in 2005 would now be up for a three-year term. He feels strongly about the Mayor’s term being four years, but is flexible with the aldermanic terms. The turnover of Council is at the voter’s discretion and that he does not want to remove; however, the current structure we have in place to accommodate Economic Development needs the consistency of thought and the continuity to carry this through. Ald. Schroeder does agree with Ald. Buckmaster’s statements. He mentioned that he submitted to the Clerk a spreadsheet outlining certain scenarios that he would like all of the other council members to receive. He is in agreement with the three and four year terms for aldermen and Mayor for cohesiveness. A concern of his is that you could have a majority of aldermen turned over in one year and possibly three one year aldermen at the same time. He felt that the reason the referendum was suggested was because basically the people who vote for the aldermen set the terms. There is always the possibility that the people opposed to terms being lengthened may say it is being done for personal gain. Ald. Schroeder would be comfortable with continuing with an ordinance change with the option of a referendum if people sign a petition requesting a binding referendum. Ald. Salentine questioned the two new aldermen if they were aware that the Council was addressing the possibility of a part-time salaried Mayor and a fulltime Administrator and how did they feel? Ald. Melcher responded that he did because he attended two COW meetings. Ald. Borgman stated that he was also aware of discussion. Mayor clarified that we are now talking about term and not money so that the Mayor’s term could be four years as part-time or full time. Ald. Melcher stated that as a new alderman he is aware of the learning curve to this job and feels it can’t be accomplished for a one-year term and that most communities that he has worked with have three-year aldermanic terms so he can see an increase to three years. Ald. Patterson feels that knowing you are responsible to your constituents keeps you closer Committee of the Whole Page 6 June 10, 2004 to the people’s needs. He is not sure that an alderman needs a three-year term or the Mayor needs a four-year term. He has concerns about increasing the terms. Ald. Borgman thinks it would be good to have a four-year Mayor and a three-year alderman term. He is keenly aware of the learning curve. He doesn’t think it serves the individual district well to have a two-year term. Mayor stated that based on what has been said, he will bring forth a charter ordinance for the next Council meeting. Ald. Buckmaster stated that by surrounding communities having longer terms, it jeopardizes us in dealing with these communities with economic development issues. He is adamant that the Mayor’s term be changed to four years and is not too sure about how it would work changing the aldermen’s term to three years Review of Conservation Subdivision Ordinance Mayor stated that before this issue can be discussed, he suggests that each alderman review the Conservation Subdivision study that is very comprehensive. Ald. Schroeder stated that he thinks that possibly some practical amendments could be made. He agreed that we read over the study and then invite the previous alderman, Rick Petfalski, in to discuss his suggestions to the council. Mayor asked if this should be done at a special COW meeting or at a regular meeting. Ald. Schroeder agreed that it could be a special COW meeting or the COW meeting in November, after budget. Mayor advised that typically we do not meet in July but if the aldermen decide they want a meeting in July, please email your thoughts to my office. Ald. Salentine mentioned that she would be bringing before a future Council meeting a personal appearance by a representative of the Muskego Volunteer Fire Company to give a presentation on MABAS – Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. Ald. Buckmaster moved to adjourn at 10:08 PM. Seconded by Ald. Salentine, motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Cathie M. Anderson Transcribing Secretary