COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 11/3/2005
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 3, 2005
Ald. Melcher chaired the meeting and called it to order at 7:02 PM. Those present
recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Damaske, City Administrator Sheiffer, Ald. Borgman, Buckmaster,
Melcher, Patterson, Schroeder, Police Chief Johnson (arrived at 7:50 PM), Captain
Geiszler and Deputy Clerk Blenski.
Excused: Ald. Madden and Ald. Salentine
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The Deputy Clerk stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the opening
meeting law.
REVIEW MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Ald. Patterson moved for approval of the October 6, 2005 minutes. Ald. Borgman
seconded. Ald. Melcher requested correction on Page 8 to add the word, “minus”
before “$39,000” in the second paragraph under Public Hearing. Motion to approve
the minutes as corrected carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discuss Muskego Fire Department, Inc. - Pumper Truck
Fire Chief Eddie Schaefer and Domonic D’Acquisto were present for discussion of this
item. Ald. Melcher asked why purchase of a pumper truck was not a priority last year
when the department was experiencing mechanical problems with it. Instead an
equipment truck was requested and purchased. Mr. D’ Acquisto stated the decision
was made for various reasons following consultation with Mayor Slocomb. The pumper
truck was a reserve engine and not a frontline piece of equipment. The equipment truck
was a piece of frontline equipment so it was believed that it was more important to
replace a piece of everyday equipment than to replace the reserve truck. Now, the
department would like to replace the current frontline (pumper) engine and move the
frontline engine to reserve status. Chief Schaefer stated it has now become a priority to
replace pumper engine (1261) because it is showing signs of aging. Pumper (1269)
was a 1978 piece of equipment and has been taken out of service. Ald. Buckmaster
asked why if pumping capacity is so important, it was not revealed prior to the
department getting the command vehicle. The questions were asked last year. Mr.
D’Acquisto stated the department indicated that more than one piece of equipment was
needed. The decision was made to replace the piece of equipment (1285) that was the
second most active piece of equipment. It had braking and loading capacity problems.
Ald. Buckmaster stated the department needs a better way to forecast what will be
needed. TABOR will be a reality; funding will not be available.
Mr. D’Acquisto said the department is faced with many compliance issues. The
department is being managed differently now and is playing catch up. The equipment
replacement was the first in 11 years. The truck that the department would now like to
replace (1261) is one of the busiest pieces of equipment. There are increasing liability
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November 3, 2005
problems that were not anticipated. The trucks Muskego has purchased are less
expensive and do not last as long as those purchased by Tess Corners.
Ald. Melcher asked how many pumpers the department had. Mr. D’Acquisto responded
one at each of its locations. Tess Corners has one pumper and one reserve at each
station. Ald. Melcher stated we have two separate departments and equipment could
be combined. Discussion took place regarding combining the two existing departments,
which Ald. Schroeder believes is inevitable. He noted that in April of 2004, the
department was aware that the old pumper (1269) would not be able to be used and
that there were problems with pumper (1261). The fire department came to budget in
2004 and asked for a piece of equipment that ISO is not as concerned about knowing
the status of the pumpers. Mr. D’Acquisto responded that a decision was made based
on the best judgment as to which piece of equipment to replace first.
(Chief Johnson arrived.)
Ald. Patterson expressed concern about this situation and stated everything will have to
be proven to him in the future. Perhaps an independent professional is needed. Mr.
D’Acquisto would have no problem with a review by an independent person. There is
no motive to misrepresent what is needed to get the job done. He invited the aldermen
to come and view the equipment. The truck the department is asking to replace now
was in the five-year plan. Sooner or later, every piece of equipment needs to be
replaced. Chief Schaefer stated in 2004, the department was not aware of the condition
of pumper (1261). It was determined that mutual aid would be used to cover pumper
(1269). Ald. Buckmaster stated there is correspondence from Tess Corners that they
will send a pumper. Doesn’t that meet the need and is an alternative to purchasing a
new pumper? Mr. D’Acquisto stated this isn’t simply a matter of ISO or pumping
capacity. Nothing has been misrepresented. Ald. Buckmaster requested to be
informed as to when and how Tess Corners will carry out its procedure regarding fire
calls. Chief Schaefer stated Muskego will not refuse the engine but the logistics have to
be worked out.
Ald. Schroeder stated over the past several years, the Council has not agreed with the
department’s large capital purchases. Mr. D’Acquisto stated the department is trying to
catch up on a number of deficiencies that go back several years. Ald. Schroeder
suggested if a similar situation exists in the future, the department should put an
equipment package together and let the Council determine what should be purchased.
The working relationship between the two departments needs to improve. Ald. Melcher
agreed that communication between the departments is important.
Discuss Fire Department Guidelines
Ald. Melcher stated there were incidents that arose as a result of the December 16,
2004 fire. What guidelines have been put in place? Mr. D’Acquisto stated policies have
been revised and any future incidents of something that should be investigated will be
done so by the Police Department. Ald. Schroeder asked if the policy was written. Mr.
D’Acquisto responded it would become one of the by-laws. Chief Schaefer and Mr.
D’Acquisto left the meeting.
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November 3, 2005
Discuss Police Department Dispatch Console Equipment
Ald. Melcher stated he requested this item be placed on the agenda as a constituent
asked about the expenditure. He referred to an article about the Waukesha
Consolidated Dispatch Center, which did outline several issues: high turnover rate
during first year, problems with multitasking, and response lag time. Oconomowoc has
the same console and dispatch equipment that Muskego has and is looking to replace it
four years from now. Ald. Melcher raised the issue if the $230,000 is still needed for
this console? Chief Johnson stated absolutely for the reasons Ald. Melcher quoted from
the news article. He stated the City of Oconomowoc is looking at building an entire
facility and that is why they are waiting four years. Muskego’s equipment is old and
breakdowns have been experienced. The equipment was turned on in 1994 and has
ran 24/7 ever since. This is a public safety issue. Ald. Melcher believes there are spare
parts that could be used from other consoles that are being replaced. Chief cannot
confirm that. Relying on used parts is not a reasonable solution. Ald. Patterson does
not support postponing; it isn’t worth risking peoples’ lives. Ald. Melcher stated
discussion has taken place that the City would eventually go with the consolidated
dispatch center. Ald. Patterson said that could be 10 years down the road, which is the
approximate life of the equipment. Chief Johnson does not believe the consolidated
center will be able to provide the same level of service in a five-year period. He
questions that it ever will. The consolidated dispatch center does not even have a 90
second response time. The City’s response time is 30 seconds or less. Captain
Geiszler noted that 50% of the population is not part of the consolidated dispatch
(WCC). If the Chief believed it was economically prudent, he would have endorsed it.
Chief Johnson has invested a lot of hours on this issue and wants what is best for the
community. Ald. Melcher agrees we don’t want to go with them this year. However,
there are always problems in the beginning of anything. They can be worked out. Chief
said we can’t wait to make this decision. The City may never want to go with WCC
because there are tradeoffs. Once the decision is made, you can’t go back.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Refilling of Vacant Police Staff Sgt. Position
Ald. Buckmaster stated he wanted this item on to get an idea of the department’s
forecast for future staffing needs. Chief reviewed some staffing history. Two years ago,
the southern part of the City was looked at. Some manpower was added but there still
is an inadequate staffing level to guarantee 24/7 coverage. Development is
accelerating in that part of City. The Council agreed several years ago that a patrol
officer was needed for that area which requires 4 1/2 people to provide 24/7 staffing.
Two years ago, one officer was hired. While that was happening, the staffing of the
detective bureau changed. It appears that what was done is working. Crime stats show
we are in good shape as a community. However, the Chief stated he has not come to a
final conclusion yet. We may still need another detective but it looks less likely. The
Chief requested the detective position remain uncut and hired another patrol officer in
its place. So, the patrol force was increased by two within the last two years. We have
two to go. Chief is not asking for another officer this year because the department has
seven new officers. His plan is to add another officer in 2007 and one in 2008. The
department currently has five staff sgt. positions. Supervision in the department is vital.
He is asking to refill the one staff sgt. position that has become open. There were no
objections to refilling the position. Chief Johnson and Captain Geiszler were dismissed.
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November 3, 2005
The Committee took a brief recess and resumed at 9:26 PM.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discuss Status of Finance Department
City Administrator Sheiffer distributed a memo regarding the status of the Finance
Department. It is her understanding that she is to complete an evaluation and make a
recommendation regarding a final resolution for the department. She outlined her plan,
which will include looking at the following elements:
What is the most effective and efficient role of the department?
What are the City’s current needs and how might they change?
Risk assessment.
Comparable information
Performance measurements.
Use of the audit reports to provide information.
What Human Resource functions should the Finance Department continue?
Costs.
Are the proper policies in place?
She anticipates having her evaluation done by the end of the year. Ald. Buckmaster
expressed a willingness to fund the existing staffing through the first quarter of 2006.
He does not want to levy tax dollars beyond that. The money, if needed, can be taken
out of contingency. Ald. Melcher expressed concern about the morale of the
department if the process takes time beyond the first of the year. Ms. Sheiffer stated
her recommendation will not be a reaction to what is currently budgeted. It will be
based on what is in the best interest of the City going forward. Regarding morale
issues, the City Administrator commented that there are morale issues throughout City
Hall in general and not limited to the Finance Department. She would like to offer the
two part time employees who are currently working full time an opportunity to return to
their previous schedules given that could ultimately happen. Ald. Patterson asked if
there was enough “cushion” in contingency if dollars for the Finance Department had to
be taken from that fund. Ald. Schroeder stated the dollars should be left in the budget.
Ald. Buckmaster was adamant about dollars not being levied for something that we
might not actually do. Ms. Sheiffer cautioned that future levy increases will be limited. If
the Council decreases the levy, it makes the ability to pay for future increases more
difficult. Ald. Buckmaster stated he voted for the positions in the Finance Department
with the idea that the situation was only temporary. Ald. Borgman stated that without
the recommendation from the City Administrator, the budget issue is a moot point. Ms.
Scheiffer stated that the budget is a plan for spending. Just because the budget is
adopted does not mean that the expenditures will occur. Ald. Schroeder stated the
dollars should be left in. The situation is different because the Council is asking for a
recommendation on how to change something. He agrees with Don Vilione’s
suggestion of using fund balance to offset the levy. City Administrator Sheiffer
suggested that the Council may want to adopt a policy on use of fund balance in the
future.
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November 3, 2005
Discuss Historical Society Update
Mayor Damaske distributed documentation regarding the Muskego Historical Society.
He stated the reasons for the financial audit of the Muskego Historical Society are as
follows:
1. To track the expenditures for the Town Hall restoration project.
2. To define the financial ability of the Society to fund future additions to the Old
Muskego Settlement Centre and continue maintenance of existing buildings.
He reported the following findings
1. The original documentation was to be at City Hall on August 19, 2005. The
Society did not complete the request until October 10, 2005.
2. Many invoices were billed out to “Camelot Villas” (Don Pionek).
3. Check #1074 for the amount of $2,422.05 was paid to Jane Mundro with no
explanation.
4. The total amount paid to the Society was $330,736.04. Only $308,783.49 was
paid to vendors from the Society leaving a balance of $21,952.55 not accounted
for. Note: Many checks were missing or not available plus the vendor not listed.
5. A total of $374.64 for sales tax was paid on material for the Town Hall project.
6. Between the months of March 2003 through June of 2004, a total of $231 was
spent on overdraft fees.
7. In November of 2004, the Society spent $314 for copying records from the bank.
The Mayor reviewed the remaining 40 pages of documentation with the Committee
including three options, which outline the Society’s use of Town Hall. Under Option 3,
the Muskego Historical Society would not use the Town Hall but could store records in
either the church or Kearney log cabin. All options provide that the Society would
contribute financially. The Council will review the options and could suggest additional
options and then agree on one to be presented to the Society.
Pages 32 through 37 of the documentation indicated possible classes that the Parks
and Recreation Department could hold in the lower level of Town Hall. Parks and
Recreation Director Anderson has indicated to the Mayor that the school district is going
through an energy conservation program. The temperature will be set at 55° at night to
conserve energy. This will affect the department’s programs and could result in a cost
being passed on to the City if the temperature is raised. Mr. Anderson would like to
create a computer lab in the room to the left of the staircase in the lower level of the
Town Hall. The work left to be completed at the historical center must be publicly bid.
The Mayor requested that the Committee members review the documentation. He
suggests that the existing lease be terminated and a new agreement be executed
Committee of the Whole Page 6
November 3, 2005
simultaneously. The Society will have to agree to take some of its funds to be used on
the project. Ald. Schroeder asked what would happen if the Society did not agree to
contribute funding. The Mayor stated we would have to get rid of the buildings except
the Town Hall. The Mayor has had conversations with Tony the new Vice-President.
The Mayor believes that with this new leadership, the City will see a turnaround in the
organization. The City needs to recoup back some of its money. Ald. Patterson
suggested an Option 4 that would remove the barn from the list and eliminate a cost of
$94,500. Ald. Schroeder asked if the Historical Society could utilize some part of Town
Hall. The Mayor stated yes through the Parks and Recreation Department. Ald.
Melcher stated the issue of any payback should go to the Parks and Recreation Board.
NEW BUSINESS (Continued)
Discuss Public Works Patrol Truck Purchase
A memo from Sean McMullen was distributed and reviewed. Ald. Buckmaster
expressed concern if the vehicle should be replaced in 2006 because it was not initially
in the budget as presented by the Mayor. He suggested paying for the vehicle over two
years using landfill funds this year for half and tax levy funds in 2007 for the other half.
Ald. Schroeder stated Franklin has a standing policy that trucks are run for a minimum
of 18 years.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
A draft of the November 7 Council meeting was distributed.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Borgman moved to adjourn at 11:06 PM. Ald. Buckmaster seconded; motion
carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk