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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 11/11/2004 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved as corrected MINUTES OF MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 11, 2004 on 1/13/05, Audio Available Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM. Also present were Aldermen Madden, Schroeder, Salentine, Buckmaster, Patterson, and Clerk-Treasurer Moyer. Aldermen Melcher and Borgman were absent excused. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Slocomb stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. Alderman Patterson moved for approval of the meeting minutes from October 14, 2004. Alderman Salentine seconded. Motion carried. Alderman Salentine moved to approve the agenda. Alderman Madden seconded. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Discussion, update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following: 1. Continue Discussion of Future Goals of the Council (6/02) – the Committee decided to take this item off of the agenda and take up future goals individually. 2. Discuss Status of Old Muskego Settlement Centre (Lease) – It was noted that the Historical Society Board will be meeting with the Committee of the Whole in January. The Committee members were asked to submit questions to the Mayor’s office by the end of the second week in December. A list of questions will be forwarded to the Historical Society and Committee Members in advance of the January meeting. 3. Discuss Status of Old Muskego Settlement Centre (Renovation) – The Historical Society has completed renovation projects over the summer months. The roof on the Old Town Hall building has been removed and replaced and walls stabilized by public works. Public works is scheduled to do additional inside work during the winter months, time permitting. The main floor of Old Town Hall will be used for “Treasure the Holidays” this year. The Department of Commerce has been contacted to see if the Old Town Hall building can be covered under Comm Chapter 70. Comm Chapter 70 is a safety/building code for historical buildings and has different restrictions than the commercial codes. Old Town Hall must be listed on the State Register to qualify under Comm Chapter 70. Information has been submitted to the State Historical Society to get on the Register. 4. Continued Discussion on Durham Drive – McShane to 00 (Sean 11/01) – Projects on Durham Drive are being monitored by the Public Works Committee. Grant funds have been applied for but may not be received for two to three years. The Committee asked to have it removed from the Committee of the Whole agenda. Individual projects will be discussed when they are being considered. 5. Update on Proposed Development at Valley Sand & Gravel Site (Ald. Schroeder 1/04) – The Mayor reported that a meeting with the City of New Berlin will take place next week to discuss Valley Sand & Gravel and Tess Corners Ponds. It was noted that any extension of water or sewer or any other improvements to this area would be at the expense of the City of New Berlin. They would also be required to pay MMSD capital charges which are based on equalized value. 6. Continued Review of Conservation Subdivision Ordinance (Common Council 3/04) – There was discussion on the current ordinance for conservation of wetlands areas in platted subdivisions. One purpose of the ordinance is to make sure wetlands in conservation subdivisions are not located on individual lots. There was also discussion regarding subdivision associations. The newer subdivisions have structured associations, whereas many of the older subdivisions either do not have an association or they are not active. It was decided by the Committee to leave this item on the agenda for one more meeting and then possibly remove it. The Mayor suggested a presentation by the Planning Director at a future meeting. NEW BUSINESS - Discussion, update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following: 1. Discuss Changes Regarding How Aldermen are Appointed to City Committees (Ald. Patterson 11/04) – Currently, the Municipal Code states that the Mayor appoints the standing committees, such as Finance, Public Works, and Public Utilities. The following comments were made:  Alderman Patterson had e-mailed his comments regarding the appointments. The e- mail is included in these minutes. He felt that the committees are the Common Council’s. Shouldn’t the Council be setting their own committees. Some individuals may be overwhelmed if appointed to too many committees and then elect not to run for alderman again.  Alderman Salentine was concerned that aldermen may lobby for positions if someone other than the Mayor made the appointments such as the council president. She also distributed a handout with the appointment process used by Waukesha, Brookfield, Franklin, Oak Creek, and New Berlin.  Alderman Buckmaster felt that the Mayor is the best person to make the appointments because he does not have a district; he is elected by the entire city. The committees are working committees only making recommendations to the Common Council. If a vote of the Common Council is required to confirm the appointments, it should be a super majority vote to amend, deny, or not approve an appointment.  Alderman Madden felt that a process where the Common Council confirms standing committee appointments could make an alderman ineffective if they not confirmed, even if they are qualified to serve on the committee. She felt that the Mayor knows the strengths and weaknesses of the members and is the best person to make the decisions on appointments.  Alderman Schroeder felt that the Common Council should confirm the standing committee appointments. The Common Council should create a check and balance for the citizens by confirming the appointments. A two-thirds vote of the Common Council should be required to confirm. The Committee decided to continue discussion at the next meeting when Aldermen Melcher and Borgman will be present. Communications and Miscellaneous Business as Authorized by Law – The Committee decided not to hold a meeting in December. Adjournment – Motion by Alderman Salentine, second by Alderman Buckmaster to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Janice Moyer, CMC, CMTW Clerk-Treasurer Comments submitted by Alderman Patterson: BASICS: Our government is based upon three separate branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches. They act as a check and balance to each other. The committees of the City of Muskego are part of the Legislative Branch and should be controlled by its members not the Executive Branch. GOALS: 1. To equally divide the work load and committee responsibilities between all alderpeople. 2. Maintain continuity and experience for consistent City policies and procedures. OPTIONS: A. Council President appoints all committee positions, with Council approval B. Council President appoints all committee positions based upon preset guidelines. and Council approval. C. Mayor continues to appoint committee assignments based upon preset Council guidelines, and Council approval D. Mayor continues as current policy. OPTIONAL GUIDELINES: (POSSIBLE SUGGESTIONS - DISCUSSION) 1. Finance Committee made of Alderman from each of three types of Districts (Lake, Urban, and rural) 2. Members of Finance Committee cannot be Chairman of other Committees. (spread duties and responsibilities between more Aldermen) 3. Senior Alderperson (by time on Committee) is Chairman of each committee. (maintain continuity of committees) 4. CDA appointments limited to one Finance Comm Ald and optional Ald. 5. Planning Comm Ald is appointed to Public Works Comm, but not as chairman. (joint position makes Committee stronger)