COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 8/28/2007
APPROVED
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2007
Mayor John Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:47 PM and led those present in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Johnson, Ald. Pavelko, Ald. Borgman, Ald. Werner, Ald. Melcher, Ald.
Schaefer and Ald. Fiedler. Ald. Snead was excused. Also present were City Administrator
Jennifer Sheiffer, and those per the attached sign-in sheet.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Deputy Clerk Blenski stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the opening
meeting law.
REVIEW MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - August 14, 2007
Ald. Fiedler moved to approve the minutes of the meeting held August 14, 2007. Seconded by
Ald. Pavelko, motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Mayor Johnson advised that he would be removing the second
item under New Business, Old Parkland Mall Site-TIF, as he would like to reschedule with
Community Development Authority members in attendance.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
NEW BUSINESS –
2007 Capital Budget
Tess Corners Fire Department – Jeff Verburgt spoke on behalf of the Tess Corners Fire
Department. He advised that the requested Aerial truck had been included in the City’s
capital budget for the last seven years. This aerial truck will provide a fast and effective
means of fire suppression. Being only a 75’ ladder, 27' shorter than Muskego’s platform
truck, it is able to service more areas within the City. Many residential driveways are
long and narrow not allowing access for the platform vehicle. He stated the need to
address the future development along the Moorland Road Corridor.
Mayor asked what Jeff’s thoughts were on the Tri-data recommendation. Jeff stated he
agreed with the recommendation that this piece of equipment is needed and as far as the
second part of the recommendation, which is to take one truck from Tess Corners and
give to Muskego as a pumper, he feels that the intent tonight is to address the capital
budget request.
Mayor Johnson distributed a chart showing the 2006 Waukesha County Fire and EMS
Apparatus Comparison apologizing for not getting it to those in attendance sooner. Jeff
stated that most of the departments on the chart depend on mutual aid. He added that this
equipment would serve the entire city.
Committee Of The Whole Meeting – August 28, 2007 Page 2
Ald. Schaefer felt we should look at both departments as one as far as equipment. She
questioned whether we could fully support a fire in the City as it is. Jeff Verburgt
responded “yes” but not efficiently and not if the City is going to allow more than 2-story
buildings. Ald. Schaefer would like to see more use out of the equipment we have now.
She doesn’t think that all of the equipment is utilized as best it can. Would like to move
forward with study before addressing this purchase.
Ald. Werner felt everyone utilizes mutual aid and he feels we need other communities
and he would rather see us purchase something that could be shared by other
communities. He also voiced concern with finalizing the fire study.
Muskego Volunteer Fire Department - Chief Andy Mack explained that the 2007 request
is for an engine and the tanker is a 2008 capital budget request. Mayor also questioned
Chief Mack on the recommendation from the fire study to take a pumper from Tess
Corners. Chief Mack does not think that is feasible as it supports another piece of
equipment.
Ald. Fiedler questioned whether the 1996 engine serves the purpose needed for Muskego.
Chief Mack stated “no” it would short the other department. Ald. Fiedler asked if a 500-
gallon tank is sufficient to suppress a fire until a larger unit arrives. Chief Mack said it
depends on the situation but it is pushing it tight.
Ald. Schaefer asked if 6 pumpers, one mini pumper and three tankers would not
adequately take care of the entire City? Chief Mack stated that each station should have a
quality first-out engine and a good reserve engine.
Chief Wojnowski explained the use of the tankers.
Mayor Johnson stated that he would like to go to each department and view equipment. Chief
Mack and Chief Wojnowski agreed that all members of the Common Council should tour the
facilities.
Ald. Fiedler requested that City Administrator set something up for a Monday evening in the
future.
Ald. Melcher requested a report on required maintenance. Chief Mack advised that everything
has now been repaired.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY
LAW
ADJOURNMENT - Ald. Fiedler moved to adjourn at 7:50 PM. Seconded by Ald. Pavelko,
motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathie M. Anderson
Transcribing Secretary